A video put together for a Secular Franciscan Lenten Retreat.

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Here begins the Praises which the most blessed Poverello St. Francis,our Seraphic Father,composed; and he said them at all the Hours of the day and night and before his 'office' of
hourly prayers beginning thus with his paraphrase of the Lords Prayer.

Let us pray with our whole being, as Francis did.

Pax et Bonum

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"Of the manger Francis made on the day of the Lords birth.

Francis´ highest intention, his chief desire, his uppermost purpose was to observe the holy Gospel in all things and through all things and, with perfect vigilance, with all zeal, with all the longing of his mind and all the fervor of his heart, "to follow the teaching and the footsteps of our lord Jesus Christ." He would recall Christs word through persistent meditation and bring to mind his deeds through the most penetrating consideration. The humility of the incarnation and the charity of the passion occupied his memory particularly, to the extent that he wanted to think of hardly anything else.

What he did on the birthday of our lord Jesus Christ near the little town called Greccio in the third year before his glorious death should especially be noted and recalled with reverent memory."

Thomas Celano, "The First Life of St. Francis"


The Music.

This carol from the Outer Hebrides Islands was originally a Gaelic carol titled "Taladh Chriasda."

"Christ Child's Lullaby" was translated into English in 1855. It is said that Father Ranald Rankin wrote verses for his congregation in Maidert to sing in Gaelic at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, as it is to this day in Scottish churches.

This carol is a verbal representation of what the Blessed Virgin Mary may have felt while gazing on her Son's face.

The Christ Child's Lullaby
Sung by Sheena Wellington by Narada on the CD Celtic Spirit.(Please buy it. Wonderful music.)

My love my treasured one are you
my sweet and lovely son are you
you are my love my darling you
Unworthy I of you

Alleluia ...

Your mild and gentle eyes proclaim
the loving heart with which you came
a tender helpless tiny babe
with boundless gifts of grace

Alleluia...

King of kings most holy one
God a son eternal one
You are my God and helpless son
My ruler of mankind

Alleluia...

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This video was inspired by my friend Steve Silvia and his sister.

Pax et Bonum

Each year on the third evening of October, members of the Franciscan family remember the passing of
St. Francis of Assisi from this life into God.

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The Beatitudes * La Legge Delle Beatitudini

Matthew 5:3-12

Read by Pope John Paul II * Da Papa Giovanni Paolo II
San Lorenzo al Verano, Roma, November 1, 1981
From the recording 'Abba Pater'.
St. Joseph the Worker Fraternity (SFO) deserve thanks for their inspiration.

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Pope John Paul II is my Secular Franciscan name sake. Bringing Christ's message of truth and hope in a world of despair, his voice resonates still. I pray that we are wise enough to listen.

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Do you feel called to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis, but still be 'in the world'? Perhaps the Secular Franciscan Order may be of interest.

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I was professed as a Secular Franciscan October 4, 2007. Thanks to Steve Silvia for encouraging me to put this video/blog up, to tell people why I became a Secular Franciscan

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Peace Prayer of St. Francis (attributed to him). Also called A New Commandment. Audio from Abba Pater, Pope John Paul 2. The voice of the Pope reciting this prayer reaches into the core of your being. Being Italian, I found it even more compelling. I provided the words in English and Italian, which also came from the website www.abbapater.com .

Remember, preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.
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Preghiera di pace di San Francisco (attribuito a lui). Inoltre chiamato "un nuovo ordine„. Audio da Abba Pater, papa John Paul 2. Ho usato questo come componente della mia esercitazione di formazione. La voce del papa che dice questa preghiera raggiunge nel nucleo del vostro essere. Essendo italiano, la ho trovata ancor più espressiva. Ho fornito le parole in inglese ed italiano.

Ricordar di, predicare il vangelo e se necessario usare le parole.

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Since the time of Alexander the Great, Afghanistan has never been 'conquered'. Can Canada help 'win the peace'? For the sake of the children of Afghanistan, pray we can. And for the sake of our troops and their families.

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