A True Religious Spirit

St. Francis used to say that we should feel sorry for a preacher who sought his own glory in his work and not the good of his listeners, or who destroyed by the example of his bad life what he had accomplished by his teaching. Such a man is devoid of any true religious spirit. He maintained that an ordinary friar with no claim to eloquence was in a better position because he encouraged others to do good by his good example.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VIII

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After Receiving The Blessing of The Bishop

When the friars have received the blessing of the Bishop, let them go and mark out the boundaries of the land which they have accepted for their house, and as a sign of holy poverty and humility, let them plant a hedge instead of building a wall. Afterwards let them erect simple little huts of clay and wood, and a number of cells where the friars can pray and work from time to time in order to increase their merit and avoid idleness.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 10

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Prayers At The Portiuncula

All are daily to say the seven canonical Hours, that is, Matins, Prime, Terce, Sext, Vespers, and Compline. The clerics are to say them after the manner of the clergy. Those who know the Psalter are to say the Deus ion nomine tuo and the Beati immaculati up to the Legem pone for Prime, and the other psalms of the Hours, with the Glory be to the Father.

Saint Francis of Assisi

FIRST RULE OF THE THIRD ORDER

Chapter IV

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Georgiana Gibson

St. Francis exhorted death itself, terrible and hateful to all, to give praise, and going joyfully to meet it, he invited it to make its lodging with him. "Welcome," he said, "my sister death."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CLXIII

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When God Reveals His Secrets

"Brother, remember that when God reveals his secrets to you, it is not for yourself alone; they are intended for others too. If you hide something which is intended to do good to many others, you have every reason to fear that you will be condemned for burying the talenty given to you."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER XIII

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It's Not Right To Show A Sad And Gloomy Face

Always do your best to be cheerful then you are with me and the other brethren; it is not right for a servant of God to show a sad and gloomy face to his brother or to anyone else.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 96

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Crying And Moaning Over The Passion Of My Lord!

One day, just a few years after his conversion, he was foll0wing the road that passes near St. Mary of the Portiuncula and, as he was walking by himself, he was lamenting and weeping out loud. A spiritual man, whom we know well and who reported it to us, met him at this time. This han had been very kind to the saint and had consoled him before he even had one brother and continued to do so. He said to him: "What is the matter, brother?" He thought that he was suffering from some infirmity. Blessed Francis answered: "I ought to travel through the whole world, crying and moaning without any false shame over the passion of my Lord!" The man began to cry with him and wept bitterly.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 37

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Voice of the Innocents Fall Conference "HEALING OF THE HEART"

East Central High School

St. Leon, Indiana

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

"Healing of the Heart"

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

Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Speakers: Deacon Ralph Poyo

Fr. Gregory Bramlage

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

Call (812) 623-8007 for more information.To download a full brochure/registration form, visitwww.HealingthroughthePowerofJesusChrist.org

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

Drop by the

Portiuncula Table

for a cup of

Mystic Monk Coffee!!!

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The Food Of Angels

Whenever he had the opportunity, he went begging on the principal feasts of the year; as he remarked, the words of the Psalmist, "Man should eat the food of angels" (Psalm 77:25) are fulfilled in God's poor, because the bread of angels is that which has been begged for love of God and given at the inspiration of the angels, and gathered from door to door by holy poverty.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter VII

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Do Not Be Angry Or Upset Over Sinners

Assisi

We must be careful not to be angry or upset because a brother or sister has fallen into sin, because anger or annoyance in themselves or in others makes it difficult to be charitable.

Saint Francis of Assisi

THE RULE OF 1223

Chapter 7

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Despising Simplicity And Poverty

Assisi

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

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 75

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Make My Heart Your Dwelling Place

We should make a dwelling-place within ourselves where the He can stay, He who is the Lord God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter 22

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That Most Precious Vessel

But since according to the laws of nature and the constitution of man it is necessary that our outer man decay day by day, though the inner man is being renewed, that most precious vessel in which the heavenly treasure was hidden began to break up and to suffer the loss of all its powers.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER IV

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Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

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: 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 challenge you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Chapel by donating $5, $10, $25, $50, or more.

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!

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First Draw From Secret Prayers

The preacher must first draw from secret prayers what he will later pour out in holy sermons; he must first grow hot within before he speaks words that are in themselves cold.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXXXI

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Il Poverello d'Assisi (The Little Poor Man From Assisi) Regarding Taxes

It is not lawful to take the things of others to give to the poor. It is a sin worthy of punishment, not an act deserving a reward, to give away what belongs to others.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Admonitions to the Brethren
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Respecting Everyone

And this is my advice, my counsel, and my earnest plea to my friars in our Lord Jesus Christ that, when they travel about the world, they should not be quarrelsome or take part in disputes with words (cf. Timothy 2:14) or criticize others; but they should be gentle, peaceful, and unassuming, courteous and humble, speaking respectfully to everyone, as is expected of them.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1223
Chapter 3

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Willingly Enduring Suffering, Insults, Humiliations, and Hardships

"Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends in that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring suffering, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ. For we cannot glory in all those other marvelous gifts of God, as they are not our but God's, as the Apostle says: 'What have you that you have not received?' "But we can glory in the cross of tribulations and afflictions, because that is ours, and so the Apostle says: 'I will not glory save the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' "

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 9

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"Come To The Quiet" Men's Retreat September 18-20 At Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

The Portiuncula Hermitage Pond


SIMPLICITY

There appears to be a growing interest in the monastic life among people of all lifestyles - and no wonder! For centuries, the monastic life has provided monks and nuns with disciplines and practices aimed at helping them maintain balanced, healthy and centered lifestyles while they "prefer nothing to Christ." Join us as we explore practices such as silence, prayer, work, simplicity, solitude, fasting, and celebration, and the benefits they have for all our lives.

What's exciting is that you can become a monastic without having to leave your day job!

Availability is extremely limited, so please reserve your weekend as soon as possible by e-mailing us at: hermitage@parallax.ws

Pax Et Bonum!


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Spiritual Gain

Saint Francis said to the Friars, "For if I was happy when they praised and honoured me in their devotion - which may well be a danger to my soul - I ought to rejoice and be far happier at the benefit and health brought to my soul when they abuse me, for this is a pure spiritual gain."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 65

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Consider It An Honor To Beg

Perugia, Italy

Francis said, "In truth I say to you, many nobles and scholars of this world will enter our Order and will consider themselves highly honored to beg for alms."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 3

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Being Ashamed To Appear In Public

Statue of St. Francis just outside of Assisi at Monte Subasio

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 ashamed 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.'

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 70

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Resistance To The Rule

Perugia, Italy

Later on, when Francis explained the Rule and regulations to the brothers, they found them difficult and unbearable; for, they did not know what was going to take place in the Order after Francis' death. He did not wish to have a conflict with the brothers, so greatly did he fear scandal for himself and for the others; and hence he complied with their request, against his own will. he later apologized for it before the Lord.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 68

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We Take Our Cell With Us

Portiuncula Hermitage Jerusalem, Ohio

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

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I Have Come From Your Cell

A crevice in the rocks where St. Francis sometimes slept

One day, when Francis had left his cell, one of the friars went to look at it, and afterwards came to the place 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, someone else shall use it henceforth, and not I," because of the saying, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air their resting-places; the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 9

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Joyful Companions

Nr Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy

"Indeed, whenever I am tempted or depressed, if I see my companions joyful, I immediately turn away from my temptation and oppression, and regain my own inward and outward joy."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 96

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Joyfully Give The Poor Brother Your Coat

Rivo Torto

In the early days of the Order when blessed Francis was living at Rivo Torto with the only brothers who were with him, a man, who must have been the third brother, left the world to share their life. He had been living there a few days wearing the clothes he had brought with him, when a poor man presented himself to ask for an alms from the blessed Francis. The saint said to the one who was to be the third brother: "Give the poor brother your coat." He immediately and joyfully took it off and gave it to the poor man. And it was very evident that in this incident the Lord had put a new grace in his heart, because he had given his coat joyfully.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 55

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Mystic Monk Coffee: A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Order Mystic Monk Coffee Through The Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (A Loving Alternative To Abortion)


The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming

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

The Monk Master Roaster

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

The Legend of the First Mystic Monk

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

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

Monks are passionate Perfectionists

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

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

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

To order direct, simply click on the Mystic Monk Coffee Icon on the
Left Side of this page.

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

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Show Yourself Happy In The Lord

Novices of the Franciscan Sisters, TOR, of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother
Toronto, Ohio

Anyone who comes to the brothers, friend or enemy, thief or robber, is to be received with kindness. And wherever the brothers are and anywhere they meet other brothers, they are to greet one another wholeheartedly and lovingly, and honor on another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). And they are to be careful not to look outwardly sad, like gloomy hypocrites, but they are to show themselves happy in the Lord (Philippians 4:4), and cheerful and truly gracious.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter VII

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We Are Not To Argue Among Ourselves

Carmelite Monks of Cody, Wyoming, makers of "Mystic Monk Coffee"

And all the brothers are to guard against speaking falsely of anyone and are to avoid verbal disputes. Rather, let them seek to keep silent whenever God gives them the grace to do so. And they are not to argue among themselves, nor with others, but they are to strive to respond with humility, saying, "We are useless servants" (Luke 17:10).

St. Francis of Assisi
RULE OF 1221
Chapter XI

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