Francis of Assisi is a good example of why the legends should never overshadow the life, Father James Martin writes. For within his life lie many surprises awaiting those who are willing to meet Francis on his own terms.
Saints
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Father James Martin on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, his favorite saint (Sorry Ignatius!)
On this feast day of his favorite saint, James Martin, S.J., shares a reflection on Therese of Lisieux.
Posted inFaith, In All Things
Mary MacKillop: Patron Saint of Sexual Abuse Victims?
The stunning news that a soon-to-be-saint was excommunicated for urging the church to take action against a sex offender is a reminder of the virulence of the crimes of clerical abuse.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Who was the real Iñigo of Loyola?
An excerpt from ‘The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything,’ by Father James Martin
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
St. Jean Vianney: patron of the (overworked) parish priest
St. Vianney spent upwards of 12 to 13 hours a day in the confessional. I once mentioned that in a lecture in a large parish and one young man immediately raised his hand and said, “Why, what did he do?”
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Three Jesuits who knew Pedro Arrupe reflect on his legacy
Three former general assistants consider Father Arrupe’s legacy.
Posted inFaith in Focus, Politics & Society
Franz Jägerstätter: The Austrian farmer who said no to Hitler
The story of the rowdy young man who was martyred for refusing to obey Hitler.
Posted inFaith, Of Many Things
Of Many Things
The best-known prayer among American Catholics, after the Our Father and the Hail Mary, may be the one to Anthony of Padua, which goes, Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around. Something is lost and cannot be found. How many times have you turned to the Portuguese-born Franciscan after losing your keys?
Posted inFaith
The Most Infallible Sign
Are joy, humor and laughter considered inappropriate for serious Catholics? If so, why?