Secular Franciscans KC

What do we offer?

2011-05-21T22:04:00.002-05:00

We offer to make everything very easy. We offer to make Catholic Christianity feel good. No suffering. (That's for old time saints.) What makes us challenging? Worthwhile committing our lives to?

If a reader were young, do we offer anything that would be worthy of a vocation? Or are we purveyors of merely diversions?

I am conservative. Does it show?

2011-05-20T21:28:00.003-05:00

If I am a Conservative Catholic, should I consider contributing to my grandchildren attending a Catholic college that is liberal (aka progressive) .

It appears that our country wants to takeover the Catholic brand and make it appropriately Catholic to back abortion, same sex shacking up, fornication, etc. as okay.

Why even be Catholic if the label can include a Kennedy/Shriver and a Cardinal Burke? Someone needs to blink and be something else. I think the Shrivers/Kennedys/ Bidens/ etc. should be traded to the Episcopalians for some of their unused church buildings they are clinging to in courts.

I used to really like Maria Shriver as being somehow different from other Kennedy's. She and her grandmother Rose. Sure, she was Oprah's friend. But I have some friends with whom I disagree. Well,I was wrong about Maria. She's still a neat lady, just wrong. And apparently supporting positions that the Catholic Catechism defines as wrong. I'm not saying she's going to Hell. I am only saying is that she advocates positions the Catechism says are grave sins. And grave sins send us to Hell without passing Go or collecting $200.

There must be something wrong with me in their eyes. I just can't work my way around killing children and saving whales. Perhaps they can help me come to grips with the desirability of men joining with men in relationships. Of women with women. Of cocker spaniels with tabby cats. How about having two men marry one woman? You know, like that group on television whose name I can't recall. You know who I mean. More of this kind of thing could be just enough to really confuse me as a child. I'm pretty sure it's rough on me as an adult.

By the way, my grandchildren can go wherever they want to college.....but my help will hinge on me approving what the school appears to back. If I agree, I give them the paltry amount I can invest in such. My grandchildren will always be loved by me. It's just that I may or may not give them money. If they go to a marvelous--BUT LIBERAL--school and get through without me, I'll applaud their tenacity, just not their choice.

I'm right. They're wrong. But that's ok. Others are wrong, too.

Taken from a Newman Society Publication

2011-05-20T21:19:00.001-05:00

dinal Newman Society
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Renewing Catholic Higher Education

May 20, 2011

You're one of the first to see the following report: The Cardinal Newman Society's annual roundup on scandalous commencement speakers and honorees at Catholic colleges. You've stood with us against such scandals in the past, and I hope that you'll continue to do so with your prayers and donations. For 18 years, CNS has led the struggle for Catholic college renewal. Please help us continue this work with a tax-deductible gift today!

Scandal and Lavender Gowns:
Catholic College Commencements for the Class of 2011

Ever hear of a "lavender commencement"?

For some Catholic college students, gone are the days of traditional pomp and circumstance. On May 2, homosexual students at the nation's oldest Catholic university cheered anti-homophobia remarks from the director of the campus LBGTQ (lesbian-bisexual-gay-transgender-queer) Resource Center and paraded around campus with a rainbow flag.

The "commencement" speaker at Georgetown University's third annual Lavender Graduation—attended by University president John DiGioia, his vice president for student affairs and four deans—was openly gay U.S. Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island. Cicilline's campaign website assures voters, "I will support and work for passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, to guarantee the rights of all lawfully married couples, including same-sex couples…" It also declares his support for "full reproductive freedom" including abortion rights.

On the left coast, the "intercultural centers" at both the Jesuit University of San Francisco and St. Mary's College of California also hosted lavender graduations—a new trend at many colleges and universities around the country, but with a particular irony at Catholic institutions that admirably promote respect for every student but also claim fidelity to Catholic teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches the homosexual inclination is "objectively disordered" and "that 'homosexual' acts are intrinsically disordered."

Less shocking since the President Barack Obama debacle at the University of Notre Dame in 2009—but equally scandalous—are the annual displays of Catholic educators fawning over pro-abortion and pro-gay "marriage" politicians and activists. In 2004, the U.S. bishops issued clear instructions in their document "Catholics in Political Life," forbidding honors and platforms that might suggest support for opponents of Catholic teaching. Notre Dame took a public lashing—but what are a few bruises in pursuit of political correctness?

This year Fordham University's law school mustered up a pro-abortion Republican, former New York Governor George E. Pataki, to speak and receive an honorary degree this Sunday, May 22. Just after celebrating Mass, no doubt.

And today St. Vincent's College in Connecticut hosts U.S. Congressman Jim Himes as commencement speaker. They must not have discovered his campaign website (it took us a few clicks): "Jim Himes is a firm believer that women should hold the sole rights to their reproductive choices, without interference from politicians or government. The Congressman supports comprehensive family planning services and making methods of contraception more easily available. Jim Himes is working to pass the Freedom of Choice Act which will uphold the reproductive rights protections in Roe v. Wade and ensure the reproductive freedom of all future generations. Jim Himes is endorsed by Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut while his opponent voted against requiring hospitals to provide access to emergency contraception for rape victims." Oops?

Obama administration fans would have enjoyed the commencement speech by Jill Biden, wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, at Salve Regina University on May 15. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Jill Biden told ABC News about the importance of keeping abortion legal: "I think it's very important personally… But I am of that generation of women who fought for Roe v. Wade and I can't imagine the Supreme Court overturning it. I think women have to remember that." Will St. Peter remember the day Catholic educators rewarded her with an honorary degree?

Of course, what's more exciting to a liberal college professor is a trip down memory lane to the Clinton years—even if the Class of 2011 was finger painting when Clinton took office. For instance Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State and now a Georgetown University professor (!!), speaks today at Georgetown University's Master of Science in Foreign Service award ceremony. Albright publicly attacked President George W. Bush for refusing to use taxpayer dollars to fund pro-abortion counseling overseas during NARAL Pro-Choice America's "Power of Choice" fundraising luncheon in 2001 and again in 2005. She was a featured speaker at the 2004 "March for Women's Rights" in Washington, D.C., which rallied support for legalized abortion. And in her 2007 book The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God and World Affairs—just in case we didn't know it already—she confirms, "I am a supporter of Roe v. Wade because I think women should have the right to choose…."

The Whitehead School of Diplomacy at Seton Hall University—the diocesan university of Newark, New Jersey—invited Timothy Wirth, Clinton's Under Secretary of State and now president of the United Nations Foundation, to deliver its commencement address on May 13. In 2009, Wirth joined with Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, to chide the U.S. bishops for seeking universal health care without coverage for abortion and contraception, which Wirth and Richards said was intended "to diminish a woman's right to make personal decisions that should be kept between her and her doctor." Also in 2009, the United Nations Foundation joined Planned Parenthood in honoring Congresswoman Nita Lowry for leadership on "international family planning." The UNF states on its website: "We are committed to achieving the global goal of universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services by 2015." UNF also runs the pro-abortion website RHRealityCheck.com.

And political commentator, former Al Gore campaign manager, and Georgetown University professor (!!) Donna Brazile was the commencement speaker at Benedictine University in Illinois on May 15. In 2009, Brazile publicly supported President Obama's reversal of the "Mexico City Policy," which had barred taxpayer funding for organizations that provide or counsel for abortions. In a 2006 Ms. Magazine article, Brazile expressed support for across-the board availability of contraceptive services including "emergency contraception," criticized abstinence-only education, and chided opponents as "adamantly opposed to a woman's right to choose, and… finding new ways to chip away at Roe v. Wade." In a 2005 Ms. Magazine article, "Why Choice Matters," Brazile rallied support for "reproductive rights" including abortion, "to stop the religious right from moving into our pulpits" and to fight "anti-choice extremists."

And here we find a bit of delight… at least in the memory of a bishop's unequivocal stand against such compromises of a college's Catholic identity. In April 2009, Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans boycotted the commencement ceremony of Xavier University of Louisiana to protest Brazile's selection as speaker and honoree. It was a heartening moment for Catholics who are tired of the campus nonsense.

Back to the present: Tomorrow, May 21, the law school at the University of San Francisco will honor and hear a commencement address from Hon. Ming W. Chin, an associate justice on the California Supreme Court. In 1996, shortly before his confirmation to the Court and a year before striking down a law requiring minors to get parental consent for abortions, Chin publicly stated that abortion is "the woman's right to choose"—which means that he is an appropriate addition to the rogue's gallery of USF commencement speakers including, in past years, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

A few Catholic colleges this year are pointedly celebrating Catholics who defied their bishops and supported President Obama's health care overhaul, even without sufficient provisions to protect conscience rights and preclude government-funded abortions. This Sunday, May 22, St. Catherine University will honor its commencement speaker Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, President of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) of the United States and the lobbyist who perhaps did the most to undermine the U.S. bishops and pro-life organizations on health care reform. But St. Kate's students will have to settle for "seconds," since the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, secured Keehan to speak the prior day at its graduate student commencement ceremony.

Could it be pure coincidence? A year to the day before the St. Thomas graduation—on May 21, 2010—leading representatives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement which blamed the CHA for causing "confusion and a wound to Catholic unity." Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Bishop William Murphy and Bishop John Wester publicly disagreed with the notion put forward by Sr. Keehan that "the divergence between the Catholic Conference and Catholic organizations, including the Catholic Health Association, represents merely a difference of analysis or strategy."

And then Sr. Keehan publicly defended a Phoenix hospital after Bishop Thomas Olmsted revoked the hospital's Catholic standing. Without consulting the bishop, the hospital had decided it was ethical to perform a direct abortion in violation of the U.S. bishops' ethical and religious directives for Catholic health care services. Sr. Keehan has said she respects Bishop Olmsted's authority on matters of morality—but has publicly disagreed with him anyhow.

Now that's a role model for America's Catholic college graduates!

Others who undermined the bishops on health care reform include U.S. Senators Robert P. Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana—members of the Catholics-who-don't-like-abortion-BUT crowd—who addressed graduates at Villanova University on May 15 and Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute today (May 20), respectively. Sen. Landrieu is pro-choice on abortion and urged President George W. Bush to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research. Sen. Casey has voted against the "Mexico City Policy," thereby allowing the U.S. government to pay for abortions overseas, and against the de-fund Planned Parenthood amendment to the 2011 budget.

Now lest we imagine that commencement ceremonies are purely a political affair—they're not, or so college leaders will swear with their fist on the table for emphasis—they are also opportunities for courting gifts from wealthy businessmen. And who better than Bob Wright, former chairman and CEO of NBC Universal? On May 14, St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia hosted Suzanne and Bob Wright to deliver the commencement address and receive honorary degrees for their admirable work with the charity Autism Speaks. We should be grateful that they were not hailed for their advocacy of same-sex "marriage." Just this past March, both Bob and Suzanne joined with Hollywood actors and business leaders in an open letter sponsored by the advocacy group, Freedom to Marry, which called on President Barack Obama to support homosexual "marriage."

And there's Chuck Geschke, co-founder of Adobe, who addressed Xavier University of Ohio's graduates on May 14. Geschke and other Silicon Valley business leaders established the group "Silicon Valley Leaders Say No on Proposition 8" and purchased a full-page ad in the San Jose Mercury News opposing the 2008 California referendum to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Geschke donated $5,000 toward the ad and was described as honorary co-chair of the group.

Now here's a dishonorable mention: If you're a Catholic college leader seeking out the best role model for Catholic college students, would you choose former CNN anchor Larry King, who has been divorced seven times? King will be the commencement speaker for the undergraduate arts and sciences ceremony at the University of San Diego this Sunday, May 22. Aside from implicit biases and his marital problems, we could not find evidence of public opposition to Catholic moral teaching until King made a big splash just this month, releasing a video for the Human Rights Campaign's "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality" campaign in which he advocates homosexual "marriage," saying: "I know a thing or two about marriage—maybe three, maybe four. Some of us can get married again and again, and others can't get married at all. Can't figure that out. Let's make marriage equality the law in New York, and let's do it now." Clearly USD officials didn't know about this when they invited King—but were there no candidates for commencement speaker who hadn't demeaned the institution of marriage so publicly (and repeatedly)?

Every year there are commencement scandals that just break your heart, because they involve speakers and honorees who are doing so much good for others—but also significant harm. Such is the case of the charity Partners in Health and Dr. Paul Farmer, its co-founder and Executive Vice President, who will be the commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient at Georgetown University's undergraduate ceremony tomorrow, May 21—and Loune Viaud, the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for the Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) socio-medical complex in Cange, Haiti, where she founded the women's center, who was honored on May 14 by Regis College in Massachusetts.

A webpage for Partners in Health's HIV Equality Initiative explains the emphasis on "family planning" and "contraceptive options," developed in part by Viaud:

"When women are counseled, educated, and provided with contraceptive options, they are more likely to delay childbearing, have fewer children, and reduce their risk for obstetrical complications. Nevertheless, 50 percent of all pregnancies worldwide are unplanned or unwanted… Many barriers limit women's access to family planning methods, including gender inequality, myths, and lack of knowledge about available services.

"Family planning is an integral part of the model of comprehensive women's health care that was developed at Zanmi Lasante (ZL) in Haiti and emphasized as one of the four pillars of PIH's HIV Equity Initiative. Each of ZL's clinical sites has a full-time nurse trained in sex education and reproductive health counseling. ZL has been offering free condoms and other contraceptive methods for over 15 years. In 2003, Zanmi Lasante began training and mobilizing community health workers who specifically promote family planning and women's health. These ajans fanm (women's health agents) travel throughout the countryside, teaching women and men about sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and contraceptive methods, distributing condoms and oral contraceptives, and referring pregnant women and others to the clinics. This successful model is being replicated at PIH sites in Rwanda, Malawi and Lesotho."

Another webpage discussing Partners in Health's efforts to support women's health in temporary settlements indicates: "All mobile clinic staff will also be attending 'refresher' trainings in women's health basics—particularly the use of emergency contraception and management of victims of rape."

No doubt the intentions for recognizing Farmer and Viaud—and for that matter, all of the above-cited commencement speakers and honorees—are easily justified by the good that these people do. If a Catholic college chooses to honor someone for their good works, the argument goes, why should we be concerned about other activities that oppose clear moral teachings of the Church?

The answer: Because Catholic colleges have a choice of speakers and honorees. And when they make a choice—especially when selecting someone to serve as a role model for graduation—the choice should be for speakers and honorees who best exemplify the standards of a Catholic college education.

Good people who compromise morality to do bad things—harmful things—deserve our compassion and counsel, but not our honor. We certainly do not want Catholic college graduates following the same path, expecting the future admiration of their mentors.

A Catholic education should mean more than that—if, at these institutions, it still means anything at all.

The Cardinal Newman Society
9415 West Street
Manassas, VA 20110

Helping the Pitiful

2011-05-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

Cranky asked for some help. My mistake was in helping him start his own Blog. Against my better judgment, here goes. He means for you to go to CRANKY GUY at CrankyGuy1.blogspot.com. There you will get CRANKY GUY.

He talked a lot about sending off missives of discontent being hurled into the universe. Whatever. I just wish he'd fill in for me when I need him.

That Crankyw2.Blogspot.com is over my head. It looks old. Outdated. Kinda like Cranky.

And we all know that Bonnie Venture remains the source of Franciscan propriety.

Go to Cranky2.blogspot.com

2011-05-09T15:41:00.000-05:00

TRY IT,

Go To Cranky2,Blogspot.com

2011-05-09T15:20:00.002-05:00

Here I am. Th ere you are. Let us wish upon a star.

Standing on My Head: Standing Up Against Sexism

2011-04-09T08:47:00.001-05:00

Standing on My Head: Standing Up Against Sexism

Neither Cranky nor his friend Frank More could figure out how to do this, so I was recruited. Fr. Dwight writes good stuff. A few of the Blog staff like his work. We do not speak for the f raternity as a whole.

What would Francis say?

2011-04-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

So many seem to know what to do. I don't. I read the papers, I watch the pundits. And I tremble.

What can I think? What can I do? Prayer seems right, but offering to pray seems sometimes to be looking for cover for my inaction.

I struggle to be a man of God. I can't fix me. I am amazed when both parties cavalierly propose simple solutions to complex problems. If I stray even a bit from keeping my attention on the Lord, I remember that the solutions proposed by either party, any party, have all been tried before. And they failed.

We must protect our country. But are we supposed to protect the world? And if we are, whom would you choose to lead us?

Francis is traditionally said to have taught that words can be used when necessary to preach. I suppose that means there would be times when words are unnecessary. Are they necessary today? But words, what words should we choose to use? And who should choose them? now we are left with a problem. what are we supposed to do when we have no money to help others? What are we supposed to do when others don't want to be helped?

Is there a time to reconsider what to do? Should we save ourselves or try to save the world? Perhaps knowing God as Francis did would lead something different?

I guess really following Jesus would be too radical? I wonder what he wants in all of this? I wonder if anyone has asked him?

Wondering

2011-03-28T12:09:00.002-05:00

I am kind.

I am considerate.

I am compassionate.

I live by the rules.

I give people another chance.

I am a believer in the Cardinal Virtues.

I am a believer in the Theological Virtues.

I love you as a Child of God.

Should I buy a gun?

Pray for Fr. Corapi

2011-03-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

His preaching and teaching have blessed and do bless me tremendously.

If I were Satan and wanted to bring down anyone in the Church more than anyone else, Id choose Benedict XVI, then Fr. Corapi. Getting either of them would destroy lots of folks faith.

Benedict would be too hard. He's so German, so smart, so focused. But Corapi wold be easier to destroy, even if I had no information. I could make it up. Even if he gets cleared in a couple of years, I could pull him down a peg or three. Also, it would get his Catechism Class off EWTN.

Calumny always has worked. Catholics rarely are interested in protecting their priests. Look how they acted after the scandals. Bishop will drop im for someone more manageable.

But we aren't Satan. We need to pray and pray and pray.

Live the Gospel

2011-03-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

Fun is......fun.

Serious....wears me out.

Other people....can be a pain in the neck.

I....need to get over myself.

test

2011-03-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

test

rEJECTION sLIPS

2011-03-23T21:46:00.003-05:00

I have enough rejection slips to paper the roof of a small building. In the past, the very recent past, that was prone to leave me cranky. What does Cranky want? Attention. Acceptance. Affirmation. Acknowledgment.

There may be more tomorrow. There may be less. But it won't be much different. And I will be Cranky to the extent I stay stuck on and with me. Francis could give up leadership and become just one of the troops.

What Blogger or Blogette has transcended ego enough to give up their very identity? Without Cranky, I am like interchangeable with everyone. With Cranky, I dance. People back away, not wanting to get surrounded and overwhelmed. This is so much more fun than Tommy's relentless propriety. Cranky has a much better time.

That's why Tommy watches him some. Amusement. But he guards his daughter. And doesn't pick up the phone when the caller id says it's Cranky. He's not certain why. It's just something to be done.

Bonnie's Mother Dies.

2011-03-22T16:35:00.002-05:00

Bonnie's mother was in her 90's. Bonnie was ready. Her mother was ready. But it's hard. We know they are better off gone (if they are Christian). But we feel sorry for ourselves missing them.

Bonnie is a serious Catholic. But she just might appreciate an email to the address at the top of the page.

Bonnie is our fraternity minister, newsletter editor, mediator, and one mean momma.

Seriously, she's very good, and very busy. Very.

Cranky2.blogspot.com

2011-03-22T16:29:00.003-05:00

Is this worth resurrecting? Or should I have it exorcised from my machine? It's been gone forever. Cranky gave it to me to cover some work I had done to help him.

I was being compassionate. Is there a time when compassion is no longer the best move? I want so much to be a "good" fellow. I want to take on the mind of Christ. I want to follow the Holy Spirit's lead and the Church's teaching.

I want to be a serious Franciscan-Catholic-Christian. Then I laugh at an off-color joke and realize I am mostly flesh after all.

How's it for you?

For Your Edification

2011-03-21T16:08:00.002-05:00

I call your attention to two articles in March's edition of the New Wine Press. It's put out by the Precious Blood Fathers of Liberty MO. Reading them will hopefully bless you. They hopefully are saying something the Lord wants said. Bob McCray wrote them.

(I think he just likes to see his name in print.)

March 21--Another Day of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

2011-03-21T16:02:00.002-05:00

I seem to operate well within the evangelical counsels whether I start out in that direction or not. I think it has something to do with trying to be serious about the whole business of humility and being submitted to God.

I either am going to give up my Ego or I am going to nurse and talk sweetly to it as I try to get what I want when I want it.

It was a bit easier when I was totally focused on me. Getting over me is harder for me to do than for others. Sin is real. It's not an issue or a problem. It stands between me and the Lord.

I am available for duty.

2011-03-15T16:19:00.002-05:00

I thought I was in business on March 15. But I wasn't. Have you ever been that way? You knew everything was ready to go, but it wasn't. Well, now it is. I am thankful to Tommy and Bonnie for letting me come play at their house.

Note the Contributors' List

2011-03-14T21:59:00.003-05:00

I belong! I am part of the group. I don't have to get ol' Tommy boy to "let" me write.

As my life drifts through the unceasing second - hand moral smoke of what now is passing as daily life on the planet, I see no good reason not to totally despair. Unless I follow Jesus. (John 6:60-71).

Note over there on yhe other side of the garden. Evil is gathering.

Pray for us Holy Mother. Pray for us Francis

Bonnie Venture Joins Circus

2011-03-13T00:15:00.001-06:00

She ran away and joined the Circus. Don't be sad. It's a very nice circus.

Others and Me

2011-03-13T00:10:00.002-06:00

I watched the news from Japan after we got home from Mass and ate dinner. Felt helpless. Really helpless. Then I got something else to snack on. Eating trumps compassion. That feels cold.

Confession

2011-03-11T22:16:00.002-06:00

It was good. Cheaper than therapy. And more effective. It was a good confession. I believe I got rid of my Grave Sins. Not enough time to get to all my venial stuff. It feels good to confess. It's like finally getting out of a pair of jeans you've worn all day that were way too tight. You can breathe again.

I really am going to buy Benedict's book. It looks so good. I confess I am envious of his ability to write with such depth.

He has to be so incredibly smart.

Today is Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T10:59:00.002-06:00

May miss it. I am on a bad day. Tomorrow is confession. I can use it as an opener before I ge t ihe bigger stuff. It's not a day of obligation/

CATARACTS AND FEAR

2011-03-08T11:40:00.002-06:00

I am having a cataract removed......mumble....snarl....hesitation....doubt.....fear. There's no reason to fear.......stew.......fret......frustration. Shows I'm not just putting it all in God's hand.....concern....what can happen....mistakes......the end of the world..a faith healing would be good......but I must not forget that

"God's in His Heaven. Praise God in all things." He said through clinched teeth.

Aunt Mary, the End of the World, and Lynda

2011-03-06T14:13:00.002-06:00

Aunt Mary traveled to lots of places. She always came home with lots of photographs and lots of stories. One of the stories has never left me.

Never adverse to traveling alone, she would go with groups when it was convenient. One time she had been in Egypt to see the camels and the pyramids. This had been a side trip from a trip to the Holy Land. After seeing the Pyramids and riding a camel, she was slated to join a group flying from Cairo to Tunis. They then would take a flight from there to Lisbon. From Portugal, she was to go to Heathrow in London. Then New York and Kansas City.

No problem. Until she got to Tunis. They thought they had plenty of time, so they disembarked to go walk around in the airport. She met some of the other passengers. The time of the layover passed quickly, and they could see out on the tarmac, a plane taxi up to the gate they would soon be leaving through.

Mary and her group began to gather up their things when a truck rumbled up to the gate. Soldiers jumped down from the back with backpacks and AK47's. A jeep came alongside with a driver, a heavy machine gun and a officer of some kind. Sunglasses and a riding crop made him particularly noteworthy.

The solders boarded the plan. It pulled away, and in a few moments was gone. Mary was later to report the experience was unsettling. But clearly outside her control. She padded across the floor in her stocking feet to the ticket agent to inquire. Assured that another plane was coming, she returned to the bevy of tourists who now were quite a bit quieter than before.

Another truck with more men and guns. Guards now covered each doorway they could see in the terminal waiting area. They took the next plane.

Mary chose not to inquire again. But she knew one thing and one thing alone. She wanted to get out of there as soon as a plane for Lisbon would let her on.

The third plane finally let them on. When the pilot was finally airborne, everyone clapped and shouted.

I told this story to my wife Lynda because I liked the suspense aspect. Stuck in Tunis with a coup. It was the material of the thrillers I loved.

I had probably told the story several times when she connected it to the end of the world. I said some variant of "Huh?" when she explained.

"It's not a protestant rapture. For one thing the folks weren't left behind. What it was, was when a Catholic dies, he or she is taken to the next step on the way to Paradise. In this case, they had come to Tunis for a bit of purging before they go to Lisbon. The time in Tunis was to finish off any temporal pride and face the fact of how out of control they were. Mary had the right idea: Take the first flight available to get to Heaven (or Purgatory if need be). And don't get lost in trying to do any escathological second guessing. Doesn't help anyway.

"Love Jesus as Francis did. He'd probably been preaching to the soldiers."

I guess that's why Lynda is my favorite theologian.

Questions

2011-03-03T16:10:00.002-06:00

Is there a difference between being hopeful and being optimistic?
Is there a difference between being hopeless and being pessimistic?

Should I pretend not to be frustrated when I am frustrated?

Do I change from where I am to where I want to be through application of consistent effort, or do I give it to God and wait?

Was Francis flighty? Or Free?

Was Francis an environmental wacko?
Was Francis unusual?

Should I want to "fit in"?
Or should I want to "stand out"?

important use of your time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2011-02-27T08:21:00.002-06:00

If you have any time at all, do yourself a tremendous favor and read Kansas Catholic's book. It's on his blog at www.kansascatholic.blogspot.com.

It is spectacular. What I like is that the story carries me along with it. It's funny. It's sad. It's interesting. It's moral. It's heroic. It's about the Church. It's not preachy. It's.................

Did You Miss Me?

2011-02-26T12:58:00.002-06:00

I've been restricting myself from blogging lately. Somehow, some way, for some reason, I managed to twist and strain my shoulder to the point that typing was painful. So I stopped. My shoulder still hurts, but I have a bottle of knock-off Tylenol. So typing is now doable.

I've been using a voice activated word processing program some. It's great. But I have to get used to something totally different. That's challenging. But "I can do it, Yes I can, I'm...."

If you go to our meetings, I've been consistently gone. It has to do with weather. If I slip and fall, I could be in real trouble. I'm a bit unsteady on my feet for a lot of reasons. Ice renders me "unsteadier".

Forewarning the five or six people in the civilized world who read this blog regularly: If you come up to me and tell me about someone who has my set of symptoms and what awful thing happened to them, I MAY BITE YOUR HEAD OFF AND HAND IT TO YOU!!!!! Thank you, Jesus! Alleluia.

Don't take it personally. Er...Do take it personally. Also, don't ask if I'm a victim soul. I am in favor of avoiding all avoidable suffering. I'll offer up all unavoidable suffering. I'm doing this every time I can work it into a conversation. I probably won't do this with grandchildren under 12 or with my wife. I love the grandchildren, and I already do enough things to annoy my wife.

She is still the most phenomenal person I've ever met. For some reason, she seems to
still have patience with me. Could be I taught her to be patient.

How are you with patience? My belief is that most of us want others to be patient with our dumb moves while we skewer anyone who crosses us as being some grade of pond scum.

Have you ever wonder if most people who think this have the gift of discerning of spirits as really having a critical spirit?

My shoulder hurts.

What would Francis do? He'd be patient. He'd pray for all the politicians on both sides of the latrine...er...aisle. He'd point them to Jesus.

I'm against violence as a political answer. I hate to be reduced to trying to buy a politician. That's not Franciscan. That leaves intercession. Maybe we could parcel out our political leaders, so everyone got prayed for. Those we don't pray for and who later fail could be designated as "They didn't have a prayer."

Yeah, it snowed. Get over it.

Overprivatizations

2011-01-28T14:40:00.002-06:00

I seem to think that the world revolves around me. I give humility a bad name. Somehow, I stay tightly focused on how things affect me and mine. Only rarely do I detach enough to transcend the temporal.

You folks may not have had this experience, but I have to work to stay out of self-pity some days. I think it's easier to do if I just run from those things that are either sinful or questionable. It's too easy to proclaim that "I can handle it". Then I take that long fall from the heights of my own ego.I really don't handle temptation well. To stand and negotiate with it is stupid. Example: Television. Gluttony.

I have no hope beyond Jesus and my relationship with Him. I can skip prayer. Never quite make it to confession. Bypass a Rosary. Skip Mass. Leave Mass early. Not be able to remember the last time I read Scripture. Bad mouth a priest. Complain about a tradition. And somehow pretend I'm Holy.

Or I can kneel broken by the idea that God loves me. And I have no idea why He does.

It's a whole lot easier to talk about how you should humble yourselves than it is for me to actually humble myself. But I have little grounds to criticize you until I get things right with the almighty.

Overgeneralizations

2011-01-26T20:50:00.002-06:00

It is so easy to decide that everyone over fifty who forgets something is falling headlong into some variety of dementia. Now many have, some are, and several will be. But we must be careful of always generalizing others' situations. Mostly, we see ourselves and our situations as explainable and we see others as clinically significant.

Roughly, that translates into I'm OK, and You're not OK.

I'm reminded of all our politicians. We quickly justify the behaviors of all of those who happen to share the same opinion as we have on a specific issue. And just as quickly damn all those who have opinions we might not share.

For example, I tend to criticize everything that a politician says who is pro-abortion. I also tend to accept everything that a politician says who is pro-life. It has been brought to my attention that I might be wiser to read and study what each politician says about a specific issue. If a politician in my state is pro-abort, I will, vote against him (or her) in a general election for that very issue, but I might approve of him voting for a particular tax cut proposal.

I sometimes have chosen to contact such politicians and tell them how I approve of one of their positions but that my support does not go as far as wanting them to stay in office.

This is an effort to construct positions that are situationally specific. I could even imagine the existence of a President who was a phenomenal public speaker and apparently good father. Those are important characteristics for me. But I could imagine myself frightened about the continued existence of our country as a result of his actions.

An over-generalization would be to dislike everything he said or did or to like everything he said or did based on speaking skills or parenting style.

Prudence would be to respect the office the individual held and to develop opinions about the positions the official presented. And get him out of office as soon as possible.

As a Franciscan, I want to pray for my president or congressman. I want to love him with the love of God, but I don't want to agree with everything he does just because he is president.

Is there some similarity here when considering one's priest? How about husband? Supervisor at work? Bishop?

I'm not always certain how to do this without slipping into calumny or detraction. How do you do it?

pray 4 me

2011-01-24T07:55:00.002-06:00

I literally just got caught with my hand in the candy sack. The shoe hasn't fallen, but I am in trouble. No place to hide.

Trust your day is going well,
------------

question=="Are you Dun Scotus?"
answer====="As much as I'll ever be".

I wonder what the title meant?

2011-01-14T23:55:00.002-06:00

Cranky told me he posted the poem. He took it from Bob McCray. I don't get the title. I wonder if it's really about donuts?

It may be poetical,
but I think it's pathetical

THE SEARCH FOR NOUMENA IN FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY IN LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICA

2011-01-14T23:43:00.001-06:00

Mounting sieges,
rescuing damsels,
and slaying dragons
as just part of another day's work,
her characters fought Borg to the death,
then ate a hearty breakfast.

My characters
slipped in and out of traffic,
looking to stop for gas,
and wondering where Borg bought spare parts.
She lived a life of withering self-discipline
while I pondered
whether she had
counted the donuts
before she went out to get the mail.
And if she hadn't,
could I get one out of the box and wrapper,
eat it,
swallow it,
throw away the wrapper,
and get my innocence going again before she returned?
And was it worth the risk of getting caught?

Probably.

WORD ON FIRE

2011-01-09T22:30:00.002-06:00

Fr. Robert Barron preaches phenomenal homilies. I do his podcasts on iTunes. That got me 522 homilies to listen to.

So far, they all really speak to me. He don't come across as trying to impress me with his erudition, though it's considerable. He doesn't come across as trying to entertain, though he can do that. But he does come across as seriously wanting to lead me to the Father's House. To show me how I can live in sweet surrender. To show me the Lord loves me. And I can live in oneness with Him.

Listen to His Church. Hear It speak. Hold Hope Close. It's hard to listen to Fr. Barron regularly and not find ones self being a better Catholic. So far, I listen an hour less each evening of national news on how the world is collapsing.

I also am sleeping better.

While the testosterone types watch tv.

2011-01-02T15:20:00.003-06:00

While Tommy watches some football game between two teams he's relatively clueless about, I t h ought I'd write something on his blog. I may have to do more of this because I'm way more interesting than he is.

The boy really doesn't have much of a life. He studies a lot, talks with Bob McCray about poetry a lot, whines about the absolute stupidity of most Washington politicians, and prays toward the Reagan Presidential Library a couple of times a day.

I could assimilate him as his resistance would be futile, but I think he would get boring.

Football games are grinding to a close. That will leave j ust basketball. Y ou know I could give up some tv and read more spiritual literature. For example, I could read Francis.

If I'm really interested in spiritual growth, that is. I find that Francis makes me think. He's like one of those monks in that Into Great Silence film. I mean, he and they are really serious about the Gospel. Really serious. He and Clare probably never went to lunch with each other after Mass. He spent time in the Scriptures rather than sneaking peeks at the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. And I wonder if there would have been a discussion about whether or not R rated movies were okay to watch.

I have another line of thought boring ol' Tommy would miss. It's the Women's beach volley ball team. Have you seen a game? I asked Tommy his opinion once. He blushed. But then I rented a Shania Twain video. I watched it three times before somebody told me it has music on it. Gave me something to repent. My oh my oh my!! That woman...that woman...that woman can sing.

RE: Formation

I suppose if people get serious with DEEP FORMATION if we will actually want to read the assignments for the meetings. Benedict XVI is easier to follow than JPII, but both men are among the smartest men who have ever been on Rome's side in quite a while.. I can get lost attempting to understand their subtleties. But then as a male, I am brain damaged.

Some told me that they didn't always read in the past didn't read what they are supposed to read. Surely not. I probably misunderstood. That doesn't sound like a Franciscan. That sounds like a Benedictine or a Trappist. Maybe a Domenican. Franciscans are too Hooooooly for that. Aren't we? Well, I know I'm hooly. Only my humility is further developed than my holiness.

Don't tell Tommy I wrote you all. He'll get his feelings hurt. "FEELINGS SMEELINGS" I get tired of him whining at times. I've decided to grow up some, right after he does.

Postponing maturity is a real art form. But I think I'm getting it down. How about you?

Cranky

2011 - Happy New Year

2011-01-01T03:00:00.003-06:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1-5

The Last Day of the Year

2010-12-31T10:18:00.002-06:00

Okay, I have one last question that's been on my mind for quite awhile. I'm reluctant to bring it up in Confession as I, well I think it sounds ridiculous. But it's on my mind. And if it's on my mind, it's....,,well....on my mind.

Here goes. Don't laugh. The problem is........"I enjoy reading Protestant materials some of the time". Remember, you said you wouldn't laugh. I'm not exactly sure why I do it . My working hypothesis is that I just want to.

Tomorrow starts a new year. Lord, let me decide to live it with commitment and compassion. Let me stop this whole small minded stuff whining about what was done to me. Let me replace it wit h what has been done for you.

CHRISTMAS EVE

2010-12-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

I do have a Christmas story for you. It's not "The" Christmas story, but it'll have to do.

Cranky Guy had a gift certificate to use. He got it the other day at Church. It was to a bookstore. As you might not know, this kind of thing pleases Cranky tremendously. He came home with all kinds of ideas about what he was going to buy. Then he began to sort through the online catalog. At first, he identified $157 worth. But this raced way past the gift certificate.

He began to ratchet back. With his trusty calculator, he trimmed it to #47.50. But then Cranky began to think. Did he really want the books? Should he think more? Would he use the books again? Should he buy books his lady friend would read also?

What books would God want him to buy? Poor Cranky got more and more confused. So he turned off his computer and made some coffee.

He doesn't have to finish this off immediately. It's important but not urgent.

Maybe tomorrow we can find out what he did.

Knowing God or Knowing About God

2010-12-19T10:33:00.002-06:00

Do I know God, or do I know about God? It’s easy to reduce God to an intellectual construct to be described, developed, and defended. He’s suddenly a great deal like a listing of the Northern Generals during the Civil War. Their strengths and weaknesses can be calculated, weighed, evaluated, compared and shared. But you and I are hard-pressed to claim actually knowing them. For they have all been dead for over one hundred years.

It’s the same way with God. I can come to know about him and what he did without having a genuine relationship with Him. That can be deadly. Do I get into Heaven when I only know about Him?

Oh, I do hope I know him better than I know you.
Or you know me.

I depend so much on grace. It's like He gave me pre-approved credit card. But those things do run out. Does grace run out? Does mercy? Is the answer different when I presume on His Grace and Mercy? Please, does it stop when I die? Do I take a draft with me to cover expected and unexpected departure expenses between my death and the Beatific vision?

If Purgatory is what it says in the Catechism, looks like most people are going to spend some time there. And it looks pretty inviting from my perspective. That is, unless there are more Catholics immaculately conceived than I thought there were.

Explaining Cranky Guy.

2010-11-27T12:24:00.002-06:00

It's tough to do. He was someone I met decades ago in school. We kept bumping into each other. He wanted me to "loosen up" and go with the flow. I wanted him to get converted.

I was fresh out of ideas for blogging. Cranky wasn't. Cranky always has ideas. Some of them are even acceptable if they can be filtered. On his own devices, he sometimes rolls over the edge. But I've always been able to reel him in. At least so far.

I saw his listing of a favored theologian. Slick.

I have some names for you, too.
----Christ, The Life of the Soul by Columba Marmion
----Lift Up Your Heart by Fulton Sheen
----Anything by Rainero Cantalamessa. The spelling is wrong, but the guy is good. Sr. Loretta keeps a fresh supply of his work in her toy store.

Be understanding of Cranky. You'd like him if you got to know him. Unless there is a ground swell of sentiment against it, I'll invite him back some time.
----

If Francis Were Alive

2010-11-14T21:42:00.003-06:00

Filling in for the vacationing Tommy Augustine:

If Francis were alive, he would read this blog first thing every morning. Then he'd probably check out what was happening on the Kansas Catholic blog and the Catholic Key blog.

Francis was a very wise man.

Full of Care and Compassion,

Cranky Guy

Things To Help You Be A Better Person by Cranky Guy

2010-11-13T04:31:00.006-06:00

Another guest editorial.

I am happy to have a chance to address you again. Tommy asked me if I wanted to address you again. The boy is shy and looks to me to help him overcome his myriad of limitations.

First, I love this Blog, Bonnie's stuff is really informative. She needs to be congratulated for all h er efforts. Of course, entering it no doubt makes her even holier than she is already. I've learned a lot from her..

Did you read the last TAU? It has a wonderful poem by one of your members:John Robert McCray.

I have a new favorite book--THEOLOGY AND SANITY by Frank Sheed.. WoW! He's clear. I like clear.

Feel free to respond.

FRATERNITY HOLDS FIRST TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS

2010-10-30T16:13:00.000-05:00

The Son of Justice and Mercy shown brightly Sunday morning, October 10, as the Secular Franciscans of the Holy Eucharist gathered at the Franciscan Prayer Center for their first triennial election. Father Felix Petrovsky, OFM Cap, our Regional Spiritual Assistant had driven from Colorado Springs, CO to preside at and confirm the election, assisted by Alice Crews, sfo, our Regional Secretary who chaired the election.

Council commissioned by the professed members to animate the fraternity:

Minister:            Claudia Kauzlarich
Vice Minister: Stanley Sikorski
Secretary:        Elizabeth Dietrich
Treasurer:        Alice Goergen
Formation:        Cheryl O’Neil
Councilor:         Mary Belanger
Councilor:         Clarissa Grill
Councilor:        Carol Sikorski
Councilor:        Trini Velasquez
Councilor:        Donna Weathers

Admonition XXIII HUMILITY

2010-09-24T03:00:00.001-05:00

Blessed is the servant who has been found as humble among his subjects as he was among his masters.

Blessed is the servant who always remains under the rod of correction.

Faithful and prudent is the servant who does not delay in punishing himself for all his offenses, inwardly through contrition and outwardly through confession and penance for what he did. (Mt24:45)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, New City Press

Guest Column by Cranky Guy

2010-09-21T12:59:00.003-05:00

If Francis lived in 2010 in Missouri, what would he be like? Would he be different than he was all those years ago in Italy? Would he wear a suit? jeans? The same habit? Would he look and act a whole lot like Fr. Felix?

Would he catch late night television when he had time? Think about how he responded to Islam. How should I respond?

Would he say "Grace" at a Tea Party Rally?

Would he say "Grace" at a Move-On.org Rally?

Would he vote?

Would it be easier to get Francis to fit our culture, or would it be easier to get our culture to fit Francis?

Where would he/should we compromise to get along with family, neighbors,friends, church members, etc.?

If I really take Francis seriously, will I have to more and more be a hermit, forced by my choices into more and more of an eremetical life?

To be a Franciscan, a Catholic, a Christian I may have to be counter-cultural. What is that going to be like when most of us have spent a lifetime trying to fit in with people around us?

Having a life goal of being holy rather than a goal of being nice and accepted could force me to change everything. Relativism and Consumerism are what our worlds more and more mean--when we have the money to finance it.

Aren't we all like the prodigal son? We're ready to go home to the Father==just as soon as the money runs out. Until then, let the good times roll! Now for the $64,000.00 questions---Am I hitting close to home for you? Or is this only a problem for me?

If I really focus on Jesus and what He did, everything else becomes more or less just biding time until I die. But I'm so stupid that I spend large percentages of my life on stuff that makes no difference to me, anyone else, or God.

I'm giving tepid a bad name.

Hugs and Kisses

Cranky Guy
Guest Coulumnist

Admonition XXVI LET SERVANTS OF GOD HONOR THE CLERGY

2010-09-17T15:00:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the servant who has faith in the clergy who live uprightly according to the rite of the Roman Church.

Woe to those who look down upon them; for even though they be sinners, no one should judge them because the Lord alone reserves judgment on them to Himself. For just as their ministry is greater in its concerns for the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they receive and they alone administer to others, so those who sin against them commit more of a sin than (if they had sinned) against all other persons in this world.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, New City Press

Admonition XIX A HUMBLE SERVANT OF GOD

2010-09-10T03:00:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the servant who does not consider himself any better when he is praised and exalted by people than when he is considered worthless, simple and looked down upon, for what a person is before God, that he is and no more.

Woe to that religious who has been placed in a high position by others and (who) does not want to come down by his own will.

Blessed is that servant who is not placed in a high position by his own will and always desires to be under the feet of others. (Mt 24:46)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, New City Press

Admonition XVIII COMPASSION FOR A NEIGHBOR

2010-09-03T03:00:00.002-05:00

Blesses is the person who support his neighbor in his weakness as he would want to be supported were he in a similar situation. (Gal 6:2; Mt 7:12)

Blessed is the servant who returns every good to the Lord God because whoever holds onto something for himself hides the money of his Lord God within himself, and what he thinks he has will be taken away from him. (Mt 25:18; lk 8:18).

Saint Francis of Assisi
Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, New City Press

Your Words To Me Are Life and Health

2010-08-31T03:00:00.001-05:00

Your words to me are light and truth;
From day to day they show
Their wisdom, passing earthly lore,
As in their truth I grow.

Your words to me are full of joy,
Of beauty, peace, and grace;
From them I learn your blessed will,
Through them I see your face.

Your words are perfected in one,
Yourself, the living Word;
Within my heart your image print
In clearest lines, O lord.

George Currie Martin 1865-1937

Admonitions XXI - The Frivolous and the Talkataive Religious

2010-08-27T03:00:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the servant who, when he speaks, does not disclose everything about himself under the guise of a reward and is not quick to speak, but who is wisely cautious about what he says and how he responds. (Pv 29:20)

Woe to that religious who does not hold in his heart the good things the Lord reveals to him and does not reveal them by his behavior, but, under the guise of a reward, wishes instead to reveal them with his words. He receives his reward and his listeners carry away little fruit. (Lk2:19, 51; MT 6:2,16)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents published by New City Press

Election of New Council

2010-08-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Our fraternity was canonically established on October 4, 2009, and the current council will soon complete their one year terms as required by the SFO constitution.

At the October 2010 regular monthly fraternity gathering, we will elect a new council that will serve a three year term. We are a large fraternity and our members have many talents. We pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as we proceed with the nominations for this new council.

Following is an election prayer our spiritual assistant, Sister Josephine Boyles, OSF, obtained from Cricket Aull, sfo. Cricket was the dynamic retreat leader for the Juan de Padillia regional retreat held in Wichita, Kansas in June.

We ask our members to pray this prayer often as we prepare for the upcoming elections.

PRAYER FOR SELECTION OF A NEW COUNCIL

Oh my dear GOD, we pray for the guidance of your Most Holy Spirit as we review in our minds the personal attributes required by the various Council positions.

Illumine for us our own strengths, and those of our fellow members, that YOU may inspire us to recognize who it is YOU desire to serve YOUR fraternity.

Dear Francis, we also ask for your guidance as we seek a new Council. Lead us to those who will help us to grow in your virtues — humble, polite, peacemakers and ardent lovers of our Crucified Lord. Help each of us to discover "what is ours to do." Not our will Lord, but Thy will by one. Amen

August 25, ST LOUIS, KING OF FRANCE, PATRON OF THE THIRD ORDER

2010-08-25T03:00:00.001-05:00

August 25
St. Louis IX, King, Patron of the Third Order

Louis was born April 25, 1214. He became king of France at the age of twelve years old when his father died in 1226. He was crowned king within the month at Reims cathedral. Because of Louis's youth, his mother ruled France as regent during his minority. His mother was determined that he be educated not only for the earthly kingdom, but for the kingdom of heaven. Several Franciscan friars were among his instructions and as a young king he joined the Third Order of Saint Francis.

He married at age the age of twenty and had eleven children to whom he gave excellent training. He was particularly noted for his spirit of penance and prayer and his love for the poor. In ruling his kingdom, he showed concern not only for the peace of his people but also for their spiritual welfare. He avoided all luxury at court so more help could be given to the poor. His wardrobe was simple as it fittingly could be and he wore the insignia of the Third Order under his outer garments. On special occasions he publicly wore the habit of the Tertiaries.

He went on two crusades, in his mid-30s in 1248 (Seventh Crusade) and then again in his mid-50s in 1270 (Eighth Crusade). He died near Carthage in the year 1270. Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the canonization of Louis in 1297. He is the only French monarch to be declared a saint.

Admonitions XXII CORRECTION

2010-08-20T03:00:00.003-05:00

Blessed is the servant who endures discipline, accusation, and reprimand from another as patiently as he would from himself.

Blessed is the servant who, after being reprimanded, agrees courteously, submits respectfully, admits humbly, and makes amends willingly.

Blessed is the servant who is not quick to excuse himself, and endures with humility, shame, and reprimand for a sin, when he did not commit the fault.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, New City Press

Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Crows

2010-08-19T21:54:00.002-05:00

Avery Cardinal Dulles spent his life teaching in colllege. He live a long time. Or did it just seem to be along time.

Martin V. went from laity to Pope in one swoop.

I am not a saint

2010-08-17T05:57:00.002-05:00

What do I need to do that I'm not doing to be a saint? That is what I need to do, isn't it? If I'm not trying to become a saint, exactly what am I doing? Practicing for Hell?

St. Roch Montpellier, Confessor, Third Order

2010-08-17T03:00:00.001-05:00

August 17
St. Roch Montpellier, Confessor, Third Order

Roch, the only son of a wealthy nobleman in France who was governor of the town of Montpellier. His parents raised him in a devote manner, and upon the death of both parents when he was twenty years old, he sold all the personal property and distributed the proceeds among the poor. He transferred the ownership of the real estate this uncle. Once this was accomplished, he joined the Third Order of St. Francis and put on a pilgrim’s garb.

He intended to travel to Rome, but when he arrived in Northern Italy around 1315, he found an epidemic was ravaging the area. He did not fear for his life, but following the example of Christ and admonition of St. Francis, he offered his life in the service of his brethren in Christ. Serving day and night, he worked in the hospital of St. John filled with the plague stricken and visited individual home seeking the sick. God rewarded his heroic charity by causing many he tended to be cured at the mere Sign of the Cross Roch made over them. When the plague was over, Roch continued his journey to Rome.

In Rome he found and epidemic there too. Roch again devoted him self to the care of the sick and again many were miraculously cured by him. Eventually Roch became sick, and in the very hospital he had served the sick, he was looked upon as an intruder. So as not to be a burden, Roch left, dragging himself to the neighborhood woods. Finding an old hut he thanked God for the safety of the lodging. God also provided his nourishment by sending him bread by way of a neighborhood dog. When he recovered, he was divinely inspired to return to his home town.

War was raging in the area of his home town and he was thought to be a spy. He was led before his uncle, who did not recognize him in his emancipated state, and cast into prison. Roch said no word in his defense following Christ’s example and accepted in silence what heaven had ordained for him. Forgotten, he languished in prison for five years. Feeling the end near, he requested a priest come and administer the last sacraments. Upon entering, the priest found the prison to be supernaturally lighted and poor Roch surrounded with a special radiance. As death claimed Roch, a tablet appeared on the wall and an angelic hand wrote in golden letters the name of Roch and the prediction that all who invoked his intercession would be cured of the plague.

Informed of these events, Roch’s uncle and grandmother went to the prison and identified the dead man by the birthmark of the red cross on his breast. Roch was given a grand funeral and a church was built in his honor in which his body was entombed. His veneration was approved by several popes. Pope Urban VII canonized him.

Prayer of the Church:

O God, who granted to St. Roch the promise, which an angel recorded on a table, not to permit anyone who sought his intercession to be afflicted with a contagious disease, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who celebrate his memory, may be preserved from every contagion of soul and body. Through Christ our Lord Amen.

Source: The Franciscan Book of Saints, Marion A. Habig, OFM, Franciscan Herald Press

Good Company - Doctors, Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic

2010-08-16T18:04:00.002-05:00

Following are Secular Franciscans that were Doctors, Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic Church. May these men be an inspiration to us as we strive to live our Secular Franciscan profession.

Doctors of the Church:

St. Francis deSales

Cardinals:

Charles Cardinal Borromeo
Henry Edward Cardinal Manning
Herbert Cardinal Vaughn
John Cardinal Fisher

Bishops: (Note that all Cardinals were formerly Bishops)
St. Francis deSales

St. Clare of Montefalco, Virgin, Third Order

2010-08-16T03:00:00.001-05:00

August 16
St. Clare of Montefalco, Virgin, Third Order

Clare Damiani born about 1268 in Montefalco in Umbria north of Assisi was placed in the convent of St. Illuminata, where her sister Jane was superior. From the beginning she followed the rule of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Clare, who distinguished herself by her spirit of prayer and penance, was chosen superior in 1298. She was not only an exemplary superior, but she exerted influence on the outside world. She confronted heretics, converted sinners, reconciled families at odds, made peace between neighboring warring towns, drove out devils, foretold future events, healed the sick, raised the dead. During the latter part of her life, she also received the gifts of ecstasy and supernatural knowledge.

Our Lord, carrying His Cross, appeared to her and said: “I have been searching for a long time, daughter to find a firm and solid place on which to plant My Cross, and I have not found one more suitable than your heart. You must receive it and allow it to take root.” There is good evidence that when her heart was opened after her death, the Cross and other instruments of the Passion were found within, formed solidly in some fibrous tissue. For this reason she is also called St. Clare of the Cross.

Clare died August 17, 1308. Her incorrupt is in the church next to the Santa Croce convent. It also claimed that the miracle of liquefaction and ebullition of her blood has taken place.

Source: The Franciscan Book of Saints, Marion A. Habig, OFM, Franciscan Herald Press

cranky blog misplaced

2010-08-15T22:05:00.002-05:00

I can't figure out how to go to Cranky blog directly. (see below) This is frustrating. Now i must ward off profound attacks of petulance.

I will work this out. Probably.

Did you know?

2010-08-15T15:00:00.021-05:00

Did you know that the parents of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose feast day we celebrated on August 14, were Secular Franciscans?

Please help me find all the "really good" Catholic Websites

2010-08-15T11:30:00.003-05:00

Please list all t he great websites. Ideally, make them Franciscan. Acceptably make them Catholic. At least make them Christian.

I will compile them some time soon and put them before you. I'll google to get them..Butr I need a name.

Why do Iwant them? Simple. I want to look at more stuff on web. If you share your favorite spots, we can all benefit. I'll list two or three to get us started:

1. Insight Scoop
2. Catholicism.com
3. Salvationhistory.com That's St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology Scott Hahn
4. The Catholic Thing
5. Kansas Catholic
6. Cranky ( blog)

Tommy Augustine has returned to the building

2010-08-15T11:18:00.003-05:00

I should likely repent. You see, I am guilty of not fulfilling a promise to help out on this blog. I promised, I pledged, I agreed. Then I got lost.

I hate it when people do that. Then, I did that. I was irresponsible. I was consistently unavailable. Got busy. Got distracted. Now Bonnie Venture has been very understanding. Franciscans are like that.

But I am shooting for more than forgiveness and/or understanding. I seek reconciliation. So, do me a favor. Keep track of whether I have been blogging or not. If I haven't posted, suggest I come in out of the cold.

I need to get some things said while that option still exists.

Some day when the mind-meld between Sodom on the Bay and everything East of the Beltway is firmly established, Franciscans--maybe all Catholics--maybe all Christians will be consigned to some Gulag somewhere.

Before that day comes, I must speak.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 26

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life In Fraternity

26. As a concrete sign of communion and coresponsibility, the councils on various levels, in keeping with the constitutions, shall ask for suitable and well prepared religious for spiritual assistance. They should make this request to the superiors of the four religious Franciscan families, to whom the Secular Fraternity has been united for centuries.

To promote fidelity to the charism as well as observance of the rule and to receive greater support in the life of the fraternity, the minister or president, with the consent of the council, should take care to ask for a regular pastoral visit by the competent religious superiors as well as for a fraternal visit from those of the higher fraternities, according to the norm of the constitutions.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 25

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

25. Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sister should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS ARE IN GOOD COMPANY

2010-07-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

Following is a list well known Secular Franciscan brothers who also became Bishop of Rome and served our Lord as His leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Innocent III - 1198-1216
Honorius III - 1216-1227
Gregory IX - 1227-1241
Bl. Gregory X - 1271-1276
Nicholas III - 1277-1280
Celestine V - 1294 -
Martin V - 1417-1431
Sixtus IV - 1471-1484
Alexander VI - 1492-1503
Leo X - 1518-1521
Sixtus V - 1585-1590
Innocent XII - 1691-1700
Clement XII - 1730-1740
Pious IX - 1846-1878
Leo XIII - 1878-1903
St. Pius X 1903-1914
Benedict XV - 1914-1922
Pius XI - 1922-1939
Pius XII - 1823-1829
John XXIII - 1958-1963

SAINT LAWRENCE of BRINDISI, Doctor of the Church, Confessor, First Order

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St. Lawrence of Brindisi was born at Brindisi in southern Italy on July 22, 1559. Exactly 60 years later on July 22, 1619 he died. Among the Capuchin sons of St. Francis, he holds a position of preeminence as a preacher and writer. He was only 6 years old when he preached in the cathedral of his native town with such force and point that many were deeply affected and entered into a more Christian life. He preached in seven different languages - Italian, French, Spanish, German, Greek, Hebrew and Latin. He wrote 15 large volumes, mostly sermons. One is a masterful exposition of Catholic doctrine about Mary.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 24

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

24. To foster communion among members, the council should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially with youth groups. It should adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity. This communion continues with deceased brothers and sisters through prayer for them.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 23

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

23. Requests for admission to the Secular Franciscan Order must be presented to the local fraternity, whose council decides upon the acceptance of new brothers and sisters.

Admission into the Order is gradually attained through a time of initiation, a period of formation of at least one year, and profession of the rule. The entire community is engaged in this process of growth by its own manner of living. The age for profession and the distinctive Franciscan sign are regulated by the statues.

Profession by its nature is a permanent commitment.

Members who find themselves in particular difficulties should discuss their problems with the council in fraternal dialogue.

Withdrawal or permanent dismissal from the Order, if necessary, is an act of the fraternity council according to the norm of the constitutions.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 22

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter three - Life In Fraternity

22. The local fraternity is to be established canonically. It becomes the basic unity of the whole Order and a visible sign of the Church, the community of love. This should be the privilege place for developing a sense of Church and the Franciscan vocation and for enlivening the apostolic life of its members.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 21

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

21. On various levels, each fraternity is animated and guided by a council and minister (or president) who are elected by the professed according to the constitutions.

Their service, which lasts for a definite period, is marked by a ready and willing spirit and is a duty of responsibility to each member and to the community.

Within themselves the fraternities are structured in different ways according to the norm of the constitutions, according to the various needs of their members and their regions, and under the guidance of their respective council.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

The Admonitions - XVII THE HUMBLE SERVANT OF GOD

2010-06-25T03:00:00.001-05:00

Blessed is that servant who no more exalts himself over the good the Lord says or does through him than over what He says or does through another. (Mt 24:46)

A person sins who wished to receive more from his neighbor than what he wished to give of himself to the Lord God.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Admonition XVII The Humble Servant of God

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents published by New City Press

A Letter to the Rulers of the Peoples

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A LETTER TO THE RULERS OF THE PEOPLES
St. Francis of Assisi

Brother Francis, your little and looked-down upon servant in the Lord God, wishes health and peace to all mayors and consuls, magistrates and governors throughout the world and to all others to whom these words may come.

Reflect and see that the day of death is approaching. With all possible respect, therefore, I beg you not to forget the Lord because of the world’s cares and preoccupations and not to turn away from His commandments, for all those who leave Him in oblivion and turn away from His commandments are cursed and will be left in oblivion by Him. (Gn 47:29; Ps 119:21; Ex 33:13)

When the day of death does come, everything they think they have shall be taken from them. The wiser and more powerful they may have been in this world, the greater will be the punishment they will endure in hell. (Mt 13:12; Mk 4:25; Lk 8:18; Wis 6:7)

Therefore I strongly advise you, my Lords, to put aside all care and preoccupation and receive the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ with fervor in holy remembrance of Him. May you foster such honor to the Lord among the people entrusted to you that every evening an announcement may be made by a messenger or some other sign that praise and thanksgiving may be given by all people to the all powerful Lord God. If you do not do this, know that, on the day of judgment, you must render an account before the Lord Your God, Jesus Christ. (Mt 12:36)

Let those who keep this writing with them and observe it know that they will be blessed by the Lord God.

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents, published by New City Press

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity -20

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life In Fraternity

20. The Secular Franciscan Order is divided into fraternities of various levels – local, regional, national, and international. Each one has its own moral personality in the Church. These various fraternities are coordinated and united according to the norm of this rule and of the constitutions.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

The Admonitions - XVI CLEANNESS OF HEART

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Blessed are the clean in heart, for they will see God. (Mt 5:8)

The truly clean of heart are those who look down upon earthly things, seek those of heaven, and, with a clean heart and spirit, never cease adoring and seeing the Lord God living and true.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Admonitions XVI Cleanness of Heart

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents published by New City Press

Blessed Angela of Foligno, sfo on Poverty

2010-06-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

Blessed Angela of Foligno, sfo writes:

He raised us up and redeemed us through his poverty.

The first man fell because of poverty; the second man, the God-man, Jesus Christ, lifted us up through poverty. The inferior poverty is a lack of knowledge; through this lack of knowledge Adam came to his fall and all who fall thereafter do so because of this lack of knowledge. It was therefore necessary that the children of God should be raised up and recover from the fall through an opposite kind of poverty.

We have an example of this poverty in the God-man Jesus Christ. He raised us up and redeemed us through his poverty. It was certainly poverty beyond the power of words to describe when he hid his infinite poverty and majesty. He allowed himself to be blasphemed, despised, upbraided, captured, led away, scourged and crucified. He endured all this as a helpless man. This kind of poverty is exemplar of our life. We must learn from this poverty that is not necessary for us to hide a power we do not have; nay, rather we must clearly set the extent of our lack of power, our weakness.

We have yet another example of this poverty, the example of the glorious Virgin, the most holy Mother of God. She gave us a lesson when in her response to the stupendous mystery she openly declared that she was a member of our distressed race designating herself by a lowly name in saying: I am the servant of the Lord. This was indeed a very lowly name. This kind of poverty is most pleasing to God.

What a perfect example we have from our glorious Father Francis! He had an exceptional insight of this poverty and was so brim full of it that he instituted and showed us a unique way of life. I can look to no other saint who can show more specifically the way to the Book of Life, the example of the life of the God-man Jesus Christ. Neither do I see anyone who so uniquely embodied it in himself. So exceptionally did he reproduce it in himself that he never lost sight of it. It was visible even in his body. Because he steeped himself so fully in it he was filled with the highest wisdom which he imparted and keeps on imparting to the whole world.

Autobiografia e scritti della B. Angela da Foligno, M. Raloci Pulignai (Citta di Castello 1932) numbers 161-162 pgg. 266-268.

Breath of God

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Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity.

Edwin Hatch, 1878

THE RULE - Chapter 2 The Way of Life - 19

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 2 - The Way of Life

19.

Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.

Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others.

Since they are immersed in the resurrection of Christ, which gives true meaning to Sister Death, let them serenely tend toward the ultimate encounter with the Father.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”
Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 2 The Way of Life - 18

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 2 - The Way of Life

18.

Moreover they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which “bear the imprint of the Most High,” and they strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter."

Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 2 The Way of Life - 17

2010-05-31T03:00:00.011-05:00

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order Chapter 2 - The Way of Life

17.

In their family they should cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity and respect for life, striving to make of it a sign of a world already renewed in Christ.

By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives in particular should bear witness in the world to the love of Christ for His Church. They should joyfully accompany their children on their journey by providing a simple and open Christian education and being attentive to the vocation of each child.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”
Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

Francis on Prayer

2010-05-29T03:00:00.001-05:00

The following may be the only instance in which we find an example of how Francis responded to his brothers’ request to teach them how to pray.

O Our Father most holy:Our Creator, Redeemer, Consoler, and Savior:

Who are in heaven:In the angels and the saints,
enlightening them to know, for You, Lord, are light;
inflaming them to love, for You, Lord, are love;
dwelling in them and filling them with happiness,
for You, Lord, are Supreme God, the Eternal Good,
from Whom all good comes
without Whom there is no good.

Holy be Your Name:
May knowledge of You become clearer in us
that we may know
the breadth of Your blessing,
the length of Your promises,
the height of Your majesty,
the depth of Your judgments

Your kingdom come:That you may rule in us through Your grace
and enable us to come to Your kingdom
where there is clearer vision of You,
perfect love of You,
blessed companionship with You,
eternal enjoyment of You.

Your will be done on earth as in heaven:
That we may love You
with our whole heart by always thinking of You,
with our whole soul by always desiring You,
with our whole mind by always directing all of our intentions to You,
and by seeking Your glory in everything,
with all our whole strength by exerting
all our energies and affections of body and soul
in the service of Your love and of nothing else;
and we may love our neighbor as ourselves
by drawing them all to Your love with our whole strength,
by rejoicing in the good of others as in our own,
by suffering with others at their misfortunes,
and by forgiving offense to no one.

Give us this day:
in remembrance, understanding and reverence
of that love which [our Lord Jesus Christ] had for us
and of those things that He said and did and suffered for us.

Our daily Bread:Your own beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Forgive us our trespasses:
through Your ineffable mercy
through the power of the passion of Your beloved Son
and through the merits and intercession
of the ever blessed Virgin and all Your elect.

As we forgive those who trespass against us:

And what we do not completely forgive,
make us Lord, forgive completely
that we may truly love our enemies because of You
and we may fervently intercede for them before You,
returning no one evil for evil
and we may strive to help everyone in You.

And lead us not into temptation:
hidden or obvious,
sudden or persistent.

But deliver us from evil:past
present,
and to come

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

The Admonitions XX - THE GOOD AND THE VAIN RELIGIOUS

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Blessed is that religious who has no pleasure and delight except in the most holy words and deeds of the Lord and, with these, leads people to the love of God with gladness and joy. (Ps 51:10)

Woe to that religious who delights in idle and empty words and leads people to laughter with them.

ADMONITIONS XX – THE GOOD AND THE VAIN RELIGIOUS
St. Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

Train Your Soul - Saint Bonaventure

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Train your soul with unflagging zeal for prayer.

To make progress in the spiritual life it is especially important for a bride of Christ to train her soul in the flagging zeal for prayer. If a religious lacks devotion and is lukewarm, and prays only infrequently, she is miserable and unprofitable. As a matter of fact, in God’s sight her soul is dead through her body is still alive.

The power of persevering prayer is such that it is efficacious under all circumstances We can derive profit from it at all times: in winter and summer, in fair weather and foul, day and night, on holy days and work days, in sickness and in health, while standing, sitting or walking, when in choir and out of choir. In fact, through an hour’s prayer one can gain more than the world is worth. By single devout prayer, a man can gain the kingdom of heaven.

Now, there are three requisites for perfect prayer. First, when at prayer close your senses and concentrate with all your being, body and soul, and calmly dwell with sorrow and contrition on all your weaknesses past, present and future.

The second requisite in prayer for a bride of God is thanksgiving. Thank the creator in all humility for blessings already conferred and those still to be granted by him. Nothing renders man so worthy of God’s gifts as to thank him always for those that have been received.

The third requisite from perfect prayer is for the mind to think of nothing else except that for which prayer is being offered. In speaking with God it is very improper to speak one thing with the lips and another with the heart so that only half one’s heart is directed to heaven while the other half remains on earth.

Make no mistake, be not mislead, nor lose the rich fruit of prayer. Do not forfeit its sweetness, nor cheat yourself of the delight you should derive from prayer. Prayer is the cup for drinking the grace of the Holy Spirit from the abundant fountain of delight, the Blessed Trinity. Be recollected during prayer, enter the chamber of your heart with your beloved and tarry there alone with him. Forget everything outside and with all your heart, all your mind, all your longing, all your devotion rise above yourself. You must not grow weary of praying but soar aloft in ardent prayer till you enter the wonderful dwelling place, the house of God.

Saint Bonaventure on the Life of Perfection

THE RULE - Chapter 2 The Way of Life - 16

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 2 - The Way of Life

16.

Let them esteem work both as a gift and as a sharing in the creation, redemption, and service of the human community.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”
Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

The Admonitions XXVII - VIRTUE PUTS VICE TO FLIGHT

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Where there is charity and wisdom,
    there is neither fear nor ignorance.

Where there is patience and humility,
there is neither anger nor disturbance.

Where there is poverty with joy,
   there is neither greed nor avarice.

Where there is rest and meditation,
   there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.

Where there is fear of the Lord to guard an entrance, (Lk 11:21)
there the enemy cannot have a place to enter.

Where there is a heart full of mercy and discernment
   there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.

ADMONITIONS XXVII – VIRTUE PUTS VICE TO FLIGHT
St. Francis of Assisi

Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

Seek God Above All Things

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From the writings of Saint Paschal Baylon

Since God desired greatly to give us what is good, therefore, in all your petitions believe firmly that God will grant what you ask for. But do not ask for anything unless God has moved you to ask. He is more disposed to hear your petitions than you are to make them. He is always waiting for you to ask. Therefore, let it be God’s will rather than your own need that urges you to ask since He wishes to grant your request. You should always offer your prayers through the merits of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Train your soul by persistent and vigorous acts to seek entirely what God wishes, removing from your will every blessing and advantage that can accrue to you from such a prayer.

Indeed, meditate well on this: Seek God above all things. It is right for you to seek God before and above everything else, because the majesty of God wishes you to receive what you ask for. This will also make you more ready to serve God and will enable you to love Him more perfectly.

Let all your prayers be motivated by this intention and when you pray, do so out of love and because of love, in season and out of season. Detach your heart from things of this world and consider that there is nothing else in this world except you and God alone. Never, not even for a brief moment, turn your heart from God. Let your thinking be simple and lowly; always, without wearying, focus your attention on what is above you, and let the love of God be like oil poured over everything.

To thank God is nothing else than an internal act of the soul whereby the recipient of a heavenly blessing recognizes the infinite God as master of the universe and source of every blessing. He rejoices at God’s infinite glory because of being judged worthy of such a gift. He is consequently more ready to love and serve God the give of all good things.

Whenever you receive some gift from the Lord, offer yourself to Him entirely with joy and gladness. Humble and despise yourself; renounce your own will so that you can devote yourself body and soul to His service. Make frequent, even countless, acts of thanksgiving, rejoicing in God’s power and goodness. He grants you favors and blessing for which you now render Him thanks. Would you make your thanksgiving pleasing to God, then first humble yourself, deny and belittle yourself in His sight.

Acknowledge your need and wretchedness so that you may realize that all you have comes from God’s generosity. Rejoice and exult that you have been enriched with graces and blessings. Place little value on the good or advantage to yourself in order to serve God more faithfully.

Saint Paschal Baylon feast day is May 17.

Saint Catherine of Bologna: On the Seven Spiritual Weapons

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Put on the armor of God to withstand the snares of the devil.

Jesus Christ gave up his life that we might live. Therefore, whoever wishes to carry the cross for his sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here. First, diligence; second distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth, remembrance of the Passion; fifth, mindfulness of his own death; sixth, remembrance of God’s glory; seventh, the injunctions of Sacred Scripture following the example of Jesus Christ in the desert.

Everyone endowed with goodwill, that is, with love for God, truly wishing to serve God must first of all purify himself through sincere and complete confession of sin with the firm determination never to sin grievously in the future, even to prefer to it a thousand deaths, if this were possible. Whoever is enslaved by mortal sin is not a member of Christ but rather of the devil. He is moreover deprived of the benefits of Holy Mother Church and incapable of doing anything meritorious for eternal life.

The determination to avoid mortal sin then is necessary for serving God faithfully. Bear in mind, however, that if you have been guilty of mortal sin you must never despair of God’s goodness or give up doing good to the best of your ability so that you can be freed from sin. Strengthened by this hope, always do good in whatever station of life you may be. In addition, to this the faithful servant of Christ must be ready to follow the way of the cross, since all who serve God must fight against God’s enemies and you can expect various kinds of wounds from them. Consequently, you must have the best weapons with which to fight the enemy.

Saint Catherine of Bologna: On the Seven Spiritual Weapons

ST. FELIX OF CANTALICE, Religious, First Order - May 18

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SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE
• Born 1515, Cantalice
• Died May 18, 1587, Rome, Italy
• Beatified October 1, 1625 by Pope Urban VIII
• Canonized May 22, 1712by Clement XI
• Buried under the altar of the Immaculate Conception Church, Rome; miracles reported at his tomb

At about 10 years of age Felix was hired out to do the grueling work of a farmhand. From earliest years he exhibited signs of holiness spending leisure time in prayer. He had no learning and could not read. The lives of Desert Fathers were read to him leaving him with the desire to live as a hermit. Felix had a dream in which an angel directed him to join the Capuchins. The Capuchins brothers hesitated at accepting him, but he eventually received the habit in 1543. He professed vows on May 18, 1545. Despite his desire for seclusion, his ministry placed him in direct, daily contact with a multitude of people. It was said that his begging sack was as bottomless as his heart. His response to every benefactor was Deo gratias, which is why he is known as "Brother Deo Gratias". He was also known for never refusing a request for help. People brought their cares immediately to Felix. He would kneel at their side, saying "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary", confident that providence would take care of the rest. He had a fondness for mothers and babies. He would teach the young to say "Jesus, Jesus" or "Deo gratias". Felix gained a reputation as a healer, because he often blessed the sick with a crucifix and they would be healed. People asked him to sing because he had a talent for spontaneously creating and singing spiritual hymns. His devotion to the Blessed Mother was noted in these songs. For his personal devotion and meditation, Felix memorized prayers, liturgical & biblical texts, and spent long hours before the Blessed Sacrament. He is represented in art holding the Infant Jesus in his arms because of a vision he once had when the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and placed the Divine Child in his arms.

Sources: www.saints.sqpn.com, www.beafriar.com; www.newadvent.org

THE RULE - Chapter 2 The Way of Life - 15

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The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 2 - The Way of Life

15.

Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives, and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”
Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

PASCHAL BAYLON, Religious, First Order - May 17

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Paschal was born in Spain in the year 1540. In his youth he was employed as a shepherd and cherished special devotion to the Holy Eucharist. He was already distinguished for virtue when he joined the Order of Friars Minor in 1564 and was assigned to the menial tasks. God endowed him with special gifts and not only did he aid others by the advice but he also wrote some treatises in which he incorporated the fruits of his own religious experience. He died in 1592.

From the common of holy men; religious, 1470
Proper Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds in the Liturgy of the Hours.

JOHN PAUL II - An appeal for courage and fortitude

2010-05-15T03:00:00.030-05:00

The following is taken from the Address of His Holiness John Paul II During the Public Consistory, 30 June 1979. While he was addressing the new Cardinals, the message is timeless and could have been written for each of us as Secular Franciscans. Our beloved Francis is a true example of the courage, fortitude and humility of which His holiness John Paul II speaks.

The word of God ....contains in itself an appeal for courage and fortitude. In a significant way Christ invites us to courage and fortitude. We have heard him say repeatedly: "Do not be afraid"; "do not fear these who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Mt 10:28); "have no fear of men" (cf. Mt 10:26). And at the same time, side by side with these decisive appeals for courage and fortitude, there is the exhortation: "Have fear"; "rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mt 10:28). These two appeals, seemingly opposed, are reciprocally so closely connected that one results from the other, one conditions the other. We are called to fortitude and at the same time to fear. We are called to fortitude before men and, at the same time, to fear before God himself; and this fear must be the fear of love, filial fear. And only when this fear penetrates into our hearts can we be truly strong with the fortitude of the Apostles, martyrs, and confessors......

Christ asks us above all to have this fortitude to confess before men, his truth and his cause, without counting whether these people will be favourable or not to this cause, whether they will open their ears and hearts to this truth, or whether they will close them so as not to be able to hear. We cannot be discouraged before any programme in which the ears and the intellect are closed. We must make our confession and proclamation in deepest obedience to the Spirit of Truth. He himself will find the ways to reach the depths of consciences and of hearts. We must rather make our confession and render witness with such strength and ability that responsibility does not fall on us for the fact that our generation has denied Christ before men. We must also be "wary as serpents, innocent as doves" (Mt 10:16).

And finally we must be humble, with that humility of interior truth that permits man to live with magnanimity. Because "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). This magnanimity, evolving from humility, evolving from cooperation with the grace of God, is a particular sign of our service in the Church.

The Admonitions XXV - THE SAME POINT

2010-05-14T03:00:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the servant who loves and respects his brother as much when he is far away from him as when he is with him, and who would not say anything behind his back that he would not say with charity in his presence.

ADMONITIONS XXV – THE SAME POINT
St. Francis of Assisi
Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

Francis' Praise of the Blessed Mother - Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

2010-05-13T03:00:00.004-05:00

A Salutation of the Virtues

Hail, Queen Wisdom!

May the Lord protect You,

with Your Sister, holy pure Simplicity!

Lady holy Poverty,

may the Lord protect You,

with Your Sister, holy Humility!

Lady holy Charity,

may the Lord protect You,

with Your Sister, holy Obedience.

Most holy Virtues,

may the Lord protect all of You

from Whom You come and proceed.

There is surely no one in the whole world

who can possess any one of You

without dying first.

Whoever possesses one

and does not offend the others

possesses all.

Whoever offends one

does not possess any

and offends all.

And each one confounds vice and sin.

Holy Wisdom confounds

Satan and all his cunning.

Pure holy Simplicity confounds

all the wisdom of this world

and the wisdom of the body.

Holy Poverty confoundsthe desire for riches,

greed,

and the cares of this world.

Holy Humility confounds

pride,

all people who are in the world

and all that is in the world.
Holy Charity confounds

every diabolical and carnal temptation

and every carnal fear.

Holy Obedience confounds

every corporal and carnal wish,

binds its mortified body

to obedience of the Spirit

and obedience to one's brother,

so that it is

subject and submissive

to everyone in the world,

not only to people

but to every beast and wild animal as well

that they may do whatever they want with it

insofar as it has been given to them

from above by the Lord.

Source: Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

IGNATIUS OF LACONI, Religious, First Order - May 11

2010-05-11T03:00:00.001-05:00

Ignatius Peis-Sanna (baptized Vincent) was born in the year 1701 in Laconi in Sardinia. He joined the Capuchin Friars in the year 1721. For almost forty years he was in charge of begging alms in Cagliari, highly esteemed for his humility and charity, and adorned with many gifts from God. He died in the year 1781.

saFrom the common of Holy men: religious, 1470.
Proper Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds in the Liturgy of the Hours.

THE RULE - Chapter Two - The Way of Life - 14

2010-05-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter Two –The Way of Life

14.
Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone "who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself," let them exercise their responsibilities competently in the Christian spirit of service.

ST CATHARINE OF BOLOGNA, VIRGIN, SECOND ORDER

2010-05-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

The birth of Catharine was foretold to her devout father by the Blessed Virgin with the announcement that the child would be a brilliant light throughout the world. Catharine was born on the Feast of the Assumption in the year 1413. She was taken to the court of the Marquis of Este to be educated in foreign languages, painting and the culture of a young woman of high rank. The court with all its splendor could not hold Catharine. When she was seventeen, she joined a pious company of young women in Ferrara who led a religious life but had not yet adopted a definite rule. Four years later a royal princess founded a convent for this society according to the rule of Saint Clare. Catharine spent twenty four years in the convent, during which she trained many sisters in the way of sanctity. She was sickly from the time she was twenty-two and never complained. She would say to herself, “O bundle of corruption, that will soon turn into dust, shy should you complain? It appears as if you had not yet learnt to be a true servant of Christ.” She died March 9, 1463. Her incorrupt body can still be seen in Bologna.

Blessed Waldo, Confessor, Third Order - May 8

2010-05-08T03:00:00.001-05:00

Waldo, called also Vivaldo or Ubaldo, was a disciple of the saintly Tertiary priest Bartolo. They were both from San Gimignano, in northern Italy. When Bartolo was attacked with leprosy, Waldo offered his services and for twenty years until the death of Bartolo, Waldo rendered him every possible kindness. In return, Waldo received instruction toward progress in Christian perfection from they holy priest, and at his advice joined the Third Order of Saint Francis.

After the death of his spiritual father, Waldo withdrew from the world and lived as a hermit in a large forest several miles from Monteone. He found a hollow chestnut tree and turned it into a cell for himself ,where with barely enough room to kneel, he spent the remainder of his life. In May 1320, the bells of Monteone began to ring of their own accord. The bells continued to ring, although no human hand set them in motion. Soon a hunter came out of the forest and told of finding an old recluse dead on his knees in a chestnut tree. As the hunter finished his tale, the bells ceased ringing. The cell in the tree was converted to a chapel in honor of Our Lady.

The Admonitions X - CASTIGATING THE BODY

2010-05-07T03:00:00.003-05:00

There are many people who, when they sin or are injured, frequently blame the enemy or their neighbor. (Gn 3:12-13) But it is not so, because each one has the enemy in his power, that is his body through which he sins.

Blessed is the servant, (Mt 24:46) then, who always holds captive the enemy delivered into his power and wisely safeguards himself from him, because, as long as he does this, no other enemy visible or invisible will be able to harm him.

ADMONITIONS X – CASTIGATING THE BODY
St. Francis of Assisi
Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

THE RULE - Chapter Two - The Way of Life - 13

2010-05-03T03:00:00.003-05:00

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter Two –The Way of Life

13.
As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ.

A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ.

The Admonitions XIV - POVERTY OF SPIRIT

2010-04-30T03:00:00.004-05:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 5:3)

There are many who, while insisting on prayers and obligations, inflict many abstinences and punishments upon their bodies. But they are immediately offended and disturbed about a single word which seems to be harmful to their bodies or about something which might e taken away from them. These people are not poor in spirit, for someone who is truly poor in spirit hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek.

ADMONITIONS XIV – POVERTY OF SPIRIT
St. Francis of Assisi
Source: St. Francis of Assisi, The Saint, Early Documents

BLESSED LUCHESIUS - THIRD ORDER

2010-04-28T03:00:00.002-05:00

Luchesius, born near Poggi-Bonzi in Etruria, was at first a merchant. Enlightened by the grace of God he distributed his possessions to the poor and was according to tradition the first to receive the habit of the Third Order of Saint Francis. He was renowned for love of neighbor, poverty, humility and austerity of life. He died about the year 1260 in the eightieth year of his life.

From the common of the holy men, 1452