St. Francis praised the Artist in every one of his works; whatever he found in things made, he referred to their Maker. He rejoiced in all the works of the Lord's hands, and with joyful vision saw into the reason and cause that gave them life. In beautiful things he came to know Beauty itself. To him all things were good. They cried out to him, "He who made us is infinitely good." By tracing his footprints in things Francis followed the Beloved wherever he led. He made, from created things, a ladder to his throne.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano - Second Life - 165
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano - Second Life - 165
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Why do you say, "unlike many Franciscans today"?
ReplyDeleteI am involved with several Franciscan nuns who are into diverse forms of "New Age," Reiki Healing being one of them. An overwhelming number of these women are totally obsessed with environmental issues who abhor the thought of leading people to Christ because it is 'proselytizing'... Francis told us that nothing is more important than leading people to Christ.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a balance here. Environmental issues are important, but more so is "the Great Commission."
That's interesting. For all our "issues" with our formation director, the issues being that he allows evil to use him, our local SFO is not at all involved with New Age, considering that to be in disagreement with the Rule and a misunderstanding of Christian spirituality. Our focus is mainly on helping others, especially those not capable of helping themselves because of poverty or illness. I guess we are lucky to live in California where the state and local governments are quite protective of the environment so that does not come up as a concern other than to take care of it properly as a gift from God. I think I am also lucky in that we have wonderful nuns and friars here, very much in keeping in their thinking with the old church abbas and with St. Francis. We also have one of the leading scholars of St. Francis (he translated that huge volume of Italian works that came out a while back) -- so if anyone were to have any doubts about what is and is not Franciscan, there is someone right here at our St Francis Retreat Center who knows. Thanks for taking the time to explain.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteYou are very fortunate to be involved with good, strong, leadership who refuses to allow their people to deviate from good, solid Catholic teaching.
In a conversation with Fr. Scanlan a few years ago, Father indicated that there Franciscans are as diverse as are all people. Franciscans incorporate people from the far Left to the far Right. Likewise, some Franciscan groups align themselves the entire gambit from far Left to far Right. We must be responsible for ourselves. seeing that we are in a right relationship with God.
I can see why Bishop Conlon of Steubenville is so appreciative of the TOR's because of their unwavering stability and undeniable obedience toward the Magisterium and the Rule.
Now you understand my delight for the Portiuncula Hermitage being located in the Steubenville diocese under TOR's influence.