Adoration Sisters of Saint Francis and Our Lady of Peace Fraternity

02/23/2026

On this day in 1620, María de Jesús de Ágreda took her vows as a Franciscan nun, wearing a distinctive blue cloak. From within her convent in Spain, she later claimed to experience hundreds of visions in which her spirit traveled to a distant, unknown land—later identified as eastern New Mexico and far western Texas.

Soon after, Indigenous peoples including the Jumanos appeared at Spanish missions already knowing Christian teachings. When asked who had instructed them, they all gave the same answer: the Woman in Blue. Missionaries reported thousands seeking baptism after her mysterious warnings of their arrival.

Though Sister María never left Spain, she admitted to these bilocations before her death in 1665. Yet sightings of a blue-cloaked woman continued for centuries, along the Sabine River in the 1840s and even as whispered apparitions during World War II, leaving behind one enduring question: how did she travel where no one saw her go?

02/23/2026

👣 The Franciscan Way of Life
🔸️10 Pillars of Wisdom for Today’s World

The spirituality of St. Francis is not just a religious tradition, the Franciscan way of life offers wisdom that is deeply relevant in a world marked by division and excess.

The Franciscan vision of life:

✨ 1. Poverty
Franciscan poverty is not misery, but freedom. By choosing simplicity and detachment from possessions, Franciscans place their trust in God rather than in wealth or power.

✨ 2. Simplicity of Life
A simple life clears space for what truly matters: relationships, gratitude, and God’s presence. It resists consumerism and invites intentional, mindful living.

✨ 3. Humility
Humility means serving rather than dominating, listening rather than demanding, and recognizing that all gifts come from God.

✨ 4. Love of Creation
St. Francis saw the sun, moon, animals, and earth itself as brothers and sisters. This pillar calls us to reverence creation, care for the environment, and recognize God reflected in all that exists.

✨ 5. Peace and Reconciliation
Franciscans are called to be peacemakers within their own hearts, in relationships, and in society. Peace begins with forgiveness, dialogue, and a commitment to nonviolence.

✨ 6. Joy
Franciscan joy is not dependent on comfort or success. It is a deep, resilient joy rooted in faithfulness to God, even in suffering, rejection, or hardship.

✨ 7. Brotherhood and Community
Life is meant to be lived together. Franciscan fraternity emphasizes equality, mutual care, hospitality, and shared responsibility, where leadership is exercised as service.

✨ 8. Service to the Poor
Franciscans do not merely help the poor, they walk with them. Service is grounded in dignity, compassion, and the belief that Christ is present in those on the margins.

✨ 9. Gospel-Centered Living
At the heart of everything is the Gospel. Following Christ’s footsteps with trust and joy, Franciscans strive to mirror His humility, mercy, and self-giving love in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

✨ 10. Prayer and Contemplation
In stillness and simplicity, Franciscans encounter God. Contemplation opens the heart to gratitude and praise.

In a world hungry for peace, meaning, and authenticity, the Franciscan way of life remains a powerful witness: Live simply and walk humbly with God ...

10/18/2025

10/08/2025

10/05/2025

On October 4, Catholics honor St. Francis of Assisi, Founder of the Franciscans. For more on the Franciscan spirituality as practiced by the friars and nuns at EWTN:

https://ow.ly/bpag50WQxta

10/05/2025

Pax Et Bonum

05/17/2025

One of Pope Leo XIV's predecessors, Pope Leo XIII, is credited with authoring the Saint Michael prayer, a powerful prayer for spiritual protection.

05/17/2025

05/17/2025

Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to follow his message of peace with these official posts on Instagram and X 👉

05/17/2025

Today, the Holy See released an official photo of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

Photo/Vatican Media