Pray as Francis Prayed with Office of the Passion This Lent
Consider deepening your Franciscan spirituality in Lent by praying the Office of the Passion of St. Francis of Assisi.
The office was written by St. Francis of Assisi, and he prayed it seven times daily. St. Clare was also fond of it and prayed it frequently.
“It is also—by way of a very insightful commentary—a book that can help us learn more about Francis’ spirituality. It helps us to understand what was in Francis’ heart when he chose certain psalms and when he composed the beautiful antiphons, prayers and praises,” Jan Parker, OFS, national minister said.
“It truly helps us get into the heart of Francis and can help us understand his relationship with God,” she said.
The original version is a red hardcover called The Geste of the Great King. A more recent version of the book has a more colorful color and is called the Office of the Passion of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Both books feature in-depth commentaries that contain the literal translation, faithful to Francis’ original prayer.
“Learning more about this little office helped me feel very close to Francis as I pray it. What a gift to ‘pray as Francis prayed,’” Jan said.
Copies are available from Tau Publishing.
An online version is available at iBreviary.
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/02/28/pray-as-francis-prayed-with-office-of-the-passion-this-lent/
Pope and Franciscan World Leaders Appeal for Prayers and Fasting on Ash Wednesday in Solidarity with Our Ukranian Brothers and Sisters
Tibor Kauser and Pope Francis
Catholic and Franciscan leaders throughout the world are issuing calls to fast and pray on Ash Wednesday for peace in Ukraine.
Pope Francis has designated Ash Wednesday as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine.
“I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war,” Pope Francis said.
Tibor Kauser, OFS General Minister, issued the same request along with a letter of solidarity to the people of Ukraine.
“I invite you, dear brothers and sisters, to strengthen our unity with each other, with the whole Franciscan family, and with the Catholic Church by joining the prayer of Pope Francis for peace on Ash Wednesday,” Kauser said.
You can read the Pope’s announcement and a full text of all of the letters at the links below.
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/02/28/pope-and-franciscan-world-leaders-appeal-for-prayers-and-fasting-on-ash-wednesday-in-solidarity-with-our-ukranian-brothers-and-sisters/