01. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is found in Matthew 22:37, where Jesus identifies it as the foundation of all biblical law.

02. “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31) is the second greatest commandment, calling for selfless, compassionate care for others equivalent to the care one gives themselves. Originating in Leviticus 19:18, it means treating others with kindness, dignity, and grace, often interpreted as the Golden Rule: treating others as you would want to be treated.

03. I am the Lord thy God. You shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

04. Remember the Sunday and keep it holy. Observe the Sunday day and keep it holy.

05. Honour your father and your mother.

06. You shall not commit murder. The reasons for going to war must be defensive, with the ultimate goal being peace and a reasonable chance of success. War should not produce evils greater than those it seeks to eliminate. It is forbidden to use weapons to destroy entire cities or regions with their inhabitants. Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and cared for. Soldiers must disobey orders to commit genocide, and those who violate universal principles are accountable.

07. You shall not commit adultery. Men and women are, by divine design, different and complementary, each with equal dignity and made in the image of God. Sexual acts are sacred. Sexual sins violate not only the body but the whole person. Rape is an evil act that can cause lifelong harm to the victim. The rape of children by parents, relatives, or those responsible for their care or education is considered the most serious of sexual sins.

08. You shall not steal.

09. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. False witness and perjury: statements made in court that obstruct justice by condemning the innocent, exonerating the guilty, or increasing the punishment of the accused. Rash judgment: believing someone is guilty of moral faults without enough evidence. Detraction: revealing another person’s faults without a valid reason. Calumny: lying to harm someone’s reputation and enabling others to make false judgments about them. Flattery: speech meant to deceive others for one’s own benefit. Bragging, boasting, or mocking: speech that only honours oneself or dishonours others.

10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not desire your neighbour’s house, wife, animals, or anything that belongs to your neighbour. Envy is wanting what belongs to someone else, an attitude that fills us with sadness at another’s good fortune.

11. Obedience and honour are due to all who have received authority in society for our good, as given by God.

12. Charity is necessary for any family or society to function. It is the greatest social commandment and requires people to love God and their neighbour. Greed is the desire for more than one needs.

13. Families are expected to help other families.

14. Parents are responsible for the moral education, spiritual formation, and evangelization of their children. Children should be respected as children of God and as human beings. Parents must be good examples for their children.

As a Franciscan Third Order member, Good Friday is a deeply significant part of my spiritual journey. On April 3rd, 2026, I will join Franciscans worldwide in commemorating the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, drawing from the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.

For Franciscans, Good Friday is approached with humility, reflection, and a desire to follow Christ’s path. Our traditions connect us to centuries of devotion and personally invite us to embrace Christ’s sacrifice and live the values of compassion and service.

Below, I share an overview of how Franciscans honour Good Friday, highlighting the practices and traditions that shape this sacred day.

Franciscans and Good Friday: Key Practices

The Franciscans, as a Catholic religious order, place special significance on Good Friday. Their observances highlight deep devotion and humility, drawing on the spirituality of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi.

Key Practices of Franciscans on Good Friday:

1. Liturgy of the Passion:
   Franciscans participate in the universal Catholic “Celebration of the Lord’s Passion” on Good Friday. This includes the reading of the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, solemn prayers, veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion (though no Mass is celebrated that day).
2. Veneration of the Cross:
   A central part of Franciscan Good Friday observance is the veneration of the cross, often done with profound reverence and sometimes accompanied by Franciscan hymns or prayers, reflecting St. Francis’s own devotion to the crucified Christ.
3. Stations of the Cross:
   The Franciscans are closely associated with the popularization of the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis), a devotional practice walking with Christ through the events of His Passion. Many Franciscan communities lead public Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, sometimes outdoors or even through the streets.
4. Silence and Fasting:
   Franciscans, like many Catholics, observe fasting and a spirit of silence and contemplation on Good Friday, meditating on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The atmosphere in Franciscan churches and friaries is typically subdued and reflective.
5. Custodianship of the Holy Places:
   The Franciscans have been the official custodians of many Christian holy sites in the Holy Land for centuries, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. On Good Friday, Franciscans in Jerusalem lead the traditional “Way of the Cross” along the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ path to Calvary, often joined by pilgrims from around the world.
6. Special Prayers and Franciscan Devotions:
   Franciscans may add their own prayers and devotions inspired by St. Francis, such as meditating on the wounds of Christ or reflecting on themes of humility and penance.

In summary:

On Good Friday, Franciscans express their spirituality by focusing on Christ’s Passion through ceremonies such as the liturgy, veneration of the cross, Stations of the Cross, silence, fasting, and prayer. These practices embody humility, compassion, and a deep connection to the sacrifice of Jesus, in keeping with Franciscan tradition.

Brother Eric Michel, Chaplain, M.I.

2 Chronicles 20:12

20:12 Our eyes are upon you. A statement showing Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. 2012, 2016. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ

This post is to inform you that we have merged our three sites into one. As a result, we have integrated French pages. Here is a list of some new pages and updated others.

Sites Merged:

• tiers-ordrefranciscain.ca
• franciscanseucharist.ca
• franciscanseucharist.com

Here are the main pages that were added or changed, because there are too many to list them all. I invite you to explore the site.

1. French page added
2. Bible Gateway
3. Lent Calendar 2026
4. CANON LAW 2026 Updates
5. Contact Us
6. Full Communion
7. MESFC
8. The EMMI Corporation Became Catholic
9. Legality: About “Catholic” / Légalité a Propos de “Catholic”

Brother Eric

Peace and lots of Goods

Title: Lent: Journeying with John, the Baptism of Christ, and the Temptation in the Wilderness

As Lent begins, Christians around the world enter a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Lent is a time to journey with Jesus, to examine our hearts, and to prepare for the joy of Easter. Central to this journey are three powerful biblical moments: John the Baptist’s proclamation, the Baptism of Christ, and Jesus’ Temptation in the wilderness.

John Preaching in the Wilderness

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and a new way of living. His voice in the wilderness was both a challenge and an invitation—“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). During Lent, we are invited to heed John’s call, turning away from old habits and opening ourselves to God’s transforming grace.

The Baptism of Christ

Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River marks the beginning of his public ministry. In this moment, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of God declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Lent invites us to remember our own baptism and identity as beloved children of God, called to follow Christ’s example.

The Temptation in the Wilderness

Immediately after his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he faces temptation for forty days. He resists the devil’s enticements with faithfulness to God’s word. This story reminds us that Lent is also a season of testing and self-examination, a time to confront our own temptations and to rely on God’s strength.

A Lenten Reflection

As we walk through Lent, let us remember John’s bold preaching, Jesus’ affirmation at his baptism, and his victory over temptation. May these stories inspire us to repent, embrace our identity in Christ, and trust in God’s power to overcome the challenges we face. In doing so, we prepare our hearts for the resurrection joy that awaits us at Easter.

In 1816, William Roscoe — a Liverpudlian banker with an eye for art — wrote to Thomas William Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, in awe. The men had history. Forty years before, Coke inherited the library at Holkham Hall, which had been assembled, a century earlier, by his grand uncle Thomas Coke (1697–1759), whose family sent him abroad at fifteen to break a nasty cockfighting habit. It worked. By the time this elder Coke was twenty-one, he had plundered Padua, Lyons, Berlin, and most places in between, buying “enough manuscripts and early printed books to form one of the finest private libraries in England”. After inheriting the library in 1776, Thomas Coke found it in a sorry state, with priceless books mildewed and pockmarked by worms.…

EWTN Foundress Mother Angelica (1923–2016) had a deep love for the Eucharist and envisioned a world where people could grow in love of the Blessed Sacrament—even if they couldn’t attend Mass in person. That’s why it was important to Mother Angelica to broadcast daily Mass. She wanted everyone—including the sick, elderly, and homebound—to have access to the readings, inspirational homilies, and beautiful hymns.

https://www.ewtn.com/programs/2499-readings-homily-and-daily-mass?from=ewtnplus

–https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/633387419518607/–

Lent, Week 1, Tuesday

FIRST READING
Isaiah 55:10–11
10 For, as the rain and the snow come down from the sky
and do not return before having watered the earth,
fertilizing it and making it germinate
to provide seed for the sower and food to eat,
11 so it is with the word that goes from my mouth:
it will not return to me unfulfilled
or before having carried out my good pleasure
and having achieved what it was sent to do.

RESPONSE
Psalm 34:18b

     17 They cry in anguish and Yahweh hears, 
       and rescues them from all their troubles. 

PSALM
Psalm 34:4–7, 16–19

     3 Proclaim with me the greatness of Yahweh, 
       let us acclaim his name together. 
     4 I seek Yahweh and he answers me, 
       frees me from all my fears. 

     5 Fix your gaze on Yahweh and your face will grow bright, 
       you will never hang your head in shame. 
     6 A pauper calls out and Yahweh hears, 
       saves him from all his troubles. 


     15 The eyes of Yahweh are on the upright, 
       his ear turned to their cry. 
     16 But Yahweh’s face is set against those who do evil, 
       to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 

     17 They cry in anguish and Yahweh hears, 
       and rescues them from all their troubles. 
     18 Yahweh is near to the broken-hearted, 
       he helps those whose spirit is crushed. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Matthew 4:4b

4 But he replied, ‘Scripture says:

           Human beings live not on bread alone 
           but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ 

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7–15

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Anon. 2009. Catholic Daily Readings. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife.

Aumôniers communautaires pour animaux, y compris le soutien à la perte « Pet Grief », des services commémoratifs pour animaux ou blessés, réconforter les membres de familles endeuillées, tenir par la main lors d’une chirurgie ou de l’euthanasie de votre animal dans une clinique vétérinaire ou un hôpital pour animaux, et effectuer des cérémonies qui sont propres aux animaux et une compassion pour les propriétaires d’animaux qui, parfois, peuvent faire face à des situations difficiles.

L’aumônier pour animaux offre compassion, empathie, réconfort et gentillesse aux humains et à leurs animaux domestiques durant les périodes de perte, de maladie, de transition et de deuil. Les aumôniers pour animaux sont sous le patronage de saint François d’Assise.

Les Prières
Les prières pour animaux de compagnie sont un petit groupe (mais croissant) de personnes qui aiment nos animaux de compagnie et croient en Dieu et en la puissance de la prière. Nous nous sommes réunis grâce à notre intérêt commun pour le flux constant des animaux de compagnie bien-aimés qui sont malades, blessés, perdus ou dans tout autre type de problème. Il a commencé par un groupe de l’aumônier pour animaux (pet chaplain). Nos prières ne sont limitent pas aux chats et aux chiens, ou même à tous les animaux, mais s’étendent aussi à leurs maîtres. Nous prions régulièrement avec plaisir pour toute situation qui est portée à notre attention, qu’elle soit liée ou non à un animal.

Les demandes de prière sont reçues par courriel et modérées, mais peuvent être lourdes à certains moments.

S’il vous plaît, visitez notre page Prayer Request, une demande de prière pour les animaux et ceux qui les aiment.

Des choses incroyables peuvent se produire quand les gens entrent en accord.

Les ministères Eric Michel Int’l sont dédiés à prier dans unité avec les gens, tout comme vous, qui désirez voir la puissance de la prière.

Nos prières pour tous les animaux
continuent de faire le tour de la Terre
à élever la conscience de l’humanité
et pour bénir les animaux eux-mêmes
Merci de vous joindre aux gens
partout dans le monde qui prient
avec ces prières réciter
dans de nombreuses langues
Mais tous avec le même amour.

Réf: “A prayer a day for animals” www.circleofcompassion.org

St. Peter’s marks 400 years with newly opened areas and digital access

The Vatican will open new parts of St. Peter’s — including the full terrace — and roll out a “SmartPass” digital entry system as it marks the basilica’s 400th anniversary

https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/st-peter-s-marks-400-years-with-newly-opened-areas-and-digital-access

Ahead of U.S. premiere, EWTN Studios launches behind-the-scenes series of Bernadette musical

The behind-the-scenes series can be seen on EWTN+, EWTN.com, EWTN’s YouTube Channel, and on EWTN’s broadcast channel.

https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/ahead-of-its-u-s-premiere-ewtn-studios-launches-behind-the-scenes-of-bernadette-musical

 © Claude Truong-Ngoc / Wikimedia Commons

UPDATE: Cardinal Parolin: The Vatican ‘will not participate in Trump’s Board of Peace.’

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace,” promoted by the U.S. president to address Gaza and other conflicts.

https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/cardinal-parolin-the-vatican-will-not-participate-in-trumps-board-of-peace

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Do you love with pure love? What does this form of love look like? Pure love is one that flows directly from the Heart of Christ to and through your life. This holy love has beautiful characteristics. First, it is plentiful. When we love with the Heart of Christ, we love in abundance. There is no limit to how much love we can share. It’s like the brightness of the sun at noon, casting rays on all below. Second, it’s ingenious: doing what pleases God. It is not cautious or calculated. It does not hesitate or evaluate. Rather, the wisdom of love is immediate and knows in each moment how to radiate God’s love. And third, it is happy. Even when love calls one to heroic sacrifice,e there is great delight in this total self-giving.

Reflect, today, upon how fully you love with a pure and generous heart. Do you give of yourself in abundance? Is it a delight to serve without counting the cost? Do you easily find ways to show Mercy to others and delight in doing so? Ponder these questions today and pray that the Lord shines through all you do.

Lord, please purify my heart and make it holy. Let my heart be joined to Yours so that I may radiate all that You are. Shine through me in abundance and guide me in pure love. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source: https://divinemercy.life/

Right-click on the images to download

Desert Bloom: Discovering Unexpected Joy in the Wilderness prepares you to experience deep, meaningful transformation, especially if you are entering this Lenten season feeling weary or longing for renewal. Inspired by a desire for you to experience the Lord’s gentleness and compassion, this devotional offers encouragement and challenges you to grow in a way that is loving and hopeful rather than overwhelming.

Who Is Jesus? (Meg Hunter-Kilmer) invites you on a twelve-week journey through the gospels to meet Jesus Christ as he reveals himself in scripture. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or exploring Christianity for the first time, this Bible study will help you answer the question Jesus asked his disciples—and still asks each of us today: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15).

Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. – Gossip. Lying. Flattery. Crass words. As we grow in Christian maturity, many of us are aware that we fall frequently into sins of speech. We realize instinctually that these faults are holding us back from the fullness of life. But what can we do about them? Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech promises to help us attain verbal virtue. As this brief book shows, by cultivating healthy habits, we can effectively crowd out sinful speech and experience the gift of our tongue as God intended.

The Way of the Cross with the Saints uses spiritual methods from saints such as St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Henry Newman, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, and Ven. Mary of Agreda. This Lent, trust that by abiding and praying using traditional prayers, Lenten hymns, and meditations, you will have fostered deeper contrition, humility, and appreciation of Christ’s Passion –beautifully bound and thoughtfully edited for you.

Witness A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation | Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP – This Lent, walk the road to Calvary with those who witnessed the Passion firsthand. Dominican friar and popular Godsplaining podcaster Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, is your guide on that journey in this daily Lenten devotional. Witness brings you face-to-face with the people of the Bible who encountered Christ in his Passion—saints and sinners, friends and enemies, the faithful and the afraid. From the Good Thief to Pontius Pilate, Martha to Barabbas, these figures reveal the depths of the human heart—flawed, fearful, hopeful, and deeply loved.

Crux: A Lenten Journey of Surrender journal may be purchased and used by anyone and is a wonderful add-on for those who want more space to journal, a beautiful space in which to track their progress through the four disciplines, and the opportunity to pray the Examen with prayer prompts in a screen-free way

Nouvelle page La Bible

Comme vous pouvez le constater sur cette nouvelle page : La Bible, nous affichons le verset du jour de BibleGateway et de la Nouvelle Bible Catholique, une version différente de celle de notre page « LECTURE DE LA MESSE » de l’AELF. Premièrement, il est très difficile de trouver quelque chose en français pour un site web ; deuxièmement, le verset catholique officiel du jour diffère de celui des protestants. De plus, les protestants diffèrent entre eux ; comme les baptistes, ils ne sont pas identiques aux pentecôtistes, qui, eux-mêmes, ne sont pas identiques aux anglicans.

Les lectures de notre site catholique anglais « Readings » de www.universalis.com et les lectures catholiques françaises de www.aelf.org/ (celle que nous utilisons pour la page « Lecture de la Messe ») sont identiques.

Comme vous pouvez le constater sur la page « La Bible », la recherche dans les Écritures de BibleGateway est en anglais ; vous n’avez rien à saisir ; cliquez sur la bannière en bas de la page pour accéder au site, où vous pouvez effectuer une recherche en français.

Attention: please note that three days ago, we began consolidating all our websites into a single site at https://franciscanseucharist.com/. You may encounter broken links; if so, please let us know so we can fix them. Pages that are doubled; we’re working on that, too.

Thank You!

Webmaster

Saturday, February 21⋅10:00 – 22:00