"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
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_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

Monday, November 30, 2009

"Holidays Under the Spires" in Oldenburg, Indiana



Come join Eric and me at "In His Image" Traditional Catholic Gifts and Books in Oldenburg, Indiana on Saturday, December 5th for a FREE cup of Mystic Monk Coffee!

The Mystic Monks have been busy preparing some surprises for this Christmas Season!


The most important of these is the


Christmas Blend 2009

It is the most sophisticated blend available with a special blend of eight beans from all over the world. It is best described as a Medium Dark Blend with Citrus Flavors at first taste then a very smooth finish with pleasant pungentry. But hurry, because it is a Limited Edition Coffee Only!
To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!


And what would a Mystic Monk Christmas be without a little

Jingle Bell Java?

Our famous Jingle Bell Java will only be available until the end of the Christmas Season, so be sure to stock up now!




We also have a beautiful new single handled Christmas Mug with a logo,
and an insulated Mystic Monk Travel Mug - Perfect for enjoying our
coffee while on the go!


To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!

Thank you for your support of the
Portiuncula Hermitage,
Mystic Monk Coffee®
and Birthright
.

May God Bless you,

Br. Michael Mary



Please remember that the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center donates ten percent of their Mysitc Monk Coffee Sales to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion)!!!

To order on-line, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!


See you this Saturday!

T


Neglecting Virtue

Dickson Old Church Edzell, Sctoland

Blessed Francis was very grieved whenever he found virtue neglected in favor of the sort of learning that brings pride, especially if anyone was not persevering in the vocation to which he had first been called.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 69

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Persistent Meditation


Francis would recall Christ's words through persistent meditation and bring to mind his deeds through the most penetrating consideration. The humility of the incarnation and the charity of the passion occupied his memory particularly, to the extent that he wanted to think of hardly anything else.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XXIX

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Exaggerated Self-Denial Is A Form Of Pride


Francis did his utmost to encourage the friars to lead austere lives, but he had no time for exaggerated self-denial which excluded tender compassion or was not tempered with discretion.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER V

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I Must Put Myself In Their Place

Contigliano, Italy

In those days, Blessed Francis was living at the hermitage of St. Eleutherius, not far from Contigliano, in the district of Rieti. Since he was wearing but one tunic and it was extremely cold, he was obliged to line the inside of it; so did his companion. His body felt some relief from this. A short time after, as he had just finished his prayer, overjoyed, he said to his companion: "I must be a model and an example to all the brothers. Therefore, although my body needs a lined tunic, I must think of the brothers who are experiencing the same need and who do not have or cannot procure for themselves a like tunic. I must therefore put myself in their place and share their privations, so that they may endure them patiently because they see the way I live."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 85

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

"This is a warning to Catholics" say Spanish Bishops


"This is a warning to Catholics, that they can't vote in favour of this and that they won't be able to receive communion unless they ask forgiveness ... They are in an objective state of sin".
This is what Juan Antonion Martinez Camino (pictured right), the spokesman of Spain's Catholic bishops' conference, told a news conference about Spanish Members of Parliament who had voted in favour of a bill to make abortion more readily available.

I'm in Sydney, Australia, for my son's graduation at Campion College where one of the guests will be Cardinal Pell, the redoubtable church leader who's known for taking a similar position on such matters.

Pro-lifers and pro-life strategists should never underestimate the significance of such statements for the following reasons:
  • Such statements reflect accurately the gravity of voting to kill the innocent. We would not be surprised by bishops refusing Communion to politicians who would vote to kill bishops. Their refusal would reflect the seriousness of the politicians' sin in voting in such a way. The same is true of bishops' refusal of communion to politicians voting to kill unborn babies.
  • Such statements have the effect of building a great campaign for life, called for in Pope John Paul II's great encyclical on pro-life matters Evangelium Vitae, 95, in which he said: "What is urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life".
The "united ethical effort", to which Pope John Paul II refers, comes about because when the bishops make such appropriate, bold, statements, they reflect and strengthen the sentiment of ordinary people throughout the world whose respect for the fundamental human right to life is written in their hearts. Abortion supporters both inside and outside the churches will know for certain they have lost their campaign when bishops' conferences throughout the world follow the Spanish bishops' example.

As I said in my talk (also in Spanish and Italian) at the 4th World Congress for Life in Spain earlier this month:

"Here in Spain, the unity between the pro-life movement and your Catholic bishops on life issues is your greatest asset in your battle against your government's attacks on human life, marriage, parental rights and responsibilities, and the family. The loss of that unity would be the greatest threat to your pro-life and pro-family battle. The Church and the pro-life movement throughout Europe must learn from your example."

Mystic Monk Coffee: Order In Time For Christmas!



The Mystic Monks have been busy preparing some surprises for this Christmas Season!


The most important of these is the


Christmas Blend 2009

It is the most sophisticated blend available with a special blend of eight beans from all over the world. It is best described as a Medium Dark Blend with Citrus Flavors at first taste then a very smooth finish with pleasant pungentry. But hurry, because it is a Limited Edition Coffee Only!
To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!


And what would a Mystic Monk Christmas be without a little

Jingle Bell Java?

Our famous Jingle Bell Java will only be available until the end of the Christmas Season, so be sure to stock up now!




We also have a beautiful new single handled Christmas Mug with a logo,
and an insulated Mystic Monk Travel Mug - Perfect for enjoying our
coffee while on the go!


To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!

Thank you for your support of the
Portiuncula Hermitage,
Mystic Monk Coffee®
and Birthright
.

May God Bless you,

Br. Michael Mary



Please remember that the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center donates ten percent of their Mysitc Monk Coffee Sales to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion)!!!

To order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!

T

Madmen and Fools

Saint Francis said to brother Giles, "Our fraternity will little else than reproaches at having left their own possessions in order to eat at the expense of others. This caused them much suffering and great want. They were persecuted by their friends and relatives and by the citizens generally, both rich and poor, of all ranks, who derided them as madmen and fools, because at that time no one spontaneously left his own goods to beg from door to door."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions - 33





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Friday, November 27, 2009

Do What You Have To Do And Do It Well



Do what you have to do and do it well; apply yourself to your work, for I have planted the Order of the brothers in an everlasting charity.


Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 86










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Great Peace And Tranquility

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center
Jerusalem, Ohio


"If the body takes its food in quiet, which, along with itself, will become the food of worms, with what great peace and tranquility should not the soul take its food, which is God himself."


Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER LXIII

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Prayers Needed


Rarely have your prayers been more urgently needed to save lives. The
South American nation of Uruguay faces a crucial turning point on
Sunday, November 29, 2009.

If the people vote for the Frente Amplio or Broad Front candidate for
president, he has promised to legalize abortion-on-demand in Uruguay and
will have the votes to do it. If the National Party candidate wins,
abortion will be blocked. Currently the opinion polls show almost 50% on
each side.

It is a thousand times easier to prevent legal abortion than it is to
reverse it once it has taken root. Spain recently had their second rally
for life with over 1 million people on the streets in Madrid and their
socialist government still insists on keeping abortion-on-demand.

Human Life International's Uruguayan affiliates are working day and
night to educate and mobilize their fellow citizens to defend innocent
human life. The picture above is from a march for life they organized on
Monday in the capital of Montevideo and other cities.

Please join with us in praying for a pro-life outcome to this election
by adding this important intention to your Mass and Rosary prayers for
the next few days. Even a single Hail Mary and Our Father will be
valuable contributions. We need an outpouring of grace on Uruguay as we
all collaborate prayerfully to stop the global advance of death that
threatens to overtake our entire world. This Thanksgiving holiday in the
USA and Sunday let us storm Heaven for life.


T

Find Time Alone

The woods above Eremo, Italy

If you wish to grow in your spiritual life, you must not allow yourself to be caught up in the workings of the world; you must find time alone, away from the noise and confusion, away from the allure of power and wealth.

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
THOMAS A KEMPIS

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We Are To Become Men And Women Of Another World

Assisi, Italy

Francis did not know how to make light of the faults of others, but he knew well how to cut them out; neither did he encourage the life of sinners, but he struck hard at them with sharp reproof, for he had first convinced himself by practicing himself what he wished to persuade others to do by his words; and fearing not censurer, he spoke the truth boldly, so that even the most learned men, men enjoying renown and dignity, wondered at his words and were struck with wholesome fear by his presence. Men ran, and women too ran, clerics hurried, and religious hastened that they might see and hear the holy man of God who seemed to all to be a man of another world.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XV

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Modesty Is An Ornament Of All Ages


Modesty is an ornament of all ages, the witness of innocence, the sign of a virtuous mind, and the badge of all uprightness.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
Chapter VI

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True Obedience Means We Must Die To Self

The body of St. Padre Pio

St. Francis was asked on one occasion who was a truly obedient person and he gave the example of a dead body. "Take a corpse," he said, "and put it wherever you like. You will see that it does not object to being transfered, does not complain about where it is put, and does not protest when it is cast aside. If you set it on a throne it will look down, not up; if you dress it in royal robes, it will only seem paler than ever. "

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
Chapter VI

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Four US Bishops Did Not Take Up Collection for Embattled CCHD

By Patrick B. Craine

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 23, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - While many U.S. bishops have publicly acknowledged problems with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) has confirmed that at least four bishops opted to not take up this year's national collection.

A controversy has erupted in the U.S. Church in recent weeks after evidence came to light showing that numerous CCHD grantees have promoted issues and practices in violation of Catholic teaching, including abortion, contraception, and same-sex "marriage." In response to the revelations a coalition of Catholic organizations, the Reform CCHD Now Coalition, formed, calling for a boycott of the November 21-22 national CCHD collection.

Shortly thereafter Bishop Roger Morin, chairman of the USCCB's subcommittee on the CCHD, delivered a passionate plea to the bishops' plenary meeting last week, pledging the CCHD's commitment to ensure grantees' respect for Catholic teaching.

In his speech Morin lashed out at what he called "outrageous" allegations that the bishops' charitable-arm funds pro-abortion and anti-family organizations "or other untruths." He charged that some such claims were motivated by "ideological or political agendas." The bishop chairman of CCHD even went so far as to state, "For these groups, this seems to be just another way to attack the Church and its shepherds."

Nevertheless, at least four bishops will not contribute to the national CCHD fund this year: Bishop John O. Barres of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Nebraska; Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin; and Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Alabama.

Bishop Barres has suspended the collection for this year, though he may continue it in future years, said diocesan communications director Matthew Kerr in an interview with LSN. Kerr said that Bishop Barres gave no reason for the suspension and also that, as a new bishop, he is "reviewing a lot of things."

Further, Bishop Bruskewitz has chosen not to take part in the CCHD collection, says diocesan chancellor Fr. Daniel Rayer. It had normally been included in a combined collection, he said, but they have now dropped it for the first time. Bishop Bruskewitz was not available to comment further today.

As he did last year, Bishop Morlino chose to allocate the national campaign's portion of the collection to a different cause. Last year, the funds were sent to the Hurricane Ike recovery fund, and this year he allocated the contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, who have an international outreach to the elderly.

In a November 11th letter to the faithful of his diocese, Bishop Morlino assured them that the diocesan portion would continue to support "important tasks of assisting the poor of our own diocese."

He insisted, however, that their money would not be allowed to support groups violating Church teaching. "In light of recent discussions and protests regarding money from CCHD going to fund ACORN and other entities which do not uphold, and sometimes act in opposition to, the teachings of the Church," he said, "I feel it necessary to make clear that your money will not go to such groups."

According to CCHD policy, every funded group must be vetted by the local bishop. Of the collected funds, however, 25 percent remains in the diocese, while 75 percent goes to the national fund, which is then distributed to grantees throughout the nation. So while a local bishop has control over which groups are funded in his own diocese, if his diocese contributes to the national fund he cannot personally ensure that the funds go only to grantees that are in line with Church teaching.

Bishop Baker held his second annual collection for the Church of Latin America in lieu of the CCHD collection. In a November 6th letter, he informed the faithful of this collection for November 21-22 and extolled the good work brought about in the past by American Catholics' donations to Latin America.

At the end, he wrote: "The offertory envelopes you have may include an envelope for 'Catholic Campaign for Human Development,' instead of the 'Church in Latin America.' If this is the case, just cross out the 'Campaign' name, and write in 'Church in Latin America' for this year."

Stephen Phelan, communications manager for Human Life International, and spokesman for Reform CCHD Now, said he was "pleased" at the leadership exercised by these bishops. "Of course we're pleased that some bishops have chosen to suspend their support of the CCHD until serious reforms are made, or until they are sure that the groups they support do not oppose the Church in any way," he commented. "These are positive developments, and very much in keeping with the call of our shepherds to lead their flocks in service and in truth."

"We continue to watch for major reforms at the national level, and stand ready to support the CCHD should these reforms happen," he stated. "We continue to pray that these reforms will take place and that the CCHD can be a cause that unifies Catholics instead of one that divides us."


Please remember these four Champions of Christian Virtue in your prayers... Fra Chris

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Eucharistic Miracle Buenos Aires Argentina

Praying In The Wilds And In Solitary Places

Several herds of Whitetail Deer live with us on the
Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center in
Jerusalem, Ohio


When Francis prayed in the wilds and in solitary places, he would fill the woods with sighs, water the earth with tears, beat his breast with his hand, and there, making the most of a more intimate, secret place, he often spoke aloud with his Lord. He would give an account to his Judge, entreat his Father, speak with his Friend, chat amiably with his Bridegroom. Indeed, in order to offer to God with every fibre of his being a single, multifaceted holocaust, he would ponder the many facets of him who is Supremely One.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano - Second Life
CHAPTER LXII

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Contemplation Is A Divine Fire


Several herds of Whitetail Deer live with us on the
Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center in
Jerusalem, Ohio

Then Brother Giles said to a certain friar, "Father, I would fain know what is contemplation?" And the friar answered: "Father, truly I know not." Then Brother Giles said: "To me it seems that contemplation is a divine fire, a sweet devotion infused by the Holy Ghost, a rapture and suspension of the mind inebriated by the unspeakable savor of divine sweetness, and a sweet and tranquil enjoyment of the soul which is rapt and suspended in loving admiration of the glories of heaven, and an inward burning consciousness of that celestial and unspeakable glory."

Saint Francis of Assisi
LITTLE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS
Part Four
Chapter XI

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Restoring Health To Bodies And Souls


Men and women of every age flocked to see and hear this new preacher who had been given to the world by God, as Francis moved from place to place preaching fervently, "the Lord aiding him, and attesting his word by the miracles that went with him" (Mark 16:20). Francis, the herald of truth, cast out devils by the power of God's name and healed the sick. By the efficacy of his preaching he moved hearts which had become hardened to repentance - which is greater still - and restored health to bodies and souls.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER XII

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Rise Up Immediately To Pray


Saint Francis would say: "If the servant of God, as may happen, is disturbed in any way, he should rise up immediately to pray and should remain in the presence of the heavenly Father until He restores unto him the joy of salvation"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER LXXXVIII

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Footprints On The Water


To say that the road the soul travels to God is through the sea (the Prophet Baruch) and that His footsteps are in the many waters and so unknowable is to say that the way to God is as hidden to the inner senses as would be footprints on the water of the outer senses. The traces God leaves on the souls He wants to bring to Himself are unrecognizable. Secret.

St. John of the Cross
Dark Night of the Soul
Night of the Spirit

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Concerning Preachers Who Sell What They Do


Francis said that preachers who often sell what they do for the price of empty praise are to be pitied. The abnormal growth of such men he at times cured with such an antidote as this: "Why do you glory over men who have been converted when it was my simple brothers who converted them by their prayers?"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXXIII

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We Have Been Called To Heal Wounds


"We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way. Many who may seem to us to be children of the Devil will still become Christ's disciples."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions - 58

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Friday, November 20, 2009

The Demons Take Flight!


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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VI

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Feeling Sorrow For Our Sins


Often it is a lack of spirit that makes us so willing to complain; therefore, humbly pray to the Lord that he may help you feel sorrow for your sins, and say with the prophet: "Feed me, Lord, with the bread of tears, and give me a measure of tears to drink."

The Imitation of Christ
Thomas A Kempis
Chapter 22

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Servant of God Must Show Joy


If Saint Francis saw any of his companions with a sad or downcast countenance, he reproved him, saying: "If thou art grieving over thy sins, my brother, why dost thou show thy sorrow exteriorly? Let this sadness be between thee and God, and pray to him that through his mercy he may spare thee and restore to thy soul the joy of salvation, which thou hast lost through thy sins. But before me and others, show thyself always joyful, for it does not become the servant of God to manifest sadness exteriorly, nor to have a troubled countenance."


St. Francis of Assisi
Miscellaneous Writings

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"Pax Et Bonum!" (May the Lord give you peace)


The holy father taught his brethren to use this short but holy salutation: "May the Lord give thee his peace!" (Pax Et Bonum!) Some persons, however, were displeased at this, and the brethren feared to use it. The saint said, however, "Let them say what they choose about these holy words, for they do not understand the things of God; but do not you be ashamed of them, for before long many heroes and princes will show you great reverence on account of this salutation."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Miscellaneous Writings

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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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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

Photobucket

Photo of the Portiuncula Chapel at the
Franciscan University of Steubenville


To duplicate this Chapel, the Portiuncula Hermitage 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: dicksoncorp@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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A Thief Plundering The Riches Of Heaven

Stone bed in Grotto of Eremo delle Carceri where St. Francis Slept

A thief climbs a ladder to break into the vault where treasures are stored. The soul, too, ascends the secret contemplation to plunder the riches of heaven.

Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross
Chapter 18

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What God Achieves Is Not By Human Accomplishment


Saint Francis was the humblest of men and thought of himself as the lowest, most contemptible of sinners. In prayer he would implore, "Lord, why have you laid this burden on me? Why have you made a simple, unlettered, wretched creature like me the head of this Order?" And the Lord would reply, "I have placed a man like you over this Order to show that what I achieve in you is of my grace and not a human accomplishment."

Saint Bonaventure
Sermon of October 4, 1262

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Welcome To The Portiuncula Healing Ministry


"Only say the word Lord, and I shall be healed"



We are a

Franciscan Prayer Ministry

located in Jerusalem, Ohio.


Through prayer and Adoration before our Eucharistic Lord, we seek His awesome power, grace, and mercy, to bring His divine healing and peace into your life.


To receive prayer simply e-mail your Prayer Requests to:


We encourage you to participate in our

Healing Services

and

Retreats


Thank you for visiting.

Pax Et Bonum!


T



We Must Primarily Concern Ourselves With The Salvation Of Souls

Deep concern within the Franciscans Order today is that we are becoming
far less concerned about winning souls to Christ than we are of pushing
Social Engineering, Tree Hugging, and New Age Rieke


"They then began to long miserably for the fleshpots of Egypt, which they had left behind; and what they had once despised with a generous heart, they now shamefully wanted. They were sad in walking in the way of the commandments of God, and they were arid of heart in following his injunctions...Gaiety filled their countenance; their gait was without modesty; their garments were soft and delicate, carefully cut, and even more carefully sewn...they had no care for spiritual exercises, no interest in the salvation of souls."


St. Francis of Assisi
Sacrum Commercium
CHAPTER IV:47
Lady Poverty Continues to Speak

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Oh God, My Flesh Faints For You (Psalm 63)

The Chapel at Mogliano, Italy

Once when Brother John was staying in the Place of Mogliano of the Custody of Fermo in the Province of the Marches...when he had proceeded as far as the Preface of the Blessed Virgin, the supernatural illumination and sweet consolation of God's love increased so much within him that when he reached the Qui pridie he could hardly endure such overwhelming sweetness. Finally, when he came to the Consecration itself and began to pronounce the words of the Consecration over the Host, he kept repeating the first of the formula - Hoc est - Hoc est - very often, and he was unable to go any further. And the reason why he could not go on was that e felt and saw the presence of Christ and of a throng of angels and saints, so that he almost fainted because of their grandur which he felt in his soul.

St. Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 53

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Can You Afford $5.00 A Month?



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



T

Mystic Monk Coffee: Order In Time For Christmas!


The Mystic Monks have been busy preparing some surprises for this Christmas Season!


The most important of these is the


Christmas Blend 2009

It is the most sophisticated blend available with a special blend of eight beans from all over the world. It is best described as a Medium Dark Blend with Citrus Flavors at first taste then a very smooth finish with pleasant pungentry. But hurry, because it is a Limited Edition Coffee Only!
To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!


And what would a Mystic Monk Christmas be without a little

Jingle Bell Java?

Our famous Jingle Bell Java will only be available until the end of the Christmas Season, so be sure to stock up now!




We also have a beautiful new single handled Christmas Mug with a logo,
and an insulated Mystic Monk Travel Mug - Perfect for enjoying our
coffee while on the go!


To Order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!

Thank you for your support of the
Portiuncula Hermitage,
Mystic Monk Coffee®
and Birthright
.

May God Bless you,

Br. Michael Mary



Please remember that the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center donates ten percent of their Mysitc Monk Coffee Sales to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion)!!!

To order, simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
on the Left Side of this screen!