Spiritual Joy

St. Francis maintained that the safest remedy against a thousand snares and wiles of the enemy is spiritual joy.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Celano, Second Life

Chapter LXXXVIII



T

Seek Out Lonely Places

Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Francis learned in his prayer that the presence of the Holy Spirit for which he longed was granted more intimately when he was far from the rush of worldly affairs. Therefore, he used to seek out lonely places in the wilderness and go into abandoned churches to pray at night.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER X

Whatever the Doms do we can do better or just as well.

Thank you, Brother Frederick Francis, OFM, Cap for this:
http://breathingwithbothlungs.blogspot.com/

The English Dominicans have photos and an article about their Bro. Ursus. Well we Irish Capuchin Franciscans here in Raheny have Bro. Frederick Francis (his friends call him Freddy or Frank depending on the mood). He does not aspire to ordination as he is not valid matter (not a human male) and will go, in humble obedience, wherever he is sent. Bro. Freddy lives a contemplative life as a hermit (i.e. he never leaves his room), eats little and spends much of his day in silent contemplation of God's goodness and human foibles. He is mortified that I am publicizing him in this way as he prefers the littleness of anonymity.

Posted by Br. Tom Forde OFMCap