Today's Pause+Pray is inspired by President Abraham Lincoln! 🙏
Hello John, Today's Saint of the Day and Minute Meditations share glimpses of how we can be inspired by the acts of two vastly different saints: Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes and Francis of Assisi. Pause+Pray challenges us to apply the saintly ways of Francis and Mary Ann to our everyday lives. The golden thread of the newsletter reminds me that selfless acts of love for our neighbor bring great joy to all. As you continue through Lent, join us in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. If you feel compelled, please consider focusing your almsgiving to support this newsletter and share these loving messages with more people. Please click here to donate. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us reach more people with messages of hope each day. |
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Saint of the Day for March 6: Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes (October 31, 1618 – May 26, 1645)
Saint Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes’ Story Mary Ann grew close to God and God's people during her short life. The youngest of eight, Mary Ann was born in Quito, Ecuador, which had been brought under Spanish control in 1534. She joined the Secular Franciscans and led a life of prayer and penance at home, leaving her parents’ house only to go to church and to perform some work of charity. She established in Quito a clinic and a school for Africans and indigenous Americans. When a plague broke out, she nursed the sick and died shortly thereafter. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The liturgical feast of Saint Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes is celebrated on May 28. Reflection Francis of Assisi overcame himself and his upbringing when he kissed the man afflicted with leprosy. If our self-denial does not lead to charity, the penance is being practiced for the wrong reason. The penances of Mary Ann made her more sensitive to the needs of others and more courageous in trying to serve those needs. |
"The Canticle of the Creatures is Francis' love song. It is Franciscan wholeness, for in it is contained the depth of his prayer and of his life in Christ." —Murray Bodo, OFM, coauthor of God's Love Song: The Vision of Francis and Clare. Curious about the legacy of these two great saints? Click the button below to learn more! |
Saints Lead Us to the Table The lives of the saints are not meant to make us feel small, they are not meant to feel unattainable, and they are not the stories of superhuman beings. The saints became vessels of God’s hope to God’s people. They allowed themselves to be transformed by the truth of Scripture, practicing the traditions and teachings of our faith in a way that welcomed all people to the table. As a universal Church, we can learn from these three holy people how to love our neighbor, make space for others, and live daily lives marked by the love of the Gospel. The saints draw us into the conversation of faith, life, and the ways in which we can love each other and, in doing so, love God. They draw us out of isolation, indifference, and darkness to walk along a road that leads us to a table where everyone is welcomed to come and break bread with the Messiah. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Our Saints, Ourselves“ by Vanesa Zuleta Goldberg |
Following the Better Angels of Our Nature Reflect In his first inaugural address, President Abraham Lincoln counseled his listeners to follow the better angels of their nature. War was on the horizon, and yet Lincoln asserted that “we are not enemies, but friends.” In our uncivil and divisive time, we can listen to the better angels of our nature and, like Francis, be instruments of peace in every encounter, even in times of contentiousness. Pray God of all people,
Let me follow the better angels of my nature.
Let me seek peace and strive to be a peacemaker.
Let your dream of peace motivate and guide me
In every situation
So that every encounter will be reconciling, healing, and uniting. Amen. Act In every situation today, whether watching the news or dealing with others’ behaviors, ask: “In this context, how can I follow the better angels of my nature? How can I promote friendship, not enmity? How can I be a multiplier and not a divider in terms of friendship and creativity?” Observe your responses as you seek to be an instrument of peace toward others and in your life as a citizen. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bruce Epperly. Learn more here! |
If you have gained something from our daily messages, consider signing up for two free issues of St. Anthony Messenger magazine! Francis of Assisi wanted to share God’s love with the people around him. His follower, Anthony of Padua, used words to accomplish that goal. For 130 years, St. Anthony Messenger, has enriched readers’ lives with inspirational stories and cherished Franciscan content paired with beautiful photos and thoughtful commentary. Click here to learn more! |
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