Your Words To Me Are Life and Health

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

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

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

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.