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What we’re doing here:
In January 2026, Pope Leo XIV declared the “Year of Saint Francis.” Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have already flocked to Assisi to visit the tomb of this beloved saint on the 800th anniversary of his death. Visitors to Assisi can see one of the original churches that Saint Francis rebuilt: The Portiuncula, or “Little Portion”, that sits within Our Lady of Angels Basilica.
This small church was the original home of Franciscan spirituality. It was the little place from which a global movement grew. The “Little Portion” also came to be known as a spiritual analogy. We don’t just need physical little portions, “we also need spiritual ones – internal places that we will not relinquish, interior spaces that are necessary for the growth of our relationship with and service to God, neighbor, and the earth.”
As we journey in this Franciscan year together, we invite you to be a part of Our Little Portion. We are welcoming all people of good will who want to learn more about Saint Francis, the movement he started, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I’m not a priest, historian, or theologian. I am a striving Catholic, a dad, and someone who knows he has a lot to learn from Francis and his brethren. This is a place for fellow seekers who want to learn more, and who are willing to open their hearts to conversion through the intercession of Saint Francis.
What are we doing here? This is Franciscan spirituality — for all of us. We’re going to have accessible conversations via the written word as well as conversations with people who can enlighten us even more.
We’re offering this little portion to all of you, and I am excited to see how we can grow together.
Peace and all good.
Who am I?
I’m a Catholic dad and husband who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. I love my vibrant parish community. I’ve spent my career working at the intersection of faith, justice, democracy, and politics, and have had the blessing of learning from some of many faithful and brilliant leaders while serving on a multitude of advisory committees and board related to my Christian faith. My writing has appeared in America Magazine, Our Sunday Visitor, and regularly in Millennial Journal, and my work has been covered by a wide variety of religious and secular publications.
In addition to writing and working, I love to cook Italian food, coach tee ball, and explore Civil War battlefields.
This project is a personal, independent project and is not connected to any job or affiliation that I hold.
(Photo: A rainy day in Cortona)
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