Category Archives: Franciscan

The Sheep and the Goats

Posted on December 26, 2020 by Don Watkins

Earlier today I came upon a quote from Matthew 25 which sums up the Jesus message. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” … Continue reading →

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Against all odds

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Don Watkins

Despite voter intimidation, gerrymandering, voter suppression, lies, threats of violence to voters and officials Joe Biden is President-elect of the United States. Today was the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The second Marian Feast in less than a week’s … Continue reading →

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All inclusive

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Don Watkins

The word catholic is defined as all embracing. However there are some Roman Catholics who are single issue voters. The paradigm is changing. Fr. Dan Horan OFM who represents the emerging millennial Catholic conscience is one of the reasons I … Continue reading →

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Donate to FAN

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Don Watkins

I learned this week that the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States is no longer officially supporting the Franciscan Action Network. I was very saddened to learn this. Franciscan Action Network(FAN) actively engages in peace making, care for creation, … Continue reading →

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Radical Equality

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Don Watkins

Today’s Gospel in Catholic churches everywhere is drawn from the Matthew 20: 1-16. It’s a familiar parable of the landowner who is hiring people to work in his vineyard. You’ve heard it many times I’m sure. The landowner goes out … Continue reading →

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Welcome Fiona

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Don Watkins

A couple of years ago while I was visiting Assisi the leader of our pilgrimage invited us to pray a special prayer request in the Basillica of St. Clare in front of the cross of San Damiano. This is the … Continue reading →

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You cannot out give God

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Don Watkins

Many years ago a pastor friend of mine delivered a sermon titled, “You can’t out give God.” I never forgot it and it’s animated my life ever since. There are many scriptural references around the theme of giving but this … Continue reading →

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Home Again

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Don Watkins

This afternoon I returned to Mount Irenaeus for the first time in over three months. It’s been the longest absence in the past twenty plus years of my life. It was Sunday March 8, 2020 when I last walked the … Continue reading →

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I continue to pray

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Don Watkins

I was up early this morning and following a shower I dressed and went for a walk. I carry the rosary while I walk and begin each day saying at least one complete Franciscan Crown Rosary. Today I prayed for … Continue reading →

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Military Aligned Service Award

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Don Watkins

When I joined the United States Naval Reserve in June of 1972 I could never have imagined how that would change my life. I was a draftee who was looking for a better option than going in the Army and … Continue reading →

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