May 23, 2024

Hello John,

Blessed Thursday! 

I am inspired by two extraordinary saints—Gregory VII and Francis of Assisi—who remind us of the transformative power of encountering Christ in every person we meet. 

Saint Gregory VII’s commitment to restoring integrity to the papacy through the Gregorian Reform serves as a powerful example of how individuals can effect positive change, even in the darkest of times. Similarly, Saint Francis of Assisi found peace amidst adversity and inspired countless others to do the same. 

In our modern world, filled with ongoing crises and uncertainties, the wisdom of these saints resonates deeply. Like Saint Francis, may we strip ourselves of all things worldly and open our hearts to God's healing presence, knowing that no wound is beyond His ability to heal. 

May we pray together, asking the Lord to help us see Him in all living things and to respect the dignity of every individual. May God give us the courage to be authentic in love and to serve others selflessly in His name. 

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With much gratitude,

Fr. Dan Kroger, OFM
Franciscan Media CEO and St. Anthony Messenger Publisher

Giving@FranciscanMedia.org

P.S., All members of the Franciscan Media team are gathering today. Will you pray for us? Pray that the Holy Spirit guides our time and bestows the gifts needed to continue the good work that we are all called to do. 

Saint of the Day for May 23: Gregory VII

(c. 1025 – May 25, 1085)

Saint Gregory VII’s Story

The 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because the papacy was the pawn of various Roman families. In 1049, things began to change when Pope Leo IX, a reformer, was elected. He brought a young monk named Hildebrand to Rome as his counselor and special representative on important missions. Hildebrand was to become Gregory VII.

Three evils plagued the Church then: simony–the buying and selling of sacred offices and things; the unlawful marriage of the clergy; and lay investiture—kings and nobles controlling the appointment of Church officials. To all of these Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor to the popes and later as pope himself.

Gregory’s papal letters stress the role of the bishop of Rome as the vicar of Christ and the visible center of unity in the Church. He is well known for his long dispute with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV over who should control the selection of bishops and abbots.

Gregory fiercely resisted any attack on the liberty of the Church. For this he suffered and finally died in exile. He said, “I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore, I die in exile.” Thirty years later the Church finally won its struggle against lay investiture. The liturgical feast of Saint Gregory VII is celebrated on May 25.

Reflection

The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ, and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.

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St. Francis of Assisi was medieval to his core, yet his problems were not dissimilar to what we face today: ongoing health crises, civil instability, emotional desolation, and deep anguish. But once he stripped himself of all things worldly, Francis understood that no wound was beyond God’s ability to heal. 

In a letter Francis wrote to Brother Leo, an early friar, his salutation should be on the lips of everyone who loves those suffering in mind or spirit: “May God smile on you and be merciful to you. May God turn his regard toward you and give you peace.”

—from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness“
by Christopher Heffron

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Through rich content, guided prayer activities and probing questions drawn from his preaching and the stories of his life, you will learn about this Franciscan saint but, even more important, about your own spiritual life.

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