May 14, 2006

Coming Events

Dear friends,

I'll be away for a few days this week, going to see the brothers in the big city for a little time off. So it might be a couple days before I can post again.

Nevertheless, the coming week is a big one for Franciscan saints. Here they are:

Tuesday is the feast of Margaret of Cortona, a 13th century penitent and sister of the third order. Legend has it that she was so good-looking that the sisters were hesitant to admit her, thinking that the temptations against her perseverance would be too great! Check out her Catholic Encyclopedia article here.

Wednesday is the feast of Paschal Baylon, a 16th century Spaniard who became a friar with the Alcantarine reform. He became famous for his devotion to the Eucharist. Check out his Wikipedia article here.

Thursday and friday are the feasts of Felix of Cantalice and Crispin of Viterbo, two Capuchin friars of the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively. Both had the ministry of "questor," the brother who would go through the streets seeking food and alms for the support of the friars. People used to call Felix "brother Deogratias," because this was his greeting to all: Thanks be to God. The Australian Capuchins have pages on both Felix and Crispin.

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