"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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Monday, March 03, 2014

Lent Begins On March 5th (Ash Wednesday)

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Lent Is A Special Time Of Fasting

 
 
The brothers are to fast from the feast of All Saints to the Nativity of the Lord. Then, as to the other fast which begins with the Epiphany and lasts uninterruptedly for forty days and which the Lord sanctif...ied with His own fast, those who keep it voluntarily, may they be blessed by the Lord, and those who do not wish to keep it, are not bound to do so. But the brothers are bound to keep the other fast which ends with the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord.

They are bound to no further fasting, then, except on Fridays. And whenever necessity requires that a brother not fast, he is not bound to corporal fasting.

Saint Francis of Assisi
The Rule of 1223 - Chapter III

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Ash Wednesday ~ March 5th

 
 
When the nuns at St. Damian's had come together to hear the word of God, though no less also to see their father St. Francis, he raised his eyes to heaven, where his heart always was, and began to pray to Christ. He then commanded ashes to ...be brought to him and he made a circle with them around himself on the pavement and sprinkled the rest of them on his head. He remained in the circle in silence. The saint suddenly rose and to the amazement of the nuns recited the Miserere mei Deus in place of a sermon. When he had finished he quickly left. By his actions he taught them that they should regard themselves as ashes...

Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life
Chapter CLVII
 
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Penitents Should Be Temperate In Eating And Drinking

 
 
"For Penitents, all Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are days of abstinence (that is, meatless days) unless directed otherwise by a physician. Meat is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. At all times, Penitents should be temperate in eating and drinking."

Saint Francis of Assisi
First Rule of the Third Order of 1221
Chapter II: Abstinence

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Sunday, February 16, 2014

70,000 Rosary Rallies for the Catholic Church in America !!!



The Franciscan Lay Apostolates Launch 70,000 Rosary Rallies Praying For The Catholic Church In America 


  Contact:
Fra Chris Dickson, F.L.A.,
Servant General
Franciscan Lay Apostolate

 

  Jerusalem, Ohio, Saturday, October 11, 201, 70,000 public rosary rallies will take place across America to ask God to intervene and save the Catholic Church in America from attacks; spiritual, moral, and political. October 11 is the Saturday closest to October 13, anniversary of the Fatima miracle of the sun.

The Franciscan Lay Apostolate is coordinating the events and expect it to be one of the largest network of public rosary rallies ever held.

October 13 is the day the Miracle of the Sun occurred before 70,000 witnesses in Fatima in 1917. The date also marks the last apparition of the Blessed Mother, when she asked for conversion, penance, prayer and especially for the recitation of the rosary.

There is a lot of anxiety about our future. We believe that's why we need 70,000 rally captains to volunteer to organize Rosary Rallies and spread Our Lady's Fatima message We Catholics have great confidence in the Mother of God who promised at Fatima: 'Finally, My Immaculate Heart will triumph.' Are you willing to become a captain in your city/town?
 
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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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