Retreat to Advance ~ Deacon Brendan Brides

There's nothing quite like a religious retreat to get you re-aquainted with God. This past weekend the deacons of the diocese had their annual retreat at LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro. The theme of the retreat was "From Francis to Francis" - and the presenter was a Franciscan! Discussions centered around the importance of all Christians being called to outwardly live the Gospel. Saint Francis, back in the twelfth century, was the one that coined the phrase, "preach often and when necessary use words."Eight hundred years later the other Francis, our Holy Father, is bringing the gospel of Christ into the world through his deeds and actions also.

All people are called to live the gospel. In doing so, Pope Francis has some advice for those who are prepared to step up to the challenge.
In The Joy of the Gospel the Holy Father says; "There are some Christians whose lives seem like lent without Easter... An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral!"

Saint Francis started each day in prayer before the Crucifix. His prayer is one that can be used by all of us as we prepare to preach to the world in silence through our christianity in action.

Most high and glorious God,

enlighten the darkness of my heart

and give me true faith,

certain hope and perfect charity,

with wisdom and knowledge, Lord,

that I may carry out

your holy and true command.

Amen.

                                                                          -  Prayer of St. Francis before the Crucifix