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Audio Course: St. Francis of Assisi: A New Way of Being Christian
Blog Author: Br. William Short
Addressing a gathering of Abbesses of the Poor Clares from throughout the world, a “first” in their 800-year history, was a great opportunity for me for get to know my sisters. (Many thanks to my confrere, Fr. John Abela of the OFM Communications Office in Rome for the photo). I was asked to address the Assembly on the upcoming eighth Centenaries — two of them — that of the first approval of the Order of the Lesser Brothers (Friars Minor) by Pope Innocent III in 1209, and that of foundation of the Order of the Poor Sisters (Order of Saint Clare or Poor Clares) in 1212. The task was daunting, because so often we are accustomed to celebrate such events by a lot of self-congratulation and spiritual back-slapping, rather than a serious reflection on the profound responsibility we hold as the spiritual heirs of a demanding tradition, one founded by two outstanding disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, Francis and Clare of Assisi.
The spirit of the “Saints of Assisi” could be felt throughout the meeting, as we learned about what it means for the Poor Clares and Lesser Brothers to express our shared charism in different ways, in diverse cultures and languages on five continents in the 21st century. It certainly helped me to appreciate all the more the reasons for being a Franciscan today, if for no other deeper reason because these consecrated religious Sisters were so deeply joyful!
The stereotypes many of us have about gloomy, somber enclosed contemplative nuns would be dispelled in a minute by the infectious smile of Sister Paola, a Poor Clare nun (and a medical doctor) trying to distribute at least some cough syrup to everybody with colds (we brought them to share from around the world) while quietly observing that there is no cure for the common cold, “but take some anyway if it makes you feel better.” After observing my runny nose and hacking cough (and perhaps my well-filled stomach), she wryly advised, contrary to American popular thinking: “The best cure for a cold is fasting.” Well, good advice, especially in Lent.
And, yes, all such Franciscan medical visits are free of charge.
The many excellent addresses in text form (in English, Spanish and Italian) and in podcast can be found, because of the hard work of Fr. John Abela, OFM at the Website of the Order of Friars Minor at www.ofm.org/events.
My address (in English) can be read at:
http://www.ofm.org/ofmnews/?p=1763
The podcast (in English) can be heard at:
http://www.ofm.org/ofmnews/?p=1767
Thank you for sharing your comments given to the Poor Clares. Regarding your questions of renewal, and ‘new words’: I can say that as a Secular Franciscan that I am experiencing a desire to share the ’story of penance’ and what it has to offer in terms of renewal and rebuilding of our church, our society, and our world. As far as any ‘newness’ or ‘new form’ in this message for our times; I am ‘all ears’ and waiting in joyful hope. I will certainly pray about your questions and try to listen attentively. Peace and all good.
Comment by Tausign on March 3, 2008 at 10:19 am
Brother Bill! Greetings from Marian College in Indianapolis! We met several years ago when you visited the college. I was looking for your audio course and just discovered your blog. Awesome! I am going to purchase a copy of your audio course and I will let other know that it is available. Peace.
Comment by Bob Golobish on March 4, 2008 at 11:52 pm