This Poor, Humble, and Unlettered Man

One day when Francis was preaching to the people of Terni in the town square in front of the bishop's palace, the bishop of the city, a discerning and spiritual man, listened to the sermon. When it was over, he rose and among other words of exhortation said, "From the time He planted and built His Church, the Lord has always endowed her with holy persons to make her grow by word and example. And in these latter days, He has shed luster on her through this poor, humble, and unlettered man."

Then blessed Francis bowed before the bishop, threw himself at his feet and said to him, "In truth, lord bishop, I say to you,'No man in this world has ever paid me the honor you have today. Other men say,'He is a saint!' Thereby they attributed glory and holiness to a creature and not the Creator. You, on the contrary, as a discerning man, have made the distinction between what is base and what is precious.' "

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 103

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Parents: You Can't Give Away What You Ain't Got!

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Kissing The Lepers In Our Lives - Whom Or What Do We Abhor Most?

Among all the unhappy spectacles of the world  Francis naturally abhorred lepers; but one day he met a leper while he was riding near Assisi. Though the leper caused him great disgust and horror, nevertheless, lest like the transgressor of a commandment he should break his given word, he got off his horse and prepared to kiss the leper. But when the leper put out his hand as though to receive something, he received money along with the kiss. And immediately, mounting his horse, Francis looked here and there about him; but though the plain lay open and clear on all sides, and there were no obstacles about, he could not see the leper anywhere.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano - Second Life

Chapter V

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Simplicity

For holy simplicity had so filled them, innocence of life was so instructing them, purity of heart so possessed them, that they knew nothing of duplicitous mind. For, as there was one faith 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 XVII

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Remaining Pure And Holy

"Let the brothers of this friary speak to no one, except to those who serve them and the minister general when he visits them. It is also my wish that the lay people who serve them bring them no word or news of the world that is not beneficial to their souls. If it is my wish that no one enter this friary, I do so in order to make it easier for the brothers to keep their purity and holiness; if no useless or harmful word to the soul is uttered there, this place will remain pure and holy to the sound of hymns and the praises of the Lord."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 10

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Lovingly Contemplate Poverty And Weakness

Appalachian Poverty

The Portiuncula Hermitage is located in Jerusalem, Ohio, 

in the foothills of Appalachia

(experiencing the country's highest unemployment rate)

Once Blessed Francis  had gone to the hermitage of the brothers near Roccabrizia. A poor, miserable and sick man came in search of him. Francis said to the brothers, "When you see a poor man, you must consider the one in whose name he comes, namely, Christ, who took upon himself our poverty and weakness. The poverty and sickness of mankind are, therefore, a mirror in which we ought to contemplate lovingly the poverty and weakness which our Lord Jesus Christ suffered in his body for the human race."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 89

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The Gift Of Healing

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Please email your prayer requests to the 

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage & Retreat Center

at:

hermitage@parallax.ws

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The Two Small Coins Of St. Francis

Body           Soul

Christ's Poor One, Francis, possessed nothing but two small coins (Mark 12:42) which he could dispose of with largesse and charity: his body and his soul. But those two mites he offered to God continually, for the love of Christ; he seemed always to be immolating his body with rigor and fasting and his soul with the flame of desire: his body, a holocaust outside in the court of the temple; his soul, incense offering in the inner temple.

Saint Francis of Assisi

St. Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter 9

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Merry Christmas From The Portiuncula!

Brother Francis would recall with an abundance of tears what great want surrounded the poor Virgin on that day. Once when he was sitting at dinner, a certain brother talked about the poverty of the Blessed Virgin and recalled the want of Christ, her Son. Francis immediately rose from the table and, with great sighs and many tears, ate the rest of the meal on the bare ground, telling the brothers, "Know, my sons, that poverty is the special way to salvation; its fruit is manifold, but it is really well known to only a few."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life - 200

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The Daily Nativity Of The Lord

Every day he humbles himself just as he did when he came from his heavenly throne (Wis. 18:15) into the Virgin's womb; every day he comes to us and lets us see him in abjection, when he descends from the bosom of the Father into the hands of the priest at the altar.

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Admonitions

Admonition 1

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Christmas - The Feast Of Feasts

The Christmas Creche at the 

Franciscan University of Steubenville 

(adjacent to the Port)

Francis observed the birthday of the Child Jesus with inexpressible eagerness over all other feasts, saying that it was the feast of feasts, on which God, having become a tiny infant, clung to human breasts. Pictures of those infant members he kissed with thoughts filled with yearning, and his compassion for the Child flooded his heart and made in stammer wordes of sweetness after the manner of infants.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life - 199

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The Walls Should Be Smeared With Meat!

Cardinal Sean O'Malley (a Capuchin Monk)

When the question arose about eating meat on Christmas Day, because it fell on a Friday.  St. Francis replied to Brother Morico, "You sin, Brother, calling the day on which the Child was born to us a day of fast. It is my wish," he said, "that even the walls should eat meat on such a day, and if they cannot, they should be smeared with meat on the outside."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter CLI

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The First Christmas Crib - Greccio, Italy

Pace e bene! Peace and all good!

May the peace and love and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you this Christmas and every day of your lives. We offer this little story about St. Francis at Greccio—from the Major Legend of St. Francis-- for your reflection and meditation. The tradition of the crèche (or crib) originates with St. Francis and is uniquely Franciscan contribution to the celebration of Christmas. Know that we, your Franciscan brothers, are keeping you in our prayers at this most sacred time as you continue to discern God’s will for you in your hearts and in your lives. Merry Christmas!

“It happened, three years prior to his death, that he (Francis) decided to celebrate at the town of Greccio the memory of the birth of the Child Jesus with the greatest possible solemnity, in order to arouse devotion. So that this would not be considered a type of novelty, he petitioned for and obtained permission from the Supreme Pontiff.

"He had a manger prepared, hay carried in and an ox and an ass led to the spot. The brethren are summoned, the people arrive, the forest amplifies with their cries, and that venerable night is rendered brilliant and solemn by a multitude of bright lights and by resonant and harmonious hymns of praise. The man of God stands before the manger, filled with piety, bathed in tears, and overcome with joy.

"A solemn Mass is celebrated over the manger, with Francis, a levite of Christ, chanting the holy Gospel. Then he preaches to the people standing around him about the birth of the poor King, whom, whenever he means to call him, he called in his tender love, the Babe from Bethlehem.

"A certain virtuous and truthful knight, Sir John of Greccio, who had abandoned worldly military activity out of love of Christ and had become an intimate friend of the man of God, claimed that he saw a beautiful little child asleep in that manger whom the blessed father Francis embraced in both of his arms and seemed to wake it from sleep.

"Not only does the holiness of the witness make credible the vision of the devout knight, but also the truth it expresses proves its validity and the subsequent miracles confirm it. For Francis's example, when considered by the world, is capable of arousing the hearts of those who are sluggish in the faith of Christ.

The hay from the crib was kept by the people and miraculously cured sick animals and drove away different kinds of pestilence. Thus God glorified his servant in every way and demonstrated the efficacy of his holy prayer by the evident signs of wonderful miracles.”

St. Francis of Assisi

Celano, First Life

Chapter XXX

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With Our Whole Soul Melted

To those who have experienced it knowledge is given, not to those who have not experienced it. Thus, filled with a glowing fervor of spirit and his whole appearance and his whole soul melted, St. Francis dwelt already in the highest realms of the heavenly kingdom.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter LXI

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Possessions Are ANYTHING That We Appropriate To Ourselves

"When we think of possessions, we usually have material things in mind, but St. Francis used to remind us that possessions are material and spiritual, ANYTHING we appropriate to ourselves."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Admonition 2

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Those Whose Sanctity Is Known Only To God

These brothers are my Knights of the Round Table, who remain hidden in deserts and lonely places in order to devote themselves more completely to prayer and meditation, lamenting their own sins and the sins of others, living simply and behaving humbly, whose sanctity is known only to God, and at times to other brothers, but unknown to the world.

Saint Francis of Assisi

 Mirror of Perfection - 72

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Catch The Wind!

A brother came to Abba Poemen and said, "Abba, a variety of thoughts are coming into my mind and I am in danger!" The old man took him out into the air and said, "Open your robe and take hold of the wind." The young brother answered, "No, I cannot do it." The old man said, "If you cannot do it, neither can you prevent those thoughts from entering into your mind. What you should do is stand firm against them."

Sayings of the Desert Fathers

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When People Refuse You Alms

If people insult you and refuse to give you or your ministry alms, you should thank God for it, because you will be honored before the judgment-seat of our Lord Jesus Christ for these insults. THE SHAME WILL BE IMPUTED TO THOSE WHO CAUSE IT, NOT TO THOSE WHO SUFFER IT! Alms are an inheritance and a right which is due to the poor because our Lord Jesus Christ acquired this inheritance for us.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter 9

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What Was Bitter Became Sweetness

The pond at the Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Every day Francis meditated on the humility and example of the Son of God; he experienced much compassion and much sweetness from this, and in the end, what was bitter to his body, was changed into sweetness.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 37

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A Rapture Of Contemplation

St. Francis was convinced that the grace of prayer was something we should long for above all else. No one, he declared, could make progress in God's service without it, and he used any means he could to make the brothers concentrate on it...

He was often taken right out of himself in a rapture of contemplation, so that he was lost in ecstasy and had no idea what was going on about him, while he experienced things which were beyond human understanding.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter X

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Mystic Monk Coffee: Order Through the Portiuncula and Donate to Birthright (a loving alternative to Abortion)

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"Guess who hasn't had their cup of Mystic Monk Coffee yet this morning!"

Fra Chris

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 Top of this page:

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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.

Simply e-mail your Prayer Requests to:

hermitage@parallax.ws

We encourage you to participate in our

Healing Services and Retreats

Thank you for visiting.

Pax Et Bonum!

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God Is Still Homeless

We build a church to God and He is still homeless because we have built it for ourselves, and our humble God sits on the step outside begging.

Brother Juniper

God's Holy Fool

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December 14th - Feast Day of St. John of the Cross

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December 14th - Feast Day of St. John of the Cross

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Praying With Every Fiber Of Our Being

How To Pray

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How Should We Pray?

The novice monks asked Abba Macarius, "How should we pray?" The old man answered, "A long speech is not necessary, but instead stretch out your hands and say, 'Lord, as you with and as you know, have mercy.' Yet, if you feel a conflict is breaking out, you have to say, 'Lord, help me!' He knows what is good for us and treats us mercifully."

Sayings of the Desert Fathers

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Lifting His Eyes And Hands To Heaven

Lifting his eyes and hands to heaven, Francis prayed with the greatest devotion and fervor, saying, "My God and my all! My God and my all!" And he continued saying nothing but "My God and my all!" and weeping profusely until matins.

St. Francis said this prayer while contemplating in awe the excellence of the Divine Majesty which had bent down to this perishing world and was about to provide a saving remedy for Francis and others through the little poor man, Francis himself. For, enlightened by the Holy Spirit through a prophetic spirit, Francis saw the great things God was going to accomplish through him and his Order. But when he considered how inadequate he was and how meager was his virtue, he cried out in prayer to God that in his mercy, without which human frailty can do nothing, he would supply, help, and fill up what was lacking in Francis.

St. Francis of Assisi

Little Flowers of St. Francis

CHAPTER 2

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A Thief Of God's Treasures

When you are visited by the Lord in prayer, you should say, "Lord, you have sent me this comfort from heaven, even though I am a sinner and unworthy, and I entrust it to your keeping because I feel like a thief of your treasures." And when you leave your prayer, you should seem to be only a poor little sinner, and not someone especially graced by God.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter X

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Rapt In Prayer

Francis's safe haven was prayer, not prayers of a few minutes, or empty, presumptuous prayer, but prolonged prayer, full of devotion and the serenity of humility. If he began late, it would be dawn before he finished. Whether walking, sitting, eating or drinking, he was rapt in prayer. At night he would retire alone to pray in abandoned, neglected churches. That was how, by God's grace, he overcame many fears and anxieties.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, First Life - 71

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Fox News - GoodShop for the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage

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Please remember

the

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center

Donates 10% of their Income to

BirthRight

 (a loving alternative to Abortion)

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Your Cell Will Teach You Everything

In Scetis, a brother went to see Abba Moses and begged him for a word. The old man said, "Go and sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything."

Saying From the Desert Fathers

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Fr. Mike Scanlan, TOR: Consider It Joy When We Are Crushed And Broken

Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR

Chancellor of the Franciscan University of Steubenville

The following is a word from the Lord that was given to Fr. Mike when his journey had reached bottom, and a word we should all openly embrace within our own hearts whenever we are crushed and broken:

"Now you are broken and helpless. You can't possibly continue as you have in the past. Now I will show you MY ministry, and all you have been doing will be organized around it. You are sufficiently out of the way, with your eyes seeking me, for me to move with MY ministry, unmistakably marked with my character."

Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R.

The Truth About Trouble

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Inspired By Silence

 A Modern-Day Hermit of the Desert in Egypt

One day, Theophilus of holy memory, the bishop of Alexandria, came to Scetis (the Upper Nile of Egypt). And the brothers who gathered said to Abba Pambo, "Say a word to the bishop so his soul may be benefited here." The old hermit replied, "If he is not inspired by my silence, he will not be inspired by my words either."

Saying From the Desert Fathers

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Taking Nothing With Us But Christ Crucified

 

Because St. Francis and his companions had been called by God and chosen to bear the Cross of Christ in their hearts and in their actions and to preach it by their words, they appeared to be and they were crucified men, both in their habit and their austere life and their deeds and their actions. Therefore, they had a greater desire to receive shame and insults for the love of Christ than the vain honors or respect or praise of the world. On the contrary, they rejoiced in being insulted, and they were made sad by being honored. And so they went through the world as pilgrims and strangers, taking with them nothing but Christ Crucified.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis
Chapter 5

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception

 

We too are the mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ when we carry him in our hearts and in our bodies, lovingly, with a pure and sincere conscience, and give birth to him through the working of his grace in us which should shine forth as an example to others.

 

Saint Francis of Assisi

Letter to all the Faithful, Second Version

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No Better Sermon Than The Practice Of The Virtues

"The worth of knowledge is proportionate to the actions it produces; there is no better sermon than the practice of the virtues."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 74

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Putting Devils To Flight By Humble Prayer

Blessed Francis once visited the church of Saint Peter of Bovara near the castle of Trevi in the Vale of Spleto, along with Brother Pacificus. When he had said Compline and other prayers, he wished to rest and sleep, but could not do so, for his soul grew afraid, his body trembled, and he began to experience diabolic temptations. So making the sign of the Cross he immediately left the church, saying, 'In the Name of Almighty God, I tell you devils that you may do to my body whatever our Lord Jesus Christ allows, for I am ready to endure anything. My own body is the worst enemy I have, so that you will be taking vengeance on my adversary and direst foe.' At once the temptations ceased and when he had returned to the place where he had been lying, he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 59

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Wear His Crown of Thorns As A Crown Of Glory

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Actual photo of Veronica's veil from the Vatican, now nearly 2000 years old

The following is a vision that was witnessed by someone I know. They are sharing it with us now because they believe it was to given to the entire Church and not something to be kept hidden by them as a personal revelation:

 

 

I 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…”

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"Planned Parenthood" and "Save the Animals" are Cleaning Up On GoodSearch !

Planned Parenthood has nearly 100 Abortion Mills signed up on GoodSearch, receiving thousands of dollars per year. "Save the Animals" has generated thousands of dollars through GoodSearch. 

 

Why not download the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage's GoodSearch / GoodShop Toolbar where 10% of our income is donated to Birthright, a loving alternative to Abortion?

We need to raise $120,000 to duplicate this Portiuncula Chapel
at the Franciscan University of Steubenville

What if the Portiuncula Hermitage earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or what if a percentage of every purchase you made on-line went to support our cause? Well, now it can!

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half of its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

Although this may not sound like a lot of money, if only 1000 of our supporters use GoodSearch.com just 5 times per day for the year, the Portiuncula Hermitage would receive over $18,000 towards its mission of spreading God's love!

It's easy. Just download the GoodSearch – Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center toolbar at:

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So please, make a commitment to browsing the Internet with GoodSearch.com with the Portiuncula Hermitage as your designated charity. Set it as your homepage, or bookmark it so using it becomes a habit.

As well, you can earn money for the Portiuncula Hermitage by doing your online shopping through GoodShop.com. It is a new online shopping mall which will donate up to 37 percent of each purchase to the Portiuncula Hermitage. Hundreds of popular stores, including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop.com and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting our valuable mission.

By simply surfing the web with GoodSearch.com and shopping with GoodShop.com you can raise much-needed funds for the Portiuncula Hermitage!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS PRAYER REQUEST TO
EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

Pax Et Bonum!


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Christmas Feast

One Christmas the brothers were discussing whether or not they were obliged to abstain from meat since the feast fell on a Friday. Francis responded to Brother Morico, "You sin, little brother, to call a day on which the Child was born for us a Friday. On a day like this I want even the walls to eat meat, and if they can't, at least let their surfaces be smeared with it."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano - Second Life

 

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Portiuncula Hermitage Part 3 "Powerful and Effective Prayer"

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Personal Holiness

 Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

The crisis in the priesthood is not celibacy; it is faith in Jesus Christ. People who have a relationship with Jesus Christ can't live with sin in their lives. So I pray that they have a living faith in Jesus Christ with the Eucharist in the centre of their lives. The tragedy in Ireland is that there is so much negativity and they get so discouraged.

The greatest need is to be a personal witness to Jesus Christ. If their message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it will bear fruit. The people are hungry. If you look at any list of retreats, sometimes the person of Jesus isn't even mentioned, but there is nothing like spending time with the Eucharist. It is so easy to be attracted by good things, but leave out the most important thing, which is our prayer life.

Sister Briege McKenna

St. Clare Sisters Retreat Ministry

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Portiuncula Hermitage Part 2 "Ladder of Monks"

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A Vision About The Portiuncula

The original Portiuncula of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, Italy

Before entering the Order, one of the friars had a vision about the Portiuncula. He saw a huge crowd of blind folk kneeling in a circle about the curch and looking up to heaven. With tearful voices and outstretched hands, they cried out to God, begging Him to have pity on them and give them sight. Then a brilliant light descended from heaven and enveloped them all, giving them back their sight and the health they longed for.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter II

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No Honeyed Words Of Flattery Or Blandishment

Fra Volantino Verde

Saint Francis wandered through the cities, villages, and hamlets, and began to preach with increasing perfection, not using learned words of human wisdom, but through the doctrine of virtue of the Holy Spirit most confidently proclaiming the kingdom of God. He was a genuine preacher confirmed by apostolic authority; therefore he spoke no honeyed words of flattery or blandishment; what he preached to others he had already put into practice himself and his teaching of the truth was full of assurance.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of the Three Companions

Chapter XIII

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