"CUM GRANDE HUMILITATE!"

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

A special "Thank you!"
Goes out to
John Michael Talbot
for giving us permission
to use his song on our
"Come to the Quiet"
You Tube Video
T
T
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Is What My Whole Heart Desires To Accomplish

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

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

Monday, August 18, 2008

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

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

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

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Guided Solely By The Holy Spirit

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 70

Saturday, August 16, 2008

We Take Our Cells With Us

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 80

Friday, August 15, 2008

St. Francis of Assisi Regarding "Just War"

"RENEWING THE AMERICAN DREAM"

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

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

St. Francis of Assisi

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

Become Hidden In The Wounds Of The Savior

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life - 71

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Mystic Monk Coffee: That Heavenly Aroma!

Mystic Monk Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayer Absorbeat

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

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Desire Humility Before All Other Virtues

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 73

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Parresia: A Quality Of A Monk To Perform Miracles

Athanasius comments:

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

Vita Antonii 83-84

Penitents From Assisi

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

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

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

Monday, August 11, 2008

Mystic Monk Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Separated Only By A Partition Of Flesh

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

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

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Holy Simplicity

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

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

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Reverent Recitation Of The Office

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 95

Friday, August 08, 2008

Richmond Catholic Community Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting August 17th

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

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

This card just came in from Fr. Todd today:

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

Fr. Todd

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

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

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

By Peter J. Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


See related coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Would I Might Wake Saint Francis In You All

VACHAL LINDSAY

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

Many Youths Followed The Friars And Became Clothed In Their Habit

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

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

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

A Tepid Spirit

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

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

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 04, 2008

Trust In God, Make No Provisions

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

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

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Detractors Carry Poison On Their Tongues

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

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

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Never Judge Or Criticize Those Who Live In Luxury

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

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

Alien

MARY BRENT WHITESIDE


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

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

Rapt In Contemplation

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

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

Friday, August 01, 2008

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

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

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

A Franciscan Prayer

ENID DENNIS

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

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

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

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

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