Cells Built Only of Wood and Clay

One day, when Francis had left the cell, one of the friars went to look at it, and afterwards came to the place where blessed Francis was. Seeing him, the holy Father said to him, "Where have you come from, brother?" "I have come from your cell," he replied. Then blessed Francis said, "Because you have called it mine, some one else shall use it henceforward, and not I." For we who were with him have often heard him quote the saying, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have resting-places; the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head... So, after His example, he would not have any house or cell that could be called his own, nor did he ever have one built. 

(Even at the time of his death Francis had it written in his Testament that all cells and houses of the friars were to be built only of wood and clay, the better to safeguard poverty and humility.)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 9

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Knights of the Round Table

Portiuncula Hermitage and Retreat Center 

Jerusalem, Ohio

 

St. Francis said, "There are many brothers who day and night put all their energy and all their attention into the pursuit of knowledge, thereby abandoning prayer and their holy vocation. And when they have preached to a few men or to the people, and learn that certain ones were edified or converted to penance through their discourse, they are puffed up and pride themselves on the results and works of others. For, those whom they think they edified or converted to penance by their discourse were actually edified and converted by God through the prayers of the holy brothers who are completely ignorant of it; God wishes it this way for fear it should be grounds for pride for them. Behold my Knights of the Round Table: the brothers who hide in abandoned and secluded places to devote themselves with more fervor to prayer and meditation, to weep over their sins and those of others. Their holiness is known only to God, but most often unknown to the brothers and to men."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 71

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The Devil Made Me Do It!

Many people blame the devil or their neighbor when they fall into sin or are offended. But that is not right. Everyone has their own enemy in their power and this enemy is our lower nature which leads us into sin. Blessed are you who keep this enemy a prisoner under your control and protect yourselves against it. As long as you do this no other enemy, visible or invisible, can harm you.

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Admonitions

Admonition X

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Can You Affrord Just $5.00 a Month to Help Us Build Our Chapel?

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 Retreat Center can't be built alone. To build, 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 Retreat Center.
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: hermitage@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 ask you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply donating $5.00 $10.00 or $15.00 a month.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION

Or mail your Alms to:

Portiuncula Hermitage
% 508 South 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374

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!

Fra Chris

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"Come to the Quiet" 2011 Retreat Schedule

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"Come to the Quiet” 

2011 Retreats

May 20-22

Men Only

June 24-26

Women Only

July 15-17

Men Only

July – Reserved:

Married Couples Only Retreat – TBA

(We are limiting this to only Three Couples)

August – Reserved:

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Grad Students - TBA

September – TBA

Women Only   

What is a “Come to the Quiet” Retreat?

A “Come to the Quiet” Retreat is a SILENT RETREAT which means no cell phones, beepers, computers, and no talking except when we come together to pray the Office of the Hours. To be fair to the other Retreatants, these rules must be vigorously adhered to. Joining together with God and being able to listen to Him as He speaks to us in the Silence of Prayer is the sole purpose for this retreat.

What is the Schedule:

Fr. Todd will be offering us Reconciliation at St. Andrew's at 11:00 A.M. on Friday and we will be leaving St. Andrew's at 12:00 Noon “SHARP.” There can be no exceptions! Even if you don't plan on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please plan on arriving with the rest of the group at 11:00 A.M., so that we don't hold the rest of the group up! We will close the retreat at Sunday morning Mass at St. Sylverster's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio.   

What should I bring?

1. Your bible
2. Any medications you may require
3. Shaving Kit
4. Extra change of clothing for Mass on Sunday - Casual (Tan Colored Clothing preferred)
5. Sleeping bag and pillow
6. Extra pairs of dry socks and underwear
7. Towels and washcloths
8. Extra sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly
   

What is the Cost?

The cost is  $110 per person ($40 non refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration).

Your Registration includes Saturday and Sunday Morning Continental Breakfasts, your Saturday evening meal, along with healthy drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.

Please makes checks payable to:

The Portiuncula Hermitage

% 508 South 16^th Street

Richmond, IN 47374

Occupancy is extremely limited, so please get your Registration in as soon as possible!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _________________________State: _____Zip: ________

Phone: (____) - _____- ______________

Preferred Weekend: First Choice:_____________________

Second Choice:_____________________

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Tender Affection for Irrational Creatures

 St. Francis Preching to the Birds
in Spoleto, Italy

On another occassion, St. Francis was journeying about the valley of Spoleto preaching, when he came to a place near Bevagna in which a huge flock of birds of various kinds had gathered. The moment he saw them, the Spirit of God came upon him and he hurried to them. He greeted them cheerfully and told them to be quiet and listen to the word of God attentively. He spoke to them at length about the benefits God bestows on His creatures and the praise which they owe Him. The birds showed their pleasure in a wonderful manner; they stretched out their necks and flapped their wings, opening their beaks and looking at him closely. It was only right that St. Francis, who was so full of God, should have felt such tender affection for these irrational creatures; in their turn, they were so attracted towards him that they listened as he taught them and obeyed when he commanded them.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Minor Life

Chapter V

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Live The Life Of The Gospel

When God gave me some friars, there was no one to tell me what I should do; but the Most High himself made it clear to me that I must live the life of the Gospel. I had this written down briefly and simply and his holiness the Pope confirmed it for me.

Saint Francis of Assisi

The Testament of St. Francis

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St. Francis and the Swallows

Continuing his journey, Francis preached in the neighboring villages, and eventually he came to Alviano. Here he summoned the whole population and called for silence, but he could scarcely be heard above the cries of the swallows which were nesting there and making a lot of noise. He spoke to them, while the crowd was listening, and said, "My sisters, it is my turn to speak now. You have said enough already. Listen to God's word and be quiet until the sermon is over." Immediately they became silent, just as if they unsterstood, and they never moved until the whole sermon was finished. The onlookers were amazed and gave glory to God. The story of this miracle was told far and wide, so that people had great reverence for the saint and were moved to greater faith.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter XII

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The Tongue That Pours Out The Poison Of Anger

It happened that a certain brother named Barbaro once hurled an abusive word against another brother in the presence of a certain nobleman from the island of Cyprus. When he saw that brother somewhat hurt by the conflict of words, he took some asses' dung and put it into his mouth to be eaten as vengeance upon himself; and he said: "Let the tongue that poured out the poison of anger upon my brother eat dung." Seeing this, the knight was struck with astonishment and departed greatly edified...

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter CXV

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St. Francis and the Vase

One Lent St. Francis made a little vase, using just the little time he had to spare, so that he would not be completely taken up with it. One day, while he was devoutly saying Tierce, his eyes turned to look at the vessel, and he felt that the interior man was thereby impeded in its fervor. Sorrowful therefore that the voice of his heart had been interrupted in its speaking to the ears of God, when Tierce was finished he said before the listening brothers: "Alas, what a worthless work that has such power over me that it can twist my mind to itself! I will sacrifice it to the Lord, whose sacrifice it has impeded." When he said these words, he took the little vase and threw it into the fire to be burned. "Let us be ashamed," he said, "to be caught up by worthless imaginings, for at the time of prayer we speak to the great King."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter LXIII

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You Want To Know Why After Me?

 

"You want to know why after me? You want to know why after me? You really want to know why everyone is running after me? I have this from the all-holy eyes of God that see the good and the evil everywhere. For those blessed and all-holy eyes have not seen among sinners anyone more vile of insufficient than I am. And so in order to do that wonderful work which He intends to do, He did not find on earth a viler creature, and therefore He chose me, for God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the base things of the world and the despised, to bring to naught the noble and great and strong, so that the creature, in order that no creature should glory before Him, but 'let him who takes pride, take pride in the Lord,' that honor and glory may be only God's forever."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 10

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The White Cord of St. Francis of Assisi

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How Saint Dominic Wore The White Cord Of Saint Francis

The blessed Dominic (founder of the Dominican Order) once asked St. Francis to kindly give him the cord he wore about his waist. St. Francis was reluctant to do this, moved by the same humility to refuse as the other was moved to ask. Finally, however, the blessed devotion of the petitioner won out and Dominic very devoutly put the cord that was given him about himself beneath his inner tunic. (Saint Dominic wore it thus until his death in 1221)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter CX

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Come to the Quiet - Retreat Schedule for 2011

"Come to the Quiet” 

2011 Retreats

May 20-22

Men Only

June 24-26

Women Only

July 15-17

Men Only

July – Reserved:

Married Couples Only Retreat – TBA

(We are limiting this to only Three Couples)

August – Reserved:

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Grad Students - TBA

September – TBA

Women Only

What is a “Come to the Quiet” Retreat?

A “Come to the Quiet” Retreat is a SILENT RETREAT which means no cell phones, beepers, computers, and no talking except when we come together to pray the Office of the Hours. To be fair to the other Retreatants, these rules must be vigorously adhered to. Joining together with God and being able to listen to Him as He speaks to us in the Silence of Prayer is the sole purpose for this retreat.

What is the Schedule:

Fr. Todd will be offering us Reconciliation at St. Andrew's at 11:00 A.M. on Friday and we will be leaving St. Andrew's at 12:00 Noon “SHARP.” There can be no exceptions! Even if you don't plan on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please plan on arriving with the rest of the group at 11:00 A.M., so that we don't hold the rest of the group up! We will close the retreat at Sunday morning Mass at St. Sylverster's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio.

What should I bring?

1. Your bible
2. Any medications you may require
3. Shaving Kit
4. Extra change of clothing for Mass on Sunday - Casual (Tan Colored Clothing preferred)
5. Sleeping bag and pillow
6. Extra pairs of dry socks and underwear
7. Towels and washcloths
8. Extra sweater or jacket in case it gets chilly

What is the Cost?

The cost is  $110 per person ($40 non refundable, non-transferable deposit due upon registration).

Your Registration includes Saturday and Sunday Morning Continental Breakfasts, your Saturday evening meal, along with healthy drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.

Please makes checks payable to:

The Portiuncula Hermitage

% 508 South 16^th Street

Richmond, IN 47374

Occupancy is extremely limited, so please get your Registration in as soon as possible!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _________________________State: _____Zip: ________

Phone: (____) - _____- ______________

Preferred Weekend: First Choice:_____________________

Second Choice:_____________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Penetrating The Dwelling Places Of Heaven

Prayer was Francis' chief comfort in this life of contemplation in which he 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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No Long-Winded Sermons

St. Francis was convinced that leading sinners to conversion was more acceptable to the merciful Father than any sacrifice, particularly if it was done in a spirit of perfect charity, more by example than by preaching, more by fervent prayer than by long-winded sermons.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life

Chapter VIII

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Beware of False Apparitions or "Visions"

Brother Rufino, once one of the great noblemen of Assisi, had become a companion of Francis. One day the devil appeared to him in the form of the Crucified Christ, telling him not to believe anything told to him by the 'son of Peter Bernardone' (St. Francis of Assisi), and whoever follows him is deceived.

But the Holy Spirit revealed all this to Brother Masseo and he perceived great peril for Brother Rufino and sent him to see St. Francis immediately and tell him of his vision.

Upon telling Francis of his vision, our Seraphic Father kindly showed Rufino that the vision was the devil and not Christ, and therefore he should in no way consent to his suggestions. "You should also have known that he was the devil because he hardened your heart to everything that is good, for that is exactly his job," said Francis

"The next time the devil speaks to you," St. Francis said, "answer him confidently, 'Open your mouth - and I will [empty my bowels] in it!' And let it be a sign to you that he is the devil and he will immediately go away."

When Brother Rufino did as St. Francis instructed, the devil angrily went away with such a commotion and fall of rocks around Mount Subasio that a great mass of stones hurtled down for a long while.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Little Flowers of St. Francis - 29

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Obedience

We are bound to order our lives according to the precepts and counsels of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so we must renounce self and bring our lower nature into subjection under the yoke of obedience; this is what we have all promised God. However, no one can be bound to obey another in anything that is sinful or criminal.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Letter to All the Faithful

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Saint Anthony of the Desert - the Father of Monks

St. Anthony's Monastery in Egypt welcomes those seeking God in silence broken only by the whisper of the wind

Saint Anthony, the celebrated Father of Monks, was born in Egypt around the year 250 A.D. After his parents died he distributed his property to the poor and, beginning a life of penance, withdrew into solitude. He attracted disciples and labored on behalf of the Church, giving support to believers during the persecution of Diocletian and assisting Saint Athanasius against the Arians. He died in 356 A.D.

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Mystic Monk Coffee: Order Through the Portiuncula and Donate to Birthright (a loving alternative to Abortion)

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"Look, folks, they haven't had their cup of Mystic Monk Coffee yet this morning!"

Fra Chris

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 Bag of Mystic Monk Coffee on the Top of this page:

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Glory And Honor Goes To God Alone

When blessed Francis was praised and called a saint, he used to answer such comments by saying: "In fact, I am quite sure that if the Lord had granted a thief or an unbeliever as many great gifts as He has to me, they would have been more faithful than I have been."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 45

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Barry Maguire "On the Eve of Destruction" - His Personal Witness

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Forgive Your Injuries and Abandon Your Hatred

Original Tunic worn by St. Francis at the time of his death - Assisi, Italy

At Celle, in the lordship of Perugia, blessed Francis met a poor man whom he had formerly known in the world, and asked him, 'Brother, how are things with you?' But the man began to utter angry curses on his master, saying, 'Thanks to my master - God curse him! - I have had nothing but misfortune, for he has stripped me of all I possess.'

Seeing him persist in mortal hatred, blessed Francis was filled with pity for his soul, and said, 'Brother, pardon your master for the love of God, and free your own soul; it is possible that he will restore to you whatever he has taken away. Otherwise, you have lost your goods and will lose your soul as well.' And the man said, 'I cannot fully forgive him unless he first restores to me what he has taken away.' Then blessed Francis sait to him, 'Look, I will give you this cloak; I beg you to forgive your master for the love of God.' And at once his heart was melted and touched by this act of kindness, and he forgave his master his wongs.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 32

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Spiritual Joy Proceeds From Purity Of Heart

High School Youth Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville

Francis declared that if the servant of God strove to possess and preserve interior and external spiritual joy, which proceeds from purity of heart, the devils could do him no harm, but would be forced to admit: "Since this servant of God preserves his joy in tribulation as well as in prosperity, we can find no way to harm his soul."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 97

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Infidelity to 'The Rule' is the Leprosy of our Order

St. Francis once saw a vision:

It seemed to him that he had to gather the finest crumbs of bread from the gound and to distribute them to the many hungry brothers who were standing around him. But while he was afraid to distribute such small crumbs lest such minute particles of dust should fall from his hands, a voice spoke to him from above: "Francis, make one host out of all these crumbs and give it to those who want to eat of it." When Francis did this, those who did not receive devoutly, or who despised the gift they had received, were soon seen to be infected with leprosy. This voice again came down to him from heaven: "Francis," it said, "the crumbs of last night are the words of the Gospel, the host is the Rule, the leprosy is wickedness." 

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter CLIX

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Outspoken Rebuke

 Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

Preacher to the Papal Household

Francis had first convinced himself of the truth of what he preached to others by practicing it in his own life and so he proclaimed the truth confidently, without fear of reproof. He denounced evil wherever he found it, and made no effort to palliate it; from him a life of sin met with outspoken rebuke, not support...Men and women of every age flocked to see and hear this new preacher...

Saint Francis of Assisi

Bonaventure, Major Life 

Chapter XII

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The Real Presence in the Eucharist

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Mega Churches Provoke Criticism And Set A Bad Example

The Portiuncula Chapel at the 

Little Portion Friary Berryville, AR

Photo courtesy of John Michael Talbot

St. Francis taught that churches are to be small; we are not to build great churches in order to preach to the people, or for any other reason, for they show greater humility and a better example when they visit other churches to preach. Religious or secular, visit their houses, their humble little dwellings, cells, and tiny churches will speak for themselves, and these things will edify them more than any words.

Francis also said, 'Friars often raise large buildings, and violate our holy poverty, and by doing so provoke criticism and set a bad example. And sometimes, in order to obtain a better or holier place, or larger congregation, they abandon their own house out of covetousness and greed; or they will pull them down and build others that are large and pretentious. Consequently, those who have contributed to their cost, and others who see it, are greatly offended and distressed.'

Saint Francis of Assisi

Mirror of Perfection - 10

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Come to the Quiet

St. Francis considered it harmful for himself and for the brothers to lose the benefit of prayer, which had been obtained through grace, by indulging in useless conversation after praying. In order to avoid this, he made the following regulation which all the brothers were to observe:

If a brother, either while travelling or working with others engages in some useless talk, he will be obliged to recite the Our Father together with the Praises of God at the beginning and end of prayer...

He shall recite these Praises of the Lord loud enough and clear enough for all brothers present to hear and understand; during that time they must be quiet and listen.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 78

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Sensory Pleasure and Desire Obscures Spiritual Experience

Tunic worn by St. Francis of Assisi

found in Cortona, Italy

Sensory pleasure and desire, even in spiritual experience, obscures and obstructs the spirit. A state of predicament quickens and illumines the understanding. Vexation makes us see how, through the blessing of this dark, dry night of contemplation. God supernaturally imparts His divine Wisdom to an empty and unburdened soul. God did not share this inflow along with those first suite juices because the soul was too crowded.

The Prophet Isaiah asks: "To whom shall God teach His knowledge? And to whom shall He make to understand His message?" To those, He answers, who are drawn away from the breasts and weaned from their milk. The first milk of spiritual sweetness fosters attachment to the succulent breasts of mental prayer. This is the realm of the senses. It cannot prepare the soul for the direct inflow of the divine.

Saint John of the Cross
Dark Night of the Soul
Night of Sense

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Sister Briege McKenna - The Power of the Sacraments

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Prayer - Our Safe Haven

Francis's safe haven was prayer, not prayer of a few minutes, or empty, presumptuous prayer, but prolonged prayer, full of devotion and the serenity of humility. If he began late, it would be dawn before he finished. Whether walking, sitting, eating or driking, he was rapt in prayer. At night he would retire alone to pray in abandoned, neglected churches. That was how, by God's grace, he overcame many fears and anxieties.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano - First Life 

Chapter XXVII

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Elder Beerman "Community Day" Booklets Benefit BirthRight and the Portiuncula Hermitage

What is Community Day?

Community Day is our annual fundraising event designed to provide 501c3 organizations with a fun and easy way to raise money. Since 1999, the event has raised over $80 Million!

When is it?

Community Day takes place on Saturday, February 26, 2011 Elder-Beerman Stores open at 7 am, and stay open late. 

How does it work?

The Portiuncula Hermitage sells a coupon booklet to the public for $5 each, keeping 100% of the proceeds! Each booklet contains coupons valid during our Community Day One Day Sale on February 26th. The Portiuncula Hermitage then gives 10% of their sales to BirthRight (a loving alternative to Abortion)!

What will customers receive in each booklet?

• All coupons now include Yellow Dot!
• 1- $10 off on a $10 or more item.
• NEW (1) 20%* off shopping pass — use the pass over and over
• 1- 30% Early bird coupon, valid 7am-10am
• 7- Bonus buys
• 3-Web Exclusive Offers

How do we get booklets?

Contact Chris Dickson through the Portiuncula Hermitage at:

Email: hermitage@parallax.ws

or 

Cell Phone: 765.220.1623

Above all, remember that the Portiuncula Hermitage gives 10% of all their income to BirthRight (a loving alternative to Abortion)!

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Contemplation Is A Divine Fire

Several herds of Whitetail Deer share their home with us at 

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center 

Jerusalem, Ohio

Then Brother Giles said to a certain friar, "Father, I would fain know what is contemplation?" And the friar answered: "Father, truly I know not." Then Brother Giles said: "To me it seems that contemplation is a divine fire, a sweet devotion infused by the Holy Ghost, a rapture and suspension of the mind inebriated by the unspeakable savor of divine sweetness, and a sweet and tranquil enjoyment of the soul which is rapt and suspended in loving admiration of the glories of heaven, and an inward burning consciousness of that celestial and unspeakable glory."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Little Flowers of St. Francis
Part Four - Chapter XI


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The Bread of Alms is a Sacred Bread

The bread of alms is, in fact, a sacred bread, sanctified by the praise and love of God, since the brother who goes begging must begin by saying: "Praised and blessed be the Lord God!" Then he must say: "Give us alms for the love of the Lord God!"

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 61

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Adoration

The Pond at the Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Adoration is a way of life with us, and therefore we are never idle. St. Francis taught us how idle busyness is because it is never totally present to anything. Sometimes the brothers and sisters spend entire afternoons enrapt by the melody of a waterfall, and praises spontaneously rise from our innermost being and roll out our mouths. Because we are present to the water, we are present to God, and we are all called to be present to God who dwells in every creature.

A Franciscan Brother

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The Reign Of Untruth

...the chaos of greed, violence, ambition and lust which the New Testament calls 'the World,' (1 John 2:16) is to a great extent the reign of untruth. It is a place of confusion and falsehood where the spirit is enslaved and where one does not easily learn God's ways."

Thomas Merton

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Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Hail, Queen Wisdom! May the Lord preserve you,
with your sister, pure and holy Simplicity.

Holy Lady Poverty! May the Lord preserve you,

with your sister, holy Humility.

Holy Lady Charity! May the Lord preserve you,

with your sister, holy Obedience.

Salutation of the Virtues

Saint Francis of Assisi

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How St. Francis Preached To The Birds

 

Meanwhile, while many were joining the brothers, as was said, the most blessed father Francis was making a trip through the Spoleto valley. He came to a certain place near Bevagna where a very great number of birds of various kinds had congregated, namely, doves, crows, and some others popularly called daws. When the most blessed servant of God, Francis, saw them, being a man of very great fervor and great tenderness toward lower and irrational creatures, he left his companions in the road and ran eagerly toward the birds. When he was close enough to them, seeing that they were waiting for him, he greeted them in the usual way. But, not a little surprised that the birds did not rise in flight, as they usually do, he was filled with great joy and humbly begged them to listen to the word of God...

At these words, as Francis himself used to say and those too who were there with him, the birds, rejoicing in a wonderful way according to their nature, began to stretch their necks, extend their wings, open their mouths and gaze at thim. And Francis, passing through their midst, went on his way and returned, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic. Finally he blessed them, and then, after he made the sign of the cross over them, he gave them permission to fly away to some other place.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, First Life
CHAPTER XXI

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