Franciscan friars are working selflessly and courageously to bring hope to the men, women, and children of Ukraine.

Father Danyil Botvina, OFM, the Provincial of the Franciscan Province of St. Michael the Archangel in Ukraine has sent an urgent request for funds to help provide food, medicine, and shelter to the refugees living through this tragedy.

The province has 16 friaries with 65 friars serving 54 parishes in Ukraine.  As you read this, women and children are seeking food and protection at the friaries as the country undergoes siege by the Russians.

The friars plan to stay and serve the people of the war zone.  Read more about their work and a way to contribute at the Franciscan Missions website.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/03/04/friars-work-to-keep-hope-alive-in-the-ukraine/

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/