"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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Friday, June 18, 2010

Sister Briege McKenna Says Only God Can Heal

Sister Briege McKenna, OSC, called the "Healing Nun" by Mother Teresa

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


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Sister Briege McKenna - A Nun With The Gift Of Healing

Build Only Humble Churches


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 or work from time to time in order to increase their merit and avoid idleness. Their churches are to be small; they are not to build great churches in order to preach to the people, or for any other reason, for they show greater humility and a better example when they visit other churches to preach. And should prelates or clergy, whether Religious or secular, visit their houses, their humble dwellings, cells, and tiny churches will speak for themselves, and these things will edify them more than any words.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 10

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

"Searching" For Jesus!

Please help us duplicate this Portiuncula Chapel
found on the campus of 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:

Website owners can also help by adding a customizable badge to their homepage or blog.

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 IN YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BOOK!

Pax Et Bonum!


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Prayer of St. Francis Before the Crucifix


Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the darkness in my heart,
and give me correct FAITH,
sure HOPE and perfect CHARITY,
with understanding and knowledge, Lord,
so that I may fulfill Your true and holy command,
Amen.

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Intoxicated By Love



Intoxicated by love and compassion for Christ, blessed Francis sometimes used to act in ways like these. For the sweetest of spiritual melodies would often well up within him and found expression in French melodies, and the murmurs of God's voice, heard by him alone, would joyfully pour forth in the French tongue. Sometimes he would pick up a stick from the ground, and laying it on his left arm, he would draw another stick across it with his right hand like a bow, as though he were playing a viol or some other instrument; and he would imitate the movements of a musician and sing in French to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 93


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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Burkhard Family Homestead Begging For Stones


Monroe County, Ohio Catholics are being asked to collect all their field stones and drop them off at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road so that we can duplicate this Portiuncula Chapel like the one above located at the Franciscan University of Steubenville

Francis set to begging for stones with which to restore the church of San Damiano. He called to the passers-by: "Whoever gives me one stone will have one reward; two stones, two rewards; three stones, a treble reward!"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER VII


Please round up all your field stones and dump them into the woods next to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road in the direction of the Portiuncula Hermitage, the white house towards Woodsfield (pictured below). These stones will be used to build the Portiuncula Chapel.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bc3GmDzJFV0/SymUnpylpfI/AAAAAAAAAqE/YaZKKbUkYXc/s1600/PortiunculaHermitage.jpg

Pictured above is the original Burkhard homestead (circa 1803). The original Burkhard family built and lived in a log cabin located approximately 50 yards behind the current house. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, an unattended fire destoyed the original log cabin. As adults, several of the Burkhard children moved away from Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road to Burkhart Station, Ohio, while other family members went on to Zanesville, Ohio. My Great-Great-Great Grandfather

John Burkhard b: 1856 d: May 5, 1892 divided off five acres from the original property and donated it to the Catholic Church on the premise that no one would ever have to pay to be buried there. It became known as the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. A gentleman named Johan Noll was one of the first settler to be buried there (born in Bavaria in 1796).

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Become A Thief


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

Saint John of the Cross
Dark Night of the Soul
Chapter 18

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Monday, June 14, 2010

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:


We encourage you to participate in our

Healing Services and Retreats

Thank you for visiting.

Pax Et Bonum!


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Hermitages


Not more then three or at most four friars should go together to a hermitage to lead a religious life there. Two of these should act as mothers, with the other two, or the other one, as their children. The mothers are to lead the life of Martha; the other two, the life of Mary Magdalen.

Saint Francis of Assisi
RELIGIOUS LIFE IN HERMITAGES

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Holy Simplicity


Saint Francis was zealous with more than usual care to show forth in himself, and he loved in others, holy simplicity, the daughter of grace, the sister of wisdom, the mother of justice.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER CXLII

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Keeping Devotions Private


My friend, it is more to your advantage - and it is safer, too - to keep your private devotions to yourself. The way you worship God on your own is a great grace; do not flaunt it or talk much about it or think much about it. Instead, keep it to yourself, and be wary of it as a thing given to someone who does not deserve it. Never cling too tightly to these holy feelings, for they can quickly change to the opposite.

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
THOMAS A KEMPIS
Chapter 7

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Jerusalem, Ohio: Begging for Stones!



Jerusalem, Ohio Catholics are being asked to collect all their field stones and drop them off at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road so that we can duplicate this Portiuncula Chapel located at the Franciscan University of Steubenville


Francis set to begging for stones with which to restore the church of San Damiano. He called to the passers-by: "Whoever gives me one stone will have one reward; two stones, two rewards; three stones, a treble reward!"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER VII



Please note : We are begging our Christian brothers and sisters in Monroe County, Ohio to round up all their field stones and dump them into the woods next to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road (in the direction of the large white house towards Woodsfield). These stones will be used to erect the Portiuncula Chapel.

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Preferring Insults To Praise


For his part, Francis preferred insult to praise, because he knew that insult leads to self-improvement, praise to downfall. And so when people praised his merits and holiness, he would command one of the brothers to assault his ears with phrases that humiliated and mortified him.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VI

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Friday, June 11, 2010

Ladola Capellata (the Hooded Lark)


http://www.tropicalbirding.com/tripReports/TR_SouthIndia_Nov2006/WEB-Malabar-Lark--Goa.jpg

Above all birds, St. Francis loved the little lark, known in the language of the country as lodola capellata (the hooded lark). He used to say, "Sister lark has a hood like a Religious and is a humble bird, for she walks contentedly along the road to find grain, and even if she finds it among the rubbish, she pecks it out and eats it. As she flies she praises God very sweetly, like good Religious who despise earthly things, whose minds are set on the things of heaven, and whose constant purpose is to praise God. Her plumage resembles the earth, and she sets an example for to Religious not to wear fine and gaudy clothing, but cloth of a humble price3 and colour, just as earth is inferior to the other elements."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 113

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The Habit Is A Sign


(Photo of Original Tunic worn by St. Francis found in Cortona, Italy)

The habit is a sign of the religious state and an indication of a good life; a lustful person has no right to it.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER V

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Virtue And Vice


Where there is Love and Wisdom,
there is neither Fear not Ignorance.

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here there is Patience and Humility,
there is neither Anger nor Annoyance.

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here there is Poverty and Joy,
there is neither Cupidity or Avarice.

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here there is Peace and Contemplation,
there is neither Care nor Restlessness.

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here there is Fear of God to guard the dwelling,
there no enemy can enter.

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here there is Mercy and Prudence,
there is neither Excess nor Harshness.


Saint Francis of Assisi
The Admonitions
Admonition XXVII

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Monday, June 07, 2010

Mystic Monk Coffee: Order 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


Brother 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. Brother 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 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 coffee continues to keep minks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shared 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 Brother 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.

To Order Direct:
simply click on the
Mystic Monk Icon
at the
top of this page.



Please remember that the Portiuncula Hermitage tithes ten percent of all their Mystic Monk Coffee sales to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion).

Fra Chris




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Prophesy Regarding Future Fratelli - Sound Familiar?


The brothers began at last to fawn upon men of the world; and they began to be wedded to them, as it were, that they might empty their purses, extend their own buildings, and multiply the very things they had completely renounced. They sold their words of advice to the rich and their visits to noble ladies; and they frequented the courts of kings and princes with great eagerness, so that they might join house to house and field to field. And they are grown great and rich and strong upon the earth, because they have proceeded from evil to evil and they have not known the Lord. They fell when they were lifted up, and they sprawled upon the ground before their birth; and still they say to me, 'We are your friends.'

Saint Francis of Assisi
Sacrum Commercium - 49

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A Servant Of God Should Be Cheerful


Francis used to censure those who went about with gloomy faces, and once rebuked a friar who appeared with a gloomy face, swaying, "Why are you making an outward display of grief and sorrow for your sin? This sorrow is between God and yourself alone...Always do your best to be cheerful when 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 of to anyone else."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 96

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Sunday, June 06, 2010

The Portiuncula Hermitage Adopts New Mission Statement


"The Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage & Retreat Center, Jerusalem, Ohio, the Diocese of Steubenville, is humbly committed to imitating the life of Christ through strict observance of the Gospels, the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church and love for all God's children. Placing ourselves under strict obedience to Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, our mission is to bring hope to those who have lost it. Please pray for us."

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The Fear And Love Of God Had Died Out


Before Francis preached sermons to the people they met, 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 a 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 evil forces.

Opinions varied about these men who were so obviously set on following the Gospel: some people declared that they were fools or drunk, but others maintained such words were those of folly.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER IX

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Saturday, June 05, 2010

"Come To The Quiet" Men's Retreats At Portiuncula Hermitage



Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio


Dear Christian Brothers,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace. Join me in supporting the Portiuncula project by attending a retreat weekend of fasting, prayer, brotherhood and silence in the Franciscan Tradition.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Tom Ringenberg
Centerville, IN

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Pond at Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio


June 18-20
July 9-11
July 16-18
August 13-15
August 20-22
August 27-29
September 17-19
September 24-26

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Can You Afford Just $5.00 A Month?


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!





Chris


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Seeking Out Secluded Spots

The Pond at the Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

St. Francis began to frequent secluded spots where he could mourn for his sins, and there as he poured out his whole soul with groans beyond utterance, he was eventually found worthy to be heard by God, after long and importunate prayer.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
Chapter I

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Friday, June 04, 2010

How The Friars Are To Travel

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. 2 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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Franciscan University of Steubenville Offers Free Admission to Popular Summer Conference Talks

Father Mike Scanlan, TOR,
Chancellor
Franciscan University of Steubenville

STEUBENVILLE, OH—Ohio Valley residents can attend at no cost one evening session at each of the Catholic Summer Conferences for adults to be held this month at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Each session features dynamic praise and worship music, a keynote address, and prayer.

The following sessions at the June conferences are free and open to the public (adults only, please).

At the Catholic Men's Conference, Saturday, June 5, 7:00 p.m., John Beaulieu, Franciscan University director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach, will speak on Christian men being "Forged by Fire," followed by Eucharistic Adoration (men only).

At the Catholic Charismatic Conference, Saturday, June 12, 7:00 p.m., Father Dominic Foster, TOR, will lead a Holy Hour followed by a Healing Service hosted by Franciscan University Chancellor Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, and Dr. William Mitchell, a Veterans Health Administration physician.

At the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Conference, Thursday, June 24, 7:00 p.m., Franciscan University theology professor Dr. Scott Hahn will give the keynote talk, "A Father and a Priest: The Mystery of Spiritual Paternity."

For more information, call the Franciscan University Christian Outreach Office at 1-800-437-8368.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

When A Man Dies


We should all realize that no matter where or how a man dies, if he is in the state of mortal sin and does not repent, when he could have done so and did not, the devil tears his soul from his body with such anguish and distress that only a person who has experienced it can appreciate it. All the talent and ability, all the learning and wisdom which he thought was his own, are taken away from him, while his relatives and friends bear off his property and share it among themselves. Then they say, "A curse on his soul, he could have made more to leave to us and he did not."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter To All The Faithful

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Wednesday, June 02, 2010

A Warning: Do Not Despise The Rich


I warn all the friars and exhort them not to condemn or look down on people whom they see wearing soft or gaudy clothes and enjoying luxuries in food or drink; each one should rather condemn and despise himself.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Rule of 1223
Chapter 2

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010

A Tepid Soul


When soul is tepid and little by little cools to grace, then flesh and blood leap forward to impose their needs.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 15

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