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Francis For Men, 'Otherwise, We Need Weapons' by Markus Hofer. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2001.
Reviewed by Associate Greg Spofford
This wonderful book is not just for men, but also for women who wish to understand men a bit better. This is made clear in a forward by Richard Rohr. So, what is so wonderful about this book?
For starters, I especially liked Hofer's version of what Brother Francis' words may have been regarding poverty, peace and even "Brother Ass" as he not so affectionately called his body. From the challenging statement at the beginning of this book that we must "embrace our lepers," to the culminating chapter naming death as a friend, the reader is affirmed in this journey we call life, but challenged in the way Francis himself was challenged to follow our Lord's will, even when not understood.
Each chapter of Hofer's book ends with what Hofer believes would be the words of Francis as Francis moves through life from the earliest days of the call to leave his life as the son of a well-to-do merchant to the beginning of a community of brothers (and later – sisters, when Clare joins the brothers). I LOVE it! The words in italics read like a diary, and I like diaries!
Finally, an appendix offers another present-day experience of Francis from 12 men who formed a one-week community to share their thoughts and feelings regarding this wild and peaceful man named Francis. The book is excellent! In one of my favorite blessings recited more fully in this book: "May the Lord's face shine on you and grant you peace." |
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Clare of Assisi: The Letters to Agnes by Joan Mueller. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2003. 113 pages
From the back cover: Clare of Assisi’s four letters to Agnes of Prague bring to life a dynamic moment in the history of women’s spirituality. Agnes, a Bohemian princess, rejected an offer of marriage from German emperor Frederick II and built a monastery and hospital from her royal dowry. She wrote to Clare for instructions on how to establish this monastery in the Franciscan spirit. In her letters responding to Agnes, Clare reveals what is essential to the Franciscan life, how to become a person of prayer and of joy, and the spiritual benefits of living a simple and poor lifestyle.
This book is easy to read and understand. I found it most helpful in getting to know Clare. She was a spiritual dynamo of her time. – Judy Virnig |
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Women in church history: 21 stories for 21 centuries
by Joanne Turpin. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 1990, 2007. 232 pp.
If you are at all interested in a bit of history and politics – church and world – plus how women have influenced both over the past 21 centuries, this is a book for you! You will learn a little about what was going on century by century, plus the role that a particular woman (or two) played in the church of that day and why it was so important. Featured are Prisca the Evangelist, Perpetua of Carthage, Brigid of Kildare, Hildegard of Bingen, Clare of Assisi, Jean Donovan and Dorothy Stang, among others. Make new friends and be inspired by these valiant women who served God faithfully, despite the cost. |
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Living Like Francis Today by Marci Blum, OSF. St. Paul: Good Ground, 2005. 59 pp.
Especially written for faith-sharing groups, this small book is a true treasure. Each of the six sessions focuses on a specific Franciscan value, exploring it according to life experience, what Scripture says about it and how the life of St. Francis exemplified it. Questions for reflection and discussion follow each of those categories. Then suggestions are offered for living the value today. Opening and closing prayers are included. |
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The Sun and Moon over Assisi by Gerard T. Straub. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2000. 594 pp.
A cynical, skeptical atheist, Gerard Straub’s life was transformed by events in the lives of Saints Francis and Clare when he was on a pilgrimage to Assisi to write a book about Francis and Van Gogh. His admiration for Francis and Clare led to a spiritual renewal while there at a Franciscan Friary. He wrote daily reflections, titled “Pilgrimage Diary,” which are still relevant today.
Through reading various writings about the two famous Assisi saints, Straub finds himself slowly changing spiritually. He discovers that he needs God, prayer and solitude, as did Francis and Clare. His book then became one about the two peace-loving saints, who chose lives of poverty, humility and solitude. Straub weaves wonderful stories of Francis’ and Clare’s lives, including many memorable quotes from other books about them. These saints chose to imitate Christ, which helped the author to become spiritually inspired.
One day Straub saw a beautiful sunset over Assisi, with the moon high in the sky – thus the title of his book. He summed up his conversion this way: “In getting to know Francis better, I got to know God better.”
-- Associate Ursula Thompson, Minnesota |
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Listed below are some books that will be helpful as you get started in discerning, or if you are already on the way:
Francis, The Journey and The Dream
Murry Bodo, St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1988
Written in a poetic and reflective way, it presents St. Francis of Assisi in an alive and appealing manner and contains lessons, wisdom and spiritual truths for your life..
Vocations Anonymous:
A handbook for adults discerning priesthood and religious life
Sister Kathleen Bryant, RSC; National Coalition for Church Vocations, 1997
Lots of ideas for finding your way in the discernment process...
Weeds Among the Wheat: Where Prayer and Action Meet
Thomas H. Green, S.J.; Ave Maria Press, 1984
An invaluable tool for all who are called to discern what God’s will is in very concrete circumstances...
The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis and Commentary
Franciscan Federation, 1997
The basis for the form of life lived by Third Order Franciscans today, written almost entirely in the words of St. Francis, with a rich commentary to complement his words...
Franciscan Prayer
Ilia Delio, OSF, Cincinnati. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004
The author strives to define more clearly the path of Franciscan prayer as one who seeks God in a complex world and outlines what it means to pray as a Franciscan.
A Retreat with Francis and Clare of Assisi
Murray Body & Susan Saint Sing, Cincinnati. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1996
You will walk in the footsteps of Francis and Clare of Assisi in this seven-day retreat. Good questions for personal and spiritual growth at the end of each day.
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