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 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 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, 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.
