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, Saint Francis teaches a brother a lesson in humility, and in doing so, a greater lesson is learned by all of the brothers. Saint Francis, pray for us! Saint Clare, pray for us! All holy men and women of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of Angels, pray for us!
The Little Flowers of Saint Francis:
XI. The Brothers Learn Humility
Saint Francis wanted to humble Brother Masseo so that God's many graces would not lead to pride and vainglory. Instead, Saint Francis hoped that humility would lead to other virtues. So, while both were living in a lonely place with some of the other brothers, Saint Francis said: "Brother Masseo, all of our companions here are holy and prayerful. But you alone have the gift of comforting the people through your preaching of the gospel. Therefore, so that our brothers might grow in faith and prayer and preaching, you should become our doorkeeper, our cook, and our almsgiver. When the other brothers eat, you will eat by the door, so that when a visitors come, you must satisfy them with your charity preaching. Under holy obedience, I ask you to perform these duties."
Brother Masseo pulled up his hood, bowed his head, and received this command with humble obedience. He dutifully fulfilled the duties of doorkeeper, cook, and almsgiver. Because of these things, the other brothers became anxious. They feared that Brother Masseo was a great or even greater man of faith than themselves. And they worried that all of the duties of the house should be divided among them, not to one brother alone. So, being of one mind, the brothers went together to Saint Francis and they prayed that it would please him to divide the duties of the house among them; they pleaded that it would ease their consciences if the duties were divided, rather than be a singular burden upon one of the brothers.
Saint Francis listened to them, yielded to their advice, and called out to the one brother who served as doorkeeper, cook, and almsgiver. Saint Francis said: "Brother Masseo, our companions desire to share in the duties that were given only to you. And therefore, I desire that these duties should now be divided among you." With great humility, Brother Masseo replied: "Father Francis, I accept your command. And I accept all that you ask of me as if it comes from our Father in heaven." Upon hearing these words and reflecting on the charity of the other brothers, Saint Francis preached a marvelous discourse on holy humility. He showed them that it is through God's many graces and gifts that we grow in humility. He told them that without holy humility, no virtue is true or acceptable to God. After preaching in this way, Saint Francis divided the duties of the house among all of the brothers, including himself. 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,
it is your will to unite the universe
under your beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
the King of heaven and earth.
Grant freedom to the whole of your creation,
and let us praise and serve you for ever.
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.
Liturgy of the Hours
This Week: Week II of the Psalter
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!
