Br. Thomas of Celano, speaking of the prayer life of St. Francis, recounts that, “His safe haven was prayer, not a prayer that was short, or empty, or pretentious, but a prayer of profound devotion, humble and as prolonged as possible. And if he began the prayer in the evening, only with difficulty would he cease it in the morning. At night he went alone to the abandoned Churches and prayed. (1 Cel 71)
We know that Francis spent many nights in prayer, in the hermitages of La Verna, Greccio or the Carceri. It seems that the night, with its mysterious silent embrace, exercises a special attraction for mystics. The meeting with God comes while the world sleeps, or is awake to sin. Thus a few friar members of the chapter, together with the brothers of St. Saviours’s, lived an experience of prayer this night. They went to the Holy Sepulchre, for the night office. Together with Fr. Custos, the friars, as they have many other times, went by moon light, through the narrow streets of the old city of Jerusalem to the shrine that represents the heart of our presence in the Holy Land. At 12:30 a.m. the prayer began. The ancient Latin tongue once more resounded among those walls, full of prayer, of hope and of love. We adored the Lord in the Eucharistic mystery, confessing him living and true, the Lord of History. To him we have entrusted our lives , our vocation as friars minor and this chapter that we are celebrating. We know that we are in the best place, in answer a call, for the salvation of the world. Here the life of God has conquered death, forever illuminating the night. We have returned here this morning, to celebrate the solemn Mass and to reaffirm to God our faith in His love that has become flesh. The Eucharistic procession, made around the Edicule of the risen Christ filled the hearts of all with joy. Christ has risen and continues to give meaning to our lives.
In the afternoon the brothers returned to Bethlehem, to continue the work of the Chapter, according to the designated program. The chapter members were engaged in discussions on the reports that were drawn up by study groups yesterday morning. The principle themes of major importance were dealt with. First, there was the debate regarding the proposals presented by the “Saint Clare” group concerning evangelization and the schools. It is a very broad subject, in which many of our friars are involved daily, those that dedicate themselves to pastoral service and to teaching commitments. In this field there frequently arise new difficulties, which are evaluated with precision and dealt with decisively.
The second theme in the program was dealt with concerned Formation and studies, which is taken seriously by all the friars, and which is considered as an absolute priority of the Custody. In particular there was a deep reflection on the nature of the pastoral vocation, and the pest ways to promote it. It is important that the friars are prepared for this role, and that they cooperate with each other, and that the Custody support them in their service.
The final subject of the evening was that concerning the Holy Places, which was studied by the “Holy Family” group. The friars shared their reflections and their proposals, considering a wide range of problematic situations and seeking the best was for a better service in our shrines. Finally, in wrapping up the evening session, the moderator, in the name of all, offered best wishes to Br. Severin Lubecki, on the occasions of his feast day. It is he who is hosting the chapter members in the Casa Nova of Bethlehem.
We know that Francis spent many nights in prayer, in the hermitages of La Verna, Greccio or the Carceri. It seems that the night, with its mysterious silent embrace, exercises a special attraction for mystics. The meeting with God comes while the world sleeps, or is awake to sin. Thus a few friar members of the chapter, together with the brothers of St. Saviours’s, lived an experience of prayer this night. They went to the Holy Sepulchre, for the night office. Together with Fr. Custos, the friars, as they have many other times, went by moon light, through the narrow streets of the old city of Jerusalem to the shrine that represents the heart of our presence in the Holy Land. At 12:30 a.m. the prayer began. The ancient Latin tongue once more resounded among those walls, full of prayer, of hope and of love. We adored the Lord in the Eucharistic mystery, confessing him living and true, the Lord of History. To him we have entrusted our lives , our vocation as friars minor and this chapter that we are celebrating. We know that we are in the best place, in answer a call, for the salvation of the world. Here the life of God has conquered death, forever illuminating the night. We have returned here this morning, to celebrate the solemn Mass and to reaffirm to God our faith in His love that has become flesh. The Eucharistic procession, made around the Edicule of the risen Christ filled the hearts of all with joy. Christ has risen and continues to give meaning to our lives.
In the afternoon the brothers returned to Bethlehem, to continue the work of the Chapter, according to the designated program. The chapter members were engaged in discussions on the reports that were drawn up by study groups yesterday morning. The principle themes of major importance were dealt with. First, there was the debate regarding the proposals presented by the “Saint Clare” group concerning evangelization and the schools. It is a very broad subject, in which many of our friars are involved daily, those that dedicate themselves to pastoral service and to teaching commitments. In this field there frequently arise new difficulties, which are evaluated with precision and dealt with decisively.
The second theme in the program was dealt with concerned Formation and studies, which is taken seriously by all the friars, and which is considered as an absolute priority of the Custody. In particular there was a deep reflection on the nature of the pastoral vocation, and the pest ways to promote it. It is important that the friars are prepared for this role, and that they cooperate with each other, and that the Custody support them in their service.
The final subject of the evening was that concerning the Holy Places, which was studied by the “Holy Family” group. The friars shared their reflections and their proposals, considering a wide range of problematic situations and seeking the best was for a better service in our shrines. Finally, in wrapping up the evening session, the moderator, in the name of all, offered best wishes to Br. Severin Lubecki, on the occasions of his feast day. It is he who is hosting the chapter members in the Casa Nova of Bethlehem.