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.
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.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to […]
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven … Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt […]
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). Our Lord addressed […]
If anyone, Catholic or otherwise, knows one aspect of Saint Francis of Assisi’s life, that aspect is probably his association with nature. Countless artworks show […]
The first of the Beatitudes blesses “the poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3) or simply “you poor” (Lk 6:20). This blessing, so contrary to natural human […]
In this year that is drawing to a close, Mother Church has observed her Ordinary Jubilee Year with contemplation of the “Pilgrimage of Hope” that […]
During the month of March, the Church encourages us to look to Saint Joseph and grow in devotion to him.
