Hello John, Lent is a special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to follow the example of Jesus, who gave his life for us. It is also a time to practice the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One way to do all three is to support Franciscan Media. By starting or increasing a sustaining gift this Lent, you make a difference in the lives of countless people who rely on our publications, podcasts, websites, and social media for inspiration, education, and connection. Pray with our resources, fast from excess, and join a faithful community. Donate Today. |
Christopher Meyer
Director of Development |
Saint of the Day for March 1: Saint David of Wales (d. March 1, 589) Saint David of Wales’ Story David is the patron saint of Wales and perhaps the most famous of British saints. Ironically, we have little reliable information about him. It is known that he became a priest, engaged in missionary work, and founded many monasteries, including his principal abbey in southwestern Wales. Many stories and legends sprang up about David and his Welsh monks. Their austerity was extreme. They worked in silence without the help of animals to till the soil. Their food was limited to bread, vegetables and water. In about the year 550, David attended a synod where his eloquence impressed his fellow monks to such a degree that he was elected primate of the region. The episcopal see was moved to Mynyw, where he had his monastery, now called St. David’s. He ruled his diocese until he had reached a very old age. His last words to his monks and subjects were: “Be joyful, brothers and sisters. Keep your faith, and do the little things that you have seen and heard with me.” Saint David is pictured standing on a mound with a dove on his shoulder. The legend is that once while he was preaching a dove descended to his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard. Over 50 churches in South Wales were dedicated to him in pre-Reformation days. Reflection Were we restricted to hard manual labor and a diet of bread, vegetables and water, most of us would find little reason to rejoice. Yet joy is what David urged on his brothers as he lay dying. Perhaps he could say that to them—and to us—because he lived in and nurtured a constant awareness of God’s nearness. For, as someone once said, “Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence.” May his intercession bless us with the same awareness! Saint David of Wales is the Patron Saint of: Wales |
Prayer in the Catholic Tradition offers 40 impactful essays from voices such as Ronald Rolheiser, Joyce Rupp, and Daniel P. Horan! They offer a comprehensive look at the learning, practice, and teaching of all that it means to pray in the Catholic tradition. |
The Sacred Silence of Lent How do we figure out what we truly need? I think we find an answer in silence. Not the answer—not immediately—but at least the method, the path we can take (each of us) toward the way to find the answer for ourselves, and for no one else. It is about prayer. It is about stillness. It is about stillness and silence in Lent. In many parts of the world, Lent begins in the silent time of the year. The earth is gently awakening from its winter slumber, gradually bringing forth its remembered fullness. In other parts of the world, Lent is a time of slowing down, of increasing coolness, of moving toward the dark bright of longer nights, when the burst of dawn truly does break forth day after day, promising more, promising deeper, promising a greater silence, and, conversely, promising a greater light. These are the days we cherish in silence as we move toward the Resurrection. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “The Sacred Silence of Lent“ by Phyllis Zagano |
“St. Anthony Messenger is the most worthwhile publication that crosses the threshold of our home! I am grateful to St. Anthony Messenger, its writers, and designers. I only wish more people would avail themselves of this most valuable magazine. Its contents are outstanding!” – Barbara T. |
Enjoy a magazine that helps its readers become joyful, loving peacemakers by exploring issues facing the Church and the world today through a Franciscan lens. |
Remain in Me Reflect Our faith is not supposed to fluctuate based on circumstances and emotions. Jesus says in John 15:4, “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus promises to be with us always, in all things, through all things. All we are asked to do is to keep our gaze up and to keep our hearts locked in. Then, our faith and relationships will grow deeper and deeper. Pray Jesus,
This Lenten season,
Show us how you’re preparing our hearts
for what’s to come.
Allow us to feel a love so steadfast,
a comfort so peaceful,
a mercy so strong,
that the winter of our souls might melt away
and may we become fertile ground for
you to plant your word.
Amen. Act Take a walk today and remind yourself and God of the promises he’s made to you. Have faith in them, and keep hope alive. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Natalie Ryan. Learn more here! |
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