October 31, 2024

Dear John,

First of all, happy Halloween from all of us at Franciscan Media! As children (of all ages) celebrate this day of pumpkins, candy, and costumes, there are some kernels of Franciscan spirituality to consider.

For one thing, on a day that calls to mind the reality of our mortality, St. Francis would fit right in, as the entry for today's Minute Meditations might suggest. In the Canticle of the Creatures, beyond simply accepting death, St. Francis praises God "through Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living man can escape." A life oriented toward God and the call of the Gospel reframes death not as an end point, but an access point. Instead of a wall, it is a doorway to the divine, and we can celebrate that today on Halloween.

Also, as trick-or-treaters make their rounds this evening, we're reminded of St. Francis, the itinerant beggar. These traditions we celebrate every year often carry within them vestiges of practices from the past. Going from door to door and asking for those inside to spare something, anything is a deeply Christian—and Franciscan—act. It taps into major themes like Franciscan poverty, healthy detachment from material things, and trust in the mercy of God and neighbor.

But first, we want to wish you a happy, holy Halloween! With your support, we can provide more resources that celebrate our brothers and sisters in faith. Please consider a donation to Franciscan Media today!

Peace and good! 

Daniel Imwalle

Managing Editor, St. Anthony Messenger/Franciscan Media

Saint of the Day for October 31: Wolfgang of Regensburg

(c. 924 – August 31, 994)

Listen to Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg’s Story Here

Wolfgang was born in Swabia, Germany, and was educated at a school located at the abbey of Reichenau. There he encountered Henry, a young noble who went on to become Archbishop of Trier. Meanwhile, Wolfgang remained in close contact with the archbishop, teaching in his cathedral school and supporting his efforts to reform the clergy.

At the death of the archbishop, Wolfgang chose to become a Benedictine monk and moved to an abbey in Einsiedeln, now part of Switzerland. Ordained a priest, he was appointed director of the monastery school there. Later he was sent to Hungary as a missionary, though his zeal and good will yielded limited results.

Emperor Otto II appointed him Bishop of Regensburg, near Munich. Wolfgang immediately initiated reform of the clergy and of religious life, preaching with vigor and effectiveness and always demonstrating special concern for the poor. He wore the habit of a monk and lived an austere life.

The draw to monastic life never left him, including the desire for a life of solitude. At one point he left his diocese so that he could devote himself to prayer, but his responsibilities as bishop called him back. In 994, Wolfgang became ill while on a journey; he died in Puppingen near Linz, Austria. He was canonized in 1052. His feast day is celebrated widely in much of central Europe.

Reflection

Wolfgang could be depicted as a man with rolled-up sleeves. He even tried retiring to solitary prayer, but taking his responsibilities seriously led him back into the service of his diocese. Doing what had to be done was his path to holiness—and ours.

This newsletter is not free to produce! Please consider making a donation to help us in our efforts to share God's love in the spirit of St. Francis.