"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
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Saturday, October 31, 2009

"Come to the Quiet" Retreat Means Living For God

Portiuncula Hermitage Jerusalem, Ohio

The desert is a place of spiritual revolution, not of personal retreat. It is a place of inner protest, not outward peace. It is a place of deep encounter, not of superficial escape. It is a place of repentance, not recuperation. Living in the desert does not mean living without people; it means living for God. Antony and the other desert dwellers never forgot this. They never sought to cut off their connections to other people instantly. They sought rather to refine these relationships increasingly.

Of course, the desert was, on a deeper level, always more than simply a place. It was a way. And it was not the desert that made the Desert Fathers and Mothers, any more than it was the lion that made the martyrs.

In the Heart of the Desert
Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis

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The Praises of the Virtues from the Holy Spirit


by Saint Francis of Assisi

francis tall.jpg (37148 bytes)Hail, Queen Wisdom! The Lord save you,
with your sister, pure, holy Simplicity.
Lady Holy Poverty, God keep you,
with your sister, holy Humility.
Lady Holy Love, God keep you,
with your sister, holy Obedience.
All holy virtues,
God keep you, God from Whom you proceed and come.
In all the world there is not a person
who can possess any one of you without first dying to themselves.
The person who practices one and does not offend against the others
possesses all;
The person who offends against one,
possesses none and violates all.
Each and every one of you
puts vice and sin to shame.
Holy Wisdom puts satan
and all his wiles to shame.
Pure and holy Simplicity puts
all the learning of this world, all natural wisdom, to shame.
Holy Poverty puts to shame
all greed, avarice, and all the anxieties of this life.
Holy Humility puts pride to shame,
and all the inhabitants of this world and all that is in the world.
Holy Love puts to shame all the temptations
of the devil and the flesh and all natural fear.
Holy Obedience puts to shame
all natural and selfish desires.
It mortifies our lower nature
and makes it obey the spirit and our fellow people.
Obedience subjects a person
to everyone on earth,
And not only to people,
but to all the beasts as well and to the wild animals,
So that they can do what they like with the person,
as far as God allows them.

-Saint Francis of Assisi


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Unmoved By Insults


When his friends and relatives saw him, they covered him with insults, calling him a fool and a madman, and hurling stones and mud at him. Seeing him so changed, they thought he must be out of his mind.

But God's servant paid no heed to all this; unmoved by insults, he thanked almighty God for everything.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER VI

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37)

Photo of Portiuncula Hermitage and Retreat Center Pond
Jerusalem, Ohio
Courtesy of Dr. Tom Ringenberg




Jerusalem, Ohio Overview

As of 2009, Jerusalem's population is 147 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of -1.32 percent.


The median home cost in Jerusalem is $58,790. Home appreciation the last year has been -4.50 percent.


Compared to the rest of the country, Jerusalem's cost of living is 21.27% Lower than the U.S. average.


Jerusalem public schools spend $5,615 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 19 students per teacher in Jerusalem.


The unemployment rate in Jerusalem is 13.30 percent(U.S. avg. is 8.50%). Recent job growth is Positive. Jerusalem jobs have Increased by 0.80 percent.


Residents with income below the poverty level in 2007:
This township: 17.2%
Whole state: 10.6%

Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2007:
This township: 6.1%
Whole state: 4.8%


Cities in this township include: Beallsville.


Religion

53.19% of the people in Jerusalem, OH are religious, meaning they affiliate with a religion.
6.13% are Catholic;
19.62% are Protestant;
0.00% are LDS;
27.44% are another Christian faith;
0.00% in Jerusalem, OH are Jewish;
0.00% are an eastern faith;
0.00% affilitates with Islam.

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St. Francis' Tunic Bore A Likeness To The Cross

The original tunic worn by St. Francis

Francis designed for himself a tunic that bore a likeness to the cross, that by means of it he might beat off all temptations of the devil; he designed a very rough tunic so that it might crucify the flesh with all its vices and sins, he designed a very poor tunic, one that would not excite the covetousness of the world.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
Chapter IX


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The Miracle Of The Vineyard In Rieti

Tiers Vino outside Assisi, Italy

Blessed Francis was staying near the church of St. Fabian in Rieti. A number of cardinals, accompanied by clerics, almost daily visited the saint out of respect and devotion.The church had a small vineyard and since the church had but one door, all those who came to visit passed through that one door, trampling the vineyard under foot. The priest was scandalized and disturbed: "This year," he said, "my vintage is lost. The vineyard is small but every year I harvest enough grapes for my needs."

St. Francis said to the priest: "Stop being disturbed and scandalized: nothing can be done about it. Place your trust in the Lord, because through me, his poor servant, he can repair the damage..."

The priest usually harvested thirteen loads of wine, but that year he harvested twenty from his destroyed vineyard.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 25

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel



Today, I want to ask you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Chapel by simply donating $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 a month.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION




Or make checks payable to the

"Portiuncula"
%508 South 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374

Please, become a part of the Portiuncula Hermitage's work today. Don't let this chance to turn the culture around pass you by.


Pax Et Bonum!




Fra Chris


Starbucks = Abortion

Pro-Life Catholics don't let Pro-Life Catholics drink Starbucks!!!

The next time one of your Catholic friends or relatives tells you they love Starbucks Coffee, please have them go to the following website:

Planned Parenthood:
http://catholicnotebook.blogspot.com/2008/05/starbucks-contributes-to-planned.html




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Alms Wash The Stains Of Sin From Our Soul


We must be charitable, too, and humble, and give alms, because they wash the stains of sin from our souls. We lose everything which we leave behind us in this world; we can bring with us only the right to a reward for our charity and the alms we have given. For these we shall receive a reward, a just retribution from God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter To All The Faithful


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Brother Ass And Saint Francis


JOHN BANISTER TABB


It came to pass
That "Brother Ass"
(As he his Body named,)
Unto the Saint Thus made complaint:
"I am unjustly blamed. "

Whate'er I do,

Like Balaam you
Requite me with a blow,
As for offense
To recompense
An ignominious foe.

"God made us one,
And I have done
No wickedness alone;
Nor can I do
Apart, as you,
An evil all my own.

"If Passion stir,

'Tis you that spur
My frenzy to the goal:

Then be the blame
Where sits the shame,

Upon the goading soul.

"Should one or both

Be blind or loth
Our brotherhood to see,
Remember this,

You needs must miss
Or enter heaven through me."


To this complaint

The lowly saint

In tears replied, "Alas,

If so it be,
God punish me

And bless thee,
Brother Ass."


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The Salvation Of Souls


St. Francis used to say that nothing is more important than the salvation of souls, and he often offered as proof the fact that the Only-begotten of God deigned to hang on the cross for souls.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

CHAPTER CXXXI

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Andrea Bocelli Sings "Brother Sun and Sister Moon" before Pope Benedict XVI

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!


Among other words used in ordinary conversation, Francis could never hear 'FOR THE LOVE OF GOD' without a kind of transformation within himself. For immediately upon hearing 'FOR THE LOVE OF GOD,' he would become excited, stirred, and inflamed, as though an inner chord of his heart had been plucked by the plectrum of the outward voice of the speaker.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 196


Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio


Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that the Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace.

Please prayerfully consider joining me "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD" in supporting the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply contributing $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 or more a month.


You can simply Click On The
ParishPay Icon
On the Left Side of this screen,

Or you can make your checks payable to:

"Portiuncula Hermitage"
% 508 south 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374.


Thank you and God bless!



Yours In Christ,

Dr. Tom Ringenberg
Centerville, IN

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The Promise of Loving Care and Special Solicitude

Novices
Franciscan Sisters, TOR of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother London, OH


Because it was God who inspired you to become daughters and handmaids of the most high supreme King and Father of heaven and to espouse yourselves to the Holy Spirit by choosing to live according to the perfection of the holy Gospel, I desire and promise you personally and in the name of my friars that I will always have the same loving care and special solicitude for you as for them.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Form of Life For Saint Clare (1)

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St. Clare Addresses Her Sisters

The Lord himself has not only placed us as examples and mirrors to others, but also for our own sisters whom the Lord has called to our way of life, so that they in their turn will be mirrors and examples to those living in the world.

The Testament of St. Clare - 6

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Ladder Of Monks


The grace of God and the virtues which flow therefrom are a way and a ladder that leads to heaven; but vices and sins are a ladder and a way that leads to the depths of hell. Vices and sins are a venomous and a mortal poison, but virtues and good works are a salutory medicine. One grace leads to another; and one vice leads to another. Grace asks not to be praised, and vice cannot endure to be despised. The mind reposes tranquility in humility, of whom patience is daughter. Holy purity of heart sees God, and true devotion enjoys him.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis
Part Four
Chapter 1


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Buildings And Appointments

Francis also told the friars to build their houses small and their cells of wood, not of stone, and he wanted them built in a humble style. He abhorred pretentious buildings, and disliked superfluous or elaborate appointments. He wished nothing about their tables or appointments to appear worldly or to remind them of the world, so that everything should proclaim their poverty and remind them that they were pilgrims and exiles.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 6

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The Power To Heal Comes Through True Humility


In his love for true humility, St. Francis devoted himself to the lepers and lived with them, waiting on them all, for the love of God. He washed their feet and bound up their sores, drawing off the puss and wiping them clean. He was extraordinarily devoted to them and kissed their wounds, he who was soon to play a part of the worthy Good Samaritan in the Gospel. As a reward, God endowed him with such power to heal that his influence over ills of soul and body were miraculous.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

CHAPTER II

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When you no longer love yourself (from Self-Annihilation and Charity Lead the Soul...)















Jacapone da Todi (Jacapone Benedetti)
(1230-1306)
An early companion of St. Francis of Assisi




When you no longer love yourself
But love Goodness,
You and your Beloved will become one.
When you love Him, He must love you in return;
In His charity you are drawn to Him
And the two are made one.
This is true union
That admits of no divisions.

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Mystic Monk Coffee: A Perfect Holiday Gift!



Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their Commission Sales is donated to Birthright
(a loving alternative to abortion.)


Fra Chris



Have coffee shipped anywhere in the world!



The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming
Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks’ great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The Monk Master Roaster
Br. Java is the master roaster who meticulously roasts beans in small batches. His philosophy is that each roast must be not only the labor of his hands, but a master roast of the highest quality. Br. Java is passionate about obtaining the perfect roasts for you. He carefully roasts only the finest gourmet beans under conditions that will make each roast consistent and smooth with a taste that will make your taste buds tingle. With experience and perfection, Mystic Monk Coffee is a coffee to savor and enjoy – with or without cream.


The Legend of the First Mystic Monk
Coffee is a product perfected and loved by monks from its beginning. When a monk of old heard the anguished tale of a shepherd who had sleepless goats, he himself discovered growing on shrubs the berries, which had such a wonderful affect. Delighted at his find, the ingenious monk boiled the beans in water and drank the resulting coffee. He found in his discovery a hot drink that could keep his eyes awake even amidst the midnight vigils and unceasing prayers of the monastic life.

The secret of coffee continues to keep monks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shares the hidden, master roasts of monks with all who seek a delightful cup of coffee.


Monks are passionate Perfectionists
The monastic life is one of ordered perfection, which you will taste in every bag of Mystic Monk Coffee. Passionate about perfection, no challenge is too great for Br. Java and the monks, if it will result in a Mystic Monk brew suited for the most discriminating coffee drinker. The Carmelite monks have mastered the ancient art of roasting coffee, laboring with steadfast determination to make each cup of coffee simply superb. Taste the monastic perfection in each brew, which makes all the difference.

Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their commission sales is donated to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion.)

Please remember to keep our Pre-born in your daily prayers!

To order direct, simply click on the

Mystic Monk Coffee Icon

on the Left Side of this page.


Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

Order in time for Christmas!


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Monday, October 26, 2009

The Beginning Of Holiness

il Cintura Bianca: Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

il Cintura Bianca, Italian for "the White Cincture"
(Belt worn by Franciscans)
Many Lay Franciscans follow the example of St. Dominic
by wearing the Cinture hidden in their trousers


The cincture, like the one priests wear at Mass, is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, consecrated Virgins and religious wear cinctures, and the wearing of cinctures in honor of a particular Saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore a cincture in honor of St. Francis. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful devoted to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity.Franciscans wear a white cincture called a "Cintura Bianca" (pronounced chin-torah be-anka) which translated means "White Rope." The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the three vows every Franciscan makes.

The priest, vested in surplice and white stole, says:

V: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R: Who made heaven and earth.
V: The Lord be with you.
R: May He also be with you.
V: Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, who inculcated the counsel and love of virginity, and gave the precept of chastity, we appeal to Thy kindness, asking that Thou bless and hallow this cincture as a token of purity. Let all who gird themselves with it as a safeguard of chastity be enabled, by the prayers of Saint Joseph, spouse of Thy holy Mother, to practice that continence which is so pleasing to Thee, and to live in obedience to Thy commandments. May they also obtain pardon of their sins, health in mind and body, and finally attain everlasting life. We ask this of Thee who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever.
R: Amen.
V: Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, grant, we pray, that those who revere the inviolate virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary and of Saint Joseph, her spouse, may by their prayers be pure in mind and body; through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who committed the boy Jesus and the most pure Mary, ever a Virgin, to the care of the chaste man Saint Joseph, we humbly entreat Thee that those who are girded with this cincture in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi and under his patronage may, by Thy help and his prayers, persevere in holy chastity for all time; through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.

Let us pray.

God, the lover and restorer of innocence, we pray that Thy faithful who are to wear this cincture may, by the prayers of Saint Joseph, spouse of Thy holy Mother, have their loins girded and hold burning lamps in their hands, and thus be likened to men who wait for their Lord when He shall return for a wedding, that when He comes and knocks they may open to Him, and be found worthy of being taken into everlasting joys; through Thee who lives and reigns forever and ever.
R: Amen

Then the priest puts incense into the censer, sprinkles the cincture with holy water, and says:


Sprinkle me with hyssop, Lord, and I shall be clean of sin. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

After this he incenses the cincture, and continues:

V: Save Thy servants.
R: Who trust in Thee, my God.
V: Lord, send them aid from Thy holy place.
R: And watch over them from Sion.
V: Lord, heed my prayer.
R: And let my cry be heard by Thee.
V: The Lord be with you.
R: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

O God of mercy, God of goodness, Thou art pleased with all good things, and without whom no good work is begun, no good work is finished; kindly hear our prayers, and defend Thy faithful, who are to wear this blessed cincture in honour of Saint Francis and under his protection, from the snares of this world and all its lusts. Help them to persist in their holy resolution and to obtain pardon of their sins, and thus merit to be numbered amongst Thy elect; through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.

My God and My All! My God and My All!

Looking up to heaven and raising his hands, he prayed with intense fervor and devotion, saying: "My God and my all!" And he sobbed out those words with so many tears and kept repeating them with such devout persistence that until matins he said nothing but "My God and my all!"
Photobucket
Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 2


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If You Return To Your Vomit

Greccio Sanctuary

"To the honor and glory of Almighty God, hear the truth I announce to you. If every one of you confesses his sins and brings forth fruits befitting repentance, I give you my word that every pestilence will depart and the Lord, looking kindly upon you, will grant you an increase of temporal goods. But hear this also; again I announce to you that if you are ungrateful for his gifts and return to your vomit, the plague will be renewed, your punishment will be doubled, and even greater wrath will be let loose against you."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER VII

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Our Brother Body Is Our Cell

"Wherever we are, wherever we go, we bring our Cell with us. Our brother body is our Cell and our Soul is the Hermit living in that Cell in order to pray to God and meditate. If our soul does not live in peace and solitude within this Cell, of what avail is it to live in a man-made Cell?"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 80

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Can You Afford $5.00 A Month?


To duplicate this Portiuncula Chapel at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio needs to raise $120,000


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


It's times like these that tempt Catholics to throw in the towel and give up on the culture of despair.

Greed and corruption have wreaked havoc on our nation's economy. Euthanasia just received Washington State's stamp of approval. And all the pro-life victories of the past decade are now in jeopardy. It's the perfect storm for despair. But despair is the last thing we should do.

In troubled times, Christ calls us to pray, to trust in his perfect will, and to cooperate with his grace.

Ultimately, Christ calls us to hope. He calls us to remember that for Christians, peace does not rest on who wins an election or on the value of our stock portfolios, but in a loving God who “in everything...works for good.”

Of course, God doesn't just call us to hope. He gives us reasons to hope and signs of the good things to come.

I truly believe one of those reasons, one of those signs, is the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center.

While many other Catholic institutions have sold out to the culture of death, the Portiuncula, along with a few others, has fought steadfastly for a culture of life. It has faithfully stood alongside the Church, forming men and women capable of true leadership and committed to bringing Christ to the culture.

But the "Portiuncula Chapel" can't be built alone. To continue building, we need your help! And that is why I'm writing you today: To invite you to join me in helping our culture through these troubled times by helping build the Portiuncula Chapel.

United in the Roman Catholic tradition and obedient to the Magisterium of the Church and the Bishop of Steubenville, we are committed to our Lord and Savior in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church and in our Brothers and Sisters.

With God's grace and your help, I believe past Portiuncula retreatants and those soon to follow in their footsteps will lead our culture and our country out of these troubled times.

That is why I invite you to share the work of these Catholics and the Portiuncula Hermitage that is forming them.

First, allow them to pray for you.

Prayer is the lifeblood of the Portiuncula Hermitage, and the Franciscan family would be honored to include you in their prayers. Please e-mail your most pressing intentions to: hermitage@parallax.ws

Everyone at the Portiuncula will pray for your intentions before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass.

In turn, please pray for the Portiuncula, that it might continue to form leaders who can be salt and light to our world.

Finally, I would be grateful if you supported the work of building the Portiuncula Chapel with a generous financial contribution.

Your support of the Portiuncula will make it possible for the sons and daughters of the Church to grow in faith during their retreats, and become the courageous Catholic leaders the world desperately needs.

Today, I want to ask you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Chapel by simply donating $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 a month.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION




Please, become a part of the Portiuncula Hermitage's work today. Don't let this chance to turn the culture around pass you by.

Pax Et Bonum!





Fra Chris


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Simplicity and Poverty: the Source and Basis of our Order


The Portiuncula Pond in Jerusalem, Ohio


Now for some time this purity and perfection are beginning to change for the worse, and the brothers excuse themselves by saying that numbers run counter to observance; many even believe that the people are more edified by this new way of life and that it is more fitting to conduct oneself in this way. They despise the way of simplicty and of poverty, which, neverhteless, was the source and basis of our Order.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 75

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Parresia: A Quality Of A Monk To Perform Miracles

Brother Francis Michael Mary and Fra Chris

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


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St. Nicholas Youth Group in Sunman, Indiana





As promised to the Youth Group at St. Nicholas Parish in Sunman, Indiana!


Here is Father Stan Fortuna, Franciscan Monk, at the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference in 2007...ENJOY!!!

Pax Et Bonum!

Fra Chris

















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Friday, October 23, 2009

Please Pray For Healing

Please pray for all the people I will be praying over tomorrow, that our Eucharistic Lord bless each and every one of them in a very special way.

Pax Et Bonum!

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"Come To The Quiet" - Become A Monastic Without Having To Leave Your Day Job!


Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio


Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that the Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace.

Please prayerfully consider joining me in supporting the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply contributing $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 or more a month.


Simply Click On The
ParishPay Icon
On the Left Side of this screen,

Or by making your checks payable to:

"Portiuncula Hermitage"
% 508 south 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374.


Thank you and God bless!



Yours In Christ,

Dr. Tom Ringenberg
Centerville, IN

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Disaster Confronts The Order


Gossipers, those biting fleas, Francis avoided when they were speaking, and he averted his ears, as we ourselves have seen, lest they be defiled by hearing such things. For once, when Francis heard a certain brother blacken the reputation of another, he turned to Brother Peter of Catania, his vicar, and spoke this terrible sentence; "Disaster confronts the Order, unless these slanderers are checked. Quickly the sweetest savor of the many begins to take on a terrible stench, unless the mouths of the stinking are closed"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter CXXXVIII

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Converting Sinners


St. Francis was convinced that the work of converting sinners was more acceptable to the merciful Father than any sacrifice, particularly if it was done in a spirit of perfect charity, more by example than by preaching, more by fervent prayer than by long-winded sermons.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure - Major Life
Chapter VIII

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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Voice of the Innocents "Healing of the Heart" Conference


Saturday, October 24,
East Central High School
St. Leon, Indiana

Voice of the Innocents, Inc., invites you to a conference on

"Healing of the Heart"
* Exposing the lies that bind us
* Breaking destructive soul ties
* Finding freedom from false judgments
* Healing from rejection and abuse
* Restoring lost innocence
* Living in the Father's love and blessing

Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Speakers:

Deacon Ralph Poyo

Fr. Gregory Bramlage

Condensed Schedule of the Day:

* Why Are We Afraid to Walk in Faith by Deacon Ralph Poyo
* Holy Mass
* Recovering Your Stolen Identity by Fr. Gregory Bramlage
* Restoring Lost Innocence by Deacon Ralph Poyo
* Laying on of Hands
* Eucharistic Procession
* Miracle Hour



Call (812) 623-8007 for more information.

To download a full brochure/registration form, visit

www.HealingthroughthePowerofJesusChrist.org

<http://www.healingthroughthepowerofjesuschrist.org/>

Please stop by the
Portiuncula Hermitage & Retreat Center Booth
for
Healing Prayer
and a delicious cup of
Mystic Monk Coffee!


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How The Brothers And Sisters Of Penance Are To Dress

Photo of Fra Martin and Fra Chris taken at a
"Come To The Quiet" Retreat
at the Portiuncula Hermitage Jerusalem, Ohio


The men belonging to this brotherhood shall dress in humble, undyed cloth, the price of which is not to exceed six Ravenna soldi an ell, unless for evident and necessary cause or temporary dispensation be given.

Saint Francis of Assisi
FIRST RULE OF THE THIRD ORDER
For the Brothers and Sisters of Penance

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A Gift Pleasing To God

Page from an Antique Italian Bible

Once the mother of two of the brothers came to the saint confidently asking an alms. The holy father had pity on her and said to his vicar, Brother Peter of Catania: "Can we give some alms to our mother?" Francis was accustomed to call the mother of any brother as his mother and the mother of all the brothers. Brother Peter answered him: "There is nothing left in the house that could be given her." And he added: "We have one New Testament from which we read the lessons at Matins since we do not have a breviary." Blessed Francis said to him: "Give the New Testament to our mother that she might sell it to take care of her needs, since we are admonished by it to help the poor. I believe indeed that the gift of it will be more pleasing to Go than our reading from it."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapger LVIII

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The Portiuncula (the Little Portion)

Saint Mary of the Angels, or Portiuncula, in Assisi, Italy

Francis and his two companions had no fixed dwelling; so they went to a poor, derelict church called Saint Mary of the Angels, or the Portiuncula, that is, the Little Portion, where they built a hut to serve as a shelter. Not many days later a man of Assisi named Giles came to them, and kneeling down with great reverence and devotion, he begged the servant of God to receive him as a companion. Seeing him so faithful and devout, Francis admitted him most willingly; and he realized that God would grant them many graces through Giles; this also came true.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER IX

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Let Humanity Kneel In Fear!


"Let humanity kneel in fear, let the whole universe tremble, and let heaven rejoice when Christ the Son of the Living God is on the altar in the hands of the priest!

"O wonderful ascent, O stupendous ascent! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity, that the Lord of the Universe, God and Son of God, should humbly hide Himself, for our salvation, in what seems to be only a small piece of bread! Look, then, upon the humility of God! And pour out your hearts before Him. Humble yourselves that He might exalt you. Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, that He may receive your all who gave His all for you!"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter to the Whole Order

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Exchanging God's Love For Alms

El Greco: St. Francis and Brother Leo

"In truth I say to you, many nobles and scholars of this world will enter our Order and will consider themselves highly honored to beg for alms....In exchange for the alms that you solicit, you will offer the love of God, since you will say: 'Give us alms for the love of God!' and heaven and earth are nothing when compared to this love."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 3

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