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Franciscan Spirituality Spck
Practical advice and encouragement for all who are inspired by the example of Saint Francis, whatever their walk of life.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 26, 2021
Brother Ramon's 'Franciscan Spirituality' is a gallant effort to provide us with some insight into what it means to be a Franciscan and is especially useful in suggesting guidance for living as Franciscans in our times (of consumerism and technological advances). This book was published in 1994, but holds true in its assessments - at times prophetically so - being relevant to our lives in 2021.
I use the adjective 'gallant' deliberately, as this book reminds us that St Francis was immersed, when young, in a culture of troubadour romanticism, infused with the 'poles of joy and sorrow'. His spiritual journey was 'a pilgrimage of love':
'There is a rich emotional content in Franciscan spirituality, but the mind is engaged as well as the heart' (p 48)
Brother Ramon writes about the Franciscan First and Second Orders, as well as the Third Order, some of whom live outside of religious institutions. The Third Order in the Anglican Communion has currently about 50 members living in England and Wales. If the Franciscan way of life interests you, then I can recommend this book as a good starting point.
Referencing the identification of St Francis with a love for nature and the environment, Brother Ramon points to 'Francis' organic relationship to the earth and to all living beings' which led him to compose 'The Canticle of Brother Sun'- a humble, brotherly communion whose 'profound inward life is surrendered to the immanence of God':
'Questions of ecology and reconciliation mingle at this point, for the healing of the earth and its nations can only come from compassion, and from the divine compassion that Francis experienced in creation itself, and in the love of God revealed in Christ'. (p.136)
This speaks to us now, when healing is so much needed in the world - political and practical solutions are needed - but healing starts with love and compassion....
I use the adjective 'gallant' deliberately, as this book reminds us that St Francis was immersed, when young, in a culture of troubadour romanticism, infused with the 'poles of joy and sorrow'. His spiritual journey was 'a pilgrimage of love':
'There is a rich emotional content in Franciscan spirituality, but the mind is engaged as well as the heart' (p 48)
Brother Ramon writes about the Franciscan First and Second Orders, as well as the Third Order, some of whom live outside of religious institutions. The Third Order in the Anglican Communion has currently about 50 members living in England and Wales. If the Franciscan way of life interests you, then I can recommend this book as a good starting point.
Referencing the identification of St Francis with a love for nature and the environment, Brother Ramon points to 'Francis' organic relationship to the earth and to all living beings' which led him to compose 'The Canticle of Brother Sun'- a humble, brotherly communion whose 'profound inward life is surrendered to the immanence of God':
'Questions of ecology and reconciliation mingle at this point, for the healing of the earth and its nations can only come from compassion, and from the divine compassion that Francis experienced in creation itself, and in the love of God revealed in Christ'. (p.136)
This speaks to us now, when healing is so much needed in the world - political and practical solutions are needed - but healing starts with love and compassion....
February 27, 2025
No book on Franciscan Spirituality can say everything, because the Franciscan way is alive and growing.
However, this fairly short book is of great importance as a guide for newcomers and for the professed too. Written especially at the request of the 3rd Order of Franciscans, it is packed with wisdom and information, and refuses to be just another introduction to Francis. It has references to Brother Ramon's personal life of faith, and draws on that of others too.
An excellent book, and one that is worth re-reading many times.
However, this fairly short book is of great importance as a guide for newcomers and for the professed too. Written especially at the request of the 3rd Order of Franciscans, it is packed with wisdom and information, and refuses to be just another introduction to Francis. It has references to Brother Ramon's personal life of faith, and draws on that of others too.
An excellent book, and one that is worth re-reading many times.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews