Our Saint of the Day was canonized by a future saint—Pope John Paul II!
Hello John, As we gather in reflection and gratitude, I extend my deepest appreciation to each one of you who has generously supported the mission of Franciscan Media. Your contributions are the bedrock of our endeavors. Today, I invite you to continue this journey of generosity by participating in our "Invest in Inspiration" matching gift week. Every donation you make will be matched up to $20,000 by our generous board of directors, which will double your donation’s impact and magnify the reach of our shared mission. Together, let us sow seeds of compassion and renewal, nurturing the spirit of Lenten giving and grace that defines our Franciscan Media family. To participate in our matching gift opportunity, click https://www.FranciscanMedia.org/Lent to make your donation. |
Christopher Meyer
Director of Development |
Saint of the Day for February 15: Claude de la Colombière (February 2, 1641 – February 15, 1682)
This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude de la Colombière promoted along with his friend and spiritual companion, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time. Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later, he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor. He was next sent to England to serve as confessor to the Duchess of York. He preached by both words and by the example of his holy life, converting a number of Protestants. Tensions arose against Catholics and Claude, rumored to be part of a plot against the king, was imprisoned. He was ultimately banished, but by then his health had been ruined. He died in 1682. Pope John Paul II canonized Claude de la Colombière in 1992. Reflection As a fellow Jesuit and as a promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Claude must be very special to Pope Francis who has so beautifully emphasized the mercy of Jesus. The emphasis on God’s love and mercy are characteristic of both men. |
It is not too late! You can still receive daily inspiration during this spiritual season of Lent. Connect and pray with the Church’s most beloved saints and holy people, including Thomas Merton, Francis, Clare, Damien of Molokai, Teresa of Calcutta, and Gianna Molla and more! Register today for this exclusive experience! |
An Alternative Vision of God If Christian faith is to be meaningful to twenty-first-century individuals and play a positive role in healing the earth and its peoples, Christians must choose the way of loving relatedness and not the path of coercive power. We must imitate the humility of God, described by Francis of Assisi, and not the arrogance of Caesar too often used by political and religious leaders. Although Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure grew up in a world of strictly defined hierarchies related to God, ecclesiastical and political decision-making, and family life, they proclaimed an alternative vision of God and the world, in which God’s love invited people to cherish warm and affirmative relationships among all people as well as between humankind and the nonhuman world. Order and law, whether ecclesiastical or political, are gifts of God and need to be honored, but we also need to recognize that their purpose is to serve humanity, not control it. —from the book Simplicity, Spirituality, Service: The Timeless Wisdom of Francis, Clare, and Bonaventureby Bruce G. Epperly |
From Wild Man to Wise Man This newly revised edition of Richard Rohr's perennial bestseller includes. three added chapters that discuss John the Baptist, Saint Paul and grief. An appendix provides a structure for a men's group. |
My Inadvertent Offenses… Reflect “Punish me not … for my inadvertent offenses.” —Tb (3:3b) What a great plea from the Old Testament figure, Tobit! How often do we think we’re on a good path, only to realize later that we were actually perhaps a bit arrogant or offensive? Surely you’ve noticed other people who just don’t realize how abrasive or hurtful they can be. We all have these blind spots, and Tobit offers a perfect prayer for these behaviors. Pray God,
Like Tobit, I ask you to forgive my inadvertent offenses.
Please guide me and nudge me so I can avoid these inadvertent offenses.
And please forgive me when I unwittingly stumble! Act Note a person in your life who is rather demanding or insensitive—while thinking they are being virtuous. Be aware that you probably do something comparable that is hidden to you. Try to be patient with these people, as you would like God to be patient with you. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Theresa Doyle-Nelson. Learn more here! |
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