We had our 8th Grade Graduation the other day at our Catholic School, Our Lady of Grace in Castro Valley, where we Conventual Franciscans have been newly ministering for one year now. How proud we were of our graduates, as they got up and spoke of the value of their Catholic Education! They have been…
Category: Franciscan Spirituality
The Deeper Meaning of Our Lives – Franciscan Poverty
In my more recent post (read post), I spoke of how the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ reminds us of the deeper reality of the Mass. The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is STILL so much more! Today’s Feast is not only about the deeper reality of the Mass, it…
Why Do Franciscans Live Celibacy?
Franciscans do not take a vow of Celibacy! We take a vow of Chastity, which is really no different than any other Christian. Chastity is the virtue of right ordering of your sexuality within the context of your whole person, and your lifestyle. Chastity is the virtue of expressing your sexuality appropriately according to your…
Honoring Our Two Latest Franciscan Martyrs: All Franciscans Strive to be Martyrs!
I saw a cartoon a few years back, that in a few frames described the following: Outdoors, under a tree, sat a holy man, praying. He was thin from fasting, and appeared weak. He had legs crossed, palms of his hands up, and eyes closed as he prayed. Along the road came a warrior; appearing…
Why do Franciscans Take a Vow of Poverty?
St. Francis, and Franciscans, are known for working with the poor. The Gospel Passage of the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mk 12:38-44), helps us see why. Often we hear the gospel passage known as the “Widow’s Mite” (Mk: 12:41-44) preached as example of how we should give; “from our livelihood” rather than from our…
What is the “Secret of Life”? St. Francis Knew It… “Perfect Joy”!
The 8th grade class has been presenting their projects on the Saints the last few weeks. So far, the presentations I have heard, speak of the martyrs. The martyrs make a powerful impression on us. Their deaths witness to us, that there is a purpose for living that is greater than this life alone. Scripture…