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# Mount La Verna Fraternity

Secular Franciscan Order

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://peaceandallgood.org/blog/)
- [St. Francis teaches us that to obey Christ is sometimes to disobey](https://peaceandallgood.org/2026/03/st-francis-teaches-us-that-to-obey-christ-is-sometimes-to-disobey/) - Dear reader, Peace be with you. If you know of St. Francis of Assisi, perhaps you think of him as the ultimate model of humble obedience, but his radical devotion to the Gospel sometimes required him to defy the authorities of the Church. From crossing active battlefields to embrace a "Muslim enemy" to
- [Nunc Coepi - Now I begin](https://peaceandallgood.org/2026/02/nunc-coepi-now-i-begin/) - Dear Reader, Peace and all good to you! Here is a personal reflection from Mary, one of our Inquirers in the Secular Franciscan Order. +++ What do a Buddhist monk from Texas, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Christ Jesus feeding the thousands have in common? And how does this relate to you and me? At
- [Why Join a Religious Order?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2026/02/why-join-a-religious-order/) - Dear Reader, Peace and all good to you! Here is a personal reflection from Sofia, one of our Inquirers in the Secular Franciscan Order. +++ As a young Catholic woman on the internet, I felt isolated. Because of my own theological views and opinions, which are still in strict adherence with the Catechism of the
- [A walk through time.  St. Elizabeth of Hungry church in Pocahontas, Va.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2025/12/a-walk-through-time-st-elizabeth-of-hungry-church-in-pocahontas-va/) - St. Francis Catholic Church, my home parish, has long had a relationship with the four Holy Family Catholic Churches in southwest VA. Mainly it was from money collections from Mass. The church has now established an Appalachian mission where item donations, such as clothes, household supplies, tools, and gift baskets, are collected and sent to
- [The Joy of Pope Francis](https://peaceandallgood.org/2025/04/the-joy-of-pope-francis/) - Dear brothers and sisters, Peace be with you as you reflect and give thanks for the life of our beloved Pope Francis today. "Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. #Easter " -Pope Francis.
- [Peace. The power of reconciliation.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2023/11/peace-the-power-of-reconciliation/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_jOpRfKQ8
- [God's House is all of Creation](https://peaceandallgood.org/2022/10/gods-house-is-all-of-creation/) - As Francis of Assisi looked out of his cave and down to Assisi from the heights of Mount Subasio, it was as if the whole of creation were spread out beneath his cave, and God’s goodness rushed in upon him. He could only think of that pure Goodness and how God shares his life with
- [Retreat on Gospel Nonviolence](https://peaceandallgood.org/2022/09/retreat-on-gospel-nonviolence/) - Retreat on Gospel Nonviolence: Breaking Barriers, Binding Wounds, Healing Nations Appropriate for individual or small group reflection, this retreat is based on the December 2020 virtual gathering that brought together more than 500 people from around the world for a three-hour retreat on gospel nonviolence. The video brings together the wisdom of distinguished speakers
- [The Pope's Prayer Video — For the abolition of the death penalty](https://peaceandallgood.org/2022/09/the-popes-prayer-video-for-the-abolition-of-the-death-penalty/) - Pope Francis sets an intention at the beginning of each month for communal prayer around the world. This September, the Holy Father has asked us to unite our prayers for the global abolition of the death penalty — a prayer that is especially poignant here in the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU_zOIpBlLw
- [Lent with St. Francis: Love of Money](https://peaceandallgood.org/2021/03/lent-with-st-francis-love-of-money/) - In this holiest of weeks, we are challenged more than ever to think about our own relationship with money and material goods. Are we in danger of letting it come between ourselves and our God or ourselves and our loved ones? Money questions can ruin relationships, inner peace, spiritual well-being. We like to think we
- [A Christmas Story](https://peaceandallgood.org/2021/01/a-christmas-story/) - May you all enjoy this Christmas Story and have a wonderful Christmas Season. God bless you. https://youtu.be/vvAM3V6FXI0
- [Fratelli Tutti Reading Group](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/10/fratelli-tutti-reading-group/) - All are invited to our weekly Fratelli Tutti Reading Group! Watch this video summary of Fratelli Tutti Register now for our weekly discussion group via Zoom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzz6oc4C_sQ
- [Pope Francis will sign new encyclical on human fraternity at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/09/pope-francis-will-sign-new-encyclical-on-human-fraternity-at-the-tomb-of-st-francis-of-assisi/) - "The words “Fratelli tutti” are from St. Francis of Assisi, just as were the words “Laudato Si’” which the pope chose as the title of his second encyclical. It is highly significant that the Argentine pope has decided to sign the encyclical at the tomb of St. Francis. As he has stated on numerous occasions,
- [All are welcome.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/06/all-are-welcome/) - Outreach 2020, the LGBTQ Catholic Ministry Conference, was scheduled to be held in June 2020 at Fordham University in New York City. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the conference’s postponement until next year. Now several of the conference’s speakers and panelists offer messages of support and encouragement to their LGBTQ Catholic friends and those who minister
- [Learn about the Spirituality of Francis and Clare of Assisi](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/04/lean-about-the-spirituality-of-francis-and-clare-of-assisi/) - Brother Bill Short is professor of spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology. With a special love of things medieval, is a scholar equally comfortable in the fields of spirituality, Christian history and the Franciscan tradition. He researches, writes, lectures and translates in four languages. His frequent lectures, retreats and workshops outside the school educate
- [When I look in the face of my enemy, I see my brother.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2018/08/when-i-look-in-the-face-of-my-enemy-i-see-my-brother/) - https://youtu.be/nfG96hNq27E
- [Love others, in both your words and actions online.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2019/09/love-others-in-both-your-words-and-actions-online/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jSqe-peKH0
- [Happy Feast of St. Francis - Oct 4th](https://peaceandallgood.org/2019/10/happy-feast-of-st-francis-oct-4th/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O4qYLDccps
- [Greed, Inequity and a Pandemic](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/04/greed-inequity-and-a-pandemic/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kzfV2bNHXc&feature=em-uploademail
- [Laudato Si’ Anniversary](https://peaceandallgood.org/2020/03/laudato-si-anniversary/) - Pope Francis invites your community to join Laudato Si’ Week by taking the next step in your journey toward protecting creation. In the five years since the encyclical was published, thousands of parishes, schools, universities, and religious communities have been illuminated by prayerful action for our common home. https://youtu.be/DHlzOWp8ZQY
- [Transitus celebration  - Oct 3rd at 7pm](https://peaceandallgood.org/2017/09/transitus-celebration-on-oct-3rd-at-7pm/) - Transitus is the annual celebration by Franciscans throughout the world of the passing of St. Francis from this life to life with God. It is celebrated the night of October 3, the eve of his feast day. The word "transitus" comes from the Latin, meaning passage or crossing. Our fraternity will be having a Transitus
- [St. Francis and the Sultan](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/st-francis-and-the-sultan/) - In 1219, St. Francis went to Egypt in an attempt to convert the Sultan. This podcast explores some aspects of this encounter and how the meeting of St. Francis and the Sultan can serve as a model of peace and brotherhood. Listen here: When St. Francis crossed enemy lines to meet the Sultan Malek el-Kamil during
- [Franz Jägerstätter: Franciscan Spirit, Saintly Life](https://peaceandallgood.org/2017/09/franz-jagerstatter-franciscan-spirit-saintly-life/) - Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian Catholic and Third Order Franciscan Franz Jägerstätter. Robert Ellsberg, author of The Franciscan Saints, talks about this man’s heroic life in the video below. Franz Jägerstätter | Robert Ellsberg from Franciscan Media on Vimeo.
- [Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2016/11/lord-make-me-an-instrument-of-your-peace/) - Reflect, and act, on this prayer daily. May it bring peace to you, your community, and our world. Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there
- ["A Franciscan Response to Racism & Fear of the ‘Other’ in Today’s World"](https://peaceandallgood.org/2016/11/a-franciscan-response-to-racism-fear-of-the-other-in-todays-world/) - https://youtu.be/xkqNUI6Cvyk
- [MercyHour a new website for the Jubilee Year of Mercy](https://peaceandallgood.org/2015/11/mercyhour-a-new-website-for-the-jubilee-year-of-mercy/) - Join Our MercyHour Each day, God willing, during this Holy Year of Mercy, two Secular Franciscans, Deacon Tom Bello & John Clem, are offering a minor, but daily sustenance for our common pilgrimage closer to Christ and to salvation. We will also be featuring some guest bloggers durign this Jubilee Year of Mercy. This website
- [Laudato Si' (Praise Be) - Pope Francis' new Encyclical](https://peaceandallgood.org/2015/06/laudato-si-praise-be-pope-francis-new-encyclical/) - Pope Francis has officially released his new Encyclical Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home. The Encyclical takes its name from the invocation of Saint Francis, “Praise be to you, my Lord”, in his Canticle of the Creatures. It reminds us that the earth, our common home “is like a sister with
- [New St. Francis App](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/11/new-st-francis-app/) - Come and See: Franciscan Spirituality and Share with New App The new St. Francis App was originally released in December of 2013 in Italian, but was just recently updated in English. Developed by the Italian company Matitegiovanotte in collaboration with the Friars Minor of Assisi, the St. Francis App (San Francesco App) is currently available
- [Hosting First Annual Virginia Gathering](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/08/hosting-first-annual-virginia-gathering/) - Mount LaVerna Fraternity was honored to host the first Virginia Gathering of Secular Franciscan Fraternities on August 9, 2014. It was a great meeting of Secular Franciscans from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fr. Gregory Kandt, pastor at Church of the Incarnation, was the keynote speaker who gave a great talk about finding the message
- [Welcoming Two New Professed Members](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/07/welcoming-two-new-professed-members/) - On Sunday, July 20th, Melanie Bninski and John Clem made their permanent profession to the Secular Franciscan Order. This was the first professions of our new fraternity and we wanted to make it a meaningful and inspiring service during Mass. Fr. Gregory Kandt, the pastor of Church of the Incarnation, was the celebrant who was
- [Two Men Named Francis - Fr. Dan Horan, OFM](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/07/two-men-named-francis-fr-dan-horan-ofm/) - Filmed during Franciscan Mission Service's 2014 World Care Benefit and Celebration, "Profoundly Changed: New Disciples for Peace, Justice, and Hope.". Dan Horan, OFM gave an excellent talk about Franciscan Spirituality and relating it to the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis. Well worth your time to watch this 26 minute video. httpvh://youtu.be/B_-oft4-An4
- [Franciscan Apps](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/04/franciscan-apps/) - There are quite a few good apps now available for the iPhone, Droid Phones, and tablets the help with Franciscan Spirtuality, tourism, and history: PRAYER iBreviary Pro Terra Sancta This App was developed by the Custodia, the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Land. Available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone 7,
- [Conversation with Franciscan Minister General](https://peaceandallgood.org/2014/01/conversation-with-franciscan-minister-general/) - A conversation with the Franciscan Minister General and the Editor of The Holy Land Review His job is to be the leader of of Franciscan friars worldwide. He is a successor of St. Francis of Assisi. He is an American and he is the Franciscan
- [St. Francis and the early Nativity](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/12/st-francis-and-the-early-nativity/) - I was very honored to attend the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC. It is an inspiring Mass to attend as it recreates the Mass that St. Francis first inspired in Grecchio where he fist laid a baby Jesus in a manger in front of the altar
- [Beautiful Video of Assisi, Italy](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/12/beautiful-video-of-assisi-italy/) - There is a beautiful video posted to Vimeo of scenes of Assisi, Italy and the countryside (click on link below): https://vimeo.com/23619028
- [Secular Franciscan Order Urges People of Good Will To Take a Cue from the Example of Pope Francis](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/11/2013-nafra-statement-in-support-of-our-holy-father/) - NATIONAL FRATERNITY SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER IN THE UNITED STATES Media Contact: Bob Stronach, OFS, 315-796-9468; Mary Stronach, OFS, 315-796-9284, stronach@kateriregion.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 19, 2013 Secular Franciscan Order Urges People of Good Will To Take a Cue from the Example of Pope Francis KANSAS CITY -- Leaders of the Secular Franciscan Order have issued an appeal to
- [The Secular Franciscan Habit](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/11/the-secular-franciscan-habit/) - Up until 1508, Secular Franciscans wore full habits. Then this changed to a large scapular held together by a piece of rope around the waist. Over time, the scapular became smaller until the rope was no longer needed to hold it in place and was was replaced by a string, and both were then worn underneath clothing. Humility, Holiness
- [Happy Feast Day! Blessed Day for all the Saints!](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/11/happy-feast-day-blessed-day-for-all-the-saints/) - As we prayed today, "Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
- [Ongoing Conversion](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/02/ongoing-conversion/) - [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfc39NQbbU[/tube]
- [Why is the SFO called 'Secular'?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/why-is-the-sfo-called-secular/) - The early lay followers of St. Francis were probably known as the Order of Penance. That title expressed a conversion of life on the part of its members. Like Francis of Assisi, the members of the Order of Penance tried to carry the spirit of the gospel into their daily lives in the midst of
- [What is Perfect Joy?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/04/what-is-perfect-joy/) - Raise your hand if you would like to have Perfect Joy. (raising mine...) Life gives us opportunities for Perfect Joy almost daily, however these opportunities, or conditions, may not be what we think. Do we recognize them as gifts...opportunities for Perfect Joy? The following is an excerpt from The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi: Once when walking
- [The Transitus](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/10/the-transitus/) - The Transitus is a Franciscan devotion to ritually remember the passing of Saint Francis from this life into God. This ritual takes place each year, with Franciscans around the world on the evening of October 3rd. (Feast Day is October 4th) Our fraternity will be having a Transitus Service on Thursday October 3rd from 7-7:30pm
- [Feast of St. Francis ](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/09/feast-of-st-francis/) - Next week, on October 4th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis. Francis astounded and inspired the Church eight centuries ago by living the gospel literally. Literally not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually attempting to follow all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a sense of self-importance. View
- [Blessed Pope John XXIII - Meditation for the Feast Saint Francis of Assisi](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/09/blessed-pope-john-xxiii-meditation-for-the-feast-saint-francis-of-assisi/) - On October 4th the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis. Here a reflection by Blessed John XXIII on wealth, generosity and the Franciscan charism for all. Blessed John XXIII, a Secular Franciscan himself, was a joy-filled Holy Father who gathered the Church for the Second Vatican Council. +++ "Francis was called "another Christ", in
- [Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria ](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/09/day-of-fasting-and-prayer-for-peace-in-syria/) - Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome has declared Saturday, September 7, 2013, as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world. In solidarity with Pope Francis there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Worship
- [Happy feast of St. Clare](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/08/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
- [The Stigmata of St. Francis](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/08/the-stigmata-of-st-francis/) - 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 the Portiuncula.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/08/happy-feast-of-the-portiuncula/) - The feast day of the Portiuncula is today! In this video, Father Michael Cusato addresses two questions: what is the Portiuncula and why do we celebrate this feast day? [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GoM-ALfmJw[/tube]
- [Just Peacemaking](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/07/just-peacemaking/) - The challenge and promise of nonviolence is embodied and entrusted with the peacemakers of the planet. Will you be a peacemaker? Incarnation’s Just Peacemaking group will meet weekly on Wednesdays starting September 11. *Meeting dates: September 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4 To learn more or to
- [Pope Francis' challenge to Franciscans](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/05/pope-francis-challenge-to-franciscans/) - In this video from Catholic News Service, Franciscan Father Michael Perry, the new minister general of the Friars Minor, talks about how Pope Francis challenges Franciscans to live out the Gospel. https://youtu.be/35CkZ6MfCqY
- [Our new Pope. A Franciscan Heart.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/03/our-new-pope-a-franciscan-heart/) - Yesterday, around 3pmEST, a man of deep humility, great prayer, and a love of the poor, appeared on the balcony as the 266th successor of St Peter. His first words were, "Good evening!", and so it was! The former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, has chosen the name Francis. He is the first Pope
- [Justice & Peace Day of Reflection](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/03/justice-peace-day-of-reflection/) - On Saturday, March 23, from 9:30am-2pm, we will be helping with the spring Justice & Peace Day of Reflection here at Incarnation, and I hope you’ll consider joining us! Download the flyer here The theme of the day is The Demands of Environmental Justice and we will welcome as our main speaker Fr. John Rausch, who chairs
- [First Sunday of Lent](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/02/first-sunday-of-lent/) - Fr. Michael Cusato graciously led our Regional SFO Retreat at Priestfield last fall. Thank you Fr. Cusato! [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpfOw-FTro4[/tube]
- [The Priority of Prayer](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/01/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
- [The point of the Third Order](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/01/the-point-of-the-third-order/) - The point of the Third Order is to accept with humility the task of one's secular profession and its requirements, wherever one happens to be, while directing one's whole life to that deep interior communion with Christ that Francis showed us. --Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, p. 79
- [The humility of Christ](https://peaceandallgood.org/2013/01/the-humility-of-christ/) - This spirit of humility acts as the foundation for all subsequent characteristics that compose a Franciscan approach to ministry. Francis was less concerned about what someone did in the world than about how someone did it. Here we see the saint’s admiration for the humility of Christ emerge as part of the centerpiece of his
- [Preparing for Christmas](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/12/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
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving/) - Here is a Thanksgiving reflection from the Franciscan Monestary of the Holy Land. [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLNz_RpT3kY[/tube] Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:17
- [Mount La Verna](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/11/mount-la-verna/) - Our newly forming Secular Franciscan group in Charlottesville, Va, led by the Holy Spirt, joyfully announces our official name. Mount La Verna Fraternity! Here is some background about Mount La Verna: is an isolated mountain hallowed by association with Saint Francis of Assisi, situated in the centre of the Tuscan Appenines, and rising about 4000
- [What is ours to do.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/10/what-is-ours-to-do/) - The following short refections help introduce particularly Franciscan and Catholic approaches to the decision-making process each of us undergoes in an election season. Given their brevity, these pieces are not intended to address the complexity of the issues, but rather to provide broad parameters for use in our discernment of "what is ours to do."
- [Happy Feast of St. Francis](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/10/happy-feast-of-st-francis/) - On October 4th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis! Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a sense of self-importance. Serious illness
- [The myth of redemptive violence](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/09/the-myth-of-redemptive-violence/) - We would like to share the following reflections on the death penalty in hopes that others will hear the call to stop the cycle of violence and preserve the sanctity of ALL human life from conception to natural death. Today we live in the myth of redemptive violence. Kill the troublemaker and the problem will be
- [Who are you O Lord?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/08/who-are-you-o-lord/) - The following slide show is from Sister Ilia Delio's PowerPoint presentation, Who are you, Lord (Franciscan view), during the July 2012 Quinquennial Congress. See: https://www.quinquennial.org/p/pp-slides.html
- [St. Clare - 800th year Anniversary.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/08/st-clare-800th-year-anniversary/) - St. Clare was one of the early followers of St. Francis of Assisi. In 2012 the Franciscan family celebrates the 800th anniversary of Clare's decision to leave her family for a life of poverty and ministry. Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of her life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the
- [August 2nd - Feast of Our Lady of the Angels & The Pardon of Assisi ](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/08/august-2nd-feast-of-our-lady-of-the-angels-the-pardon-of-assisi/) - History of the Portiuncula It was in the night in the year of our Lord 1216, Francis was immersed in prayer and contemplation, in the small church of the Portiuncula, when all of a suddent the church was filled with a brilliant light and Francis saw above the altar the Christ clothed in light and
- [782 years ago today.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/07/782-years-ago-today/) - 782 years ago today, on July 16, 1228, Pope Gregory IX canonized Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone. St. Francis had died just two years before his canonization, on the evening of October 3, 1226, as he was singing Psalm 141.
- [Earth Day 2012: A Franciscan Perspective](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/04/earth-day-2012-a-franciscan-perspective/) - April 22, 2012 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. With support across political, social, and economic differences, the first Earth Day in 1970 led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. In 1990, Earth Day mobilized 200 million people in 141
- [Happy Easter!](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/04/happy-easter/) - Father Jeremy Harrington, Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land USA, sends you an Easter Message! [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCjTEMt2lWM[/tube]
- [Good Friday](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/04/good-friday/) - A video from The Holy Land Franciscans [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0yhUGYDKZ0[/tube]
- [Bl. Sebastian of Aparicio](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/02/bl-sebastian-of-aparicio/) - Bl. Sebastian of Aparicio (1502-1600, religious, 1st Order) Sebastian of Aparicio lived from 1502 to 1600, and he was a bridge builder mostly in Mexico. At age 72, he distributed all he had among the poor and entered the Franciscans as a brother. He is known as the "Angel of Mexico" and is the patron of
- [Who was Saint Francis of Assisi?  Pope Benedict XVI elaborates on his life.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/02/who-was-saint-francis-of-assisi-pope-benedict-xvi-elaborates-on-his-life/) - During a GENERAL AUDIENCE on 27 January 2010 in Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope Benedict XVI elaborates on St. Francis of Assisi. The following is an except, you can access the entire text here. "From love for Christ stems love for others and also for all God's creatures. This is yet another characteristic trait of Francis' spirituality: the sense
- [What is Purity of Heart?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/what-is-purity-of-heart/) - The following video explores a conversation between Brother Leo and St. Francis. [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMRKsWk-B0?rel=0[/tube]
- [This week of Prayer for Christian Unity](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/this-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity/) - The traditional period in the northern hemisphere for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18-25 January. Those dates were proposed in 1908 by Paul Wattson to cover the days between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul, and therefore have a symbolic significance. In the southern hemisphere where January is a vacation
- [The Franciscan Call](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/the-franciscan-call/) - Is God Calling You to the Secular Franciscan Order? "They have been made living members of the Church in Baptism; ... Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people Proclaiming Christ by their life and words." The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that
- [St. Francis and the issue of war.](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/st-francis-and-the-issue-of-war/) - What if we did what we say? As followers of the little poor man of Assisi, we profess to try, with God’s grace, to live our lives according to our Rule and the Gospel. To follow Christ, as Francis did, to the best of our ability, according to our state in life. I might ask myself when
- [Come and See video](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/come-and-see-video/) - Please contact us at info@peaceandallgood.org This video may answer some of your questions about the Secular Franciscan Order. [tube]https://www.youtube.com/v/6kRXwzC_SjM[/tube]
- [History of the Franciscan Crown Rosary](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/history-of-the-franciscan-crown-rosary/) - The Franciscan Crown (or Seraphic Rosary) is a rosary consisting of seven decades in commemoration of the Seven Joys of the Virgin, namely, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity of Jesus, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding in the Temple, the Resurrection of Jesus, and the Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin. The Franciscan Crown has been called the Franciscan Rosary, the Seraphic Rosary or the Rosary
- [Pope Benedict XVI Christmas Eve Homily](https://peaceandallgood.org/2011/12/pope-benedict-xvi-christmas-eve-homily/) - St. Francis is mentioned throughout Pope Benedict's homily on 12/24/2011 (This is an excerpt, please read the entire homily here: https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20111224_christmas_en.html ) Christmas is an epiphany – the appearing of God and of his great light in a child that is born for us. Born in a stable in Bethlehem, not in the palaces of kings. In
- [Who we are](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/who-we-are/) - This video was producded by the St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in Triangle, Virginia. [tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKo4eVToSl0[/tube] Background music: Dream of the Heart by Richard Shulman from the CD Transformation at Assisi
- [What is the Franciscan Tau Cross?](https://peaceandallgood.org/2012/01/what-is-the-franciscan-tau-cross/) - The Tau Cross, also called the Cross of Tau, the Franciscan Tau Cross, the Cross of St. Francis, and the Cross of St. Anthony, is a simple cross, based on the Greek Τ, which is pronounce taw. In Hebrew the letter is pronounced the same but written as x. It predates the cross of the crucifixion, and for this reason it is also called the Old Testament cross.

## Pages

- [Peace and All Good!](https://peaceandallgood.org/) - Mount La Verna Fraternity serves the Charlottesville Virginia area, and is in the St. Margaret of Cortona Region of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA
- [Fraternity Calendar](https://peaceandallgood.org/meeting-schedule/) - All are welcome. We meet from 10:15am-1pm on the second Saturday of each month in Room #8 at Incarnation Parish. Directions here. If you would like to learn more about the Secular Franciscan Order, please come and visit us on one of the dates below. 12/16/2025 @ 7pm Justice Circle, online 2026 Fraternity Calendar January 1/10/2026 @
- [Prayer Requests](https://peaceandallgood.org/prayer-requests/)
- [Contact](https://peaceandallgood.org/contact/)
- [Fraternity Council](https://peaceandallgood.org/fraternity-council/) - Minister Carl Stacy, ofs Vice Minister James Elia, ofs Treasurer Heather Burns, ofs Secretary Sheila Herlihy, ofs Acting Formation Directors Melanie Bninski , ofs Carl Stacy, ofs
- [Franciscan Family Tree](https://peaceandallgood.org/franciscan-family-tree/)
- [Fraternity Donations](https://peaceandallgood.org/donate/) - To make a secure one time or recurring donation with your credit card, click here.
- [Short Way of The Cross](https://peaceandallgood.org/short-way-of-the-cross/) - A Short Way Of The Cross (Spanish translation) As used by The Franciscan Fathers on their Missions: First Station Jesus Condemned to Death O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials. Second Station Jesus Carries His Cross My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not
- [Incarnation Food Ministry Calendar](https://peaceandallgood.org/incarnation-food-ministry-calendar/) - If you would like weekly reminders to view this calendar, please add your email to the Food Ministry Team email list. Find your scheduled time on the Calendar below. Do you need to change your time? Have a conflict? Let us know here: [gravityform id="4" title="false" description="false"] Bagging Schedule Distribution Date -- Bagging Date -- Day
- [Incarnation Food Ministry Team email list signup.](https://peaceandallgood.org/incarnation-food-ministry-team-email-list/) - View current Food Ministry Schedule.
- [Registration](https://peaceandallgood.org/registration/) - 2nd Annual Virginia Area Gathering of the Order of Secular Franciscans When? 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2016 Where? Church of the Incarnation, 1465 Incarnation Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Who? All are Welcome! Religious and Secular Franciscans including candidates, inquirers and spiritual assistants, friends and spouses. Join us for a day to be inspired, refreshed, and revitalized in our
- [Prayer Wall](https://peaceandallgood.org/prayer-wall/) - [pb-requests]
- [Fraternity Newsletter Archive](https://peaceandallgood.org/fraternity-newsletter-archive/)
- [Prayer](https://peaceandallgood.org/prayer/) - Divine Office - Liturgy of the Hours Daily Scripture Readings - The scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV) Franciscan Crown Rosary (The Seven Joys of Mary) -- National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi Stations of The Cross by St. Francis of Assisi - National Shrine of St. Anthony A Short Way
- [Franciscan Videos](https://peaceandallgood.org/franciscan-videos/) - Movies: St. Francis of Assisi (1961) IMDB Website Movie Facts httpv://youtu.be/rG5jVcYA1aM Videos: Video of Assisi https://vimeo.com/23619028 Introducing Junipero Serra: The Newest Saint St. Francis and the early Nativity httpv://youtu.be/IyjWvbjCePQ httpv://youtu.be/_z_bE6b-WiA Friar Alessandro YouTube Channel In this video from Catholic News Service, Franciscan Father Michael Perry, the new minister general of the
- [Franciscan Links](https://peaceandallgood.org/franciscan-links/) - Following are some useful links from our Franciscan Family: International Secular Franciscan Order: CIOFS website Franciscans International (United Nations) National Secular Franciscan Order: The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order - USA Website Service for SFO Fraternities (with Catholic Web Services) SFO Channel on YouTube SFO USA News Releases Tau-USA Newsletter Regional
- [Laudato Si' - Care for Our Common Home](https://peaceandallgood.org/laudato-si-care-for-our-common-home/) - Pope Francis has officially released his new Encyclical Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home. The Encyclical takes its name from the invocation of Saint Francis, “Praise be to you, my Lord”, in his Canticle of the Creatures. It reminds us that the earth, our common home “is like a sister with
- [About Us](https://peaceandallgood.org/about/) - Mount La Verna Fraternity serves the Charlottesville Virginia area, and is in the St. Margaret of Cortona Region of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA The Secular Franciscan Order belongs to the Franciscan Family and is “formed by the organic union of all the Catholic fraternities, whose members, moved by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves through profession to
- [Reading Recommendations](https://peaceandallgood.org/reading-recommendations/) - The following are some reading recommendations to deepen your understanding of the Franciscan life. New American Bible - Revised Edition (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order: With a Catechism and Instructions - Ramos, Baldonado, Grant To Live As Francis Lived: A Guide for Secular Franciscans - Foley, Weigel, Normile The Franciscan Journey, Embracing the
- [Formation Process](https://peaceandallgood.org/formation-process/) - Is God Calling You to the Secular Franciscan Order? “They have been made living members of the Church in Baptism; … Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people Proclaiming Christ by their life and words.” The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that involves
- [The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi](https://peaceandallgood.org/the-prayer-of-st-francis-of-assisi/)
- [FAQs](https://peaceandallgood.org/faqs/) - [qa]
- [The Rule](https://peaceandallgood.org/the-rule/) - The Rule and Constitutions might be a good place for you to begin your online inquiry. The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order - (PDF Version) Chapter One: The Secular Franciscan Order The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the

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- [Fraternity Calendar](https://peaceandallgood.org/calendar/1593/) - [title] [when] [location] [description] [link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]

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