Who cares for and hears the prayers of the nameless caregivers, the people who toil without recognition, adequate pay, or impressive job titles to provide loving, attentive care to the ill and homebound? Mark Winiarski suggests that Margaret of Cortona is a worthy candidate to be the patron saint of these healthcare workers.
On January 23, Franciscans honor the memory of St. Marianne Cope, the first American Franciscan woman to be canonized.
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 14, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed Odoric of Pordenone (c. 1286–1331), one of the most prominent missionaries of the later Middle Ages.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year in commemoration of the Eighth Centenary of the passage of St. Francis of Assisi from death to eternal life.
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 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.
