Catholics
Comments
-
The way of St. Francis, hmm. That's a tall glass to fill. St. Francis was born to what we would consider today an upper middle class merchant family and lead a pretty "normal" life for a young man... was a knight, got in trouble, sowed his oats. But like us, poor health helped him turn to God. He was being held prisoner and came down with a fever. Then he got better and wanted to go off to war, etc. But he kept having dreams and like us misinterpreted them in the beginning. Eventually, he "got" it and had a conversion of faith and more and more as he let go of Francis, Jesus through the Holy Spirit took over and he became more and more joyful. He renounced everything, even the clothes off his back. He was treated with contempt by his father and many of his friends. They thought he had gone mad. He's known as the animal's saint, but he was so much more. He saw everything as a blessing, wrote beautiful poetry, embraced Lady Poverty, just wanted some companionship and the Lord sent him followers and the followers kept coming, men and women (St. Clare), who wanted to give up everything. Then lay people, who couldn't give up everything because they had families and such, but gave up everything they had spiritually... complete detachment from material things, and every material thing you had was a gift from God.
From one of my lessons, they have taught me that the aspects of Franciscan Spirituality are:
Seraphic, because of its emphasis on the love of God. God as a loving father who created everything and each creature bears in its own way the image of the Father, so he loved and revered all of creation... Francis referred to creatures as brothers and sisters, brother sun and sister moon "The Canticle of the Sun."
Christocentric: Jesus as the first born of every creature. Because the man Christ possesses absolute primacy, His Virgin Mother Mary is especially honored. Francis' way of life was evangelical and the literal imitation of Christ's life.
Ecclesiality: Jesus is encountered here and now in His Mystical Body. Franciscans seek personal holiness that overflows into a proclaiming of the gospel.
Mysticism: emphasizes God's immanence in all creatures and His role in man's destiny. Jesus in his humanity is the perfect sacrament of God. All other creatures share this sacramentality by being mirrors of God.
Asceticism: Man responds to his Creator's invitation to union primarily by acknowledging his state as a creature, which is that of littleness, minor.
Incarnationalism: Because God has become man, natural creation has value already in time; it need not wait until the end of time to acquire meaning.
The world is not to be deserted, but sanctified. For everything belongs to Jesus Christ.
I am learning about the SFO (Secular Franciscan Order) Rules. And even after you're professed, you are still required to study the rules because each meeting by way of continuing education, someone gives a speech about one of the rules. I am in the Candidacy Phase. There was a short Orientation Phase, then a 9 month Inquiry Phase. If I make it through Candidacy, then I will be professed. But my fraternity is in NJ and we travel up there every month for my formation. We haven't found a fraternity here yet. Each fraternity has a different "flavor" and I've so enjoyed my NJ brothers and sisters. I'm in formation with Harry, my brother in Francis.
Each monthly lesson gives me some treasure to tuck away in my heart. It's an order of penance in reparation for our own souls and souls of others - to be in total communication and obedience, surrender to God. In fact, that's one of the lessons this month: Penance Turning to God and Away from Sin.
St. Francis said it best: "Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my mind, give me right faith, a firm hope and perfect charity, so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen." That's my prayer too. It's hard for me to do, to surrender the here and now, the career that does not fulfill me, trust the Jesus will lead me even if all I do is to simply do my job, be kind to my co-workers and clients and give witness that Christ can be in the marketplace.
I have a long way to go in this journey.
Traci - I don't want to bore you or the others with my Francis sermons! :-) If you or anyone else wants to learn more, I will do my best if you PM me.
0 -
Very funny Theresa, now I am thinking about Pizza too. Had a yummy little one last nights after my swim, I think you sealed the deal there.
Paula,
Thanks for the info on your Bible. (do you want to share the other studies you have going on?) I have to say, I have found the names alone to be somewhat like reading a Chekov play...I have to keep flipping back to see who's who. What I am missing is a sense of the historical timeline...and know stories more than sequence. I'm going to go check my books, I should have a book I bought awhile back that gives an outline of the bible. Might be a good place to start.
Thanks so much for preparing the prayers for tonight Paula.
I would like to add Nita to our prayer list. She is having medical problems and is in the hospital. I asked if I could add her name, but she may not have had access since her AM post. I am going to take some liberty. She needs strong prayers for healing. Thank you all in advance.
OH, and I was wondering, I know it's sometimes hard to get on at the same time. Do you all want to go ahead and start at 10:05 PM to allow for variations with our clocks? We will know we are together, then when we are finished, we can post our closing then? How does this sound to you all?
0 -
Traci - been meaning to say I'm so impressed you swim every nite. I'll bet that's as good for the 'soul' as well as it is for the body:)
I don't know if it's my connection or a lot of traffic on the site sometimes or what but sometimes the site is SO SLOW and seems like it takes forever for my post to finally get up here. Anybody else experience that?
Apple - my thanks too for the mass - made me feel good all day!
0 -
Janet,
It is like going to Church for me. My pool closes October 31st, then it won't be as easy. I try and make it something that does not get "negotiated" in my life. It just is, and it's what I do. I am so so grateful my parents sacrificed all the time they did while I was growing up. Nightly practices, weekend swim meets, friends I still know these many years later. I have also had many jobs like teaching, coaching and lifeguarding because of my parents gifts to me. When I swim at night this time of year, the pool is usually all mine. The water is lit up with the lights, and there are green lights that bounce around the water's waves...I look up at the stars, and thank my mother. Sometimes I will swim a lap or two and imagine she is at the end of the pool, watching me and smiling. Thanks for recognizing my passion
0 -
Squid,
What a wonderful and lovely image of your mom! xo
0 -
Traci ~ great idea about the 10:05pm thing. My internet has been down a couple of days in a row and it is now "fixed". But in case of any mishaps, after I typed up the prayers I will just post it up.
And yes, Janet, you are right about the site being slow. I find that every Friday night and it will take forever. I do have cable modem and it is supposed to be really fast, but I tell ya, I was also stuck on the thread waiting for my post to get up there.
0 -
Paula - yes. Last Friday I posted just before 10 and it took almost 2 minutes to show up! (mine is high speed too )
0 -
Prayer for Christian Unity
Lord Jesus Christ, you call us together in faith and love. Breathe again the new life of your Holy Spirit among us that we may hear your holy Word, pray in your name, seek unity among Christians, and live more fully the faith we profess. All glory and honor be yours with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Memorare
Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who turned to you for help was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, though burdened by my sins, I run to you for protection. Mother of the Word of God, do not despise my words of pleading but be merciful and hear my prayer. Amen.
Janet's prayer
Our Father in heaven, thank You for this day and for all of our many blessings. We know miracles and healing come only through You. We pray for a cure for the terrible disease cancer. Please, dear Lord, guide the hands of cancer researchers all over the world. Open their minds to understand the mysteries of cancer so they may discover the cure in Your name. As You have taught us, we believe with all our hearts that You need only say the word for this to come to pass. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen
Prayer for Healing
Lord Jesus, You are my physician who comes from heaven to heal me. Help me to resolve to put all my trust in You alone and to patiently undergo my treatment. Lord, You can uproot and heal my sickness and ease my fears. I ask You please for my healing. Amen!
Closing Prayer
May the Lord bless and keep us. May He make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May the Lord look kindly upon us, and grant us a lasting peace. Amen
0 -
praying!
0 -
I'm here. Prayers beautiful.
0 -
I'm here.
Yes, the BCO connection slows down a lot. There must be a lot of people who use the site now.
Thanks for posting the prayers, Paula.
0 -
Good evening all sisters, I've posted the prayers already. I've chosen "Prayer for Christian Unity" and "Memorare" (to our Holy Mother) followed by the rest. Let me know when we will all start.
I think Traci said at 10:05pm (EST).
Love to all {{{HUGS}}}
0 -
I am here
0 -
I'm here.
0 -
I've just finished with the prayers. Thank you for praying along with me. May God Bless us All and give us Peace and take away our Fears. Amen.
Have a great weekend and sleep well
Xoxoxo
Paula
0 -
Amen.
Thank you Paula. Love to all.
0 -
{{{{Hugs to all}}}}
Thank you Paula.
Sweet dreams everyone!
0 -
Amen I love you sisters
Betty
0 -
You're so welcome ladies {{{HUGS}}}
You gals inspired me to look for prayers and to pray along you all each day. I especially enjoy this Friday group prayers.
Amen.
0 -
I have to say two little tears are running down my cheeks - not of sadness but of an overwhelming sense of calm that feels so good
Night to all.0 -
Thank you Paula, you and all the women on this thread are such a blessing.
0 -
Yes, it felt good
Wonder where's Traci, Laura, Sheila ? and the rest of the gang?
0 -
Amen,
And thank you all for the love you give to each one of us, every day.
Beautiful prayers Paula, I really really enjoyed the format, the sentiment and the closing.
Theresa,
It wasn't until I was peeking to find Paulas prayers, that I saw you had an awesome post waiting for me about your path. I am so looking forward to reading it now, and I'm sure I will have some questions. Thanks so much for sharing all, and the time you put into helping us come together.
God Bless and Sweet Dreams all who are off to slumber....
0 -
It's still early here
And I'm the notorious night owl (hehe)
0 -
I am here.. and prayed.. it is only 930 here.. I need to get with the other times.. but this is about the time of day I can get online...
PAULA... THANK YOU for posting the Novena to St. Peregrine... He is the only reason I started this thread.... for all to know about him. I have a special devotion to his intercession. He prayed for me greatly... and I will always be thankful... and I want to keep this thread.. in honor of he......
THANK YOU.....
xxxooo
0 -
Laura, so grateful that YOU started this thread. And I'm also so blessed and grateful that I can belong to this wonderful group that I can call my SISTERS. This is my favorite thread and I love to come here daily.
Traci, thank you that you started the Friday prayer group. It truly inspired me to make the effort about praying.
The rest of the sisters, thanks for joining together to make this prayer group strong and our prayers powerful. I know our intentions are heard by our Most Powerful Lord Jesus and His Holy Mother and All the Saints!
Together we will FIGHT and keep each other close to our hearts.
Love you ALL.
0 -
Good morning sisters,
My DD and I will be meeting my sister and her daughter for lunch today, then we're going to the cemetery to place flowers on my Mom's and brother's graves - evil cancer took them. It would be my Mom's birthday tomorrow. :'-(
I thought I'd start the day with Saint Francis' Canticle of the Sun since the day is so gorgeous and we have so many blessings around us!!
The Canticle of the Sun
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.
0 -
Good Morning All!
I am off to run an errand for my four legged little girl
I wanted to say hello to All, and wish you a beautiful day of Spirit, family and extended family here at BCO.There are several Spiritual meetings in the near future, and the I love the passion behind each persons journey. Michelle, you will be joined on October 18th and this is very exciting. Theresa, I love the journey you are on, and I Loved reading and learning about Franciscan Spirituality, Laura who started this thread for St. Peregrine, who is of utmost importance. Laura, look at how one idea has grown! Janet, your amazing story about Father Stefan and his work that grew from one soul, and now reaches so many. I do like your idea too of making this thread more visable. I found it because I always hit the active topics, and we have a lot of activity.
Paula, and all of the Sisters in prayer last night....thank you. I'l list you all, then fear I forgot one, so I hope you all know I saw us all.
I'll be back later, holding you in Spirit. I think of the planting of the mustard seed and how this all started. Pretty Amazing.
Traci
0 -
Good morning ladies. It's been a while since I posted here, but I've been reading. Things didn't go the way I would have liked at work, and I didn't get the new position. But it was an unexpected detour to my Plan A (I called it Plan A1) that now sets me back on Plan A. Buy my own place, maybe even a fixer-upper which I would not have time to do in the new position.
My sister-in-law and I joined our church choir, and almost immediately I got a terrible cold. I could hardly talk, let alone sing, so I think I made a terrible impression on the director. I hope to redeem myself in the next couple of weeks after the lingering cough goes away.
Today's my youngest's birthday. She's 19 and I guess that's a hard age. Not quite old enough to do everything, but too old to get away with things. She both impresses and disappoints me...works two part-time jobs, but isn't saving any money, lol. Cut back to one class this semester after the art classes she planned to take were canceled.I hope she finds her career directionduring this break and goes back to school fulltime with purpose.
0 -
Nancy,
Nice to see your post, and Happy Birthday to your daughter. I gave my poor mother quite a bit of grief while I was struggling in my immaturity. I think mothers get hit the hardest because we see our likeness, yet are trying to differentiate ourselves. Have faith, and she will be able to withstand with your support, even if it's a little tough love. It's love all the same.
I hope your choir director would be understanding of your cold. I have seen many "singers" today that would have been better off saying they had a cold when their voices were exposed due to the failure of their autotune technology
hang in there... it's not easy when our plans are not really ours. I hope this is a window opening up for you, even if it needs fixin'
0
