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.
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 April 21, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of a Bavarian Capuchin brother, Conrad of Parzham (1818-1894), who was known for his life of deep prayer, practical wisdom, and humble, cheerful service.
On this Easter Sunday, let us meditate on the powerful image of the Resurrection in the lower basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, reflecting on this passage from “The Tree of Life” by Saint Bonaventure.
On Good Friday, you might like to join in the Psalm Francis composed for his Office of the Passion to mark the hour of Jesus’s death. It is a collage of Biblical passages, mainly from the Psalms, phrases from the liturgy, and his own reflections.
Holy Thursday begins the Paschal Triduum, also known as the Easter Triduum. During these special days we recall Christ’s suffering, dying, and rising—the events that reveal the full depths of God’s love for our broken humanity.
Christians begin Holy Week on Palm Sunday, which is beautifully depicted in a fresco by Pietro Lorenzetti in the lower Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi (c. 1315–20).
On April 16, we venerate the memory of St. Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783), a Secular Franciscan who chose the life of a penitent pilgrim, ending his days as a "street person."
On April 4, the Franciscan family honors the memory of Saint Benedict of Palermo, sometimes called Benedict the African or the Black (1526-1589). In Italian he is referred to as “il Moro” (dark-skinned), and this was often translated into English as “the Moor.”
On March 19, as the Church celebrates the solemnity of Saint Joseph, it is interesting to note the important role the Franciscan family played in spreading devotion to him.
On March 18, Franciscans commemorate Saint Salvador of Horta (1520–1567), a Catalan friar known in his lifetime for his humility, intense prayer life, and healing powers.
On March 12, Franciscans remember Blessed Angela Salawa (1881-1922), a Secular Franciscan whose life was marked by prayer, humble service, and outreach to the sick and wounded.
Today, Christians begin the sacred season of Lent in this year of grace 2025.
On March 2, the Franciscan family and the people of the Czech Republic honor the memory of Saint Agnes of Bohemia (Agnes of Prague).
On February 25, Franciscans remember Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio (1502–1600) who lived a highly unusual life on two continents, first as a devout layman and then as a Franciscan friar.
On February 19, Franciscans celebrate the memory of Saint Conrad of Piacenza (c. 1290–1351), a lay penitent hermit known for his life of contemplative prayer.
On February 8, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed Jacoba (or Jacopa) di Settesoli (c. 1190-1238), a Roman lay woman of an aristocratic family who became a close friend and supporter of St. Francis.
On February 7, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of Saint Colette (1381–1447), who led a major reform effort among Franciscans.
On February 6, Christians celebrate the memory of the first Japanese martyrs – 26 Franciscans and Jesuits crucified at Nagasaki in 1597.
On January 31, Franciscans remember Blessed Ludovica (Louise) Albertoni (1473-1533), renowned for her works of charity and deep mystical union with God.
On January 30, Franciscans honor the memory of St. Hyacintha Mariscotti (1585-1640), a nun of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Hyacintha’s life illustrates that conversion to deep, authentic Gospel values at times takes unusual paths.
On January 27, the Church celebrates the memory of Saint Angela Merici (1474–1540), famous for her work as an educator of young women.
On January 23, Franciscans honor the memory of St. Marianne Cope, the first American Franciscan woman to be canonized.
On January 14, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed Odoric of Pordenone (c. 1286–1331), one of the most prominent missionaries of the later Middle Ages.
On January 11, Franciscans honor the memory of Saint Thomas of Cori (1655–1729), a Franciscan who is not well known outside the region of Rome; he was canonized only in 1999.
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.
On January 7, Franciscans in the United States celebrate not only St. Angela of Foligno [see reflection for January 4] but also join their brothers and sisters elsewhere in recalling the memory of a Friar Minor known for his profound spiritual life: Saint Charles of Sezze (1613–1670).
On January 4, Franciscans, especially the Third Order, both Secular and Regular, celebrate the memory of the great mystic, Saint Angela of Foligno (c. 1248–1309).
On January 3, we observe the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, a devotion especially dear to Franciscans.
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.
On December 15, Franciscans, especially Secular Franciscans and Third Order Regular congregations, honor the memory of Blessed Mary Frances Schervier (1819–1876).
On December 12, Catholics in the Americas celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which today is the most popular Christian shrine in the world. Franciscans were there at the beginning of this story.
On December 8, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially significant for Franciscans, as under this title we honor Mary as patroness of our Order.
On November 29, the Franciscan family celebrates the Feast of All Saints of the Seraphic Order – remembering the countless Franciscan men and women who have lived out the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following the patterns of life left by Francis and Clare of Assisi.
On November 26, Franciscans around the world honor the memory of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (1676–1751), famous preacher of parish missions.
On November 4, the Church celebrates the memory of St. Charles Borromeo, a great pastoral theologian and one of the outstanding figures of the Catholic Reformation. He was a Secular Franciscan.
On November 13, Franciscans in most countries celebrate the memory of St. Didacus (Diego) of Alcalá (c.1400-1463), known for his life of humble service and as the Patron of San Diego, California.
On November 17, we celebrate the memory of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary or Thuringia (1207–1231), a Franciscan laywoman who is venerated today as patroness of Secular Franciscans and of the many congregations of women and men following the Franciscan Third Order Regular Rule.
On November 8, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1266-1308), one of the greatest of medieval theologians.
On October 11, the Catholic Church celebrates the memory of Pope St. John XXIII (1881-1963), a Secular Franciscan affectionately known as the "Good Pope."
On October 4, Franciscan men and women join other Christians, many religious people of other faiths, and countless people of goodwill throughout the world to honor the inspiring memory of Francis of Assisi, known as “il Poverello," that is, "the little poor one."
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.
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 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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On October 19, Franciscans in most of the world celebrate the memorial of Saint Peter of Alcántara, a zealous reformer (in the United States his memory is kept on October 22).
On the evening of October 3, 1226, Francis of Assisi passed from this life into the fullness of the Divine.
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On September 23, Catholics celebrate the memory of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), the Capuchin Franciscan friar still best known simply as "Padre Pio," who has become one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church.
On September 18, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663), a Conventual Franciscan friar popularly known for the paranormal phenomena that marked his life.
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 September 23, Catholics celebrate the memory of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), the Capuchin Franciscan friar still best known simply as "Padre Pio," who has become one of the most popular saints in the Church.
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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