Seek Out Solitary And Wild Places

 

Photo of the Portiuncula Chapel in Ozark, Ohio

"For a matter as intimate as converse with God, one should choose that place which least occupies and most transcends the human side of our natures. And then it must not be a place that is pleasant and delectable to our feelings (such as some habitually contrive to find) for, so instead of the recollection of the spirit in God, naught is achieved but recreation and pleasure and feelings of delight. Therefore, that place is good which is solitary, and even wild, so that the spirit wholly and directly soars upward to God, not hindered nor detained by visible things: for even though these sometimes help to raise the spirit, that is better done by at once forgetting them and resting in God."

St. John of the Cross

The Ascent of Mount Carmel

T

Obtaining The Treasure Of Heaven

 

Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, after he had taken the habit of St. Francis, was very rapt in God by the contemplation of heavenly things.

Thus one time it happened that while he 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 back his cowl as did the others who were there, but he stayed motionless, without blinking his eyes, gazing straight ahead, from morning until none.

But after none he came back to himself and went through the Place shouting in a voice filled with wonder: "Oh, Brothers! Oh, Brothers! Oh, Brothers! There is no man in all this country, no matter how great and noble he is, who, if he were promised a very beautiful palace full of gold, would not willingly carry a sack full of the most filthy manure in order to obtain heaven, that very noble treasure!"

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

T

Wintertime At The Portiuncula Chapel In Ozark, Ohio (Diocese of Steubenville)

 

T

The Vineyard Of Rieti

 

Rieti, Italy

Blessed Francis was staying near the church of St. Fabian in Rieti. A number of cardinals, accompanied by clerics, almost daily visited the saint out of respect and devotion.The church had a small vineyard and since the church had but one door, all those who came to visit passed through that one door, trampling the vineyard under foot. The priest was scandalized and disturbed: "This year," he said, "my vintage is lost. The vineyard is small but every year I harvest enough grapes for my needs."

St. Francis said to the priest: "Stop being disturbed and scandalized: nothing can be done about it. Place your trust in the Lord, because through me, his poor servant, he can repair the damage..."

The priest usually harvested thirteen loads of wine, but that year he harvested twenty from his destroyed vineyard.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 25

T

"Pants Suit Nuns" of Oldenberg, Indiana Going Ditzy Once Again!

 

T

Winter At The Portiuncula Chapel in Ozark, Ohio (Diocese of Steubenville)

 

T

"Special Year of Saint Francis"

 

To gain the plenary indulgence of Saint Francis, all it takes is - to go to confession - receive Communion - visit a Franciscan site, such as a convent, monastery, or place of devotion

Prayer For The Protection Of The Portiuncula Chapel

 Lord God, we have set aside the Portiuncula Chapel for an assembly of Your people. We ask Your blessings on this place that it might serve effectively as an area to promote unity, peace and the furthering of Your kingdom. We command in the name of Jesus that all spirits of discord or evil of any sort depart and we ask, O God, that You send Your angels to guard and protect the Portiuncula Chapel and all who participate in the events held here. We pray through the intercession of Holy Mother Mary and the Saints and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

The Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center

P.O. Box 34

Jerusalem, Ohio 43747

The Portiuncula Chapel is located adjacent to the 

Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery 

on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road in Ozark, Ohio 

Pope Leo XIV Proclaims "Special Year of St. Francis"

(Photo of the actual sandals worn by St. Francis of Assisi)

EWTN News

@EWTNews

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope — by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes can obtain the plenary indulgence by spiritually joining in the jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to God. In a world where “the virtual takes over the real, disagreements and social violence are part of everyday life, and peace becomes more insecure and distant every day, this Year of St. Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ,” the decree states. For the Order of Friars Minor, this time is also an opportunity for the faithful to become “models of holiness of life and constant witnesses of peace.” On the occasion of this anniversary, Pope Leo XIV addressed a letter to the ministers general of the Franciscan Family Conference in which he emphasized that “in this era, marked by so many seemingly endless wars, by internal and social divisions that create distrust and fear, he continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.” In this regard, he highlighted that St. Francis reminds us that “peace with God, peace among people, and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”

The Highest Form Of Religious Life

 

Photo of the Original Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi dated 1221 A.D.

While visiting Bologna, Brother Bernard put his hand in his bosom and brought out the Rule of St. Francis, which he bore in his heart and practiced in his deeds, and gave it to a learned judge to read.

And when that judge had read it through, reflecting on its lofty state of perfection, he was utterly amazed, for he was an intelligent man. And turning to his companions, he said with the greatest surprise and admiration: "This certainly is the highest form of religious life I have ever heard of! And therefore this man and his companions are some of the holiest men in the world. So those who insult him are committing a very great sin, for he should be given the highest honors rather than insults, as he is a great and true friend of God!"

Saint Francis of Assisi

Little Flowers of St. Francis - 5

T

Absorbed And Wrapt In Contemplation

 

How much grace God gave the poor men who followed the Gospel and who voluntarily gave up all things for the love of God was manifested in Brother Bernard of Quintavalle who, after he had taken the habit of St. Francis, was very frequently rapt in God by the contemplation of heavenly things.

Thus one time it happened that while he was attending Mass in a church and while 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

T

Everyone Must Be Made Welcome

 

No matter where they are, in hermitages or elsewhere, the friars must be careful not to claim ownership of any place, or try to hold it against someone else. Everyone who comes to them, friend or foe, rogue or robber, must be made welcome.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Rule of 1221

Chapter 7

T

The Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 

All those are damned who see the sacrament of the Body of Christ which is consecrated on the altar in the form of bread and wine by the words of our Lord in the hands of the priest, and do not see or believe in spirit and in God that this is really the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Most High himself who told us, 'This is my Body and Blood of the new covenant' (Mark 14: 22-24), and, 'He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting' (John 6:55).

Saint Francis of Assisi

Admonition I

T

Deprived Of Speech

 

"When St. Francis was praying at the place of the Portiuncula, it happened that the bishop of Assisi came to him on a friendly visit, as was his custom. As soon as he entered the place, he went unceremoniously to Francis' cell without being called, and after knocking at the door, was about to enter. But behold, he put his head in and saw the saint praying, a trembling took hold of him suddenly and his limbs became rigid, and he also lost his speech. Suddenly, by the will of God, he was driven out by force and pushed backward some distance. I believe that he was either unworthy to look upon this secret thing or that the saint was worthy to keep his secret longer. The astonished bishop returned to the brothers, and with the first word he uttered in confessing his fault, he recovered his speech (John 18:6)."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

CHAPTER LXVI

T

How To Act During A Rapture

The holy and very devout lay brother James of Massa, who had been with St. Clare and many of the companions of St. Francis, had a gift regarding how he should act when he had such a grace.

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

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

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

Saint Francis of Assisi

Little Flowers of St. Francis

Part Three

ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS - 8

T

Indulging In Vices, Sins, Evil Longings And Desires

 

All those who refuse to do penance and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are blind, because they cannot see the true light, our Lord Jesus Christ. They indulge their vices and sins and follow their evil longings and desires, without a thought for the promises they made. In body they are slaves of the world and of the desires of their lower nature, with all the cares and anxieties of this life; in spirit they are slaves of the devil. They have been led astray by him and have made themselves his children, dedicated to doing his work. They lack spiritual insight because the Son of God does not dwell in them, and it is he who is the true Wisdom of the Father.

Saint Francis of Assisi

LETTER TO ALL THE FAITHFUL

T

When We Are The Bride, Brother And Mother Of Christ

 

A person is his bride when his faithful soul is united with Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit; we are his brothers when we do the will of his Father who is in heaven (Matthew 12:50), and we are mothers to him when we enthrone him in our hearts and sould by love with a pure and sincere conscience, and give him birth by doing good. This, too, should be an example to others.

Saint Francis of Assisi

LETTER TO ALL THE FAITHFUL

T

Franciscan Lay Apostolate (F.L.A.)

 

The Franciscan Lay Apostolate  is currently under the direction of Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A. Along with his staff, the F.L.A. works to foster the spread of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and helps to raise the dignity of people's lives in Appalachia. 

Apostolicam Actuositatem is the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity. It defines the mission of the lay Christian faithful to both "lead non-believers to the faith and to instruct, strengthen, and encourage the faithful to a more fervent life". The lay apostolate is made up from laypeople and consecrated religious who exercise a ministry in cooperation with the Catholic Church. These organizations cooperate with ecclesiastical authorities. They operate "under direction of her pastors" but are not members of the official Church hierarchy nor in Holy Orders. 

Mailing Address:

Portiuncula Hermitage

P.O. Box 34

Jerusalem, Ohio 43747

T

Epiphany Blessing 20+C+M+B+26

 

Jesus has come to us: we must welcome Him. How could we refuse such a gracious guest? Jesus has come to our earth, our home, to live with us. He has blessed our earthly dwelling by his very presence. Our Christian identity demands that we “roll out the red carpet” for Christ and show him all due hospitality, as did the Magi (as well as the shepherds, in their own way). Because Epiphany celebrates in a special way our welcoming of the Christ child into our lives, this is traditionally a time of year for the blessing of homes. Having our homes blessed gives us the opportunity to welcome Christ into our homes and hearts, just as the Magi welcomed Christ into the world. Epiphany (and the weeks following) specifically provides, especially if you have never had your home blessed before, an excellent opportunity to have your home blessed by a priest. When was the last time you had a priest come to your home? This is one of the best ways to get to know your pastor: to share a meal and conversation with him in the context of your home, to allow the priest who acts in the person of Christ to bring Christ’s blessing to you.

Fr. Nick Ward

Key Elements of the Blessing

The Inscription (20+C+M+B+26) : 
20__+26: The first two and last two digits of the current year (e.g., 2026). 
C+M+B: Initials for the Three Kings (Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar) or the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat ("May Christ bless this house"). 
+ Signs: Represent the cross and the star of Bethlehem. 
Materials Needed: Blessed chalk (often from a church) and holy water. 

How to Perform the Blessing

Gather: Family members assemble at the front door. 
Sprinkle Holy Water: Sprinkle holy water in each room while saying prayers or singing hymns. 
Mark the Door: Write the inscription above the main door, saying a prayer like, "May Christ bless this house and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen". 
Say the Blessing Prayer: Recite prayers asking God to bless the home, fill it with His love, and guide the family. 
Leave the Marking: The chalk marking remains until the next year's blessing. 

Purpose & Significance

Invitation to Christ: It's a way to ask Jesus to be a daily presence and guest in the home. 
Symbol of Faith: Marks the home as a Christian dwelling. 
Connection to Baptism: Using holy water recalls baptismal graces. 
Protection & Blessing: Seeks God's protection and blessings for health, love, and obedience to His law for all who live or visit.