Padre Pio, our Faithful Companion in the Spiritual Combat

This 23rd of September is a significant day not only for the universal Church and our beloved Franciscan Capuchin Order, but also for me,...

Homily of Pope John Paul II on Padre Pio’s Canonization

CANONIZATION OF ST PIO OF PIETRELCINA, CAPUCHIN PRIEST HOMILY OF JOHN PAUL II Sunday, 16 June 2002 1. "For my yoke is easy and my burden light"...

The Miraculous Friar, Pio of Pietrelcina

While we're on the topic of signs, the life of today's saint, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, was filled with them. His long life as...

Pope Benedict and Saint Matthew

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Paul VI Audience Hall Wednesday, 30 August 2006 Matthew Dear Brothers and Sisters, Continuing the series of portraits of the Twelve Apostles that we began a...

Saint Andrew Kim-Taegon and the Martyrs of Korea

Today is the feast of the countless martyrs of Korea, led by the indomitable convert priest, Father Andrew Kim Taegon, who was eventually tortured...

Saint Januarius’ Blood

Saint Januarius was bishop of Benevuento, in the south-west of Italy, about whom a number of legends are told - that he survived unscathed...

Saint Joseph of Cupertino and Learning to Fly

According to the laws of physics, a man should not be able to fly, at least without technological help. But are not the 'laws...

Pope Benedict and Saint Hildegarde of Bingen

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Papal Summer Residence, Castel Gandolfo Wednesday, 1st September 2010  Saint Hildegard of Bingen Dear Brothers and Sisters, In 1988, on the occasion of the Marian Year,...

Saint Hildegarde von Bingen, a Woman for All Seasons

Hildegarde von Bingen (+1179)  is one of the newest saints in the liturgical calendar, canonized 'equipollently' by Pope Benedict XVI on May 12, 2012...

Pope Benedict and Robert Bellarmine

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Paul VI Audience Hall Wednesday, 23 February 2011 Saint Robert Bellarmine Dear Brothers and Sisters, Born on 4 October 1542 in Montepulciano near Siena, he was...