On May 12, Franciscans celebrate the memory of St. Leopold Mandic of Castelnuovo (1866–1942), a Capuchin friar famous for his dedicated ministry in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
On May 9, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of St. Catherine of Bologna (1413–1463), a Poor Clare celebrated for her devotion and learning.
On April 28, Franciscans—especially Secular Franciscans and members of the Third Order Regular—honor the memory of Blessed Luchesius of Poggibonsi (c. 1180-1260).
On April 24, the Franciscan family celebrates the memory of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622), a heroic martyr for the Catholic faith.
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.
