Podcasts about franciscan

Episode 270 - Franciscan Lent After a season of Jubilee rest, the friars return with fresh hearts and a new invitation: to enter the "Franciscan Lent", a hidden season of simplicity, detachment, and joyful expectation. Drawing from the life of St. Francis and the Beatitudes, they explore what it really means to become small, to depend completely on God, and to let Him provide what we cannot. This episode isn't about doing more, it's about letting go, trusting deeply, and rediscovering the joy that comes from poverty of spirit. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Christina Bagaglio Slentz is Associate Director for Creation Care for the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Learn about how her diocese prioritizes climate action here.In this episode, we often refer to Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si' and the ways that faith communities are living out its stated goals. We also discuss the theme “seeds of peace and hope,” the official theme for the 2025 ecumenical Season of Creation.Many thanks to Christina for sharing her wisdom in this conversation!Christina SlentzTRANSCRIPTChristina Slentz I think this really can help us understand the way that the cry of the Earth, these environmental climate extremes, or the variability that we're experiencing, leads to greater exposure—but how one community can face that exposure and adapt or bounce back fairly quickly and another may not really have that capacity.Debra Rienstra Welcome to the Refugia Podcast. I'm your host, Professor Debra Rienstra. Refugia are habitats in nature where life endures in times of crisis. We're exploring the concept of refugia as a metaphor, discovering how people of faith can become people of refugia: nurturing life-giving spaces in the earth, in our human cultural systems, and in our spiritual communities, even in this time of severe disturbance. This season, we're paying special attention to churches and Christian communities who have figured out how to address the climate crisis together as an essential aspect of their discipleship.Today, I'm talking with Dr. Christina Bagaglio Slentz, Associate Director for Creation Care at the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Christina has a background in sociology, with a PhD in international studies and global affairs. She's also a Navy veteran. Today, she serves a diocese of 97 parishes, helping to guide and empower people in their creation care work. The Diocese of San Diego is a microcosm of diverse biomes and diverse people, and it's a fascinating example of refugia, because as a diocese, they are doing all the things. Christina and I talk about Laudato si', solar energy, economics, eco spirituality, environmental justice advocacy, the centrality of the Eucharist, and the mutuality between caring for neighbor and caring for the Earth. Let's get to it.Debra Rienstra Christina, thank you so much for being with me today. I really appreciate talking to you.Christina Slentz Thank you, Debra, for having me. I'm really excited to be here.Debra Rienstra So I am eager to hear more about the Diocese of San Diego, because it seems that you have been very intentional and thoughtful and ambitious about your creation care agenda, and we're going to get into the details of that in just a minute, but I want to start with you. So tell us your hero origin story. How did you get into faith-based environmental work and into your current position?Christina Slentz Well, to be honest, I never saw it coming in many ways. I was working in the global affairs area, looking at sources of conflict and cooperation and how political economy intersects with those dynamics, and that was my academic area of focus. And at the same time, I've always been a catechist in the Catholic church since the 90s, and my church life was pretty comfortable, I would say, and active. But I didn't really see those two things coming together until Laudato si', the encyclical written by Pope Francis on the care of our common home, was released in 2015, and this really started to bring more overlap between these two areas in my life. And I would say, increasingly, then there was a lot of interplay between those focus areas for me. And eventually this position became available in the Diocese of San Diego, and a friend mentioned it to me, and I thought that is actually the perfect vocation for me. And I really feel like I understood it to be a vocation, not just a job.Debra Rienstra Yeah, I think I can relate to everything you just said. I think we came to this work from different areas of specialty, but yeah, like you, I feel like we've had these mid-career shifts where suddenly our area of specialty—in my case, literature and creative writing—has become energized by—in your case, Laudato si', in my case, other documents as well as Laudato si',—and we've sort of taken this fascinating and yeah, I would agree, vocational, turn. So let's talk a little bit more about Laudato si'. I imagine our listeners know at least a little bit about it. It's been so enormously influential. It's such an amazing landmark document. Could you talk a little bit about how you've seen Laudato si' diffuse through the Catholic Church, especially the American Catholic Church?Christina Slentz Yes, I think, to be honest, it has had a complicated journey with the Catholic community here in the United States. Very much like the issue of climate change in the global community, the United States has struggled with these dynamics—I think the way that they involve our economics and some of our very strong ideology about economic freedom and what that means to people. And so I think it's fair to say that while Laudato si' was very warmly received around the world, it has struggled in the United States as a whole, and that includes the American Catholic community. That said, there have been—like your description of refugia suggests——there have been these pockets, though, where I think that particular dynamics existed, and there was fertile ground for seeds to be planted. And the Diocese of San Diego is one of them. The Diocese of—the Archdiocese of Atlanta was another. There are a couple around the country, and I do think some footholds were created. In addition, one of the things that is particularly interesting about the encyclical Laudato si'—and an encyclical is just a document that a pope writes and then circulates, right, this is where the word encyclical comes from—circulates around until everyone's had a chance to read it. We can imagine in medieval times, you know, how this must have been a challenge. And I think that, you know, this challenge exists, but Father Emmett Farrell is the founder of this ministry in my diocese, and Father Emmett just celebrated his 60th anniversary of his ordination, and Father Emmett will say he has never seen an encyclical translate to action the way that Laudato si' has. And in particular, there is a Vatican online platform called the Laudato si' Action Platform, where Catholics—either parishes, schools, orders of sisters or religious—can get on this platform and learn about the dynamics that we face. They can see how our values are distilled into seven goals, and then they can reflect on their behavior, using this tool to sort of measure where they are, and then write a plan of action and upload it and share it with each other. And Father Emmett really celebrates how amazing it is that, you know, that we're going to lean into technology and use it for the good.Debra Rienstra Oh, awesome. There's so many things I want to follow up on in that answer. And I want to begin by just thanking you for being honest about pushback to Laudato si' in the US. And I want to go back to that in just a second, if it's okay. And then I want to thank you for the way you've thought about, you know, some of these dioceses like the mighty San Diego and the mighty Atlanta as sort of refugia spaces. And we'll come back to that again too, I really hope, and I want to hear some more details about your particular diocese. Why do you think there has been pushback in the American Catholic Church? You mentioned economic reasons, and you know, Pope Francis and Pope Leo now have both been very pointed in their critique of climate denial, of greed, of exploitation, injustice, war, economic systems that many Americans have sort of held as almost sacrosanct. So what are you noticing in Catholic conversations about that critique? Why are people resisting the critique and why are people saying, “No, that's right”—what are the motivations behind each of those responses?Christina Slentz So, you know, we could probably talk about this all day.Debra Rienstra Probably, yeah.Christina Slentz Because economic peace, I think, is really difficult to think about. You know, if we take the United Kingdom, for example, it's a country very much like the United States. So many of our you know, American culture and tradition and customs come out of that early launching that we experienced from, you know, Great Britain. And yet, as the topic of climate change came forward, Margaret Thatcher, who was, you know, a real compatriot of President Ronald Reagan at the time, she really took the scientific approach in thinking about climate change, and this set them on a path that's really different from the path that we experienced. And certainly, oil is a big factor in our economy. And I think it can be a real challenge for people to weigh the goods, you know, because we have to be honest, there are goods in both sides of these dynamics. When we understand the gravity, though, of climate change, if we're allowed to really get into those dynamics without the noise that has been kind of confronting that potential, then I think we can see that the good outweighs, you know, those alternative goods associated with continuing in the fossil fuel realm. But this is why we talk about a just transition, right? I think that many people who are hearing this noise, right, they don't understand that Pope Francis and others, you know, is really arguing for a just transition, and that would seek to care for the people that are going to be affected by whatever change in economic policy might make.Debra Rienstra Yeah, and more and more, those economic changes are actually positive in favor of transition in ways that they weren't even 5-10 years ago.Christina Slentz Yeah, I think it's amazing. We actually had some good momentum going until recently.Debra Rienstra Yeah, you know, I would love to get us all talking about a just and joyful transition, because it's more and more possible. And maybe we'll come back to that a little bit later too, when we talk about ecological spirituality. But let's go back to these places within the American Catholic Church, even, that are saying, “Oh yes, Laudato si', yes, let's go.” And San Diego diocese is one of those places. You had an action plan already in 2019. I think it's impressive that a diocese could get a plan together in four years. So good job. Knowing how long everything takes in church settings. So just give us a list of your accomplishments. What have you been up to since 2019? What are the kinds of things you've dipped your toes into?Christina Slentz Sure, and to be fair, I want to give some good credit to some others. You know, the Archdiocese of Atlanta had created their creation care action plan. This gave us some really good kind of framework to think about when we created ours. And there was a team that preceded me. They were all volunteers, very multidisciplinary in their backgrounds, everything from theologians to medical doctors who had worked with indigenous communities, you know, theologians, missionaries, energy engineers, and they really pulled this together early on. And this plan I now recognize as what climate action planners might refer to as an aspirational plan. It's all the things you could do in our area, and it serves as a really good resource for our parishes and schools as they think about what they might do in their Laudato si' action platform plans, and those are yearly plans that are really targeted on what we're going to do. So, you know, one of the things that they did early on was really push to solarize. And you know, we do have the great fortune of, one: climate here in San Diego, right? You know, we're sort of famous for that. And then you know, two: the other thing is that, you know, it was very normative to be shifting to solar, and continues to be an economic choice that is not really as politicized here as much as it might be elsewhere. And then the third thing was this is, you know, the magic number three is to have a bishop that is supportive. And so Cardinal McElroy—now Cardinal McElroy, then Bishop McElroy—really promoted this solarization. And at this point we have about 54% of our parishes solarized. And when I think now, you know, the Paris Climate Agreement says we want to have about half of our carbon emissions reduced by 2030 then you know, we're sitting at about half. Our building where I'm located is called our pastoral center. Some Catholic communities call it their chancery. And our solar array here provides over 80% of our electricity to the building. Our local utility is about half renewable energy, a little bit more. So with that in mind, you know, our electricity here to our building is a little over 90% coming from renewable energy, and this lets us have seven electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot so I can go to work and charge my car at the same time.Debra Rienstra Lovely.Christina Slentz So that was one big thing. I would say our other really big kind of landmark action that also was largely driven by Cardinal McElroy, was to divest of fossil fuels. And, you know, this is a real challenging thing to accomplish. We set a goal of no more than 5% of, you know, the earnings of both direct and indirect investment to be coming from fossil fuel. And after a year, we evaluated how we were doing, and we were actually hitting—not we, you know, the financial folks doing this—were hitting less than 3%. So, you know, we said, “Okay, I think we can say that this was successful, and we're still here.” So that was really exciting, and we didn't do it to be virtue signaling. Just, you know, for some of your listeners may not know, but the USCCB, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has a document that directs socially responsible investment for all areas. And so this is just one more area of socially responsible investment that the Diocese of San Diego has embraced.Debra Rienstra Yeah, yeah. So we've got money, we've got energy. How many parishes would you say are on board with this, doing yearly goals, selecting from the menu of fun ideas—what percentage of your parishes would you say are involved?Christina Slentz So I gotta, Debra, that's a little bit of a good question. I think, you know, we did just describe two very top-down approaches. And one of the things that our group, you know, when I came on board in 2022, we decided is, you know, we really wanted to push that grassroots. And so we see parishes demonstrating a range of behaviors, and I was initially surprised, but they actually behave a lot like countries around the world. And so, you know, you think, oh, that's going to be different. But, you know, you can also have three children, and they all behave differently, and you know, sometimes that's surprising as well, when they have the same parents. And so one of the things that I have really tried to do was offer more events that are here at the diocesan level. We have 97 parishes, and then we have—so sometimes we'll see individuals that are really on board, and they come from a parish where, at the parish level, not a lot is happening. Sometimes we have individuals that are participating, and they are doing a ton at their parish and succeeding. And then we have parishes where the pastor is leading the charge. And then on top of that, I would say there are parishes where they have solar and they have drought-resistant landscaping, and they have LEED silver certified buildings that, you know, are very environmentally friendly. And yet, you know, at the parishioner level, you know, not as much activity happening. So it is an array of activities. I would say probably half have had some kind of interaction with us, or have had parishioners or students participate in our programs. But you know, we reflect the American Catholic community, which reflects the broader American society as well. So there are places where we struggle, and then there are places where we see a lot of action and shining.Debra Rienstra Yeah, sure. And I really appreciate that. And I think listeners can relate to that range of involvement too. Maybe they are in any one of those categories or some other category themselves. And you know, as you say, it's the modeling of— even if it's a minority, it's the modeling and the enthusiasm and the even implicit sort of educating of others that can make this work spread too. So I want to list the seven goals of the Laudato si' action platform, because I think they're really, really great and helpful to people who are not in the Catholic Church, but in other aspects of the church, you might find these goals useful too. So here are the goals: response to the cry of the Earth, response to the cry of the poor, ecological economics, adoption of sustainable lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality, community resilience and empowerment. So I want to start with the first three. We've talked a little bit about economics and how dicey that can be, but I wonder if you could describe how you see the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor as basically the same cry, as Pope Francis said in Laudato si'. How do you see that, especially in your region?Christina Slentz Yeah, so thank you. I think these two are kind of the crown jewels, right? And they sum up what we see happening very well. I think that the other goals are valuable because they sort of pull out the dynamics that we really understand as informing those two big—response to the cry of the Earth and cry of the poor. So as someone who was looking at this through the lens of being a social scientist, I found these two goals to really sum it up well, because it is not just the exposure to the environment that causes our concern for these dynamics. It's the exposure as well as the sensitivity of that population. And then this helps us understand also, maybe some vulnerability that that population might have. So for example, we had significant flooding about a year and a half ago in January, the month of January, and the same rain fell on a parish in the southern part of the Diocese, close to our Mexican border, in an area that is, you know, less wealthy, probably demonstrates some socio economic features that we would associate with marginalized communities. And then it also fell on a parish in Coronado, California. And some people might recognize the Hotel Del Coronado as an iconic location. It's a beautiful community. There's a lot of wealth. There's a lot of human capital as well. You know, very highly educated group, and so the buildings at two of two parishes in each of these locations were completely flooded. But, you know, the parish in Coronado was up on its feet within a week. And of course, they had repairs that had to be done, but they were able to get a hold of those folks, get them in, pay the bills, get it all done. And the parish on the south side had catastrophic flooding to its school, and the school was a total loss.Debra Rienstra Oh, wow.Christina Slentz So I think this really can help us understand the way that the cry of the Earth, these environmental climate extremes, or the variability that we're experiencing, leads to greater exposure, but how one community can face that exposure and adapt or bounce back fairly quickly, and another may not really have that capacity. And so you can't really pull them apart, because just measuring precipitation doesn't always give you the whole story.Debra Rienstra That's a very, very helpful answer to that. And I sometimes hear in religious circles, you know, “Well, we have to worry about other people, why should we worry about owls or whatever?” And the answer is: well, because what happens in nature affects people. So this is about loving your neighbor. Even if you're not convinced by the idea that we love the Earth for its own sake because it's beloved of God, we still have to love our neighbor. And this is a neighbor issue as well. So thank you. That was very helpful as an explanation.Christina Slentz One of my favorite kind of messages is, you know, having been a student of globalization, you know, I think that we live in a globalized world. You can't put that toothpaste back in the tube, right? Maybe there are some things we can do and that can be helpful, but the bottom line is, our actions have ripple effects, and so no matter what we do, we are going to have these impacts on people far beyond those we know and love on a day to day basis. And when we care for the Earth, we mitigate those effects on people all around the world, and so our caring for creation really is just love of neighbor at global scale.Debra Rienstra Ah, lovely. Yeah, so it works both ways. If you love neighbor, you love the Earth. If you love the Earth, you love your neighbor.Christina Slentz That's right.Debra RienstraHi, it's me, Debra. If you are enjoying this podcast episode, go ahead and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. If you have a minute, leave a review. Good reviews help more listeners discover this podcast. To keep up with all the Refugia news, I invite you to subscribe to the Refugia newsletter on Substack. This is my fortnightly newsletter for people of faith who care about the climate crisis and want to go deeper. Every two weeks, I feature climate news, deeper dives, refugia sightings and much more. Join our community at refugianewsletter.substack.com. For even more goodies, including transcripts and show notes for this podcast, check out my website at debrarienstra.com. D-E-B-R-A-R-I-E-N-S-T-R-A dot com. Thanks so much for listening. We're glad you're part of this community. And now back to the interview.Debra Rienstra Let's think about some of those more personal goals. I don't know, maybe they're not just personal, because everything is systemic too. But I want to talk about that sustainable lifestyle goal, adoption of sustainable lifestyle. So what does that mean, and how are people doing that in San Diego?Christina Slentz So I have a really amazing parish, St. Thomas More, and they have created a community garden that not only functions as a place for their parish to gather and work together, it also is open to the public, so it has an evangelical capacity as well. And they also collect recyclable cans and bottles and then take those to a facility where they can be paid for that recycling work, and then they take the money, and then they put it into this garden that allows them to gather and have a mission and have evangelical outreach. So I think of this as such a wonderful circular kind of example that is, you know, feeding them in many ways. You know, they have this sense of community. They have this sense of common, shared mission. They have a good relationship with the neighborhood around them, people that may be of different faiths or of no faith at all. And then they're also in good relationship with Mother Earth, and doing what they can to, you know, practice this sort of sustainability, or also a little bit like circular economics, I guess I would say as well. And I think one of the things that the Catholic Church is emphasizing is synodality, and our synodality really calls us to be community, to have a shared mission and really inviting participatory action. So in my building here, where we sort of have the headquarters, you know, we also have gone to compostables for all of our events, and we try to minimize any kind of single use plastics. But, you know, there's that dreaded moment at the end where everybody has to go to the three, you know, receptacles. Everyone panics, especially if I'm near them, and I feel terribly, you know, like, should I step away? Should I give them a moment to give them help? Is that overreach? And so, you know, but we all fumble through together, and that's where I've kind of said, like, “Look, it's not easy for me either. Like, God forbid I put the wrong thing in the wrong can, right?” So I think that there's this way where we all are coming together to sort of take on this work. And, you know, we're not going to be perfect, but, you know, I think that it does foster community when we take this on, and then also recognizing how, you know, now we are living with greater simplicity, and we are impacting the Earth, you know, to a lesser extent.Debra Rienstra Yeah, nothing bonds people like pulling weeds together, or standing over the recycle bins going, “Hmm.” It's okay. We don't have to indulge in recycling guilt, you know, just do your best. So I want to move on to ecological spirituality. I love that phrase. It's not one you hear everywhere. And I wanted to remind listeners that San Diego Diocese is the most biodiverse diocese in the US. Maybe we wouldn't have expected that, but you've kind of got everything there. So I want to talk about ecological spirituality in the context of that actual place. I love the sentiment you quoted from Laudato si' in an article you wrote recently. It was an idea from Pope Francis that in the beauties and wonders of the Earth, we experience God's friendship with us. And so I wanted to ask you how you're helping people in your parishes reconnect to the Earth where you are, and thus, and this is how you put it, “revive something of our true selves.”Christina Slentz Yeah, one of my favorite pieces in Laudato si': Pope Francis alludes to having a place in childhood where we felt a sense of awe and wonder. And I think that that awe and wonder allows us to get back to childhood in some ways, before there was a lot of noise before there was all the different distractions. And I think that that true self is also a little freer to connect to God. I think sometimes about little children and baby Jesus, you know, and that sort of immediate connection that's not really complicated, you know, it's just comfortable. Or feeling the love of God like being a child sitting on the lap of your mom or your dad. And so encouraging people, or providing opportunities for this return to that place of awe and wonder, I think is really important. I think that at the heart of our inability to care for creation is this estrangement from our Creator. So we won't care for something if we don't love it. And in this way, ecological spirituality may be step one in all of this, right? So I think we are really lucky, being here. As I mentioned, our climate is beautiful. It is a beautiful place. We have everything from the ocean to mountains to desert, and many people who live here do really connect with the geography and the beauty of where we are, and so inviting them to take a moment to just pause and think about those places. Think about their senses as they move through the memory of that space, I think is really important before we start any of the other conversations. And so I try to do that, and then we share about it. And I have yet to find somebody that says, “Oh, I just didn't have a place.” Everybody has a place. And many people will say, “I really struggled, because I love this place, and I love that place,” you know. And so it is really great to hear. And I think people really come out of an exercise like that with this new sense of common ground as well. And I think that is so important, right? Because if you ask people like, “Raise your hand, who hates trees?” No one's gonna do it, right? Don't even think anyone does. Or “Raise your hand if you like to litter.” No one's going to say, like, “Oh yeah, I really love throwing things out my window.” And so there is a lot more common ground. And I think that eco spirituality invites us to find out how much we have in common, and actually how much we all yearn for that place of connectedness.Debra Rienstra Oh, yeah. I've noticed, you know, people have so many different feelings that motivate what they might do in a faith and climate space, and there's anger, there's fear, a lot of anxiety. But the trick, I think, is to get to the center, which is love. And the quickest way to do that, maybe, is to find that early love, or a love that's developed over many, even generations, in a particular place, if you're lucky, and you're rooted in some way. I feel like we also, as people of faith, haven't made enough of a case that being closer to the creation is, in fact, a pathway to God. And I see that in a lot of the writings that you have too. It's a way of understanding God better. It's a way of allowing God to speak to us that we sometimes underestimate, I think. There's other ways, of course, but it's one that we tend to underestimate. It is a way to deeper spirituality. So getting people to be in touch with that, it sounds like you've you've worked on that a little bit.Christina Slentz We're very lucky. The Franciscan tradition is pretty rich and present here. The Franciscan School of Theology is located here at the University of San Diego.Debra Rienstra There we go.Christina Slentz I have several secular Franciscans on my team, and a few Franciscan friars. And you know, that's very much at the heart of St. Francis and St. Claire's tradition. St. Bonaventure, who is a Franciscan, actually calls nature, or the environment, the created world, like another book. It's another gospel that tells us something about God's plan.Debra Rienstra Yeah, yeah. So I wanted to quote from Pope Leo's message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which was September one. And I found his message so encouraging, and especially this particular paragraph, it's along the line of seeds here. He writes, “In Christ, we too are seeds, and indeed seeds of peace and hope. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the Spirit of God can make an arid and parched desert into a garden, a place of rest and serenity. In his words, a spirit from on high will be poured out on us, and the wilderness will become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The work of righteousness will be peace, and the work of righteousness quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.” So we have this beautiful vision and the sense of vocation of who we are and who our communities are as seeds of peace and hope. So it seems like you experience that in the San Diego Diocese. Are there some particular examples that have been really meaningful and important to you, where you see that “seeds of hope” metaphor being played out?Christina Slentz Yeah, I would point to two areas that I would offer up as good examples. One is a parish that is located in what's called Barrio Logan. It is an ecologically marginalized community. The highways literally forced the school to be moved when they put the highway in right down the middle of the community. And that's the I-5. So it runs all the way from Canada to Mexico. Big highway. In addition, the Coronado Bridge connects to the highway right there. The Navy base is there, and the Port of San Diego all intersects there. So their air quality is really degraded, and it's a socio-economically poor area. It is also a predominantly Hispanic community there. But the Jesuit pastor there, Father Scott Santa Rosa, is a very good community organizer. He led the parish when they were confronted by another warehouse that was going to be added at the port. And the proposal by the company violated the Port Authority's standards, but they were seeking a waiver, and Father Scott brought in the Environmental Health Coalition. He brought in a theologian from University of San Diego. He invited the youth to present on Laudato si' to the adults and really empowered the community, which is that seventh goal of Laudato si', it's very connected to environmental justice. And then they learned, they grew, they came to an understanding that this was not acceptable, and that they wanted to be a voice for their community. They—we traveled. I was very fortunate to kind of engage with them in this process.And we traveled to the Port Authority building the night before the Port Authority was going to make their decision on this, whether or not to grant this waiver. And we said a rosary, which consists of five sets of 10 Hail Marys, roughly. And between each set, somebody spoke and gave their witness. And one of the women stood up and said, “I never thought I would speak publicly in my whole life. I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm speaking, but I found my voice because of this issue.” And I thought, even if we lose, that's such an amazing win that people felt connected to their environment. They understood that they have a voice. They understood their own dignity and the dignity of their community, and felt that it was worth standing up for. And the next day we went, there was demonstration and public witnessing and praying, and then they went in and spoke at the actual hearing. And the first thing that the chairman of the board said, in response to everyone's comments was, “Well, I'm a Catholic, and we have three priests that were here today.” And you know, how many times does a public official make a statement of faith? You know, I thought, “Okay, win number two!” And you know, I'll just go ahead and cut to the chase. And they turned down the company that wanted to put the warehouse in and said, “You know, we just don't think that you've convinced the local community that the benefits of this would be worth it.” And it was amazing.And so that place, they continue to also tend to the care of migrants. They have begun the work of accompanying migrants that are going for their court appointed hearings for their asylum process. And you know, those are not outcomes that are generally favorable, but they are just going and being present with them and, you know, we are on the border. We understand how some of these environmental impacts do entangle with human mobility. And so, you know, there's a lot that this community, that is really one of our poorest communities in San Diego, has brought to the wider San Diego Diocese as more parishes and local Catholics are now mimicking what they have done and joining in this mission, and so they've been an incredible source—this tiny little parish in a poor part of the Diocese with terrible environmental impacts, has actually been a place where things have blossomed and grown, and they actually do have an amazing garden as well.Debra Rienstra Wow, that's an incredible story, and exactly a story of empowerment and resilience, as you suggested, and a story of how low-resource people are not necessarily low-resource people. They have other kinds of resources that may not be visible to the outside, but that can be very powerful, and especially when one of those is faith. It was such a great example of people motivated not only by their, you know, sort of survival, but their faith to do this work. Yeah, wonderful.Christina Slentz I think they understand the impact, right? So if you can shut your windows and turn on your air conditioning, maybe you don't get it.Debra Rienstra Yeah, right. So what would you say are your biggest obstacles and your biggest joys in your work right now?Christina Slentz I think the biggest obstacle is coming up against Catholics and/or Christians, or really any person of faith. But I think this may be especially true to Catholics and Christians who think that our social actions have to be an “either/or” choice, and they resist a “yes/and” mentality, and so they put different issues in competition with each other, right? And, you know, sometimes they think about Cain and Abel, right? This sort of jealousy or comparison can be a real problem. Instead of saying, “Okay, maybe we don't fit in a neat box, but as Catholics, you know, we have to do all the things.” And that kind of privileging one issue or another issue makes us vulnerable to those who would seek division and competition. And I think that when we look at God, you know, God loves all of it, right? God is love, and so there isn't that discrimination in the example of our Creator, and I would, of course, we aren't perfect, you know, but we should aspire to that same kind of comprehensive love.Debra Rienstra Yeah, and we do it together. We don't all have to do every last one of the things. We do it together. What about joys? What are your greatest joys right now in your work?Christina Slentz I think that coming together is really a joy. When I first started this work, I felt like a unicorn. I could either be the only person of faith in an environmental group, or I could be the only environmentalist in a faith group. And so it just was a feeling of being awkward all the time. And I do think that just in the three years that I've been in this position, I am seeing momentum build. I think ecumenicalism is super helpful in this regard. And I think that increasingly people are finding each other, and they are starting to get a little bit of a wake up call. I think it is unfortunate that people in the United States have had to experience some significant catastrophes and human loss and impact before they start to awaken to the issue of climate change or environmental degradation. I think plastics are really a pretty significant issue as well, but I think that more and more, people seem to be coming around to it, and whenever we celebrate together, that gives me joy.Debra Rienstra Yeah, I agree. I'm seeing it happening too, and it keeps me going. It keeps me going to connect with people like you, and every door I open, there's more people of faith doing amazing work, and we are building that mycelial network. And it's pretty great. So what is your favorite gift of the Catholic Church, a gift of wisdom on creation care that you wish everyone would receive?Christina Slentz I am not sure I would say that this is my favorite. But maybe I think that it is very important, is that, you know, in the Catholic community, communion, Eucharist, is really, you know, the summit for Catholics, that each week, at a minimum, we are going to celebrate this liturgy. We break open the Word, and then we celebrate the Eucharist. And one of the things I, you know, find very compelling is the fact that Jesus celebrates at the Last Supper with bread and wine. Jesus didn't get grapes and, you know, a piece of meat, to celebrate that these were both chosen items that were not just created by God, but they involved, as we say, in our celebration, the work of human hands. And so this really represents this call to co-creation, I think. And if that is something that you know, is really at the heart of Catholicism, this, you know, summit of our faith to celebrate the Eucharist—in that, we are called to co-create. And so this tells us something about how we are meant to exist in relationship with the Creator. You know, God reveals God's self to us in the beauty of this creation or in the gift of the Eucharist, and then, in turn, we are called to respond to that love. Otherwise the revelation isn't complete, so our response is to care for creation or to receive the Eucharist, and then go and serve as God has called us to serve. So maybe, maybe this is something that we can offer up.Debra Rienstra So beautifully said, and the intimacy of eating, you know, taking the material, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands, into ourselves, responding by the Spirit, that intimacy, that physicality, there's a reason that that is the central ritual.Christina Slentz And you know, if I could give you one last image connected to that—because then we become the tabernacle, right? And we think about Noah and the ark, right? And how, you know, creation is destroyed, but the ark holds this refugia right and until it's time for this moment of reconciliation and forgiveness and then renewed flourishing. And you may or may not have heard this story, but when the LA fires raged in Pacific Palisades in January of 2025 the fires swept across the parish and school called Corpus Christi Parish, and it is the home parish of brother James Lockman, one of my dear, dear volunteers. And there was a firefighter who went back to look at the ruins that evening, and he was Catholic, and he came across the tabernacle from the church, and it was the only thing that survived. And when they opened it up, it was pristine on the inside and undamaged. And that Sunday, they took it to St. Monica's Parish, which is one of the very animated creation care parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and they celebrated Mass there because Corpus Christi did not have a parish right to celebrate in that weekend. And I think about that tabernacle as being, you know—it's to reflect that Ark of the Covenant, right, Ark of Noah, the Ark of the Covenant. And then we have the tabernacle now, and that space of refuge that was preserved, you know. And then, of course, when we take the Eucharist into ourselves, we become that tabernacle. We're walking tabernacles, right? So we are also, then, places of refuge and where we know that God is with us and we can go and serve.Debra Rienstra Christina, it has been such a joy to talk to you. Thank you for your wisdom, for your inspiration, for the way that you deploy your expertise in such compassionate and far reaching ways. It's just been a pleasure. Thank you.Christina Slentz Oh, thank you so much for having me. I really enjoyed talking today with you, Debra.Debra Rienstra Thanks for joining us. For show notes and full transcripts, please visit debrarienstra.com and click on the Refugia Podcast tab. This season of the Refugia Podcast is produced with generous funding from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Colin Hoogerwerf is our awesome audio producer. Thanks to Ron Rienstra for content consultation as well as technical and travel support. Till next time, be well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Episode 96 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA talks with Michele Duane, OFS, executive director of the Franciscan Action Network (FAN). They explore secular Franciscanism, activism, the interests of government vs. the interests of gospel, Franciscan discernment, kinship, interior conversion, and much more. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe:  Email | RSS | More A transcript of the show is available. "If I had to use one word to say, you know, what is it at the root of the Franciscan tradition that that we can bring that's needed in the world today? The word I would use is kinship." -Michele Dunne Michele Dunne You can find out more about Franciscan Action Network at www.franciscanaction.org and on Instagram @franciscannet. ABOUT THE GUEST Michele Dunne is a Secular Franciscan and executive director of the Franciscan Action Network (FAN). Before joining FAN, she worked for the U.S. Department of State and at think tanks including the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She and her husband have two young adult children and live in Washington DC. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.  Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans. Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com BE SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness

Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. John of Capistrano, 1386-1456; entered the Franciscan novitiate at the age of 30, and was ordained a priest four years later; his preaching attracted great throngs at a time of religious apathy and confusion; he helped bring about a brief reunion with the Greek and Armenian Churches; John preached a crusade against the Turks, for the protection of Europe; he led the army to Belgrade, where they gained an overwhelming victory; worn out by his efforts after the battle, he was an easy prey for infection, and died in 1456 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 10/23/25 Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Show Notes  My guest today, Gina Economopoulos, currently serves as an End-of-Life doula. Gina's life path has not been straight line—that why she's on the show, haha. A recovered alcoholic who has served 12 years as a nun in a Franciscan convent, Gina offers words of hope and resilience. Gina's very presence is a testament to the power of the human spirit to persevere. Her story reminds us that hope can be discovered even in our darkest moments and will leave you inspired. With that let's get Gina on the show! LINKS Please check out Gina's stirring memoir Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk at Amazon HERE.

Send us a textA Marian encounter in Tlaxcala brings burning trees that do not consume and a spring that heals, set amid conquest, epidemic, and a people searching for hope. We trace witness accounts, early Franciscan discernment, the rise of a shrine and basilica, and the enduring call to mercy and conversion.• Tlaxcala's turbulent context after the Spanish conquest• Juan Diego Bernardino's vision and guidance to a hidden spring• Burning ocote trees as a sign of purification and hope• Reports of healing and the spread of pilgrimage• Franciscan investigation and prudential discernment• Construction of the first shrine and later Baroque basilica• Legends of the statue and its role in devotion• Ecclesial approval and papal recognition anchoring the devotion• Invitation to deepen faith through pilgrimage and resourcesVisit our website today and let Journeys of Faith guide you to a deeper connection with the divineMarian Apparitions Collection at Journeys of Faith Online ShopOpen by Steve Bailey Support the show

In this heartfelt episode of The Sacred Speaks, John Price sits down with longtime spiritual guide and Franciscan friar, Father Richard Rohr. Together they explore the deeper dimensions of happiness and meaning—moving far beyond cultural clichés. Drawing on Richard's decades of integrating psychology, spirituality, and mysticism, the conversation challenges conventional ideas of happiness as mere pleasure or circumstance. Instead, Richard invites us to embrace a “just right mind”—a way of living that balances ego, suffering, and joy. Speaking with candor and humility, he reflects on aging, facing death, and the transformative power of love, community, and humor. This conversation is a profound invitation to shift from sin management to radical compassion and participation in a bigger, joyful universal flow. Key Takeaways True happiness emerges from a “just right mind” that balances enough ego to appreciate life without judgment or denial. Happiness is not external comfort, but the capacity to meet suffering with grace and mindfulness. Radical acceptance and surrender open us to a joy larger than the self. Humor and community sustain lightheartedness and connection in the face of life's challenges. In This Episode (00:00) Welcome to The Sacred Speaks (03:57) A Deep Dive into Happiness (05:33) The Concept of "Just Right" Mind (10:49) Sin Management and Spiritual Growth (14:40) The Role of Ritual and Authority (18:27) Balancing Ego and Humility (25:47) Order, Disorder, and Reorder (27:45) The Illusion of Happiness in Modern Culture (28:44) The Shadow Side of Comfort and Entertainment (29:51) The Interplay of Happiness and Suffering (33:28) Personal Reflections on Happiness (36:11) Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures (47:06) The Role of Humor in Happiness (50:41) Nature as a Source of Happiness (53:32) Final Thoughts on Happiness and Meaning Connect with Richard Rohr Official Website (Center for Action and Contemplation): https://cac.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cac_abq/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/richardrohrofm Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rohr CAC Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/re-release-father-richard-rohr-falling-upward/id1080170463 CAC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMkqKAtSgijU439fJUNHnkA Connect with Dr. John W. Price Website: https://drjohnwprice.com Podcast: https://thesacredspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohnwprice/ If this conversation resonates, please like, share, and subscribe to The Sacred Speaks to support these ongoing dialogues at the crossroads of psyche, soul, and the sacred.

This week, I got to talk with John Fugelsang about his new book Separation of Church and Hate! He shares why he's passionate about taking back the religion of his parents from the way it has been used as a cloak for hate, how it's near impossible to find a quality in Donald Trump that aligns with Jesus' teachings, and ways to lead Christian Nationalists to arguing with God/scripture instead of yourself.Separation of Church and Hate SynopsisTold with Fugelsang's trademark blend of radical honesty, relevant humor, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American today needs. It is a return to civility, a rallying cry for compassion and clarity, and a reclamation of the values and truths we hold dear, for anyone who was raised Christian but has become disillusioned with organized religion; for Democrats, progressives, liberals, and moderates who are tired of the right wing pretending to own Christianity; for atheists, agnostics, and any one of any faith who's sick of the fundamentalists using religion as a cloaking device for hate; for everyone who's realized you don't necessarily need organized religion to be a good person.For over two centuries, the United States constitution has given us the right to live in a society where church and state exist independently, and without conflict. So why is it that, suddenly, Christianity is being co-opted by far-right groups, politicians, friends, and family members to justify oppressive and unequal policies? And how do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith? In this informative, perspective-shifting guide, Fugelsang takes readers through common talking points and arguments—God condemns abortion, gay marriage is a sin, guns are an ordained right, and more—and exposes their hypocrisy and overall inaccuracy through scripture, philosophy, and plain old common sense.Separation of Church and Hate, a new and critical book from comedian and TV and radio host John Fugelsang—who himself is the child of a former Catholic nun and Franciscan brother—finally offers the answers. Get Bookwild MerchCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackCheck Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck out the Imposter Hour Podcast with Liz and GregFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrian

Want to deepen your relationship with Jesus? Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR share his insights on the important role Mary plays in our spiritual lives. Drawing from his personal experiences, he emphasizes how a deeper relationship with Mary can significantly enhance our understanding of Jesus and our overall faith journey. In this episode, you will learn: Hear Fr. Jeremiah's inspiring journey of faith and how spiritual direction, guided by Mary, helped him discover his vocation. Explore the beautiful truth that just as God came to us through Mary, we too are called to grow in holiness through her maternal care. Learn how giving yourself completely to Mary can lead you deeper into love and union with Jesus. Continue Your Journey: Guest information and related media. Jewel for the Journey: "God wishes to form himself every day and become incarnate every day in each one of us through his mother." - St. Louis De Montfort Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock's Talk was recorded at the 2025 Catholic Women's Conference on July 26, 2025, in San Antonio, TX. Do you like what you hear? Become a Missionary of Hope by sponsoring a week of Journeys of Hope. Click here to get started. Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

Roberto Rossellini's 1946 World War II film Paisan has a unique structure: six vignettes following the American troops north from their landing in Sicily through Naples, Rome, Florence, Romagna, and the Po Delta. However, the film takes the perspective of the Italians, with the Americans more often than not naive outsiders. It is a fascinating exploration of the clash of cultures in the tragic scenarios of war and foreign occupation. One segment in particular will be very interesting to Catholics: an American priest serving as an army chaplain visits a Franciscan monastery along with his Protestant and Jewish chaplain counterparts and encounters a more intense and less ecumenical religiosity than he is accustomed to. SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to keep this podcast going: https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Music is The Duskwhales, “Take It Back”, used with permission. https://theduskwhales.bandcamp.com

The rosary has always been a kind of technology.A loop of beads strung together to steady the breath and keep the hands busy while the heart listens for God.But like all good tools, it changes in the hands of each generation.For centuries, the faithful have told a story about St. Dominic receiving the rosary from the Blessed Mother herself in the midsts of a terrible thunder storm. The story still moves me, even knowing it's a legend shaped by time and longing. What matters isn't whether it happened exactly that way, but that someone felt the need to place prayer beads in human hands as a bridge between heaven and earth. Somewhere in that imagination is truth.Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosaries, I find myself drawn not only to the miracle but to the method. The rosary, like all living practices, survives because it adapts. There isn't just one rosary; there are many: Dominican, Franciscan, Anglican, Brigantine and each one invites us to join the conversation in our own language of touch, rhythm, and breath.The Body Remembers What the Mind ForgetsPrayer begins in the body.That's why a string of beads matters. It gives the restless fingers something holy to do.When I first learned to pray the rosary as a child, I didn't understand its power. I thought it was about remembering the words: fifty Hail Marys, five Our Fathers, all lined up like soldiers in a row. But the miracle was never in the repetition alone. It was in what repetition made possible.After the first few rounds, the mind lets go.The mouth keeps moving, the beads keep sliding, and something quieter rises beneath the noise of thought.The prayer becomes breath.The prayer becomes listening.This is the contemplative secret of the rosary: it distracts the body so the soul can pay attention.Spiritual TechnologyWhen Brian and I talk about spiritual technology, we mean the humble tools that shape the interior life.A candle. A cup. A breath. A string of beads.The rosary gathers intention the way a river gathers rain, one drop at a time until the flow is strong enough to move the landscape of the heart.Each bead is a point of focus, each prayer a pulse of energy. Through rhythm and touch, intention begins to cohere.You can dedicate a rosary to almost anything: gratitude, justice, grief, courage, clarity. What matters most is that it brings your scattered self into alignment. The prayers don't have to be perfect. They only have to be yours, repeated until they teach your hands the shape of devotion.The Many RosariesThere are countless ways to enter this practice.The Dominican rosary with its five decades of ten beads.The Franciscan rosary with seven sets.The Anglican rosary with four weeks of seven.Each is a pattern of circles within circles. A small cosmos designed to hold intention.And then there are the rosaries yet to be made.Many of us in Creation Spirituality and Christopagan practice are rediscovering what the rosary can become. We are writing new prayers, crafting beads for Brigid, for the Elements, for the Four Paths: Via Positiva, Negativa, Creativa, and Transformativa.The point isn't to replace the old but to join the lineage of makers who found their way by rhythm.The first time you sit down to create your own sequence, it may feel awkward. You may worry about getting it wrong. Don't. The earliest rosaries were simply strings of knots. Like any craft, prayer is learned in the doing. Write, pray, revise. Let the rhythm teach you.A Practice for Neurodivergent SoulsOne of the unexpected gifts of the rosary is how kind it is to a neurodivergent mind. The beads act like a fidget for the spirit, a sensory anchor for wandering attention. Each movement provides feedback: a gentle click, a shift of texture, a return to center.In that simple tactile motion, the scattered mind finds coherence.It's no accident that monks once used knotted cords, and devotees of every faith found something physical to hold. The body is not an obstacle to prayer; it is its doorway.The beads remind us that the sacred is not abstract. It lives in motion, in muscle memory, in the rhythm of the breath we already carry.Writing the Prayer That Fits Your HandsA traditional Hail Mary is short. That rhythm is what makes it powerful. When crafting your own prayers, remember that the rosary teaches through pacing. Keep them simple. A few phrases that flow easily through the lips. Something that can be memorized by the hands before it ever settles in the head.If a line feels awkward, change it.If a phrase feels hollow, replace it.The rosary rewards patience and play. You are allowed to experiment until the words hum in your chest.Every person's rosary will sound a little different, like accents in a shared language.That variety is not disorder it's creation in motion.A Universal PatternThough we call it the rosary, the practice of counting prayers is nearly universal.In Buddhism and Hinduism, the mala carries mantras through 108 beads.In Islam, the tasbih praises the 99 names of God.In the Eastern churches, the chotki keeps the Jesus Prayer alive in the breath.Each path strings intention into matter. Each one teaches that holiness is rhythmic, embodied, and endlessly adaptable. We aren't stealing from these traditions when we notice the resonance. We are witnessing the divine imagination repeating itself through many hands.Contemplation in MotionThe rosary is a teacher of balance.It gives you something to do when you don't know what to say.It gives your body a rhythm when the mind is full of static.It teaches that the sacred and the ordinary are separated only by attention.When we pray the beads, we don't escape the world, we enter it more deeply. Each repetition polishes the mirror of awareness until the face of Christ, the Lady, the Light, the Flame, whatever name you whisper, shines clearly in your own reflection.That is the quiet revolution of contemplative practice: it makes the heart spacious enough to hold the world.BenedictionBlessed Lady of the Rosaries,who turns the rhythm of human hands into prayer,teach us to count our days not by fear but by love.May every bead we touch remind us that the Holy is near,within breath, within heart, within the pulse of life itself.Guide our fingers through doubt,our minds through noise,our spirits through the long night of forgetting.May we remember that every prayer,whether whispered or woven,is one more spark in the chain of lightthat binds creation together.Amen.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you for Tips / Donations: * https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett * https://patreon.com/cedorsett * https://cash.app/$CreationsPaths* Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/New to The Seraphic Grove learn more For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Social Connections: * BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com * Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/#Christopagan #CreationSpirituality #Rosary #Mysticism #SpiritualPractice #PrayerBeads #Interspiritual #MagicAndMystery #Brigid #SacredTechnologyChapters:00:00 Introduction: The Rosaries00:47 Host Introductions01:13 Episode Overview & Call to Action01:54 The Legend of St. Dominic and the Rosary03:23 Types of Rosaries Explained05:56 Creating Your Own Rosary Practice07:08 The Rosary as Spiritual Technology07:50 Benefits for Neurodivergent Practitioners09:03 Intention and Focus in Rosary Practice11:39 Developing a Brigid Rosary14:24 Crafting Your Own Prayers15:58 Flexible Approaches to the Rosary16:46 Getting Started: The Anglican Rosary17:19 Creation Spirituality Rosary17:55 Crafting Your Own Rosary18:55 Tips for Beginning Your Practice19:48 Journaling Your Experience20:26 Prayer Beads Across World Traditions21:28 Empowerment Through Personal Rosaries21:44 Engagement & Discussion Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe

PREVIEW  HEADLINE Italy Restores National Holiday Honoring St. Francis; Celebrations Begin 2026 Amid Talk of Giotto's Restored Assisi Frescoes GUEST NAME Lorenzo Fiori 50 WORD SUMMARY Italy's legislature restored the national holiday honoring St. Francis, patron saint of Italy, starting October 4, 2026. The Senate approved the measure, reversing a deletion made about 30 years ago. St. Francis, who famously renounced wealth to found the Franciscan order, is associated with Assisi, home to restored Giotto frescoes. 1890

Friends of the Rosary,Today, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), a 13th-century Italian priest who renounced his worldly possessions to devote himself to Christ. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224.Francis Bernardone was born and died in Assisi. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, received a good education, and initially followed the ways of the world with a lavish and irresponsible life.At the age of twenty, he went to war against Perugia, but was captured and imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he had a vision of Christ, which changed his life completely.In a dream, God told him, “Go and repair my church, which, as you can see, is in ruins.”He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life.In 1220, he founded the Franciscan order, which, within ten years, numbered five thousand brothers.Out of humility, Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life.He had a great love for God's creatures and referred to them as his brothers and sisters.His ardent love of God merited for him the name of Seraphic. He is also nicknamed "God's Fool" and "Il Poverello" (The Little Poor One).Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 4, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET  

In the vast tapestry of Catholic spirituality, few threads shimmer with the humble brilliance of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. This cherished collection of stories, born from the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, isn't just a historical artifact—it's a living wellspring of inspiration, a call to radical simplicity and boundless love for Christ. At Journeys of Faith, we're drawn to these tales like pilgrims to a sacred shrine, eager to uncover the divine whispers hidden in every act of kindness, every moment of surrender. Founded by Bob and Penny Lord with a heart for evangelization, our ministry—rooted in the mission of “all for Jesus”—seeks to share the transformative power of such works with Catholics hungry for deeper connection.Imagine walking the dusty paths of 13th-century Italy, where a poor man in a tattered robe spoke to birds, tamed wolves, and bore the wounds of Christ Himself. The Little Flowers of Saint Francis captures these moments, not as mere legend, but as a testament to a faith so raw and real it still echoes through the centuries. Compiled long after Francis' death by followers of his order, this anthology—originally titled Fioretti—paints a portrait of a saint whose life was a living Gospel, a sermon preached through deeds over words. For us at Journeys of Faith, a Catholic ministry devoted to pilgrimage, miracles, and the saints, these stories aren't just history; they're a roadmap for our own spiritual journeys.Whether you've trekked to Assisi yourself or simply long to encounter the saints in the quiet of your prayer corner, The Little Flowers offers something rare: a glimpse into a soul utterly consumed by love for God and creation. As we delve into this sacred text, we invite you to join us—through the lens of our mission at Holy Family Mission in Arkansas and the countless resources we've crafted, from books to streaming content—to rediscover the joy of a faith that blooms in the smallest, most unexpected places. Let's walk with Saint Francis, together, and see where his little flowers lead us closer to Jesus.Compilation and Authorship QuestionsLet's dig into the murky waters of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis—a text as enigmatic as it is beloved. If you're expecting a neat and tidy origin story, brace yourself for a bit of a historical whodunit. Scholars have been scratching their heads for centuries over who actually penned this collection of tales about Saint Francis of Assisi and his early followers. The traditional attribution points to Brother Ugolino di Monte Santa Maria, a Franciscan friar, as the compiler sometime in the late 13th or early 14th century. But here's the kicker: there's no definitive proof. The text itself doesn't come with a signed confession or a medieval copyright page. Instead, we're left piecing together clues from manuscripts and references in other works.The earliest Latin versions, known as the Actus Beati Francisci et Sociorum Eius, are widely accepted as the foundation for what became The Little Flowers. These stories were likely gathered from oral traditions—think of friars swapping tales around a fire about Francis's radical simplicity, his love for creation, and those wild miracles. But translation and adaptation over time muddy the waters. When the text was rendered into Italian as I Fioretti di San Francesco, it wasn't just a straight port; it was shaped and flavored by the cultural and spiritual lens of the translator. Some argue this introduced embellishments, while others say it captured the heart of Francis's charism in a way the Latin couldn't.Click this link to view the full articleSupport the show

In this episode, Dr. Robert Insoft, Neonatologist and Chief Operating Officer at Franciscan Children's Campus, Boston Children's Hospital System, shares his perspective on guiding teams through healthcare integrations, prioritizing staff engagement, and evolving as a leader to ensure high quality patient care.

Join Clint Berge on this special edition of Connecting the Diocese with guests Bishop William Patrick Callahan, Father Conrad Targonski, and Sister Sarah Hennessy as they delve into the influence of St. Francis of Assisi on their spiritual journeys. Explore their personal stories and the significance of Franciscan values like joy, simplicity, and poverty. Discover […]

In this episode, Dr. Robert Insoft, Neonatologist and Chief Operating Officer at Franciscan Children's Campus, Boston Children's Hospital System, shares his perspective on guiding teams through healthcare integrations, prioritizing staff engagement, and evolving as a leader to ensure high quality patient care.

Alison Stone preaches for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, reminding us that everything is connected and there is room at God's table for all: "We are not powerless here. We are connected. Furthermore, we are capable of creating a more just and compassionate world — one choice, one table, one shared meal at a time."Alison Stone is the Animator of Mission and Identity for Franciscan Schools Australia (FSA) and is a member of the FSA National Executive Team. She works across Australia assisting over 75 schools to live the Franciscan charism at the grassroots.

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) continued the legacy of St. Anthony and was the Franciscan counterpart to Aquinas. He's called the second founder of the Franciscans, and the Prince of the Mystics, because he continued the mystical tradition of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and he preserves for us the mystical spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as being an important influence on later mystics, such as St. John of the Cross. Links Check out this three-part series on St. Bonaventure by Pope Benedict XVI (from 2010) Part 1: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9267 Part 2: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9271 Part 3: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=9284 The Classics of Western Spirituality volume on St. Bonaventure: https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/2121-2/bonaventure.aspx SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's Newsletter:  https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters/ DONATE at:  http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Dr. Papandrea's Homepage:  http://www.jimpapandrea.com Dr. Papandrea's latest book is The Original Church: What it Meant - and Still Means - to Be a Christian: https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/new-releases/products/the-original-church-what-it-meant-and-still-means-to-be-a-christian?variant=46258102337713 Dr. Papandrea's YouTube channel, The Original Church: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOriginalChurch Theme Music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed:  https://www.ccwatershed.org/  

On this extended episode of Catholic Forum, after a news update from The Dialog, we talk to Father John Aurilia, OFM Cap, who as a young Franciscan in the 1960s, served as one of the secretaries of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Father John tell us about the extraordinary mystical gifts of the saint, how is most outstanding gift was his humility and what Padre Pio was like in his day-to-day life. We also learn about Father Aurilia's book, "Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio." You can see a video of this wonderful interview on the Diocese of Wilmington's YouTube channel. Search Diocese of Wilmington on YouTube.  Catholic Forum is a production of the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Wilmington. Please like, share and subscribe and follow us at FaceBook.com/CatholicForum.

Francis of Assisi is often remembered as a gentle lover of animals or a simple garden statue with birds perched on his shoulders. But the real Francis was far more radical. He was a mystic whose entire life mirrored Jesus Christ. His spirituality was not just about prayer or visions but about recognizing God in creation, in poverty, in the Eucharist, and in people.In this video, I explore the radical mysticism of St. Francis of Assisi: his union with Christ crucified, his vision of creation as cosmic praise, his embrace of Lady Poverty, his burning devotion to the Eucharist, and his recognition of Christ in the poor and the leper. This is not the birdbath Francis of popular imagination — this is Francis the mystic, Francis the mirror of Christ.To go deeper, I have created a nine-day novena and prayer guide leading up to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. You can purchase the PDF guide on its own, or join me on Patreon to receive the guide along with daily video reflections as we pray the novena together, plus additional Franciscan content leading into his feast day.PDF Guide: https://www.stanthonystongue.com/products/p/pdf-st-francis-of-assisi-novena-prayer-guidePatreon: http://www.patreon.com/anthonystongue

Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Joseph of Cupertino, 1603-1663; "the flying saint"; entered the Franciscan order, and was ordained a priest; over seventy times, people say they saw him rise from the ground while offering mass or praying; at Mass he is said to have frequently floated in the air in rapture; once as Christmas carols were being sung, he soared to the high altar and knelt in the air, in ecstatic prayer; endured many severe trials and temptations in his life Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 9/18/25 Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

“22:1. And Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying:22:2. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriagefor his son.22:3. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to themarriage: and they would not come.22:4. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that wereinvited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings arekilled, and all things are ready. Come ye to the marriage.22:5. But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm andanother to his merchandise.22:6. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated themcontumeliously, put them to death.22:7. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending hisarmies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.22:8. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; butthey that were invited were not worthy.22:9. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find,call to the marriage.22:10. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered togetherall that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filledwith guests.22:11. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a manwho had not on a wedding garment.“22:12. And he saith to him: Friend, how camest thou in hither nothaving on a wedding garment? But he was silent.22:13. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, andcast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping andgnashing of teeth.22:14. For many are called, but few are chosen.”St Joseph, a humble Franciscan friar of Cupertino Italy, who could acquire but little of book knowledge and needed divine help to qualify for the priesthood, was favored by his crucified God with a marvelous grace of contemplation, and with the remarkable, power of miracles. He died at Orsino A.D. 1663.

Inspired by Franciscan spirituality and Joanna Macy's body of teachings known as the Work That Reconnects, Canticle Farm in Oakland, California, brings together more than 40 people living into the question of how we heal ourselves and the planet together. In this conversation, host Serena Bian talks with Anne and Terry Symons-Bucher, founders of Canticle Farm, about the role that trauma healing and conflict transformation plays in building towards beloved community. Through the lived experiences of Terry and Anne, we will dive into the journeys that both have taken to steward communities across cultures in practicing love in the face of difference, conflict, and rupture. Anne served as Joanna Macy's executive assistant for over two decades, and this conversation will also serve to honor Joanna's life and work. Anne and Terry Symons-Bucher are the co-founders of Canticle Farm, located in the Fruitvale District of East Oakland. Inspired by the life of Francis of Assisi, Canticle Farm is a community providing a platform for the Great Turning, one heart, one home, and one block at a time. The Great Turning—the planetary shift from an industrial-growth society to a life-sustaining society—is served by Canticle Farm through local work that fosters forgiveness in the human community and compassion for all beings. Canticle Farm primarily focuses on the poor and marginalized as those who most bear the burden of social and planetary degradation, as well as being those who are first able to perceive the need for the Great Turning. Rooted in spiritual practice, Canticle Farm manifests this commitment by engaging in the Work That Reconnects, integral nonviolence, gift economy, restorative justice practices, urban permaculture, and other disciplines necessary for regenerating community in the 21st Century. Anne and Terry are the parents of five children. Find out more about The New School at Commonweal on our website: tns.commonweal.org. And like/follow our Soundcloud channel for more great podcasts.

On Shifting Culture, we often ask: what does it mean to follow Jesus in the complexity of our world? In this episode, John Fugelsang helps us press into that question with clarity and urgency. John is a comedian, actor, and political commentator shaped by the unlikely pairing of parents who were once a nun and a Franciscan brother. His new book, Separation of Church and Hate, takes an unflinching look at how fundamentalism and nationalism have twisted Christianity into a pursuit of power. With sharp wit and thoughtful insight, John contrasts that distortion with the radical humility and compassion of Jesus - the one who welcomed the stranger, lifted up women, broke cycles of violence, and modeled a way beyond empire. This conversation is provocative and grounding, inviting us to imagine how the way of Jesus might still break the cycles of fear and hate in our time.John Fugelsang has been killed on CSI, picketed by Westboro Baptist Church, and hosts the acclaimed series "Tell Me Everything" on SiriusXM #127. He's been a regular on CNN, MSNBC & FOX News, appears in Coyote Ugly, hosted America's Funniest Home Videos once got George Harrison to give his final performance on VH1. He's the child of an ex-nun and an ex-Franciscan brother, and his book SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND HATE: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock Fleecing Frauds releases from Simon & Schuster in Summer 2025.John's Book:Separation of Church and HateJohn's Recommendation:SupermanSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowThe Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Journey with us this week as we explore the remarkable life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a martyr of charity whose selfless sacrifice during World War II continues to inspire hope today. Join Jason Nunez and Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio as they discuss Kolbe's deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his legacy, and the upcoming film, Triumph of the Heart. In this episode, you will learn: Who was St. Maximilian Kolbe? How was St. Maximilian Kolbe's deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary guided his ministry and his choices? What are the hopes for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, will take away from the film Triumph of the Heart? Continue Your Journey: Guest information and helpful resources. Jewel for the Journey: “Through the Immaculata to Jesus!” - St. Maximilian Kolbe Learn more at https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/media-and-resources/all-media-series/journeys-of-hope.html Help us spread hope! https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/support Do you like what you hear? Become a Missionary of Hope by sponsoring a week of Journeys of Hope. Click here to get started.

Two young saints, one who loved mountaineering and the other rocked Nike sneakers: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati prove holiness doesn't mean leaving normal life behind—it means living it to the fullest with Christ.  Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on Pope Leo's homily at the canonization Mass for these two young Italians and explore why so many saints begin saying yes to God in their youth.  True to They That Hope form, they take a lap through the weekend in sports, from NFL openers to U.S. Open storylines to the eternal LeBron vs. Jordan debate. Then they settle into the title's theme: modern sanctity. Carlo's wisdom (“In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint”) and Frassati's cry “to the heights!” frame a simple invitation: say yes to the Lord today.  They close with campus updates, a prayer, and a warm invitation to share your favorite podcast memories. Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!    Highlighted Sections  (00:29) Jubilee of Hope and Merch Madness  Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick things off with playful banter about sponsors, the Jubilee Year of Hope, and whether the pope might be a secret podcast listener. They also remind everyone there's one last chance to snag They That Hope merch, including the highly prized Heather Khym mug, at CatholicToTheMax.com.  (07:24) NFL, Tennis, and the LeBron vs. Jordan Debate  They next jump into sports to discuss the NFL's opening weekend, recap the US Open finals, and, of course, argue over The Athletic's “Basketball 100.” Jordan or LeBron? The debate continues.  (15:47) Franciscan Homecoming Preview  Campus is buzzing for Homecoming Weekend with chapel tours, a St. Francis Festival, and alumni reunions. Father Dave and Deacon Bob share details on the newly renovated Christ the King Chapel and joke about who may—or may not—be getting awards at the banquet. (Pssst, sign up to join Homecoming here.)  (21:43) Five Years of Movies, Memes, and Memories  Looking back on the podcast's run, the hosts laugh about their obsessions (Hamilton, Top Gun, Black Widow) and reflect on milestones from solar eclipses to campus life during COVID. They recall both joyful and sobering moments, always framed through the lens of hope.  (26:16) Modern Saints for Modern Times  Next, they move into the heart of the episode: celebrating the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Father Dave and Deacon Bob highlight the families present in Rome, the youthful joy of both saints, and the reminder that holiness often begins with a simple yes lived in ordinary life.  (32:54) Carlo's Wisdom in His Own Words  “In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint!” The hosts share Carlo's best lines on joy, sin, and holiness, and revisit his Eucharistic Miracles project as a reminder of how young people enrich the Church.  (35:37) Prayer and Sending Forth  The episode closes with gratitude for these new saints, a prayer for their intercession, and a heartfelt thank-you to listeners. As the season draws to a close, Father Dave and Deacon Bob invite fans to send memories and well-wishes to Hope@Franciscan.edu.    Resources Mentioned   They That Hope Mug that Heather Khym Illegally Stole from Deacon Bob's House and Vandalized with Abiding Together Propaganda— purchase your own at CatholicToTheMax.com.  “The Basketball 100”— from The Athletic   FaithAndReason.com — more Catholic content from Franciscan University  Homecoming Weekend— learn more about Franciscan's upcoming homecoming from September 26-28, 2025  Papal Chapel with the Rite of Canonization of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis— Pope Leo's canonization homily  “Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Many Miracles of the Eucharist” by Timothy P. O'Malley— learn more about the Eucharistic Miracles project inspired by St. Carlo Acutis 

Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 129The Saint of the day is Blessed Frdric OzanamBlessed Frédéric Ozanam’s Story A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day. Frédéric Ozanam was the fifth of Jean and Marie Ozanam's 14 children, one of only three to reach adulthood. As a teenager he began having doubts about his religion. Reading and prayer did not seem to help, but long walking discussions with Father Noirot of the Lyons College clarified matters a great deal. Frédéric wanted to study literature, although his father, a doctor, wanted him to become a lawyer. Frédéric yielded to his father's wishes and in 1831, arrived in Paris to study law at the University of the Sorbonne. When certain professors there mocked Catholic teachings in their lectures, Frédéric defended the Church. A discussion club which Frédéric organized sparked the turning point in his life. In this club, Catholics, atheists, and agnostics debated the issues of the day. Once, after Frédéric spoke about Christianity's role in civilization, a club member said: “Let us be frank, Mr. Ozanam; let us also be very particular. What do you do besides talk to prove the faith you claim is in you?” Frédéric Ozanam was stung by the question. He soon decided that his words needed a grounding in action. He and a friend began visiting Paris tenements and offering assistance as best they could. Soon a group dedicated to helping individuals in need under the patronage of Saint Vincent de Paul formed around Frédéric. Feeling that the Catholic faith needed an excellent speaker to explain its teachings, Frédéric convinced the Archbishop of Paris to appoint Dominican Father Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire, the greatest preacher then in France, to preach a Lenten series in Notre Dame Cathedral. It was well-attended and became an annual tradition in Paris. After Frédéric Ozanam earned his law degree at the Sorbonne, he taught law at the University of Lyons. He also earned a doctorate in literature. Soon after marrying Amelie Soulacroix on June 23, 1841, he returned to the Sorbonne to teach literature. A well-respected lecturer, Frédéric worked to bring out the best in each student. Meanwhile, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was growing throughout Europe. Paris alone counted 25 conferences. In 1846, Frédéric, Amelie, and their daughter Marie went to Italy; there he hoped to restore his poor health. They returned the next year. The revolution of 1848 left many Parisians in need of the services of the Saint Vincent de Paul conferences. The unemployed numbered 275,000. The government asked Frédéric and his coworkers to supervise the government aid to the poor. Vincentians throughout Europe came to the aid of Paris. Frédéric then started a newspaper, The New Era, dedicated to securing justice for the poor and the working classes. Fellow Catholics were often unhappy with what Frédéric wrote. Referring to the poor man as “the nation's priest,” Frédéric said that the hunger and sweat of the poor formed a sacrifice that could redeem the people's humanity. In 1852, poor health again forced Frédéric to return to Italy with his wife and daughter. He died on September 8, 1853. In his sermon at Frédéric's funeral, Fr. Lacordaire described his friend as “one of those privileged creatures who came direct from the hand of God in whom God joins tenderness to genius in order to enkindle the world.” Frédéric was beatified in 1997. Since Frédéric wrote an excellent book entitled Franciscan Poets of the Thirteenth Century, and since his sense of the dignity of each poor person was so close to the thinking of Saint Francis, it seemed appropriate to include him among Franciscan “greats.” His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 9. Reflection Frédéric Ozanam always respected the poor while offering whatever service he could. Each man, woman, and child was too precious to live in poverty. Serving the poor taught Frédéric something about God that he could not have learned elsewhere. Learn more about the legacy of Frédéric Ozanam! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa. Candid Catholic Convos 9.7.25   SHOW DESCRIPTION:   Today we're joined by Deacon Scott Root. Deacon Root is a permanent deacon in our Diocese who holds a masters in Pastoral Studies in the Diaconate Formation Program from Pontifical College Josephium, a Catechist certification from Franciscan university of Steubenville, a master Catechist Certification from our Diocese, and he's the senior theology teacher at Trinity High School. He's also a husband, father and regular guest on our podcast over the last several months helping us get Back-to-Basics with our faith. Scripture Verse: Luke 22:19 Saint Spotlight: Carlo Acutis.  

Bob Johnston interviews Kent Lasnowski about San Damiano College for the Trades in Springfield, Illinois, a new Catholic men's college rooted in Franciscan and Norbertine tradition that seeks to “rebuild the church” by integrating faithful formation and classical learning with hands‑on training in the seven construction trades. The episode outlines the college's current one‑year non‑degree formation program with trade exposure, plans for an associate degree, its strong Catholic identity and religious partnerships, and how the school prepares students for meaningful, durable work and apprenticeship opportunities. https://www.sandamianotrades.org/

For more than two centuries the United States constitution has given Americans the right to live in a society where church and state exist independently and without conflict. So why is Christianity suddenly being co-opted by far-right groups, politicians, friends, and family members to justify oppressive and unequal policies? And how do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith?Separation of Church and Hate, by comedian and TV and radio host John Fugelsang—himself the child of a former Catholic nun and Franciscan brother—finally offers the answers. In this informative, perspective-shifting guide, Fugelsang takes readers through common talking points and arguments—God condemns abortion, gay marriage is a sin, guns are an ordained right, and more—and exposes their hypocrisy and inaccuracy through scripture, philosophy, and plain old common sense.Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://peculiarbookclub.com/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/ixJJ2Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/PeculiarBookClub/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PeculiarBookClub/streams⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@peculiarbookclub.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/peculiarbooksclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thepeculiarbookclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. Understanding failure through the lens of Franciscan wisdom. How humility and poverty lead to spiritual liberation. The transformative power of embracing vulnerability and community.Hashtags: #FranciscanWisdom #EmbraceFailure #SpiritualJourney Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFSFor further Information visit our Website OurWalkTogether.comor contact: PaulLongOFS@gmail.com

Sentenced by St. Charles Borromeo for heresy, a Franciscan friar escapes the Roman Inquisition. With his life spared only in effigy, this daring escape shocked the Church. Discover the story of The Heretic Friar Who Escaped the Roman Inquisition.

The Outer Realm welcomes back Marilynn Hughes Host: Michelle Desrochers Date: August 27th, 2025 Episode: 607 Discussion: Marilynn will be discussing Mystical Theology, Astral Projection, Divine Unions, OBEs and more Contact for the show - theouterrealmcontact@gmail.com Michelle Desrochers and The Outer Realm :https://linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ Please support us by Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting. Thank you all !!! About Marilynn: "Marilynn Hughes founded The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation in 2003 (Mission: Reduce Spiritual Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has experienced, researched, written, and taught about Out of Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has spoken on dozens of radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out of body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions, as well as Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical and Moral Theology. She has also studied Individual Schools of Theology, to include Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, and Benedictine. Marilynn has also trained as a Remote Viewer in Transdimensional, Controlled and Associative Remote Viewing and is a Hypnotherapist. She received certifications in various psychological and therapeutic modalities including NLP, REBT, CBT, ACT, DBT, MBCT, EFT, TFT, SFBT and NBA Therapies. Marilynn Hughes has authored 138 books, 40 magazines and 18 CD's on Out of Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism including her seminal classic The Mysteries of the Redemption: A Treatise on Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism, which was in development to become a feature film/tv series. She was featured in the documentary film, The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary, and in Documentary Film Productions: The Grand Phases of the Soul, The Stairway from Earth to Heaven, How to Have an Out-of-Body Experience, The Tao of Mysticism, The Initiations into the Mysteries, The Rites of Passage, The Prayer of the Twelfth Hour and At the Feet of the Masters. She is the author of an English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages (In Twelve Volumes). Her out of body travel work has been featured in The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World, by Constance Victoria Briggs and in Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness, (along with Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Ingo Swann) by Dr. Thomas Streicher. KC Armstrong, (Former Producer of the Howard Stern Show), in his book named Marilynn as one of thirteen Simply Amazing Women. Marilynn Hughes has been the subject of several Research Studies including The Out-of-Body Experiment by Alex Tsakiris of Skeptiko. Marilynn Hughes and Dr. Rudy Schild (Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard) co-authored a chapter entitled The Science for Moral Law. She has been featured to speak about Out-of-Body Travel on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Midnight in the Desert with Art Bell, the Joan Rivers Show among others. Marilynn Hughes was on the the original board of The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraordinary Experiences and is a continuing contributor. She came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound out of body experience wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels which led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission to fulfill in relation to out of body travel. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience in adulthood which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out of body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades." Marilynn Hughes The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation https://outofbodytravel.org MarilynnHughes@outofbodytravel.org

Have you ever felt a longing for something more in your life? Join us as Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR, shares his personal journey of faith and the life-changing impact of this sacred sacrament. In this episode, you will learn: Hear how visiting a church changed Fr. Jeremiah's life and helped him grow closer to God. Discover the Eucharist as the real presence of Jesus. Learn how receiving Jesus in the Eucharist brings peace, strength, and new life. Explore now: Guest information and additional resources to stay up to date with Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock. Jewel for the Journey: "Jesus said to them, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you." (John 6:53) Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock's Talk recorded at the 2025 Catholic Women's Conference, on July 26, 2025, in San Antonio, TX Do you like what you hear? Become a Missionary of Hope by sponsoring a week of Journeys of Hope. Click here to get started. Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate

The Outer Realm welcomes back Marilynn Hughes Host: Michelle Desrochers Date: August 27th, 2025 Episode: 607 Discussion: Marilynn will be discussing Mystical Theology, Astral Projection, Divine Unions, OBEs and more Contact for the show - theouterrealmcontact@gmail.com Michelle Desrochers and The Outer Realm :https://linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ Please support us by Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting. Thank you all !!! About Marilynn: "Marilynn Hughes founded The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation in 2003 (Mission: Reduce Spiritual Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has experienced, researched, written, and taught about Out of Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has spoken on dozens of radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out of body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions, as well as Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical and Moral Theology. She has also studied Individual Schools of Theology, to include Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, and Benedictine. Marilynn has also trained as a Remote Viewer in Transdimensional, Controlled and Associative Remote Viewing and is a Hypnotherapist. She received certifications in various psychological and therapeutic modalities including NLP, REBT, CBT, ACT, DBT, MBCT, EFT, TFT, SFBT and NBA Therapies. Marilynn Hughes has authored 138 books, 40 magazines and 18 CD's on Out of Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism including her seminal classic The Mysteries of the Redemption: A Treatise on Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism, which was in development to become a feature film/tv series. She was featured in the documentary film, The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary, and in Documentary Film Productions: The Grand Phases of the Soul, The Stairway from Earth to Heaven, How to Have an Out-of-Body Experience, The Tao of Mysticism, The Initiations into the Mysteries, The Rites of Passage, The Prayer of the Twelfth Hour and At the Feet of the Masters. She is the author of an English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages (In Twelve Volumes). Her out of body travel work has been featured in The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World, by Constance Victoria Briggs and in Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness, (along with Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Ingo Swann) by Dr. Thomas Streicher. KC Armstrong, (Former Producer of the Howard Stern Show), in his book named Marilynn as one of thirteen Simply Amazing Women. Marilynn Hughes has been the subject of several Research Studies including The Out-of-Body Experiment by Alex Tsakiris of Skeptiko. Marilynn Hughes and Dr. Rudy Schild (Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard) co-authored a chapter entitled The Science for Moral Law. She has been featured to speak about Out-of-Body Travel on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Midnight in the Desert with Art Bell, the Joan Rivers Show among others. Marilynn Hughes was on the the original board of The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraordinary Experiences and is a continuing contributor. She came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound out of body experience wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels which led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission to fulfill in relation to out of body travel. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience in adulthood which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out of body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades." Marilynn Hughes The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation https://outofbodytravel.org MarilynnHughes@outofbodytravel.org

From Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (“The Big Dumper”) to Cracker Barrel pancakes to mother-son saints, Father Dave and Deacon Bob serve up another classic mix of sports, pop culture, and faith. This week's wide-ranging conversation moves from baseball nicknames and Ryder Cup golf to the Solemn Blessing of Christ the King Chapel and Franciscan University's theme for the year: keeping Jesus at the center.  Along the way, they debate Cracker Barrel's new logo, celebrate St. Monica and St. Augustine, and swap stories from recent travels to Corpus Christi and Superior. And since the podcast is nearing its final episodes, they invite listeners to share both favorite nicknames and treasured podcast memories as this chapter draws to a close.    Highlighted Sections  (00:00) A Podcast Nearing the Finish Line  Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on the bittersweet reality of wrapping up the show and invite listeners to send in nicknames and stories from past episodes.  (01:22) Nicknames and Sports Roundup  The guys kick things off their sports banter with Cal Raleigh's unforgettable nickname before rolling into football predictions, Buccaneers talk, and Ryder Cup golf. They even touch on Notre Dame's Sunday night matchup with Miami and the return of the so-called “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, popularized in ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary.  (11:46) Cracker Barrel and Breakfast Theology  Cracker Barrel's new logo sparks a lively debate about breakfast chains, maple syrup, and cultural shifts. From First Watch to Bob Evans, the guys weigh in on their favorites.  (15:47) The Best-Named Diocese  From Superior, Wisconsin, to Corpus Christi, Texas, the hosts trade stories from recent travels and give shout-outs to friends and listeners along the way.  (19:07) Christ the King Chapel Blessing  Franciscan's newly expanded chapel is blessed and opened, a joyful moment for the University and its largest freshman class. The new space is full of Franciscan beauty, from the San Damiano Cross to a nativity carving at the altar.  (22:01) Saints of the Week and Theme of the Year  St. Monica and St. Augustine take center stage, with reflections on Monica's perseverance as encouragement for parents praying for their children. The episode closes with Franciscan's theme for the year: Jesus at the center of all things.    Resources Mentioned  Why is Cal Raleigh nicknamed 'Big Dumper'?– USA Today  Notre Dame vs. Miami Rivalry: Catholics vs. Convicts– ESPN 30 for 30 documentary  Cracker Barrel Rebrand Coverage – Coverage of the new logo and redesign  Christ the King Solemn Blessing Mass – Watch the solemn blessing  Catechesi Tradendae (On Catechesis in Our Time) – St. John Paul II on catechesis 

On 28th August 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, a young Franciscan friar named Thomas Felton was hanged near Brentford, Middlesex. Felton's “crime”? His Catholic faith, and his refusal to acknowledge Elizabeth I as head of the Church. The son of Blessed John Felton (executed in 1570 for posting the papal bull of Elizabeth's excommunication), young Thomas endured brutal imprisonment and torture — confined in the Little Ease, flogged, and even hanged by his hands until they bled. Yet he refused to betray his faith or the priests who sheltered English Catholics. He was just 21 years old when he went to the gallows — turning down a pardon rather than compromise his beliefs. In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian and author, share the tragic yet inspiring story of Thomas Felton, and why his courage deserves to be remembered. If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like and subscribe, and consider joining my channel membership for exclusive talks, resources, and a monthly Tudor magazine. #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #SpanishArmada #CatholicMartyrs #OnThisDay

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 423The Saint of the day is Queenship of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Story of the Queenship of Mary Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But the Blessed Virgin Mary's queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary's Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary's life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus' kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court. In the fourth century Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Later Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. Hymns of the 11th to 13th centuries address Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown as well as numerous invocations in Mary's litany celebrate her queenship. The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption, and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954 encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus' redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power. Reflection As Saint Paul suggests in Romans 8:28–30, God has predestined human beings from all eternity to share the image of his Son. All the more was Mary predestined to be the mother of Jesus. As Jesus was to be king of all creation, Mary, in dependence on Jesus, was to be queen. All other titles to queenship derive from this eternal intention of God. As Jesus exercised his kingship on earth by serving his Father and his fellow human beings, so did Mary exercise her queenship. As the glorified Jesus remains with us as our king till the end of time (Matthew 28:20), so does Mary, who was assumed into heaven and crowned queen of heaven and earth. Learn more about the Queenship of Mary! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 419The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of ToulouseSaint Louis of Toulouse’s Story When he died at the age of 23, Louis was already a Franciscan, a bishop, and a saint! Louis's parents were Charles II of Naples and Sicily, and Mary, daughter of the King of Hungary. Louis was related to Saint Louis IX on his father's side and to Elizabeth of Hungary on his mother's side. Louis showed early signs of attachment to prayer and to the corporal works of mercy. As a child he used to take food from the castle to feed the poor. When he was 14, Louis and two of his brothers were taken as hostages to the king of Aragon's court as part of a political deal involving Louis's father. At the court, Louis was tutored by Franciscan friars under whom he made great progress both in his studies and in the spiritual life. Like Saint Francis he developed a special love for those afflicted with leprosy. While he was still a hostage, Louis decided to renounce his royal title and become a priest. When he was 20, he was allowed to leave the king of Aragon's court. He renounced his title in favor of his brother Robert and was ordained the next year. Very shortly after, he was appointed bishop of Toulouse, but the pope agreed to Louis's request to become a Franciscan first. The Franciscan spirit pervaded Louis. “Jesus Christ is all my riches; he alone is sufficient for me,” Louis kept repeating. Even as a bishop he wore the Franciscan habit and sometimes begged. He assigned a friar to offer him correction—in public if necessary—and the friar did his job. Louis's service to the Diocese of Toulouse was richly blessed. In no time he was considered a saint. Louis set aside 75 percent of his income as bishop to feed the poor and maintain churches. Each day he fed 25 poor people at his table. Louis was canonized in 1317 by Pope John XXII, one of his former teachers. His liturgical feast is celebrated on August 19. Reflection When Cardinal Hugolino, the future Pope Gregory IX, suggested to Francis that some of the friars would make fine bishops, Francis protested that they might lose some of their humility and simplicity if appointed to those positions. Those two virtues are needed everywhere in the Church, and Louis shows us how they can be lived out by bishops. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

On today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by Jamie Baxter, the Founder and CEO of Exodus 90 to discuss why Catholics, and particularly Catholic men, should revive the tradition of St. Michael's Lent. This tradition, which was popularized by St. Francis of Assisi, was a staple of Western Christianity, and the Franciscan tradition in particular, for more than 800 years. In fact, it was in 1224 during St. Michael's Lent when Francis received the grace of the Stigmata, the Five Wounds of Christ. Join Jamie and I as we delve into this beautiful tradition!Exodus 90 App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exodus-90-live-different/id1448034275Exodus 90 Website: https://exodus90.com/Get 15% Off TAN Books using code "TRUTH15" at checkout: https://tanbooks.com/?rfsn=7031065.cf6efa1

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr Lectionary: 416The Saint of the day is Saint Maximilian Mary KolbeSaint Maximilian Mary Kolbe's Story “I don't know what's going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe's reaction was, “I prayed very hard to Our Lady to tell me what would happen to me. She appeared, holding in her hands two crowns, one white, one red. She asked if I would like to have them—one was for purity, the other for martyrdom. I said, ‘I choose both.' She smiled and disappeared.” After that he was not the same. He entered the minor seminary of the Conventual Franciscans in Lvív–then Poland, now Ukraine—near his birthplace, and at 16 became a novice. Though Maximilian later achieved doctorates in philosophy and theology, he was deeply interested in science, even drawing plans for rocket ships. Ordained at 24, Maximilian saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of the day. His mission was to combat it. He had already founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with the witness of the good life, prayer, work, and suffering. He dreamed of and then founded Knight of the Immaculata, a religious magazine under Mary's protection to preach the Good News to all nations. For the work of publication he established a “City of the Immaculata”—Niepokalanow—which housed 700 of his Franciscan brothers. He later founded another one in Nagasaki, Japan. Both the Militia and the magazine ultimately reached the one-million mark in members and subscribers. His love of God was daily filtered through devotion to Mary. In 1939, the Nazi panzers overran Poland with deadly speed. Niepokalanow was severely bombed. Kolbe and his friars were arrested, then released in less than three months, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In 1941, Fr. Kolbe was arrested again. The Nazis' purpose was to liquidate the select ones, the leaders. The end came quickly, three months later in Auschwitz, after terrible beatings and humiliations. A prisoner had escaped. The commandant announced that 10 men would die. He relished walking along the ranks. “This one. That one.” As they were being marched away to the starvation bunkers, Number 16670 dared to step from the line. “I would like to take that man's place. He has a wife and children.”“Who are you?”“A priest.” No name, no mention of fame. Silence. The commandant, dumbfounded, perhaps with a fleeting thought of history, kicked Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek out of line and ordered Fr. Kolbe to go with the nine. In the “block of death” they were ordered to strip naked, and their slow starvation began in darkness. But there was no screaming—the prisoners sang. By the eve of the Assumption, four were left alive. The jailer came to finish Kolbe off as he sat in a corner praying. He lifted his fleshless arm to receive the bite of the hypodermic needle. It was filled with carbolic acid. They burned his body with all the others. Fr. Kolbe was beatified in 1971 and canonized in 1982. Reflection Father Kolbe's death was not a sudden, last-minute act of heroism. His whole life had been a preparation. His holiness was a limitless, passionate desire to convert the whole world to God. And his beloved Immaculata was his inspiration. Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe is a Patron Saint of: AddictsRecovery from drug addiction Learn about Kolbe House Prison Ministry! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Preorder John's new book HERE!Key Ideas from this episode:* John Fugelsang's background: son of former nun and Franciscan brother, raised in a progressive Catholic household.* Discussion of his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which critiques the weaponization of Christianity by right-wing fundamentalists.* Exploration of how fundamentalism distorts the teachings of Jesus and promotes exclusion, fear, and political power.* Personal stories of questioning and deconstructing faith, both from John and Leslie.* The difference between following Jesus' teachings and adhering to organized religion or literal interpretations of scripture.* The role of empathy, love, and humility in true Christian practice.* The challenge of engaging with family and community members who hold rigid or exclusionary beliefs.* Encouragement to use scripture thoughtfully in discussions, focusing on compassion rather than condemnation.* The importance of modeling kindness and understanding, even when disagreeing with others.* A call to reclaim faith from those who use it to justify hate or political agendas. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Beat the heat with Brenda and Brian on The Morning Blend. Get the latest news from the weekend and hear ways to live like a Franciscan. Today is the feast of St. Clare of Assisi. Start your day with Mater Dei Radio.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

This episode gives an introduction to the life and work of Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner. Dr Joey Belleza, Dr Matthew Minerd, and Fr. Charles Robinson of the Sacra Doctrina Project interview Dr. Jared Goff, the publisher of the recent edition of Fr. Fehlner's collected works.

She played basketball and softball in high school and also participated in archery. Present day, she serves in a role at Alvernia University - a private Franciscan university in Reading, Pennsylvania - where she works with the 38 varsity teams, including activities ranging from attending coaches meetings to praying with teams before practices and games, and joining the bus with teams to offer support and prayer. On behalf of Alvernia athletics she also serves on the Thoughtful Assessment Group, and her goal is to continue to expand her work with student-athletes and across campus in order to support and minister to as many students as possible.

July 22, 2025: Charles Christian, VP of Technology and CTO at Franciscan Health, joins Nayan Patel, SVP of FinThrive, to discuss their healthcare innovation lab and supporting clinicians. What happens when a tech giant realizes it can't just provide a platform but must become a true partner in life-safety systems? Charles reveals how Franciscan's tech innovation lab uses donated equipment and a "fail fast" approach to test everything from ambient listening to virtual care solutions before rolling them out. How do you balance innovation with the reality that clinical staff expect technology to work seamlessly? The conversation explores application rationalization strategies that eliminated over 150 redundant systems and the ongoing challenge of measuring ROI when reimbursement rules constantly shift. Key Points: 03:49 Challenges and Solutions in Cloud Migration 07:17 Tech Innovation Lab and Pilot Projects 17:23 Application Rationalization and Cost Management 23:14 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions X: This Week Health LinkedIn: This Week Health Donate: Alex's Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 390The Saint of the day is Saint BonaventureSaint Bonaventure’s Story Perhaps not a household name for most people, Saint Bonaventure, nevertheless, played an important role in both the medieval Church and the history of the Franciscan Order. A senior faculty member at the University of Paris, Saint Bonaventure certainly captured the hearts of his students through his academic skills and insights. But more importantly, he captured their hearts through his Franciscan love for Jesus and the Church. Like his model, Saint Francis, Jesus was the center of everything—his teaching, his administration, his writing, and his life. So much so, that he was given the title “Seraphic Doctor.” Born in Bagnoregio in 1221, Saint Bonaventure was baptized John, but received the name Bonaventure when he became a Franciscan at the age of 22. Little is known about his childhood, but we do know that his parents were Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritell. It seems that his father was a physician and a man of means. While Saint Francis died about five years after the saint's birth, he is credited with healing Bonaventure as a boy of a serious illness. Saint Bonaventure's teaching career came to a halt when the Friars elected him to serve as their General Minister. His 17 years of service were not easy as the Order was embroiled in conflicts over the interpretation of poverty. Some friars even ended up in heresy saying that Saint Francis and his community were inaugurating the era of the Holy Spirit which was to replace Jesus, the Church, and Scripture. But because he was a man of prayer and a good administrator, Saint Bonaventure managed to structure the Order through effective legislation. But more importantly, he offered the Friars an organized spirituality based on the vision and insights of Saint Francis. Always a Franciscan at heart and a mystical writer, Bonaventure managed to unite the pastoral, practical aspects of life with the doctrines of the Church. Thus, there is a noticeable warmth to his teachings and writings that make him very appealing. Shortly before he ended his service as General Minister, Pope Gregory X created him a Cardinal and appointed him bishop of Albano. But a little over a year later, while participating in the Second Council of Lyon, Saint Bonaventure died suddenly on July 15, 1274. There is a theory that he was poisoned. Saint Bonaventure left behind a structured and renewed Franciscan Order and a body of work all of which glorifies his major love—Jesus. Reflection Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he rose to the heights of mysticism while remaining a very active preacher and teacher, one beloved by all who met him. To know him was to love him; to read him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman. Click here for more on Saint Bonaventure! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Today is the Memorial of St. Bonaventure (1221-1274), bishop and doctor of the Church, the General of the Franciscan Order at that time, and known because of his wisdom, eloquence, and sanctity as the Seraphic Teacher.His contemporaries believed that no one was "more handsome, more holy, or more learned" than he.Dante had already included him among the inhabitants of his "Paradise."Bonaventure was a subtle scholastic and a profound mystic. He had a heart full of love and rich in virtue.In philosophy, he was the principal leader of the Platonic-Augustinian school of Franciscan thought. As such, he stood opposed to the Aristotelianism that was gaining influence in the schools of the time, represented by Thomas Aquinas.Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis was a favorite book of the Middle Ages.When St. Thomas was told about Bonaventure's work, he said: "Let us allow one saint to labor for another."Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play•⁠ July 15, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET