This evening, 3rd October, Franciscan men and women throughout the world begin our observance of the Feast of St. Francis by gathering for a reflective ritual – the Transitus – to mark his passover to eternal life.

What kind of person could say, “Welcome Sister Death”? This ceremony reminds us that Francis’s whole life had been a process of dying to self and being born to newer, deeper levels of life since he first began following in the footsteps of Jesus. This last step would complete that journey and bring him to total union with the Risen Christ and with all people in the fullness of God’s life.

Pray for us as we continue our Franciscan path – as we keep praying for you and yours!

By almost every economic measure, women are flourishing in today’s economy. Female unemployment is currently at a 50-year low of 3.9 percent, less than half the rate it was as recently as President Obama’s second term. This summer, the female unemployment rate reached its lowest level in 65 years. When you consider how small the female labor force was back then, it’s safe to say it’s never been easier for a woman to find a job than it is today. MORE

The former Vatican ambassador who accused three popes and their advisers of covering up for a disgraced American ex-cardinal has challenged the Vatican to say what it knows about the scandal and accused Pope Francis of mounting a campaign of “subtle slander” against him. MORE

Flu experts knew it was a very bad season, but at least one found the size of the estimate surprising.

“That’s huge,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert. The tally was nearly twice as much as what health officials previously considered a bad year, he said. MORE

Paddock’s life had little meaning. Was liberal minded. His previous wife was Japaneses. He had many skills, one of which was an accountant. Paddock was well aware that Las Vegas was founded by Mormons and then became partners with the Jewish Mob’s in the 40’s. He was aware that minorities were discriminated against higher management positions. A gambler, life lost any real meaning for him until he met Marilou Danley, a Filipino. There relationship flourished and at 64 he realized that there were not that many good days ahead for him and decided to reward Marilou for the affection she showed him and at the same time, “get even,” with the controlling, discriminatory establishment. He sets up the kill. Sends Marilou money and prepares for the Killing. The 91 Harvest Festival, has western style music and in the past, been sir-named the honky groups, icing on the cake for him? So far, no one has a better theory.

I’m know I’m late reporting. But this is horrific footage. Sept. 15