Franciscan Spirit Blog

Lent with Padre Pio: Easter Sunday

As we celebrate Sunday, let us remember to move forward in the spirit of Padre Pio—caring for and serving others so that they may come to know Christ.
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Mother and son cooking | Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Mothers Unite!

I have an announcement to make: My kids are not perfect. They never have been; they never will be. They throw fits, argue with one another, cop attitudes, and don’t always listen very well. They’re kids. And I love them more ...
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The Franciscan Saints: Pope John XXIII

Pope John XXIII, as Pope Francis said, “was a country priest, the priest who loves all the faithful, who knows how to care for the faithful, and this he did as a bishop, and as a nuncio.”
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The Franciscan Saints: Padre Pio

Capuchin Friar, Mystic (1887–1968) Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar of peasant background, spent virtually his entire life in a monastery in southern Italy. In most respects he was indistinguishable from his fellow friars. But for some mysterious purpose, Padre Pio ...
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The Franciscan Saints: Solanus Casey

Capuchin Friar (1870–1957) Solanus Casey, the son of Irish immigrants in Wisconsin, felt called to the priesthood after witnessing a drunken sailor stabbing a woman. Somehow, this scene of sin and suffering caused Casey to dedicate himself to God and ...
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The Franciscan Saints: Marianne Cope

Third Order Regular, Servant of the Lepers (1838–1918) Barbara Koob, who was born in Germany, immigrated with her family to the United States when she was less than two years old. At the port of entry, the family name became ...
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Graphic that says "Blessed John Duns Scotus PRAY FOR US"

The Franciscan Saints: John Duns Scotus

Franciscan Theologian (ca. 1266–1308) John Duns, later known as the Subtle Doctor, was called Scotus on account of his birth in Scotland. He entered the Franciscans at the age of fifteen and was later ordained a priest. After studies in ...
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