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Realising that the call to
solitude lies at the heart of our Franciscan vocation, the Franciscan Family continues to discover new ways of interpreting and living Saint
Francis' Rule for Hermitages. Our Portiuncula is one example among many.
We have tried to preserve Saint Francis' spirit of contemplative prayer,
littleness, loving service, gospel simplicity and warm fraternity as
the hallmarks of our hermitage experience.
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The Portiuncula
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We have five hermitages under
one roof: Greccio, Poggio Bustoni, The Carceri, Fonte Columbo and
LaVerna. In the company of Saint Francis each guest hermit is invited
and challenged to explore the spirituality of a particular hermitage by journeying
into the depths of one's
own heart and into the Heart of God.
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Five hermitages in a fraternal setting in rural Derbyshire
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Out of his own need and experience, Saint
Francis risked the journey into his own heart. It led him to total
identification with the heart of Christ and forged in him a deep,
compassionate love for all his brothers and sisters and for the whole of
creation.
The hermitage experience offers the same
invitation to those who feel called to it.
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Carceri hermitage in the Portiuncula
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Bethany Dining Room in the Portiuncula
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A quiet moment of adoration in the Portiuncula
Chapel
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We adore You, O Christ and we praise You, because
by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
( Saint Francis) |
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The Brothers and Sisters whom
the Lord has called to a life of contemplation should show forth their
dedication to God with renewed joy each day and celebrate the love which
the Father has for the whole world. (TOR Rule Ch 3 )
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Nazareth Companion Room at the Portiuncula
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Those who wish may have a spiritual companion to
accompany them in their solitude experience at the Portiuncula. The
sister companion will be available at a fixed time built into the
individual's timetable.
We respect each person's journey and desire only to facilitate the
working of the Holy Spirit of God in whatever way meets individual need.
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An
invitation to experience Saint Francis's Rule for hermitages: this is a
unique expression of the call to solitude which is original to Saint
Francis but is relevant to every person that feels drawn to it.
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Contemplation area in the
Portiuncula
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The Portiuncula building falls
naturally into a Martha and Mary rhythmn linked by the contemplation
space in the centre. This is a simple way of expressing the gospel truth
that in our everyday lives we have a rhythm of action and contemplation
and our life of love in the embrace of the Trinity encompasses both. |
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The Father is the fountain fullness overflowing
with goodness and love.
(Saint Bonaventure) |
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The Peace Garden associated with the Portiuncula captures
something very dear to the heart of Saint Francis: his love of creation
and his mission of peace. A central feature is a statue of Our Lady who
is Mother and Queen of Peace. There are also representations from the
lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare symbolizing peace.
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| Towards the centre of the Peace Garden we have a
labyrinth based on the model of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral. For
many people the Christian labyrinth walk is a healing experience leading
to deep inner peace.
There is also an outdoor Way of the Cross to facilitate the
prayerful walk to Calvary with Jesus and Mary.
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Recommended
resources for the Franciscan Solitude Experience |
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Available
from
Gracewing Publications
www.gracewing.co.uk
or
purchased and collected
from the Portiuncula
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Further information from the
Portiuncula, St Clare's Convent,
Stretton Rd., Clay Cross,
Derbyshire S45 9AQ
Tel - 01246 251870 or 01246 862621
email stclaresconvent@ukonline.co.uk
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