‘Most High Glorious God!’
Roch Niemier, OFM
August 3, 2025
If you look closely at Christ on the San Damiano Cross, as painted on this cross, you will see that it is neither a bloody body nor one twisted in anguish.
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Roch Niemier, OFM
Roch Niemier, OFM (d. 2010) was past president of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, a position he held for nearly a quarter century. He was honored by the citizens of Assisi for bringing pilgrims from over fifty nations to tour the holy places of Francis and Clare.
Only God Can Change Hearts
Roch Niemier, OFM
January 11, 2025
Francis himself realized that prayer or fasting cannot change one’s heart. Only God can.
The Living Presence of Love
Roch Niemier, OFM
November 25, 2024
Francis’ biographers point out that when people met with him, or heard him preach, it was not simply a question of listening to words of peace and joy.
Choose to Love
Roch Niemier, OFM
February 26, 2024
If we choose to love, we immediately take on the responsibility of being for others, in service and in times of opposition, in trials and persecution, also in peace and joy.
Undressing of the Heart
Roch Niemier, OFM
February 25, 2024
When Francis stripped himself naked at Santa Maria Maggiore, he was reaching for the heart of God.
The Challenge of the San Damiano Cross
Roch Niemier, OFM
September 25, 2022
In front of the San Damiano Cross, the Crucified Christ challenged Saint Francis to “go rebuild My house.” That task meant Francis had to transform himself first.
Notes from a Friar: St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crucifix
Roch Niemier, OFM
February 24, 2022
I have often reflected on this prayer, which—as Franciscan scholars attest—is indeed a prayer composed by St. Francis himself. And each time I pray it, I am more and more convinced that it reveals the authentic heart of St. Francis.