Podcast appearances and mentions of saint francis

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 426 The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of France Saint Louis of France's Story At his coronation as king of France, Louis IX bound himself by oath to behave as God's anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of Peace. Other kings had done the same, of course. Louis was different in that he actually interpreted his kingly duties in the light of faith. After the violence of two previous reigns, he brought peace and justice. Saint Louis of France “took the cross” for a Crusade when he was 30. His army seized Damietta in Egypt but not long after, weakened by dysentery and without support, they were surrounded and captured. Louis obtained the release of the army by giving up the city of Damietta in addition to paying a ransom. He stayed in Syria four years. Louis deserves credit for extending justice in civil administration. His regulations for royal officials became the first of a series of reform laws. He replaced trial by battle with a form of examination of witnesses and encouraged the use of written records in court. Saint Louis of France was always respectful of the papacy, but defended royal interests against the popes, and refused to acknowledge Innocent IV's sentence against Emperor Frederick II. Saint Louis of France was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick, and like his patron Saint Francis, caring even for people with leprosy. He is one of the patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order. Louis united France—lords and townsfolk, peasants and priests and knights—by the force of his personality and holiness. For many years the nation was at peace. Every day, Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and a large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and Lent, all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served them in person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in every province of his dominion. Disturbed by new Muslim advances, Louis led another crusade to North Africa in 1270. Within a month of their landing at Carthage, the army camp was decimated by disease. Louis himself died there at the age of 56. He was canonized 27 years later. Reflection Saint Louis of France was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly, and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

It's Friday, August 21st, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Nigerian policed arrested 22-year-old for converting to Christianity Nigerian police arrested a 22-year-old woman for converting to Christianity from Islam, reports International Christian Concern. Though the Federal High Court ruled in her favor, the Christian family that helped her is facing false charges of kidnapping. In 2025, “Sarah” fled from her home in Kano State after her elder siblings tried forcing her into an arranged marriage with a Muslim. While she was on the run, a Christian family took her in and shared the Gospel with her. Through the Abaras family's witness, she gave her life to Jesus Christ.  When her siblings learned of her conversion, they began working with the local Hisbah, the Islamic police force, to track her down and arrest her.  Police discovered her and detained her for four days, during which they beat her and pressured her to return home and accept the Muslim-arranged marriage. When she was released, the Abaras family helped her escape to a neighboring state with less Muslim influence. Please pray for Sarah's safety and that her Christian faith would grow stronger. According to Open Doors, Nigeria, Africa is the seventh most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. Ex-Fauci adviser pleads guilty to concealing COVID-19 origins On August 18th, Dr. Anthony Fauci's former senior adviser pleaded guilty to plotting to conceal federal records related to research on the origins of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, reports the Associated Press. Dr. David Morens is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12 by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Greenbelt, Maryland. Morens pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, a felony punishable by a maximum prison sentence of five years. Morens is accused of using his private email account to intentionally circumvent public records laws while employed at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The Justice Department alleges that he concealed or destroyed records of discussions related to COVID-19 research grants, including an effort to revive a controversial coronavirus grant. The indictment follows a probe by House Republicans into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that scrutinized Morens' email communications and accused him of intentionally concealing records. In congressional testimony, Morens denied attempting to evade federal transparency laws by using his personal email. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Senator Darline Graham performed poorly in Senatorial run-off debate On August 19th, NewsMaxTV hosted the South Carolina GOP Senatorial run-off debate between Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in the wake of the death of her brother Lindsey Graham, and Congressman Ralph Norman. When Greta Van Susteren asked a foreign policy question, it was clear that Senator Darline was out of her depth. Listen. VAN SUSTEREN: “Senator [Graham], are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? If so, why?” GRAHAM: “Um. I'm sorry. Could you repeat the question?” VAN SUSTEREN: “Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States. And if so, why or how?” GRAHAM: “I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not on national security. I'm not that informed on national security. (audience boos and laughs) So, but I do support the military. My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. “I'm not a polished politician up here. I'm … National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise. But I do support the military.” By contrast, Congressman Ralph Norman, her opponent in the South Carolina GOP Senatorial run-off, said this. NORMAN: “Taiwan's a definite ally. We have a trading relationship with them that is beneficial to the United States – [computer] chips being one of them, and others. “So, what the, what the president is doing right is he's enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China. But it's peace through strength that he's showing with Iran that China, Russia, others are looking at it. They don't want to deal with America, and that's why they haven't attacked Taiwan. “If they had some weak Democrat in office, like Biden or another Obama, yeah, they'd take it over. But we can't let that happen. Peace through strength is working.” J.D. Vance believes Christian lifestyle suffices over verbal evangelism And finally, in a July 15th appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vice President J.D. Vance, who converted to Catholicism from Protestantism, explained that he does not evangelize by word. VANCE: “You know, I don't preach to people. I don't, like, walk into the White House, tell my employees, ‘You know, you need to be, you need to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior.' I just try to live my life in a way that hopefully makes people a little curious about what, you know, what motivates me and what inspires me.” Todd Friel, a reformed pastor in Atlanta, is the host of the Wretched Network which produces radio shows, TV shows, and books. He says the notion of wretched is at the very core of the Gospel because God saves wretches like us. Friel had this response to Vice President Vance. FRIEL:  “According to 1 Peter 3, that is true: We should live in such a way that it causes unbelievers, who are persecuting us, to ask about the reason for the hope that lies within us. That is most certainly true. “However, that is not the end of our responsibility. We are also called to make the most of every opportunity, to go and make disciples. It is our lifestyle that undergirds our confession, testimony, and evangelism. But a lifestyle is not evangelism itself.” Joe Rogan agreed with Vice President Vance. ROGAN: “I think living by example is probably the best promotion of any good way to live your life …” VANCE: “I agree.” ROGAN: “… whether it's Christianity or any other religion. I think that's definitely the way to do it.” Friel replied with this analysis. FRIEL: “It is a part of it. It does undergird our testimony, but how will they hear unless somebody preaches to them? In other words, evangelism requires words! Nobody can actually find a credible source of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said, ‘Share the Gospel, and if necessary, use words.' Well, it is necessary! Otherwise, you're just being a nice person.” Indeed, in Romans 10:14-15, the Apostle Paul asks, “How then will they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!'” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, August 21st, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Friends of the Rosary,In the Gospel today (Matthew 18:15–20), Jesus teaches how to correct a brother with patience and charity. Correction is meant to restore communion. It's fraternal correction.Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, the saint of today, lived this deeply: after suffering widowhood and many family trials, she let grief become holiness. She founded the Visitation Order with Saint Francis de Sales.The Lord is always calling us to reconciliation, not resentment.Let's stay faithful and seek peace without pretending sin does not matter, separating the sin from the person. All of it by telling the truth, and always with the hope of winning the person back.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• ⁠August 12, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Send us Fan MailGrief can hollow a life out or it can open it up. Saint Jane Frances de Chantal shows a third way: bring the loss to Christ, stay close to the Eucharist, and let God reshape what you thought your future would be. We walk through her journey from noble France to the daily grind of marriage and motherhood, where faith is not a slogan but a lived routine of Mass, prayer, the Rosary, and mercy toward the poor. If you've ever wondered whether holiness in daily life is actually possible, her story answers with quiet force.When tragedy strikes with the sudden death of her husband, Jane becomes a widow and single mother, carrying real sorrow and real responsibility. We reflect on redemptive suffering in Catholic teaching, not as spiritual denial, but as an offering united to the Cross and sustained by Eucharistic devotion through Communion, adoration, and persistent prayer. Her Marian devotion is not an accessory; it becomes a lifeline, a way of entrusting her children and her broken heart to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.We also explore the importance of spiritual direction through her friendship with Saint Francis de Sales, whose wisdom centers on gentleness, humility, abandonment to God's will, and prayer in a busy life. That guidance helps Jane discern a new vocation and eventually found the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, welcoming women who are burdened, older, or in fragile health. If you're searching for Catholic spirituality that meets you in suffering and still points to joy, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsVisit our blog for full text of our podcasts https://journeysoffaith.com/blogs/eucharist-mary-saintsDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us by referring a friend! When they upgrade you get $20 and so does Journeys of Faith...

Full Text of Readings We couldn't findthis page. The Saint of the day is Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Saint Jane Frances de Chantal's Story Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community. Her mother died when she was 18 months old, and her father, head of parliament at Dijon, France, became the main influence on her education. Jane developed into a woman of beauty and refinement, lively and cheerful in temperament. At 21, she married Baron de Chantal, by whom she had six children, three of whom died in infancy. At her castle, she restored the custom of daily Mass, and was seriously engaged in various charitable works. Jane Frances de Chantal's husband was killed after seven years of marriage, and she sank into deep dejection for four months at her family home. Her father-in-law threatened to disinherit her children if she did not return to his home. He was then 75, vain, fierce, and extravagant. Jane Frances de Chantal managed to remain cheerful in spite of him and his insolent housekeeper. When she was 32, Jane Frances de Chantal met Saint Francis de Sales who became her spiritual director, softening some of the severities imposed by her former director. She wanted to become a nun but he persuaded her to defer this decision. She took a vow to remain unmarried and to obey her director. After three years, Francis told Jane of his plan to found an institute of women that would be a haven for those whose health, age, or other considerations barred them from entering the already established communities. There would be no cloister, and they would be free to undertake spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They were primarily intended to exemplify the virtues of Mary at the Visitation—hence their name the Visitation nuns—humility and meekness. The usual opposition to women in active ministry arose and Francis de Sales was obliged to make it a cloistered community following the Rule of Saint Augustine. Francis wrote his famous Treatise on the Love of God for them. The congregation consisting of three women began when Jane Frances was 45. She underwent great sufferings: Francis de Sales died; her son was killed; a plague ravaged France; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law died. She encouraged the local authorities to make great efforts for the victims of the plague, and she put all her convent's resources at the disposal of the sick. During a part of her religious life, Jane Frances de Chantal had to undergo great trials of the spirit—interior anguish, darkness, and spiritual dryness. She died while on a visitation of convents of the community. Reflection It may strike some as unusual that a saint should be subject to spiritual dryness, darkness, interior anguish. We tend to think that such things are the usual condition of “ordinary” sinful people. Some of our lack of spiritual liveliness may indeed be our fault. But the life of faith is still one that is lived in trust, and sometimes the darkness is so great that trust is pressed to its limit.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Send us Fan MailAn invading army at the gates of a poor convent is not a setting most of us will ever face, yet the fear underneath it is familiar. We share the gripping Catholic story of Saint Clare of Assisi and the miracle of the monstrance at San Damiano, where a frail, cloistered abbess meets violence with the one “weapon” she believes the world cannot defeat: Jesus in the Eucharist.We walk through who Clare is, how a noblewoman in 1194 Assisi hears the Gospel through Saint Francis of Assisi, and why she leaves privilege behind to found what becomes the Poor Clares. That quiet foundation matters, because her most famous act of courage is not a spontaneous stunt. It is the fruit of a lifetime of Eucharistic devotion, prayer, and surrender, shaped by faith in the Real Presence.Then the crisis hits. Tradition places the siege in 1240 as Saracen mercenaries advance on the countryside. Clare gathers her sisters before the Blessed Sacrament, prays for protection, and lifts the monstrance toward the threat. The story ends with the attackers retreating and the community spared, and we sit with what that means for modern Catholics who are anxious, overwhelmed, or worn down by a world that feels hostile.If you want to deepen your Eucharistic faith, renew your love for adoration, or simply learn how to choose peace when fear feels loud, this one is for you. Subscribe for more Catholic saint stories, share this with a friend who needs courage, and leave a review with the line that stayed with you most.Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsVisit our blog for full text of our podcasts https://journeysoffaith.com/blogs/eucharist-mary-saintsDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us by referring a friend! When they upgrade you get $20 and so does Journeys of Faith...

Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Clare, 1194-1253; Clare heard Saint Francis of Assisi preach and it ignited in her a desire to follow Christ in a similar way; Saint Francis took Saint Clare to San Paolo and placed her in the care of Benedictine nuns; her sister joined her in holy vows within a month; Saint Francis established a community for them, and other women, at San Damiano and the Second Order of Saint Francis was born; later called the Poor Clares; as abbess, Saint Clare nurtured women in Christ and sent daughters planting convents all throughout Europe. Saint Clare was canonized two years after her death Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 8/11/26 Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Dr. Kelley Mathews Sharifa Stevens If you, like most of us in this audience, are Protestant, be prepared for a treat as you listen to this conversation about women saints we should know. Dr. Kelley Mathews joins host Sharifa Stevens to discuss a number of women from the early church who were named saints because of their faith and actions. You'll come away excited and perhaps surprised as you hear about these godly women who played major roles in church history. They teach us great lessons from their love for the Lord, their tenacity and bold courage. Recommended resources BOW's resources on Studying and Teaching the Bible Hildegard: A playlist of her music and her biography The Passions of Perpetua and Felicity Augustine's sermon (#280) on Perpetua & Felicity Monica  We learn most of our content about her in Augustine's Confessions. Clare: Biography Read her "Rule" Brigid article This episode is available on video as well. Timestamps: 00:21 Introductions 02:37 The difference between knowing and venerating the saints 03:40 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs 12:10 Monica, Augustine's mother 19:29 Brigid of Kildare 27:35 Hildegard of Bingen 34:18 Clare of Assisi 41:32 Other resources TranscriptSharifa >> Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Women. I'll be your host for today, Sharifa Stevens. And today our topic is going to be about women, saints that we all should know about. I'm really excited to dig into this topic, and we're going to have our expert Dr. Kelley Mathews, explain more to us about these women whom we should know. And I want to tell you about Kelley. I bet most of you know Dr. Kelley already. But let me tell you a little bit more, just in case. Kelley Mathews, Dr. Kelley Mathews, has ministered to the church through writing and editing for over 25 years. She's a coauthor of eight books, including 40 Questions About Women in Ministry. And also she's a freelance writer and editor. A former women's ministry director and Bible study teacher. Kelley has been married to John, a school administrator, for almost 29 years. They are parents to four active, mostly grown children. Kelley earned her Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and earned a Doctor of Ministry in New Testament from Houston Theological Seminary just in 2025. Welcome. Now, I can't call you Dr. Kelley. Why? Kelley >> You kind of overdid it there. That's all. Sharifa >> That's my job. It's my job to overdo it. Kelley >> Okay. Okay. I'll take it from you. Not from anybody else, though. No, it's so new. It's still very strange to hear it. So that's all. Sharifa >> You earned it. So I'm using it. Kelley >> I had a lot of fun in that program, so if I could still go back to class, I would. You know, I shouldn't say that too loudly around here. Sharifa >> Tuition-free class? Yeah. Kelley >> Yeah. No, it was a great program over in Houston. So and that's a lot of what we're going to cover today is what I studied there. So yeah. Sharifa >> Excellent. Well let's dive in. We're discussing women saints who we should know. But before we get into the specific saints, I just wanted to know, is knowing the saints the same as venerating or worshiping them? Kelley >> No. Absolutely not. This is basically history. And I was a history major for my bachelor's degree. And so coming full circle with this theological study, I naturally went to the history of the church. So New Testament kind of morphed also into the early church, those first few centuries of what was the church getting up to? And so knowing the people. I mean I would assume that a lot of Christians would recognize names like Augustine or Aquinas or maybe Saint Francis or Luther. We're just giving you female equivalents, basically. So, yes, just as there were fathers of the church, there were mothers of the church. Sharifa >> I dig it. Thank you. Okay, so let's get into specifics.

Father Peter George Flynn visits Camp Pio in Mountrath, a Catholic camp for primary school children, and speaks with young attendees about their favorite activities, friendships, and what they have learned about Saint Francis of Assisi. The children share stories ranging from a missionary attacked by a sloth in the Amazon to stained glass art […] L'articolo Camp Pio: Father Peter Talks to the Children and Organisers proviene da Radio Maria.

Uncover the layered spiritual meaning behind the Lord's Prayer through the wisdom of Saint Francis and Saint Bonaventure. Father Peter George Flynn breaks down the seven petitions, linking them to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the defeat of deadly sins. Celebrating the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis, this broadcast revitalizes foundational Catholic […] L'articolo The Franciscan Hour – Understanding the Our Father – Frs Peter George Flynn OFMConv proviene da Radio Maria.

Get all set for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time with Father Johnathan MeyerSummaryJoin us as we explore the spiritual significance of silence, prayer, and the importance of Sabbath in our lives, with insights from Father Meyer. Discover practical ways to incorporate contemplative prayer and silence into your busy schedule and deepen your faith.Key topicsThe significance of silence and contemplative prayerThe biblical basis for Sabbath and restPractical ways to find silence in a busy lifeThe role of prayer in spiritual growthThe meaning of the parables of JesusChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories03:58 Seasonal Celebrations and Community Events05:55 The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Gospel and Reflection10:27 Preaching on the Parable of the Weeds and Wheat16:56 The Importance of Silence and Contemplative Prayer20:51 The Significance of Sabbath and Rest in Christian Life27:59 Practical Tips for Finding Silence and Rest36:06 Working on Sundays and Moral Considerations39:40 Community Celebrations and Religious Festivals42:23 Saint Francis of Assisi and Religious Exhibits44:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 391 The Saint of the day is Saint Bonaventure Saint 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.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This episode is a GREAT ONE! An inspirational story from double-amputee quarterback Calder Hodge followed by another QB from Mount Union in Mikey Maloney who has an AWESOME mindset to leading the Purple Raiders this fall. Tim and Kobe recap a big recent transfer out of D2, pull back the curtain on D2 NIL, and take a look at Minnesota State's new proposed facility.Seth and Mike join the pod to preview Saint Francis as the newly-named Red Wolves make the transition to Division 3 from FCS and we predict how they will fare this fall. Finally, we've got a NEW NAIA team coming in 2027 as Midway transitions from a Sprint Football program. Thanks for tuning in!Video Chapters:0:00 Episode Overview4:07 Calder Hodge - William Woods19:57 Jordan Rogers: Pitt State to Texas Tech25:25 What does D2 NIL Look Like?29:41 Minnesota State Mankato NEW Facility36:16 D2 Tweets42:37 Mikey Maloney - Mount Union57:52 Saint Francis... PAC Contender?1:13:33 D3 Tweets / Random1:24:24 NEW NAIA TEAM - Midway University

We are called to bring Christ's love and peace to all whom we meet in every situation. The Pallottine Fathers and brothers dedicate themselves, under the inspiration of St. Vincent Pallotti, to work for greater peace and charity in our world. This blogcast explores “Instruments of Peace and Love" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. and read by Jonathan Harrison.Homily for July 10, 2024“Grant us to be instruments of peace and love, reflecting the love of Christ in every situation” The theme for our reflection and prayer today is, once again, taken from the Prayer in Preparation for the UAC General Congress. It is a very sincere prayer from our hearts: “Grant us to be instruments of peace and love, reflecting the love of Christ in every situation.” Every Pallottine is called to be an instrument of peace and love, by reflecting the love of Christ in every possible situation.This prayer reminds of the famous prayer of the great Saint Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” It is a timeless expression of humility, love, and service to others. The prayer captures St. Francis's commitment to peace, love and compassion, emphasizing virtues like forgiveness, understanding, and selflessness. It is also a reminder for all the members of the Union that they have to be genuinely involved in the affairs of the world. They have to be instruments of peace and love, fraternal communion and solidarity, through the exercise of forgiveness and compassion. They have to be healers and protectors of the widows and orphans. But all these things are to be done not on their own merit; they have to only reflect the love of Christ in every situation.The first reading from the book of Hosea reminds us that we can cease to be instruments of peace and love. Israel became like a luxuriant vine producing a lot of fruit. “The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; the richer his land became, the richer he made the sacred pillars. Theirs is a divided heart; now they will have to pay for it. He himself will hack down their altars and wreck their sacred pillars.” (Hosea 10:1-2) God destroyed the arrogance and the symbols of immortality.“Sow saving justice for yourselves, reap a harvest of faithful love; break up your fallow ground: it is time to seek out Yahweh until he comes to rain saving justice down on you.” (Hosea 10:12) Hence the invitation is to reap a harvest of love. In the Gospel passage of today, we see Jesus empowering the twelve disciples to reap the harvest of love, and proclaim the Kingdom of justice and love. “He summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to drive them out and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness.” (Matthew 10: 1-7) Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, the source of division and conflicts. The Kingdom of God will be marked by the values of communion, justice and peace. In this context the words of Saint Pope VI in Populorum Progressio (n.76) are very appropriate:“When we fight poverty and oppose the unfair conditions of the present, we are not just promoting human well-being; we are also furthering man's spiritual and moral development, and hence we are benefiting the whole human race. For peace is not simply the absence of warfare, based on a precarious balance of power; it is fashioned by efforts directed day after day toward the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of justice among men.”Speaking of the mission of the Union of Catholic Apostolate in cooperation with all people of good will, living images of charity itself, n.16 of the General Statute identifies a number of areas for our engagement with the world, such as: protecting the values of human life and the family, working for the promotion of justice, solidarity, peace and protection of creation, encouraging inter-religious dialogue, and caring for the poor and needy. We have innumerable examples of our commitment to the needs of the people of God in our Pallottine Family. What we do for the poor and needy will be most meritorious before God. Without genuine commitment to acts of fraternal charity, the Union will always remain just a concept without flesh and blood. I conclude with these words of hope expressed by Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti: “I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope 'speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile.' Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope.” (n.55) Amen. Author:Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. is the UAC President Resources:Listen to On Mission: Pallottine Fathers and BrothersRead and learn about Fratelli TuttiRead the Ad Infinitum blogLearn about St. Vincent Pallotti Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 379 The Saint of the day is Saint Junipero Serra Saint Junipero Serra's Story In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard. Born on Spain's island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order taking the name of Saint Francis' childlike companion, Brother Juniper. Until he was 35, he spent most of his time in the classroom—first as a student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun years before when he heard about the missionary work of Saint Francis Solano in South America. Junipero's desire was to convert native peoples in the New World. Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero's left leg became infected by an insect bite and would remain a cross—sometimes life-threatening—for the rest of his life. For 18 years, he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. He became president of the missions there. Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the territory. So the last two conquistadors—one military, one spiritual—began their quest. José de Galvez persuaded Junipero Serra to set out with him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the 900-mile journey north was San Diego in 1769. That year a shortage of food almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero Serra and another friar began a novena in preparation for St. Joseph's day, March 19, the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived. Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luís Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after Serra's death. Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The outcome was substantially what Junipero Serra sought: the famous “Regulation” protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first significant legislation in California, a “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans. Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The Native Americans were kept at the mission after baptism lest they be corrupted in their former haunts—a move that has brought cries of “injustice” from some moderns. Junipero Serra's missionary life was a long battle with cold and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was beatified in 1988. Pope Francis canonized him in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2015. Reflection The word that best describes Junipero Serra is zeal. It was a spirit that came from his deep prayer and dauntless will. “Always forward, never back” was his motto. His work bore fruit for 50 years after his death as the rest of the missions were founded in a kind of Christian communal living by the Indians. When both Mexican and American greed caused the secularization of the missions, the Chumash people went back to what they had been—God again writing straight with crooked lines.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

  G.K. Chesterton wrote that there are two ways of getting home—stay there, or walk around the entire world until you arrive from the other direction. For graphic novelist Ben Hatke, that line from The Everlasting Man wasn't simply a meditation on returning with fresh eyes: it became a commission. In this episode, Joe Grabowski sits down with Hatke—author of the forthcoming graphic memoir Home/World—to trace how one Chestertonian passage sent him east for 55 days across twelve countries, and how Chesterton's deepest convictions about man, story, and homecoming turned out to be more true the farther from home he traveled. In This Episode: How a single passage from G.K. Chesterton's The Everlasting Man—the two ways of getting home—became the animating vision behind a 55-day circumnavigation of the globe What Chesterton understood about encountering the world with fresh eyes: the generosity of strangers, the power of a story to cross any language barrier, and the world that waits beyond the screen How Ben Hatke wove historical figures—Ibn Battuta, Nellie Bly, Saint Francis—into the narrative as "ghosts," and why the Chestertonian idea of the communion of saints gives this technique its deepest meaning G.K. Chesterton's imagery of the circle and the line—from The Everlasting Man to Orthodoxy to The Man Who Was Thursday—and what it reveals about why a first encounter with any place is irrepeatable Why creating the book proved as life-changing as the journey itself and what Ben discovered about story, memory, and the difference between what is factual and what is true Chapters: 00:00: Welcome and Introduction 02:25: The Everlasting Man Quote Behind the Journey 06:01: Memory, Story, and How a Journey Becomes True 08:05: The Generosity of Strangers 13:37: Turkey and the Moment It Became an Adventure 22:33: Circumnavigating Post-COVID: The When and Why 31:02: "I Admire Your Life—It Looks Like Freedom" 35:03: Making the Book: Falling in Love with Storytelling Again 39:09: Historical Ghosts: Inviting the Past into the Journey 44:58: Circles and Lines: Chesterton's Vision of Coming Home Resources Mentioned: Home/World: A Circumnavigation of Our Shared Earth — Ben Hatke (forthcoming) Ben Hatke's website Ben Hatke on Patreon Ben Hatke on Instagram The Everlasting Man — G.K. Chesterton "Drawing Inspiration from Chesterton, with Ben Hatke" — previous Uncommon Sense appearance 2026 Chesterton Conference FOLLOW US: Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT: Donate Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

For more than five decades, Trent Angers has dedicated his life to journalism, publishing, and preserving the stories that define Louisiana and its people. As founder, editor, and publisher of Acadian House Publishing, Trent has edited and published 126 books over a 45-year career while also authoring six books of his own. His work has ranged from Cajun history and Louisiana political figures to military ethics, faith, and inspirational storytelling. A graduate of LSU’s School of Journalism, where he was named Outstanding Graduating Senior and received the Hodding Carter Award for Responsible Journalism, Trent followed in the footsteps of his father, Bob Angers, founder of Acadiana Profile magazine. Trent would eventually spend 36 years as editor and publisher of Acadiana Profile, helping build it into one of the longest-running regional magazines in America before selling the publication in 2010 to focus full-time on book publishing with Acadian House Publishing. During our conversation, Trent reflects on a life immersed in words, ideas, and the people behind them. “Born with printer’s ink in my blood” Trent jokes that journalism was his destiny. “You could say I was born with printer’s ink in the blood.” His father purchased the Franklin Banner-Tribune in 1953, and Trent grew up watching the realities of community journalism firsthand. When Bob Angers launched Acadiana Profile in 1968, regional magazines were virtually unheard of. “I thought he had lost his mind because there was almost no such thing as a city or regional magazine in this country at the time.” Instead, Bob Angers proved to be a visionary. More than fifty years later, the publication remains an important voice for South Louisiana. Acadian House Publishing: More Than Books Today, Acadian House Publishing is one of Louisiana’s most respected independent publishers. Its catalog includes biographies, history, cookbooks, inspirational works, faith-based books, and regional classics. Trent describes publishing as far more than simply printing books. “Publishing involves careful acquisition of titles, careful editing, fact-checking, correcting, perfecting, marketing, warehousing, accounting, and distribution.” Acadian House receives approximately 150 manuscript proposals each year but publishes only three or four books annually. “No is the most powerful word in the English language.” With limited capacity, Trent looks for books that move people, educate readers, and inspire meaningful reflection. Dispelling Myths About Cajun Culture At age 40, Trent wrote his first book, The Truth About the Cajuns, a work designed to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Acadian people. “The first book I actually wrote is when I turned 40. The book was titled The Truth About the Cajuns. The book was designed to dispel the myths and stereotypes about the Acadian people. We’re very proud of our Acadian heritage. We’re not simple minded people who aren’t so bright. We don’t all dwell in the swamp. Our lives do not revolve around eating, drinking and dancing Trent wanted readers to understand that Cajun identity extends far beyond the caricatures often portrayed in popular culture. The book remains one of the most thoughtful examinations of Cajun identity and heritage. Dudley LeBlanc: The Original Champion of Cajun Pride Another of Trent’s works is Dudley LeBlanc: A Biography, which chronicles the life of the legendary founder of Hadacol and one of Louisiana’s most colorful political figures. “Dudley LeBlanc, who founded Hadacol, was also known as the political and almost spiritual leader of the Acadian people. He had a French language radio show emanating from from Abbeville. The truth is, Dudley started the French Renaissance movement before Jimmy Domengeaux formalized it through CODIFIL. Dudley LeBlanc would bring it up and say, ‘Let’s stand up for our Acadian heritage and be proud and not ashamed of who we are, not ashamed of our heritage and culture.” While many remember LeBlanc for his wildly successful patent medicine business, Trent argues that his greatest contribution was cultural. Long before organizations formalized the movement to preserve Cajun culture, LeBlanc encouraged Acadians to embrace their language, traditions, and identity. According to Trent, both Dudley LeBlanc and James Domengeaux deserve tremendous credit for preserving and advancing Acadian culture in Louisiana. The Forgotten Hero of the My Lai Massacre Perhaps no project has shaped Trent’s career more than The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story. The book tells the story of Hugh Thompson Jr., the American helicopter pilot credited with stopping the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. “I became Thompson’s biographer and spent lots and lots of time with him in Vietnam, in Norway, and throughout the United States, in Washington, D.C., etc. I wrote his speech when he received the soldier’s medal in Washington at the Vietnam Wall, which is the highest award a soldier can earn for anything other than direct combat with the enemy,” Trent said. Trent devoted more than 3,000 hours of research across three continents to tell Thompson’s story. “That book was my opus.” The defining moment came when Thompson landed his helicopter between fleeing Vietnamese civilians and advancing American soldiers. “Not on my watch,” he said. Thompson ordered his gunner to protect the civilians, even if it meant turning their weapons on fellow Americans. His actions saved lives and ultimately helped bring the massacre to an end. Trent explains why Thompson’s story continues to resonate: “They were willing to give up their lives just because it was the right thing to do.” The book has since been placed on the reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because of its lessons on leadership, battlefield ethics, and moral courage. Publishing Louisiana’s Most Influential Voices Over the years, Acadian House has published works by an extraordinary range of Louisiana authors and leaders. Among them are books by: Dale Brown Lt. General Russel L. Honoré Marcelle Bienvenu Camille Pavy Claiborne Brian Sibley Chad Judice Trent speaks admiringly of each, emphasizing not only their accomplishments but also their character, intellect, and ability to inspire others. Dale Brown and Human Dignity One of Trent’s most meaningful publishing relationships has been with legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown. Acadian House published Brown’s Getting Over the Four Hurdles of Life, and Trent later authored Dale Brown: Caught in the Battle for Human Dignity. He also played a significant role, along with Lafayette attorney Glenn Armentor, in the effort to have LSU’s basketball court named in Brown’s honor. “Every generation needs role models.” For Trent, Brown represents integrity, courage, compassion, and leadership. “Dale Brown is a role model of integrity, courage, bravery, intelligence.” Those qualities made him not only a successful coach but also one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers. The Secret Life of an Editor One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation centered on the editor-author relationship. After working closely with writers for months or years, Trent says editors often develop a deep understanding of how authors think. “We call that mind meld.” His philosophy is simple: “The job of an editor is to make the writer look like a genius.” That requires more than correcting grammar. It involves improving structure, strengthening logic, checking facts, and helping authors communicate their ideas as clearly as possible. Cookbooks Outsell Almost Everything Despite publishing biographies, history, and inspirational works, Trent admits one category consistently surprises him: Cookbooks. Acadian House’s most successful title is Marcelle Bienvenu’s iconic cookbook Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? The book has sold approximately 200,000 copies. “That book is in the top one percentile of books ever published in America.” For Trent, the success is both gratifying and humbling. “You do a cookbook and you sell the heck out of it.” The enduring popularity of Louisiana food culture continues to introduce readers around the world to Acadiana traditions. Freedom of the Press As a lifelong journalist, Trent remains deeply passionate about the First Amendment. “Freedom of the press is the hill I would die on. This country is free, in part because of the free press. Because of the free flow of information. It’s the press’s job to educate, to inform, to entertain. We serve the public, not the government. The press exists to serve the public.” He argues that a free society depends upon the free flow of information and a press willing to challenge power when necessary. “The press exists to serve the public, not the government.” Regardless of political affiliation, Trent believes journalism’s highest calling remains informing citizens and protecting democratic accountability. What’s Next: Orphan Train to Louisiana Among Acadian House’s upcoming projects is Orphan Train to Louisiana, a book examining the little-known story of thousands of orphaned children transported from New York City to families across America. The project was inspired by a staggering historical reality. “At one point in New York City there were 30,000 babies and children on the street, homeless.” The book explores the efforts of religious organizations and charitable groups that worked to place children with loving families, including many in Louisiana. For Trent, it is exactly the kind of story Acadian House loves to tell: forgotten history that reveals the best of humanity. Faith, Service, and Gratitude Outside of publishing, Trent is active in the Secular Franciscan Order, whose members seek to live according to the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi through service, humility, and care for others. Reflecting on his blessings, he says: “We’re among the luckiest people in the world, in the history of civilization.” That perspective of gratitude, combined with a lifelong commitment to storytelling, continues to shape his work today. Whether preserving Cajun history, documenting battlefield courage, promoting faith-filled voices, or introducing readers to remarkable Louisianans, Trent Angers remains one of Acadiana’s most important cultural storytellers. To learn more about Trent Angers and Acadian House Publishing, visit their website and explore a catalog that reflects the rich history, culture, faith, and character of Louisiana.

This year commemorates 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, and Father Dave welcomes Jon Sweeney to discuss this saint's lessons for the modern world. Jon is Religion Editor and Associate Publisher at Monkfish Publishing, as well as the author of many books on Franciscan spirituality including his latest, "Experiencing God: 36 Ways According to Saint Francis of Assisi."  

Discover the comforting presence of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join Mary Jane Fox and Angela Sealana as they reflect on her role as our spiritual mother and how she guides us through life's challenges. In this episode, you will learn: Where does the Blessed Virgin Mary's title "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" come from? How can Mary help us if she is not God? Discover hope and encouragement for your loved ones, especially in the challenges of daily life Continue Your Journey with Mary: Visit the official episode page. Jewel for the Journey: "Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence." - Saint Francis de Sales 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 https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/media-and-resources/all-media-series/journeys-of-hope.html Help us spread hope! https://pilgrimcenterofhope.org/support

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses apparitions of the Holy Apostles, including the apparitions of Saint Peter to Roman Emperor Constantine, to Saint Francis of Assisi, and to Saint John Nolasco; Saints Peter and Paul to Saint Sylvester; Saint John to Saint Prochorus, then later at Knock, Ireland; Saint Andrew to the Monk Epiphanius and to Bishops; Saint Bartholomew to certain Armenian Faithful; and Saint Paul to Saint Anthony the Great

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 367 The Saint of the day is Saint Joseph Cafasso Saint Joseph Cafasso's story Even as a young man, Joseph Cafasso loved to attend Mass and was known for his humility and fervor in prayer. After his ordination, he was assigned to a seminary in Turin. There he worked especially against the spirit of Jansenism—an excessive preoccupation with sin and damnation. He used the works of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Alphonsus Liguori to moderate the rigorism popular at the seminary. Joseph Cafasso recommended membership in the Secular Franciscan Order to priests. He urged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and encouraged daily Communion. In addition to his teaching duties, Joseph was an excellent preacher, confessor, and retreat master. Noted for his work with condemned prisoners, he helped many of them die at peace with God. Joseph Cafasso urged one of his former pupils—Saint John Bosco—to establish the Salesians congregation to work with the youth of Turin. Joseph died in 1860, and was canonized in 1947. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 23. Reflection Devotion to the Eucharist gave energy to all Joseph's other activities. Long prayer before the Blessed Sacrament has been characteristic of many Catholics who have lived out the gospel well: Saint Francis, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta among them.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 91 The Saint of the day is Saint Albert Chmielowski Saint Albert Chmielowski's Story Born in Igolomia near Kraków as the eldest of four children in a wealthy family, Albert Chmielowski was christened Adam. During the 1864 revolt against Czar Alexander III, Adam's wounds forced the amputation of his left leg. His great talent for painting led to studies in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris. Adam returned to Kraków and became a Secular Franciscan. In 1888, when he founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor, he took the name Albert. They worked primarily with the homeless, depending completely on alms while serving the needy regardless of age, religion, or politics. A community of Albertine sisters was established later. Pope John Paul II beatified Albert Chmielowski in 1983, and canonized him six years later. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 17. Reflection Reflecting on his own priestly vocation, Pope John Paul II wrote in 1996 that Albert Chmielowski had played a role in its formation “because I found in him a real spiritual support and example in leaving behind the world of art, literature, and the theater, and in making the radical choice of a vocation to the priesthood” (Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination). As a young priest, Karol Wojtyla repaid his debt of gratitude by writing The Brother of Our God, a play about Brother Albert's life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this Thursday's programme, we first look at the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and the 800th anniversary of his passing, reflecting on the experiences of Slovak Franciscans during communist persecution and the continuing relevance of Franciscan values today. You will hear from Capuchin Brother Félix and Franciscan Brother Peter. In the second part, we turn to economics and examine how Slovaks perceive inflation. Why do rising food prices dominate public perceptions of the cost of living, and how does this shape economic expectations? These questions will be answered by Michal Marenčák, an expert in econometric modelling from the National Bank of Slovakia.

Father Peter George Flynn explores the remarkable intersection of Saint Francis of Assisi's love for creatures and his profound devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Discover how bees built honeycomb shrines around cups he touched, why a trained lamb kneeled during Mass elevation, and what happens when animals sense something holy. With Corpus Christi approaching, this […] L'articolo The Franciscan Hour – Animals & the Eucharist: Strange Devotions of Saint Francis – Fr Peter George Flynn proviene da Radio Maria.

Defending the Faith Conference: https://cvent.me/gqgxwV?utm_source=affiliate&utm_campaign=dfc_influencers_2026&utm_medium=social&utm_term=keithnester_2026&RefId=KEITHNESTER26 Use Code:KEITH25 for a discount. In this episode of Catholic Feedback, Keith Nester sits down with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, to discuss his journey to the priesthood, the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi, and what it means to live the Gospel with authenticity in today's world. Fr. Dave shares how God called him to the Franciscan way of life, the impact of St. Francis on his vocation, and the ministry philosophy that has shaped his leadership and service to the Church. Together, Keith and Fr. Dave explore evangelization, discipleship, Catholic education, and why a personal encounter with Jesus Christ remains at the heart of everything. Whether you're discerning your vocation, seeking to deepen your faith, or simply curious about Franciscan spirituality, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights for living the Gospel. In this episode: Fr. Dave's journey to the priesthood The influence of St. Francis of Assisi Franciscan spirituality and the Gospel The mission of Franciscan University Evangelization and discipleship today Encountering Jesus Christ in everyday life Catholic Feedback is a production of Down to Earth Ministry, dedicated to helping people encounter Jesus Christ, understand the beauty of the Catholic faith, and live as faithful disciples. Fr. Dave's content can be found here: https://faithandreason.com/ Franciscan University: https://franciscan.edu/  

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, who shares about a book called "Francesco: A Story of St. Francis of Assisi," by Madeline Pecora Nugent, CFP. In it, the author masterfully weaves together years of research into a compelling biography that reads like a novel. She grounds her work in primary and modern sources, time spent in Assisi, and interviews with Franciscan experts to paint a vivid picture of the world of Saint Francis through the eyes of those who knew him best — and through the words of Francis himself. To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

A weekly program produced by the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. SHOW TITLE: The Year of St. Francis: How This Saint Continues to Make an Impact 800 years later     SHOW DESCRIPTION:   We live in a time of constant noise. Constant consumption. Constant comparison. Most people are overwhelmed by information, pressured to perform, and stretched thin by busyness. Even spiritually, it can be easy to approach faith as just another thing to manage or optimize. And yet Saint Francis offers us something strikingly different. Today we're chatting with Father Michael Heine, the minister provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of Angels in Maryland, to talk about how the spirit of St. Francis continues to shape the Church, challenge modern believers in deeply practical ways and why he continues to resonate with people who are searching for something deeper during this year of Saint Francis. SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:23 SAINT SPOTLIGHT: St. Clare of Assisi  

Our 6th Men of Mindset Event! Welcome to the return of a new Men of Mindset themed episode! This is our sixth event hosted live from Scott's Man-zone Barn aka FUEL HQ. This episode includes multiple new voices at this sixth gathering under Scott's theme of the Men of Mindset. As a general overview for this special episode, they continued emphasizing the importance of mindset and personal growth. They discuss the significance of spirituality, health, family, and business in personal success. Mike shares a heartwarming story about a former student who credited him with helping him graduate high school. The conversation highlights the need for human connection, the impact of technology on mindset, and the importance of continuous self-improvement and resilience. The discussion centered on the impact of leadership and service, emphasizing the importance of genuine care and positive pressure to perform. The conversation underscored the value of servant leadership, the ripple effect of goodwill, and the necessity of self-care before helping others. Key points included the significance of respect, the power of positive influence, and the need for mentorship across age groups. The session concluded with a call to action for continuous personal and professional growth.Quote: "Strength Does Not Come From Physical Capacity" ~ Inner Strength: Mahatma Gandhi, it comes from an indomitable will, highlighting that resilience is a mental and spiritual trait.Your Co-Hosts Today:Mike (Mak) Makhoul, Former Educator, now a Commercial & Residential Real Estate Professional,https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-makhoul-m-ed-bb995069/Chris Saraceno, Author of The Theory of 5,https://theoryof5.com/and Vice President of Kelly Automotive Group.Jesse Dugan, Founder and Chiropractor,https://www.pain2performancechiro.com/Ony Momah, Psychiatrist,https://onymomah.com/ Today's Top 3 Takeaways:ONY MOMAH:The significance of mindset, particularly for men, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.Discusses the concept of identity decompression, particularly for athletes and professionals transitioning to new roles.Audience advice to be cautious about the people they allow into their lives and to take care of their minds.CHRIS SARACENO: The Theory of 5, involving spirituality, marriage, children, business, and health, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.The importance of leading by example and not needing a direct coaching role to positively influence others.Greater appreciation for the importance of continuous growth at any stage of life.JESSE DUGAN: Emphasizes the importance of in-person connections and the benefits of activities like powerlifting and outdoor activities.The importance of showing care and truly connecting while building trust with clients aka patients.The value and role of greater trust in the profession of chiropractic care practices.MIKE (MAK) MAKHOUL: The importance of strong faith and keeping a spiritual connection to maintain a positive mindset.The importance of setting standards and living by values, and the need for continuous self-improvement.Mak shares a quote attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi about teaching and preaching the word of God through actions.Mentioned Influencers:Honorable mentions of earlier visitors who had to depart before recording included:Justin Schenck, Founder of The Growth Now Movement and The Growth Now Summit LIVE,https://www.justintschenck.com/Rob Eschbach, Founder of F13 Performance,https://f13performance.com/and Resistance Strength,https://www.resistancestrength.fit/ Watch us on YouTube:https://youtu.be/rJsGRg-TYQ4 Scott's Final Words of the Show:I've been using those quote for years: "We are the product of the five people we spend most time with." This is a translation from the famous Jim Rohn quote: "You are teh average of the five people you spend the most time with." This is about that psychological shift, when you start changing the people that are around you. I've said this years ago, it doesn't mean you have to cut them out of your life. Some distance is necessary when you are looking for growth. If they don't respect that, if you respect them enough, and you want them to respect you in return, and you must let them know that. If you do not, they will still continue to not take that seriously, then you need to give them a break. This is important when you're trying to grow, so you can help them in the future, or those around you, and it's like, hey guys, I need to take a pause. There you go, ladies and gentlemen, great combo. I'm gonna sum this up. We're here to FUEL your health, business, a lifestyle. All the gentlemen did that tonight, so thank you for tuning in for a sixth Men Of Mindset. Positive Action Forward:Submit a 5-Star ReviewGet Scott's Charitable Book! - HotshotBook.comCheck out the Boots Refuel Fund - FuelFoundations.orgNeeds Strategy and Execution - FuelUpMarketing.com

Jim is joined by VP of Student Life and Athletics at The University of Saint Francis, Mike McCaffrey in his final weekly Cougars chat of the year to recap the year. Jim was also joined by Fort Wayne Tincaps team president Mike Nutter and Fort Wayne Komets radio voice Shane Albahrani for their weekly chats. Albahrani recaps Game 1 of the Conference Finals against the KC Mavericks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Text of Readings Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension Lectionary: 58/59 The Saint of the day is Saint Paschal Baylon Saint Paschal Baylon's story In Paschal Baylon's lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano, and Salvator of Horta. Paschal's Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell, which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused! In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priesthood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook, gardener, and official beggar. Paschal Baylon was careful to observe the vow of poverty. He would never waste any food or anything given for the use of the friars. When he was porter and took care of the poor coming to the door, he developed a reputation for great generosity. The friars sometimes tried to moderate his liberality! Paschal Baylon spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament. In time, many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897. Reflection Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of Saint Francis' energy. Most of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern. An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal. Some holy and busy Catholics today find that their work is enriched by those minutes regularly spent in prayer and meditation.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Recorded 5/12/2026. On this episode we recap the final week of the 2026 Women's College Flag Football season. We talk about the first ever NAIA invitational as well as recap the NJCAA national tournament. Make sure to follow us on social media to see clips we were able to catch from the game. Intro 0:00- 2:56NJCAA Invitational Tournament Play 2:57- 12:59NJCAA National Championship 13:00- 21:54Round 1 Baker vs Hope 21:55- 33:53Round 1 Keiser vs Kansas Wesleyan 33:54- 45:23Quarterfinals Warner vs Baker 45:24- 50:37Quarterfinals Keiser vs Ottawa 50:38- 1:01:29Round 1 Loser's Bracket Summary 1:01:30- 1:04:03Day 2 Ottawa vs Saint Francis 1:04:04- 1:11:52Day 2 Kansas Wesleyan vs Baker 1:11:53- 1:22:15Day 2 Ottawa vs Kansas Wesleyan 1:22:16- 1:35:56Winner's Bracket Semifinal 1:35:57- 1:46:42Loser's Bracket Semifinal 1:46:43- 1:57:50NAIA National Championship 1:57:51- 2:38:09Outro 2:38:10- 2:38:45https://linktr.ee/PlaymakersCornerSocial Media:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlaymakerCornerTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playmakerscorner?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcInstagram: https:https://www.instagram.com/playmakerscorner/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakerCornerYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEcv0BIfXT78kNEtk1pbxQ/featured Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playmakerscorner Website: https://playmakerscorner.com/ Listen to us on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rkM8hKtf8eqDPy2xqOPqr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cycle-365/id1484493484?uo=4 Breaker: https://www.breaker.audio/the-cycle-365Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODg4MWYwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter Lectionary: 291 The Saint of the day is Saint Ignatius of Laconi Saint Ignatius of Laconi's Story Ignatius of Laconi is another sainted begging brother. He was the second of seven children of peasant parents in Sardinia. His path to the Franciscans was unusual. During a serious illness, Ignatius vowed to become a Capuchin if he recovered. He regained his health but ignored the promise. When he was 20, a riding accident prompted Ignatius to renew the pledge, which he acted on the second time. Ignatius's reputation for self-denial and charity led to his appointment as the official beggar for the friars in Cagliari. He fulfilled that task for 40 years, despite being blind for the last two years. While on his rounds, Ignatius of Laconi would instruct the children, visit the sick, and urge sinners to repent. The people of Cagliari were inspired by his kindness and his faithfulness to his work. Ignatius was canonized in 1951. Reflection Why did the people of Cagliari support the friars? These followers of Saint Francis worked hard but rarely at jobs that paid enough to live on. The life of Ignatius of Laconi reminds us that everything God considers worthwhile does not have a high-paying salary attached to it.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Jim Shovlin is back!! He is joined by Mike McCaffrey from the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne Tincaps Team President Mike Nutter, and Fort Wayne Komets radio voice Shane Albahrani for weekly chats, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first part of today´s show first part focuses on the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi and how his legacy continues through Franciscan communities across the country. The programme highlights their history, activities, and the celebrations marking this special jubilee year. In the second part, we focus on the economic situation, specifically the impact of inflation on different groups in Slovak society. Together with Reiner Martin from the National Bank of Slovakia, the show examines how rising prices affect households and young people, and what this means for everyday life in Slovakia.

Full Text of Readings Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary: 49 The Saint of the day is Saint Pedro de San José Betancur Saint Pedro de San José Betancur's Story Central America claimed its first saint with the canonization of Pedro de San José Betancur. Known as the “Saint Francis of the Americas,” Pedro de Betancur is the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala. Saint Pedro de San José Betancur very much wanted to become a priest, but God had other plans for the young man born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Pedro was a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Thavana, he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived, he was so destitute that he joined the breadline that the Franciscans had established. Soon, Saint Pedro de San José Betancur enrolled in the local Jesuit college in hopes of studying for the priesthood. No matter how hard he tried, however, he could not master the material; he withdrew from school. In 1655, he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later, he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor; a shelter for the homeless, and a school for the poor soon followed. Not wanting to neglect the rich of Guatemala City, Pedro began walking through their part of town ringing a bell and inviting them to repent. Other men came to share in Pedro's work. Out of this group came the Bethlehemite Congregation, which won papal approval after Pedro's death. A Bethlehemite sisters' community, similarly founded after Pedro's death, was inspired by his life of prayer and compassion. He is sometimes credited with originating the Christmas Eve posadas procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph seek a night's lodging from their neighbors. The custom soon spread to Mexico and other Central American countries. Saint Pedro de San José Betancur died in 1667, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in Guatemala City on July 30, 2002. Calling the new saint an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy, the Holy Father noted that Saint Pedro practiced mercy “heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.” Speaking to the estimated 500,000 Guatemalans in attendance, the Holy Father spoke of the social ills that plague the country today and of the need for change. “Let us think of the children and young people who are homeless or deprived of an education; of abandoned women with their many needs; of the hordes of social outcasts who live in the cities; of the victims of organized crime, of prostitution or of drugs; of the sick who are neglected and the elderly who live in loneliness,” he said in his homily during the three-hour liturgy. The liturgical feast of Saint Pedro de San José Betancur is celebrated on April 25. Reflection As humans, we often pride ourselves on our ability to reason. We believe we can always find an explanation for everything. But as Pedro's life shows, other skills may be an even more crucial element of our humanity than a clever mind: compassion, imagination, love. Unable to master studies for the priesthood despite his ardent efforts, Pedro responded to the needs of homeless and sick people; he provided education to the poor and salvation to the rich. He became holy—as fully human as any of us can ever be.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Friday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 277 The Saint of the day is Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen's Story If a poor man needed some clothing, Fidelis would often give the man the clothes right off his back. Complete generosity to others characterized this saint's life. Born in 1577, Mark Rey became a lawyer who constantly upheld the causes of the poor and oppressed people. Nicknamed “the poor man's lawyer,” Rey soon grew disgusted with the corruption and injustice he saw among his colleagues. He left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a member of the Capuchin Order. Fidelis was his religious name. His wealth was divided between needy seminarians and the poor. As a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Fidelis continued his devotion to the weak and needy. During a severe epidemic in a city where he was guardian of a friary, Fidelis cared for and cured many sick soldiers. Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was appointed head of a group of Capuchins sent to preach against the Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland. Almost certain violence threatened. Those who observed the mission felt that success was more attributable to the prayer of Fidelis during the night than to his sermons and instructions. He was accused of opposing the peasants' national aspirations for independence from Austria. While he was preaching at Seewis, to which he had gone against the advice of his friends, a gun was fired at him, but he escaped unharmed. A Protestant offered to shelter Fidelis, but he declined, saying his life was in God's hands. On the road back, he was set upon by a group of armed men and killed. Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was canonized in 1746. Fifteen years later he was recognized as a martyr. Reflection Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen's constant prayer was that he be kept completely faithful to God and not give in to any lukewarmness or apathy. He was often heard to exclaim, “Woe to me if I should prove myself but a halfhearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain.” His prayer against apathy, and his concern for the poor and weak make him a saint whose example is valuable today. The modern Church is calling us to follow the example of “the poor man's lawyer” by sharing ourselves and our talents with those less fortunate and by working for justice in the world.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 276 The Saint of the day is Saint George Saint George's Story Saint George is the object of a vast amount of imagination. There is every reason to believe that he was a real martyr who suffered at Lydda in Palestine, probably before the time of Constantine. The Church adheres to his memory, but not to the legends surrounding his life. That he was willing to pay the supreme price to follow Christ is what the Church believes. And it is enough. The story of Saint George's slaying the dragon, rescuing the king's daughter, and converting Libya is a 12th-century Italian fable. George was a favorite patron saint of crusaders, as well as of Eastern soldiers in earlier times. He is a patron saint of England, Portugal, Germany, Aragon, Catalonia, Genoa, Milan and Bologna. Reflection Human nature seems to crave more than cold historical data. Americans have Washington and Lincoln, but we somehow need Paul Bunyan, too. The life of Saint Francis of Assisi is inspiring enough, but for centuries the Italians have found his spirit in the legends of the Fioretti, too. Santa Claus is the popular extension of the spirit of Saint Nicholas. The legends about Saint George are part of this yearning. Both fact and legend are human ways of illumining the mysterious truth about the One who alone is holy.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Text and Be HeardEaster isn't only a date on the calendar, it's a brutal and hopeful idea: something in you has to end before something better can begin. We take the Easter story of death and resurrection and translate it into real addiction recovery, where change isn't abstract. It's the moment you stop escaping and start living.We talk honestly about how alcoholism, gambling addiction, and drug addiction breed loneliness and shrink life into survival mode. When you're stuck chasing the next drink or the next bet, you lose the simple joys that make life feel worth it: showing up for family, being present at a game, handling small responsibilities, and feeling peace in ordinary moments. Recovery brings those moments back, but it also asks for emotional sobriety, because “you cannot outthink an emotional issue.” Healing means facing feelings, not arguing with them.I also share what rebirth has looked like in my own story: learning my gifts, building purpose through speaking, coaching, writing, and service, and a pivotal experience in Fatima, Portugal that helped me finally become done with gambling. We close with a recovery-centered take on forgiveness and the Saint Francis or 11th-step prayer, plus a reminder that every emotion still shows up and you can stay steady through all of them.If you want a more grounded, spiritual, practical path to sobriety and relapse prevention, listen through to the end. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a fresh start, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Support the showRecovery is Beautiful.   Go Live Your Best Life!!Facebook Group - Recovery Freedom Circle | FacebookYour EQ is Your IQYouTube -    Life Is Wonderful   Hugo VRecovery Freedom CircleThe System That Understands Recovery, Builds Character  and Helps People Have Better Relationships.A Life Changing Solution, Saves You Time, 18 weekswww.lifeiswonderful.love  Instagram -  Lifeiswonderful.LoveTikTok -  Lifeiswonderful.LovePinterest -   Lifeiswonderful.LoveX -     LifeWonderLoveLinkedIn -   Hugo Vrsalovic    LinkedIn -   The 1% in Recovery

Full Text of Readings Monday in the Octave of Easter Lectionary: 261 The Saint of the day is Saint Crescentia Hoess Saint Crescentia Hoess' Story Saint Crescentia Hoess was born in 1682, the daughter of a poor weaver, in a little town near Augsburg. She spent play time praying in the parish church, assisted those even poorer than herself and had so mastered the truths of her religion that she was permitted to make her first Holy Communion at the then unusually early age of 7. In the town she was called “the little angel.” As she grew older, she desired to enter the convent of the Tertiaries of Saint Francis. But the convent was poor, and because Crescentia had no dowry, the superiors refused her admission. Her case was then pleaded by the Protestant mayor of the town to whom the convent owed a favor. The community felt it was forced into receiving her, and her new life was made miserable. She was considered a burden and assigned nothing other than menial tasks. Even her cheerful spirit was misinterpreted as flattery or hypocrisy. Conditions improved four years later when a new superior was elected who realized her virtue. Saint Crescentia Hoess herself was appointed mistress of novices. She so won the love and respect of the sisters that, upon the death of the superior, Crescentia was unanimously elected to that position. Under her, the financial state of the convent improved and her reputation in spiritual matters spread. She was soon being consulted by princes and princesses; bishops and cardinals too sought her advice. And yet, a true daughter of Francis, she remained ever humble. Bodily afflictions and pain were always with her. First it was headaches and toothaches. Then she lost the ability to walk, her hands and feet gradually becoming so crippled that her body curled up into a fetal position. In the spirit of Francis she cried out, “Oh, you bodily members, praise God that he has given you the capacity to suffer.” Despite her sufferings she was filled with peace and joy as she died on Easter Sunday in 1744. She was beatified in 1900 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2001. The liturgical feast of Saint Crescentia Hoess is celebrated on June 15. Reflection Although she grew up in poverty and willingly embraced it in her vocation, Crescentia had a good head for business. Under her able administration, her convent regained financial stability. Too often, we think of good money management as, at best, a less-than-holy gift. But Crescentia was wise enough to balance her worldly skills with such acumen in spiritual matters that heads of State and Church both sought her advice.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Good Friday of the Lord's Passion Lectionary: 40 The Saint of the day is Saint Benedict the African Saint Benedict the African's Story Benedict held important posts in the Franciscan Order and gracefully adjusted to other work when his terms of office were up. His parents were slaves brought from Africa to Messina, Sicily. Freed at 18, Benedict did farm work for a wage and soon saved enough to buy a pair of oxen. He was very proud of those animals. In time, he joined a group of hermits around Palermo and was eventually recognized as their leader. Because these hermits followed the Rule of Saint Francis, Pope Pius IV ordered them to join the First Order. Saint Benedict the African was eventually novice master and then guardian of the friars in Palermo—positions rarely held in those days by a brother. In fact, Benedict was forced to accept his election as guardian. And when his term ended, he happily returned to his work in the friary kitchen. Benedict corrected the friars with humility and charity. Once he corrected a novice and assigned him a penance only to learn that the novice was not the guilty party. Benedict immediately knelt down before the novice and asked his pardon. In later life, Benedict was not possessive of the few things he used. He never referred to them as “mine,” but always called them “ours.” His gifts for prayer and the guidance of souls earned him throughout Sicily a reputation for holiness. Following the example of Saint Francis, Benedict kept seven 40-day fasts throughout the year; he also slept only a few hours each night. After Saint Benedict the African's death, King Philip III of Spain paid for a special tomb for this holy friar. Canonized in 1807, he is honored as a patron saint by African Americans.  The liturgical feast of Saint Benedict the African is celebrated on April 4. Reflection Among Franciscans, a position of leadership is limited in time. When the time expires, former leaders sometimes have trouble adjusting to their new position. The Church needs men and women ready to put their best energies into leadership—but also men and women who are gracefully willing to go on to other work when their time of leadership is over.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.

Full Text of Readings Thursday of Holy Week Lectionary: 260, 39 The Saint of the day is Saint Francis of Paola Saint Francis of Paola's Story Saint Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the “least in the household of God.” Yet, when the Church called him to active service in the world, he became a miracle-worker and influenced the course of nations. After accompanying his parents on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, he began to live as a contemplative hermit in a remote cave near Paola, on Italy's southern seacoast. Before he was 20, he received the first followers who had come to imitate his way of life. Seventeen years later, when his disciples had grown in number, Francis established a Rule for his austere community and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi, who were approved by the Holy See in 1474. In 1492, Saint Francis of Paola changed the name of his community to “Minims” because he wanted them to be known as the least (minimi) in the household of God. Humility was to be the hallmark of the brothers as it had been in Francis's personal life. Besides the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Francis enjoined upon his followers the fourth obligation of a perpetual Lenten fast. He felt that heroic mortification was necessary as a means for spiritual growth. It was Francis's desire to be a contemplative hermit, yet he believed that God was calling him to the apostolic life. He began to use the gifts he had received, such as the gifts of miracles and prophecy, to minister to the people of God. A defender of the poor and oppressed, Francis incurred the wrath of King Ferdinand of Naples for the admonitions he directed toward the king and his sons. Following the request of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Paris to help Louis XI of France prepare for his death. While ministering to the king, Francis was able to influence the course of national politics. He helped to restore peace between France and Brittany by advising a marriage between the ruling families, and between France and Spain by persuading Louis XI to return some disputed land. Saint Francis of Paola died while at the French court. Reflection The life of Francis of Paola speaks plainly to an overactive world. He was a contemplative man called to active ministry and must have felt keenly the tension between prayer and service. Yet, in Francis's life it was a productive tension, for he clearly utilized the fruits of contemplation in his ministry, which came to involve the workings of nations. He responded so readily and so well to the call of the Church from a solid foundation in prayer and mortification. When he went out to the world, it was not he who worked but Christ working through him—“the least in the household of God.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This episode's mature themes may not be suitable for children. Catholic philosopher and epistemologist, Dr. Trent Dougherty, joins Pints to tackle the age-old question: what does it even mean to know something? The conversation weaves between rigorous philosophical debate - Descartes, Gettier, justified true belief and vulnerable personal territory where Dougherty shares his battles with the inner demons that plagued his pursuit of success.  Ep. 571 - - -

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 249 The Saint of the day is Blessed John of Parma Blessed John of Parma's Story The seventh general minister of the Franciscan Order, Blessed John of Parma was known for his attempts to bring back the earlier spirit of the Order after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. He was born in Parma, Italy, in 1209. It was when he was a young philosophy professor known for his piety and learning that God called him to bid good-bye to the world he was used to and enter the new world of the Franciscan Order. After his profession, John was sent to Paris to complete his theological studies. Ordained to the priesthood, he was appointed to teach theology at Bologna, then Naples, and finally Rome. In 1245, Pope Innocent IV called a general council in the city of Lyons, France. Crescentius, the Franciscan minister general at the time, was ailing and unable to attend. In his place he sent Friar John, who made a deep impression on the Church leaders gathered there. Two years later, when the same pope presided at the election of a minister general of the Franciscans, he remembered Friar John well and held him up as the man best qualified for the office. And so in 1247, Saint John of Parma was elected to be minister general. The surviving disciples of St. Francis rejoiced in his election, expecting a return to the spirit of poverty and humility of the early days of the Order. And they were not disappointed. As general of the Order, John traveled on foot, accompanied by one or two companions, to practically all of the Franciscan convents in existence. Sometimes he would arrive and not be recognized, remaining there for a number of days to test the true spirit of the brothers. The pope called on Blessed John of Parma to serve as legate to Constantinople, where he was most successful in winning back the schismatic Greeks. Upon his return, he asked that someone else take his place to govern the Order. At John's urging, Saint Bonaventure was chosen to succeed him. John took up a life of prayer in the hermitage at Greccio. Many years later, Blessed John of Parma learned that the Greeks who had been reconciled with the Church for a time, had relapsed into schism. Though 80 years old by then, John received permission from Pope Nicholas IV to return to the East in an effort to restore unity once again. On his way, John fell sick and died. He was beatified in 1781. The liturgical feast of Blessed John of Parma is celebrated on March 20. Reflection In the 13th century, people in their 30s were middle-aged; hardly anyone lived to the ripe old age of 80. Blessed John of Parma did, but he didn't ease into retirement. Instead he was on his way to try to heal a schism in the Church when he died. Our society today boasts a lot of folks in their later decades. Like John, many of them lead active lives. But some aren't so fortunate. Weakness or ill health keeps them confined and lonely—waiting to hear from us. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 240 The Saint of the day is Blessed Angela Salawa Blessed Angela Salawa's Story Angela served Christ and Christ's little ones with all her strength. Born in Siepraw, near Kraków, Poland, Blessed Angela Salawa was the 11th child of Bartlomiej and Ewa Salawa. In 1897, she moved to Kraków where her older sister Therese lived. Angela immediately began to gather together and instruct young women domestic workers. During World War I, she helped prisoners of war without regard for their nationality or religion. The writings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were a great comfort to her. Angela gave great service in caring for soldiers wounded in World War I. After 1918, her health did not permit her to exercise her customary apostolate. Addressing herself to Christ, she wrote in her diary, “I want you to be adored as much as you were destroyed.” In another place, she wrote, “Lord, I live by your will. I shall die when you desire; save me because you can.” At her 1991 beatification in Kraków, Pope John Paul II said: “It is in this city that she worked, that she suffered and that her holiness came to maturity. While connected to the spirituality of Saint Francis, she showed an extraordinary responsiveness to the action of the Holy Spirit” (L'Osservatore Romano, volume 34, number 4, 1991). Reflection Humility should never be mistaken for lack of conviction, insight or energy. Angela brought the Good News and material assistance to some of Christ's “least ones.” Her self-sacrifice inspired others to do the same.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media