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When Br. Charles Okorie, NSA, was attending high school in Nigeria, he purchased a book about the saints. The stories of these holy men and women inspired him, especially the biography of St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Charles felt God calling him to follow in Francis’ footsteps.

On the summit of the Mount of Atonement, on the grounds of Graymoor, stands a 16-foot-high wood cross. Fashioned from a cedar tree that once stood in the vicinity, the cross looks out upon beautiful forests. People from all over the world ascend the Holy Mountain to stand by the cross and reflect on God’s glory present in nature and His Son’s sacrifice.

Every day here at Graymoor, we receive prayer requests from people asking the Friars to remember them and their intentions in our prayers. Often, people share that they are struggling to pray, feeling disconnected or unsure of how to communicate with God. So, let’s talk about prayer. For many of us, prayer can be a difficult practice. What does it really mean to “pray”?

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and introduced himself to the world as Pope Francis, my heart was filled with joy. As a Franciscan Friar of the Atonement, I knew at that moment that the Holy Spirit had breathed something special into the life of the Catholic Church.

The Risen Jesus’ message, "Do not be afraid," is as powerful today as it was in his time of violence and fear. Read about how we can deepen the meaning of His message for us today.

In a time of sorrow and reflection, our hearts turn to God. Almost half a million people stood in St. Peter's Square on April 26 to mourn the passing of Pope Francis. One of our Friars, Fr. Jim Loughran, SA, was there, and he shared a message of hope, gratitude, and faith with NBC's Anne Thompson.

In profound sorrow and deep reflection, we, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A true shepherd of our faith, Pope Francis dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity, embodying the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi through his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and compassion.

For many of us, this winter has been one of the harshest in years, with below-average temperatures and often terrible weather conditions. I think we will all welcome the arrival of spring, especially as we celebrate Easter this month – the greatest feast of our Church and a season that embodies hope.

As Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, we unite our hearts to Jesus’ prayer “that all may be one.” Like our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, we consider everyone our brothers and sisters, and we strive to share God’s love with them. Practicing “At-One-Ment” is not something reserved for Friars and religious sisters. Anyone can follow the lead of Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, and find ways to live at one with God, with each other, and within themselves.

Father Elias D. Mallon, S.A., offers profound scriptural insights on the Annunciation and the most fitting response to this great mystery.