THE ADMONITIONS OF ST. FRANCIS: SOURCES AND MEANINGS...Robert J. Karris, OFMThroughout his study of the "sources" of Francis's Admonitions, Robert Karris, O.F.M., has sought to uncover three levels of meaning. The meaning of the spiritual tradition which Francis inherited. The meaning Francis creatively infused into the tradition. The meaning for today. These three meanings can be of benefit not only to the entire Franciscan family but also to all who seek to be "servants of God" today. "The author provides a fresh translation of each admonition, translates parallel texts previously noted by other scholars or newly uncovered by his own research, and comments on the Admonitions verse by verse." "Through this study we are let into Francis's 'theological workshop'. There we learn how the innovative traditionalist, Abba Francis, imprinted on the spiritual traditions he had inherited as his own logo: "The Good God is the source of the good we do and say." Published by Franciscan Institute, paper back, 316 pages.(Order 166-2 Price $19.95)
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI IDEAL "COME AND SEE" AND "INQUIRER" BOOKby John Moorman"Moorman writes in his preface to this terrific, short biography of Francis of Assisi that Francis has something to say to all people. He was a mystic, poet, and a man of great courage. All these things were important, and all combine to make him a very remarkable man. But perhaps the thing about him which appeals to us most today is the challenge which he threw down to the standards and values of the ordinary, secular life.." This book is an ideal gift to plant the first seeds of Franciscan joy - and - for personal use and reflection. Published by Franciscan Herald Press, 1987, paper back, 118 pages. Still at the original low price. (Order 0904-1 ... Price $4.95)
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI OMNIBUS OF SOURCESVOLUME I AND VOLUME IIA classic! "St. Francis Omnibus of Sources". A multitude of books in two volumes. Chronology of the life of St. Francis, concordance of early biographies, and bibliography. "In this collection the reader - whether a student of the life and thought of Francis, or a follower of Francis seeking inspiration and spiritual reading - will find a convenient gathering of all the saint's writings, and of the early sources for his life and his impact on society." Equivalent to a small library. Paper, two volume set - total of 1665 pages. Published originally by Franciscan Press in 1991. Now printed by St. Anthony Messenger. Very reasonable price. (Order FP90862 ... Price $59.95)
"FRANCIS OF ASSISI ~~THE SONG GOES ON" ..by Hugh Nonan, OFM and Roy M. Gasnick, OFMGreat personal use book and an ideal gift-book to plant the seed of Franciscanism. Great booklet for the "Orientation phase".An excellent 41 page, full color, promotional booklet on the life of St. Francis. Every Fraternity should have a few of these quality books on hand.. (B16250 Price $8.99)
COMPASSIONLIVING IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCISby Ilia Delio, OSFExcellent for personal or Fraternity use - each chapter ends with Meditation and Reflections. An ideal gift item - for planting the first seeds of true Franciscan Joy. From the introduction; "The key to Francis' transformation into love, his secret of making wholes out of the scattered fragments of life, was compassion. He learned compassion as the art of healing broken hearts by collecting the tears of the forgotten, the frightened, and the lonely in his hands and holding the wounded as his kin. Francis entered the world of the stranger and made the stranger into a brother. He learned to love what was weak and fragile, and he learned o care for what the world discarded." WITH THIS BOOK AS YOUR GUIDE, YOU CAN DO SIMPLE THINGS EVERY DAY TO DISCOVER A MORE COMPASSIONATE, OPEN, FEARLESS, AND LOVING LIFE - JUST AS FRANCIS DID.Published by St. Anthony Messenger, paperback, 142 pages (Order B36162 Price $14.99)
FRANCISEL VIAJE Y EL SUENOPublished in 1999 by St. Anthony Messenger, paper back, 133 pages.(Order B2058 Price $6.95)(Only two left in stock)
THE WAY OF ST. FRANCISThe Challenge of Franciscan Spirituality for Everyone!...by Fr. Murray Bodo, OFMAn excellent book to start you off or get you back on track in your Franciscan journey.
"Murray Bodo challenges himself and the reader with a renewed understanding of the saint: a Francis who shows us a way of life both stimulating and troubling; who asks us to look again at the possibilities within us and around us, and to whom we turn repeatedly in interpreting our own human experience of God. Bodo sees Saint Francis' life and example as a way of reconciling the opposites in ourselves and the world." "There is a dark side to us, the author explains, and a world that must be recognized, indeed embraced, before we can be transformed and renewed spiritually. The book is thus composed of chapters on ways of "letting go", of achieving "poverty," "simplicity and nonviolence." "The Way of St. Francis" is Murray Bodo's deepest and most complete exploration of a man who has inspired millions for over eight centuries." (Order B2449 Price $12.99)
FRANCIS FOR MEN 'Otherwise, We Need Weapons'Markus Hofer, translated by Sharon Nemeth, forward by Richard Rohr, OFMYou may even find a clue as to why there are so few men in Secular Franciscan Fraternities"This book did not turn out to be a pious book, but it is a spiritual one - at least, as I understand spirituality. Deep dimensions of what it means to be a man opened up, or, better said, flowed together with a view to Saint Francis, the man from Assisi. ... I have written it for men who want to understand themselves better, who sense that there is more to being a man than they have heretofore experienced, and that this new experience has fascinating dimensions. For us men, life has its ever changing challenges, and this is just one reason why it is so suspenseful. If each reader of this book finds only one sentence with personal meaning, which strengthens or inspires chance, then the writing of it has been worthwhile." "... it is a book about men for men. But perhaps this is exactly what also makes it a book for women who are curious about men." Please give consideration to this book as part of the Inquire formation journey for men within our various formation journeys. (Order B16504 - Price $13.95 )
FRANCIS AND CLARE IN POETRYAn Anthology, edited by Janet McCann and David Craig. From the forward by Murry Bodo, O.F.M. “…the lives and writings of Francis and Clare are the very stuff of poetry. As the poems in this Anthology demonstrate. Francs and Clare are icons that call from poets, ancient and new, songs of homage, songs of veneration, songs that try to understand something of the mystery of their love of God and all God’s creatures …” The poetry in this anthology is as timeless and memorable as the masters who wrote them. Published by St. Anthony Messenger Press, paper back, 172 pages, size of book is 5½" by 8½". (Order – B16635 Price $14.95)
THE THREEFOLD WAY OF SAINT FRANCIS..by Murray Bodo, O.F.M."St. Francis has lived inside of me for almost sixty years. He walks my inner landscape, barefoot, unkempt, his threadbare habit girded with a plain woolen cord, his cowl crushed from sleeping in the woods, a rock for a pillow. He is a knight-errant, a troubadour, a poor fool for the Poor Christ. Il Poverello, Francesco, the saint of Assisi" ... Fr. Murray Bodo calls us back to our spiritual roots as Franciscans in a gentle and thought provoking way - a wonderful book for your library or to pass along to a friend. "The Threefold Way of Saint Francis" demonstrates that, although Saint Francis never gave a treatise on spirituality, the very gestures of his life show a threefold way that is essentially one, single love of God: love of others, love of self and love of the natural world. The author helps readers to make this way practical for themselves by showing them how Francis prayed and then encouraging them to mirror his prayer path. The wonderful Franciscan themes of embracing, integrating and becoming aware are gently woven throughout to give breath of life anew into Francis's way." Published by Paulist Press, paperback, 42 pages.(This is a powerful read that may well jerk you back on track in your spiritual journey through Francis to Christ.) (Order 4003-9 Price $7.95)
LIGHT IN THE DARK AGES
FRANCIS AND CLARE - THE COMPLET WORKSTranslation and Introduction by:Regis J. Armstong, O.F.M. Cap. and Ignatius C. Brady, O.F.M.Preface by John Vaughn, O.F.M.From "The Classics Of Western Spirituality". "Here for the first time in English the complete writings of both Francis and Clare have been brought together in one volume.The book represents the first English translation based on the critical texts of the writings of Francis assembled by Kajetan Esser in his 1976 Opuscula des Heiligen Franziskus von Assisi,and the critical texts of Clare's writings done by Ignation Omaechevarria. Published by Paulist Press, paperback, 256 pages. (Order 0809124467 Price $22.95)
WE SAW BROTHER FRANCISby Francis de Beer"De Beer does not aim to examine the saint's life from testimonies written once that life on earth had been concluded; rather he inquires how those who knew Francis first hand encountered him while he was still alive. He attempts to discover how Francis' contemporaries experienced him close up. How did they criticize him? How did they imagine him? Published by Franciscan Herald Press, 1983, hard cover with dust cover, 145 pages. (Order 0803-7 Price $9.95)
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI A BIOGRAPHYA definitive biography of St. Francis which can scarcely be surpassed..by Omer Englebert
"Reviewers have judged "St. Francis of Assisi: A Biography" to be that rarity among books about saints: a popular work of inspiring spiritual reading which is also an acclaimed work of modern scholarship. With spiritual insight and careful historical judgment, Omer Englebert blends the many facts of St. Francis' personality into a portrait of a saint who can inspire men and women today." Published by Servant Books, 1979, paperback, 282 pages. "No library should be without this book."... - Church History (Order 071-9 Reasonably Priced at $7.99)
FINDING FRANCIS, FOLLOWING CHRISTMichael H. Crosby, OFM, Cap."The counter-cultural message of St. Francis for the church, the world, and for disciples of Christ today."
"As a follower of Christ and of Francis, I can only hope that this book receives the readership it deserves. It is radical, personal, inspiring, and brilliant at the same time." ...Richar Rohr, OFM. "Crosby's retrieval of early Franciscan stories will make readers stop and think how much the world today could be different if the message of the Little Poor Man of Assisi were taken seriously." ...William Short, OFM. "In a world afflicted by violence, in a society marked by a gulf between rich and poor, in a church polarized around issues of power and authority, the example of St. Francis of Assisi remains fresh and relevant. As Michael Crosby points out, the memory of Francis does not simply challenge the violence and materialism of our culture. He embodies a positive, joy-filled example of humanity at its best. His mission to "repair the church" speaks directly to the crises facing the church today. His example of a nonviolent, justice-seeking, creation-centered spirituality speaks to the needs of our world and the deepest hungers of our hearts. Francis of Assisi is indeed a saint for all times." Mary Jo Leddy. Published by Orbis Books, paperback, 266 pages. (Order 7297 Price $20.00)
OUT OF PRINT AS OF 09/07
ST. FRANCIS & THE CROSS. Reflections on suffering, weakness, and joy. By Fr. Rainier Cantalamessa, OFM, Cap. And Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. From the back cover; “St. Francis of Assisi devoted himself to Christ Crucified, and his love for the Savior marked everything he did, said, and wrote. Here two renowned spiritual writers and teachers reflect on Francis’s words about the Cross, unfolding its mystery and drawing us into the flood of graces that flow from it. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa meditates on Francis’s Canticle of Creation and his Testament, calling us to allow the beauty of creation to draw us to Christ and open us to love. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini considers how the folly of the Cross brings us to wisdom and to perfect joy.” Published by St. Anthony Messenger Press, paperback, 137 pages, size of book is 5½" by 8½". (Order T55345, Price $9.99)
THE PASSIONATE TROUBADOUR. By Edward Hays. "Full of passioon and drama, it is also joyful and playful like the saint whose life it fictionalizes"..Murray Bodo, OFM. Published by Ave Maria Press, paperback, 638 pages.
FRANCIS AND HIS BROTHERSA Popular History of the Franciscan FriarsDominic V. Monti, O.F.M., Ph.D.
"To celebate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order, Franciscan scholar and historian Fr. Dominic Monti tells us the beautiful and inspirational story of Francis of Assisi and his followers - the Order of Friars Minor, or the Lesser Brothers-from its beginnings to current times." Paper, 166 pages, published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. (Order B16855 Price $14.95)
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANCIS AND CLAREFr. Roch Niemier, O.F.M.The reflections in the book speak profoundly to the armchair Pilgrim who may never be able to visit the sacred places of Francis and Clare. One book review states: "Any traveler to Italy would do well to read this book first to truly appreciate the Franciscan tradition of the Catholic faith. The armchair traveler will almost equally enjoy and learn about these wonderful places. The author has written the perfect tour guide to these holy sites in and around Assisi but also gives us the deep and meaningful message of these holy place." The text draws upon 35 years of experience of Fr. Roch. Fr. Roch Niemier, O.F.M., is past president of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, a position he held for nearly a quarter century. He was recently honored by the citizens of Assisi for bringing pilgrims form over fifty nations to tour the holy places of Francis and Clare. Quality paperback, St. Anthony Press, 207 pages. This is not just a tour book ~ this is a special gift to all that will never be able to travel to Assisi but dream of the history ~ Fr. Roch has gifted us with these two books that brings all Franciscans back to our roots in the understanding of our history, spiritual journey and mission. No matter what part of the Franciscan family we are a part of let us keep in mind that Francis called his followers jongleures de Dieu - "God's fools". No matter where we are we will do anything to bring joy to our Lord. (Order B16793 Price $19.95)
JOURNEY AND PLACE
~An Atlas of St. Francis.~
~ by Keith Douglass Warner OFM and John E. Isom ~
"Have you ever wondered where St. Francis lived, preached, and prayed? This book is designed to provide helpful background for interpreting his life and times. It features eleven full color and five black and white maps of Europe, the Italian Peninsula, the Spoleto Valley, and Assisi. It has a gazetteer with all the places mentioned in the original Latin texts about St. Francis, and you can use this to re-trace his journeys on the maps. The introductory essay provides a frame of reference helpful for understanding the world through which Francis traveled. A set of classic photos of the countryside around his home town offers the reader a vision of the landscape encountered by the Poor Man of Assisi himself." Published by Franciscan Press, 58 pages, 8-1/2" by 11", paperback. First edition 2003.
(Order FP1004 Price $16.95 )
THE ROAD TO ASSISI
By Paul Sabatier
Edited by Jon. Sweeney
The essential Biography of St. Francis with careful editing and indispensable notes.
FREE STUDY GUIDE BY THE EDITOR WITH EACH BOOK!
Paperback,187 pages. Published by Paraclet .
OUT OF PRINT
FRANCIS OF ASSISI ~ COMIC BOOKAuthor: Justin Lang Illustrations: Miguel BerzosaA richly illustrated comic book of high quality - excellent captions and story line for young and old. Published by St. Anthony, 31 pages. (Order B16896 Price $2.95)