Saint of the Day
Lessons in Sainthood
I chose St. Cecilia as my confirmation saint when I was only thirteen years old. I can’t remember what drew me to her, but I know I didn’t recognize the significance of her martyrdom at my young age. Church Tradition tells us that St. Cecilia was a noblewoman whose parents arranged her marriage to a…
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Inspired by John Paul II
My birthday was a couple of weeks ago. I turned the ripe old age of 23 or 69, depending on who you ask (friends say that some of my interests – including my love of naps – make me an old man.) I had a great birthday – my parents came to visit as part…
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Franciscan Saint of the Day: St. Bonaventure, the “Seraphic Doctor”
Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Bonaventure, the first and greatest of the Franciscan Doctors of the Church. Saint Bonaventure was born in 1221 and joined the Franciscans in 1243, where he quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in the Order. Having been sent to study at the University of…
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Franciscan Saint of the Day: St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Today marks the feast day of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, one of the few women in history to be both queen and nun. Elizabeth showed an early enthusiasm for her Faith. She said the full Divine Office daily, fasted and did other penance, as well as attended twice-daily choral Masses. Religious fervor was common in her family, as she could count several…
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Bl. Junipero Serra: Franciscan Founder of Southern California
Today marks the feast day of St. Junípero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar who is best known for founding many of the Spanish missions in the region of New Spain that would later become California. Born in 1713 in Mallorca, Spain, he entered the Franciscan Order in 1730, at the age of 27, taking the…
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St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Not One To Love Without Acting
Board member and Secular Franciscan Patrick Martin shares some thoughts for the feast of the Secular Order’s patroness, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Sometimes the lives of the saints can seem a bit dry, especially those who lived centuries ago. It’s so much easier to get excited about a Maximilian Kolbe, or an Edith Stein (Teresa…
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Franciscan Feast Day Cartoon: Francis vs. “Francis”
Happy Feast of St. Francis! Our current social media domestic volunteer, Jason, is also an aspiring cartoonist. In honor of today’s feast, the feast of our patron saint, he drew this cartoon for us, entitled Francis vs. “Francis.”
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Feast of St. Clare: Reflecting on Her Journey
Communications associate Anna Robinson reflects on walking in the footsteps of Clare in Assisi. In one of my speech classes I had heard how St. Clare (Clara) was a leader, an initiator, how she took things upon herself to see them done, and how she was confidant in her faith. This resonated with me and…
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