"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." ~ Traditional Franciscan Saying It's a very old saying within Franciscan tradition, sometimes even attributed to St. Francis of Assisi himself. But what does it mean. "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace?" and why would someone ever ask for that? What is peace? It's always … Continue reading Job Opening: Peacemaker, no previous experience needed
peace
When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
"Praised be my Lord for those who forgive on account of your love, and endure weakness and trials. Blessed are those who shall endure in peace, for by you, most high, they shall be crowned." ~ Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis of Assisi Scientific research has indicated that the benefits of forgiveness - e.g. … Continue reading When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
“Can religion help with peacemaking?”
“Can religion help in peacebuilding?” That was the basic question today in a webinar I attended that was conducted by the Strategic Religious Engagement (SRE) Hub at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. My quick reaction to the question was, “Seriously? Of course, religion can help in peacebuilding!” Peacemaking … Continue reading “Can religion help with peacemaking?”
Franciscan Wisdom: Use Humility to Grow Peace
Fr. Roberto Pasolini is a Franciscan Capuchin priest who serves as the official preacher in the "Papal Household" -- basically meaning Pope Leo's house and residence. He is a gifted author and orator, and will be providing Lenten meditations from March 6 through March 27. Franciscan Fr. Pasolini's first meditation makes some important points about … Continue reading Franciscan Wisdom: Use Humility to Grow Peace
How Restorative Justice Puts Catholic Faith into Action
This article is for Catholics and others who want to learn about restorative justice, how restorative justice is an important way to live the Catholic faith, and basics for implementing restorative justice groups in parishes and communities. Related points in a recent Vatican News article linking restorative justice practices to Pope Leo's address on 2026 … Continue reading How Restorative Justice Puts Catholic Faith into Action
Minnesota Franciscan Working for Forgiveness in Palestine
This article is for Catholics and others who want to know about forgiveness instruction, facilitation, and training and how that is being provided in Palestine by a Secular Franciscan in Minnesota. The article directs readers to another recent article I wrote for Central Minnesota Catholic explaining my work with a Catholic Relief Services humanitarian aid … Continue reading Minnesota Franciscan Working for Forgiveness in Palestine
Franciscan Wisdom: Wellness Needs Openness to Change
This article is for Catholics and anyone who feels and sees a need for change in their life, especially with a desire to experience greater wellness for themselves than what they are experiencing in their current situation. This article explains how openness to change is required for attaining and improving wellness and the personal and … Continue reading Franciscan Wisdom: Wellness Needs Openness to Change
Pope Sets New Jubilee for 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Death
Death and Ascension of St. Francis, Giotto di Bondone, 1325, Basilica of Santa Croce Big news for our community of Secular Franciscans in Central Minnesota today! Pope Leo XIV has decreed a special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis to take place from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027, on the occasion of the eighth … Continue reading Pope Sets New Jubilee for 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Death
Franciscan Advice: When forgiveness isn’t enough you need to clean house too! Here’s how!
(photo: Sherburne County, Minnesota (USA), Tom Delaney, 2025) Central Minnesota is blanketed in deep snow. The contours and features of the land get to be rounded and softer now, with a more resplendent and sparkling reflection of any glimmer of light. It makes you wonder if we are not cable of the same transformation -- … Continue reading Franciscan Advice: When forgiveness isn’t enough you need to clean house too! Here’s how!
Franciscan Advice for Entering Advent
(photo: Geheimnis der Weihnacht, Turris Davidica, 2014) Today is the day of Advent, are you ready? Are you wondering what there is to be ready for? Advent is an important liturgical season because it does two things for us: it memorializes, and it invites. Let's take a closer look at how Advent each of these … Continue reading Franciscan Advice for Entering Advent
Live and Forgive 