"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, September 30, 2011

Vividly Wounded By The Flaming Blade Of Divine Love!

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The soul is singing about the fire of love. In this night of painful contemplation, the soul is ignited! Although the burning in some ways resembles what unfolded in the sensory part of the soul, in other ways it is as different as the soul is from the body. This is the love that blazes in the spirit! In the middle of her dark predicament, the soul feels herself vividly wounded by the flaming blade of divine love!

St. John of the Cross
Dark Night of the Soul

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Don't Look Back! God's Time Is Only In The Present...



"St. Antony himself gave no thought to the bygone time, but each day, as though then beginning his religious life, he made greater effort to advance, constantly repeating to himself St. Paul's saying: Forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching out to the things that are before (Phil. 3:13)"...

Saint Antony of the Desert
(251-356)
By St. Athanasius

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Honor St. Francis of Assisi - Order Your Very Own Franciscan Cincture from Monastery Greetings!


 

The Cincture, or White Cord, is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, Consecrated Virgins and religious wear cinctures, and the wearing of cinctures in honor of a particular saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore the cincture in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity. Franciscans wear a White Cincture called a 'Cintura Bianca' (pronounced Chin-Torah-Bee-Anka) which translated means 'White Rope.' The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the three Conerstones of the Franciscan Order.


To order your very own
White Cord of St. Francis
From
The Portiuncula Hermitage 
simply go to
Monastery Greetings 
At:
http://www.monasterygreetings.com/prod_detail_list/Franciscan_Cincture





St. Dominic once asked St. Francis of Assisi for his White Cord he wore over his tunic. Dominic, the Founder of the Dominican Order,  wore this White Cord under his habit for the remainder of his life in honor of St. Francis, whom he so greatly admired and respected. This White Cord can be worn inside trousers or under a dress without anyone having knowledge that you are doing so.

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The Devil Exults!



St. Francis said, "The Devil exults when he can extinguish or impede the devotion and joy brought about by pure prayer or other good works in the heart of God's servant. If the Devil takes hold of a servant of God, and if the latter is not wise enough to eliminate this bond as soon as possible by confession, contrition, and satisfaction, it would be very easy for the Devil to take the slightest thing and turn it into a very heavy burden."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 96

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Deep Union



In the inner wine cellar
I drank of my Beloved, when I went abroad
Through all this valley
I no longer know anything,
And lost the herd that I was following.

Now I occupy my soul
And all my energy in his service;
I no longer tend to the herd,
Nor have I any work
Now that my every act is LOVE.


Saint John of the Cross
Spiritual Canticle


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Sunday, September 25, 2011

How We Are To Preach



All my brothers, whenever they wish, may proclaim to anyone and everyone, with the blessing of God, the following or a similar exhortation and prayer of praise:

Fear and honor, praise and bless,
give thanks and adore
the Lord God All-Powerful,
Triune and One,
Father and Son and Holy Spirit,
Creator of all things.
Repent! (Matthew 3:2)
Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance,
for you know how soon we die!
"Give, and there will be gifts for you" (Luke 6:38).
"Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37).
And "if you do not forgive others, your Father will
not forgive your failings either" (Matthew 6:15).
"Confess your sins to another" (John 5:16).
Blessed are you who die in repentance,
for you will be in the kingdom of heaven.
Woe to those who do not die in repentance,
for you will be children of the devil
whose co-workers you are,
and you will go into fire everlasthing.
Guard yourselves and abstain
from every evil and persevere
in good unto the end.

St. Francis
Rule 1221
Chapter XXII

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Fire of Divine Love




"No human tongue could describe the passionate love with which Francis burned for Christ, his Spouce; he seemed to be completely absorbed by the fire of divine love like a glowing coal. The moment he heard the love of God being mentioned, he was aroused immediately and so deply moved and inflamed that it seemed as if the deepest chord in his heart had been plucked by the words."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
Chapter IX

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Jacob's Ladder



St. Francis never failed to keep himself occupied doing good; like the angels Jacob saw on the ladder (Genesis 28:12), he was always busy, either raising his heart to God in prayer, or descending to his neighbor. He had learned how to distribute the time in which he could gain merit wisely, devoting part of it to his neighbor by doing good, and part to the restful ecstacy of contemplation.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER XIII

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Fasting and Abstinence for Lay Penitents



"For Penitents, all Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are days of abstinence (that is, meatless days) unless directed otherwise by a physician. Meat is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. At all times, Penitents should be temperate in eating and drinking."

Saint Francis of Assisi
First Rule of the Third Order of 1221
Chapter II: Abstinence

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Saturday, September 17, 2011

September 17 - Feast Day of St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata (The Wounds of Christ)




From the Legenda Minor of St. Bonaventure
(de Stigmatibus sacris, 1-4; ed. Quaracchi, 1941; pgg. 202-204)


Two years before Francis, the faithful servant of Christ, gave his soul back to God, he was alone on the top of Mt. Alverna. There he had begun a fast of forty days in honor of the archangel Michael and was immersed more deeply than usual in the delights of heavenly contemplation. His soul became aglow with the ardor of fervent longing for heaven as he experienced within himself the operations of grace.
As he was drawn aloft through ardent longing for God one morning near the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and was praying on the mountainside, he saw what appeared as a seraph with six bright wings gleaming like a fire descending from the heights of heaven. As this figure approached in swift flight and came near the man of God it appeared not only winged but also crucified. The sight of it amazed Francis and his soul experienced joy mingled with pain. He was delighted with the sight of Christ appearing to him so graciously and intimately and yet the awe-inspiring vision of Christ nailed to the cross aroused in his soul a joy of compassionate love.
When the vision vanished after a mysterious and intimate conversation it left Francis aglow with seraphic love in his soul. Externally, however, it left marks on his body like those of the Crucified as if the impression of a seal had been left on heated wag. The figures of the nails appeared immediately on his hands and feet. The heads of the nails were inside his hands but on top of his feet with their points extending through to the opposite side. His right side too showed a blood-red wound as if it had been pierced by a lance, and blood flowed frequently from it.
Because of this new and astounding miracle unheard of in times past, Francis came down from the mountain a new man adorned with the sacred stigmata, bearing in his body the image of the Crucified not made by a craftsman in wood or stone , but fashioned in his members by the hand of the living God.

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Monthly Gathering of Franciscans



"All the brothers and sisters of every city and place are to foregather every month at the time the ministers see fit, in a church which the ministers will make known, and there assist at Divine Services."

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Rule of Life of the Confraternity of Penitents
Chapter VI

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Friday, September 16, 2011

We Are To Prefer Nothing To Saving Souls


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Temptation of the Flesh


Sanctuario Rivitorto 

The bed upon which St. Francis of Assisi slept while at Rivo Torto

Blessed Francis betook himself with the rest of his brothers to a place near Assisi called Rivo Torto...were if, as happens, a temptation of the flesh at times assailed him, he would hurl himself into a ditch full of ice, when it was winter, and remain in it until all vestige of anything carnal had departed.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
Chapter XVI

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

As Franciscans, We Are To Love One Another

High School Youth Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville

Let the brothers love one another, as the Lord says, "This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12).

And let them show by their deeds the love they have for one another, as the Apostle says, "Our love must not be just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine" (1 John 3:18).

And they are "not to go slandering other people" (Titus 3:2); nor are they to grumble or speak evil, for it is written, "Libelers and slanderers are enemies of God" (Romans 1:30). And they are "to be peacable and gentle, and always polite to people of all kinds" (Titus 3:2).

St. Francis of Assisi
Rule 1221
Chapter XI

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Monday, September 12, 2011

The Bridegroom's Touch



St. Francis always sought a hidden place where he could adapt not only his soul but also his members to God. When he suddenly felt himself visited by the Lord in public, lest he be without a cell he made a cell of his mantle. At times, when he did not have a mantle, he would cover his face with his sleeve so that he would not disclose the hidden manna. Always, he put something between himself and the bystander, lest they should become aware of the bridegroom's touch.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER LXI

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

Make My Heart A Dwelling Place!

A cave overlooking Assisi, Italy


In that love which is God (1 John 4:16), I entreat all my friars, ministers and subjects, to put away every attachment, all care and solicitude, and serve, love, honour, and adore our Lord and God with a pure heart and mind; this is what he seeks above all else. We should make a dwelling-place within ourselves where He can stay.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter 21

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Friday, September 09, 2011

Parresia: A Quality To Perform Miracles

Sister Briege McKenna, OSC, a nun with the gift of healing
Athanasius comments: "For Antony (St. Antony of the Desert) 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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Thursday, September 01, 2011

How Do I Treat Poor Strangers?



At length, coming to a certain cloister of monks, St. Francis spent several days there as a scullion, wearing a ragged shirt and being satisfied to be filled only with broth. But, when all pity was withdrawn from him and he could not get even an old garment, he left the place, not moved by anger, but forced by necessity; and he went to the city of Gubbio, where he obtained a small tunic from a certain man who once had been his friend. Then, after some time had elapsed, when the fame of the man of God was beginning to grow and his name was spread abroad among the people, the prior of the aforementioned monastery recalled and realized how the man of God had been treated and he came to him and begged pardon for himself and his monks out of reverence for the Savior.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life - 16

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Withdrawing Into Solitude To Pray



la Sanctuario il Poverello d'Assisi
Francis said: "When the Lord withdrew into solitude to pray and fast for forty days and nights, he did not have a cell or a house built for himself but he took shelter under a rock of the mountain." That is why, following his example, he refused to have either a house or a cell on this earth and forbade that one be built for him.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 13

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Gloomy Hypocrites



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.

St.Francis
Rule of 1221
Chapter VII

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Monday, August 29, 2011

This Is Your Vocation



The peace which you proclaim with words must dwell even more abundantly in your hearts. Do not provoke others to anger or give scandal. Rather, let your gentleness draw them to peace, goodness, and concord. This is your vocation: to heal wounds, to bind what is broken, to bring home those who are lost. And remember that many who may now seem to be of the devil can one day become disciples of Christ.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions, 58

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Guard Against Pride And Empty Boasting

We must all be on our guard against pride and empty boasting and beware of worldly wisdom. A worldly spirit loves to talk a lot but do nothing, striving for the exterior signs of holiness that people can see, with no desire for true piety and interior holiness.
Saint Francis of Assisi
The Rule of 1221
Chapter 17

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Be Humble And Peaceful And Jesus Will Be With You



To know how to talk to Jesus is a great art, and to know how to cling to Him is great wisdom. Be humble and peaceful and Jesus will be with you; be devout and quiet and he will remain with you. You will quickly drive Him away and lose His grace, though, if you divert your attenion to your own affairs at His expense...It is better to have the whole world against us than to hurt Jesus.

Thomas A Kempis
The Immitation of Christ

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Beware of False Apparitions or "Visons"



Brother Rufino, once one of the great noblemen of Assisi, had become a companion of Francis. One day the devil appeared to him in the form of the Crucified Christ, telling him not to believe anything told to him by the 'son of Peter Bernardone' (St. Francis of Assisi), and whoever follows him is deceived.


But the Holy Spirit revealed all this to Brother Masseo and he perceived great peril for Brother Rufino and sent him to see St. Francis immediately and tell him of his vision.


Upon telling Francis of his vision, our Seraphic Father kindly showed Rufino that the vision was the devil and not Christ, and therefore he should in no way consent to his suggestions. "You should also have known that he was the devil because he hardened your heart to everything that is good, for that is exactly his job," said Francis


"The next time the devil speaks to you," St. Francis said, "answer him confidently, 'Open your mouth - and I will Sh*t [empty my bowels] in it!' And let it be a sign to you that he is the devil and he will immediately go away."


When Brother Rufino did as St. Francis instructed, the devil angrily went away with such a commotion and fall of rocks around Mount Subasio that a great mass of stones hurtled down for a long while.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 29

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Monday, August 22, 2011

Saint Francis Did Not Preach Watered Down "Touchy-Feely" Sermons


Francis, therefore, the most valiant knight of Christ, went about the towns and villages announcing the kingdom of God, preaching peace, teaching salvation and penance unto the remission of sins, not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but with the learning and power of the Spirit. He acted boldly in all things, because of the apostolic authority granted to him, using no words of flattery or seductive blandishments. He did not know how to make light of the faults of others, but he knew well how to cut them out; neither did he encourage the life of sinners, but he struck hard at them with sharp reproof, for he had first convinced himself by practicing himself what he wished to persuade others to do by his words...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XV

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Intoxicated By Love And Compassion For Christ

 
 
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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Padre Pio On The Movement To "Modernize" The Franciscan Order



Saint Padre Pio's reactions to the aggiornamento (literally "bringing up to date" or "Modernizing" it) the religious orders concocted in the wake of Vatican II:

In 1966, the Father General [of the Franciscans] came to Rome prior to the special Chapter on the Constitutions in order to ask Padre Pio for his prayers and benedictions. He met Padre Pio in the cloister. "Padre, I came to recommend to your prayers the special chapter for the new Constitutions..." He had scarcely gotten the words "special Chapter"..."new Constitutions" out of his mouth when Padre Pio made a violent gesture and cried out: "That is all nothing but destructive nonsense." "But Padre, after all, there is the younger generation to take into account... the youth evolve after their own fashion... there are new demands..." "The only thing missing is mind and heart, that’s all, understanding and love." Then he proceeded to his cell, did a half-turn, and pointed his finger, saying: "We must not denature ourselves, we must not denature ourselves! At the Lord’s judgment, St. Francis will not recognize us as his sons!"

Saint Padre Pio

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