Deacon Thoughts

First Martyrs of the Church of Rome | Franciscan Media Around the year 64, the city of Rome experienced a devastating fire. Emperor Nero blamed it on the Christians, and a severe persecution followed. Included in the mass murder of Christians were the First Martyrs of the Church. We don’t know their names, but their witness to the faith is certain.

Saints Peter and Paul | Franciscan Media We celebrate two great saints today, Saints Peter and Paul. Saint Peter is often considered the Apostle to the Jews and Saint Paul to the Gentiles (based, most probably, on his extensive travels among the Gentiles). Together they witnessed to the budding of Christianity, and both laid down their liv...

I've been listening to this on Hallow.

American Heroes | Hallow Celebrate the men and women who've shaped the United States of America with actor Gary Sinise, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, & Sr. Grace Dominic, SV in this new 13-day series. Our goal is not only to learn about the past, but to be inspired by these examples of courage & service and consider how we can he...

Saint Irenaeus | Franciscan Media While we know little about the birth and death of Saint Irenaeus, we know that his life’s work of fighting Gnosticism had a tremendous influence on the theology of the Church.

From my homily this evening.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria | Franciscan Media Saint Cyril of Alexandria was instrumental in the Church’s doctrinal statement that there is one person but two natures in Christ. The practical implication of this teaching is that we believe that Jesus is truly God and truly human.

Blessed Raymond Lull | Franciscan Media A Secular Franciscan, Blessed Raymond Lull spent his life supporting the study of languages necessary for successful work in the missions. It wasn’t until late in life that he saw any fruition of his labors, when language chairs were established in several universities.

Blessed Jutta of Thuringia | Franciscan Media Blessed Jutta of Thuringia, a noble woman with children, became a widow at a young age. She used her means to provide for the children, but once they were grown, she disposed of her wealth, became a Secular Franciscan, and lived a life of austerity.