What to Expect
- An exploration of the wisdom of Francis and Clare of Assisi, with focus on the meaning and relevance of their teachings in our own lives.
- Experiential and contemplative practices illuminating Franciscan spirituality through poetry and song (visio and audio divina).
- In-depth discussion and teaching from both facilitators, with space for sharing and reflection from participants.
- Four live 90-minute Zoom gatherings (2 - 3:30 pm Eastern Time). All sessions recorded for later viewing. You are welcome to join the retreat even if you can't attend all sessions live.
- Additional resources will be provided to continue your learning between sessions. Homework is always optional, but encouraged to deepen your personal exploration.
Retreat Sessions
Session I: Canticle of Creation
“The whole world is our cloister.” - St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
“In the Franciscan worldview, the Christ can be found everywhere. Nothing is secular or profane. You don’t really “get” the Christ mystery until body and spirit begin to operate as one. Once you see the material and the spiritual working together, everything is holy. The Christ is whenever and wherever the material and the spiritual co-exist—which is always and everywhere! Everything is already ‘christened’; any anointing, blessing, declaring, or baptizing is just to help us get the point.” — Richard Rohr, OFM, Franciscan Mysticism: I AM that which I Am Seeking
Session II: Anam Cara — The Soul Friendship of Clare and Francis
“A person without a soul friend is like a body without a head” — Attributed to St Brigid of Kildare (451-525)
“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity.
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory.
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance.
And through contemplation allow your entire being to be transform into the image of the Godhead Itself.
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
and taste the hidden sweetness
the God has reserved for his lovers.” - St Clare of Assisi (1197-1253)
Session III: Lady Poverty
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 5:3, NIV.
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there’s more of God and God's rule. — Matthew 5:3, The Message.
“Francis's radical poverty was glossed over, deemed impossible or quietly rejected by most of the male followers ... only Clare and her sisters found a way for the radical life of Francis to be actually lived with freedom and joy.” — Fr. Richard Rohr, Eager to Love
Session IV: The Holy Fool
“Love all God’s creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things . . . When you are left alone, pray. Love to throw yourself on the earth and kiss it. Kiss the earth and love it with an unceasing, consuming love.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821 -1881)
