Correction of the Brethren Who Offend

"If the ministers should command one of the brethren anything contrary to our rule and the salvation of his soul, he is not bound to obey..."

Sayings of St. Francis

The Poor Man

The poor man has nothing, who would like to give to the poor, but has nothing to give, who would like to build hospitals, but has not wherewith to do so - in him the will is taken for the deed.

St. Francis
Admonitions to the Brethren

Of The Vocation Of Friars Minor

Let us, beloved brethren, consider our vocation, to which by the mercy of God we have been called, not for ourselves only, but for the salvation of many; that we may go through the world, exhorting all, more by our example than by our words, to do penance for their sins, and to remember the commandments of God.

St. Francis
Admonitions to the Brethren

Religious Must Cultivate Silence

Finding a certain religious had a habit of speaking idle words, the holy father sharply rebuked him, saying, "Modest silence is the sure guardian of a pure heart and is not the least among the great virtues; for life and death are in the power of the tongue, not so much on account of the taste as of speach."

St.Francis
Miscellaneous Writings

Perfect Joy

"Of perfect joy - that the most precious gift which we can receive from the Holy Ghost is strength to conquer self, and to bear reproaches patiently for the love of God."

St. Francis
Admonitions to the Brethren

Good Preacher

"You have as much learning as you put into practice, and you are as good a preacher as you do what you say."

Writings of Leo, Rufino, and Angelo - 22

Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

"All the brothers (and sisters) and are to preach by their works."

Rule of 1221, Chapter XVII

Haughtiness

When you are too sure of yourself, you are less on guard against the enemy. Be alert, therefore, for the devil, who, if he can claim even one hair of your head, will lose no time in making a braid of it.

St. Bonaventure - Major Life - 5

The Sweetest Fragrance

St. Francis used to say he felt filled with the sweetest fragrance (Exodus 29:18) and anointed with "costly ointment" (John 12:3) when it was reported to him that his brothers, scattered throughout the world, were drawing many to return to the right way by the fragrant perfume of their holiness.

St.Bonaventure - Major Life - 8

The Sight Of Women Is To Be Avoided

The companion of the saint once asked him why he did not look at a certain noble virgin who charitably and humbly visited the sick and ministered to them, to which Saint Francis replied, "Who ought not to fear the spouce of Christ? If we preach to her by the modesty of our eyes, she will be the more confirmed in her chastity. Let her look at me, but I will not look at her."

St. Francis
Miscellaneous Writings

Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg, Indiana -3rd Annual "Francis Fest"

Come to Oldenburg for the 3rd Annual Francis Fest!

October 7, 2007
1:00-4:00 P.M.

Celebrate St. Francis and his Right Relationship with Earth

Michaela Farm
Oldenburg, IN

For more information, call

812-933-0661

or visit

www.oldenburgfranciscans.org

We Are Not To Judge The Rich

Let us not, however, judge or despise those who live delicately and are clothed sumptuously. God is their Lord as well as ours, and he is powerful enough to call them to his service, and, having called, to justify them.

Ralph Martin: "The Fulfillment of All Desire."

Are you interested in the Contemplative Life?

Drawing upon the teaching of seven Spiritual Doctors of the Church, Ralph Martin presents an in-depth study of the journey to God. This book provides encouragement and direction for the pilgrim who desires to know, love, and serve our Lord. I have personally read this book six times and grow deeper in my faith with every reading.

About the Author:

Ralph Martin has been a leader in renewal movements in the Church for many years, and the author of many books, articles, and audio albums on contemporary issues in the life of the Church and the teachings of the saints. He is currently Director of Graduate Programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heat Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit and Assistant Professor of Theology. He continues to lead the work of Renewal Ministries, an organization devoted to Catholic Renewal and Evangelization and hosts the weekly television program "The Choices We Face." He and his wife Anne are parents of six children and grandparents of six and reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Pumped Up and Pompous

The apostle said, "The letter killeth; the Spirit giveth life." Those are killed by the letter who desire to know the words only that they may be reputed more learned than others, and that they may acquire great riches to bestow on their relations and friends.

St. Francis
Admonitions to the Brethren

To My Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, India

For the Lord himself has not only placed us as examples and mirrors for others, but also for our own sisters whom the Lord has called to our way of life, so that they in turn will be mirrors and examples to those living in the world.

The Testament of St. Clare - 6

Opposition From Bishops

After the general Chapter of Assisi, at which more than five thousand brethren assembled from every province, the holy father sent them two and two to preach the Word of God in all countries. Many of them returned to him complaining sorrowfully that some bishops were opposed to them and would not allow them to preach in their dioceses....At which the blessed father, filled with holy indignation, exclaimed, "O my brethren, you know not the will of God, and you seek by your foolishness to rob me of the conquest of the world. For our Lord Jesus Christ wishes that I should overcome the world by the most profound subjection and humility, and that I should perform the great work drawing souls to him by example of my lowliness. My brethren, you will convert all by your words, if you humble yourselves before all by your actions. Those who cruelly persecute you will be converted to Christ by the example of your patience, and will desire to kiss the very ground on which you walk..."

Miscellaneous Writings of St Francis

Conventional Franciscan Friars

www.franciscans.org/ has been created by the Conventual Franciscan Friars as an open invitation to explore Franciscan life and spirituality. The invitation is open to everyone but is specifically designed for Catholic men and women looking to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church through St. Francis of Assisi and Franciscan community life and service.


"Blessed are those religious who have no joy or delight except in the most holy words of the Lord, and who use them to lead others to the love of God in joy and gladness."

Admonition 20

Bishop Sam Jacobs Guest Speaker: March 1, 2008, The Holy Spirit and Evangelization, Batesville High School Auditorium Batesville, Indiana

Bishop Sam Jacobs shepherds the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux,Louisiana and previously served as bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana. He was ordained to the priesthood for the diocese of Lafayette in 1964 and served as pastor, chaplain, and associate pastor of several parishes in the diocese of Lafayette and Lake Charles. He also served as the Episcopal advisor to the National Service Committee for Vocations and Seminarians for the diocese of Lakes Charles. In 1996, Franciscan University awarded him the shepherd’s Award in recognition of his faithful service to the Church.




Joy Is Contagious !

"If at times temptation or despondency comes along to try me, and I see joy in my companions, then I immediately recover and let go of the temptation or depression. The joy I admire in others restores my own inward and outward joy."

Mirror of Perfection - 96

CHARISCENTER USA

National Service Center of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Often, without moving his lips, St.Francis would meditate for a long time and, concentrating, centering his external powers, he would rise in spirit to heaven. Thus, he directed his whole mind and affections to the one thing he was asking of God. He was not then so much a man who prayed, as a man who had become a living prayer.

Celano - Second Life - 95

Of the Humility and Peace to be Observed Toward Priests

My beloved brethren, we have been sent to assist priests in the salvation of souls, that what is wanting in them may be supplied by us. Everyone will receive his reward, not according to his dignity, but according to his labor. Know, my brethren, that the salvation of souls is most pleasing to God, and this we shall procure much better by living in concord with the clergy than by being at variance with them. If they hinder this work, God is their judge, and he will avenge it in due time. Therefore be subject to the prelates, that, as far as you can prevent it, no envy may arise. If you are the sons of peace, you will gain both the clergy and the people, and this will be much more acceptable to God than if you gained the people only and scandalized the clergy. Hide their faults, supply their deficiencies; and when you have done this, humble yourselves all the more.

St. Francis
Admonitions to the Bretheren

Contemplative Or Active Life

On one occassion St. Francis said to the brothers who were closest to him, "What do you think? Should I give my time to prayer or should I go about preaching? I am a poor little simple one, with no skill in speaking; I have received the gift of prayer rather than that of preaching. Besides, in prayer we acquire graces while in preaching we deal out the graces we've received. In prayer we purify the desires of our hearts and enter in union with the one, true, and supreme Good, and we grow in virtue. In preaching, on the other hand, the dust of distraction and relaxed discipline enters the soul."

St.Bonaventure - Major Life - 12

Insignificant and Unbalanced

Have no fear of being thought insignificant or unbalanced, but preach repentance with courage and simplicity. Have faith in the Lord, who has overcome the world. His Spirit speaks in you and through you, calling men and women to turn to him and observe his precepts. You will encounter some who are faithful, meek, and well disposed; they will joyfully receive you and your words. But there are more who are skeptical, proud, and blasphemous, and who will insult you and resist your message. Prepare yourselves, therefore, to bear everything with patience and humility.

Legend of the Three Companions - 36

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Central Indiana (CCRCI)

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Central Indiana (CCRCI) serves the archdiocese of Indianapolis and the diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. A Service Team, including Fr. Nöel Mueller, O.S.B., of St. Meinrad Archabbey―ecclesial liaison to the archbishop of Indianapolis―and Fr. David Newton, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church―liaison to the bishop of Lafayette―steers the activities and ministries for the Central Indiana area.


Each year CCRCI spreads the Good News of Jesus Christ and fosters renewal through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church. Our mission is to renew the grace of Pentecost throughout each parish in Central Indiana through evangelization and service. We envision personal, continuous conversion to the Lordship of Jesus Christ with the fullness of the charisms of the Holy Spirit as normative within personal lives and parish communities.

Please visit their web site at:

http://www.inholyspirit.org/about.html

The Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

Kissing your feet and with all the love I'm capable of, I beg you to render, as far as you can, all reverence and total adoration to the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all things in heaven and on earth are made peaceful and are reconciled to God the Almighty.

St. Francis
Letter to the Whole Order

Fr. Gregory Bramlage

The Lord has called me into the way of simplicity and humility, and he has indeed made this way known through me and through all who choose to believe and follow me...He told me I am to be a new kind of fool in this world.

Mirror of Perfection, 68


Most people in their sixties reflect back upon their youth and reminisce about our long-lost youth. Many of us who were in our twenties during the beginnings of the Charismatic Renewal are now in our late fifties and early sixties. We idly reflect upon those "good times" as though they are gone forever. Like so many others, I too had moved on with my life, opting to concentrate more on Contemplative Prayer and Franciscan Holiness than remaining involved in the Renewal. After all, we all have to pass the baton sooner or later.

As God would have it, it was once again time for me to be knocked off my horse (my high horse.)

I first met Fr. Gregory Bramlage in 1996. St. Mary Catholic Church in Richmond, Indiana was his first assignment upon ordination to the priesthood. After moving on to his next assignment, I would run into him every once in a while around Indiana and Ohio, but only long enough to say "hi" and "goodbye." Then about a year ago I was told about this young priest who has a healing ministry and was really shaking things up in southern Indiana. People were coming from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois to be healed. The priest's name? Fr. Gregory Bramlage!

Then in early March I got an e-mail from Ralph Martin saying he was going to be a guest speaker at Fr. Bramlage's parish on August 11th, 2007 and that was the excuse I was looking for to attend one of these healing services.

What I experienced yesterday was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I had never encountered before, even at national conferences. What impressed me most was the unassuming humility of both Fr. Gregory and Ralph Martin. Their accessability and kindness shown one-on-one with everyone there and the power of the Holy Spirit working in their daily lives reminded where St. Francis wrote, "Since spiritual joy springs from the heart's innocense and the purity of incessant prayer, these are the two virtues we need to acquire and keep."


My advice to everyone? Don't miss the March 2008 Conference featuring Bishop Sam Jacobs !!!

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, India

Since by divine inspiration you have made yourselves daughters and handmaids of the Most High King, the Father of Heaven, and have embraced the Holy Spirit as your spouce, choosing to live according to the perfection of the Holy Gospel, I resolve and promise that personally and through my brothers I will always have the same special care and solicitude for you as I have for them.

Rule of St. Clare, Chapter VI

Remain Faithful To The Lord

We shouldn't flatter ourselves and boast about doing what any sinner can do. A sinner can fast, pray, weep, mortify the flesh. But this a sinner cannot do: Remain faithful to the Lord. Therefore this is what we should glory in: Rendering glory to our Lord, serving him faithfully, and acknowledging as his whatever he gives us.

Celano - Second Life, 134

Ralph Martin - Indiana Healing Conference: Walking on Water

Please join Ralph Martin, Father Gregory Bramlage and Father Daniel Wilder on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at East Central High School in St. Leon, Indiana at the Indiana Healing Conference !

Ralph Martin is the President of Renewal Ministries and the host of the weekly television program The Choices We Face. He is the author of several books on the Catholic Church and spirituality and audio albums on the teaching of the saints. He is the Director of Graduate Programs in The New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Ralph is also Assistant Professor of Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit as well as Visiting Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Ralph and his wife Anne have six children and six grandchildren.

Sponsored by St. Nicholas Catholic Church Sunman, Indiana

PRAY FOR PEACE !!!

One Minute Each Night during WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Each evening at 9:00 P.M. Eastern, 8:00 P.M. Central, 7:00 P.M. Mountain, 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world. It has been said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most valuable asset we have.

In Pursuit of Perfection

"What you hold, may you always hold,
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step,
Unswerving feet,
So that even your steps stir up no dust,
May you go forward
Securely,joyfully, and swiftly,
On the path of prudent happiness,
Not believeing anything,
Not agreeing with anything,
That would dissuade you from this resolution
Or that would place a stumbling block for you on the way,
So that you may offer your vows to the Most High
In the pursuit of that perfection
To which the Spirit of the Lord has called you."

St. Clare's "Second Letter to Agnes of Prague"

Arguing

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."

Rule of 1221, Chapter XI