All are welcome to join us for 'Sunday with Saint Francis of Assisi.' Each Sunday, we will read and pray with one of the 'Little Flowers of Saint Francis', the beautiful series of legends and stories that reflect upon the life and times of the Poor Man from Assisi. This week, Saint Francis learns a lesson of humility through God's all-powerful voice and through the humble witness of Brother Bernard, his friend and first follower. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis:
III. Francis Learns Humility After Having Sinful Thoughts
Saint Francis, the faithful servant of the Crucified Christ, through constant weeping and acts of penance, became almost blind. He could barely see. One day, he desired to speak with his friend, Brother Bernard, about spiritual matters. Francis learned that Bernard was in the forest and was praying. Francis went there and called out: "O Brother Bernard! Come and speak with this poor blind man!" But Brother Bernard did not answer. He did not hear the call because he was held in a contemplation with the Lord. Brother Bernard was blessed with the gift of deep prayer. And Francis of this gift of the spirit. Nevertheless, Francis wished to speak with him. He called him a second time and a third time. But Brother Bernard did not hear these calls and did not answer them.
Saint Francis went away unhappy. He wanted to speak with Brother Bernard. And he wondered why Bernard had not answered his three calls. With these thoughts in mind, Francis retired to a solitary spot, fell to his knees, and prayed that God would reveal the reasons why Bernard had not answered his calls. As Francis prayed, God spoke to him: "Poor little man, why are you so troubled? Should a man leave his God for a creature such as you? When you called for Brother Bernard, he was with me. He could not hear you or go to you. Do not be surprised because he was experiencing a rapture which kept him from hearing anything that you said to him."
Having received God's message, Saint Francis walked back toward Brother Bernard's place of prayer. Francis desired to accuse himself and admit his thoughts against his brother. At this point, Brother Bernard saw Francis, approached him, and threw himself at the saint's feet. Francis asked him to rise, confessed with humility his thoughts, and told his brother about God's message. Francis then said: "By holy obedience, I now command you to do whatever I order you to do." Brother Bernard feared that Francis would require him to inflict some punishment on him for his selfish thoughts. Bernard said: "Father Francis, I will obey you if you will also promise to do whatever I command you to do." Francis consented to this promise. So, Bernard begged to the command. Francis said: "Under holy obedience, I command you to punish my evil thoughts of the heart. When I lie on the ground, place one of your feet on my neck and place the other on my mouth. You must do these things and say: 'Be humbled! You are a vile wretch! How can you be so proud? You are a miserable servant of sin!'" Upon hearing this command, Brother Bernard was very sad. But he did as he was commanded as kindly as possible.
Afterwards, having promised obedience to Brother Bernard, asked for his command. Bernard responded: "Under holy obedience, whenever we are together, I command you to correct all my defects with great severity." Because Bernard was so holy and prayerful, Francis was sad and surprised because he did not believe that it would be possible to find any real fault with him. Therefore, Saint Francis resolved to avoid spending much time with Brother Bernard because he feared that under holy obedience, he would be obliged to criticize him, find fault with him, and punish him. But from this day onward, Saint Francis spoke about Brother Bernard with greatest admiration, charity, and humility. Francis spoke about Bernard, his first follower and first son, to the praise and glory of God through their Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Today's Prayers
For our families & friends, we pray: Hail Mary...
For our parish communities, we pray: Hail Mary...
For our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray: Hail Mary...
For our Pope-Emeritus, Benedict XVI, we pray: Hail Mary...
For our departed brothers & sisters in faith, we pray: Hail Mary...
For the Catholic Church throughout the world, we pray: Hail Mary...
And for peace in Syria and throughout the world, we pray: Hail Mary...
Our Father...
Almighty God and Father,
creator and ruler of the whole world,
give us grace to serve you with all our hearts,
so that we may come to know
the power of your forgiveness and love.
We make this prayer through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Francis, pray for us!
Saint Clare, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!
Holy Men & Women of Assisi, pray for us!
Liturgy of the Hours
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Sunday, Week IV of the Psalter.
Today's reading is from 'The Little Flowers of Saint Francis.'
Today's prayer is adapted from the Liturgy of the Hours.
If you would like to learn more about the Assisi Project and opportunities for faith formation, prayer, pilgrimage, retreat, and spiritual direction in the Franciscan spiritual tradition, please contact Cliff Garvey at assisiproject@ymail.com. Pax et bonum! May the Lord give you peace!
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NEW!
ASSISI PROJECT WEEKEND RETREAT
CHRISTMAS WITH SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
December 13-December 15, 2013
The Assisi Project is an adult faith formation and retreat ministry that is dedicated to helping adults live the gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. Each month, we gather for Mass, a community supper, and a period of prayerful discussion and faith sharing. Although we are not affiliated with any Franciscan community, the Assisi Project looks to Saint Francis and Saint Clare for inspiration and intercession. Working and praying together, we strive to live more simply, to pray more deeply, and to strengthen our fellowship with Christ Jesus and with one another.
Each year, we sponsor a pilgrimage, a weekend retreat, and various days of prayer and reflection. This year, we are planning a weekend retreat at the Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in Andover, Massachusetts from Friday evening, December 13th through Sunday afternoon, December 15th. Scheduled to coincide with the Third Sunday of Advent (or Gaudete Sunday), our retreat is entitled "Christmas with Saint Francis of Assisi" and will focus on preparing retreatants to participate more fully in the joy of our Savior's incarnation at Christmas.
The cost is $250 per person which includes two overnight accommodations; three meals on Saturday; two meals on Sunday; coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the weekend; and a guided retreat experience on beautiful lakefront campus. If you would like to join us for this unique and very special weekend of prayer and fellowship, please contact Cliff Garvey at assisiproject@ymail.com. Space is limited! Please join us! May the Lord give you peace!
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NEW!
PILGRIMAGE 2014
SAINTS & SHRINES OF ITALY
July 7-July 17, 2014
All are welcome to join the Assisi Project and Collette Vacations for Pilgrimage 2014: Saints & Shrines of Italy from July 7, 2014 through July 17, 2014. During this eleven day pilgrimage, we will visit some of Christendom's best-loved and holiest sites where we will literally walk in the footsteps of the saints.
Along with a professional tour manager and local guides, we will spend four nights in the 'Eternal City' of Rome and we will tour Vatican City (including Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums). In addition, we will visit the Catacombs and Rome's three other major basilicas: Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls. There also will be free time to explore Rome and Vatican City at your own pace.
After Rome, our pilgrimage will take us to Montecassino, the sixth century monastery founded by Saint Benedict, which houses his relics and those of his sister, Saint Scholastica. Our travels will also take us to Pompeii, where we will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary, one of the world's most famous Christian shrines; and to Monte San Angelo, where we will visit the ancient Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel. Next, we will travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, where we will venerate the relics of Saint Padre Pio and see the confessional where the saint spent countless hours directing pilgrims on their journey toward God.
After San Giovanni Rotondo, our pilgrimage will lead us to the Adriatic Coast and Loretto, where we will visit the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition holds that the house was carried by angels from Nazareth to Loretto. We will visit the beautiful shrine of Our Lady of Loretto, where more than fifty popes have made pilgrimages of prayer. Next, we will travel to Assisi, where we will walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. While in Assisi, we will pray at their tombs and in the basilicas built in their honor, view their relics, and bask in the Umbrian sunshine as the saints did more than eight centuries ago. We will also visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola, the little chapel which is considered the home church of the worldwide Franciscan community. For those who are interested, there's also an optional full-day excursion to Florence (available at an additional cost).
Space is limited! Book now and save $250. Until December 9, 2013, the cost of this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage opportunity is $3,669 (Triple); $3,699 (Double); and $4,099 (Single). These prices include: all air and ground transportation (from Boston's Logan Airport only); ten night hotel accommodations; fifteen meals (nine breakfasts and six dinners), and all air taxes, fees, surcharges, and hotel transfers. These prices do not include recommended travel insurance ($230 per person). For more information, please contact Cliff Garvey at assisiproject@ymail.com or click here. Please join us on pilgrimage! May the Lord give you peace!
