Each week, 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, God speaks through Brother Leo and teaches Saint Francis a great lesson about humility and about God's consolation, love, and mercy. Saint Francis, pray for us!
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis:
VIII. God Speaks Through Brother Leo
During the early days of the fellowship, Saint Francis was lodged with Brother Leo in a place where there were no prayer books with which to pray the divine office. When the hour approached for prayer, Saint Francis said to Brother Leo: "My brother, we have no breviary with which to say our prayers. In order to pray and to praise God, I will speak and you will answer as instructed. You will say only what you are instructed to say. So, I will say: 'Brother Francis, you have committed many sins; you deserve eternal damnation.' And you will reply: 'You merit the hottest fires of hell.'" With humble simplicity, Brother Leo said: "Father Francis, I will do what you say. In the name of God, let us begin."
Saint Francis then said: "Brother Francis, you have committed many sins; you deserve eternal damnation." And Brother Leo replied: "God will accomplish much good through you! God will send you to paradise!" Saint Francis exclaimed: "Brother Leo, do not say that! I will say: 'Brother Francis, you have committed many crimes against God; and you are worthy to be cursed by God.' And you will reply: 'You are truly among the cursed.' Again, with humble simplicity, Brother Leo said: "Father Francis, in obedience, I will do what you say."
With many groans and tears, Saint Francis said loudly: "Lord God of heaven and earth, I am guilty of many sins. I am deserve to be cursed by you." And Brother Leo replied: "Among the blessed, God will shower you with many unique blessings!" Saint Francis was shocked that Brother Leo had disobeyed him. He said: "Brother Leo, by holy obedience, I command you to speak only as directed. When I say: 'Brother Francis, you are wicked. Do not think that God will have mercy on you. Because you have sinned so many times, you are not worthy of God's consolation and mercy.' And you will reply: 'You do not deserve God's mercy.'"
When Saint Francis said his part, Brother Leo replied: "God's love is more powerful than any sin! He will show you great mercy! And He will give you many graces!" At these words, Francis was angry but controlled his temper. He said: "Brother Leo, why are you disobedient? Why do you speak contrary to my instructions?" With humility and reverence, Brother Leo said: "Father Francis, God knows that I truly intended to speak as you commanded. But God makes me speak according to his divine will." Saint Francis marveled at this response. He said: "My brother, from my heart, I pray that you will answer as I have instructed." And Brother Leo said: "With God's help, I will speak as you wish."
Saint Francis wept and said: "Brother Francis, you are wicked. Do not think that God will have mercy on you. Because you have sinned so many times, you are not worthy of God's consolation and mercy." Brother Leo replied: "God will bless you! God will exalt you! God will glorify you for all time! Because you have humbled yourself, you will be raised up! I can say only these words! God speaks through me!" For the remainder of the day, the brothers continued in this way with much joy and many tears. Saint Francis humbled himself and Brother Leo spoke about God's endless consolations, love, and mercy. Amen!
Our Daily 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,
deepen our faith,
strengthen our hope,
enkindle our love,
and make us love what you command,
so that we may obtain what you promise:
eternal life with you in heaven.
We make this prayer through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
Saint Francis, pray for us!
Saint Clare, pray for us!
Our Lady of Angels, pray for us!
Holy Men & Women of Assisi, pray for us!
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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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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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!
