The Crusader Francis

St. Francis before the Sultan Al-Kamil of Egypt witnessing the trial by fire (wall fresco, Giotto.)

Francis intended to die a martyr at the hands of his captors.  His crusade was primarily spiritual.  He personified Christ's words “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!"  I encourage learning more about this saint, unfortunately robbed of much of his message by hijackers (he wasn't a dog lover or a Buddhist).

also via FatherZ

I heard that Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, died last night following recital of the Transitus on the Vigil of the Feast of St Francis. He who was of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal died on the Feast of St. Francis. He was 81.

May he rest in peace.

Fr. Groeschel was at the Dedication Mass for the Guadalupe Shrine in 2008.  I was standing outside afterwords and he was walking by and saw me with my first born, less than a month old.   He was leaving but stopped by for a minute to blessed him.  Father asked if he was baptized yet, I said no not yet, I think it was like the next weekend or something.  It seemed like he wanted to make sure.  Anywho, I'd recommend not judging him by some of the comments he made later in life after his mind began to slip.  Much of my immediate family have worked years in nursing homes. For many, mental health is a constant battle. Clearly, for this Franciscan to die with the Poverello himself, we should take it as a sign of goodness from the Almighty.

Big names at this year's COURAGE conference at Mundelein

I am pleased to send you the brochure for this year’s annual conference, returning to Mundelein on August 4-7. We will dedicate our time together to the memory of Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, in gratitude for his spiritual fatherhood. I have asked several of our speakers to share their reflections on Fr. Harvey’s influence in their lives and his role in leading Courage and EnCourage for almost three decades.

As you will see, we are blessed with a wonderful lineup of speakers and participants. His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, will offer the opening Mass, and he will give the opening talk that evening. The Cardinal was a close friend of Father Harvey, going back to the days prior to his being made Bishop of La Crosse, WI. His Eminence is one of Courage’s most faithful and strongest promoters among the Church’s shepherds.

Four other prelates will also join us. Bishop Thomas Olmstead of Phoenix will offer Mass on Friday and give a talk that morning. Longtime former Courage chaplain Bishop John LeVoir of New Ulm, MN will offer Mass on Saturday, and Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, IL will offer the closing Mass on Sunday. Longtime former Courage chaplain Bishop Mark Seitz, auxiliary bishop of Dallas, will also join us on Thursday and Friday. Fr. Benedict Groeschel and Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons will also be with us.

We have worked hard to keep the cost of the conference as low as possible: $350. If you need a scholarship, please apply for consideration by writing a letter to the main office. If you would like to provide a scholarship, please let me know or simply send your gift to the office. May God reward your generosity.

Also a few promising notes on the COURAGE apostolate.

I also want to thank Michelle Willis for her great work with our new website. We have many plans to continue to expand its content. And though he did not make the move to the new office in CT, Angelo continues to be an invaluable help as a part-time contractor. I cannot imagine not relying on his experience and expertise. Also, he and Jerry work closely together on many tasks.

Please think back for a moment to the day before you heard about Courage or EnCourage. You were very likely searching for answers, understanding, compassion, guidance and help…in short, the pastoral charity of the Church. Sadly, we know that many people are not aware of Courage and EnCourage, for a variety of reasons. To address that challenge, we are undertaking two projects.

• First, EWTN has invited Courage to produce a 5 part series (30 minute segments) covering material very similar to what we present at a clergy study day, and to include EnCourage.
• The second project, which I believe holds considerable promise for reaching many people, is a documentary film. We are still considering the form and scope of this work, and in time I will be grateful for suggestions and assistance, as I desire that the finished product reflect a lived-experience of Courage and EnCourage members that will offer hope for many other people. We want as wide an audience as possible.

 HT Father Z