Presenter: André
Experience: St. Francis’ Document on Solitude
From the earliest days of his conversion, Francis sought God out in the caves surrounding Assisi in order to commune with God in silence. When the first brothers joined him, he continued this practice. An opportunity is offered to experience solitude in much the same way Francis did with the early friars.
Length: weekend or longer
Workshop on the Office of the Passion
Both Francis and Clare prayed the Office of the Passion, she frequently and he daily, and yet, among Franciscans down through the centuries, the Office of the Passion seems to have fallen almost completely into disuse. This Little Office has been published in a prayer-book format, containing a literal translation and commentary for meditation, a poetical-inclusive translation for prayer, with music and art to accompany the text. Communities wishing to introduce their members to this Franciscan treasure can do so by contacting André.
Length: day or weekend
“My community and I received deep insight into Francis’ personal prayer and his understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation when praying, singing and studying the Office of the Passion with André Cirino.”
Claire André Gagliardi OSC [+ 2014]
Bringing Forth Christ: on Saint Bonaventure’s Five Feasts of the Child Jesus
The theme of this retreat is spiritual motherhood. The doctrine of spiritual motherhood invites us, men and women alike, to fashion our spiritual lives on the model of Mary, Mother of Jesus and image of the Church, and to develop the maternal element in our nature. Spiritual motherhood sets free the living and life-giving forces within us and fosters the loving and caring side of our nature which is the antidote to every form of violence.
In this little work Bonaventure invites us to discover how we could spiritually conceive the Son of God, give birth to him, name him, seek and adore him with the Magi and then finally, present him to God in the Temple.
length—6 days
The Prayer of St. Francis and St. Clare
This retreat is dedicated to examining the prayer experience of Francis and Clare and incorporating that experience into our own lives. Five approaches to Franciscan prayer constitute this retreat’s program:
1. Meditative prayer based on the guidance we find in the life and writings of Francis.
2. Contemplative prayer as cultivated by Clare and mirrored in her writings.
3. Biblical/liturgical prayer typified by the rich text we know as the Office of the Passion.
4. The creation of personal prayer forms and texts in the Franciscan tradition.
5. Prayer of solitude and silence as proposed in the Document on Solitude.
All of these forms are explored through conferences and experiential activity.
length—5, 6, or 7 days
The San Damiano Crucifix
Francis of Assisi had a decisive experience before the crucifix of San
Damiano when the voice of Jesus asked him to rebuild the church. The
first day of the retreat explores the significance of this icon. Each
of the following days centers on a theme from The Prayer Before the
Crucifix. Stories from Franciscan sources as well as the writings and
witness of Francis, Clare and their early companions help expand the
themes of this prayer. A prominent place is given to the theological
virtues of faith, hope and love which figure so prominently in this
text.
Length—5 1/2 or 6 1/2 days
A Pilgrimage of the Heart
This retreat has been developed for those Franciscans–retired or infirm brothers and sisters–unable to make a pilgrimage to Assisi. After an introduction to the city of Assisi on the first evening, the “pilgrims” travel to San Damiano, Porziuncola, Carceri, La Verna, and the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare. The retreat is built on the spirituality of place and makes extensive use of audio/visuals to make this pilgrimage retreat.
length—6 days
The Evangelical Life Retreat
Presenters: André and Sr. Ann Bremmer, OSF
Saints Francis and Clare walked in the footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ. They took to heart what Jesus did and said—they lived the Evangelical Life. This retreat focuses on five major movements of living the Evangelical Life:
– Conversion: returning to God with your whole Heart.
– Conversion enables you to open your eyes and see God, to gaze upon God in Contemplation.
– In that long, loving look at God, and God gazing back at us, we see Fraternitas in our lives, in our relationship with God, creation, and others.
– Once we can see all this, we can make visible that what we see in Ministry/Mission: namely Jesus Christ.
– If we truly are making Jesus Christ known, we will ultimately experience the Cross where Jesus reveals the true nature of God—that of self-giving. This is an on-going journey into the heart of Jesus Christ, a journey which challenges the core of our being so we can authentically live the Gospel.
“Our lives are cyclical – we may have been in community 25 – 48 years. We (our vocation fervor) sometimes grow cold – but this retreat has been a profound experience. We can fall in love again.”
Sr. Janice Campbell, OSF
“After 48 long years – a dynamic retreat that integrates one’s personal intimate relationship with God and one’s personal intimate relationship with everyone! Powerful!”
Sr. Jane Marie Wapinski, OSF
“This retreat based on Franciscan Theology was enlightening and prayerful. The daily reflections on each theme: Conversion, Contemplation, Fraternity, Mission, and the Cross remain deeply planted within you. The grace-filled insights enable you to pray and minister in a more loving way.”
Sr. Alma Punkel, OSF
“If you want to know how God initiates a relationship with you then this ‘Evangelical Life Retreat’ is for you.”
Sr. Marianne Walters, OSF