Our Saint of the Day is the patron saint of 📚 students!
Hello John, Franciscan Media donors share God's love in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. As we observe the season of Lent, we are all called to grow closer to the heart of Christ and share his love with more people. It is also a time to express our gratitude for the gifts we have received and to share them generously with others. That is why I am inviting you today to consider starting a sustaining monthly gift with Franciscan Media. By starting or increasing a sustaining gift this Lent, you can help us create and distribute quality content that reflects the beauty and wisdom of our Franciscan tradition all year long. Donate today. |
Christopher Meyer
Director of Development |
Saint of the Day for February 27: Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (March 1, 1838 – February 27, 1862) Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows’ Story Born in Italy into a large family and baptized Francis, Saint Gabriel lost his mother when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life. Young Francis wished to join the Jesuits but was turned down, probably because of his age, not yet 17. Following the death of a sister to cholera, his resolve to enter religious life became even stronger and he was accepted by the Passionists. Upon entering the novitiate he was given the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Ever popular and cheerful, Gabriel quickly was successful in his effort to be faithful in little things. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, consideration of the feelings of others, exact observance of the Passionist Rule as well as his bodily penances—always subject to the will of his wise superiors— made a deep impression on everyone. His superiors had great expectations of Gabriel as he prepared for the priesthood, but after only four years of religious life symptoms of tuberculosis appeared. Ever obedient, he patiently bore the painful effects of the disease and the restrictions it required, seeking no special notice. He died peacefully on February 27, 1862, at age 24, having been an example to both young and old. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was canonized in 1920. Reflection When we think of achieving great holiness by doing little things with love and grace, Therese of Lisieux comes first to mind. Like her, Gabriel died painfully from tuberculosis. Together they urge us to tend to the small details of daily life, to be considerate of others’ feelings every day. Our path to sanctity, like theirs, probably lies not in heroic doings but in performing small acts of kindness every day. Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows is a Patron Saint of: Clergy
Students
Young People |
Any grandparent knows his or her role in the family unit is beyond blessed—even when it's sometimes loud and messy. Explore and celebrate the importance of grandparenting in the funny and relatable Being A Grandparent: Just Like Being a Parent...Only Different! |
Darkness and Light I have heard poet/mystic James Finley wisely teach that when you come to a fork in the road, you either despair or go deeper. The darkness that descends when dreams are shattered is that fork, and eventually we will all stand in that place. When it was my turn, everything in me wanted things to return to the way they had been before my dreams swirled away from me. My powerlessness to bring this about was my first conscious encounter with Life itself. The future was shrouded in mystery, and old, unhealed wounds fought their way to the surface to be recognized. The dark seemed insurmountable. But poet Dorothy Walters offers the advice that I needed: “First let your heart be broken open.” In order to go deeper, the pain had to be met and experienced. Within the pain were the vital questions that wanted to be heard. Concealed within the darkness was the unfolding light. To flee the darkness would be to flee the light. —from the book Stars at Night: When Darkness Unfolds as Light by Paula D’Arcy |
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Stop the Negativity Reflect When we complain we fixate on negatives and wander down a path of self-pity, spreading seeds of dissatisfaction to anyone who will listen. Let’s spread joy instead. Pray Dear God, forgive my complaining.
I have so many gifts in my life,
but sometimes I fixate on my dissatisfaction instead.
I spread my criticism and annoyance to people around me
and before long they join in and start complaining too.
Help me bring my complaints to you alone and refocus my heart.
I want to spread positive thoughts instead of negative ones.
Amen. Act Guard your tongue today and keep your complaints to yourself and to God. You can talk to him about anything. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Colleen Arnold, MD. Learn more here! |
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