In the year 1202, a young Giovanni Bernardone, who we would come to know as St. Francis of Assisi, was captured in a conflict between Assisi and Perugia and held as a prisoner of war for about a year. This horrific experience as a prisoner of war changed Francis, and he likely ventured through life suffering from what we would now call PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). And yet, Francis undoubtedly became a “wounded healer" for others and the world. So, what about us? What brokenness do we carry? What traumas do our bodies hold? How can we move toward wholeness and healing and ultimately use our stories to become wounded healers for others?

This episode's guest is Richard B. Patterson, PhD, a clinical psychologist and trauma therapist practicing in El Paso, Texas. Two of the primary groups he has worked with in his career as a therapist are combat veterans and victims of clergy abuse. He is a regular contributor to St. Anthony Messenger who has a new piece in the July/August issue titled, “Turn to the Beatitudes.”

Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including historical and modern experiences of trauma, war, and sexual abuse, which may be triggering. If listening brings up difficult emotions, please reach out to a trusted therapist or contact a support resource like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-6264. We encourage prioritizing your well-being.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:03:42) Becoming a Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Therapist

(00:06:38) Working with Victims of Clergy Abuse

(00:13:23) Wrestling with Catholicism and the Church

(00:18:28) Working with Combat Veterans and Becoming a Wounded Healer

(00:24:13) What Listeners Should Know about People Suffering from PTSD

(00:27:22) What is Trauma?

(00:31:42) Moving Through Trauma

(00:35:08) Your Trauma Doesn't Define You

(00:38:48) Anger with God and the Complexity of Trauma

(00:46:31) Tools in the Christian Tradition for Navigating Grief and Trauma

(00:51:12) Self-Rejection: An Enemy of the Spiritual Life

(00:54:36) St. Francis of Assisi's PTSD and Spiritual Awakening

(01:00:31) Grief: 'Blessed Are Those Who Mourn'

(01:06:41) Trauma Resources and Advice for Therapy

(01:10:05) The Healing Power of Listening and Presence

(01:13:12) Conclusion

The Trinity is a central component of Christian theology, and certainly Franciscanism as well, as seen in the mystical theology of St. Bonaventure and other Franciscan theologians. But there’s a problem: The Trinity often feels un-relatable, esoteric, or just downright goofy and strange. Why does the Trinity matter? Is it mere theological jargon for academics and religious? Does Trinitarian theology actually have a practical impact on our lives and walks of faith?

This episode's guest, Wm. Paul Young, is an author who has used story to help make the mystery and beauty of the Trinity accessible to millions around the world. Paul is the author of the novel The Shack, a New York Times bestseller that has sold 25 million copies worldwide and was turned into a movie in 2017 starring Octavia Spencer, Sam Worthington, and Tim McGraw. He is also the author of Eve, Cross Roads, and Lies We Believe About God. He has a wonderful new podcast called “The Paul Young Podcast,” which features short 10-20 minute spiritual reflections 2-3 times a week. In this episode, Paul discusses our participation within the Trinity in our day-to-day lives, our living into our own inherent union with Christ, and how to distance ourselves from the lie that we are separate from God.

Consider meditating upon these Scripture passages about union with Christ: John 17, John 14:15-21, John 15:1-17, Galatians 2:20, and Colossians 1:15-20. Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:14) Small Talk and 'The Paul Young Podcast'

(00:05:48) Paul's Journey Into Trinitarian Theology and Writing The Shack

(00:12:40) 'If God Has Ever Been Alone, Love is Not a Possibility'

(00:15:30) Reflection: Relational Thinking

(00:19:23) Invitation to Participate from Union

(00:25:12) Presence, the Eternal Now, and the Theology of Union

(00:30:07) 'Love Expands Around the Knowing'

(00:34:37) The Early Church and the Lie of Separation

(00:39:29) Reflection: Healthy Theology Leads to Healthy Anthropology

(00:44:32) Worth-ship and Worship Within the Dance

(00:50:07) The Cry of Dereliction and the Fall from a Union Perspective

(00:54:51) The Spiritual Practice of Denying Separation

(01:03:34) Reflection: Awareness of the Divine Dance We're Already In

(01:06:13) The Beauty and Relief of Union

(01:08:50) Love is the Only Way

(01:12:43) The Fire of God's Love

(01:14:18) Conclusion

We live in a concerning age. It has become commonplace to caricature, demonize, label, cheapen, and overall completely neglect the God-given humanity of a person one disagrees with. In fact, social media algorithms reward this kind of divisive behavior. TV ratings thrive on conflict and hyperbole. The better the fearmonger, the more successful the politician. Long gone seem the days of decency and civility. Thankfully, there are peacemakers in the world like this episode's guest, Chloé Simone Valdary. Chloé is a writer and entrepreneur whose company, Theory of Enchantment, teaches social and emotional learning, as well as diversity and inclusion in companies and government agencies. She has written for the New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Wall Street Journal, and she has appeared on podcasts and talkshows across the political spectrum: from "Real Time with Bill Maher" to "Honestly with Bari Weiss" to "The Jordan Peterson Podcast" to "The Megyn Kelly Show." Her three principles from the Theory of Enchantment and their alignment with Franciscan peacemaking are the focus of this episode.

Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:04:19) What is Theory of Enchantment?

(00:11:44) Chloé's Spiritual Background and Worldview

(00:19:47) Enchantment, Sound, and Mysticism

(00:28:58) First Principle: Treat Others Like Human Beings, Not Political Abstractions

(00:41:11) Grace in Introspection, Journeying Inward

(00:47:25) Second Principle: Criticize Only to Uplift and Empower (Dia-Logos)

(00:56:33) Third Principle: Root Everything You Do in Love and Compassion

(01:04:09) Closing Thoughts

(01:05:51) Conclusion

Angela Alaimo O'Donnell, PhD, teaches English, Creative Writing, and courses in American Catholic Studies at Fordham University in New York City. She also serves as Associate Director of Fordham's Curran Center for American Catholic Studies. O'Donnell was awarded the New York Encounter Poetry Prize. She has been nominated for Pushcart and Best of the Web Prizes, and was a finalist for the Paraclete Poetry Prize, the Foley Poetry Prize and the Mulberry Poet's Award. O'Donnell also writes essays on and reviews of contemporary poetry and literature. She recently published her 11th poetry book Dear Dante (Paraclete Press) and writes regularly for America Magazine. Click here to read this episode's show notes.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:27) Background

(00:04:05) What is the Catholic Imagination?

(00:08:33) Bruce Springsteen and the Manifestation of the Catholic Imagination

(00:23:32) Catholic Imagination: Darkness, Beauty, and a Sacramental World

(00:34:32) Catholicism and Protestantism

(00:41:24) Poetry and the Catholic Imagination

(00:53:39) Engaging Dante's Legacy

(01:03:16) Poem: 'Dante's Smile'

(01:08:22) Mortality, Merton, and the Afterlife

(01:11:27) Poem: 'The Price of Paradise'

(01:13:40) Conclusion

Maureen O'Brien's award-winning short stories and poems have been published widely in magazines and anthologies. She lives in Connecticut, where she taught creative writing to teenagers for 25 years. She holds an MA in creative writing and a BA in philosophy and religion. She is the author of What Was Lost: Seeking Refuge in the Psalms and Gather the Fragments: My Year of Finding God’s Love. Read her latest cover story in St. Anthony Messenger here.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:03:09) Background, Creativity, and Pilgrimage

(00:08:53) Franciscan Spirituality and Creativity

(00:11:44) Franciscan Faith in the Messiness of Life

(00:20:31) Reflection: Arms Wide Open (by Susan Hines-Brigger)

(00:23:07) Listening and Healing

(00:41:20) Reflection: Honest Prayer (by Susan Hines-Brigger)

(00:44:42) Following and Re-Discovering

(01:00:14) Hope Beneath It All

(01:06:38) Conclusion

It has been a little over one week since Robert Francis Prevost was elected Bishop of Rome and took the name Pope Leo XIV. In this special episode we have a discussion with Father Jim Sabak, OFM, and Deacon Matthew Halbach about Pope Leo and the significance of this historic moment. The interview took place on Wednesday, May 14, six days after the pope's election was announced.

Father Jim Sabak is a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province and currently serves as Director of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Director of Religion at The Franciscan School in Raleigh. Father Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has taught at Siena College; The Catholic University of America; the Franciscan School of Theology; and Providence College. Father Jim’s podcast “Inbreaking of the Word” is published every Monday morning as he reflects on the readings from Mass on Sunday and helps us to take the Word with us into our weeks.

Deacon Matthew Halbach is the President of Franciscan Media. He was ordained in 2018 for the Diocese of Des Moines, IA. He is the Director of Deacon Formation for the diocese and a national author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis. He earned his PhD in Catechetics from The Catholic University of America in 2014 and is a reviewer for The International Journal of Evangelization and Catechesis. Matt is a husband and also a father of six children. Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:26) Initial Reactions to Pope Leo XIV

(00:09:39) Why the name ‘Leo’?

(00:15:42) American Pope or Missionary Pope?

(00:22:40) Artificial Intelligence

(00:28:34) Whose Pope Is He?

(00:38:13) The Role of the Pope

(00:45:04) Papal Elections: A Strange Cultural Phenomenon

(00:52:56) Can a Pope from America Help Heal Our Wounds?

(00:58:03) Predictions and Hopes

(01:07:06) Conclusion

On April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, people around the world awoke to the news that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88. For listeners of Off the Page, it will be no surprise that a pope who took the name “Francis” would come up often in the Franciscan conversations featured on this podcast. This episode is a compilation of both published and unpublished interviews where guests talk about the life, legacy, and papacy of Pope Francis. Included here is Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, talking about Pope Francis’ heart for the poor; Dr. Daniel P. Horan discussing how God’s love and mercy was a cornerstone to Pope Francis’ pontificate; Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF, talking about Pope Francis' unique ability to, like St. Francis of Assisi, speak the language of the people and make the Catholic faith accessible; Br. Keith Warner, OFM, dissecting the Franciscan undertones in Pope Francis' encyclicals; and the poet Dr. Angela Alaimo O’Donnell discussing the pope’s love for art and literature. This episode also begins with a recording from 2021 with Sr. Margaret Carney, where she frames Pope Francis’ papacy as one that is uniquely Franciscan. And this episode concludes with some of Pope Francis’ own words about divine mercy, translated and recorded on audiobook in the Franciscan Media title "Believe in Love."

Click here to read this episode's show notes.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:05:01) Franciscan Legacy (Sr. Margaret Carney)

(00:07:57) Transition

(00:08:16) Heart for the Poor (Fr. Murray Bodo)

(00:13:36) Transition

(00:14:45) Mission of Mercy (Dr. Dan Horan)

(00:19:09) Transition

(00:20:01) A Relatable Communicator (Sr. Margaret Carney)

(00:21:14) Transition

(00:22:04) The Most Franciscan Encyclical Ever (Br. Keith Warner)

(00:34:11) Transition

(00:35:52) Deep Love for Art and Literature (Dr. Angela Alaimo O'Donnell)

(00:46:55) Conclusion

(00:47:49) Be An Architect of Mercy (Pope Francis)

Darleen Pryds, PhD, is the academic director of the Master of Theological Studies-Franciscan Theology online degree at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) in San Diego, California. She has taught at FST since 2001 and has a special interest in lay Franciscan spirituality and leadership. She is a historian, scholar, and author of Women of the Streets, Enduring Presence, and The King Embodies the Word.

Please consider donating to help us create more content like this. With an 800-year legacy steeped in the values of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, your Franciscan Media community embraces its mission of spreading the message of love, compassion, and understanding through books, St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Franciscan Media’s website, online events, videos, and daily emails like Saint of the Day.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:02:43) How the Background of the Canticle Leads to Deeper Appreciation

(00:12:30) Collision of Suffering and Beauty

(00:19:47) A Spirituality of Letting Go

(00:28:03) Learning to Let Go

(00:34:13) St. Francis, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Plum Village Buddhism

(00:43:35) Interbeing, Relationality, and Integration

(00:50:35) Encounter and Spaciousness

(00:57:38) Invitation: Live Into the Depth of Your Experience

(01:03:24) Honoring Stillness

(01:09:25) Benediction

(01:11:14) Conclusion

Show Notes

• Read Darleen Pryds' April 2025 cover story in the St. Anthony Messenger titled "Living 'The Canticle of the Creatures'"
• Enjoy more writings by Darleen Pryds
• View the photograph discussed in the episode.
• Subscribe here to the St. Anthony Messenger.

Sister Rosemary Stets, OSF, is a Bernardine Franciscan Sister and author of the book Franciscan Field Guide: People, Places, Practices, and Prayers. She has served on the congregational leadership team since 2011. Previously, Sister Rosemary served as Vice-President for Mission at Alvernia University in Reading, PA, and earlier was a member of the faculty in the Department of English and Communications.

Reflections in this episode are provided by Darleen Pryds, PhD, Franciscan Media's acquisitions editor. She is also a professor at the Franciscan School of Theology, a scholar and historian on lay Franciscans, and author of Women of the Streets: Early Franciscan Women and their Mendicant Vocation.

Please consider donating to help us create more content like this. With an 800-year legacy steeped in the values of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, your Franciscan Media community embraces its mission of spreading the message of love, compassion, and understanding through books, St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Franciscan Media’s website, online events, videos, and daily emails like Saint of the Day.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:01:24) Background

(00:06:26) Franciscan Field Guide

(00:11:17) Rediscovering God with Francis as a Guide

(00:16:40) Reflection (by Darleen Pryds): Presence and Curiosity

(00:25:18) Gazing on Ordinary Human Life

(00:30:10) Rebuilding the Church: Enraptured in Love

(00:35:24) Reflection (by Darleen Pryds): Our Ever-Deepening Conversion

(00:39:21) Poverty of Being

(00:47:29) Scotus and the Incarnation

(00:51:04) Reflection (by Darleen Pryds): Contemplating the Incarnation

(00:53:32) Relationality in a Love-Saturated Universe

(00:58:50) Mission: Learn, Love, and Serve

(01:03:13) Podcasting and Media as Mission

(01:05:21) Benediction

(01:08:01) Conclusion

Show notes:

• Read this blog post from Sr. Rosemary Stets, titled “Francis and Clare: Where the Tradition Begins”
• Order Sister Rosemary's book in print or e-book:
• Enjoy more writings by Sister Rosemary

Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Her education in theology and Franciscan studies took place at Duquesne University, the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure University, and she was the first woman to graduate from the Franciscan University of Rome at the doctoral level. She was the president of St. Bonaventure University from 2004-2016. Her biography on Saint Clare of Assisi, Light of Assisi, is available in the Franciscan Media store, Amazon, or wherever books are sold.

Please consider donating to help us create more content like this. With an 800-year legacy steeped in the values of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, your Franciscan Media community embraces its mission of spreading the message of love, compassion, and understanding through books, St. Anthony Messenger magazine, Franciscan Media’s website, online events, videos, and daily emails like Saint of the Day.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:05:06) Genesis of the Episode

(00:07:29) Pillars of St. Clare's Life and Historical Context

(00:13:19) Downward Mobility

(00:15:04) Pause & Pray: Downward Mobility

(00:19:49) Teaching Downward Mobility

(00:24:11) Good Ambition

(00:28:39) Lessons in Leadership from St. Clare

(00:45:23) Clarion Leadership: Primacy of Relationship

(00:48:46) Pause & Pray: Primacy of Relationship

(00:52:33) How to Live Out Clarion Leadership

(00:56:09) Culture at San Damiano

(00:59:35) Creating the Structure to Hear Others

(01:04:31) Christ in the Other

(01:09:40) Encounter: Cultivating Listening and Dialogue

(01:13:34) St. Clare’s Personal Impact on Sr. Margaret Today

(01:16:28) Conclusion

Show notes:

• Read this blog post from Sr. Margaret Carney on St. Clare’s life and legacy
• Order Sr. Margaret Carney’s biography on St. Clare, available in print, e-book, or audiobook
• Enjoy our St. Clare of Assisi playlist on YouTube
• Explore our hub of content on St. Clare of Assisi