All are welcome to join us for 'Sunday with Saint Francis of Assisi.' Each Sunday, we 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, Brother Bernard travels to Bologna and learns a lesson about humility and honor. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis:
IV. Brother Bernard in Bologna
Saint Francis and his first followers were called by God to carry the Cross of Christ in their hearts and to preach it in both word and deed. By appearance (because of their simple dress) and by their austere way of life, they were crucified men. They desired to continually undergo shame and suffering out of love for Christ. They did not want to receive the honors of the world or the praise of their fellow men. They rejoiced in humiliation. They were sad with honors. So, they traveled the world as pilgrims and strangers; and they carried nothing except the Cross of Christ. Because of this, they were true branches of the true vine: they produced the good fruit of souls gained for God.
In the early years of the community, Saint Francis sent Brother Bernard to Bologna in order to preach and give witness to the Gospel for the sake of souls. In obedience, Brother Bernard walked to Bologna and arrived in safety. Some children, who saw him in his poor habit, mocked him without mercy. Brother Bernard suffered their insults with joy and patience. In fact, Bernard was eager to suffer more insults, so he preached in the piazza of the city. Many men and children gathered around him. Some pulled his hood from behind. Some threw dust and stones at him. Others pushed him from side to side. Always in the same patient manner, Bernard bore these insults. He was joyful, not annoyed or troubled. For many days, he returned to the piazza and was treated the same way. Patience is a work of perfection and proof of virtue.
For several days, a learned man of the law observed Brother Bernard with keen interest. He marveled at Bernard's patience. The man said to his neighbors: "This is a holy man." He approached the friar and said: "Who are you? Where are you from? Why have you come here?" In reply, Brother Bernard gave the man a printed copy of the Rule of Saint Francis. The learned man read it, considered its sublime perfection, and exclaimed with great admiration: "Truly, this is the highest form of faith ever produced! Therefore, this poor man and his companions are the holiest men in the world! If you mistreat them, then you commit a great sin! We should honor this friend of God, not insult him!" The man then said to Brother Bernard: "If you wish for a house in which to peacefully serve God, then I will give it to you with great joy for the salvation of my soul!" Bernard replied: "Sir, I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has inspired you. I accept your offer on behalf of Christ." Brother Bernard and the learned man went to this house, which was donated with all its furnishings. The man became a special friend and supporter of Brother Bernard and his companions.
Because of his holy way of life, Brother Bernard was henceforth much honored and loved by the citizens of Bologna. However, because he was a disciple of Christ and the first follower of Saint Francis, Bernard was deeply disturbed by such honors. In fact, he now feared for his soul! So, he left Bologna so that he could consult with Francis. When Brother Bernard found Francis, he said to him: "Father, I founded a house for us in Bologna. I beg you to command other brothers to live there and maintain it. I cannot return there. I have no profit there because too much honor is paid to me. I fear now that I will lose more than I could ever gain." Hearing these words, Francis knew that God had worked a miracle through Brother Bernard. Francis gave great thanks to God who had called so many new followers and poor disciples to help carry the Cross of Christ. So, Francis sent a band of brothers back to Bologna and to other regions to preach the gospel. Amen!
For several days, a learned man of the law observed Brother Bernard with keen interest. He marveled at Bernard's patience. The man said to his neighbors: "This is a holy man." He approached the friar and said: "Who are you? Where are you from? Why have you come here?" In reply, Brother Bernard gave the man a printed copy of the Rule of Saint Francis. The learned man read it, considered its sublime perfection, and exclaimed with great admiration: "Truly, this is the highest form of faith ever produced! Therefore, this poor man and his companions are the holiest men in the world! If you mistreat them, then you commit a great sin! We should honor this friend of God, not insult him!" The man then said to Brother Bernard: "If you wish for a house in which to peacefully serve God, then I will give it to you with great joy for the salvation of my soul!" Bernard replied: "Sir, I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has inspired you. I accept your offer on behalf of Christ." Brother Bernard and the learned man went to this house, which was donated with all its furnishings. The man became a special friend and supporter of Brother Bernard and his companions.
Because of his holy way of life, Brother Bernard was henceforth much honored and loved by the citizens of Bologna. However, because he was a disciple of Christ and the first follower of Saint Francis, Bernard was deeply disturbed by such honors. In fact, he now feared for his soul! So, he left Bologna so that he could consult with Francis. When Brother Bernard found Francis, he said to him: "Father, I founded a house for us in Bologna. I beg you to command other brothers to live there and maintain it. I cannot return there. I have no profit there because too much honor is paid to me. I fear now that I will lose more than I could ever gain." Hearing these words, Francis knew that God had worked a miracle through Brother Bernard. Francis gave great thanks to God who had called so many new followers and poor disciples to help carry the Cross of Christ. So, Francis sent a band of brothers back to Bologna and to other regions to preach the gospel. 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...
For peace & justice throughout the whole world, we pray: Hail Mary...
Our Father...
Almighty God and Father,
you reveal your might power
by your mercy and compassion.
Fill us with your heavenly grace
as we hasten to share the endless joy of eternal life.
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-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time;
Sunday, Week II 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!
