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Who is Pope Francis and where is he leading the Church? To understand the impact of Pope Francis and his inspiration to the Catholic Church, indeed people of all religions, we turn to the two saints who are his inspiration, Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi and the great love of their spirituality. Eight hundred years ago when the Church had fallen into scandal and hard times, Saint Francis and Saint Clare lifted the Church to new life, new beginnings. Today the Church suers the same crises. Today Pope Francis is looking at the heart full spirituality of Saint Francis and Saint Clare to lift the Church with less pomp and ceremony and more embracing the poor and unwanted. The Love Letters is the love story of Francis and Clare and the challenge for Pope Francis and the world to discover the same love in our hearts, our neighbor, nature, and all creation. The Love Letters is historical ction. What if Saint Francis and Saint Clare were to meet Pope Francis? What would be their thoughts, dreams and hopes for a new Church? The Love Letters is the mystical love discovered by two of the worlds greatest mystics long ago asking who is the new Pope Francis? Can he rebuild the Church into a living Church, a church less concerned with rules and order and more about forgiveness and compassion? In the silence of our hearts, in giving to those in need, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Pope Francis oer a new vision for us all to become instruments of true peace and joy. Included in these pages are examples of The Love Letters. May they feed your spirit.
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A Letter From Francis of Assisi to Clare Dear Clare, I hope I am not intruding upon your silence. Thank you for your recent letter. To have your heart so close is a blessing with no beginning or ending. Yes, there is much light and tears. It is amazing how much Divine our small human heart can feel. All I can do is keep a small nest in my heart for the Divine to come visit and rest as She wishes. This is enough. Recently, I was walking through the villages and heard there is a new Bishop of Rome! It is said he is humble and a lover of the poor. They say in the past he left his palace and lived simply with everyone in the neighborhood. It will be very interesting to hear how he does in a big and rich city such as Rome. We both know there is no obstacle that simplicity and humility cannot overcome. After hearing the news, I was resting on a nearby mountaintop and I had this dream. Lady Poverty was visiting the new bishop of Rome! In the dream She is approaching the palace with its high marble walls. She is knocking at the front door. The guards come and push her away. She returns and continues knocking. Three men arrive in long colorful robes, each wearing large crosses with jewels. They open the door, look everywhere, but do not see Her. A priest comes and says She must have an appointment. She continues knocking. She knocks and knocks into the night. Finally, the new bishop of Rome hears Her and comes to the door. It is now late and he is in his night clothes. He invites Her in. In a small pantry nearby, he serves Her tea and cookies. They have much fun and lots of humor together. The bishop begins to ask Lady Poverty, How do I tell the rich that it is not a matter of becoming poor but... In that moment She interrupts him. She reaches across the table and takes hold of both of his hands. There is a big smile in Her heart. Tears form in his eyes. Finally She says, You really should try to warm this place up. They embrace one another and She suddenly disappears into the night.
Yes, Clare we must warm this place up! There is so little love. Where is the joy? Nothing else is important! I try to tell my brothers. Dont be distracted. Dont be so busy. Why worry about tomorrow when today there are so many gifts to open? I know, Clare, you are reminding the sisters the same. I hear you telling them, Our Lord is here! Come join me in the garden. In the stillness, inside the Rose of our heart, Heaven is burning, bursting in joy! The simple people understand but the rich and powerful they always want more. There is never enough. How do we tell them that the real riches are inside? May our new bishop of Rome have a peaceful heart. Surely then his peace will guide all to the living Church. Clare, Lady Poverty has found a home in your simplicity. May you be held and protected in your golden silence. May your meditation touch the world. Mother Church needs you! Someday, you and your sisters will stand in front of the Church oering lifes true Bread to many. Angels will dance. Smiles will replace hardened faces. Gardens of the heart will grow everywhere. Thank you for being your light, your All. Thank you for being my true friend and lover of God. Truly yours, Francis
human heart. The birds, animals, planets and stars are family in these moments. Francis, I know you have tried again and again to explain to the Bishops that they are no more special than our homeless friends, the lepers. The rich are no more rich than the very poor. Lifes treasure is within us. Why dont people understand that everything is given in the silence of our heart? Francis I want to tell you about a day dream I have been carrying all week. I see all the priests and ministers nally agreeing there is nothing to say! Every church large and small is just a house for God. People come and sit in silence. There is no preaching, no need to preach. In the silence is all and everything, so much peace. This is enough. And after sitting for a while, everyone absorbing the goldenness of God in our heart, the people share bread and medicine to any who have need. This is the real church! Why do they make it so complicated Francis? Why? Anyway this is not the reason I write. I write today trying to put some words to where I have been led inside. I know you already know. But maybe my words support you as well. I know you are burning inside in this re. Love lightens and overwhelms all my human edges. This very, very, very bright light rises from deep inside of me. I just pray to be available. Truly God knows we are only human. My selshness is just part of my humanness. This is not to make excuses but Francis we really should not punish ourselves for being human. We are what we are. Can I say that in truth we are this light, only this light? When we leave this world and all our limitations, the angels will welcome us and we will know for certain. There is so much light! Francis, I know some of the brothers are praying that your tears will stop for the sake of your health. But Francis, dont stop. I understand why you cry and cry so much. It is because of this light. Your tears are the blood of your soul and my soul as well. You cry for all of us. I pray you never stop crying. Know that each tear is milk and honey for my soul and the soul in everyone. May your joy cry out to all now and forever! In the great silence, only joy, joy, joy! I know it doesnt need to be said but thank you Francis. Thank you! Yours, forever in our Lord, Clare
As a new brother of Saint Francis takes lead of the Church may he enjoy the company of all brothers and sisters of Francis, each lovers of God who are the living Church, always seeking a clear step in their simplicity and true heart...