Podcasts about franciscan missionaries

Most medical care is backed by varying types of evidence, yet we apply higher standards to digital health tools before they're trusted, adopted, or reimbursed.In this special episode, guest host Lucia Savage is joined by Dr. Vindell Washington of Verily and Dr. Aaron Carroll of AcademyHealth for a candid conversation about the uneven standards we apply to digital versus traditional care. Together, they explore how we define evidence, whose voices shape that definition, and what it takes to build trust in an AI-powered healthcare future.We cover:

Fr. Matthew Mary Bartow, a priest with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word and an Assistant Chaplain at EWTN in Alabama joins us to reflect on the election of Pope Leo XIV, and talk about a proper disposition toward the pope. He shares with us his own journey with Pope Francis, and we talk a bit about how to handle all the media fervor surrounding any new pope.

In this episode, Alan Condon sits down with Michael Gleason, CFO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, to discuss navigating labor challenges, regulatory shifts, and disruptors in healthcare. Mike highlights the organization's $240 million financial turnaround, the transition from a holding company to an operating company, and a strategic focus on organic growth to ensure a sustainable future.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda sits down with Dr. James E. Craven, Chief Physician Executive at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Dr. Craven shares his perspective on navigating financial challenges, expanding patient access, optimizing physician networks, and evolving as a leader in a dynamic healthcare landscape. Listen in for his strategies and insights on fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration within a mission-driven organization.

We have released several episodes in recent months in which we have discussed federal and state legislative efforts on 340B. But what does it take to get 340B protections through a state legislature and to the governor's desk? In this episode, we speak with Ryan Cross, vice president of governmental affairs with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, based in Baton Rouge, La. This system operates 10 hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi. Both states recently enacted contract pharmacy protection laws. Ryan says there were three factors involved with getting these state protections over the legislative finish line:Relationships — Ryan says the relationships 340B advocates formed with other hospitals, lawmakers, and public policy staff contributed to their successes at the state level. The first time to discuss 340B with these individuals cannot be when a bill is going up for consideration, much less when stakeholders are on defense and trying to explain the importance of 340B in the wake of legislation that would harm covered entities.Messaging — Ryan explains how the messaging that resonated in the states during the 340B contract pharmacy debate focused on how big pharma is trying to take money away from not-for-profit hospitals and drive it to out-of-state shareholders. By emphasizing the variety of patient programs and support that are possible because of 340B without making it a referendum on the federal program at large, that case mostly sells itself.Grassroots — Ryan notes that there are roughly 18,000 members of his health system across Louisiana and Mississippi. These are physicians, nurses, pharmacy techs, and other health care professionals with representatives that they can contact. Knowing when to deploy these grassroots supporters to make phone calls and send emails is important, because that can get attention and results when timed well.Resources:Missouri Becomes Eighth State To Enact Contract Pharmacy Protections

Join Johnnette from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis! Today, Father Patrick Mary and Father John Therese join from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word to discuss their vocation to religious life and the priesthood!

Join Johnnette from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis!Today, Father Patrick Mary and Father John Therese join from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word to discuss their vocation to religious life and the priesthood!

Join Johnnette from the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis! Today, Fr Patrick Mary and Fr John Therese join from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word to discuss their vocation to religious life and the priesthood!

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 384The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and CompanionsSaint Augustine Zhao Rong’s and Companions’ Stories Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China's relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and 1930. Eighty-seven of them were born in China, and were children, parents, catechists, or laborers, ranging in age from nine years to 72. This group includes four Chinese diocesan priests. The 33 foreign-born martyrs were mostly priests or women religious, especially from the Order of Preachers, the Paris Foreign Mission Society, the Friars Minor, Society of Jesus, Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians), and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier who accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse of the Paris Foreign Mission Society to his martyrdom in Beijing. Not long after his baptism, Augustine was ordained as a diocesan priest. He was martyred in 1815. Beatified in groups at various times, these 120 martyrs were canonized together in Rome on October 1, 2000. Reflection The People's Republic of China and the Roman Catholic Church each have well over a billion members, but there are only about 12 million Catholics in China. The reasons for that are better explained by historical conflicts than by a wholesale rejection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Chinese-born martyrs honored by today’s feast were regarded by their persecutors as dangerous because they were considered allies of enemy, Catholic countries. The martyrs born outside China often tried to distance themselves from European political struggles relating to China, but their persecutors saw them as Westerners and therefore, by definition, anti-Chinese. The Good News of Jesus Christ is intended to benefit all peoples; today's martyrs knew that. May 21st-century Christians live in such a way that Chinese women and men will be attracted to hear that Good News and embrace it. Enjoy this list of popular patron saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 383The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory Grassi and CompanionsSaint Gregory Grassi and Companions’ Story Christian missionaries have often gotten caught in the crossfire of wars against their own countries. When the governments of Britain, Germany, Russia, and France forced substantial territorial concessions from the Chinese in 1898, anti-foreign sentiment grew very strong among many Chinese people. Gregory Grassi was born in Italy in 1823, ordained in 1856, and sent to China five years later. Gregory was later ordained bishop of North Shanxi. With 14 other European missionaries and 14 Chinese religious, he was martyred during the short but bloody Boxer Uprising of 1900. Twenty-six of these martyrs were arrested on the orders of Yu Hsien, the governor of Shanxi province. They were hacked to death on July 9, 1900. Five of them were Friars Minor; seven were Franciscan Missionaries of Mary—the first martyrs of their congregation. Seven were Chinese seminarians and Secular Franciscans; four martyrs were Chinese laymen and Secular Franciscans. The other three Chinese laymen killed in Shanxi simply worked for the Franciscans and were rounded up with all the others. Three Italian Franciscans were martyred that same week in the province of Hunan. All these martyrs were beatified in 1946, and were among the 120 martyrs canonized in 2000. Reflection Martyrdom is the occupational hazard of missionaries. Throughout China during the Boxer Uprising, five bishops, 50 priests, two brothers, 15 sisters and 40,000 Chinese Christians were killed. The 146,575 Catholics served by the Franciscans in China in 1906 had grown to 303,760 by 1924, and were served by 282 Franciscans and 174 local priests. Great sacrifices often bring great results. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

We're live with Hans Plate, founder of Vinea Research, discusses updated research on Catholic's belief in the true presence, Alan Migliorato, co-author of "Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today" and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) talks about the interesting link between John the Baptist and St. Francis of Assisi.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of "Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today", Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) with update and Bear Woznick, Catholic author and professional surfer, talks about Father's Day and "12 Rules For Manliness - Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?"

Join us for a dynamic discussion on the impact of ministry formation on the colleague experience, featuring Darren Henson, Senior Director of Ministry Formation at CHA, Pete Guarisco, VP of Mission at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, and Rafael Flores, Director of Mission Integration at FMOL Northshore Region. Discover FMOL's deep commitment to ministry formation across the system and its profound significance in upholding the legacy of their ministry's founding congregations. Gain insights into the diverse approaches to formation and how they shape colleague experiences, interactions, and the delivery of care. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the transformative power of ministry formation in health care.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge (Fran U) and Lori Graham, Registered Nurse at Woman's New Life Clinic.

We're live with Fr. Todd Lloyd, pastor at Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge talks about the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today talks about teens and forgiveness and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) with a theology lesson.

The IT stack of the past cannot service the health system of the future. That's one of the main sentiments that runs through the following thoughts offered by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) SVP/CIO Will Landry. For example, legacy and on-prem technology cannot provide the business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities that […] Source: Q&A with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System SVP/CIO Will Landry: “Investing in Agility is Worth the Cost” on healthsystemcio.com - healthsystemCIO.com is the sole online-only publication dedicated to exclusively and comprehensively serving the information needs of healthcare CIOs.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge (Fran U) and Theoni Bell, co-author of the book Jellybean: A Baby's Journey to God.

We're live with Fr. Chris Decker, pastor at St. Mary's of False River in New Roads and Director of Mission for Catholic Community Media talks about Holy Week, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) in Baton Rouge talks about vocations

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) in Baton Rouge and Mary Jane Zuzulo, Catholic author, talks about her Lenten book The Sixth Station.

Join us for an insightful audio discussion with Will Landry, SVP Chief Information Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Will shares his background and delves into the pressing healthcare issues of 2024, along with his excitement and concerns for the future. Gain valuable insights into the essential traits required for healthcare leaders to thrive in the coming years.

We're live with Dina Dow, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Baton Rouge talks about Divine Mercy and trusting in Jesus and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, also known as Fran U, talks about the Catholic church's teaching on the death penalty.

We're live with Gary Zimak, Catholic evangelist and author joins us and Dr. Brian Pedraza, Theologian at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) in Baron Rouge, Jennifer Usher, Ansleigh Munn, project coordinators for the Dominus Project.

We're live with Regina Boyd talks about building healthy connection with others in her new book Leaving Loneliness Behind: 5 Keys to Experiencing God's Love and Building Healthy Connections with Others, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge (Fran U) with update and Carl Kozlowski, Catholic comic, talks about bringing Catholic together through comedy and Catholic Laughter.

We're live with Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge (Fran U) with topic of choice, Alan Migliorato, joins us to discuss the key reasons teens struggle with developing spiritual habits and  Aline Harbison, Executive Director of the Cenacle on the Lake Retreat Center in Metairie with updates.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) with monthly update and Dr. Brian Pedraza, Associate Professor and Director of Theology at Fran U talks about the new grant for a family catechesis program, the Dominus Project.

Adam Wright and Patty Schneier are at the SEEK 2024 Conference.  This afternoon their guests include:  Dr. Pat Castle of Liferunners; Sister Anne from the Salesians; Sister Gemma from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity; Marie Miller - Musician; Father Patrick Mary from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word.  For more information about Covenant Network, please visit our website at www.OurCatholicRadio.org.

This episode features Will Landry, SVP and Chief Information Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Here, he discusses key insights into his background & organization, specific technology partnerships he is excited about, what he is currently focusing on in his role, and more.

We're live with Nicole Johnson, creator of My Christmas Angel, an alternative to Elf on the Shelf, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) joins us to talk about “Emmanuel and Advent”.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us,  Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) in Baton Rouge with monthly update and Aline Harbison, Executive Director of the Cenacle on the Lake Retreat Center with update.

We're live with Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, professor at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology talks about a new video series called Rooted: Rediscover the Jesse Tree This Advent, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) talks about the Eucharist and Thanksgiving.

We're live with Steve Ray, Catholic convert and pilgrimage leader answers the question- “Is the Mass really a sacrifice?”  Sr. Mary Lou Specha, Executive Director of Hotel Hope in New Orleans, provides update and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) in Baton Rouge talks about the Holy Trinity with Catholic 101 segment.

We're live with Fr. Todd Lloyd, pastor at Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge talks about preparing our hearts for Advent, Dr. Tina Holland, President and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University provides monthly update and Leslie Diggins, Catholic author of the book Twas the Day Before Christmas in Bethlehem Town.

We're live with Peter Finney, Editor of the Clarion Herald, the official Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans updates us, Joseph Heschmeyer, Catholic author, talks about his book The Eucharist is Really Jesus and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge continues our Catholic 101 segment talking about what happens to babies who die before baptism?

We're live with Mary String, Festival Chair, with Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs talks about their parish Fall Festival, Jason Craig, Catholic author, talks about his new book "The Traditional Virtues According to St. Thomas Aquinas: A Study for Men" and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge talks about Mary.

For the second episode in our mini-series exploring systemic racism in healthcare, our panel explores different definitions of bias, stereotyping, systemic racism, and structural racism, and how these behaviors intersect with social determinants of health. Perspectives from both patient and professional viewpoints are addressed. The panel also discuss solutions such as bias training, cultural competency, language competency, self-reflection and mentoring. Dr. Melvyn Harrington is an orthopedic surgeon and Vice Chair for Community Engagement & Health Equity at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Elena Rios serves as President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, (NHMA), representing 50,000 Hispanic physicians in the United States.  Episode host Dr. Charla Johnson is the Director of Clinical Information Systems & Nursing Informatics, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, in Baton Rouge. 0:20 Introductions | 1:55 How patients experience & express bias | 4:45 Harmful stereotyping | 6:40 Bias in medical record | 8:20 Bias as gatekeeper to college admissions & healthcare careers | 10:05 Systemic factors for healthcare workforce | 11:30 Bias steering students away from premed | 12:30 Importance of bias training | 14:40 Resistance towards bias training | 17:10 Differences between structural racism & systemic racism | 21:10 Role of social determinants of health (SDOH) | 24:05 Bias towards people with obesity | 26:10 Bias leading to inconsistencies and inequities | 27:50 Importance of self-reflection | 28:50 Bias causing patients to disengage | 29:30 Importance of cultural and language competency | 30:15 Role of age bias | 30:45 Bias toward minority healthcare professionals | 34:25 Do professionals & patients understand structural and systemic racism? | 37:10 How NHMA works to educate professionals & patients about bias | 41:00 Closing remarks. © Movement is Life 2023

We're live with Alan Milgiorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today join us, Dr. Tina Holland, President and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge provides monthly update and Erin Franco, Catholic mom and wife talks about 10 questions to ask yourself when discerning your family's schedule.

We're live with Peter Finney, Editor of the Clarion Herald, the official Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans updates us, Michael Acaldo, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge talks about the feast of St. Vincent de Paul and Dr. Christopher Ragusa, Assistant Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge talks about virtues and the moral life for our weekly segment of Catholic 101.

Welcome friends! Pull up a chair and join us for the Season 2 premiere of The Pelican Project Podcast! We have a very special guest to help us start the season off right, please welcome Fr. John Paul Mary of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. Today, Fr. John Paul helps us tackle the not so easy subject of redemptive suffering and the power that suffering can have in our lives. Don't forget to Pray, Grow, and Serve with us this week using our weekly devotional! To learn more about The Pelican Project and our mission to Reawaken a Culture of Life visit us at www.PelicanProjectMinistry.org! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pelicanproject/message

We're live with Shannon Eaton, Nurse Practitioner with Woman's New Life Clinic provides monthly update, Alan Milgiorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today join us and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana continues to rank behind almost every other state in the country in terms of its educational outcomes across the board – from Pre-K through post secondary. But buried under those bad stats, are some bright spots – success stories of programs and schools that are finding ways to prepare students and train them for the jobs of the future. On this episode of Out to Lunch, meet two of the leading lights of the Baton Rouge education system. Tina Holland is President and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, better known as Fran U. Tina came to Fran U in 2014 from Notre Dame, Indiana, where she had served as Executive Vice President and Provost of Holy Cross College. In the years since, she has overseen an aggressive and successful expansion of Fran U. Tina Holland, whose combination of military and education experience and vision has elevated Fran U to an accredited college Fran U started out nearly a century ago as Our Lady of the Lake, a nursing school. Today it is a fully accredited university with new undergraduate and graduate degree programs that Tina has created. Tina is overseeing the development of Fran U's first freestanding building which will give the university a new level of autonomy. Tina is a native of Los Angeles and a former officer in the U.S. Marine Corps., who brings an extraordinary knowledge and skillset to a position that requires navigating the turbulent waters of not only higher ed and Catholic Church but local politics as well. Christine Merchant is  World Language Coordinator with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. If you're thinking, “I didn't know East Baton Rouge Schools had a world language coordinator,” you're not alone but you might be surprised to learn that not only is the school system's immersive language program highly successful, but also that Christine has been running it for 42 years! In fact, Christine is the first and only person to hold this position. Christine Merchant, the depth of her French accent is matched by the depth of her 42 years of dedication to foreign language education in Baton Rouge The most visible flagship of the East Baton Rouge School System's foreign language track is FLAIM, or more formally, the Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet, but world languages are offered at a large number of EBR public schools. Stephanie Riegel hosts a mostly English language edition of Out to Lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard. You can find photos by Erik Otts at itsbatonrouge.la. baton rouge business podcast christine merchant east baton rouge parish schools flaim fran u mansurs on the boulevard out to lunch stephanie riegel tina hollandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us, Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Fran U) gives us their monthly update and James Behan, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans talks WYD and provides updates.

We're live with Dan Donaldson, Vice President of the Catholic Men's Leadership Alliance talks about the upcoming Heroic Men's Summit, Michael Acaldo, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge provides monthly update and Dr. Brian Pedraza, Associate Professor and Director of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge talks about his latest article in Joie de Vivre on Eucharistic Revival.

We're live with Phillip Campbell, Catholic author, talks about his book The Church and the Dark Ages, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us and Dr. David Whidden, Theology Professor at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge talks about St. Augustine.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge updates us and Phillip Campbell, Catholic author talks about his book The Story of Mary: From The Dawn of Time to Today.

We're live with Mary Bruno, Catholic author and Creight Practitioner talks about her book Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys, Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us and Dr. David Whidden, Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University talks about their new grant for Family Catechesis Program.

We're live with Alan Migliorato, co-author of Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today joins us, Dr. Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University provides update and Fr. Brice Higginbotham, priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and student at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome talks about the Eucharistic Revival.

Full Text of ReadingsFourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 100The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and CompanionsSaint Augustine Zhao Rong’s and Companions’ Stories Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China's relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and 1930. Eighty-seven of them were born in China, and were children, parents, catechists, or laborers, ranging in age from nine years to 72. This group includes four Chinese diocesan priests. The 33 foreign-born martyrs were mostly priests or women religious, especially from the Order of Preachers, the Paris Foreign Mission Society, the Friars Minor, Society of Jesus, Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians), and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier who accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse of the Paris Foreign Mission Society to his martyrdom in Beijing. Not long after his baptism, Augustine was ordained as a diocesan priest. He was martyred in 1815. Beatified in groups at various times, these 120 martyrs were canonized together in Rome on October 1, 2000. Reflection The People's Republic of China and the Roman Catholic Church each have well over a billion members, but there are only about 12 million Catholics in China. The reasons for that are better explained by historical conflicts than by a wholesale rejection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Chinese-born martyrs honored by today’s feast were regarded by their persecutors as dangerous because they were considered allies of enemy, Catholic countries. The martyrs born outside China often tried to distance themselves from European political struggles relating to China, but their persecutors saw them as Westerners and therefore, by definition, anti-Chinese. The Good News of Jesus Christ is intended to benefit all peoples; today's martyrs knew that. May 21st-century Christians live in such a way that Chinese women and men will be attracted to hear that Good News and embrace it. Enjoy this list of popular patron saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 382The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory Grassi and CompanionsSaint Gregory Grassi and Companions’ Story Christian missionaries have often gotten caught in the crossfire of wars against their own countries. When the governments of Britain, Germany, Russia, and France forced substantial territorial concessions from the Chinese in 1898, anti-foreign sentiment grew very strong among many Chinese people. Gregory Grassi was born in Italy in 1823, ordained in 1856, and sent to China five years later. Gregory was later ordained bishop of North Shanxi. With 14 other European missionaries and 14 Chinese religious, he was martyred during the short but bloody Boxer Uprising of 1900. Twenty-six of these martyrs were arrested on the orders of Yu Hsien, the governor of Shanxi province. They were hacked to death on July 9, 1900. Five of them were Friars Minor; seven were Franciscan Missionaries of Mary—the first martyrs of their congregation. Seven were Chinese seminarians and Secular Franciscans; four martyrs were Chinese laymen and Secular Franciscans. The other three Chinese laymen killed in Shanxi simply worked for the Franciscans and were rounded up with all the others. Three Italian Franciscans were martyred that same week in the province of Hunan. All these martyrs were beatified in 1946, and were among the 120 martyrs canonized in 2000. Reflection Martyrdom is the occupational hazard of missionaries. Throughout China during the Boxer Uprising, five bishops, 50 priests, two brothers, 15 sisters and 40,000 Chinese Christians were killed. The 146,575 Catholics served by the Franciscans in China in 1906 had grown to 303,760 by 1924, and were served by 282 Franciscans and 174 local priests. Great sacrifices often bring great results. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Jeanne-Marie Kerguin, 1864-1900; born to a poor peasant family in France; joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in 1887, and was sent to Paris, then to Carthage in Northern Africa; health problems forced her to go to Rome to recover; she then went to China, and was almost immediately hospitalized with typhus; during a crackdown on foreign missionaries during the Boxer Rebellion, she was executed Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 7/8/23 Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

Preaching for the Feast of the Epiphany, Stella Baltazar reflects on the call to unite all humanity in cooperation with Nature and the Divine toward a new reality: "[The Epiphany] is a call to humanity to enter the circle of life and breathe as one. The journey of the wise men is an act of regeneration to a new existence. This is the discovery made by the Magi. Their keen observation of the natural signs and their sensitivity led them to the discovery of the divine manifestation on earth." Stella Baltazar, fmm is a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Ootacamund Province, Tamil Nadu, India. She holds a master's degree in sociology and theology from the University of Mysore and is passionate about educating and empowering women, especially widows, for collective action for change. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01082023 to learn more about Stella Baltazar, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.