Today's Minute Meditation celebrates St. Clare of Assisi! ✝️
Dear John, When I think back on some of the truly special moments I’ve experienced in life that stemmed directly from my Catholic identity, I’m reminded of all the work that has been put in by holy men and women to spread the Gospel. Today’s Saint of the Day highlights Francis Borgia, who, as head of the Jesuits during the 16th century, helped facilitate the founding of missions in Mexico and Peru, as well as Florida. I have to wonder if Borgia’s work to build God’s kingdom through missions and institutions of higher learning trickled down into my own formative faith experiences. A mission trip to Peru while I attended a Jesuit high school completely changed my understanding of poverty and suffering in the world. Later, studying philosophy at a Jesuit university opened my mind to new ideas and helped me to develop critical thinking skills. But it’s likely I wouldn’t have had those experiences without the work of holy people like Francis Borgia. We really are standing on the shoulders of giants. I hope Francis Borgia’s story below—as well as Minute Meditations and Pause+Pray— invigorate your spirit this morning and send you forth on your path today with a glad heart. If you’d like to help us continue our work to spread the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis, we humbly ask you to consider making a donation to Franciscan Media today. Your contributions make our work possible. Peace! Daniel Imwalle Managing Editor |
Saint of the Day for October 10: Francis Borgia (October 28, 1510 – September 30, 1572) Listen to Saint Francis Borgia’s Story Here Today’s saint grew up in an important family in 16th-century Spain, serving in the imperial court and quickly advancing in his career. But a series of events—including the death of his beloved wife—made Francis Borgia rethink his priorities. He gave up public life, gave away his possessions, and joined the new and little-known Society of Jesus. Religious life proved to be the right choice. Francis felt drawn to spend time in seclusion and prayer, but his administrative talents also made him a natural for other tasks. He helped in the establishment of what is now the Gregorian University in Rome. Not long after his ordination, he served as political and spiritual adviser to the emperor. In Spain, he founded a dozen colleges. At 55, Francis was elected head of the Jesuits. He focused on the growth of the Society of Jesus, the spiritual preparation of its new members, and spreading the faith in many parts of Europe. He was responsible for the founding of Jesuit missions in Florida, Mexico, and Peru. Francis Borgia is often regarded as the second founder of the Jesuits. He died in 1572 and was canonized 100 years later. Reflection Sometimes the Lord reveals his will for us in stages. Many people hear a call in later life to serve in a different capacity. We never know what the Lord has in store for us. Saint Francis Borgia is the Patron Saint of: Earthquakes
|
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this classic by Richard Rohr! Discover the loving teachings of St. Francis in Eager to Love and the new companion guide! |
St. Clare’s Final Blessing Francis was canonized a mere two years after he died. Clare lived on for another twenty-seven years. In her own final “Testament,” written near the end of her life, Clare makes only a discrete reference to the pain of their separation and what it meant to her: “We take note…of the frailty which we feared in ourselves after the death of our holy Father Francis. He was our pillar of strength and, after God, our one consolation and support. Thus time and again, we bound ourselves to our Lady, most Holy Poverty.” As she lay dying at San Damiano, Clare offered her final blessing to the daughters gathered beside her: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He show his face to you and be merciful to you. May He turn his countenance to you and give you peace.” —from the book The Franciscan Saints
by Robert Ellsberg |
Teaching and Learning From Each Other Reflect God places people and situations into your life for a reason. Sometimes that reasons is to teach you a lesson of some kind. In fact, for all you know, you may be in someone’s life right now having the same impact. Pray Lord, every moment is an opportunity to teach and to be taught.
Guide our lessons and actions to be rooted in you.
Open our minds to always emphasize you.
Give us the wisdom to learn from mistakes
to lead better lives—but most importantly, to live as a witness.
Amen. Act “The Teacher is always silent during the test” is a phrase that continues to float around, but still rings true. Talk with someone about something that you’ve learned recently or about someone who has made a great impact on you lately. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Natalie Ryan. Learn more here! |
This newsletter is not free to produce! Please consider making a donation to help us in our efforts to share God's love in the spirit of St. Francis. |
|
