Media Reviews

The Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit— based in Laveen, Arizona—have been ministering to the poor and preaching the Gospel in the Phoenix area since establishing their ministry in 1987. eir presence has since expanded to St. Mary of Redford Parish in Detroit, Michigan, where the friars have a House of Studies for those in formation who are discerning the call to religious life.

Along with outreach to Native Americans and an inner-city ministry, the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit— “grey friars,” who follow the Rule of the ird Order Regular—aim to evangelize in the spirit of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi. Among other initiatives, their evangelization e orts include a weekly podcast, called Become Fire.

What began in 2018 as recordings of Sunday homilies has morphed into weekly conversations among friars—typically, Brother Elijah DeLello and Father Antony Tinker—about a wide range of topics and issues facing Catholics today. From discussing the moral implications of body modi cation (tattoos, piercings, etc.) to the pro-life rami cations of the 2018 horror lm A Quiet Place, the friars don’t shy away from 21st-century subject matter. In another episode, they break down New Age culture and some of its potential positive aspects and pitfalls for Catholics.

Apart from analyzing some of the inspirations and challenges Catholics encounter in secular culture, the friars delve into myriad other topics, including devotion to Mary, lessons from Mother Teresa, and ways to improve daily prayer practices. In episode #34, “Family Night,” Father Antony and Brother Elijah engage in a bit of family ministry, as they discuss how parents can connect with their kids in meaningful ways without the use of screens and without the use of screens and technological devices. ey suggest putting cell phones in a basket while parents and children bond over board games or puzzles.

What’s wonderful about this particular episode is how the friars draw parallels from their experiences living in community with the dynamics of family life. ough the two living situations aren’t exactly carbon copies of each other, there are many similarities when it comes to the need for face-to-face human interaction and the distractions that smartphones and social media bring. e Franciscans involved in Become Fire are lighthearted and approachable, even when talking about serious topics. ey’re quick to identify with many of the same struggles that the people in the pews face, and they follow up with practical solutions that engage the spirit. To listen to the friars’ podcast, visit SoundCloud.com/BecomeFire or nd them on Apple Podcasts. e friars also regularly post about the podcast on their Twitter handle, @BecomeFire.

The season of Advent is one of preparation. As we await the birth of Christ, we also look forward to the beginning of a new year—a type of new birth itself. To carry you through these two seasons, here is a list of books that may serve as good companions on the journey. As the Christmas season comes to a close, we turn our attention to the birth of a new year and new opportunities. O en, we seek ways to make our lives more ful lling. Here are some books that may help as you discern ways to reach that goal.

BY SUSAN HINES-BRIGGER is book o ers concrete ways for your family to prepare for Christmas by living out the themes and messages of the Advent season. In it you will nd daily re ections, discussion questions, and family activities for the weeks leading up to Christmas.

BY KYLE KRAMER Sometimes life can be overwhelming. In this book, Kyle Kramer chronicles his ongoing adventures and misadventures on the path to simple living and greater emotional, mental, and material freedom.

BY FATHER ALFRED MCBRIDE, O. PRAEM In 42 scriptural re ections, Father Alfred McBride invites us to consider Mary as a young wife and new mother who holds her infant, as the Mother of Sorrows who holds her son when he is taken down from the cross, and as a witness to the infant Church when the Holy Spirit descends upon the Upper Room at Pentecost.

BY DIANE HOUDEK St. Francis had a special a nity for the Christmas story, so it makes sense that he would serve as a thoughtful guide through the Advent season. In this book, St. Francis is your daily guide through the Advent season, helping readers explore how they, too, can live the Gospel in the circumstances of their daily lives.

WRITTEN BY PHILIP D. GALLERY, ILLUSTRATED BY JANET L. HARLOW is book is a great way to introduce the Gospel stories to younger children in a fun and unique way. Readers are challenged to nd certain biblical characters within the many illustrations that take them on a journey through the life of Jesus.

When placing an order, use code and receive a 10% discount. Visit: Shop.FranciscanMedia.org • Use code: SAMCulture10

BY RICHARD ROHR Best-selling author Richard Rohr, OFM, shows how the Twelve Steps o er a spirituality that can help us face our dependencies headon and, in doing so, nd ful llment and true joy. e book also has a companion journal available in which you can re ect on the book and how it speaks to you.

SURROUNDED BY LOVE

BY MURRAY BODO, OFM Franciscan Murray Bodo illuminates seven key teachings from St. Francis and shows how these teachings are the foundation for Franciscan spirituality today.

BY SHANNON K. EVANS In this beautiful journal (available in January 2022), Shannon K. Evans invites you to re ect on your relationship with your body, which, she says, cannot be separated from the health of your soul, for the two are intertwined to make up all that it means to be you.