In a world full of noise, weâre helping hearts hear the voice of the King.
Dear Friend, âViva Cristo Rey!â Long live Christ the Kingâespecially in an age that exalts distraction, division, and doubt. We live in a time where attention is currency and everything competes for our hearts. In the chaos, itâs easy to lose sight of what (and who) truly matters. Thatâs why at Franciscan Media, weâre creating digital spaces that invite people to refocusânot through guilt, but through grace. To see Christ again. To follow Him, even here. If Iâm honest, Iâm no stranger to distraction. Someone once suggested that my personal prayer be, "God help me beâHEY, LOOK A BIRDâless distracted." I understand how easy it is to fill our time with everything but prayer. But Christ still callsâthrough beauty, through silence, through surprising corners of the internet. Thatâs why weâre here. St. Francis said, âWhile you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.â We want to be a peaceful presence in the digital swirlâa reminder that Christ reigns, and you are still His. Please support our mission and help us bring that peace to more people. |
Ela Milewska Digital Evangelization Strategist |
Saint of the Day for May 21:
CristĂłbal Magallanes and Companions (July 30, 1869-May 25, 1927; Companions d. between 1915 and 1937) Listen to Saint CristĂłbal Magallanes and Companionsâ Story Here Like Blessed Miguel AgustĂn Pro, SJ, CristĂłbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools, and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. CristĂłbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. He and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28). All of these martyrs except three, were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. They all belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established, to spread the Good News in societyâeven if Mexicoâs leaders had made it a crime to receive baptism or celebrate the Mass. These martyrs did not die as a single group but over 22 years time in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. Reflection Every martyr realizes how to avoid execution, but refuses to pay the high price of doing so. A clear conscience was more valuable than a long life. We may be tempted to compromise our faith while telling ourselves that we are simply being realistic, dealing with situations as we find them. Is survival really the ultimate value? Do our concrete, daily choices reflect our deepest values, the ones that allow us to âtickâ the way we do? Anyone can imagine situations in which being a follower of Jesus is easier than the present situation. Saints remind us that our daily choices, especially in adverse circumstances, form the pattern of our lives.
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All Things Are Made Possible All mystics wonder what is happening to them when the Holy Spirit asks them to believe the seemingly impossible notion that God wants to enter their lives. They can, of course, refuse out of fear or doubt, and it is the glory of Mary that she does not refuse but says yes. Each true mystic who says yes to God at some point is sent forth into the world as the Father sent the Son to announce and build up the kingdom. For Mary, this moment comes almost immediately when the angel announces that her aged cousin Elizabeth is in her sixth month of pregnancy (for nothing is impossible with God). Mary says to the angel, âBehold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your wordâ (Lk 1:38). âfrom St. Anthony Messengerâs âMary: Mother and Mysticâ
by Murray Bodo, OFM |
God Is Right Here Reflect When we pray and seek out God, we are often led right to whatâs already here in our lives. Pray Dear God,
Itâs clear to me now
that sometimes
when I try to find you above me,
you show me youâre already here,
within me and around me.
Youâre in the endless love I feel
toward my friends and family,
and in the love they return to me.
The more you show me
this gift of love
that keeps opening
the more I feel
loved by you. Act Today, remember that God works through people, and really listen to the messages of your family and friends cherishing you. Allow yourself to receive that love. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Maureen O'Brien. Learn more here! |
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