"CUM GRANDE HUMILITATE!"

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."

A special "Thank you!"
Goes out to
John Michael Talbot
for giving us permission
to use his song on our
"Come to the Quiet"
You Tube Video
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Spiritual Accomplishments

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Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A.
Servant General of the Franciscan Lay Apostolate
 
 
"Spiritual accomplishments are not only worthless but can actually become vices." ~ Saint John of the Cross (Dark Night of the Soul)

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Being Alone In Quiet

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"Contemplation usually kindles an inclination and a yearning to be alone and in quiet." ~ Saint John of the Cross

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A Spirit That Is Pure And Simple And True

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These are the qualities of a spirit that is pure and simple and true: They do not feel like talking about themselves, even to their spiritual guides, because they consider their religious deeds to be so insignificant that they are not worth... mentioning. They are much more interested in discussing their faults and transgressions than their virtues, eager to share whatever is wrong with them. They are inclined to seek direction from people who do not think much of them or of their spiritual accomplishments. ~ Saint John of the Cross (Dark Night of the Soul)
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Clothe Yourself In Humility

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In the Book of Exodus, God wishes to humble the children of Israel and make them know themselves, so he commands them to strip off the fancy garments in which they had been roaming the desert, saying, "From now on, leave aside your festive ...ornaments and put on common working clothes, that you might know the treatment you merit." In other words, when you wear clothing appropriate to celebration and mirth, you feel less humble than you should. Take off this attire. Clothe yourself in humility, that you may know who you really are and what is rightfully yours. ~ Saint John of the Cross
 
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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Go To Confession If You Are Sad

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Saint Francis used to tell his brothers to go to Confession if they were sad. Many of the brothers thought that Francis was telling them that only sin makes you sad. Therefore, if you were sad, all one needed to do was go to Confession. Saint Francis would always say this with a twinkle in his eye and some of the brothers knew from that twinkle what he was really telling them: If you are sad about something that is not a sin, then you are sad about something that you are still attached to and you are not surrendering or trusting in the Lord enough to turn it over to him. ~ Fra Chris
 
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What if...

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What if God is not the God we have imagined Him to be; what if through our pride and arrogance we have fashioned a personal God whom we feel comfortable and safe with while thinking that everyone else has it all wrong? What if our God is shaking his head in disbelief as he hangs on the cross upon which we keep him nailed? ~ Fra Chris

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Instruments Of Love In The Hands Of God

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"If our poor die of hunger, it is not because God does not care for them. Rather, it is because neither you nor I are generous enough. It is because we are not instruments of love in the hands of God." ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta


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Have You Done Your Best?

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"God will not ask how many books you have read; how many miracles you have worked; He will ask you if you have done your best, for the love of Him."
~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Caperone: An Outward Sign of an Inward Consecration to God


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Photo of the Piccoli VV of Italy wearing the Franciscan Caperone
 
Our clothing is an outward sign of an inward consecration to God, and identifies us as members of a particular religious order in the Church. The F.L.A. Badge and modest dress (caperone, cincture, sandals and tan clothing) are like our wedding ring and garment, since we are signs of the Church as “Bride” of Christ. The caperone is a sign that one is ‘set apart’ by God as a holy offering to God for the salvation of all humankind. Like a public uniform that identifies one as a policeman or nurse, so the caperone publically identifies us as servants of the Gospel, welcoming others to approach us for aid, prayer and service of their spiritual and temporal needs. Our dress reminds us and others that we are servants to all, for we are all one family under God, the Father and Creator of all. We seek always to give glory to God by our manner of acting, believing and by our dress, so as to be signs of God’s living presence in the world. ~ Fra Chris
 
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Monday, January 13, 2014

The Franciscan Lay Apostolate (F.L.A.)

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Apostolicam Actuositatem is the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity. It defines the mission of the lay Christian faithful to both "lead non-believers to the faith and to instruct, strengthen, and encourage the fa...ithful to a more fervent life". The lay apostolate are made up of laypeople and consecrated religious who exercise a ministry in cooperation with the Catholic Church, whose organizations cooperate with ecclesiastical authorities. They operate "under the direction of her pastors" but are not members of the official Church hierarchy nor in Holy Orders.

Apostolates operate with the permission of the local Ordinary of a Diocese, but without material support.

The Franciscan Lay Apostolate is currently under the direction of Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A. Along with his staff, the F.L.A. works to foster the spread of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and helps to raise the dignity of people's lives by imitating Jesus Christ.


Contact information:

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center
P.O. Box 114
Richmond, IN 47375-0114
 
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Sunday, January 12, 2014

His Words Penetrated Into The Hearts Of The Young Rather Than The Old

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Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A., (Servant General of the Franciscan Lay Apostolate)
along with some of the members of the 
Holy Family Youth Group of Oldenburg, Indiana.

"God gave them his Spirit and the manner of speech necessary to satisfy the needs of the time so that their words penetrated into many hearts; especially into those of the young rather than of the old."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions

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Jerusalem, Ohio ... Begging For Stones !!!!

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All Catholics in Monroe County, Ohio are being asked to collect all their field stones and drop them off at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery on Ozark-Eddy Bridge Road just outside of Ozark, Ohio so that we can use them to build our little Adoration Chapel.
 
"Francis set to begging for stones with which to restore the church of San Damiano. He called to the passers-by: 'Whoever gives me one stone will have one reward; two stones, two rewards; three stones, a treble reward!' "
 
~ Saint Francis of Assisi
(Legend of the Three Companions)

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Sunday, December 15, 2013

Order Our Mystic Monk Coffee and Donate to Birthright (a Loving Alternative to Abortion)

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Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A.

The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming


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.

The Monk Master Roaster
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.

The Legend of the First Mystic Monk
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.

Monks are passionate Perfectionists
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 our 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 Mug on the Top of this page:
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Sunday, December 08, 2013

Franciscan Lay Apostolate: Order of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance



"Carried away by the force of his preaching, great numbers of people adopted the new rule of penance according to the form instituted by St. Francis which he called the "Order of the Brothers of Penance." The way of penance is common to all those who are on the road to heaven and so this way of life includes members of both sexes, clerics and lay folks, married and single. How meritorious it is in the eyes of God is clear from the numerous miracles worked by some of those who followed it."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life


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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Blessing Bags


 
 
Blessing Bags to keep in the car when you pass homeless people. Something special you can do with the kids to teach them about caring for others.


 INGREDIENTS
  • band aids
  • mouthwash
  • coins or predetermined dollar amount, say 5.00 (could be used to make a phone call, or purchase a food item)
  • hand wipes
  • you could also put in a warm pair of socks
  • a packet rain poncho
  • tampons (for women)
  •  Gallon size Ziplock bags
  • chap stick
  • packages of tissues
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • comb
  • soap
  • hotel size shampoos
  • trail mix
  • granola bars
  • crackers
  • pack of gum
The ideas could be endless!
 
 Assemble all the items in the bags, and maybe throw in a note of encouragement. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of providence.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Special Respect For All Priests

 
 
 
St. Francis admonished the brothers faithfully to observe the holy Gospel and the rule to which they had bound themselves; to bear themselves reverently and devoutly towards the services of the Church and all ecclesiastical observances; to hear Mass and adore the Body of the Lord with devotion and worship. He also taught the brothers to honor with special respect all priests who were ministers of the sacraments; and wherever they might happen to meet a priest they should bow before him and kiss his hands.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER XIII

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Saint Francis of Assisi (the Play)

 
 
Fra Chris Dickson, FLA


Barefoot and clad in a ragged tunic, Fra Chris Dickson brings to Catholic Schools (K-12) the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, “the little poor man of Assisi,” whose holiness and faith, after 800 years, still continues to draw young men and women into a more perfect imitation of Christ.

As a Third Order Franciscan, Fra Chris has spent over thirty years studying the life of this beloved saint, drawing his inspiration from real life with the poor. “The unique thing about this one man play,” Fra Chris explains, “is that the actor is called not only to believe the words he speaks, as he might be in any dramatic portrayal, but he is called to live them as well. The audience is also called to examine their lives on a very profound level. No one leaves the experience unmoved.”

Contact:

The Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage
P.O. Box 114
Richmond, IN 47375-0114
hermitage@parallax.ws


"God gave them his Spirit and the manner of speech necessary to satisfy the needs of the time so that their words penetrated into many hearts; especially into those of the young rather than of the old." ~ Saint Francis of Assisi (Legend of the Three Companions)


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Friday, June 14, 2013

St. Anthony Messenger, SHAME ON YOU !!!


Dear St. Anthony Messenger Editor:

I am utterly speechless. I could not wait to get this months copy (June 2013) of St. Anthony Messenger, fully expecting to see our newly elected Pope Francis on the cover as we Franciscans have a rare opportunity to celebrate our new Pontiff's desire to associate himself with our Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Then again, I thought perhaps the front cover might be of our newly elected 120th successor of St. Francis of Assisi as Minister General of the Franciscan Order, Fr. Michael A. Perry, OFM. He is truly a remarkable human being and more people should become familiar with him. Both of these stories are truly noteworthy events in the lives of Franciscans worldwide. But alas, it wasn't to be. Instead, the cover of your magazine was graced by a dissident nun, standing in front of a bus that was bought and paid for by George Soros, while Sister bounces down the road singing the praises of the Democrat Party, abortion, euthanasia, women's ordination, and homosexuality. Shame on you!

Chris Dickson, F.L.A.
Hermitage Scullion
The Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center

Monday, March 11, 2013

"Come to the Quiet" Retreats Scheduled for 2013

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Pace e Bene! (Peace and all good!)


The Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center has currently scheduled the following

"Come to the Quiet" 2013 
Spring Retreats
Men's Retreat: May 17-19
Women's Retreat: June 7-9 


There appears to be a growing interest in the monastic life among people of all lifestyles, and no wonder! For centuries, the monastic life has provided monks and nuns with disciplines and practices aimed at helping them maintain balanced, healthy and centered lifestyles while they "prefer nothing to Christ!" But these practices are not only for monks! Join us as we explore practices such as silence, prayer, simplicity, solitude and celebration, and the benefits they have for all our lives.

Book your weekend "Come to the Quiet" retreat right away...spaces are limited!

On January 6, 2001, at the end of the Jubilee Year 2000, Pope John Paul II published Novo Millennio Inuente, his vision of dynamic Catholic life for the new millennium, calling for the whole world to reconnect with the mystical tradition, mentioning specifically Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux. 
In our “Come to the Quiet” Retreats we try as much as possible to let these saints speak for themselves by a generous use of their own words, keeping our own commentary to a bare minimum, so as not to impede the flow of the “road maps.” We restrict ourselves just to those saints of the Western Church who have been recognized as Doctors of the Church and have made a major contribution to our understanding of the spiritual journey, the only exception to this being our Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi.

When Pope John Paul II considered what was the most important legacy of the Jubilee Year 2000 that should be carried forward into the new millennium, this is what he said: “But if we ask what is the core of the great legacy it leaves us I would not hesitate to describe it as the Contemplation of the Face of Christ” (NMI 15).

The latent richness of our own Roman Catholic tradition should regain its necessary role in the world through the teaching of Repentance and Penance through prayer. Contemplative prayer naturally extends to the Eucharist, incorporating an hour of meditation before the Blessed Sacrament each week. Our “Come to the Quiet” Retreats speak specifically to people whose hunger and humility have already brought them to the point St. Paul meant when he said, “We do not even know how to pray.”

We always begin with the ancient Catholic monastic tradition of the “Jesus Prayer,” progress through Teresian Prayer (Lectio Divina), the Office of the Hours, the Rosary, and end with the Ladder of Monks; Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio representing the four rungs on that Ladder.


“Come to the Quiet”
Retreat Schedule

Friday 7:00-8:00 P.M.

            Short (15 minute) talk explaining the weekend and an explanation of the ancient Monastic practice of the “Jesus Prayer.”  This is followed by an hour of Silence where people split off individually and find a place to be by themselves. They can choose to remain in their, walk around outside, or do whatever makes them most comfortable. Everyone is invited to remain in total Silence.

Saturday Morning

            Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

            Praying the Rosary  (Become Hidden in the Wounds of the Savior ~ St. Francis of Assisi)

Saturday Afternoon

            Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

            Teresian Prayer (Lectio Divina)

            Contemplative Prayer

            Ladder of Monks (Guiggo)

Saturday Evening
            Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

            Large Group Discussion
            Into the Great Silence

Sunday Morning
            Liturgy of the Hours
            Sunday Mass at St. Sylvester's Catholic Church in Woodsfield, Ohio
       
            Everyone will be dismissed immediately following the Liturgy


Cost: $110.00 (includes room and meals)
Mailing Address:

Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage
P.O. Box 114
Richmond, IN 47375-0114

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Please Prayerfully Consider Helping Us Build Our Little Chapel

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Order Our Mystic Monk Coffee and Donate to Birthright (a Loving Alternative to Abortion)


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"Guess who hasn't had their cup of Mystic Monk Coffee yet this morning!"

Fra Chris, F.L.A.

The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming


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.


The Monk Master Roaster

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.


The Legend of the First Mystic Monk

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.


Monks are passionate Perfectionists

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 our 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 Mug on the Top of this page:

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

"Stations of the Cross" Originated From The Franciscans

 FUS students praying at the outdoor Stations of the Cross on the 
campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville
 

The emperor Constantine permitted Christians to legally worship in the Roman Empire in 313 after 250 years of persecution. In 335, he erected the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at the site where Jesus’ tomb was believed to have been. Processions of pilgrims to the church, especially during Holy Week, began soon after its completion.

Devotions to the Way of the Cross began in earnest after 1342, when the Franciscan friars were given custody of the holy sites in the Holy Land. The Franciscans have been closely identified with the devotion ever since; for years, Church regulations required a set of the stations to be blessed by a Franciscan when possible.

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The Breviary Originated From The Franciscans



Franciscans are itinerant ministers called to travel throughout the world preaching repentance and penance. At first, in the early thirteenth century, this exempted them from praying the Office of the Hours in a church or monastery. Also, the complete Office of the Hours was very large and bulky, consisting of several volumes of books, making it impossible to carry them all around when walking from town to town. Therefore, they developed a briefer version of the Office of Hours called the Breviary. As the friars carpeted Europe they spread the use of the Breviary throughout the entire Church. ~ Fra Chris

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Portiuncula Cookie Recipe From Assisi, Italy!





While St. Francis fasted from food a lot, he also had a great love for a particular kind of almond cookie in Italy. And on his death bed he asked to have these cookies. Here is a recipe for those cookies. Make a batch and celebrate St. Francis of Assisi:

Mostaccioli - An Italian Almond Pastry

1 pound blanched almonds
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or 1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
Approximately 1 cup of flour

Chop the almonds very fine or coarsely grind in a blender.

In a bowl combine the nuts, honey, cinnamon, and egg whites. Mix thoroughly. Gradually stir in enough flour to form a thick paste. On a lightly floured surface, knead the paste until smooth and stiff. Roll out to about 1/4 inch. Cut into diamond shapes, about 2 1/2 inches long. Place the diamonds on a lightly buttered and floured baking sheet. Let dry for 1 to 2 hours.

Bake in a preheated 250°F oven for 20-30 minutes or until set. Do not let brown.

Yield: about 3 dozen

Starting now, the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center will be serving these at our "Come to the Quiet" Retreats in Jesusalem.

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

"Come to the Quiet" Become a Monk Without Having to Leave Your Day Job!



Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that the Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace.
 
Please prayerfully consider joining me in supporting the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply contributing $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 or more a month.


Simply Click On This Icon

Or mail payments to:

"Portiuncula Hermitage"

P.O. Box 114
Richmond, IN 47375-0114


Thank you and God bless!
Yours In Christ,


Dr. Tom Ringenberg



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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Companions Appeared To Be Crucified Men



Because St. Francis and his companions had been called by God and chosen to bear the Cross of Christ in their hearts and in their actions and to preach it by their words, they appeared to be and they were crucified men, both in their habit and their austere life and their deeds and their actions. Therefore, they had a greater desire to receive shame and insults for the love of Christ than the vain honors or respect or praise of the world. On the contrary, they rejoiced in being insulted, and they were made sad by being honored. And so they went through the world as pilgrims and strangers, taking with them nothing but Christ Crucified.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis

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Casting Our Hearts Firmly On God



By casting our hearts firmly on God, and we are of good conscience concerning our devotion and innocence, we have nothing to fear when others say things against us. Great blessings flow when we ignore these things, which is easy to do when we humble ourselves and trust in God more than ourselves. ~ Fra Chris

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We Should Not Involve Ourselves With Contentious Bickering



Every person has their own opinions. We should leave them there and not involve ourselves with contentious bickering. If we stand in God's graces and respect His ways, we will more easily be able to do this. ~ Fra Chris

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