Praying In The Wilds And Solitary Places At The Portiuncula

Several herds of Whitetail Deer live with us on the
Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center in
Jerusalem, Ohio

When Francis prayed in the wilds and in solitary places, he would fill the woods with sighs, water the earth with tears, beat his breast with his hand, and there, making the most of a more intimate, secret place, he often spoke aloud with his Lord. He would give an account to his Judge, entreat his Father, speak with his Friend, chat amiably with his Bridegroom. Indeed, in order to offer to God with every fibre of his being a single, multifaceted holocaust, he would ponder the many facets of him who is Supremely One.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano - Second Life
CHAPTER LXII

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