Franciscan Spirit Blog

Elizabeth of Hungary: Beloved Sister in a Troubled World

May I tell you the story of a woman who was married at 14 and dead at 24? Does that sound like the making of a tragedy? What if I told you she left home and family not once but ...
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Statue of St. Anthony and Jeuss | Photo by Wolfgang Krzemien

Franciscan Inspirations: Memories of Padua

As the feast of Saint Anthony (June 13) draws near, my memories go back to Padua where I spent several days in 2014.
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People gather for Midnight Mass

A Short Christmas Prayer

The prayers of the new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition have been in use for several weeks now.
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cross with the sun behind it | Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Giving Up on Giving Up: A Lenten Reflection

Years ago, as Lent approached, I asked a trusted spiritual counselor what he was going to give up. He gave me a sly grin and said, “I’m giving up giving things up for Lent.”
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Franciscan Inspirations: Learning to Be Human

Some of Jesus’ parables are long and difficult to interpret at times. But there are other times when the images Jesus uses make his teachings clear as crystal.
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footsteps in the sand | Photo by Alex Wigan on Unsplash

Following Christ with Small Steps

When we think of responding to God’s call, we often remember the dramatic stories. But the ordinary Christian wonders: Confronted with a massive, stupefying presence, usually starting with “Don’t be afraid,” who could say no?
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A view of heaven

Franciscan Inspirations: Heaven Awaits

The Gospels have reminded us to be alert and vigilant for the second coming.
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