Today's Saint of the Day is the patron of Christian artists! 🎨
Dear John, I loved reading Michelangelo’s quote about today’s Saint of the Day, Fra Angelico: “One has to believe that this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.” Every one of us is an artist. We are divinely designed to create something with our lives that honors God. Michelangelo’s quote reminds me to take time to “visit paradise”—to open my heart to receive divine depth and beauty in my very midst—which will influence my own “modeling”: how I live, love, serve, and create. It’s a joy to be a part of this Franciscan Media family and help create resources that hopefully influence your faith journey. Help us customize our resources to suit your needs better by donating to Rebuilding God's Church. Stephen Copeland Book Editor |
Saint of the Day for February 18:
Blessed John of Fiesole (1387 – February 18, 1455) Listen to Blessed John of Fiesole’s Story Here The patron of Christian artists was born around 1400 in a village overlooking Florence. He took up painting as a young boy and studied under the watchful eye of a local painting master. He joined the Dominicans at about age 20, taking the name Fra Giovanni. He eventually came to be known as Fra Angelico, perhaps a tribute to his own angelic qualities or maybe the devotional tone of his works. He continued to study painting and perfect his own techniques, which included broad-brush strokes, vivid colors and generous, lifelike figures. Michelangelo once said of Fra Angelico: “One has to believe that this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.” Whatever his subject matter, Fra Angelico sought to generate feelings of religious devotion in response to his paintings. Among his most famous works are the Annunciation and Descent from the Cross as well as frescoes in the monastery of San Marco in Florence. He also served in leadership positions within the Dominican Order. At one point, Pope Eugenius approached him about serving as archbishop of Florence. Fra Angelico declined, preferring a simpler life. He died in 1455. Reflection The work of artists adds a wonderful dimension to life. Without art our lives would be much depleted. Let us pray for artists today, especially those who can lift our hearts and minds to God. Blessed John of Fiesole is the Patron Saint of: Christian Artists
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Easter People What I love about Pope Francis and this jubilee year that we are in is that it shows, yet again, how vigilant he is about the world’s woes but savvy enough to leverage a worldwide celebration to counter it. It speaks to our collective need to seek the light, where salvation awaits. And the spirit of it harkens to a line attributed to Pope John Paul II about who we are as Christians and how our joy—and, indeed, our hope—should be our compass in a confusing world: “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!” —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “High Hopes for the Jubilee“
by Christopher Heffron |
St. Padre Pio’s daily example as a devoted follower of Christ helps guide readers through a reflective and prayer-filled Lenten season. |
We All Suffer Reflect There is suffering all around us. Some of it is on the global level, while some of it is on a very personal level. No matter the scope, we all suffer in some way. That’s good to remember when we are interacting with people in our daily lives. Pray Dear God,
There is so much suffering
in the world.
Help me be
a living witness
to your presence
in my daily life.
Let me always remember
that everyone
is dealing with
some sort of challenge.
Amen. Act Let someone who is going through a difficult time know that you are thinking of and praying for him or her. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Susan Hines-Brigger. Learn more here! |
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