Through the Veils of Morning: An Inner Journey in the Pathways of Francis and Clare of Assisi

Rating:
Summary: A Journey with Francis and Clare of Assisi
Review: "Through the Veils of the Morning" throws much light on the genius of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. It also provides material for meditation, and will be found very helpful by those conducting Retreats. Both Francis and Clare were clearly aware of the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and were conscious of the flexibility and freedom that should be given to the working of the Spirit. This book presents for us the working of same Spirit in the lives of Francis and Clare and sets out to show their creative life-style in response to the Spirit's action. Whilst the book is not a compendium of Ignatian-like spiritual exercises, it still manages to present Franciscan Spirituality in a way that can be followed by those who wish to follow the journey of Francis and Clare. The author shows that the first step on this journey is that of facing the reality of "Who am I"? This is the first hurdle to be crossed if one wishes to enter the Promised Land. The first part of the process begins, therefore, with the question "Who am I"? - the discovery of one's real identity. From examples given by the author it is clear that many only touch reality when they are shocked into by serious sickness, accident or approaching death. Francis and Clare embraced reality and by so doing discovered God at the centre of it. The author outlines the circumstances and events of their lives that enabled them to let go of "baggage" and find the "pearl of great price". The pathway chosen by Francis and Clare was that of poverty and rejection. The author develops these themes.

The second part of the book deals with a journey which discovers the inter-connectedness of all creation - particularly the "brotherhood and sisterhood" of the human family.

The third part of the book deals with the great theme of Peace in all its richness - this the "Mission" The on-going discovery of the pathway of poverty and rejection which Francis and Clare followed led them to a mission of Peace. Francis' "Canticle of the Creatures" is an eloquent testimony to the beauty and breadth of this mission.

The book is made up of an Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality plus small cameos of the lives of Francis and Clare. The author then develops three main categories of meditations and exercises: 1) Humility 2) Sisterhood/Brotherhood. 3)Peace. The final part of the book presents resource-materials and reflections suitable for each section. This is a book not just to be read through - but to be reflected on - a book for "the journey" Its purpose is to help one deepen one's awarenss of reality and offers a pathway through life according to the spirituality of Francis and Clare. The reflections lead one to consider the three great questions: Who am I? Who are we? - What should I do? It marks the first attempt to set out a programme of exercises drawing on the richness of Franciscan Spirituality which has much to offer to out times.

The book has 267 pages and is published by Veritas and Co, Dublin - 2000. It is very keenly priced.

Rating:
Summary: A Journey with Francis and Clare of Assisi
Review: "Through the Veils of the Morning" throws much light on the genius of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. It also provides material for meditation, and will be found very helpful by those conducting Retreats. Both Francis and Clare were clearly aware of the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and were conscious of the flexibility and freedom that should be given to the working of the Spirit. This book presents for us the working of same Spirit in the lives of Francis and Clare and sets out to show their creative life-style in response to the Spirit's action. Whilst the book is not a compendium of Ignatian-like spiritual exercises, it still manages to present Franciscan Spirituality in a way that can be followed by those who wish to follow the journey of Francis and Clare. The author shows that the first step on this journey is that of facing the reality of "Who am I"? This is the first hurdle to be crossed if one wishes to enter the Promised Land. The first part of the process begins, therefore, with the question "Who am I"? - the discovery of one's real identity. From examples given by the author it is clear that many only touch reality when they are shocked into by serious sickness, accident or approaching death. Francis and Clare embraced reality and by so doing discovered God at the centre of it. The author outlines the circumstances and events of their lives that enabled them to let go of "baggage" and find the "pearl of great price". The pathway chosen by Francis and Clare was that of poverty and rejection. The author develops these themes.

The second part of the book deals with a journey which discovers the inter-connectedness of all creation - particularly the "brotherhood and sisterhood" of the human family.

The third part of the book deals with the great theme of Peace in all its richness - this the "Mission" The on-going discovery of the pathway of poverty and rejection which Francis and Clare followed led them to a mission of Peace. Francis' "Canticle of the Creatures" is an eloquent testimony to the beauty and breadth of this mission.

The book is made up of an Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality plus small cameos of the lives of Francis and Clare. The author then develops three main categories of meditations and exercises: 1) Humility 2) Sisterhood/Brotherhood. 3)Peace. The final part of the book presents resource-materials and reflections suitable for each section. This is a book not just to be read through - but to be reflected on - a book for "the journey" Its purpose is to help one deepen one's awarenss of reality and offers a pathway through life according to the spirituality of Francis and Clare. The reflections lead one to consider the three great questions: Who am I? Who are we? - What should I do? It marks the first attempt to set out a programme of exercises drawing on the richness of Franciscan Spirituality which has much to offer to out times.

The book has 267 pages and is published by Veritas and Co, Dublin - 2000. It is very keenly priced.

Rating:
Summary: a book for all ecologists
Review: This is a well written and well researched book. We may feel that Francis and Clare of Asissi, who lived in the 13th century, are irrelevant to the present time. However, as shown in this book, the values they espoused, of equality, peace and partnership in all relationships are equally important in the "Dot.com" age. The book is not just for Religious but is a valuable starting block for self development. The section on self knowledge is thought provoking. "Who am I" is quite often a difficult question to answer frankly. We now acknowledge that Francis was the first ecologist, with a profound respect for all created things, in which he saw God the Creator. This book shows us very clearly that we do not inherit the earth from our forebears, we do in fact borrow it from our children. It is a very good read. I enjoyed it. It is also very competitivly priced and would make a nice Christmas gift.