Franciscan Voice

Here's how friars in France have simplified their way of life and have, through their kind sharing, brought a renewal of faith to those around them.

Why should we love our enemies? Friar Jude Winkler talks about Jesus, Moses, and the film 'Gandhi' as he reflects on the Gospel of Matthew.

How do we radiate the peace that the world truly needs? From the Ten Commandments to the Sermon on the Mount, Friar Jude Winkler talks about what we can do to promote peace.

How do we create peace in the world? Friar Jude Winkler talks about Chapter 12 of St. Paul's Letter to the Romans and ways to plant seeds of compassion and love.

When Jesus said he came not to bring peace, but division, he was indicating that not everyone would embrace His message of love for one another. Even though it seems "No good deed goes unpunished," Fr. Jude Winkler encourages a sometimes heroic response to the Gospel.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM Conv. was a Polish Conventual Franciscan Friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz. Kolbe was canonized in 1982 by St. Pope John Paul II who declared Saint Maximilian Kolbe to be a Martyr of Charity. He is considered the patron saint of families, journalists, prisoners, drug-addicts, and the pro-life movement. Here is his story.

(Friar Solanus Mary's recording was produced by Christian Media Trust for South East Radio - both located in Wexford, Ireland)

For us as Franciscans, we see the recent 700th Anniversary of Dante’s death as a time to rediscover and continue with the responsibility that Providence has entrusted to us. Friar John Heinz talks about the Dante Center of Ravenna in this conclusion of our series on Dante and the Franciscans.

A Priest, doorkeeper, counselor, whose prayers are credited with miraculous cures - Who is Blessed Solanus Casey?  Friar Solanus Mary tells his story in this episode of Franciscan Voice. (Friar Solanus Mary's recording was produced by Christian Media Trust for South East Radio - both located in Wexford, Ireland)

From public readings, paintings, commentaries - Franciscans share their connection with Dante. Friar John Heinz continues the story of the ongoing relationship between Dante and the Franciscans. 

According to tradition, Dante died on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross in 1321. Almost immediately, a struggle began between Ravenna and Florence over Dante’s remains. Friar John Heinz talks about this conflict and how Dante's bones were hidden until rediscovered in 1865 as he continues the story of Dante and the Franciscans.