Today's Pause+Pray celebrates Catherine of Siena! đ
Dear Friend, Today's Saint of the Day is such an inspiration to me. Having spent a small amount of time in mission service myself years ago, the story of Francis Solano is truly inspiring. His work in Africa and later in South America was crucial, far ahead of its time, and deeply rooted in the Gospel. He was well-versed in a practice that can be hard to see, but which is core to being a good follower of Christ: accompaniment. Instead of forcing the Indigenous people he served to learn Spanish, he learned their languages. At a time when the rights of Indigenous peoples were basically nonexistent, he championed their inherent human dignity. We here at Franciscan Media want to accompany you in much the same way St. Francis Solano accompanied those he ministered to. We hope our daily offerings, such as Saint the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause+Pray, continue that tradition of accompaniment and presence. Also on our website, we offer thousands of pages of content that can help you dig even deeper into your faith. If you find that these daily messages feed your spirit, please consider making a gift to Franciscan Media so we can continue to offer content to help you on your faith journey. Donate today! And may God give you peace! Daniel Imwalle Managing Editor |
Saint of the Day for July 17: Francis Solano (March 10, 1549 â July 14, 1610) Listen to Saint Francis Solanoâs Story Here Francis came from a leading family in Andalusia, Spain. Perhaps it was his popularity as a student that enabled Francis in his teens to stop two duelists. He entered the Friars Minor in 1570, and after ordination enthusiastically sacrificed himself for others. His care for the sick during an epidemic drew so much admiration that he became embarrassed and asked to be sent to the African missions. Instead he was sent to South America in 1589. While working in what is now Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, Francis quickly learned the local languages and was well received by the Indigenous peoples. His visits to the sick often included playing a song on his violin. Around 1601, he was called to Lima, Peru, where he tried to recall the Spanish colonists to their baptismal integrity. Francis also worked to defend the Indigenous peoples from oppression. He died in Lima in 1610 and was canonized in 1726. His liturgical feast is celebrated on July 14. Reflection Francis Solano knew from experience that the lives of Christians sometimes greatly hinder the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Francis lived an exemplary life himself, and urged his fellow Spaniards to make their lives worthy of their baptisms.
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Spend a Moment with the Psalms The psalms overflow with lines and repeated words that nourish us: unfailing love, steadfast, refuge. Solace can be found in so many words. Such as: âBlessed be the Lord who worked a miracle of unfailing love for meâ (Ps 31:21). Today, find a quiet spot and spend time with the psalms. With a pencil or sticky notes, freely mark words or lines that speak to you. âfrom Franciscan Mediaâs âSeven Days with the Psalmsâ
by Maureen OâBrien |
Overcoming Obstacles Reflect Reading didnât come easily to Catherine of Siena (1347â1380), and she didnât learn to write until she was an adult. But Catherine wasnât about to let those limitations and other obstaclesâincluding her parentsâ desire to marry her offâget in the way of Godâs plan. The 400 or so writingsâmany of them dictated to othersâthat Catherine left behind paint a powerful picture of Godâs love for us. Pray Jesus,
protect me today
from the Evil oneâs whispers
that others
know better than you
whatâs best for me. Act Make your time with God today a dialogue. Donât do all the talking. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Melanie Rigney. Learn more here! |
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