Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents


Book Description

The Confraternity of Penitents is an international, private Catholic Association of the Faithful whose members are living, in their own homes, a modern adaptation of the rule for lay people, given by Saint Francis of Assisi to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance in 1221. Bishop Thomas Tobin, Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, stated, on 11 February 2009, "I wish to affirm my support of the Confraternity of Penitents (CFP), specifically its members' commendable efforts to live according to the First Rule of the Third Order of Saint Francis of 1221, as outlined in the CFP's own Constitutions." All the information needed for anyone to learn about the Confraternity of Penitents and its way of life is found in the Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents. The Handbook contains: A copy of Bishop Tobin's letter The Rule of 1221 for the laity Modern Constitutions to the Rule of 1221 Directory of Governance Canon Law as it relates to the Confraternity Background information Question and Answer Section Inquiry Reflections Four years of Postulant and Novice Lessons Three lessons prior to pledging Lessons for On-Going Formation taken from writings of the saints Induction into formation ceremonies Pledging Ceremony Applications Reproducible Handouts and Brochures Articles on a life of penance (conversion) Confraternity Prayers and Psalms A Sample Day's Prayer from the Divine Office




Saint Francis of Assisi


Book Description

All Christians know his name. Few truly know the man. Francis of Assisi was not even five feet tall. He was not well educated. And yet he is the one saint commonly recognized as Alter Christus, the “other Christ.” Francis is not just any saint—he’s a saint for everyone, whatever your place or position in life. But do we really know him? Who was this man at his core? What was it that thrust this little man from a little town to the heights of sanctity, into a place of high honor among the celestial court? In this riveting biography, author Bret Thoman accomplishes what few biographers have. He pierces the inner life of Francis, revealing his deepest passions, his unquenchable love for poverty, and his unshakable grip on the core of the Gospel. The life of Francis, so often festooned with spectacle and miracle, is in reality the story of a soul yearning for God in every moment and glimpsing His presence in all creation. If you want to see the hidden life of the greatest saint, if you want to hear his thoughts, if you want to feel the fervor that blazed within his soul, you must readSt. Francis of Assisi: Passion, Poverty, and the Man who Transformed the Catholic Church.




Brother Sun, Sister Moon


Book Description

In Brother Sun, Sister Moon, award-winning author Katherine Paterson re-imagines a hymn of praise originally written by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. Illuminated with the exquisite illustrations of cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton, this picture book offers a stunningly beautiful tribute to nature.




Saint Francis of Assisi


Book Description

Tells the story of the man who became one of the most famous saints in the world, from his fun-loving youth through his career as a soldier to the years he spent serving God.




The Way of St Francis


Book Description

This guidebook describes the Way of St Francis a 550km month-long pilgrimage trail from Florence through Assisi to Rome. Split into 28 day stages, the walk begins in Florence and finishes in the Vatican City. Stages range from 8km to 30km with plenty to see, including ancient ruins, picturesque towns, national treasures, and stunning churches. This comprehensive guidebook fits in a jacket pocket or rucksack, and contains information on everything from accommodation and transport in Italy, to securing your credential (pilgrim identity card), budgeting, what to take, and where to do laundry. Stories of Francis of Assisi's life are also included. Although the route includes climbs and descents of up to 1200m, no special equipment is required - although your hiking boots and socks definitely need to get along. Following the steps of heroes, conquerors and saints on this pilgrim trail is manageable all year round, but is best done from April to June and mid-August to October. Route maps are given for every stage, and basic Italian phrases are included in the guidebook.




Francis of Assisi


Book Description

A compelling biography of Francis for readers of any faith and none. A paperback version of this bestseller.







Saint Francis of Assisi


Book Description







Franciscan Virtues Through the Year


Book Description

Conform your life to the teachings of Jesus by living the virtues taught by Christ and especially embraced by Saint Francis of Assisi. Franciscan Virtues Through the Year: 52 Steps to Conversion from Saint Francis of Assisi explores each virtue with a quote from Scripture, a quote from the writings of Saint Francis, and an incident from the life of Saint Francis. There follows a reflection on the virtue, then meditation and prayer on the virtue, and some delving back into Scripture regarding it. Each virtue calls for reflection on the virtue and practice of it for an entire week. If the reflections and practice are done weekly as suggested, the reader will be spiritually more in tune with God's ways at the end of reading the book than at the beginning. The book is designed to make one aware of the virtues which St. Francis especially loved and to help the reader implement those virtues in his or her life. The virtues discussed are: 1. Attentiveness 2. Confession 3. Courage 4. Courtesy 5. Detachment 6. Discernment 7. Eagerness 8. Empathy 9. Encouragement 10. Eucharistic Reverence 11. Evangelization 12. Example 13. Faith 14. Fraternity 15. Generosity 16. Gratitude 17. Honesty 18. Hope 19. Humility 20. Imitation of Jesus 21. Joy 22. Justice 23. Love of Enemy 24. Love of God 25. Love of Neighbor 26. Love of Self 27. Loyalty to Church 28. Marian Devotion 29. Minority 30. Obedience 31. Pardon 32. Patience 33. Peace 34. Perseverance 35. Poverty 36. Praise 37. Prayer 38. Presence 39. Purity 40. Respect for Creation 41. Sacrifice 42. Self- knowledge 43. Service 44. Silence 45. Simplicity 46. Surrender 47. Trust 48. Vigilance 49. Vulnerability 50. Wisdom 51. Witness 52. Work This book is an excellent formation book for Franciscan friars, nuns, sisters, and laity. The 52 week format can be adapted as the Order wishes. Few books are guaranteed to change a person's spiritual life if the pattern of study in the book is followed. This book will definitely make the reader into a stronger follower of Christ, through the example and teachings of Saint Francis. May God bless you through Saint Francis as you read through, meditate on, and put into practice the Franciscan Virtues!