God seldom accomplishes a great work through only one person. In establishing the Franciscan Order, Saint Francis had help not only from his many companions during his life, but from holy souls who came after him, passing on and developing his spirituality. Among these, one crucial figure is Saint Bonaventure (1221–1274), “the Seraphic Doctor,” whose feast we celebrate on July 15.
From the beginning, Saint Francis and his brothers were a preaching order, a missionary order, dedicated to proclaiming the Word of God to near and far. Some Franciscans have made great journeys and sacrifices to carry the Gospel to those who have not heard. One such son of Saint Francis was Saint Junípero Serra (1713–1784), who left his native Spain to evangelize in Mexico and California.
On August 5, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Snow with a Solemn Pontifical Mass offered by His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke.
A quarter-century after his death, Fr. Hardon continues to influence Catholics across the United States. His legacy includes a copious body of writing, notably the Modern Catholic Dictionary; catechetical courses of study; multiple apostolates, including the MCA; and, most importantly, the devoted witness of a holy life.
This Holy Year of Saint Francis is a fitting time to show special honor to saints of the Franciscan Order. Among these, Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231), whose feast day falls on June 13, deserves special mention. Widely known as the saint invoked when car keys or cell phones go missing, Saint Anthony is one of the beloved holy figures whose life story is sometimes obscured by his legend or popular image.
Norbert (1080-1134) had an early life similar in many ways to that of Francis: born to wealth and privilege, a youth spent in pursuit of worldly advantage, and a profound interior conversion. The third son of a noble German family, Norbert had great opportunities from an early age.
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