If you and I can agree that being a human being is basically a good thing, then we can talk about our lives being even better by being even more human. We can talk about what "humanizes" and what "dehumanizes." What humanizes us is good, because it levels up the good things about being human. … Continue reading How to Use Forgiveness for Staying Human
Pope Leo
Your Love is the Source of Your Forgiveness
Early summer's warm weather and revitalizing rains have greened the landscape here in Central Minnesota this month. The pastures fill with good fodder for horses and all creatures alike, and the woods are full of life. I think it is true that you can't give something that you don't already have. When it comes to … Continue reading Your Love is the Source of Your Forgiveness
Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness lets us see ourselves as God sees us
This is an article for people who want to understand from a Franciscan perspective how the wrongdoing they may experience of others, and the forgiveness granted to them, is part of a process of personal conversion, spiritual growth, and ultimately transformation with and in God. The recent theological explanations of Franciscan Fr. Roberto Pasolini are … Continue reading Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness lets us see ourselves as God sees us
Lenten Forgiveness Series #4: Everything must be fulfilled
"How would the scriptures be fulfilled,which say that it must come to passin this way?”~ Gospel for Palm Sunday, Matthew 26:54 During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness for the Diocese of St. Cloud and the “Everyday Discipleship” section in Central Minnesota Catholic magazine. In this week’s … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #4: Everything must be fulfilled
Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
"Two things are happening at once that make this year’s Lent not only new, but Lent like never before. They both ask us to consider doing one of the most important things we can do during lent: forgiving someone." During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
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
How to Improve Your Digital Wellness and Life Wellbeing with Better Friendships
This article is for Catholics and others who want to improve their digital wellness (personal use of the internet, technology, social media, artificial intelligence, etc.) and life wellbeing. Wellbeing or wellness is explained as having eight dimensions. Friendships are explained as important to at least three of those dimensions: the social, emotional and spiritual dimensions. … Continue reading How to Improve Your Digital Wellness and Life Wellbeing with Better Friendships
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
How to “Know, Pray, Do” for Better Forgiveness
(art: La Vierge aux Lys, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1899) This article is for Catholics who want to renew and grow in their practice of forgiveness, especially in the new year of 2026. This article highlights insights into forgiveness by Pope Leo XIV during the 2026 Solemnity of Mary homily for the mass and Angelus. The insights … Continue reading How to “Know, Pray, Do” for Better Forgiveness
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!
Live and Forgive 