Sunday, July 12, 2009
"My God And My All!"
Looking up to heaven and raising his hands, he prayed with intense fervor and devotion, saying: "My God and my all!" And he sobbed out those words with so many tears and kept repeating them with such devout persistence that until matins he said nothing but "My God and my all!"
Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis - 2
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
Seeking Solitude and Silence
The Blessed and Venerable Father Francis wanted only to be taken up with God and to purify his spirit of the dust of the world which eventually clings to us in our daily association with others. So he would periodically withdraw to a place of solitude and silence.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano - First Life
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A Franciscan Prayer
ENID DINNIS
When I am old and tutored by
The grim experience of days;
When I have proved men in their ways,
Oh, do not let the dreamer die.
When I have learned aside to toss
The foolish things that wise men hate,
Lest Littleness should hold me great,
Be mine the folly of the Cross.
When comes detachment's strength to me,
Let mine the weakness be that wept
O'er Lazarus' grave and kept
Three comrades in Gethsemane.
When head bids heart herself forget,
When Reason's lure would love deceive,
May my poor foolish heart achieve
A few life-giving blunders yet.
When I have grown too sane, too sad,
To join the angels' faerie ring
And serve the playtime of the King,
Then, Sweet Francis, make me mad.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Vatican Releases Statement On Pope's Meeting With Obama
Nel pomeriggio di oggi, venerdì 10 luglio 2009, Sua Santità Benedetto XVI ha ricevuto in Udienza il Presidente degli Stati Uniti d’America, Sua Eccellenza il Sig. Barack H. Obama. In precedenza, il Presidente si è incontrato con Sua Eminenza il Cardinale Tarcisio Bertone, Segretario di Stato, accompagnato da Sua Eccellenza Mons. Dominique Mamberti, Segretario per i Rapporti con gli Stati.
Nel corso dei cordiali colloqui, ci si è soffermati innanzitutto su questioni che sono nell’interesse di tutti e costituiscono la grande sfida per il futuro di ogni Nazione e per il vero progresso dei popoli, quali la difesa e la promozione della vita ed il diritto all’obiezione di coscienza.
Si è anche accennato all’immigrazione, con particolare attenzione all’aspetto del ricongiungimento familiare.
Al centro dell’incontro sono stati pure temi di politica internazionale, alla luce anche dei risultati del Vertice dei G8. Ci si è soffermati sulle prospettive di pace in Medio Oriente, su cui si registrano convergenze, e su altre situazioni regionali. Sono stati poi passati in rassegna alcuni argomenti di maggiore attualità come il dialogo tra culture e religioni, la crisi economico-finanziaria a livello globale e le sue implicazioni etiche, la sicurezza alimentare, l’aiuto allo sviluppo soprattutto all’Africa e all’America Latina, ed il problema del narcotraffico. Infine, si è sottolineata l’importanza dell’educazione alla tolleranza in ogni Paese.
[01114-01.01] [Testo originale: Italiano]
ENGLISH TRANSLATION:This afternoon, Friday 10 July 2009, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received in Audience the President of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. Barack H. Obama. Prior to the Audience, the President met His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, and also His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
In the course of their cordial exchanges the conversation turned first of all to questions which are in the interests of all and which constitute a great challenge for the future of every nation and for the true progress of peoples, such as the defence and promotion of life and the right to abide by one’s conscience.
Reference was also made to immigration with particular attention to the matter of reuniting families.
The meeting focused as well upon matters of international politics, especially in light of the outcome of the G8 Summit. The conversation also dealt with the peace process in the Middle East, on which there was general agreement, and with other regional situations. Certain current issues were then considered, such as dialogue between cultures and religions, the global economic crisis and its ethical implications, food security, development aid especially for Africa and Latin America, and the problem of drug trafficking. Finally, the importance of educating young people everywhere in the value of tolerance was highlighted.
[01114-02.01] [Original text: English]
Dr. James Dobson Interviews Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN)
The Ladder That Leads To Heaven
Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis
Part Four
Chapter 1
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Contemplative Prayer
Saint Francis of Assisi
LITTLE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS
Part Four
Chapter XI
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
Wear His Crown of Thorns As A Crown Of Glory
brother lesser
from the Portiuncula Hermitage
I was in an area of complete and utter darkness. Then a mist appeared, through which two hands appeared that were handing me a crown of thorns.
I took the crown of thorns from the outstretched hands and placed it upon my head. As the crown was being seated upon my head, I prematurely winced, fully expecting searing pain from those thorns to shoot through my head and throughout my entire body.
But instead of pain, a warm and wonderful feeling of joy and peace settled over me. I was being bathed in God’s love.
Simultaneously with the crown of thorns being placed upon my head, a vision appeared before me of a glass mirror “unfurling” like a window shade, even though it was glass.
Jesus then appeared in the glass before me.
I was immediately filled with shame because Jesus had caught me wearing his crown, and I immediately pulled it from my head.
As I did, Jesus disappeared.
I then placed the crown back onto my head.
As I did, the glass unfurled before me, and again Jesus was standing before me.
At that moment, the realization hit me that I was looking into a mirror and seeing my own reflection, and that reflection was my Savior and my Lord! And me! One and the same!
This vision greatly troubled me. After all, who did I think I was, anyway? Was I so vain as to think myself equal to Jesus? God forbid! The vision continued to frighten me long afterwards, fearing that my attitude was obviously not right with God…that is, until I heard these words:
“Do not be afraid to put on my crown of thorns.
It is My crown of glory!
Wear it as I did.
I will bear the pain so that you have none.
Then, and only then, will you see Me in glory.
Then we shall meet face to face.
You in me, and I in you.
People will see me in your image.
Give yourselves to Me fully,
And I will come to you in glory…”
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Offering Ourselves As A Holocaust
St. Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 95
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Seek To Keep Silent
St. Francis of Assisi
Rule of 1221
Chapter XI
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The Rule of Hermitages To Be Followed At The Portiuncula Hermitage
Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi
[With my voice I have cried out to the Lord].
...And let them always recite compline of the day immediately after sunset. And they are to strive to preserve silence and to recite the hours, rising even for matins, and let them seek first the kingdom of God and his justice. And at the proper hour let them say prime, and after terce they may break silence, in order to speak or have recourse to their mothers; and when they wish, they may ask alms of them for the love of God, just as little poor ones do. And afterward they are to say sext and none and vespers at the required times*...
St. Francis of Assisi
The Rule of Hermitages
* Matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers, and compline are the hours of the Roman Breviary, the official prayer book of the clergy.
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Forgiveness Prayer
The following prayer covers most significant areas of forgiveness. Often, such a prayer will bring to mind other areas that need forgiveness. Let the Holy Spirit move freely and guide your mind to persons or groups that you need to forgive.
Lord Jesus Christ, I ask today to forgive EVERYONE in my life. I know that You will give me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love myself and want my happiness more than I desire it for myself.
Father, I forgive YOU for the times death has come into the family, hard times, financial difficulties, or what I thought were punishments sent by You and people said, "It’s God’s will," and I become bitter and resentful toward You. Purify my heart and mind today.
Lord, I forgive MYSELF for my sins, faults and failings, for all that is bad in myself or that I think is bad, I forgive myself; and I accept Your forgiveness.
I further forgive MYSELF for taking Your name in vain, not worshipping You by attending church, for hurting my parents, getting drunk, for sins against purity, bad books, bad movies, fornication, adultery, homosexuality. Also, for abortion, stealing, lying, defrauding, hurting peoples’ reputation. You have forgiven me today, and I forgive myself. Thank You, Lord, for your grace at this moment.
I also forgive MYSELF for any delvings in superstition, using ouija boards, horoscopes, going to seances, using fortune telling or wearing lucky charms, I reject all that superstition and choose You alone as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.
I truly forgive my MOTHER. I forgive her for all the times she hurt me, she resented me, she was angry with me and for all the times she punished me. I forgive her for the times she preferred my brothers and sisters to me. I forgive her for the times she told me I was dumb, ugly, stupid, the worst of the children or that I cost the family a lot of money. For the times she told me I was unwanted, an accident, a mistake or not what she expected, I forgive her.
I forgive my FATHER. I forgive him for any non-support, any lack of love, affection or attention. I forgive him for any lack of time, for not giving me his companionship, for his drinking, arguing and fighting with my mother or the other children. For his severe punishments, for desertion, for being away from home, for divorcing my mother or for any running around, I do forgive him.
Lord, I extend forgiveness to my SISTERS AND BROTHERS. I forgive those who rejected me, lied about me, hated me, resented me, competed for my parents’ love, those who hurt me, who physically harmed me. For those who were too severe on me, punished me or made my life unpleasant in any way, I do forgive them.
Lord, I forgive my SPOUSE for lack of love, affection, consideration, support, attention, communication; for faults, failings, weaknesses and those other acts or words that hurt or disturb me.
Jesus, I forgive my CHILDREN for their lack of respect, obedience, love, attention, support, warmth, understanding; for their bad habits, falling away from the church, any bad actions which disturb me.
My God, I forgive my IN-LAWS, MY MOTHER-IN-LAW, FATHER-IN-LAW, SON/DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AND OTHER RELATIVES by marriage, who treat my family with a lack of love. For all their words, thoughts, actions or omissions which injure and cause pain, I forgive them.
Please help to forgive my RELATIVES, my grandmother and grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, who may have interfered in our family, been possessive of my parents, who may have caused confusion or turned one parent against the other.
Jesus, help me to forgive my CO-WORKERS who are disagreeable or make life miserable for me. For those who push their work off on me, gossip about me, won’t cooperate with me, try to take my job, I do forgive them.
My NEIGHBORS need to be forgiven, Lord. For all their noise, letting their property run down, not tying up their dogs who run through my yard, not taking in their trash barrels, being prejudiced and running down the neighborhood, I do forgive them.
I do forgive my CLERGYMAN, my CONGREGATION and my CHURCH for their lack of support, affirmation, bad sermons, pettiness, lack of friendliness, not providing me or my family with the inspiration we needed, for any hurts they have inflicted on me or my family, even in the distant past, I forgive them today.
Lord, I forgive all those who are of different PERSUASIONS, those of opposite political views who have attacked me, ridiculed me, discriminated against me, made fun of me, economically hurt me.
I forgive those of different religious DENOMINATIONS AND BELIEFS who have harassed me, attacked me, argued with me, forced their view on me or my family.
Those who have harmed me ETHNICALLY, have discriminated against me, mocked me, made jokes about my race or nationality, hurt my family physically, emotionally or economically, I do forgive them today.
Lord, I forgive all PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE who have hurt me in any way: doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges, politicians and civil servants. I forgive all service people: policemen, firemen, bus drivers, hospital workers and especially repairmen who have taken advantage of me in their work.
Lord, I forgive my EMPLOYER for not paying me enough money, for not appreciating my work, for being unkind and unreasonable with me, for being angry or unfriendly, for not promoting me, and for not complimenting me on my work.
Lord, I forgive my SCHOOLTEACHERS AND INSTRUCTORS of the past as well as the present. For those who punished me, humiliated me, insulted me, treated me unjustly, made fun of me, called me dumb or stupid, made me stay after school, I truly forgive them today.
Lord, I forgive my FRIENDS who have let me down, lost contact with me, do not support me, were not available when I needed help, borrowed money and did not return it, gossiped about me.
Lord Jesus, I especially pray for the grace of forgiveness for the ONE PERSON in life who has HURT ME THE MOST. I ask to forgive anyone who I consider my greatest enemy, the one who is the hardest to forgive or the one who I said I will never forgive.
Lord, I beg pardon of all these people for the hurt I have inflicted on them, especially my mother and father, and my marriage partner. I am especially sorry for the three greatest hurts I have inflicted on each.
Thank You, Jesus, that I am being freed of the evil of unforgiveness. Let Your Holy Spirit fill me with light and let every dark area of my mind be enlightened. AMEN.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, not a feeling. If we pray for a person, we can be assured that we have forgiven that person.
To help accept an individual and open ourselves to a particular person more, picture him with the Lord Jesus and say to the Lord, "I love him because You love him. I forgive him because You forgive him." Forgiveness is a life-long obligation. Daily we need to forgive those who hurt or injure us.
A Thief Climbs A Ladder To Steal
St. John of the Cross
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Although Absent In Person, St. Francis Is Present In Spirit
With his companions, Francis now went to live in an abandoned hut near Assisi....While they were still loving there, St. Francis went into Assisi on Saturday because he was to preach as usual in the cathedral the following morning. There he spent the night praying in a shelter in the garden belonging to the canons of the cathedral, as was his custom. In person he was separated from the friars, but then about midnight, as some of them were praying and others slept, a fiery chariot of extraordinary brilliance came in the door of the hut and turned here and there three times about the room. It was surmounted by a globe of light which looked like the sun and lit up the darkness. Those who were awake were dumbfounded, while the others woke up terrified; they could feel the light penetrating their hearts just as it lit up the room, and their consciences were laid bare to one another by force of its brightness. As they read one another's hearts, all realized simultaneously that their father who was absent from them in person was present with them in spirit under the appearance of this vision.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER IV
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Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Viewing Money As Dung
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Monk's Ladder
St. Francis praised the Artist in every one of his works; whatever he found in things made, he referred to their Maker. He rejoiced in all the works of the Lord's hands, and with joyful vision saw into the reason and cause that gave them life. In beautiful things he came to know Beauty itself. To him all things were good. They cried out to him, "He who made us is infinitely good." By tracing his footprints in things Francis followed the Beloved wherever he led. He made, from created things, a ladder to his throne.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 165
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Monday, July 06, 2009
Receive Everyone Kindly
Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions -45
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Pax Et Bonum
Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of Perugia - 67
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Sunday, July 05, 2009
Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel
To duplicate this Chapel, the Portiuncula Hermitage needs to raise $120,000
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It's times like these that tempt Catholics to throw in the towel and give up on the culture of despair.
Greed and corruption have wreaked havoc on our nation's economy. Euthanasia just received Washington State's stamp of approval. And all the pro-life victories of the past decade are now in jeopardy. It's the perfect storm for despair. But despair is the last thing we should do.
In troubled times, Christ calls us to pray, to trust in his perfect will, and to cooperate with his grace.
Ultimately, Christ calls us to hope. He calls us to remember that for Christians, peace does not rest on who wins an election or on the value of our stock portfolios, but in a loving God who “in everything...works for good.”
Of course, God doesn't just call us to hope. He gives us reasons to hope and signs of the good things to come.
I truly believe one of those reasons, one of those signs, is the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center.
While many other Catholic institutions have sold out to the culture of death, the Portiuncula, along with a few others, has fought steadfastly for a culture of life. It has faithfully stood alongside the Church, forming men and women capable of true leadership and committed to bringing Christ to the culture.
But the "Portiuncula Chapel" can't be built alone. To continue building, we need your help! And that is why I'm writing you today: To invite you to join me in helping our culture through these troubled times by helping build the Portiuncula Chapel.
United in the Roman Catholic tradition and obedient to the Magisterium of the Church and the Bishop of Steubenville, we are committed to our Lord and Savior in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church and in our Brothers and Sisters.
With God's grace and your help, I believe past Portiuncula retreatants and those soon to follow in their footsteps will lead our culture and our country out of these troubled times.
That is why I invite you to share the work of these Catholics and the Portiuncula Hermitage that is forming them.
First, allow them to pray for you.
Prayer is the lifeblood of the Portiuncula Hermitage, and the Franciscan family would be honored to include you in their prayers. Please e-mail your most pressing intentions to: dicksoncorp@parallax.ws
Everyone at the Portiuncula will pray for your intentions before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass.
In turn, please pray for the Portiuncula, that it might continue to form leaders who can be salt and light to our world.
Finally, I would be grateful if you supported the work of building the Portiuncula Chapel with a generous financial contribution.
Your support of the Portiuncula will make it possible for the sons and daughters of the Church to grow in faith during their retreats, and become the courageous Catholic leaders the world desperately needs.
Today, I want to challenge you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Chapel by donating $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, or more.
Please, become a part of the Portiuncula Hermitage's work today. Don't let this chance to turn the culture around pass you by.
Pax Et Bonum!
Fra Chris
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Fired With The Ardour Of The Holy Spirit
Saint Francis of Assisi
LETTER TO A GENERAL CHAPTER
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Conquering Oneself
Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis 8
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Saturday, July 04, 2009
We Are To Become Like Christ Crucified
Saint Francis of Assisi
Excerpts From Other Works (4)
by St. Bonaventure
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Soft And Luxurious Garments
Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER V
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Friday, July 03, 2009
Mere Appearances
Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter CXVI
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Holy Charity
Saint Francis of Assisi
LETTER TO ALL THE FAITHFUL
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Thursday, July 02, 2009
The Need To Do Penance
In all your sermons you shall tell the people of the need to do penance, impressing upon them that no one can be saved unless he receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. When the priest is offering sacrifice at the altar or the Blessed Sacrament is being carried about, everyone should kneel down and give praise, glory, and honour to our Lord and God, living and true.
Saint Francis of Assisi
LETTER TO ALL SUPERIORS OF THE FRIARS MINOR
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Embracing Christ's Cross
Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER V
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The Canticle of the Creatures - St. Francis of Assisi
by
Angelo Branduardi
Lyrics
A te solo Buon Signore
Si confanno gloria e onore
A Te ogni laude et benedizione
A Te solo si confanno
Che laltissimo Tu sei
E nullomo degno e
Te mentovare.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Con le Tue creature
Specialmente Frate Sole
E la sua luce.
Tu ci illumini di lui
Che e bellezza e splendore
Di Te Altissimo Signore
Porta il segno.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per sorelle Luna e Stelle
Che Tu in cielo le hai formate
Chiare e belle.
Si laudato per Frate Vento
Aria, nuvole e maltempo
Che alle Tue creature dan sostentamento.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per sorella nostra Acqua
Ella e casta, molto utile
E preziosa.
Si laudato per Frate Foco
Che ci illumina la notte
Ed e bello, giocondo
E robusto e forte.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per la nostra Madre Terra
Ella e che ci sostenta
E ci governa
Si laudato Mio Signore
Vari frutti lei produce
Molti fiori coloriti
E verde lerba.
Si laudato per coloro
Che perdonano per il Tuo amore
Sopportando infermite
E tribolazione
E beati sian coloro
Che cammineranno in pace
Che da Te Buon Signore
Avran corona.
Si laudato Mio Signore
Per la Morte Corporale
Che da lei nesun che vive
Pue scappare
E beati saran quelli
nella Tua volonte
che Sorella Morte
non gli fare male
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Mystic Monk Coffee: Order Through Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (a loving alternative to Abortion)
Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks’ great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.
Br. Java is the master roaster who meticulously roasts beans in small batches. His philosophy is that each roast must be not only the labor of his hands, but a master roast of the highest quality. Br. Java is passionate about obtaining the perfect roasts for you. He carefully roasts only the finest gourmet beans under conditions that will make each roast consistent and smooth with a taste that will make your taste buds tingle. With experience and perfection, Mystic Monk Coffee is a coffee to savor and enjoy – with or without cream.
Coffee is a product perfected and loved by monks from its beginning. When a monk of old heard the anguished tale of a shepherd who had sleepless goats, he himself discovered growing on shrubs the berries, which had such a wonderful affect. Delighted at his find, the ingenious monk boiled the beans in water and drank the resulting coffee. He found in his discovery a hot drink that could keep his eyes awake even amidst the midnight vigils and unceasing prayers of the monastic life.
The secret of coffee continues to keep monks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shares the hidden, master roasts of monks with all who seek a delightful cup of coffee.
The monastic life is one of ordered perfection, which you will taste in every bag of Mystic Monk Coffee. Passionate about perfection, no challenge is too great for Br. Java and the monks, if it will result in a Mystic Monk brew suited for the most discriminating coffee drinker. The Carmelite monks have mastered the ancient art of roasting coffee, laboring with steadfast determination to make each cup of coffee simply superb. Taste the monastic perfection in each brew, which makes all the difference.
Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their commission sales is donated to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion.)
Please remember to keep our pre-born in your daily prayers!
To order direct, simply click on the Mystic Monk Coffee Icon on the Left Side of this page:
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Il Cantico del Sole (The Canticle Of Brother Sun)
ne le peccata mortali!
Beati quelli ke trovarane
le tue santissime voluntati,
ka la morte secunda
nol farra male.
Laudate et benedicite, misignore,
et rengratiate et servaite li
cum grande humilitate.
A Translation:
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those She finds doing your will!
The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks,
And Serve him with great humility.
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