Franciscan Voice

Mary's Garden

It’s very Franciscan to look around at creation; to see the wondrous beauty of it all. Friar Solanus Mary takes us on a short stroll through Mary's Garden, looking at some of the flora and fauna named in her honor.

Laudato Si' and Solar Panels

Friar Tom Smith OFM Conv., Director of Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, NM, talks with Rev. Johnathan Hanneman, priest at St. Andrew Episcopalian Church in Las Cruces, NM, and Mr. John Nance. John brought the idea of installing solar panels at the church to Johnathan and helped research and move the project forward.

About a Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens wrote stories with a central theme of charity. Friar Solanus Mary talks about 'A Christmas Carol' - Scrooge, purgatory, Tiny Tim, and how no one is beyond redemption.

Jesus is Our Home

Beginning with Saint Francis, Franciscans have lived a life of itinerancy. Though often traveling, they are always at home. Friar Jude Winkler talks about the Vows, travel, and how Jesus is our home.

Saint Irenaeus

We celebrate the memorial of Saint Irenaeus on June 28. One of the early fathers of the Church, he is known through two of his surviving writings. In this episode of Franciscan Voice, Friar Solanus Mary talks about this saint, declared a Doctor of the Church in 2022. 

The Holy Life and Death of Blessed Dermot O’Hurley

Friar Solanus Mary tells the story of Blessed Dermot O'Hurley, Archbishop of Cashel, who was martyred in Dublin in 1584. He was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II in 1992. (The recording of Friar Solanus was produced by Christian Media Trust for South East Radio in Wexford)

Ecological Conversion With Joy

Saint Francis, Pope Francis, Laudato Si', and ideas on how we can work towards ecological conversion with great joy are topics discussed by Fr. Tom Smith OFM Conv., Director of Holy Cross Retreat Center, and Rev. Henry Atkins, Eco-theologian in Residence.

Favorite Gospel

What's your favorite Gospel? Friar Jude Winkler, a Scripture teacher, answers this question and talks about why he has two favorites.

Conversion Story of Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper, a movie star during the Golden Age of Hollywood, was known for his roles in High Noon and Sergeant York. Though raised in the Episcopal Church, he was not an observant Christian for most of his adult life. Friar Solanus Mary tells the story of how Gary Cooper deepened his faith and converted to Catholicism.

How to Read Scripture

First tip is don't begin with Genesis - Friar Jude Winkler, a scripture scholar, offers advice on reading scripture. He talks about how to make it a daily habit, finding the best translation, and much more in this episode of Franciscan Voice.