Franciscans
Birds, worms, rabbits: Francis of Assisi was said to have loved them all – but today’s pet blessings on his feast day might have seemed strange to the 13th century saint
By Mary Dzon — October 3, 2023
(The Conversation) — Medieval monastics were often discouraged from owning companion animals, which were viewed as a distraction, a religion scholar explains.
Is ‘Jewish supremacy’ translating into anti-Christian violence in Jerusalem?
By Daoud Kuttab — February 3, 2023
(RNS) — The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is a political one; it must stay as such.
California bishops should ask, ‘What would Junipero Serra do?’
By Thomas Reese — October 28, 2021
(RNS) — Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, has become the center of a firestorm in California where he was a Spanish missionary for 15 years beginning in 1768.
In new book, Richard Rohr says the ‘universal Christ’ changes everything
By Cathleen Falsani — March 29, 2019
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (RNS) — Richard Rohr believes the predominant theme in Scripture and tradition is grace, which he describes as a kind of divine spackling compound that God uses to fill in the gaps between everything in all of creation. Rohr's latest book, 'The Universal Christ,' recently hit the New York Times best-seller list.
A sacred light in the darkness: Winter solstice illuminations at Spanish missions
By Ruben G. Mendoza — December 13, 2018
(The Conversation) — California's colonial Spanish missions were sited to produce illuminations on solstices or equinoxes, demonstrating the power of our instincts to guide us through the darkness toward the light.
Pope Francis has a model for Muslim engagement in St. Francis of Assisi
By Omar Sacirbey — March 15, 2013
Just as many Catholics have connected Pope Francis' humility and austere lifestyle with that of St. Francis of Assisi, those seeking clues on the new pontiff's approach to Christian-Muslim relations see another example in his iconic namesake.
For Missouri monks, holiday fruitcakes are slice of the divine
By Kellie Moore — December 19, 2012
AVA, Mo. (RNS) Some monasteries make jelly, creamed honey, even world-class beer. For the last 25 years, the Trappist monks of Assumption Abbey here in the foothills of the Ozarks have made fruitcake. By Kellie Kotraba.
Catholics pray for Paul Ryan’s, Joe Biden’s change of heart
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — August 20, 2012
(RNS) Some Wisconsin Catholics are praying both Catholic vice presidential candidates will have a religious epiphany. They want GOP Rep. Paul Ryan to change his mind and heart about his deep-cuts budget and Vice President Biden to turn against abortion rights. By Cathy Lynn Grossman.
Could an Alabama shrine become the next Catholic pilgrimage site?
By Greg Garrison — July 17, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) Could a Virgin Mary statue under a pine tree in the middle of a cow pasture in rural Alabama one day become an officially recognized international pilgrimage site of the Roman Catholic Church? By Greg Garrison.
Franciscan friars back American nuns in Vatican spat
By Daniel Burke — June 7, 2012
(RNS) Franciscan friars are throwing their support behind a group of American nuns, saying Vatican criticism of the women was "excessive" and is "polarizing" the Catholic Church. By Daniel Burke.
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