"CUM GRANDE HUMILITATE!"

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."

A special "Thank you!"
Goes out to
John Michael Talbot
for giving us permission
to use his song on our
"Come to the Quiet"
You Tube Video
T
T
_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Remain Faithful To The Lord

We shoudln't flatter ourselves and boast about doing what any sinner can do. A sinner can fast, pray, weep, mortify the flesh. But this a sinner cannot do: Remain faithful to the Lord. Therefore, this is what we should glory in: Rendering glory to the Lord, serving him faithfully, and acknowledging as his whatever he gives us.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Secon Life - 134

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Friends

Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose footsteps we're to follow, called his betrayer "friend" and willingly handed himself over to his crucifiers. Our friends, then, are all those who unjustly inflict upon us tests and ordeals, shame and injury, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death. They are the ones we should love most, for what they're really inflicting upon us is eternal life.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Rule of 1221
CHAPTER XXII

Friday, August 29, 2008

Eucharistic Congress September 11 and 12, 2009

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

Theme: Sacrifice of Enduring Love: A Eucharistic Congress

The Congress will consider:

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of enduring love, where Jesus Christ our Savior gives Himself totally as Bridegroom, uniting to himself His Spouse, the Church, in the perfect Sacrifice of love that brings to fulfillment the communion between God and His people.

Within the universal call to holiness in which all the baptized share, three ways of life within the Christian vocation will be explored in depth. Each is characterized by:

+ an irrevocable commitment;
+ an identification with Christ in his submission to the Will of the Father; and
+ a complete gift of self in love

• Priesthood Configured by Holy Orders to Christ, priest, prophet and king in the image of Christ the Spouse Who offered Himself completely in love for His Bride, the Church, a man is consecrated in Christ’s name for the salvation of others, feeding the Church by the word and grace of God. (CCC 1534)

• Religious Life: Entering into an intimate spousal union with Christ and with the Church within a religious institute by profession of the evangelical counsels, a woman or man bears witness to the communion of life within the Most Holy Trinity, following Christ more closely through this total gift of self to the praise and glory of God, for the salvation of souls and for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

• Marriage: By the gift of man and woman to one another in Christ, an irrevocable and fruitful communion of persons is achieved that is a real symbol of the fidelity of God to His covenant and of Christ to His Church. The love of the spouses is a participation in the very charity of Christ who gave Himself completely on the Cross. (FC 13)

A Royal Dignity

God is well pleased with poverty, and above all with voluntary poverty. For my part I possess royal dignity and special nobility, in that I follow the Lord, who was rich but became poor for our sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Never Speak A Rude Or Unseemly Word

Even before his conversion, St. Francis was by nature courteous in manner and speech and followed a practice born of deep conviction, namely, never to speak a rude or unseemly word.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions, 1,3

A Man Who Had Become A Living Prayer

Often, without moving his lips, St. Francis would meditate for a long time, and, concentrating, centering his external powers, he would rise in spirit to heaven. Thus, he directed his whole mind and affections to the one thing he was asking of God. He was not so much a man who prayed, as a man who had become a living prayer.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 95

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Now Bishop Zubik of Pittsburgh corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion

Statement by Bishop David A. Zubik on “Meet the Press” comments by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

On Sunday, August 24, on “Meet the Press,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped out of her political role and completely misrepresented the teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to abortion. She said that Church teaching condemning procured abortion is somehow new and therefore unsettled. She could not have been more wrong.

Jesus proclaimed the sacredness of human life throughout his teaching and ministry. In a Roman world where abortion was commonplace, the Church proclaimed its intrinsic moral evil. The Didache, perhaps the earliest known Christian manual of moral teaching dating from the first century, rejected abortion. Early Church councils considered it one of the most serious crimes.

That teaching has remained constant and unaltered for two millennia.

As the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith re-stated in 1974, “The first right of the human person is his life. … It does not belong to society, nor does it belong to public authority in any form to recognize this right for some and not others. … From the time the ovum is fertilized, a life is begun which is neither that of the father nor of the mother; it is rather the life of a new human being.”

The teaching of the Church on abortion is settled. And as old as the Gospels.

Source


*Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Cantu of San Antonio correct Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*Bishop Sheridan of Colorado Springs corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*Bishop Aquila of Fargo corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*Archbishop Cardinal Egan of New York corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*USCCB corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*Archbishop Wuerl of Washington corrects Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion
*Archbishop Chaput abd Bishop Conley of Denver correct Pelosi on Church teachings on abortion

This has got to be an act of the Holy Spirit because for far too long, the Bishops have remained silent regarding Abortion and Pro-Life issues as regards to the Democratic Party. It's long overdue for the Church to stand up and deny the Eucharist to and Excommunication of Abortionists!

Priests Are To Be Pure When Celebrating Mass

I beseech in the Lord, all my brothers who are priests, now and in the future, and those who desire to be priests of the Most High, that when they celebrate Mass, they be pure and offer purely and with profound reverence the true sacrifice of the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they offer it with a holy and sincere intention, and not from worldly motives or out of fear or love of some human being, as though pleasing humans (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:23).

But let their will, aided by the grace of God, be directed to him, desiring by means of the Mass to please the Most High God alone, because he alone works in the Mass as it pleases him.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter to the Whole Order

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Pelosi's Abortion Statements a Scandal Says Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Pelosi's Abortion Statements a Scandal Says EWTN Program Host

Contact: Michelle Johnson, EWTN Global Catholic Network, 205-795-5769, mjohnson@ewtn.com

IRONDALE, Alabama, Aug. 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- EWTN Global Catholic Network TV Host Father Mitch Pacwa S.J. took Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to task last night for misrepresenting Church teaching on abortion in an Aug. 24 interview with Tom Brokaw on Meet the Press.

In her interview, Pelosi told Brokow that "as an ardent, practicing Catholic" who has studied the issue of when life begins for "a long time," she could say that the Church fathers, especially St. Augustine, were not sure of when life begins, and that the Church had only made this decision in the past 50 years. She then drew the conclusion that this should not impact on a woman's right to choose.

On his Tuesday night show, "Threshold of Faith," Father Pacwa explained that Pelosi was in grave error about the teaching of the Church fathers, summarized what other Church leaders are saying about her public statements, and offered her this piece of advice:

"[A]s an ardent, practicing Catholic, you must conform your conscience to the teaching of the Church that goes back [to] the very beginning of the Church on this moral issue."

After explaining how grave a sin abortion was to Church fathers and citing early Church leaders and Church documents, Father Pacwa gave this moral counsel to Pelosi: "If you are ignorant and you don't know [when life begins], then you go on the side of safety and protecting rights. You don't bomb a city where there might be a lot of civilians. You say, 'Well, I’m not sure.' Well, then be on the side of safety. Protect the lives of the innocent, the non-combatants.

"Same with the unborn children. You must also go on the side of your ignorance to say then, "If I don't know, then I'll protect all the more. I don't want to act while I'm ignorant."

Father Pacwa called on Pelosi to use her position "to make sure not that there are few and rare abortions, but that there are zero abortions and that you would do everything you can to protect life. This is the duty of us all."

For downloadable video clips, audio clips, and a complete transcript, please click on www.ewtn.com/media/abortion. For an interview with Father Pacwa, please contact EWTN.

The Body And Blood Of Jesus

The Father's "home is in inaccessible light" (1 Timothy 6:16), and "No one has ever seen God" (John 1:18).

Because God is Spirit, he can be seen only in the Spirit; for "it is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer" (John 6:63).

Likewise, neither is the Son, in that he is equal to the Father, seen by anyone but the Father and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all who saw the Lord Jesus Christ and did not believe, in the Spirit, that he was divine, the true Son of God, were condemned. And so, too, now, all who see the sacrament of the Body of Christ, which is consecrated by the words of the Lord upon the altar in the hands of the priest in the form of bread and wine, and do not see and do not believe, in the Spirit, that it is divine, indeed, the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, are condemned, because the Most High himself gives witness and says, "This is my body, and the blood of the covenant" (Mark 14:22,24).

Saint Francis of Assisi
Admonition 1

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Reverence And Devotion To Jesus In The Eucharist

With every fiber of his being Francis burned with love for the Sacrament of the Body of the Lord. It left him overcome with wonder for so great a condescension and merciful love. He was said to be disconsolate if, even once, he could not hear daily Mass, even if it was impossible to do so. He received communion often and with such devotion as to make others experience a like devotion. He rendered every reverence to so venerable a sacrament, offering the sacrifice of his whole self; and when he received the Immolated Lamb of God, he immolated his own spirit in that fire which was always burning on the altar of his heart.

St. Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 201

Monday, August 25, 2008

Archbishop Raymond Burke: Pro-Abortion Catholics Should Not Receive Communion

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 August 2008
CONTACT: Katie Walker
540.659.4942| kwalker@all.org

CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL TEACHING: PRO-ABORTION CATHOLICS SHOULD NOT RECEIVE COMMUNION

Washington, DC (25 August 2008) – American Life League congratulates Archbishop Raymond Burke, the newly appointed prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, for his clear and unequivocal teachings on the need to deny the Holy Eucharist to those who publicly support abortion.

Archbishop Burke, former archbishop of St. Louis, has made reverence for the Holy Eucharist a central theme of his role as a shepherd of souls.

"Archbishop Burke's great love and zeal for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament compels him to send a clear message: Don't desecrate the Holy Eucharist by presenting yourself for Communion while persisting in your support of child murder," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "We are excited to see Archbishop Burke continuing to battle for
the lives of innocent preborn children."

Archbishop Burke spoke to the Italian magazine Radici Christiane last week, specifically addressing the subject of "Catholic" pro-abortion politicians who "support abortion, which entails the taking of innocent and defenseless human lives."

"A person who commits sin in this way," he stated, "should be publicly admonished in such a way as to not receive Communion until he or she has reformed his life."

The archbishop then went on to explain that when ministers of Communion deny the sacrament to public officials who support abortion, "it is not with the intention of interfering in public life, but rather with the concern of the spiritual state of the politician or public official who, if Catholic, should follow the divine law in the public sphere as well."

"We thank Archbishop Burke for his clear teaching in regard to pro-abortion politicians who call themselves 'Catholic,'" said Brown. "It is our hope that more Catholic bishops will follow his lead and dispel the confusion and darkness of the culture of death in which we live. You cannot be Catholic and 'pro-choice.'"

American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.

A Mended and Broken Heart

The Life and Love of Francis of Assisi

by

WENDY MURRAY

(Taken From the Cover)

"Francis of Assisi is Catholicism's most popular saint. Tens of millions of spiritual seekers summon his name and example. But the real Francis - both his complicated personality and his complex theology - have been misunderstood for centuries."

I personally recommend this book to all my Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, or anyone seeking to plumb the depths of Franciscan love. Wendy Murray delves into previously undisclosed documents in Assisi and elsewhere to paint a fresh new fresco of Francis, one that is sure to stir the heart and soul...

The Crown of Thorns is a Crown of Glory

Someone I know was in an area of complete and utter darkness.

"Then a mist appeared, through which two hands appeared that were handing me a crown of thorns.

"I took the crown of thorns from the outstretched hands and placed it upon my head. As the crown was being seated upon my head, I prematurely winced, fully expecting searing pain from those thorns to shoot through my head and throughout my entire body.

"But instead of pain, a warm and wonderful feeling of joy and peace settled over me. I was being bathed in God’s love.

"Simultaneously with the crown of thorns being placed upon my head, a vision appeared before me of a glass mirror “unfurling” like a window shade, even though it was glass.

"Jesus then appeared in the glass before me.

"I was immediately filled with shame because Jesus had caught me wearing his crown, and I immediately pulled it from my head.

"As I did, Jesus disappeared.

"I then placed the crown back onto my head.

"As I did, the glass unfurled before me, and again Jesus was standing before me.

"At that moment, the realization hit me that I was looking into a mirror and seeing my own reflection, and that reflection was my Savior and my Lord! And me! One and the same!

"This vision greatly troubled me. After all, who did I think I was, anyway? Was I so vain as to think myself equal to Jesus? God forbid! The vision continued to frighten me long afterwards, fearing that my attitude was obviously not right with God…that is, until I heard these words:

“Do not be afraid to put on my crown of thorns.
It is My crown of glory!
Wear it as I did.
I will bear the pain so that you have none.
Then, and only then, will you see Me in glory.
Then we shall meet face to face.
You in me, and I in you.
People will see me in your image.
Give yourselves to Me fully,
And I will come to you in glory…”

The Sublime Virtue Of Humility

In their pride, the demons take flight at the sight of the sublime virtue practices by those who are truly humble.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VI - 10

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Removing Temptation

When St. Francis had been troubled by a temptation for more than two years, he happened to be praying in the church of St. Mary one day, when he heard in spirit the words of the Gospel: If you have faith, though it be like a grain of mustard seed, you have only to say to this mountain, Remove from this place to that, and it will remove. At once blessed Francis asked, "Lord, what is this mountain?" And the reply came, "This mountain is your temptation." "In that case, Lord," said blessed Francis, "let it happen to me as You have said." And from that moment he was so completely freed that it seemed to him as though he had never had any temptation.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 99

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Mystic Monk Coffee: Helping the Portiuncula: the Little Portion

Mystic Monk Coffee: That Heavenly Aroma!



Welcome to Mystic Monk Coffee! Roasted to perfection, full of taste and flavor, we guarantee that in each bag of Mystic Monk Coffee you will find a delicious, consistently smooth and rich taste. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply a friend of monks, our own unique monastic roasts are certain to please and delight. Each bag of coffee is roasted and prepared for you in a hidden, cloistered monastery where each roast is the work of perfection and a labor of love.

The Carmelite Monks are a Roman Catholic Monastery that has a great passion for Coffee as an incredible fruit of the earth as well as a way to help Catholic culture. The monks love coffee from its growth, drying process to its roast and taste in the cup. Every step adds to the taste of the beans in your cup and the monks find this a delightful past time that compliments their monastery.

The monks hope to add a new chapter in the history of coffee. It is a well known fact that monks discovered the great use of the coffee beans as a delicious drink that helps a sleepy monk. Learn more about the discovery of coffee by Catholic monks here: monks discover coffee

How do monks know anything about roasting coffee? Monks are perfectionists in all their labors. Monks also love everything natural and earthy because it is very contemplative and recalls God's works to them.

Monks have always been the backbone of Catholic culture. In America ever since the revolution, coffee also has been the backbone of American society. This is why coffee and Catholic monks go hand in hand. The Carmelite Monks know that coffee is so integral to our modern society and see it as a great opportunity to give people everywhere a chance to have a unique relationship with monks. The uniting of coffee and Catholic monks is a perfect combination. For more information about the Carmelite monks and their focus on helping Catholic culture click here: Real monks and catholic coffee

Buy catholic coffee roasted by the monks. Truly most people who drink the monks coffee think it is the best they have ever drank and come back to buy more catholic coffee.

01. Mystic Monk Blend
02. Breakfast Blend
03. Cowboy Blend
04. Dark Roast Colombian
05. Mystical Chants of Carmel
06. Royal Rum Pecan (reg. or decaf.)
07. Hazelnut (reg. or decaf.)
08. Carmel (reg. or decaf.)
09. Espresso Blend
10. Decaffeinated Colombian

To help both the Carmelite and the Portiuncula: the Little Portion, simply Scroll Down on the Left and Double-Click on the "MYSTIC MONK COFFEE" Icon and order yours today!

A Franciscan Prayer

ENID DENNIS

When I am old and tutored by
The grim experience of days;
When I have proved men in their ways,
Oh, do not let the drummer die.

When I have learned aside to toss
The foolish things that wise men hate,
Lest Littleness should hold me great,
Be mine the folly of the Cross.

When comes detachment's strength to me,
Let mine the weakness be that wept
O'er Lazarus' grave and kept
Three comrades in Gethsemane.

When head bids heart herself forget,
When Reason's lure would love deceive,
May my poor foolish heart achieve
A few life-giving blunders yet.

When I have grown too sane, soo dad,
To join the angels' faerie ring
And serve the playtime of the King,
Then, Sweet Saint Francis, make me mad.

Friday, August 22, 2008

His Hands And Feet Were Pierced As Though By Nails And His Side Wounded As Though By A Lance

...An unheard of joy tempered their [the whole city of Assisi] grief and the newness of a miracle threw their minds into great amazement. Their mourning was turned to song and their weeping to jubilation. For they had never heard or read in the Scriptures what was set before their eyes, what they could hardly be persuaded to believe if it had not been proved to them by evident testimony. For in truth there appeared in him a true image of the cross and of the passion of the lamb without blemish who washed away the sins of the world, for he seemed as though he had been recently taken down from the cross, his hands and feet were pierced as though by nails and his side wounded as though by a lance.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER IX - 112

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Healing Of A Leper

...Then St. Francis immediately had water boiled with many sweet-scented herbs. Next, he undressed the man with leprosy and began to wash him with his holy hands, while another poured the water over him.

And by a divine miracle, wherever St. Francis touched him with his holy hands, the leprosy disappeared, and the flesh remained completely healed.

And as externlly the water washed the body and the flesh began to heal and be wholly cleansed from leprosy, so too interiorly his soul began to be healed and cleansed.

...St. Francis seeing such a clear miracle which God had performed through his hands, gave thanks to God and left there for a distant region, so that when that miracle became known to the people they should not all run to him, because through humility he wanted to flee any world glory....

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 25

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Richmond Catholic Community Charismatic Prayer Group

Richmond Catholic Community Charismatic Prayer Group

Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:00 PM Eastern Time

St. Mary's Church 701 North A Street Richmond, IN

Everyone is welcome to attend!

"In the midst of these experiences that are both painful and delightful together, our Lord sometimes gives the soul feelings of jubilation and a strange prayer it doesn't understand..What I'm saying seems like gibberish, but certainly the experience takes place in this way...

Saint Teresa of Avila
(Doctor of the Church)
The Interior Castle
The Sixth Dwelling Places
CHAPTER 6

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

LORD
Make me an instrument of your PEACE.
Where there is hatred, let me sow LOVE.
Where there is injury, PARDON.
Where there is doubt, FAITH.
Where there is despair, HOPE.
Where there is darkness, LIGHT.
Where there is sadness, JOY.

O DIVINE MASTER,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to CONSOLE.
To be understood, as to UNDERSTAND.
To be loved as to LOVE.

For it is in GIVING that we receive,
It is in PARDONING
That we are pardoned
And it is in dying
That we are born to ETERNAL LIFE.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Voting For Pro-Abortion Candidates Is "Evil" Kansas Bishops Say

Wichita, KS (LifeNews.com) -- The Catholic bishops in Kansas have released a new voter's guide that makes it clear supporting a candidate who favors legal abortions is "evil." In the joint document, they say Catholic voters would "commit moral evil" by backing candidates who support abortion, euthanasia or embryonic research.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City and Bishops Ronald Gilmore of Dodge City, Paul Coakley of Salina, and Michael Jackels of Wichita joined together to endorse the document.

They lay out a very clear argument against abortion and how voting for pro-abortion candidates promotes the violation of Church teaching.

Despite the motives voters may have for supporting pro-abortion candidates, acts that "involve doing evil" such as "elective abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, the destruction of embryonic human beings in stem cell research, and human cloning" must be opposed.

"Such acts are judged to be intrinsically evil, that is, evil in and of themselves regardless of our motives or the circumstances. They constitute an attack against innocent human life," they say.

"In light of the above we would commit moral evil if we were to vote for a candidate who takes a permissive stand on those actions that are intrinsically evil when there is a morally-acceptable alternative," they explain.

Catholic voters who support pro-abortion candidates like Barack Obama often justify their decision by saying the candidate is in step with Catholic on other political issues.

The Kansas bishops address that and seem to support voting for the anti-abortion candidate because he supports taking fewer lives than the pro-abortion candidate.

"So when there is no choice of a candidate that avoids supporting intrinsically evil actions, especially elective abortion, we should vote in such a way as to allow the least harm to innocent human life and dignity," the bishops say.

"We would not be acting immorally therefore if we were to vote for a candidate who is not totally acceptable in order to defeat one who poses an even greater threat to human life and dignity," they conclude.

http://www.lifenews.com/state3445.html

This Is What My Whole Heart Desires To Accomplish

Until the work of restoring the church of Saint Damian was completed, blessed Francis still wore the garments of a hermit with a strap to serve as a belt, and he carried a staff and had sandals on his feet. Then, one day during the celebration of Mass he heard the words in which Christ bade his disciples go out and preach, carrying neither gold nor silver, nor haversack for the journey, without staff, bread, or shoes, and having no second garment. After listening to the priest's explanation of these words of the Gospel, full of unspeakable joy, he exclaimed: "This is what my whole heart desires to accomplish."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER VIII - 25

Monday, August 18, 2008

Go And Repair My House. You See It Is Falling Down!

Francis left the town one day to meditate out-of-doors and as he was passing by the church of San Damiano which was threatening to collapse with age, he felt urged to go in and pray. There as he knelt in prayer before a painted image of the Crucified, he felt greatly comforted in spirit and his eyes were full of tears as he gazed at the cross. Then, all of a sudden, he heard a voice coming from the cross and telling him three times, "Francis, go and repair my hose. You see it is falling down." Francis was alone in the church and was terrified at the sound of the voice, but the power of its message penetrated his heart and he went into an ecstacy. Eventually, he came back to himself and prepared to obey the command he had received. He was quite willing to devote himself entirely to repairing the ruined church of San Damiano, although the message really referred to the universal Church.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER II - 1

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Guided Solely By The Holy Spirit

Blessed Francis used to say, "The time is coming when this Order, so dear to God, will be brought into such disrepute by the bad example of evil friars that its members will be ashambed to appear in public. But those who come to receive the habit of the Order in those days will be guided solely by the workings of the Holy Spirit; flesh and blood will not contaminate them, and they will be truly blessed by God. And although no noble works will be done by them because the love that enables the Saints to labour so fervently will have grown cold, they will be assailed by tremendous temptations. But those who are found worthy in those days will be better friars than their predecessors."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 70

Saturday, August 16, 2008

We Take Our Cells With Us

Wherever we are or wherever we are going, we have our cell with us. For Brother Body is the cell, and the soul is the hermit who dwells in it, meditating there and praying to God. Therefore, if the soul does not preserve quiet and solitude in its own cell, of what profit is a cell made by hands?

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 80

Friday, August 15, 2008

St. Francis of Assisi Regarding "Just War"

"RENEWING THE AMERICAN DREAM"

"The minister general [St. Bonaventure] said to us: Here are some anecdotes that Brother Illuminato who accompanied St. Francis on his visit to the sultan of Egypt told us:

...The same sultan submitted this problem to him: "Your Lord taught in his gospels that evil must not be repaid with evil, that you should not refuse your cloak to anyone who wants to take your tunic, etc. (Mt 5,40): in that case, Christians should not invade our land?" - "It seems," Blessed Francis answered, "That you have not read the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ completely. In another place we read: if your eye causes you sin, tear it out and throw it away (Mt 5 , 29). Here he wanted to teach us that every man, however dear and close he is to us, and even if he is precious to us as the apple of our eye, must be repulsed, pulled out, expelled if he seeks to turn us aside from the faith and love of our God. That is why it is just that Christians invade the land you inhabit, for you blaspheme the name of Christ and alienate everyone you can from his worship. But if you were to recognize, confess, and adore the Creator and Redeemer, Christians would love you as themselves."

St. Francis of Assisi

Omnibus of Sources
Thirteenth-Century Sources
Verba fr. Illuminati (Ms Vat. Ottub. lat. 522)
Golubovich, Biblioteca, vol. I, pp. 36-37

Become Hidden In The Wounds Of The Savior

With joy-filled devotion Francis dwelt in the heavenly mansions and in complete self-emptying he remained for long periods hidden, as it were, in the wounds of the Savior. He therefore sought out solitary places where he could cast his soul entirely upon God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life - 71

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Mystic Monk Coffee: That Heavenly Aroma!

Mystic Monk Coffee

Welcome to Mystic Monk Coffee! Roasted to perfection, full of taste and flavor, we guarantee that in each bag of Mystic Monk Coffee you will find a delicious, consistently smooth and rich taste. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply a friend of monks, our own unique monastic roasts are certain to please and delight. Each bag of coffee is roasted and prepared for you in a hidden, cloistered monastery where each roast is the work of perfection and a labor of love.

The Carmelite Monks are a Roman Catholic Monastery that has a great passion for Coffee as an incredible fruit of the earth as well as a way to help Catholic culture. The monks love coffee from its growth, drying process to its roast and taste in the cup. Every step adds to the taste of the beans in your cup and the monks find this a delightful past time that compliments their monastery.

The monks hope to add a new chapter in the history of coffee. It is a well known fact that monks discovered the great use of the coffee beans as a delicious drink that helps a sleepy monk. Learn more about the discovery of coffee by Catholic monks here: monks discover coffee

How do monks know anything about roasting coffee? Monks are perfectionists in all their labors. Monks also love everything natural and earthy because it is very contemplative and recalls God's works to them.

Monks have always been the backbone of Catholic culture. In America ever since the revolution, coffee also has been the backbone of American society. This is why coffee and Catholic monks go hand in hand. The Carmelite Monks know that coffee is so integral to our modern society and see it as a great opportunity to give people everywhere a chance to have a unique relationship with monks. The uniting of coffee and Catholic monks is a perfect combination. For more information about the Carmelite monks and their focus on helping Catholic culture click here: Real monks and catholic coffee

Buy catholic coffee roasted by the monks. Truly most people who drink the monks coffee think it is the best they have ever drank and come back to buy more catholic coffee.

01. Mystic Monk Blend
02. Breakfast Blend
03. Cowboy Blend
04. Dark Roast Colombian
05. Mystical Chants of Carmel
06. Royal Rum Pecan (reg. or decaf.)
07. Hazelnut (reg. or decaf.)
08. Carmel (reg. or decaf.)
09. Espresso Blend
10. Decaffeinated Colombian

To help both the Carmelite and the Franciscan Monks, simply Scroll Down on the Left and Double-Click on the "MYSTIC MONK COFFEE" Icon and order yours today!

The Prayer Absorbeat

"May the power of your love, O Lord, fiery and sweet as honey, wean my heart from all that is under heaven, so that I may die for love of your love, you who were so good as to die for love of my love."

Saint Francis of Assisi
(attributed to Francis by St. Bernardine and Ubertino da Casale)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Desire Humility Before All Other Virtues

Francis, the faithful servant and perfect imitator of Christ, feeling himself wholly united to Christ through the virtue of holy humility, desired his humility in his friars before all other virtues. And in order that they might love, desire, acquire, and preserve it, he gave them constant encouragement by his own example and teaching, and particularly impressed this on the Ministers and preachers, urging them to undertake humble tasks.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 73

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Parresia: A Quality Of A Monk To Perform Miracles

Athanasius comments:

"For Anthony [St. Anthony of Padua] did not heal by issuing commands, but by praying and calling upon the name of Christ, so that it was evident to everyone that it was not he who did this, but the Lord manifesting his compassion to men and, through Anthony, was healing those who suffered." (Matthew 17:19 and John 16:23-24)

Vita Antonii 83-84

Penitents From Assisi

The people they met were extremely surprised because in dress and manner of life they were so different from all others, and appeared almost like wild men of the woods. Whenever they came to a town or village or castle or house, they spoke the words of peace, comforting all, and exhorting men and women to love and fear the Creator of heaven and earth, and to observe his commands.

Some people listened gladly; but others only mocked them as fools and humbugs, and refused them admittance into their houses for fear they might be thieves and make off with something. Thus in many places they suffered innumerable trials and insults, and, finding no hospitality, they were driven to take shelter under the porticoes of the churches or houses. Many people asked where they came from, and to what order they belonged; and though it was wearisome to answer such numerous questions, they replied simply that they were penitents from Assisi...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER IX - 38

Monday, August 11, 2008

Mystic Monk Coffee

Welcome to Mystic Monk Coffee! Roasted to perfection, full of taste and flavor, we guarantee that in each bag of Mystic Monk Coffee you will find a delicious, consistently smooth and rich taste. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or simply a friend of monks, our own unique monastic roasts are certain to please and delight. Each bag of coffee is roasted and prepared for you in a hidden, cloistered monastery where each roast is the work of perfection and a labor of love.

The Carmelite Monks are a Roman Catholic Monastery that has a great passion for Coffee as an incredible fruit of the earth as well as a way to help Catholic culture. The monks love coffee from its growth, drying process to its roast and taste in the cup. Every step adds to the taste of the beans in your cup and the monks find this a delightful past time that compliments their monastery.

The monks hope to add a new chapter in the history of coffee. It is a well known fact that monks discovered the great use of the coffee beans as a delicious drink that helps a sleepy monk. Learn more about the discovery of coffee by Catholic monks here: monks discover coffee

How do monks know anything about roasting coffee? Monks are perfectionists in all their labors. Monks also love everything natural and earthy because it is very contemplative and recalls God's works to them.

Monks have always been the backbone of Catholic culture. In America ever since the revolution, coffee also has been the backbone of American society. This is why coffee and Catholic monks go hand in hand. The Carmelite Monks know that coffee is so integral to our modern society and see it as a great opportunity to give people everywhere a chance to have a unique relationship with monks. The uniting of coffee and Catholic monks is a perfect combination. For more information about the Carmelite monks and their focus on helping Catholic culture click here: Real monks and catholic coffee

Buy catholic coffee roasted by the monks. Truly most people who drink the monks coffee think it is the best they have ever drank and come back to buy more catholic coffee.

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To help both the Carmelite and the Franciscan Monks, simply Scroll Down on the Left and Double-Click on the "MYSTIC MONK COFFEE" Icon and order yours today!

Separated Only By A Partition Of Flesh

Saint Francis realzed that he was an exile from the Lord's presence as long as he was at home in the body (2 Cor 5,6,8), and his love of Christ had left him with no desire for the things of this earth. Therefore, he tried to keep his spirit always in the presence of God, by praying to him without intermission, so that he might not be without some comfort from his Beloved. Prayer was his chief comfort in this life of contemplaion in which he became a fellow-citizen of the angels, as he penetrated the dwelling places of heaven in his eager search for his Beloved, from whom he was separated only by a partition of flesh.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER X - 1

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Holy Simplicity

For holy simplicity had so filled them [the brothers], innocense of life was so instructing them, purity of heart so possessed them, that they knew nothing of duplicity of mind. For, as there was one faith in them, so was there one spirit in them, one will, one love; there was unity of souls among them, harmony of behavior, the practice of virtues, conformity of minds, and piety of actions.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XVIII - 46

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Reverent Recitation Of The Office

Blessed Francis suffered a great deal for many years in his stomach, spleen, liver and eyes. But he had so much fervor and prayed with so much reverence that he refused to lean against the wall or the partition while praying; he stood most of the time, with his capuche lowered. Sometimes, however, de did kneel. And when he traveled on foot from place to place, he always stopped to recite the hours. If he was riding on horseback because of his continual infirmitives, he dismounted to say his office.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 95

Friday, August 08, 2008

Richmond Catholic Community Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting August 17th

The Richmond Catholic Community Charismatic Prayer Group will be meeting from 7:00-9:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 17th in the basement of St. Mary's Church in Richmond, IN

We were honored last month to have as visitors the parents of Fr. Gregory Bramlage who happened to be traveling through town that day. As always, it was a pleasure to see them and to share Jesus with them once again.

This card just came in from Fr. Todd today:

Greetings from St. Meinrad! Sabbaticals are great! Chris- I found one copy of the enclosed at the bookstore here (An Introduction to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal by John and Therese Boucher). It was printed and updated in 2004. I thought I would order copies for all who were participating in the prayer group. You folks are never out of your pastor's thoughts!

Fr. Todd

Supreme Knight of Columbus Calls For A Long Overdue Change on Abortion

,Supreme Knight of Columbus Calls for Real "Change" on Abortion and Catholic Revolt against Obama Nation

"It's time we stop accommodating pro-abortion politicians, and it's time we start demanding that they accommodate us."

By Peter J. Smith

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, August 7, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - With an electrifying speech from the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus on Tuesday, the Catholic fraternal organization has begun mobilizing its members for one of the most ambitious political operations since Roe v. Wade: liberating the Catholic vote from pro-abortion politicians.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson addressed the 126th annual convention of the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, in Quebec City and pledged the Knights to fight abortion promoting politicians, who buy Catholic votes with their stand on other issues.

"We have heard a great deal this year about the need for change," said Anderson in a clear reference to the mantra of Barack Obama, the presumptive pro-abortion nominee of the Democratic Party. "But at the same time we are told that one thing cannot change - namely, the abortion regime of Roe vs. Wade."

"It is time that we demand real change, and real change means the end of Roe vs. Wade," he said.

In contrast to other Catholic social justice issues like poverty and the death penalty, Anderson asked delegates, "What political issue could possibly outweigh this human devastation" of nearly 50 million abortion deaths in the US since 1973?

"The answer, of course, is that there is none," Anderson said.

He added, "Abortion is different. Abortion is the killing of the innocent on a massive scale."

"It is time to put away the arguments of political spin masters that only serve to justify abortion killing."

Anderson then committed the Knights to "end the political manipulation of Catholic voters by abortion advocates," whom he accused of entangling "Catholic people with abortion killing."

"It is time to stop creating excuses for pro-abortion candidates. Catholics should no longer be asked to be partners in the abortion regime by voting for politicians who support abortion."

"We will never succeed in building a culture of life if we continue to vote for politicians who defend and support a culture of death," said Anderson to thunderous applause from the assembly. "It is time that Catholics shine a bright line of separation between themselves and all those politicians of every political party who defend the abortion regime of Roe vs. Wade."

The Knights of Columbus speech comes at a critical time in this election year, especially with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once again justifying her advocacy of abortion and same-sex "marriage" while publicly describing herself as a "faithful Catholic," despite the jarring juxtaposition.

In 2006, Pelosi and other pro-abortion leaders of the Democratic Party regained power in Congress by running a handful of pro-life Democrats and wooing back Catholic voters who supported George Bush on abortion and other social issues in 2004. However, Anderson says that this election cycle the Knights are determined to send both Democrats and Republicans this message: the pro-life vote is a Catholic vote and abortion advocates need not apply.

"Imagine if this year millions of Catholic voters simply said 'no' - 'no' to every candidate of every political party who supports abortion," he declared. "It's time we stop accommodating pro-abortion politicians, and it's time we start demanding that they accommodate us."


See related coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:

Knights of Columbus Calls on All 230,000 Members to Demand Morgentaler Award be Revoked
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08071712.html

God Did Not Call You For Yourself Alone But Also For The Salvation Of Others

Brother Masseo therefore returned to St. Francis. And the Saint received him with great charity: he washed his feet and prepared a meal for him. And after he had eaten, St. Francis called Brother Masseo into the woods. And there he knelt down before Brother Masseo, and baring his head and crossing his arms, St. Francis asked him: "What does my Lord Jesus Christ order me to do?"

Brother Masseo replied that Christ had answered both Brother Sylvester and Sister Clare and her companion and revealed that "He wants you to go about the world preaching, because God did not call you for yourself alone but also for the salvation of others."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 16

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Would I Might Wake Saint Francis In You All

VACHAL LINDSAY

Would I might wake Saint Francis in you all,
Brother of birds and trees,
God's Troubadour,
Blinded with weeping for the sad and the poor:
Our wealth undone, all strict Franciscan men,
Come, let us chant the canticle again
Of mother earth and the enduring sun.
God make each soul
The lowly leper's slave:
God make us saints, and brave.

Many Youths Followed The Friars And Became Clothed In Their Habit

God gave the brothers his Spirit and the manner of speech necessary to satisfy the needs of the time so that their words penetrated into many hearts; especially into those of the young rather than the old. Thus many youths left father and mother and all they possessed to follow the friars and to be clothed in their habit.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER X1V - 60

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

A Tepid Spirit

"When the spirit becomes tepid," he (Francis) said, "and gradually grows cold toward grace, flesh and blood necessarily seek their own interests. For what remains," he said,"if the soul does not find its delight, but that the flesh should turn to its delights? And then the animal appetite satisfies the craving of necessity, then carnal feeling forms the sonscience."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER XXXIX - 69

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

The Fear And Love Of God Had Died Out In The Country

As yet Francis did not preach sermons to the people they met; nevertheless in passing through towns and castles he exhorted all men and women to fear God and to do penance for their sins, while Brother Giles exhorted them to believe and to follow the excellent counsels of Francis.

When people heard them, they said: "Who are these men, and why do they speak like this?" They made this comment because at that time the fear and love of God had died out in the country and no one spoke of penance which indeed was considered folly. This attitude was caused by the temptations of the flesh, the cupidity of the world, and the pride of life; the whole of mankind seemed engulfed in these three evil forces.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER IX - 33,34

Monday, August 04, 2008

Trust In God, Make No Provisions

As the number of friars increased with the passing of the years, Francis used to summon them all like a good shepherd to a general chapter at St. Mary of the Portiuncula. There, according to the measure of God's judgement, he would assign to each one the mission given him by obedience in this life of poverty. At these meetings no provision whatever was made for what they needed, and sometimes more than five thousand friars turnied up. God cared for them in his providence, so that they had enough to eat and enjoyed good health, while they overflowed with spiritual contentment.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER IV - 10

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Detractors Carry Poison On Their Tongues

Hating detractors deeply and more than any other kind of wicked men, St. Francis said that they carried poison on their tongues and infected others with their poison. Gossipers, therefore, those biting fleas, he avoided when they were speaking, and he averted his ears, as we ourselves have seen, lest they be defiled by such things.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXXXVIII - 182

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Never Judge Or Criticize Those Who Live In Luxury

Blessed Francis also warned his brothers never to judge or criticize those who live in luxury, eat fastidiously, and indulge in superfluous and splendid clothes; God, he said, is their Lord and ours; he has the power to call them to himself and justify them. He insisted that the friars should reverence such men as their brothers and masters, and they are indeed brothers since they are children of the same Creator; while they are masters since they help the good to do penance by giving them what is necessary to the body.

St. Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER XIV - 58

Alien

MARY BRENT WHITESIDE


He crouches in the chapel, on his knees,
With matted hair that hangs in dusky strands;
Apart and strange, among the little bands
Of worshipers, for he is not as these.
Alone! and yet a deeper vision sees
That near this alien with his grimy hands,
The Little Poor Man of Assisi stands,
As Giotto painted him upon a frieze.

I knew on luminous Italian spring!
"Your province? Is it Umbria?" I ask.
The weariness falls from him like a mask,
And all hisx visage is a shining thing,
As though some deathless master of his race
Inscribed a sudden message on his face.

Rapt In Contemplation

Thus one time it happened while Brother Bernard of Quintavalle was attending Mass in a church and his whole mind was on God, he became so absorbed and rapt in contemplation that during the Elevation of the Body of Christ he was not at all aware of it and did not kneel down when the others knelt, and he did not draw his cowl back as did the others who were there, but he stayed motionless, without blinking his eyes, gazing straight ahead, from morning until none.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 28

Friday, August 01, 2008

Know That You Are Truly God's Servant When You Think, Speak, And Do Holy Things!

Once when St. Francis was staying in a cell at Siena, he called his sleeping companions one night, saying: "I have asked the Lord, brothers, to deign to show me when I am his servant. And the most kind Lord just now deigned to give me his reply: "Know that you are then truly my servant when you think, speak, and do holy things." Therefore, I have called you, brothers, because I wish to be filled with shame before you if at any time I do nothing of these three things."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXVII - 159

A Franciscan Prayer

ENID DENNIS

When I am old and tutored by
The grim experience of days;
When I have proved men in their ways,
Oh, do not let the dreamer die.

When I have learned aside to toss
The foolish things that wise men hate,
Lest Littleness should hold me great,
Be mine the folly of the Cross.

When comes detachment's strength to me,
Let mine the weakness be that wept
O'er Lazarus' grave and kept
Three comrades in Gethsemane.

When head bids heart itself forget,
When reason's lure would deceive,
May my poor foolish heart achieve
A few life-giving blunders yet.

When I have grown too sane, too sad,
To join the angel's faerie ring
And serve the playtime of the King,
Then, Sweet Saint Francis, make me mad.