The Chapel of the Stigmata is perched on the edge of the same sheer precipice where St. Francis stood two years before his death and where he was swept up into the mystery of God’s overwhelming love for him and for humanity. St. Bonaventure, in his Life of St. Francis, describes Francis as being more […]
Happy feast of St. Clare
Last year, throughout the world in 2012, the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Poor Clares was celebrated. The simple life of St. Clare, who lived in a small place outside Assisi’s medieval walls, still speaks to us. Why? Her spiritual quest resonates with our yearnings to live authentically from the fire of love […]
First Sunday of Lent
Fr. Michael Cusato graciously led our Regional SFO Retreat at Priestfield last fall. Thank you Fr. Cusato!
The Priority of Prayer
In a letter to Saint Anthony, Francis wrote: Brother Francis sends greetings to Brother Anthony, my Bishop. I am pleased that you teach sacred theology to the brothers providing that, as is contained in the Rule, you “do not extinguish the Spirit of prayer and devotion” during study of this kind. “There is a great lesson […]
Preparing for Christmas
The following letter, between two saints , illuminates the importance of preparing well for Christmas. Let us prepare with prayer, charity, awareness of our brothers and sisters, and thankfulness of God’s creation. +++++++++++++++++++ Winter, 1224 My Dear Sister Clare, How kind of you to ask how you can help the brothers in Assisi prepare for Christmas while I […]