"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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Showing posts with label Father Mitch Pacwa S.J.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Father Mitch Pacwa S.J.. Show all posts

Sunday, February 13, 2011

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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The Stigmata of St. Francis




"I was praying on that spot where the Chapel of Count Simon of Battifolle is now, and I was asking my Lord Jesus Christ for two graces. The first was that I should feel in my soul and in my body, as far as possible, all that pain which He had felt within Himself during His most hly Passion. The second grace I asked was that I should likewise feel in my heart that most intense love which He enkindled within Himself so as to endure such suffering for us sinners. And then God put it into my heart that He would let me feel both the one and then the other, as much as possible for a mere creature. And that was fully accomplished in me during the imprinting of the Stigmata."


Saint Francis of Assisi
The Little Flowers of St. Francis 
Part II
The Considerations of the Holy Stigmata

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Saturday, February 12, 2011

How To Act In A Rapture




The holy and very devout lay brother, James of Massa, who had been with St. Clare and many of the companions of St. Francis, had the gift of rapture, and he wished to obtain Brother Giles' advice regarding how to act when he had such grace.


Brother Giles answered: "Don't add. Don't take away. And avoid crowds as much as you can."

"What do you mean?" said Brother James. "Explain it to me, Reverend Father."

He replied: "When the mind is ready to be introduced into that glorious light of God's goodness, it should not add anything by presumption or take away anything by negligence, and it should love solitude as much as possible if it wishes that the grace be preserved and increase."

To the glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 8

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Friday, February 11, 2011

The Conversion of a Soldier




There was a certain strong soldier who had won many victories and later became a Friar Minor. And when soldiers laughed at him because he had joined such an Order rather then the Templars or a similar Order where he could do much good and still fight battles, he replied: "I tell you that when I feel thirst, hunger, cold, and such things, the impusle of pride and concupiscence and such still attacks me. How much worse would it be if I saw my feet shod in armor and I was on a handsome horse and so on!"


And he added: "So far I was strong in fighting others - from now on I want to be strong fighting myself!"

Thanks be to God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis
Part 3:7

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Monday, January 31, 2011

Cells Built Only of Wood and Clay


One day, when Francis had left the cell, one of the friars went to look at it, and afterwards came to the place where blessed Francis was. Seeing him, the holy Father said to him, "Where have you come from, brother?" "I have come from your cell," he replied. Then blessed Francis said, "Because you have called it mine, some one else shall use it henceforward, and not I." For we who were with him have often heard him quote the saying, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have resting-places; the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head... So, after His example, he would not have any house or cell that could be called his own, nor did he ever have one built. 

(Even at the time of his death Francis had it written in his Testament that all cells and houses of the friars were to be built only of wood and clay, the better to safeguard poverty and humility.)

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 9

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Knights of the Round Table

Portiuncula Hermitage and Retreat Center 
Jerusalem, Ohio
 

St. Francis said, "There are many brothers who day and night put all their energy and all their attention into the pursuit of knowledge, thereby abandoning prayer and their holy vocation. And when they have preached to a few men or to the people, and learn that certain ones were edified or converted to penance through their discourse, they are puffed up and pride themselves on the results and works of others. For, those whom they think they edified or converted to penance by their discourse were actually edified and converted by God through the prayers of the holy brothers who are completely ignorant of it; God wishes it this way for fear it should be grounds for pride for them. Behold my Knights of the Round Table: the brothers who hide in abandoned and secluded places to devote themselves with more fervor to prayer and meditation, to weep over their sins and those of others. Their holiness is known only to God, but most often unknown to the brothers and to men."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 71

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Devil Made Me Do It!

Many people blame the devil or their neighbor when they fall into sin or are offended. But that is not right. Everyone has their own enemy in their power and this enemy is our lower nature which leads us into sin. Blessed are you who keep this enemy a prisoner under your control and protect yourselves against it. As long as you do this no other enemy, visible or invisible, can harm you.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Admonitions
Admonition X

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Can You Affrord Just $5.00 a Month to Help Us Build Our Chapel?





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 Retreat Center can't be built alone. To build, 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 Retreat Center.
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 Retreat Center by simply donating $5.00 $10.00 or $15.00 a month.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION


Or mail your Alms to:

Portiuncula Hermitage
% 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

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"Come to the Quiet" 2011 Retreat Schedule

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"Come to the Quiet” 
2011 Retreats
May 20-22
Men Only
June 24-26
Women Only
July 15-17
Men Only
July – Reserved:
Married Couples Only Retreat – TBA
(We are limiting this to only Three Couples)
August – Reserved:
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Grad Students - TBA
September – TBA
Women Only   
What is a “Come to the Quiet” Retreat?
A “Come to the Quiet” Retreat is a SILENT RETREAT which means no cell phones, beepers, computers, and no talking except when we come together to pray the Office of the Hours. To be fair to the other Retreatants, these rules must be vigorously adhered to. Joining together with God and being able to listen to Him as He speaks to us in the Silence of Prayer is the sole purpose for this retreat.
What is the Schedule:
Fr. Todd will be offering us Reconciliation at St. Andrew's at 11:00 A.M. on Friday and we will be leaving St. Andrew's at 12:00 Noon “SHARP.” There can be no exceptions! Even if you don't plan on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please plan on arriving with the rest of the group at 11:00 A.M., so that we don't hold the rest of the group up! We will close the retreat at Sunday morning Mass at St. Sylverster's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio.   
What should I bring?
  1. Your bible
  2. Any medications you may require
  3. Shaving Kit
  4. Extra change of clothing for Mass on Sunday - Casual (Tan Colored Clothing preferred)
  5. Sleeping bag and pillow
  6. Extra pairs of dry socks and underwear
  7. Towels and washcloths
  8. Extra sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly
What is the Cost?
The cost is  $110 per person ($40 non refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration).
Your Registration includes Saturday and Sunday Morning Continental Breakfasts, your Saturday evening meal, along with healthy drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.
Please makes checks payable to:
The Portiuncula Hermitage
% 508 South 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374
Occupancy is extremely limited, so please get your Registration in as soon as possible!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________
City: _________________________State: _____Zip: ________
Phone: (____) - _____- ______________
Preferred Weekend: First Choice:_____________________
Second Choice:_____________________
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Tender Affection for Irrational Creatures

 St. Francis Preching to the Birds
in Spoleto, Italy

On another occassion, St. Francis was journeying about the valley of Spoleto preaching, when he came to a place near Bevagna in which a huge flock of birds of various kinds had gathered. The moment he saw them, the Spirit of God came upon him and he hurried to them. He greeted them cheerfully and told them to be quiet and listen to the word of God attentively. He spoke to them at length about the benefits God bestows on His creatures and the praise which they owe Him. The birds showed their pleasure in a wonderful manner; they stretched out their necks and flapped their wings, opening their beaks and looking at him closely. It was only right that St. Francis, who was so full of God, should have felt such tender affection for these irrational creatures; in their turn, they were so attracted towards him that they listened as he taught them and obeyed when he commanded them.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Minor Life
Chapter V

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Live The Life Of The Gospel


When God gave me some friars, there was no one to tell me what I should do; but the Most High himself made it clear to me that I must live the life of the Gospel. I had this written down briefly and simply and his holiness the Pope confirmed it for me.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Testament of St. Francis

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

St. Francis and the Swallows


Continuing his journey, Francis preached in the neighboring villages, and eventually he came to Alviano. Here he summoned the whole population and called for silence, but he could scarcely be heard above the cries of the swallows which were nesting there and making a lot of noise. He spoke to them, while the crowd was listening, and said, "My sisters, it is my turn to speak now. You have said enough already. Listen to God's word and be quiet until the sermon is over." Immediately they became silent, just as if they unsterstood, and they never moved until the whole sermon was finished. The onlookers were amazed and gave glory to God. The story of this miracle was told far and wide, so that people had great reverence for the saint and were moved to greater faith.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
Chapter XII

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Tongue That Pours Out The Poison Of Anger


It happened that a certain brother named Barbaro once hurled an abusive word against another brother in the presence of a certain nobleman from the island of Cyprus. When he saw that brother somewhat hurt by the conflict of words, he took some asses' dung and put it into his mouth to be eaten as vengeance upon himself; and he said: "Let the tongue that poured out the poison of anger upon my brother eat dung." Seeing this, the knight was struck with astonishment and departed greatly edified...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter CXV

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Monday, January 24, 2011

St. Francis and the Vase




One Lent St. Francis made a little vase, using just the little time he had to spare, so that he would not be completely taken up with it. One day, while he was devoutly saying Tierce, his eyes turned to look at the vessel, and he felt that the interior man was thereby impeded in its fervor. Sorrowful therefore that the voice of his heart had been interrupted in its speaking to the ears of God, when Tierce was finished he said before the listening brothers: "Alas, what a worthless work that has such power over me that it can twist my mind to itself! I will sacrifice it to the Lord, whose sacrifice it has impeded." When he said these words, he took the little vase and threw it into the fire to be burned. "Let us be ashamed," he said, "to be caught up by worthless imaginings, for at the time of prayer we speak to the great King."


Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter LXIII

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

You Want To Know Why After Me?

 
"You want to know why after me? You want to know why after me? You really want to know why everyone is running after me? I have this from the all-holy eyes of God that see the good and the evil everywhere. For those blessed and all-holy eyes have not seen among sinners anyone more vile of insufficient than I am. And so in order to do that wonderful work which He intends to do, He did not find on earth a viler creature, and therefore He chose me, for God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the base things of the world and the despised, to bring to naught the noble and great and strong, so that the creature, in order that no creature should glory before Him, but 'let him who takes pride, take pride in the Lord,' that honor and glory may be only God's forever."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 10

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Saturday, January 22, 2011

The White Cord of St. Francis of Assisi

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How Saint Dominic Wore The White Cord Of Saint Francis




The blessed Dominic (founder of the Dominican Order) once asked St. Francis to kindly give him the cord he wore about his waist. St. Francis was reluctant to do this, moved by the same humility to refuse as the other was moved to ask. Finally, however, the blessed devotion of the petitioner won out and Dominic very devoutly put the cord that was given him about himself beneath his inner tunic. (Saint Dominic wore it thus until his death in 1221)


Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter CX

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Come to the Quiet - Retreat Schedule for 2011



"Come to the Quiet” 

2011 Retreats

May 20-22
Men Only
June 24-26
Women Only
July 15-17
Men Only
July – Reserved:
Married Couples Only Retreat – TBA
(We are limiting this to only Three Couples)
August – Reserved:
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Grad Students - TBA
September – TBA
Women Only


What is a “Come to the Quiet” Retreat?

A “Come to the Quiet” Retreat is a SILENT RETREAT which means no cell phones, beepers, computers, and no talking except when we come together to pray the Office of the Hours. To be fair to the other Retreatants, these rules must be vigorously adhered to. Joining together with God and being able to listen to Him as He speaks to us in the Silence of Prayer is the sole purpose for this retreat.

What is the Schedule:

Fr. Todd will be offering us Reconciliation at St. Andrew's at 11:00 A.M. on Friday and we will be leaving St. Andrew's at 12:00 Noon “SHARP.” There can be no exceptions! Even if you don't plan on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please plan on arriving with the rest of the group at 11:00 A.M., so that we don't hold the rest of the group up! We will close the retreat at Sunday morning Mass at St. Sylverster's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio.

What should I bring?

  1. Your bible
  2. Any medications you may require
  3. Shaving Kit
  4. Extra change of clothing for Mass on Sunday - Casual (Tan Colored Clothing preferred)
  5. Sleeping bag and pillow
  6. Extra pairs of dry socks and underwear
  7. Towels and washcloths
  8. Extra sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly

What is the Cost?

The cost is  $110 per person ($40 non refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration).
Your Registration includes Saturday and Sunday Morning Continental Breakfasts, your Saturday evening meal, along with healthy drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.

Please makes checks payable to:
The Portiuncula Hermitage
% 508 South 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374

Occupancy is extremely limited, so please get your Registration in as soon as possible!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _________________________State: _____Zip: ________

Phone: (____) - _____- ______________

Preferred Weekend: First Choice:_____________________

Second Choice:_____________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Penetrating The Dwelling Places Of Heaven


Prayer was Francis' chief comfort in this life of contemplation in which he became a fellow-citizen of the angels, as he penetrated the dwelling places of heaven in his eager search for his Beloved, from whom he was separated only by a partition of flesh.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
Chapter X

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

No Long-Winded Sermons


St. Francis was convinced that leading sinners to conversion 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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