Make a meaningful difference today with your gift. Join us for our exclusive event celebrating the first live Nativity, today!
| Today is Giving Tuesday—a pivotal moment for you to join a community around the globe making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Last year your support helped share 34 million messages of love, faith, and compassion to a troubled world marked by war, oppression, and increased isolation. This year, your generous gift will do even more. As we look to the future, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead: the release of new books on topics of prayer, harmony, and the saints (including St. Marianne Cope), faith-filled articles in St. Anthony Messenger magazine, and thought-provoking Franciscan podcasts and virtual events featuring our authors, partners, and content creators. |
Regardless of its size, your donation will make a positive impact on people who need an encouraging word. And thanks to a generous donor, Franciscan Media has a Giving Tuesday challenge. Today your contribution will double up to $25,000! |
| Your heartfelt support in spreading God’s love and the Gospel through Franciscan Media is deeply cherished. Together, let's make a lasting impact. |
Eight centuries after the first live Nativity, Franciscan Media, in collaboration with the Franciscan School of Theology and the Franciscan Federation, is celebrating "The Grace of Greccio: 800 Years of Tradition." Join us for this live event, featuring Darleen Pryds, PhD, and Father Mike Lasky, OFM Conv, TODAY at 8:00 EST for a discussion on the significance of this anniversary and its place in Franciscan history. |
800 years ago, dedicated to retracing Christ’s footsteps, St. Francis of Assisi considered creating a living Nativity to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Without his good friend John—a man who knew how to get things done in the real world—Francis’ hope and aspiration to experience consolation in a faithful re-creation of the Incarnation likely would have remained a silent thought in the solitude of his cell. As a colleague of mine often remarks, “Francis couldn’t organize lint in his pocket.” Organizing a living Nativity was beyond Francis’ capability, but it was not beyond John’s. Francis may have had the idea, but he needed the oversight of someone with significant skills in coordinating the efforts of many people and animals. Francis needed John. And John needed the collaboration of many other people—all of whom are anonymous in the historical record—but whose support, interest, and physical assistance contributed to making the living Nativity happen.
—from "Greccio and the First Live Nativity: 800 Years of Tradition,"
by Darleen Pryds (St. Anthony Messenger November/December 2023) |
Black Friday Deals extended this week! Don't miss out on 40% off. Give the gift of inspirational books this Christmas! |
|
