Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman
Portrait by
George Richmond, 1844
A revelation is
religious doctrine viewed on its illuminated side; a
mystery is the selfsame doctrine viewed on the
unilluminated.
Mysteries in
religion are measured by the proud according to
their own capacity; by the humble, according to the
power of God: the humble glorify God for them,
the proud exalt themselves against them.
--Venerable
John Henry Cardinal Newman
When we say
this thing is a mystery, of the thing we say nothing, but of ourselves we say that we do
not comprehend this thing--as defect of strength in
us makes some weights to be immobile, so likewise
defect of understanding makes some truths to be
mysterious.
--St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton
Sending of the Spirit, detail
Heidelberg Bible of the Poor, c. 1430
"Repent and believe the Good News!"
Penance means conversion. The Confraternity of
Penitents is a world wide private Catholic
association of the faithful, completely loyal to our
Pope and the Magisterium.
Our Rule of Life has been reviewed by our bishop and
recognized in these words: "this Rule does not
contain anything contrary to our faith; therefore it
may be safely practiced privately by you or by
anyone inclined to do so. . . . His Excellency
is appreciative of your efforts to live and promote
Franciscan spirituality and especially promote the
neglected practice of penance and he wishes you
success" (January 30, 1998).
Members of the Confraternity of Penitents live this
Rule in their own homes, devoted to prayer, penance,
fasting, conversion, and works of mercy modeled on
Jesus Christ and inspired by the lives and teachings
of
St. Francis,
St. Dominic,
St. Therese,
St. Benedict,
St. Augustine,
St. Ignatius,
and all the saints, most especially Mary, the Mother
of God, who lived a life of true penance
(conversion) in perfect union with our Lord.
May Our Lady and all the saints intercede for all
who wish to embrace a life of penance, anywhere in
the world, so that the grace of God will assist them
to obtain every virtue necessary for a life of
holiness and surrender to the Will of God! Amen.
PRAYER OF PENITENTS
"Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness
of my mind, give me right faith, a firm hope and
perfect charity, so that I may always and in all
things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen."
(Saint Francis's prayer before the San Damiano
Crucifix)
MISSION OF PENITENTS
"Go and repair My House
which, as you can see, is falling into ruin." (The
message given to St. Francis in a voice from the San
Damiano Crucifix.)
ACTION OF PENITENTS
To pray for God's
specific direction in one's life so that, through
humbly living our Rule of Life, each penitent may
help to rebuild the house of God by bringing love of
God and neighbor to his or her own corner of the
world.
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Visitor's
Vision:
A Weekly
Message from CFP
Visitor, Father Jay A. Finelli
Ascension
Prayer: Conversation with God
“In the battle of prayer, we must face
in ourselves and around us erroneous
notions of prayer. Some people view
prayer as a simple psychological
activity, others as an effort of
concentration to reach a mental void.
Still others reduce prayer to ritual
words and postures. Many Christians
unconsciously regard prayer as an
occupation that is incompatible with all
the other things they have to do: they
‘don’t have the time.’ Those who seek
God by prayer are quickly discouraged
because they do not know that prayer
comes also from the Holy Spirit and not
from themselves alone.’ (Catechism of
the Catholic Church 2726)
We often make prayer out to be much more
than it is. Prayer has become quite
complicated because we have complicated
it. How does one have a conversation to
those we love the most? Do you need to
read a book or take a class on how to
communicate? Conversation, communication
flows out of people who love one
another.
Prayer is communication. It is the
sharing of two hearts. Prayer is a heart
open to heart conversation. In prayer we
share the most intimate happenings of
our lives with the living god. Why do we
need books to tell us how to pray! Why
do we need someone else’s prayers to
recite to the one we love? Picture a
young man and woman who are in love
copying love letters from someone
else—you would have to ask, “Are they
really in love?”
That is the life of prayer. Pray with
the heart. Share your innermost feelings
and desires, hopes and dreams, fears and
weaknesses with Him who desires that you
know Him. Prayer life begins simply. We
cannot expect to be at the heights of
contemplation as we begin the journey.
Each day, prayer progresses as we get to
know the Lord and we share our life with
Him.
Take some time each day to speak to the
Lord from your heart. Formal prayers are
good, but this must take us to the next
step—a conversation from within.
God love you,
Father Finelli
c. Father Jay FinelliMay not be used without written permission.
Confraternity of Penitents
520 Oliphant Lane
Middletown RI USA
02842-4600
401/849-5421
bspenance@hotmail.com
copenitents@yahoo.com |