Feast of the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion

The Collect

Almighty God, who calls forth your saints in every generation that seek to follow the path trod by the saints who have come before we give you thanks and praise for the vocations you have set forth through the creation of the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion, that the vocation to which we have been called will reflect the light of Christ to those in darkness; through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and forever. Amen.

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In Jerusalem the Custody of the Holy Land celebrates 800 years of Franciscan presence in the Middle East

CTS | Holy Land - Celebration in Jerusalem for the Custody of the Holy Land with three days of conferences, meetings and international guests in the Old City.

The first Franciscan friars landed in Acre in 1217, led by Friar Elia da Cortona.

800 years have gone by and the friars are still present in the Holy Land. They are dedicated to the safeguarding of the places important to Christianity and to supporting the local people. In order to celebrate this important anniversary, on October 16-18, the Franciscan monastery of St. Saviour in the Old City of Jerusalem will host a serie of conferences and meetings with exceptional speakers and prominent figures from all of Christendom. 

October 16: This day is dedicated to organizations and institutions that support the many activities of the Custody. In the afternoon at St. Saviour, a liturgical ceremony, presided by the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, Fr. Michael Perry, opens the anniversary celebrations.

October 17: The Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, will speak about “The role of the Franciscans in the Holy Land.” On the 17th is the highlight of the celebrations, with the participation of important persons from the diplomatic and academic world as well as religious representatives. Among the conferences, there will also be one about the friar who led the first Franciscan delegation, Fr. Elia da Cortona, and one about the precious work of discovering and cataloging photos from Syria, carried out by the Custody.

October 18: The third day will help us reflect on the significance of the frescoes in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, followed by a brief speech about the first Franciscan monasteries in the Middle East. A copy of the frescoes has been on display since the month of May at the entrance of the Custodial Curia. In the afternoon, a mass with the Vicar General of the Order, followed by a concert organized by the Custody’s musical institute, the Magnificat, will bring the three-day event to a close. (more)

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Memorial for Francis of Assisi

The Collect

MOST high, almighty, and good Lord: Grant thy people after the example of blessed Francis, we may for love of thee delight in all thy creatures, with perfectness of joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: (Galatians vi. 14; Saint Matthew xi. 25)

Born in 1181, Francis of Assisi was well known for drinking and partying in his youth. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he was captured and imprisoned for ransom. Francis spent a year in prison, awaiting his father's payment, and, oral tradition teaches that he began receiving visions from God.

After securing his release from prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Church and live a life of poverty. Consequently, he gave up his life of luxury and became a devotee of the faith, his reputation spreading all over the Christian world. Later in life, Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, making Francis the first person to receive such holy wounds.

He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has had a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe.

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US Franciscans statement on Charlottesville violence

US Franciscans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 2017

As followers of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of peace, we, the Franciscans Friars of the United States join with the many public and religious leaders and fellow-citizens who have condemned the recent violence in Charlottesville, VA. 

We hold that all forms of racism, white supremacy, neo-nazism, xenophobia and hatred are wrong. 

Because we believe that every person is created by God in love, we also hold that disrespect or diminishment of—or violence against--anyone offends not only that person but also the One who created that person.

As Franciscans, we strive to be bridge-builders.  To avoid future instances of the tragic violence that tore not only the community of Charlottesville but also the fabric of our nation, we call for a renewed commitment to respectful dialogue by all, whereby our opinions and differences can be shared in constructive and illuminating ways that lead to the possibility of growth and conversion for all.  Such dialogue might lead us beyond the overt displays of violence and intolerance into an understanding of the subtler and even unconscious forms of discrimination and intolerance that may still inhabit our hearts as well as our society.

We commit ourselves to the responsibility of respect for and dialogue with all who seem “other” than ourselves.  And we pray that all the citizens of our nation will join in striving to attain respect and peace in our communities.

(Source)

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Updates from Syria: “We’re going back home, but it is not over yet!”

Pro Terra Sancta - “We heard that the Church assists, helps and encourages people; and so it’s ready to intervene in rebuilding a damaged house, it’s ready to help a father to find a job and to cover some of the expenses there might be. Or still it’s ready to donate at least a first-aid food package.” Speaking are some Christians of Aleppo, Syria. They have decided to return home during the last months, precisely six months after we had known that the city had finally been freed.

“18 families have come back since the beginning of this year” Father Ibrahim Alsabagh, the parson of the Franciscan church in Aleppo, tells us “and we know that some others are thinking about returning here”. This is really a great sign of hope for the local community which right now is exhausted for the many difficulties it has been through. It is also an encouraging sign for the Franciscan Friars, who have always been present in Syria, alongside the people in these years of war. “It encourages us to keep on going and to raise even more the level of hospitality” Father Ibrahim continues.

In fact, despite it has been a while since the city was liberated and some activities have already been restored, fear is still widespread in Aleppo, water and electricity are still intermittently missing and the price of the everyday life keeps on growing. The Franciscan parson is really worried: “Lately there have been many bombings in the New City of Aleppo, and many civilians were killed by the missiles launched by some armed groups. During all night they kept on firing from outside the city. We hear the noise and we see the consequences; many times they tell us that is Daesh, other times they tell us that there might be other external groups. People look around and wonder: ‘Is it over or not? Will there be a chance for a new life?’” (more)

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Memorial for Saint Anthony of Padua

The Collect

Grant, O Lord, that the solemn festival of your holy confessor Saint Anthony may bring gladness to your Church: that being defending by thy succour in all things spiritual; we may be found worthy to attain unto everlasting felicity; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God now and for ever. Amen.

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An edifying quote from the Life of Saint Francis

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Terra Sancta Museum on the Via Dolorosa, because “no one knows about it”

by Pro Terra Sancta

“Before I started working here I did not know anything about the Via Dolorosa, I didn’t even know what Convent of the Flagellation was…” Christine tells us. She is a 24 year old Christian from the Old City. She has been working for the Terra Sancta Museum for some few months now.

“It’s true,” says Rozan, the other employee, “a few days ago I met a Christian lady who has lived here for 40 years. She asked me where the Way of the Cross was …‘ we’re on it! ‘, I said, but I also started to know about it when I came to work here.”

We talk for a while, waiting for today’s event: a presentation of the multimedia section of the museum to the tour operators in Jerusalem. Yes, “it is necessary to renew the invitation to everyone” Clara from the Association pro Terra Sancta tells us; she is head of management and promotion for the museum.

No one, not even the locals are aware of the history of this city and of the value of this street, the Via Dolorosa, on which thousands of pilgrims walk every day.

When the tour operators arrive the director, Fr. Eugenio Alliata, gives a short introduction of the place we are in. The show is 15 minutes long; it tells the story of Jerusalem and then that of the Via Dolorosa. “Beautiful,” one of the guides says at the end of the show, “I have seen many shows like this one, but this is truly remarkable”. Clara explains to them that this is only the first section of the museum, two more are under construction. “We have started to organize visits for schools in October” she adds. “As a matter of fact, the show is not only for pilgrims… Actually I would say that it is primarily for locals.” To date almost 20,000 visitors have come to see the museum, 509 of these are students, both Christians and Muslims. (more)

In Damascus the Franciscans Keep Their Doors Open

by Pro Terra Sancta

In the Franciscan church near Bab Touma (The Door of Thomas) in Damascus, the dome still bears the signs of recent bombings. Br. Bahjat Karakach, the superior of the convent, miraculously escaped the explosion that damaged the sanctuary. The parish center where Br. Antoine Louxa lives along with him is the first stop on our trip to Syria.

From the windows, one can see the destruction of the war waged on the Syrian capital, and at night, from time to time, bombings can be heard in the distance, enough to avoid falling into a deep sleep. The situation, however, has improved considerably compared with previous months. In the evening, much of the old city is lit up and those who wish to go out, are able to do so, walk, be with friends and have a drink with friends. In the ancient streets of the first capital of the Caliphate, you can still see the wonders of the past. Among them are places that are precious to Christians from all over the world.

The memorial of St. Paul is another important step on the journey toward discovering the activities of the Custody of the Holy Land in Syria. (more)

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Memorial for Francis of Assisi

The Collect

MOST high, almighty, and good Lord: Grant thy people after the example of blessed Francis, we may for love of thee delight in all thy creatures, with perfectness of joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: (Galatians vi. 14; Saint Matthew xi. 25)

Born in 1181, Francis of Assisi was well known for drinking and partying in his youth. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he was captured and imprisoned for ransom. Francis spent a year in prison, awaiting his father's payment, and, oral tradition teaches that he began receiving visions from God.

After securing his release from prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Church and live a life of poverty. Consequently, he gave up his life of luxury and became a devotee of the faith, his reputation spreading all over the Christian world. Later in life, Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, making Francis the first person to receive such holy wounds.

He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has had a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe.

Transitus of Saint Francis

Let us remember the Transitus of Saint Francis this evening. Please take a moment to reflect on John 13: 1-17:

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

An edifying quote from Saint Clare of Assisi

God’s Troubadour, the Story of St. Francis of Assisi

by Sophie Jewett (1861-1909)

Francis, a young Italian boy, is a merchant’s son who is enthralled by the troubadour songs and tales of knights that his father brings back from his travels. He decides to become a knight, but after seeing the poor and suffering in the tragedies of war, he decides to give away all of his worldly possessions and become a troubadour for God.

Total running time: 2:30:13
Read by Sean McKinley

Franciscan Footprints - Blessed Oddino Barrotti, Franciscan Third Order Secular

Complete dedication to the works of charity and mercy is the keynote of the entire priestly life of the fourteenth-century Tertiary, Blessed Oddino Barrotti. Born in 1324 at Fossano in Piedmont, Oddino returned to his native city after his ordination to the priesthood, and for a time served as pastor of the Church of St John the Baptist.

From the beginning he devoted himself completely to the care of his flock, hardly taking any rest, fasting rigorously at the same time, and giving to the poor almost every penny that he received. The bishop of Turin, to which diocese Father Barrotti belonged, found it necessary to warn him against overdoing it.

“Keep at least enough of your income,” the bishop counseled him, “so you can have a decent living.”

A few years later the young priest was chosen provost of the collegiate church in Fossano; but, in his humility, he resigned this office to become the chaplain of a pious confraternity. It was at this time that he became a member of the Third Order of St Francis. He then converted his own house into a shelter for the homeless; and he was made director of the Guild of the Cross, an association whose members cared for the sick and for pilgrims. In this capacity he succeeded in having a hospital built at Fossano for the sick, as well as a hospice for pilgrims. Father Barrotti himself made many pilgrimages, especially to the churches of Rome and the shrine of Our lady of Loreto.

Four years before his death, he yielded to the urgent request of the canons and once more accepted the post of provost or director of the collegiate chapter in Fossano, and with it the duties of a pastor. And when the city was visited by a plague in 1400, the holy pastor cared for the sick with such indefatigable zeal that he too was stricken by the disease and died a martyr of charity at the age of seventy-six.

Though he was honoured as a saint after his death, it was not until 1808, for centuries later, that he was declared Blessed.

(The Franciscan Book of Saints, Marion A. Habig, OFM)

Franciscan Missions Of California (circa 1920)

The following is a curated collection of old films, newsreels & archive footage spanning the 20th century. It highlights Franciscan missions from California, many of which fell into states of disrepair during the 1920s.

Francis of Assisi: Reluctant Saint - Documentary

For those who know nothing about the life and ministry of our patron saint, Francis of Assisi, this is an excellent place to start.

Favourite Quotes by Saint Francis of Assisi

"Everyday, Jesus humbles himself just as He did when He came from His heavenly throne into the Virgin’s womb; everyday He comes to us and lets us see Him in abjection, when He descends from the bosom of the Father into the hands of the priest at the altar."

“Remember, O priests, my brothers, how it is written in the law of Moses, that those who transgressed even in corporal sacrifices were condemned by God to death, without any mercy. What a far more terrible punishment will he deserve, who tramples under foot the Son of God, and treats the Blood of the New Testament by which he is sanctified as a vile thing, and offers insult to the Holy Ghost!”

"Look at your dignity, you brothers who are priests, and be holy since He is holy. And as the Lord God has honoured you above all other persons because of this ministry, so you should love, reverence, and honour Him above all others. It is a great misery and a miserable weakness that when you have Him present with you in this way, you concern yourselves with anything else in this entire world."

Memorial for Francis of Assisi

The Collect

MOST high, almighty, and good Lord: Grant thy people after the example of blessed Francis, we may for love of thee delight in all thy creatures, with perfectness of joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: (Galatians vi. 14; Saint Matthew xi. 25)

Born in 1181, Francis of Assisi was well known for drinking and partying in his youth. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he was captured and imprisoned for ransom. Francis spent a year in prison, awaiting his father's payment, and, oral tradition teaches that he began receiving visions from God.

After securing his release from prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Church and live a life of poverty. Consequently, he gave up his life of luxury and became a devotee of the faith, his reputation spreading all over the Christian world. Later in life, Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, making Francis the first person to receive such holy wounds.

He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has had a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe.

Transitus of Saint Francis

Let us remember the Transitus of Saint Francis this evening. Please take a moment to reflect on John 13: 1-17:

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Memorial for Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

The Collect

Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace, gave the Priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son and, by means of his ministry, renewed the wonders of your mercy, grant that through his intercession we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ, and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Francesco Forgione was born to a southern Italian farm family in 1887 in the Italian village of Pietrelcina. At age 15 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars in Morcone, and joined the order at age 19. He was ordained a priest at age 22 on 10 August 1910.

While praying before a cross on September 20, 1918, Padre Pio received the stigmata. He is the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. He was reportedly able to bi-locate, levitate, and heal by touch.

In 1956 he founded the House for the Relief of Suffering, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968 at age 81.

Becoming Franciscan - Documentary

This is a light-hearted documentary that examines the Franciscan (OFM) seminary in Langata, Nairobi, Kenya. Enjoy.