In addition to being proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, one of the most incredible qualities of Lawrence of Brindisi was his gift for languages. In addition to his native Italian, Lawrence was fluent in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish and French.

The Transitus of St. Francis is a celebration of the passage of the saint from his earthly life to the glory of heaven. Traditionally celebrated by Franciscans all over the world on Oct. 3, there is no specific liturgical rite or specifications. Franciscan friars, sisters, members of the Third Order and others gather together on the vigil of the feast of St. Francis....

Francisco Tomás was born on June 24, 1864, into a devout peasant family. His parents, James and Jeronima, earned their living on a small farm in the rural village of Alpandeire in south-west Spain. The eldest son of four children, he worked hard alongside his family to turn the rocky soil into fertile ground.