Francis’ religious experience throughout his life; was that of the rich young merchant accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle who come face to face with human suffering. And in that encounter with human suffering, Francis came to understand the love of God made flesh in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
In the Franciscan communtities, brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for ongoing daily conversion, to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel. We seek, with and only with God’s grace, perfect charity in our secular state, helping one another in this journey to understand the love of God made flesh.
Readings for Community:
1. St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography by Omer Englebert: – the best one available, especially the Chapter(s) on his conversion, available at Amazon: www.amazon.com/St-Francis-
2. The Great Courses series – Francis of Assisi (Audio or Video) by Professor William Cook from State Univ. of NY, Genesee, and workbook
3. St. Francis’ 1st and 2nd Letters to the Faithful – the “rule” he gave to ‘tertiaries” 3rd Order lay associates in his lifetime you can find it at: http://www.
“Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart;
give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope,
a perfect charity, sense and knowledge,
so that I may carry out Your holy and true command.”
-Francis of Assisi-