On Good Friday, the Church's liturgy focuses on the Passion of Jesus — hearing again the Gospel story of his suffering and death and venerating his Cross. Today you may like to join in reciting the psalm Francis composed for his Office of the Passion to mark the 3 pm hour of Jesus’s death. It is a collage of Biblical passages that Francis places on the lips of Christ, as well as 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 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.
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.
