Portiuncula: the Little Portion

"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

Please Prayerfully Consider Helping Us Build Our Little Chapel

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Crowdfunding

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:

"Stations of the Cross" Originated From The Franciscans

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FUS students praying at the outdoor Stations of the Cross on the

campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville

The emperor Constantine permitted Christians to legally worship in the Roman Empire in 313 after 250 years of persecution. In 335, he erected the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at the site where Jesus’ tomb was believed to have been. Processions of pilgrims to the church, especially during Holy Week, began soon after its completion.

Devotions to the Way of the Cross began in earnest after 1342, when the Franciscan friars were given custody of the holy sites in the Holy Land. The Franciscans have been closely identified with the devotion ever since; for years, Church regulations required a set of the stations to be blessed by a Franciscan when possible.

The Breviary Originated From The Franciscans

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Franciscans are itinerant ministers called to travel throughout the world preaching repentance and penance. At first, in the early thirteenth century, this exempted them from praying the Office of the Hours in a church or monastery. Also, the complete Office of the Hours was very large and bulky, consisting of several volumes of books, making it impossible to carry them all around when walking from town to town. Therefore, they developed a briefer version of the Office of Hours called the Breviary. As the friars carpeted Europe they spread the use of the Breviary throughout the entire Church. ~ Fra Chris

Portiuncula Cookie Recipe From Assisi, Italy!

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While St. Francis fasted from food a lot, he also had a great love for a particular kind of almond cookie in Italy. And on his death bed he asked to have these cookies. Here is a recipe for those cookies. Make a batch and celebrate St. Francis of Assisi:

Mostaccioli - An Italian Almond Pastry

1 pound blanched almonds
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or 1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
Approximately 1 cup of flour

Chop the almonds very fine or coarsely grind in a blender.

In a bowl combine the nuts, honey, cinnamon, and egg whites. Mix thoroughly. Gradually stir in enough flour to form a thick paste. On a lightly floured surface, knead the paste until smooth and stiff. Roll out to about 1/4 inch. Cut into diamond shapes, about 2 1/2 inches long. Place the diamonds on a lightly buttered and floured baking sheet. Let dry for 1 to 2 hours.

Bake in a preheated 250°F oven for 20-30 minutes or until set. Do not let brown.

Yield: about 3 dozen

Starting now, the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center will be serving these at our "Come to the Quiet" Retreats in Jesusalem.

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"Come to the Quiet" Become a Monk Without Having to Leave Your Day Job!

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Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that the Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace.

Please prayerfully consider joining me in supporting the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply contributing $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 or more a month.

Simply Click On This Icon

Or mail payments to:

"Portiuncula Hermitage"
P.O. Box 114

Richmond, IN 47375-0114

Thank you and God bless!
Yours In Christ,

Dr. Tom Ringenberg

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The Companions Appeared To Be Crucified Men

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Because St. Francis and his companions had been called by God and chosen to bear the Cross of Christ in their hearts and in their actions and to preach it by their words, they appeared to be and they were crucified men, both in their habit and their austere life and their deeds and their actions. Therefore, they had a greater desire to receive shame and insults for the love of Christ than the vain honors or respect or praise of the world. On the contrary, they rejoiced in being insulted, and they were made sad by being honored. And so they went through the world as pilgrims and strangers, taking with them nothing but Christ Crucified.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Little Flowers of St. Francis

Casting Our Hearts Firmly On God

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By casting our hearts firmly on God, and we are of good conscience concerning our devotion and innocence, we have nothing to fear when others say things against us. Great blessings flow when we ignore these things, which is easy to do when we humble ourselves and trust in God more than ourselves. ~ Fra Chris

We Should Not Involve Ourselves With Contentious Bickering

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Every person has their own opinions. We should leave them there and not involve ourselves with contentious bickering. If we stand in God's graces and respect His ways, we will more easily be able to do this. ~ Fra Chris

The Third Order Franciscans Shall Dress In Humble, Undyed Cloth

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(Photo of the Piccoli VV in Assisi, Italy)

"The men belonging to this brotherhood (Third Order of Franciscans) shall dress... in humble, undyed cloth, the price of which is not to exceed six Ravenna soldi * en ell, unless evident and necessary cause a temporary dispensation be given.

The sisters in turn shall wear an outer garment and tunic made of cloth of the same price and humble quality"...

Saint Francis of Assisi
FIRST RULE OF THE THIRD ORDER of 1221 A.D.

* Six Ravenna soldi was the equivalent of $5.29 United States in American money in January 2012

Being Filled With God

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Do you want to be filled with God? Then the first thing you have to do is empty yourself of yourself so that you can make room for Him. The more we empty ourselves, the more room there is for Him to come in. How do we do that? Only through humility are we able to empty ourselves completely so that God can then fill us completely. ~ Fra Chris

Judging the Rich

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"We have no right to judge the rich. For our part, what we desire is not a class struggle but a class encounter, in which the rich save the poor and the poor save the rich." ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Solitude...Silence...Stillness

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Solitude, silence and stillness help us connect to God, but he doesn't intend for us to hoard them. Rather, we are to share them with the world. The genious of the Franciscan Movement is that it balances quiet meditation with preaching. Intimacy with God builds up a foundation through which we discover intimacy with our brothers and sisters in Christ! ~ Fra Chris

Being Alone

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"We seem so frightened today of being alone that we never let it happen... We choke the space with continuous music, chatter, and companionship to which we do not even listen. It is simply there to fill the vacuum. When the noise stops there is no inner music to take its place." ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Showing Love

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Giving away money does not show love. Giving away love shows love. ~ Fra Chris

Share With Those Who Really Need It

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Maybe you're not ready to clothe yourself in a monk's simple habit, but there are still many ways Franciscans can wean themselves from a $100 Billion a year fashion industry. Why not pare down your closet and share your wardrobe with a homeless shelter or local soup kitchen with people who really need it? ~ Fra Chris

Healing Ministry

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We must be compassionate and pray for those who are sick and suffering; mentally, physically, as well as spiritually. Never boast if God answers your prayers. Rather praise Him and give Him thanks for His great glory! When He doesn't answer your prayers, know that healing belongs to God alone and not to man and give Him thanks for His great glory. After all, their healing may have come interiorly and not exteriorly. ~ Fra Chris

Praying Before Meals

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When dining out, do we say Grace, making the Sign of the Cross before and after praying? Or are we more concerned about the people who may laugh at us? Perhaps if they see us Crossing ourselves in public they will be emboldened enough to do it themselves next time. ~ Fra Chris

Discalced Franciscan Lay Apostolates

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Discalced is a term applied to those religious congregations of men and women, the members of which go entirely barefoot or wear sandals, with or without other covering for the feet. These congregations are often distinguished on this account from other branches of the same order. The custom of going unshod was introduced into the West by Francis of Assisi for men and Clare of Assisi for women.

Private Devotions

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Private devotions should be kept just that - private. When visited by the Lord in prayer, never flaunt it or talk about it or even think too much about it. Why? Because they are gifts from God that He can just as easily take away from us and give to someone else who is far more humble than we are... and therefore more deserving. ~ Fra Chris

Saint Padre Pio On The New Franciscan Constitutions

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"In 1966, the Father General (of the Franciscans) came to Rome prior to the special Chapter on the Constitutions in order to ask Padre Pio for his prayers and benedictions. He met Padre Pio in the cloister. 'Padre, I came to recommend to your prayers the special chapter for the new Constitutions . . .' He had scarcely gotten the words 'special Chapter' . . . 'new Constitutions' out of his mouth when Padre Pio made a violent gesture and cried out: 'That is all nothing but destructive nonsense.' 'But Padre, after all, there is the younger generation to take into account . . . the youth evolve after their own fashion . . . there are new demands . . .' 'The only thing missing is mind and heart, that's all, understanding and love.' Then he proceeded to his cell, did a half-turn, and pointed his finger, saying: 'We must not denature ourselves, we must not denature ourselves! At the Lord's judgment, St. Francis will not recognize us as his sons!'"

A year later, the same scene was repeated for the aggiornamento of the Capuchins: "One day, some confreres were discussing with the Father Definiteur General (The counselors or advisers to the general or provincial of a religious order – Ed.) the problems in the Order, when Padre Pio, taking a shocked attitude, cried out, with a distant look in his eye: 'What in the world are you up to in Rome? What are you scheming? You even want to change the Rule of St. Francis!' The Definiteur replied: 'Padre, changes are being proposed because the youth don't want to have anything to do with the tonsure, the habit, bare feet' . . ."

Padre Pio replied: "Chase them out! Chase them out! What can you be saying? Is it they who are doing St. Francis a favor by taking the habit and following his way of life, or rather, isn't it St. Francis who is offering them a great gift?"

May We Never Boast

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May we never boast or be proud for healings. Nor should we give special admiration to others who have this gift. Those whom our Lord has truly honored with his gift of healing certainly don't want to receive any special credit for it. Why? Because those signs and wonders don't come from us but only from Jesus Christ. It is he alone who deserves all the credit! Can a clay jar take credit for quenching the thirst of those who drink water from it, or should the water receive the credit? ~ Fra Chris

Seeking Possessions

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There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting more and more possessions. May we all seek to possess prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, understanding, charity, love of the poor, gentleness and hospitality. ~ Fra Chris

Contemplation

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Contemplation is not a matter of doing but a matter of being. ~ Fra Chris