Dominic V. Monti, OFM, is a Franciscan Friar of Holy Name Province (USA) and currently professor of Franciscan Research in the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure University. He devoted the greater part of his ministry to teaching the History of Christianity, in particular the history of the Franciscan movement. He has contributed two volumes to the Works of St. Bonaventure series and is author of Francis & His Brothers, a popular history of the Friars Minor.
In preparation for the 750th anniversary of the death of St. Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church, on July 15, here is a letter from the Ministers General of the First Order and the Third Order Regular.
On Monday, March 4, in Matelica (Macerata, Marche), Italy, the Franciscan world laid to rest Sister Chiara Augusta Lainati, O.S.C., 85 years old, esteemed philologist and scholar of the writings of Saints Clare and Francis.
Francis: Brother of All: The Fraternity in the Proposal of the Saint of Assisi explores the distinct features of the Franciscan conception of universal brother/sisterhood.
On January 16, Franciscans celebrate the feast of St. Berard and four friar companions, the first martyrs of the Order, who were beheaded in Morocco on this date in 1220.
The Franciscan world was saddened during this joyous season by the sudden death on December 21 of one of the major scholars of our intellectual-spiritual tradition, Fr. Michael Blastic, OFM. Fr. Michael, a much-loved friar, was Distinguished Visiting Professor of Franciscan Studies at the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, California.
On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the St Francis and the "Nativity scene of Greccio", the Apostolic Penitentiary granted a plenary indulgence to all the faithful who, from 8 December 2023 to 2 February 2024, visit a Nativity scene in a church entrusted to Franciscans all over the world.
On November 29, the entire Franciscan family celebrates the 800th anniversary of the confirmation of the Rule of St. Francis.
This article examines the 1223 events at Greccio and brings attention to the frequently overlooked collaboration of laity and the broader participation of the natural world.
On September 26, Franciscans remember the martyr St. Damian, patron of the small church in Assisi so central in Franciscan history, but we also celebrate St. Elzéar of Sabran (1285-1323) and his wife, Blessed Delphine of Glandèves (1284-1358), committed Secular Franciscans.
Franciscans celebrate the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis on September 17. We have been gifted with a very insightful treatment of this event by friar historian Michael F. Cusato in his new study: Francis of Assisi: His Life, Vision and Companions (London: Reaktion Books, 2023).
This book presents four different dimensions of Franciscan practices around material possessions, with six reflections per topic.
On August 11, the church, especially the Franciscan movement, celebrates the feast of St. Clare of Assisi (1193/94-1253), first woman companion of St. Francis and Mother of our Poor Clare Sisters.
On August 8, with the rest of the Church, the Franciscan family celebrates St. Dominic, but not simply as a memorial but as a feast, honoring him as "our holy Father."
Announcing a significant publication for those who are interested in the Franciscan spiritual tradition. St. Veronica Guiliani (1660-1727), an Italian Poor Clare, is recognized as one of the great mystics in the history of Christianity.
On May 30 the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of St. Camilla Battista da Varano (1458–1524), a noted Poor Clare humanist and spiritual writer.
On April 23, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of Blessed Giles of Assisi (c. 1190–1262), one of the first companions of St. Francis. A recent study capsulizes him as a “mystic and rebel.”
On Good Friday, let us meditate before the Cross with Saint Bonaventure.
A new documentary on Franciscan Sister Thea Bowman, “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood,” shines a light on her life and work as an advocate for racial justice and intercultural understanding.
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Anthony reminds us: “The person who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks in different languages. These languages are different ways of witnessing to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience, and obedience; we speak in these languages when we reveal in ourselves these virtues to others. Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. . . . It is useless for people to flaunt their knowledge of God’s law if they undermine its teaching by their actions.”
On May 18, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of Saint Felix of Cantalice (1515-1587), a Capuchin friar known for his life of humble service.
On May 18, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of Saint Felix of Cantalice (1515-1587), a Capuchin friar known for his life of humble service.
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Christmas was such a special feast for Saint Francis because it reveals so vividly the deepest mystery of God: that our God totally empties self in the person of Jesus to share our frail humanity.
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As the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), it is good to know the important role that Franciscans played in promoting this particular image of Mary and why.
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On April 3, the Franciscan family honors the memory of St. Benedict the Black or Benedict the African (1526-1589). He was referred to in Italian as “il Moro” (dark-skinned), and this was often translated into English as “the Moor.”
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