Soul cakes are an English treat made to commemorate the dead during Hallowtide. Starting in medieval times up through the late 1800s, soul cakes were baked and given to soulers – typically children and the poor – who would go from door to door. If they were given a soul cake, they would sing and pray for the soul of the cake giver as well as for those of their deceased relatives and friends. Baking these sweet cakes that are a combination of a biscuit and a scone is the perfect time to share memories of, and pray for, loved ones. Get the recipe at www.littlesugar snaps.com/soul-cakes.
Throughout 2024, Franciscans worldwide are commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s stigmata – the appearance of the bodily wounds of Christ’s crucifixion. This Oct. 4 also marks our Conventual Franciscan bishop’s first feast of St. Francis as Bishop of Charlotte. In honor of the stigmata anniversary and the saint’s feast day, explore artwork depicting this popular saint in the permanent collection of the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.