Our lifestyle is first, centered in prayer, both formally as in the Holy Mass and our daily prayer offices as well as the times when we “just kick back and waste time with God” in meditative prayer. As Franciscans we live in the presence of Christ, in the presence of God from our most mundane tasks to our formal worship. It is a lifestyle based on simplicity, chastity and obedience. Simplicity of life is expressed in our not wasting this earth’s resources, our not using more than what is needed for our existence so that others may have enough. This is done through being producers rather than consumers, by not wasting food, water or land. Chastity is being faithful to one’s spouse and the rejection of the modern “anything goes” sexuality and lack of morality. We are obedient to our vows and to the will of God that calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give drink to the thirsty.
For more information on better using our world’s resources and living a less consumer-oriented lifestyle, we ask you to check out the following organizations:
Urban Farming https://www.urbanfarming.org/welcome.html
The Slow Food Movement https://www.slowfood.com/
As Franciscans, we are commanded to guard this small planet by the example of our patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi. Our brothers in Ireland are a good example of how we, as Franciscans, approach this work. Please visit their website:
To find out more about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and giving the thirsty a drink, please visit these organizations:
Mary’s Meals https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/
Heifer International https://www.heifer.org
We do not ask for donations for the hermitage,
but should you like to help our order,
the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion,
please make a check to:
Bro. Matthias OSF,
Almoner & Procurator General
743 Greenway Ave., Colona IL 61241
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