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Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 1207-1231; at age 14, she married Louis of Thuringia; she led a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor and sick; her husband died in the Crusades, and his family believed that Elizabeth was squandering the royal purse, and kicked her out of the palace; but she was reinstated when her husband's allies returned home, since her son was the legal heir to the throne; in 1228, Elizabeth joined the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the remaining few years of her life caring for the poor in a hospital which she founded in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi; Elizabeth’s health declined, and she died before her 24th birthday in 1231 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 11/17/25 Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 16th of November, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Exodus 35:10: ”All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded” - they were building the tabernacle for God. Then we go to Mark 6:3: ”Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary…”Who were they speaking about? Jesus Christ. Jesus was an artisan. Jesus was a tradesman. Yes, the Greek word “tektōn” means “carpenter-builder,” so He probably worked with wood and stone. We need to use our gifting to glorify God. We have a widow who stays with us here at Shalom, and she is a very godly woman. She is a quiet woman, she's not a preacher, but I want to tell you something now, she preaches with a paint brush. Yes, she is a talented artist. Just hanging behind my chair right here in my prayer room is the most beautiful painting that she painted for me, many many years ago of the Holy Nativity and even as we are approaching Christmas, it is very important to me again, to see the little Babe in a manger with His mother and father, literally looking onto Him. She preaches with a paintbrush.I also have a grandson here at Shalom. I have many grandsons, this one is very young. He is a gifted worker with leather. He's not shy, but he's a quiet cowboy. With his hands, he makes leather belts, he makes bridles for his horses, he makes halters to catch his horses in the field, and he expresses his love for Jesus through the gifting that God has given to him. Today, I want to say to mom and dad, let your child express their love for Christ through the gifting that the Holy Spirit has given them, whatever it might be, because through it, God will get the glory.Do you remember Saint Francis of Assisi? He was a member of a very wealthy family. He gave it all up and went out to live with the poorest of the poor. He built a monastery basically with his bare hands. Now, I don't know if it is an actual fact or not, but it is attributed to him as having said, “Preach the Gospel at all costs, and if you really have to, use words.” Very interesting!Today, use what God has given you. We can't all be evangelists, we can't all be teachers, we can't all be ministers, but we can all use the gift that God has given us to glorify His Son.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day, Goodbye.
Jim Shovlin is joined by Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap HS Football Regional Championship Week. The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey and Fort Wayne Komets radio voice Shane Albahrani join for their weekly chat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Gavin D'Costa visits to talk over "From Sinai to Rome", an essential collection that examines the question of Jewish-Catholic relations. Joan Lewis joins for her weekly segment of Vatican News and what is happening in Joan's Rome. Plus, Terry Poplava discusses the "just Jesus and me" trend as reported in the latest Faith and Flux Report, and Teresa walks us through Italy with Saint Francis in her Shrines and Wonders segment.
Jesus is asked an absurd question by the Sadducees about the resurrection. Instead of answering their question, he redirects them because they have a false understanding of what the resurrection is actually like. When we don't understand the reality of continuity and discontinuity of the resurrected and glorified state, we miss the opportunity to grow in our faith and grow in the virtuous life we have been called to through the transforming work of Jesus in us.Image: Death and Ascension of Saint Francis, Giotto, photo by Frans Vandewalle, license: CC BY-NC 2.0 (no changes made). Image location: https://www.flickr.com/photos/snarfel/5189845942/in/photostream/
If you desire to grow in God's grace and the knowledge of Christ, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday and are looking forward to visiting with you. We pray that you will find the worship and teaching Christ-centered and edifying. We are seeking to glorify God in Saint Francis, Kansas.
Jim Shovlin is joined by Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap HS Football Sectional Championship Week. The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey and Fort Wayne Komets radio voice Shane Albahrani join for their weekly chat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John 16:25-33 If you desire to grow in God's grace and the knowledge of Christ, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday and are looking forward to visiting with you. We pray that you will find the worship and teaching Christ-centered and edifying. We are seeking to glorify God in Saint Francis, Kansas.
Psalm 16:5-6 If you desire to grow in God's grace and the knowledge of Christ, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday and are looking forward to visiting with you. We pray that you will find the worship and teaching Christ-centered and edifying. We are seeking to glorify God in Saint Francis, Kansas.
Oklahoma head men's basketball coach Porter Moser joins ahead of the Sooners' season opener against Saint Francis.
This is number 27 of a 30-part meditation series inspired by Adyashanti. This episode, drawn from the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, invites you to seek to understand yourself and others before seeking to be understood. When you understand yourself deeply, the demand that others understand you begins to melt away. Your heart and mind open, and you enjoy life more. Demanding that others understand BEFORE you try to understand them can block awakened consciousness from streaming through you. By seeking to understand, you open energetic pathways within yourself through which your own insight can flow.These practices build on each other, so you can listen consecutively, but if there is one in particular that speaks to you, feel free to stick with it. Based on the teachings of Adyashanti, they can be used alone or as a companion to his audio series, The 30-Day Wake Up Challenge, or his book, The Direct Way: 30 Practices to Evoke Awakening. This meditation correlates to Day 27. In some cases, the meditations are also loosely inspired by the teachings of Andrew Holecek, Pema Chodron, and Eckhart Tolle. I hope you enjoy.Music: Lovingkindness by Six Missing (used with permission).Audio: Eric Fischer. Prayer of St. Francis of AssisiLord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Support the showHost: Tess CallahanSubstack: Writers at the WellInterview Podcast: Writers at the WellMeditations on Insight TimerMeditations on YouTubeTess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd ClarkAudio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening!DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.
Jim Shovlin is joined by Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap the Sectional Semi-Finals in high school football. The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey joins to talk Cougar athletics. Shane Albahrani joins to talk Komets hockey in his weekly Komets chat as the team is in Iowa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Dipu Patel, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, president of the PA Education Association, sits down with Sara Fletcher, PhD, CEO of the Association, to recap the recent PAEA Forum in San Diego. They discuss strong attendance, engaging workshops, and an active exhibit hall, along with standout special events like the blood drive. Highlights include keynote presentations from Dr. Harvey Castro on AI in healthcare and Dr. Laurel Braitman on the power of storytelling in mental health. Dipu and Sara also applaud the robust networking opportunities and the 41 research posters on display, and encourage members to explore on-demand sessions and CME credits. The conversation wraps with a look ahead to next year's Forum in Austin, Texas, and upcoming regional education meetings. This episode is sponsored by the University of Saint Francis and its online Doctor of Medical Science Degree. All Things PA Education is produced by Association Briefings.
The greatest security we can have in this world that we are in the grace of God, does not consist in the feelings that we have of love to Him, but rather in an irrevocable abandonment of our whole being into His hands, and in a firm resolution never to consent to any sin great or small. --Saint Francis of SalesMusic track: Serenity by PufinoSource: https://freetouse.com/musicFree Music Without Copyright (Safe)
Jim Shovlin is joined by Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap the first round of Sectionals in high school football. The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey joins to talk Cougar athletics. Shane Albahrani joins to talk Komets hockey in his first weekly Komets chat of the 2025-26 season. Makena Markle joins to talk about the Crush Hunger 5K Race taking place at Indiana Tech next Saturday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Only Three Things You Must Do To Improve Agility - Mike CohnDistilled to its essence, it's quite simple to be a Scrum Master, agile coach, or anyone seeking to improve team or organizational agility. There are only three things you need to do and Saint Francis laid them out succinctly over 800 years ago: To improve agility, we have to start with what's necessary. Change practices that go against agile principles. If programmers and testers aren't part of a single multidisciplinary team, that needs to change.If the team doesn't see the benefits of iterative and incremental work, you need to talk to them about that.Similarly, if management is imposing deadlines without regard to the team's opinion, you'll need to help them see the light. Having made changes necessary to enable agility, look next at what's possible. There will be many more options to choose from now, such as: Shortening iterationsImproving teamworkReducing handoffs by overlapping workIntroducing new practices such as story mapping or job stories“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Doing What's NecessaryThen Do What's PossibleDon't try to improve too many things at once and choose wisely. Initially there will be opportunities for small changes to create outsize improvements. Finally, Do the ImpossibleAt this point, it's time to do the impossible . . . except that now very little is impossible.Having iteratively and incrementally improved, most teams feel powerful enough to take on challenges and changes that would have seemed impossible before.What still seem impossible are changes outside the team. Managers may still impose deadlines. Stakeholders may foist too-frequent changes because they've heard agile teams “embrace change.”Fixing these outside-the-team behaviors isn't impossible, but it is harder and often takes time. Fortunately a team that has done the necessary and then the possible will be ready to do the impossible.How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] https://www.agiledad.com/- [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/- [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/- [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/
This musical meditation reimagines the timeless Prayer of Saint Francis for our modern world—an invocation we need today and every day. It begins with the familiar prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love... Then, it gently carries us deeper—into the heart of self-love. For only when we truly love ourselves can we bring love and peace to others. Love, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there's self-hatred, let me sow love... This full meditation is a song from Jennifer's Worthy album, featuring the beautiful guitar work of Michael Gayle. You can find all of Jennifer's recordings here: https://jenniferruthrussell.bandcamp.com/album/worthy ✨ Receive your free gift: Unlock Your New Opulence Light Codes – A Sound Healing from Mother Mary and the Angels of Abundance
Marcellino D'Ambrosia, aka Dr. Italy, visits to discuss a new series called "Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism" with Jeff Cavins & Ted Sri. Plus, a Homily from the tomb of St Francis this morning said by Fr. Frankie Cicero, and Newman Guide News with Kelly Salomon brings light to what's happening on college campuses from a Catholic perspective.
Jim Shovlin and producer DC Hendrix are joined by Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap Week 8 of high school football. Also, Mike McCaffrey, the athletic director of Saint Francis joins to talk Cougar athletics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homily given October 4, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.
Friar Nader Ata's homily from Mass for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Support Assumption by giving online: assumptionsyr.org/give.Listen to Assumption Today, our daily podcast: anchor.fm/assumptiontoday or subscribe wherever you get podcasts.
Listen to the Rev. Hannah Pommersheim's sermon from the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, the Feast of Saint Francis, on October 5, 2025. For more sermons and information on Saint Luke's, a warm and welcoming Episcopal Church in Darien, CT, visit www.saintlukesdarien.org.
Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth October 5, 2025 Today, as I look out at all the joy and noise and happy chaos of this service, all I can think is “I wish we had animals in our service every week!” Now if you suggested to most pastors that every week should have a bring-your-pet to worship service, they'd probably laugh you out of the room. That's because in most churches, the services have a specific pattern they follow, […] The post The Feast of Saint Francis appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Luke 10:17-24 The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven." At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Reflection When you know who Saint Francis of Assisi was, when you know his story, it's easy to see why he has become so popular as a saint. Probably the best known saint in all of Catholicism. More books written on him than any other saint. And what I'm asking you to recognize in his teaching is something so simple, so beautiful. He fell in love with God, with a childlike love and a childlike enthusiasm for God's creation. God's creatures. He was amazingly human and simple and excited about the work that he and his brothers would do. Closing Prayer Father, we do need models. We do need people to show us the way, but I want to thank you in particular for the gift that you've given us in Saint Francis. What a beautiful man. What a wonderful teaching. I've been drawn to it my whole priesthood, and I pray His spirit will fill you and me as we continue our journey. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Francis of Assisi Lectionary: 460The Saint of the day is Saint Francis of AssisiSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
In the vast tapestry of Catholic spirituality, few threads shimmer with the humble brilliance of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. This cherished collection of stories, born from the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, isn't just a historical artifact—it's a living wellspring of inspiration, a call to radical simplicity and boundless love for Christ. At Journeys of Faith, we're drawn to these tales like pilgrims to a sacred shrine, eager to uncover the divine whispers hidden in every act of kindness, every moment of surrender. Founded by Bob and Penny Lord with a heart for evangelization, our ministry—rooted in the mission of “all for Jesus”—seeks to share the transformative power of such works with Catholics hungry for deeper connection.Imagine walking the dusty paths of 13th-century Italy, where a poor man in a tattered robe spoke to birds, tamed wolves, and bore the wounds of Christ Himself. The Little Flowers of Saint Francis captures these moments, not as mere legend, but as a testament to a faith so raw and real it still echoes through the centuries. Compiled long after Francis' death by followers of his order, this anthology—originally titled Fioretti—paints a portrait of a saint whose life was a living Gospel, a sermon preached through deeds over words. For us at Journeys of Faith, a Catholic ministry devoted to pilgrimage, miracles, and the saints, these stories aren't just history; they're a roadmap for our own spiritual journeys.Whether you've trekked to Assisi yourself or simply long to encounter the saints in the quiet of your prayer corner, The Little Flowers offers something rare: a glimpse into a soul utterly consumed by love for God and creation. As we delve into this sacred text, we invite you to join us—through the lens of our mission at Holy Family Mission in Arkansas and the countless resources we've crafted, from books to streaming content—to rediscover the joy of a faith that blooms in the smallest, most unexpected places. Let's walk with Saint Francis, together, and see where his little flowers lead us closer to Jesus.Compilation and Authorship QuestionsLet's dig into the murky waters of The Little Flowers of Saint Francis—a text as enigmatic as it is beloved. If you're expecting a neat and tidy origin story, brace yourself for a bit of a historical whodunit. Scholars have been scratching their heads for centuries over who actually penned this collection of tales about Saint Francis of Assisi and his early followers. The traditional attribution points to Brother Ugolino di Monte Santa Maria, a Franciscan friar, as the compiler sometime in the late 13th or early 14th century. But here's the kicker: there's no definitive proof. The text itself doesn't come with a signed confession or a medieval copyright page. Instead, we're left piecing together clues from manuscripts and references in other works.The earliest Latin versions, known as the Actus Beati Francisci et Sociorum Eius, are widely accepted as the foundation for what became The Little Flowers. These stories were likely gathered from oral traditions—think of friars swapping tales around a fire about Francis's radical simplicity, his love for creation, and those wild miracles. But translation and adaptation over time muddy the waters. When the text was rendered into Italian as I Fioretti di San Francesco, it wasn't just a straight port; it was shaped and flavored by the cultural and spiritual lens of the translator. Some argue this introduced embellishments, while others say it captured the heart of Francis's charism in a way the Latin couldn't.Click this link to view the full articleSupport the show
ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today. DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Saturday.
Pax et Bonum! On October 4th, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. As Franciscans, we have much to admire and love about St. Francis. With this in mind, we have chosen to delve into the profound teachings of 'The Three Ways of Perfection', a topic that has captivated us and we believe will inspire you as well. 1. The Purgative Way is the purifying of the soul in view of attaining an intimate union with God. 2. The Illuminative Way is the stage of the spiritual life that aims for the imitation of Christ through the positive exercise of Christian virtues. 3. The Unitive Way is characterized by three conditions: 1) a great purity of heart, 2) a great mastery over self, and 3) a constant need to think about God. Points of Discussion: 1. The Purgative Way is shown by his conversion and being the Church builder. 2. The Illuminative Way is shown by the Rule – living according to the Gospels. 3. The Unitive Way is exemplified by Greccio – Nativity Scene, Alverna – Stigmata, and Portiuncula – Holy Death. Deo Gratias!
Louise Harrison joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Barkin for Bingo fundraiser for the Kewanee Animal Shelter and the Saint Francis of Assisi "Blessing of Pets." Animal enthusiasts are gearing up for Barkin' for Bingo, a community fundraiser set for October 12th at the Flemish American Club in Kewanee. Supporters can dive into several bingo games from 1 to 3 PM, with entry priced at $15 and a range of prizes up for grabs. Organized by the Henry County Humane Society – Kewanee, the event aims to boost funding for cats and dogs under shelter care. Lunch, prepared by Mark Eilers, is available starting at 11 AM until supplies run out. All proceeds benefit local pets, bringing hope for happier futures and new homes. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee is inviting animal lovers to their annual "Blessing of Pets" event on October 8th. Festivities begin at 11 AM and wrap up at 1 PM, with the formal blessing scheduled for 12:30. The Henry County Humane Society - Kewanee will be present, showcasing adoptable animals and accepting donations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pets—dogs must be leashed and cats securely in carriers, as previous years have seen some furry escape artists make a dash for freedom. The event aims to celebrate pets in the community while supporting animals in need. All are welcome to attend.
Live Simply, Rejoice in Creation, Be a Peacemaker, Go out on Mission!
Jim Shovlin and producer DC Hendrix chat with Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap Week 7 in HS Football. They also welcome The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey in his weekly Cougar chat, plus much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode of Catechesis, Father Adrian and Harry explore the life and spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi. They highlight Francis' transformation after hearing the Gospel of the rich young man, which led him to embrace a life of poverty, prayer, and simplicity. Stories from his life—rebuilding the church at San Damiano, taming the […] L'articolo E55 | Catechesis – Fr Adrian Crowley & Harry – Learning from St. Francis of Assisi proviene da Radio Maria.
Connect with us online: assumptionsyr.org.We appreciate your continued support: assumptionsyr.org/give.Listen to our weekly podcast, the Assumption Church Podcast. wherever you can podcasts: anchor.fm/assumption.
The Radical Conversion of Francis of AssisiLink to Full ArticleIn the rolling hills of Umbria, where the olive groves whisper ancient secrets and the stone walls of Assisi stand as silent witnesses to history, a young man once dreamed of glory. He was a knight, clad in the ambitions of wealth and honor, a son of privilege who chased the fleeting thrill of worldly acclaim. His name was Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but the world would come to know him as Francis of Assisi—a name that echoes through the centuries as a beacon of radical love, poverty, and devotion to Christ. At Journeys of Faith, we are drawn to stories like his, tales of transformation that cut through the noise of our modern lives and remind us of the raw, untamed power of God's call.Francis's journey from knight to poverello—Italian for “little poor man”—is not just a historical footnote. It's a spiritual earthquake, a seismic shift that reshaped the Church and continues to challenge us today. Here was a man who had everything—status, charm, the promise of a comfortable life—and yet, in a moment of divine encounter, he walked away from it all. He traded armor for rags, pride for humility, and self for service. For those of us seeking deeper meaning, for Catholic Christians yearning to understand the heart of our faith through the lives of the saints, Francis's story is a pilgrimage in itself—a roadmap to the kind of surrender that changes everything.At Journeys of Faith, we've spent decades uncovering the treasures of Catholic tradition, from Eucharistic miracles to the lives of holy men and women like Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by our founders, Bob and Penny Lord, who embarked on their own transformative pilgrimage over 40 years ago, we invite you to journey with us into the life of this extraordinary saint. Through his radical conversion, we find not just a historical figure, but a mirror held up to our own lives, asking: What are we willing to let go of for the sake of Christ? Let's step into Assisi, into the 13th century, and witness the making of a saint whose love for God and creation still burns bright in the heart of the Church.Link to Full ArticleSupport the show
Join us on Patreon for more content and connection! https://patreon.com/kindmind Remembering the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: where there is hatred, let me bring love.Contemplating this can reveal deeper insights to assist in reprogramming our psychological reflexes. For example, a person is never only their opinion, and every opinion has a half-life. Opinions are like clouds - appearing to be permanent at a glance. Pay more attention and one can perceive the numerous forces continuously reshaping it.Every profile picture is a doorway to an infinite interior, even for that individual. I go on uncovering and peeling layers around myself in pursuit of self-knowledge. Our task—especially in seasons of heat—is to refuse the fixation of the single facet. To meet any neighbor as more than a position is moral hygiene.Social media really strips us of our humanity and edits our our fullness. When we restore dimensions, we restore possibility: the chance that a disagreement can be a bridge, that truth can travel without cruelty, that our commonality can be a place for transformation.
Jim Shovlin talks with Justin Kenny from Outside The Huddle to recap Week 6 of high school football. The University of Saint Francis athletic director Mike McCaffrey to talk football Homecoming and Cougar athletics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Let's turn to the inspiration of Saint Francis de Sales to bring peace in our hearts, minds, and soul Notable quotes from St. Francis https://www.azquotes.com/author/12905-Saint_Francis_de_Sales?p=2 https://parishesontheprairie.org/prayer-to-st-francis-de-sales/#:~:text=Assist%20us%20O%20Lord%2C%20we,to%20us%20by%20his%20intercession. http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/francisdesales
In episode 3 of our podcast mini-series exploring Mark, Ben and Mitch discuss themes in chapters 5 and 6, including the Biblical framework, embracing mystery, and what faith actually looks like. GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES + The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis by Richard Rohr + Commodity Culture, The Center for Action and Contemplation + The Story and Message of the Bible, The Gospel Coalition+ The Source of Life By Jürgen Moltmann + Theology of Play by Jürgen Moltmann + Gospel Allegiance by Matthew Bates CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
The Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi (Feast)
Amanda Holmes reads Galway Kinnell's “Saint Francis and the Sow.” Have a suggestion for a poem by a (dead) writer? Email us: podcast@theamericanscholar.org. If we select your entry, you'll win a copy of a poetry collection edited by David Lehman.This episode was produced by Stephanie Bastek and features the song “Canvasback” by Chad Crouch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Full Text of ReadingsTwenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 129The Saint of the day is Blessed Frdric OzanamBlessed Frédéric Ozanam’s Story A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day. Frédéric Ozanam was the fifth of Jean and Marie Ozanam's 14 children, one of only three to reach adulthood. As a teenager he began having doubts about his religion. Reading and prayer did not seem to help, but long walking discussions with Father Noirot of the Lyons College clarified matters a great deal. Frédéric wanted to study literature, although his father, a doctor, wanted him to become a lawyer. Frédéric yielded to his father's wishes and in 1831, arrived in Paris to study law at the University of the Sorbonne. When certain professors there mocked Catholic teachings in their lectures, Frédéric defended the Church. A discussion club which Frédéric organized sparked the turning point in his life. In this club, Catholics, atheists, and agnostics debated the issues of the day. Once, after Frédéric spoke about Christianity's role in civilization, a club member said: “Let us be frank, Mr. Ozanam; let us also be very particular. What do you do besides talk to prove the faith you claim is in you?” Frédéric Ozanam was stung by the question. He soon decided that his words needed a grounding in action. He and a friend began visiting Paris tenements and offering assistance as best they could. Soon a group dedicated to helping individuals in need under the patronage of Saint Vincent de Paul formed around Frédéric. Feeling that the Catholic faith needed an excellent speaker to explain its teachings, Frédéric convinced the Archbishop of Paris to appoint Dominican Father Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire, the greatest preacher then in France, to preach a Lenten series in Notre Dame Cathedral. It was well-attended and became an annual tradition in Paris. After Frédéric Ozanam earned his law degree at the Sorbonne, he taught law at the University of Lyons. He also earned a doctorate in literature. Soon after marrying Amelie Soulacroix on June 23, 1841, he returned to the Sorbonne to teach literature. A well-respected lecturer, Frédéric worked to bring out the best in each student. Meanwhile, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was growing throughout Europe. Paris alone counted 25 conferences. In 1846, Frédéric, Amelie, and their daughter Marie went to Italy; there he hoped to restore his poor health. They returned the next year. The revolution of 1848 left many Parisians in need of the services of the Saint Vincent de Paul conferences. The unemployed numbered 275,000. The government asked Frédéric and his coworkers to supervise the government aid to the poor. Vincentians throughout Europe came to the aid of Paris. Frédéric then started a newspaper, The New Era, dedicated to securing justice for the poor and the working classes. Fellow Catholics were often unhappy with what Frédéric wrote. Referring to the poor man as “the nation's priest,” Frédéric said that the hunger and sweat of the poor formed a sacrifice that could redeem the people's humanity. In 1852, poor health again forced Frédéric to return to Italy with his wife and daughter. He died on September 8, 1853. In his sermon at Frédéric's funeral, Fr. Lacordaire described his friend as “one of those privileged creatures who came direct from the hand of God in whom God joins tenderness to genius in order to enkindle the world.” Frédéric was beatified in 1997. Since Frédéric wrote an excellent book entitled Franciscan Poets of the Thirteenth Century, and since his sense of the dignity of each poor person was so close to the thinking of Saint Francis, it seemed appropriate to include him among Franciscan “greats.” His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 9. Reflection Frédéric Ozanam always respected the poor while offering whatever service he could. Each man, woman, and child was too precious to live in poverty. Serving the poor taught Frédéric something about God that he could not have learned elsewhere. Learn more about the legacy of Frédéric Ozanam! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
September 2025 Intention For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.