"Radical Sabbatical" Men's Retreat September 18-20 at Portiuncula Hermitage

Photo of Portiuncula Pond

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 me at: dicksoncorp@parallax.ws

Pax Et Bonum!

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The Real Presence Association

Our Lord Jesus told his disciples, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me. If you had known me, you would also have known my Father. And henceforth you do know him, and you have seen him. Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known me? Philip, he who sees me sees also the Father (John 13: 6-9).

...It is the Most High himself who has told us, (Mark 14: 22-24), and,This is my Body and Blood of the new covenant he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting (John 6:55).

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE ADMONITIONS
Admonition I

Being Occupied With Jesus

Indeed Francis was always occupied with Jesus; Jesus he bore in his heart, Jesus in his mouth, Jesus in his ears, Jesus in his eyes, Jesus in the rest of his members. O how often, when he sat down to eat, hearing or speaking or thinking of Jesus, he forgot bodily food, as we read of the holy one: "Seeing, he did not see, and hearing he did not hear."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life - 115

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We Are To Be Mirrors For Others

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.

St. Clare
The Testament of St. Clare - 6

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St. Clare

St. Clare's Tunic and Mantle on display at the Portiuncula in Assisi

On Palm Sunday, March 18, 1212, a young noblewoman of Assisi, Clare, di Favarone, attended Mass at the cathedral of San Rufino where she received her palm from the bishop himself. That night she left home secretly and went to the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, the Portiuncula. There St. Francis himself witnessed her vows to live the Gospel life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. From that moment until her death she was a true Bride of the Poor Christ, the most faithful daughter of Francis.

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Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, 50th Anniversary Celebration

50th Anniversary Celebration

Honoring Father Michael Scanlan, TOR
Chancellor and Past President

Join Franciscan University for a special celebration honoring our beloved Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, for his 50 years as a professed Franciscan and for his outstanding contributions to Catholic higher education and the Church. Events will include an afternoon conference, a Mass of Thanksgiving, and a gala reception and dinner.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Father Michael Scanlan Scholarship Fund.

Program

October 17, 2009

2:00 – 4:00 PM Mini Conferences (Speakers to be announced)

4:00 – 5:30 PM Mass – Christ the King Chapel

6:00 PM – Reception and Gala Dinner – Finnegan Fieldhouse

Tickets

$75.00 conference, dinner, and reception
$50.00 dinner and reception only
$35.00 conference only

Registration

To Download a Registration Form, click here.

Contact us at 800-437-8368 and our friendly student staff will be happy to assist you!

http://www.franciscanconferences.com/Fall_and_Spring/FMS_Anniversary.asp

Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

Above photo is 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: dicksoncorp@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 $1, $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!

T

Remain In The Presence Of The Heavenly Father

Saint Francis would say: "If the servant of God, as may happen, is disturbed in any way, he should rise up immediately to pray and should remain in the presence of the heavenly Father until He restores unto him the joy of salvation"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
CHAPTER LXXXVIII

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Prayer The Chief Comfort In This Life

Prayer was the chief comfort in this life of contemplation in which Francis became a fellow-citizen of the angels, as he penetrated the dwelling places of heaven in his eager search for his Beloved, from whom he was separated only by a partition of flesh.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER X

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Becoming Ourselves A Prayer

Often, without moving his lips, Francis would meditate within himself and drawing external things within himself, he would lift his spirit to higher things. All his attention and affection he directed with his whole being to the one thing which he was asking of the Lord, not so much praying as becoming himself a prayer.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 95

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Visited By God In Prayer

If he was praying with the friars, Francis completely avoided all deep breathing and sighing, or any outward display, either because he loved to keep things to himself or because he had descended into the depths of his heart and was lost in God. he often said to his companions, "If a religious is visited by God in his prayer, he should say, 'Lord, you have sent this comfort from heaven even though I am a sinner and unworthy, and I entrust it to your keeping because I know that I only steal your treasures.' When he leaves his prayer, such a person should seem as much a sinner and worthy of contempt as if he had received no new favor." Saint Francis of Assisi Bonaventure, Major Life CHAPTER X

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Always Intent Upon Prayer

Francis' safest haven was prayer; not prayer of a single moment, or idle or presumptuous prayer, but prayer of long duration, full of devotion, serene in humility. If he began late, he would scarcely finish before morning. Walking, sitting, eating, or drinking, he was always intent upon prayer. He would go alone to pray at night in churches abandoned and located in deserted places, where, under the protection of divine grace, he overcame many fears and many disturbances of mind.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XXVII

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Our Body Is Our Cell

A monk in his cell

Wherever we are, wherever we go, we bring our cell with us. Our brother body is our Cell and our soul is the hermit living in that cell in order to pray to God and meditate. If our soul does not live in peace and solitude within its cell, of what avail is it to live in a man-made cell?

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 80

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The Blessing of the Cincture

The cincture, like the one priests wear at Mass, 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 a cincture in honor of St. Francis. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful devoted 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 be-anka) which translated means "White Rope." The three knots on the Franciscan Cincture represent Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the three vows every Franciscan makes.

The priest, vested in surplice and white stole, says:
V:	Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R:	Who made heaven and earth.
V:	The Lord be with you.
R:	May He also be with you.
V:	Let us pray.
	Lord Jesus Christ, who inculcated the counsel and love of virginity, and gave the precept of chastity, we appeal to Thy kindness, asking that Thou bless and hallow this cincture as a token of purity. Let all who gird themselves with it as a safeguard of chastity be enabled, by the prayers of Saint Joseph, spouse of Thy holy Mother, to practice that continence which is so pleasing to Thee, and to live in obedience to Thy commandments. May they also obtain pardon of their sins, health in mind and body, and finally attain everlasting life. We ask this of Thee who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever.
R:	Amen.
V:	Let us pray.
	Almighty and everlasting God, grant, we pray, that those who revere the inviolate virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary and of Saint Joseph, her spouse, may by their prayers be pure in mind and body; through Christ our Lord.
R:	Amen
	Let us pray.
	Almighty and everlasting God, who committed the boy Jesus and the most pure Mary, ever a Virgin, to the care of the chaste man Saint Joseph, we humbly entreat Thee that those who are girded with this cincture in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi and under his patronage may, by Thy help and his prayers, persevere in holy chastity for all time; through Christ our Lord.
R:	Amen.
	Let us pray.
	God, the lover and restorer of innocence, we pray that Thy faithful who are to wear this cincture may, by the prayers of Saint Joseph, spouse of Thy holy Mother, have their loins girded and hold burning lamps in their hands, and thus be likened to men who wait for their Lord when He shall return for a wedding, that when He comes and knocks they may open to Him, and be found worthy of being taken into everlasting joys; through Thee who lives and reigns forever and ever.
R:	Amen
Then the priest puts incense into the censer, sprinkles the cincture with holy water, and says:
	Sprinkle me with hyssop, Lord, and I shall be clean of sin. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
After this he incenses the cincture, and continues:
V:	Save Thy servants.
R:	Who trust in Thee, my God.
V:	Lord, send them aid from Thy holy place.
R:	And watch over them from Sion.
V:	Lord, heed my prayer.
R:	And let my cry be heard by Thee.
V:	The Lord be with you.
R:	May He also be with you.
	Let us pray.
	O God of mercy, God of goodness, Thou art pleased with all good things, and without whom no good work is begun, no good work is finished; kindly hear our prayers, and defend Thy faithful, who are to wear this blessed cincture in honour of Saint Francis and under his protection, from the snares of this world and all its lusts. Help them to persist in their holy resolution and to obtain pardon of their sins, and thus merit to be numbered amongst Thy elect; through Christ our Lord.
R:	Amen.

My God and My All!

Looking up to heaven and raising his hands, he prayed with intense fervor and devotion, saying: "My God and my all!" And he sobbed out those words with so many tears and kept repeating them with such devout persistence that until matins he said nothing but "My God and my all!"

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 2

We, Wretched Creatures, Enjoy So Many Luxuries!

Photo of Original Tunic worn by St. Francis found in Assisi

When the Lord Bishop of Ostia, who later became Pope Gregory IX, attended the Chapter of the Friars at Saint Mary of the Portiuncula, he entered the house with many knights and clergy to see the friars' dormitory. And seeing how the friars lay on the ground and had nothing beneath them but a little straw, and a few broken-down pallets, and no pillows, he began to weep freely before them all, saying, 'Look how the friars sleep here! But we, wretched creatures, enjoy so many luxuries! What will become of us?'

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 21


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The Blessed Sacrament

Every day He humbles Himself just as He did when He came from His heavenly throne (Wisdom 18:15) into the Virgin's womb; every day He comes to us and lets us see Him in abjection, when He descends from the bosom of the Father into the hands of the priest at the Altar.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Admonitions
Admonition I

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A Quiet And Secret Place Of Solitude

Photo of Portiuncula Hermitage

At certain times the blessed and venerable father Francis left behind the crowds of the world that were coming together daily with the greatest devotion to hear and see him, and he sought out a quiet and secret place of solitude, desiring to spend his time there with God and to cleanse himself of any dust that may have clung to him from his association with men.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER II

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Pride and Arrogance

"Let not the spirit which now works on the unbelievers find anything in you gratifying unto himself, nothing wavering, nothing diffident, lest he find ground in you for working his wickedness against you. For he is exceedingly proud, and his pride and his arrogancy is more than his strength..."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Sacrum Commercium - 67

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Woe To Those Who Despise Priests!

Blessed is that servant of God who has confidence in priests who live according to the laws of the holy Roman Church. Woe to those who despise them.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE ADMONITIONS
Admonition XXVI

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Appearing Ignorant And Of No Account

"Do not be afraid to preach penance even though we appear ignorant and of no account"..."You will find some men to be faithful and kind and they will receive you gladly; but you will also find many who are unfaithful, proud, and blasphemous, and they will insult and injure you and your words."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER X

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Father Stan Fortuna (Franciscan Monk) "Breaking Bad" at Stubie Youth Conference

Evan and David: ENJOY !!!!!

The Canticle of the Creatures - St. Francis of Assisi

(il Cantico delle Creature)


by
Angelo Branduardi

Lyrics

A te solo Buon Signore
Si confanno gloria e onore
A Te ogni laude et benedizione
A Te solo si confanno
Che laltissimo Tu sei
E nullomo degno e
Te mentovare.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Con le Tue creature
Specialmente Frate Sole
E la sua luce.
Tu ci illumini di lui
Che e bellezza e splendore
Di Te Altissimo Signore
Porta il segno.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per sorelle Luna e Stelle
Che Tu in cielo le hai formate
Chiare e belle.
Si laudato per Frate Vento
Aria, nuvole e maltempo
Che alle Tue creature dan sostentamento.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per sorella nostra Acqua
Ella e casta, molto utile
E preziosa.
Si laudato per Frate Foco
Che ci illumina la notte
Ed e bello, giocondo
E robusto e forte.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per la nostra Madre Terra
Ella e che ci sostenta
E ci governa
Si laudato Mio Signore
Vari frutti lei produce
Molti fiori coloriti
E verde lerba.
Si laudato per coloro
Che perdonano per il Tuo amore
Sopportando infermite
E tribolazione
E beati sian coloro
Che cammineranno in pace
Che da Te Buon Signore
Avran corona.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per la Morte Corporale
Che da lei nesun che vive
Pue scappare
E beati saran quelli
nella Tua volonte
che Sorella Morte
non gli fare male

Saint Francis of Assisi
(il Poverello d'Assisi)

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The Real Presence: Fr. Stan Fortuna

Our Lord Jesus told his disciples, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me. If you had known me, you would also have known my Father. And henceforth you do know him, and you have seen him. Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known me? Philip, he who sees me sees also the Father (John 13: 6-9).

...It is the Most High himself who has 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
THE ADMONITIONS
Admonition I

The Efficacy of Francis' Preaching - His Powers of Healing

Men and women of every age flocked to see and hear this new preacher who had been given to the world by God, as Francis moved from place to place preaching fervently, "the Lord aiding him, and attesting his word by the miracles that went with him" (Mark 16:20). Francis, the herald of truth, cast out devils by the power of God's name and healed the sick. By the efficacy of his preaching he moved hearts which had become hardened to repentance - which is greater still - and restored health to bodies and souls.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER XII

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Healing

The Tunic of St. Francis found in Cortuna

The people of Ascoli would offer Francis bread to bless, which they would then keep for a long time; and upon eating it, they were cured of various illnesses. So also they very often cut off parts of his tunic in their very great faith, so much so that he sometimes was left almost naked. And what is even more wonderful, if the holy father would touch any object with his hand, health returned to many by means of that object.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XXII

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Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

All the Friars, both clerics and lay brothers, must say the Divine Office with the praises and prayers, as they are obliged to.

Saint Francis of Assisi
THE RULE OF 1221
Chapter 3

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Concerning the Conversion of a Soldier

There was a certain strong soldier who had won many victories and later became a Friar Minor. And when soldiers laughed at him because he had joined such an Order rather then the Templars or a similar Order where he could do much good and still fight battles, he replied, "I tell you that when I feel thirst, hunger, cold, and such things, the impulse of pride and concupiscience and such still attacks me. How much worse would it be if I saw my feet shod in armor and I was on a handsome horse and so on!"

And he added; "So far I was strong in fighting others-from now on I want to be strond fighting myself!"

Thanks be to God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 17

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Congressman Mike Pence Speaks On Amendment To Defund Planned Parenthood

Consider Being Like A Man With Leprosy

Saint Francis not only served victims of leprosy willingly, but, in addition, he ordered that the friars of his Order should serve them with care wherever they might be going or staying in the world, for the love of Christ who for our sake wished to be considered like a man with leprosy.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 25

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The Greatest Shame

Once when Francis had met a poor man and considered his poverty, he said to his companion, "This man's poverty brings great shame on us, and is a stern rebuke to our own. For since I have chosen holy poverty as my lady, my delight, and my spiritual bodily treasure, I feel the greatest shame when I find someone poorer than myself"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 17

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Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

Above photo is 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: dicksoncorp@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 $1, $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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The Praises of the Virtues

Hail, Queen Wisdom! The Lord save you,
with your sister, pure, holy Simplicity.
Lady Holy Poverty, God keep you,
with your sister, holy Humility.
Lady Holy Love, God keep you,
with your sister, holy Obedience...

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Praises of Virtues

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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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Congressman Mike Pence Offers Amendment To De-Fund Planned Parenthood

The Pence Amendment

The Prayer 'Absorbeat'

May the power of your love, O Lord, fiery and sweet as honey, wean my heart form all that is under heaven, so that I may die for love of your love, you who were so good as to die for love of my love.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Attributed to St. Francis by Thomas of Celano in his Second Life of St. Francis
(II Cel., 196: "The love of him," he said, "who loved us so much is to be loved.")

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Observe The Gospel And The Rule

Francis admonished the brothers faithfully to observe the holy Gospel and the Rule to which they had bound themselves; to bear themselves reverently and devoutly towards the services of the Church and all ecclesiastical observances; to hear Mass and adore the Body of the Lord with devotion and worship.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions - 57

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Receiving The Food Which Is God Himself

One day it was raining heavily, and he was riding because of his infirmity and pressing need. And although he was already drenched to the skin, he dismounted from the horse when he wished to say the Hours, and said the Office standing in the road with the rain pouring down on him, as though he had been in a church or cell. And he said to his companion, 'If the body likes to take food in peace and ease, although it becomes food for worms, how much greater should be the soul's reverence and devotion when it receives the food which is God Himself.'

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 94

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What A Man Is Before God, That He Is And No More

Francis used to say the Son of God descended from the sublimity of the Father's bosom to share our misery and become our Lord and Teacher, in order to teach us humility by word and example. Therefore, as Christ's true disciple, he was careful to preserve a low opinion of himself and appear worthless in the eyes of others, keeping in mind the words of the supreme Teacher..."What a man is before God, that he is and no more."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VI

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Keeping Silence At The Portiuncula

Left to Right: Brother Francis Mary Michael and Fra Giles Mary Christopher

Saint Francis said to the Lesser Brothers concerning the Portiuncula; "Let them do as the old brothers did. This is already a holy place; they preserved its holiness by praying there continually night and day and by observing silence there constantly. And if they sometimes spoke after the time determined for the beginning of silence it was always to converse about God and the salvation of souls with much uplifting fervor"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 9

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Man Should Eat The Food Of Angels

Whenever Francis 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 the 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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Mystic Monk Coffee: Order Through Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (a loving alternative to Abortion)

Order Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage; ten percent of all their Commission Sales is donated 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:

The Carmelite Monks tell us, "Our Rule explains that as monks we need to earn our keep by the work of our hands. We were praying about what sort of product most people utilize on a daily basis, and it came to us that everyone needs coffee to start the day. On our side of things, roasting coffee can be very contemplative. It only takes one monk to run the roaster and bag the coffee, so it is very complimentary to our life.

"All the brothers have worked together to perfect the Mystic Monk roasts, from the selection of beans, to the creation of special blends, to the final roasting. We will have many types and flavors of coffee, all available in full one-pound bags. Our selection will include Columbian, Dark Roast, Costa Rican, Guatemalan, Sumatran, Ethiopian, Mexican, Breakfast Blend, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Irish Cream, Carmel, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Raspberry, and Royal Rum Pecan."

Mystic Monk Coffee

The double-handed mug is our special Carmelite mug that we use in the refectory. It is an old custom in Carmel that we drink using two hands as a sign of gratitude for the gifts of food that God provides from our benefactors. Similar mugs, complete with the Mystic Monk logo, will also be available for purchase.

To order direct, simply click on the Mystic Monk Icon on the Left side of this page!

Now this being a Carmelite order and the esteem we hold for Elijah I do wish they had a Zarepath blend. One where the bag of coffee beans never runs out like the flour and oil of the widow of Zarepath, but I guess that wouldn't be a wise business decision. Or possibly a blend based on the brown scapular, though it would be always out of St. Simon Stock.

I am really interested in the Carmel blend they have. Unfortunately they don't have a decaf version, which of course should be called "Carmel Light."

Deep in the hearts of these monks there is a profound loyalty to the Magisterium of the Church. Like their holy parents, St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, they wish to always remain "loyal sons of the Church." They firmly embrace and accept each and every definition that has been set forth and declared by the unerring Magisterium of the Holy Catholic Church. They will forever remain firmly united to the Holy Father, the Supreme Pontiff and Shepherd of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the Bishops united to him. They are also determined to always remain in loyal obedience to their immediate shepherd, the Bishop of Cheyenne.

"Bean there, done that"...

Plans Begun for Teresa of Avila's 500th Birthday

Carmelites Appoint Commission for Saint's Celebration

ROME, (Zenit.org).- A commission of Discalced Carmelites is already preparing for the celebration of the 5th centenary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus, which will be celebrated in 2015.

The celebration for the saint, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, will be directed by this commission, which was appointed after an initiative of the order's general chapter.

The Carmelite vicar general, Father Emilio Martínez, will head the commission and will be assisted by Father Alfredo Amesti, a press release on the order's Web page reported.

The executive committee will coordinate various topical sections of activities.

The section for community projects will prepare study aids for each of St. Teresa's books as well as dynamics and activities to help individual, community, and lay reading of these works.

The pastoral projects section will organize activities with a special focus on young people, including the upcoming World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011.

The task of the cultural projects section will be the organization of seminars, conferences and other academic activities in collaboration with the Teresianum College in Rome, the International Teresian-St. John Center of Avila and other Carmelite institutes.

Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada was born March 28, 1515 in Avila and died October 4, 1582 in Alba de Tormes. She founded the Discalced Carmelites, a branch of the Order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and was a mystic and writer, and a doctor of the Church.

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Only A Small Piece of Bread

O wonderful ascent, O stupendous descent! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity, that the Lord of the Universe, God and Son of God, should so humbly hide himself, for our salvation, in what seems to be only a small piece of bread! Look, then, upon the humility of God! And pour out your hearts before him. Humble yourselves that he might exalt you. Hold back nothing of yourselves, that he may receive your all who gave his all to you.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter to the Whole Order

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Let Humanity Kneel In Fear

Let humanity kneel in fear, let the whole universe tremble, and let heaven rejoice when Christ the Son of the Living God is on the altar in the hands of the priest.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Letter to the Whole Order

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O God, My Flesh Faints For You (Psalm 63)

Once when Brother John was staying in the Place of Mogliano of the Custody of Fermo in the Province of the Marches...when he had proceeded as far as the Preface of the Blessed Virgin, the supernatural illumination and sweet consolation of God's love increased so much within him that when he reached the Qui pridie he could hardly endure such overwhelming sweetness. Finally, when he came to the Consecration itself and began to pronounce the words of the Consecration over the Host, he kept repeating the first of the formula - Hoc est - Hoc est - very often, and he was unable to go any further. And the reason why he could not go on was that e felt and saw the presence of Christ and of a throng of angels and saints, so that he almost fainted because of their grandeur which he felt in his soul.

St. Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 53

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Moved By True Liberty Of Spirit

When Francis went for alms, he was moved by true liberty of spirit, not by greed, and so God the Father of the poor had special care for him.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VII

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Join Me at "In His Image" at Oldenburg’s Freudenfest July 17-18

Oldenburg’s Freudenfest to be July 17-18

Oldenburg’s Freudenfest has been described as “the biggest little German festival in Indiana,” reports committee volunteer Paul Selkirk.

“The atmosphere is reminiscent of Octoberfest in Germany,” he admits. “It gets bigger and bigger every year.”

Please drop by "In His Image" Christian Bookstore on Saturday! I will be there helping Eric give out free cups of our "Mystic Monk Coffee."

All the fun happens Friday-Saturday, July 17-18, near the town hall on Pearl Street (please see complete schedule in the box.)

Volun-teer Troy Ilderton encourages people to attend the “fun, family festival .... Many use it as a homecoming and time to visit .... People like to be in Oldenburg because it’s a very scenic place.”

Committee volunteer Karen Enneking is excited about the live auction Friday night. Many items have been donated. She reveals one of the most unique: a dirndl, a German outfit.

Live entertainment is a given. The Cincinnati band Pros’t performs Friday evening. The group “draws a big crowd .... This night used to be just for the locals and workers, but has grown so much over the last few years,” Enneking notes.

On Saturday, two funny guys named Die Doppel Adler Musikanten German Band arrive from Indianapolis, taking the stage several times. Batesville’s popular community ensemble, the Eureka Band, rounds out the sound. Indy’s Die Fledermauchen Tanzgruppe dancers perform twice.

Dinners include roast beef or fried chicken; sauerkraut; German potato salad or mashed potatoes; sausage and sauerkraut; green beans; slaw or applesauce. Lighter fare also is for sale: brats, metts, rib eye, barbecue pork and reuben sandwiches and desserts.

About 10 different imported beers will be available. “They are very popular price-wise and taste-wise,” adds Selkirk.

Athletes can walk, bike and/or jog Saturday. The early morning 10-K is a leisurely stroll through the countryside. Two distances of bike rides are scheduled, with cyclists departing at 8 a.m. Participants should meet in front of the town hall and wear helmets. For the $15 entry fee, they receive a T-shirt. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

A free 1-mile fun run for children begins in late afternoon, followed by a 5-kilometer race. The Freudenthon will challenge the most physically fit. To win, one must complete the 10K walk, 20-mile bike ride and 5K and have the best 5K time.

“I applaud anyone who can do all three events on a hot day .... They often go unrecognized,” Enneking announces.

Patrons who want to be part of the Dress for the Fest German Costume Contest are welcome to come prepared as judges will be walking around the fest to determine the winners.

The amateur photo contest is back. Pictures can “be anything at all .... as long as they were taken in or of Oldenburg,” says coordinator Cheryl Webber. They can be any size from 4-by-6 to 8-by-10.

There is a limit of two entries per person. All photos must be turned in by Wednesday, July 16, at 4 p.m. at The Village Store. There is no entry fee.

Please drop by "In His Image" Christian Bookstore on Saturday! I will be helping Eric give out free cups of our "Mystic Monk Coffee."

Read more >>

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Extraordinary Miracles

Because of the extraordinary miracles which highlighted his preaching, the people listened to St. Francis' words as if an angel of God were speaking. The extraordinary degree of virtue he had attained, and his spirit of prophesy; the power of his miracles, together with his divine appointment to preach, and the obedience irrational creatures paid him; the profound change of heart in those who heard him, and the fact that he had been taught by the Holy Spirit without the aid of man, and commissioned to preach by the Supreme Pontiff as a result of a revelation, in addition to the rule in which the approach to preaching is laid down, and which was approved by Christ's Vicar, together with the mark of the Great King which was impressed on his body like a seal - these were all so many testimonies which proclaimed before the whole world that Christ's Francis deserved to be respected because of his office, to be believed because of his teaching, and to be admired for his sanctity, and that therefore he preached Christ's Gospel as a spokesman from God himself.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER XII

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Win Both Clergy And People

If you are sons of peace, you will win both clergy and people, and this will be more pleasing to God than if you were to win the people alone and alienate the clergy. Conceal their mistakes and make up for their many defects; and when you have done this, be even more humble than before.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Mirror of Perfection - 55

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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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'Lesser' Brothers

St. Francis said: "The Lord has called us to awaken the faith and to assist the prelates and clerics of our holy Mother the Church. Likewise, we are bound, to the extent possible, to love them always, to honor and venerate them. The brothers, as a matter of fact, are called 'lesser' because they must remain very humble with regard to all the men of this world, humble in all their behavior and by their example, as well as by their name"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 15

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To My Grandsons Will and Luke Pulskamp

BE NOT AFRAID !

St. Bonaventure Sermon of October 4th, 1255

The Lord was pleased to endorse and to confirm the teaching and Rule of St. Francis, not only by miraculous signs, but also by the marks of his own stigmata, so that no true believer could possibly question them on external or internal evidence. And in his goodness God was pleased to affix his own seal to the Rule and teaching of St. Francis, who would never have presumed to teach or write anything other than what he received from the Lord. As he himself testifies, it was God who revealed to him the entire Rule.

Saint Francis of Assisi
St. Bonaventure's Sermon of October 4th, 1255

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Feast Day of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio

St. Bonaventure

Monday, July 15 is the feast day of St. Bonaventure. A Doctor of the Church and a Franciscan Friar, St. Bonaventure had an eventful life. He was a theologian and a philosopher from Bagnoregio (Italy). Born in 1221, he died on July 15, 1274 in Lyons (France). His full Christian name was Giovanni di Fidanza. A mystery arises surrounding Giovanni’s name change to Bonaventure. We have no definitive solution to this query, but we do have a legend that emphasizes Franciscan continuity.

St. Francis of Assisi

It is said that when Giovanni di Fidanza was a baby he was very sick. Desparate to save their child, Giovanni’s parents brought him to Francis of Assisi who uttered the exclamation, “O buona ventura” or “Oh, good fortune.” Thus cured through the interecession of Francis of Assisi, Giovanni became Bonaventure.

Bagnoregio

Although the above story cannot be proved, it works very well on an inspirational level. The Conventual Franciscans today do their best to reflect the Franciscan way of life in everything that they do. They refer to Francis and all other friars not as a historical figures from the near or distant past, but as brothers who are alive and with God today. This sense of connection through time strongly suggests a respect for history. By remembering the past, Franciscans try to learn from it, always keeping in mind their vocation to serve God by serving their communities.

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The Blessed Sacrament

Our Lord Jesus told his disciples, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me. If you had known me, you would also have known my Father. And henceforth you do know him, and you have seen him. Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known me? Philip, he who sees me sees also the Father (John 13: 6-9).

...It is the Most High himself who has 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
THE ADMONITIONS
Admonition I

Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

Above photo is 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: dicksoncorp@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 $1, $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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