Counting Our Blessings

At Franciscan Media, we work every day to provide you with free materials that nourish your spirit. We call these free resources Blessings. In this month's Blessings newsletter, we offer meditations on grief, prayer, and the sanctity of water. We hope you like our offerings this month.

Thank you in advance for your support! You are our greatest blessing.

God of Suffering and Humble Love

We must move us beyond our natural desire for ego security, status needs, and group idolatry. Only then can we trust that it is God who is breaking into human consciousness. Read more.

When Our Prayers Are Wordless

Sometimes icons, symbols, nature, and art can take us where words cannot. We read them by allowing them to read us. This, I think, is its own kind of prayer. Read more.

Search for the Light

Given the state of the world, it’s easy to be mired in grief. But lightness and grace surround us. We just have to look for them. Read more.

The Theology of Water

Go to any Catholic church and you will be greeted by statues, stained glass images, a golden tabernacle, and candles. Chief among these symbols is water. Read more.

St. Padre Pio

Padre Pio grew up in southern Italy. At the age of 15, he joined the Capuchins and was ordained in 1910. In 1918 he received the stigmata, the markings of the crucified Jesus. Read more.