this letter, we get less of the usual spiritual advice from St Francis, but can learn a lot by observing his disposition and attitude as he writes to the archbishop. Does anything stand out to you that gives us insight into St. Francis?Were there any key virtues that shine through in this letter? How can we imitate those?We’re all familiar in some degree with St. Francis’ legacy the Introduction to the Devout Life. How can this letter give us a new appreciation for the book, knowing this little back story
Feb 13, 1:50 PM
VisitationSiste: As much as we know St. Francis for being a scholar, what must it have been like to be assigned to an area where there was little access to books? How does his attitude show us that he “practices what he preaches”?
He says he is writing a book for “the conversion of heretics,” a phrase that he mentions twice. How would we state this today? Why have we changed our terminology?
Who is Philothea?
Feb 13, 1:50 PM
VisitationSiste: Sun chat Feb 14 730pm est
Feb 14, 7:24 PM
VisitationSiste: welcome viewer!
Feb 14, 7:24 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Happy Valentines Day Sr Susan Marie!
Feb 14, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: Thank you Carol Anne! Happy Valentines to you too!
Feb 14, 7:26 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Is it snowing where you are?
Feb 14, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: no it was supposed to but it changed
Feb 14, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: we have alot of old snow still here from a week or 2 ago
Feb 14, 7:27 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: That’s lucky
Feb 14, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: how is it by you?
Feb 14, 7:28 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It is partly cloudy and very windy
Feb 14, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: typical for this time of year?
Feb 14, 7:30 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Not so much. There are dueling weather systems and the wind is created where they collide. Means no rain because the wind pushed it north
Feb 14, 7:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Lent is upon us. Ash Wed will be different this year
Feb 14, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: We understand ashes will be put on the top of our heads
Feb 14, 7:33 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Very. This year we are celebrating outside still as the parish hasn’t had time to work out the logistics of 25% capacity. That means Mass is outdoors during the day, when people are working
Feb 14, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: with veils I still wonder how
Feb 14, 7:34 PM
VisitationSiste: Welcome viewers!
Feb 14, 7:34 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It is very quiet here today
Feb 14, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: Maybe we should begin? People may be enjoying Valentines day
Feb 14, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: Last week started slow because of superbowl but it picked up
Feb 14, 7:36 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Or without power. Yes, I played hookie last week!
Feb 14, 7:36 PM
VisitationSiste: oh no power? d
Feb 14, 7:36 PM
VisitationSiste: It took me two days to put the post up- my computer was acting up
Feb 14, 7:36 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: We had power, but I ended up having dinner with a friend
Feb 14, 7:38 PM
VisitationSiste: That was probably so good in these more confined days!
Feb 14, 7:39 PM
VisitationSiste: Well as to the letter for tonight, these are the first q’s: Does anything stand out to you that gives us insight into St. Francis?Were there any key virtues that shine through in this letter?
Feb 14, 7:39 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It was. Its been far too long since we’ve been able to go out
Feb 14, 7:39 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I’m not sure what happened, but I haven’t been getting the emails during the week
Feb 14, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: This letter was rather long and it is more of a study to answer these questions this week.
Feb 14, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: OH no I have to tell the webmaster.
Feb 14, 7:40 PM
Kristine Correira: I did not receive an email.
Feb 14, 7:40 PM
Kristine Correira: I only recently registered.
Feb 14, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: Oh I am so sorry you should have also. Welcome!
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Hi Kristine!
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
VisitationSiste: I will look into this.
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
Kristine Correira: Thank you! Hello!
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
VisitationSiste: Maybe I can summarize the letter or pick out more general questions?
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
Kristine Correira: Yes, thank you!
Feb 14, 7:41 PM
Kristine Correira: How long it it?
Feb 14, 7:42 PM
VisitationSiste: St Francis is writng to another Bishop about how the book Introduction to the Devout Life came about- thru his spiritual advice to a woman.
Feb 14, 7:42 PM
VisitationSiste: I think I’ll put the link to it here so you can peruse or glance over it.
Feb 14, 7:43 PM
Kristine Correira: SOunds wonderful!
Feb 14, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=1029793&f=1988&s=2046&m=611291&t=44f0d18c19339967b1be43b205c1596fa07d3b2574e5f4560987969cb886fdda
Feb 14, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: are you able to access that?
Feb 14, 7:43 PM
Kristine Correira: I opened it!
Feb 14, 7:44 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Yes, I have it
Feb 14, 7:46 PM
VisitationSiste: When St Francis writes it is from the heart and he seems pretty open here about the process, his intentions and his situation
Feb 14, 7:47 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: He does. He also sounds a little surprised the Bishop heard about his writing
Feb 14, 7:47 PM
Kristine Correira: St. Francis is very much a person unafraid to be open and express emotions
Feb 14, 7:47 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes he does seem that way
Feb 14, 7:48 PM
VisitationSiste: I sense humility, re his “little book” that turned out to be a best seller for 400 years!
Feb 14, 7:48 PM
Kristine Correira: I have another book from Sophia Press that is a collection of his letters to people asking his advice
Feb 14, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: or perhaps he was referrin to the Treatise on the Love of God, which was not a best seller in the way Introduction to the DEvout Life is
Feb 14, 7:49 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I am so grateful letter like his have survived
Feb 14, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes there are several collections of letters
Feb 14, 7:49 PM
Kristine Correira: Yes, well, in his letters he is very expressive
Feb 14, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: I agree
Feb 14, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: He had lots of plans but not all came to fruition
Feb 14, 7:51 PM
Kristine Correira: Given the length of his letters and their abundance, and the energy he seems to have in them, he likely had many plans!
Feb 14, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: I think it is hard to imitate another’s virtues but we can be attentive to the Holy Spirit in ourselves
Feb 14, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: Several of the books he wanted towrite he never had time for and he died at 55
Feb 14, 7:51 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: And learn from others how they found the path
Feb 14, 7:52 PM
Kristine Correira: A young man…
Feb 14, 7:52 PM
VisitationSiste: that’s an interesting point
Feb 14, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: His own path to being an author began because someone else suggested his letters be made into a book It is good to listen to others inspirations!
Feb 14, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: Welcome Karen
Feb 14, 7:53 PM
Karen (Guest): thank you, I’m glad to have finally made it back!
Feb 14, 7:53 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Hi Karen
Feb 14, 7:54 PM
Kristine Correira: Hi Karen!
Feb 14, 7:55 PM
VisitationSiste: a few years ago we did the chat on the whole book of the Introduction to the Devout life. Those chat topics are in the archives on this site someplace!
Feb 14, 7:55 PM
VisitationSiste: Did you all ever read this book?
Feb 14, 7:55 PM
Kristine Correira: I began it but have not read it through. On my bucket list!
Feb 14, 7:56 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Yes, I got to read it here
Feb 14, 7:56 PM
VisitationSiste: That’s right!
Feb 14, 7:56 PM
Karen (Guest): Yes, I did. Then I found a book that compiled many of his sayings about the Virgin Mary!
Feb 14, 7:56 PM
VisitationSiste: what one is that?
Feb 14, 7:57 PM
VisitationSiste: I have to look for it; I am not sure I have it
Feb 14, 7:57 PM
VisitationSiste: I am still working on these books myself
Feb 14, 7:57 PM
Karen (Guest): The Mariology of St. Francis De Sales
Feb 14, 7:58 PM
VisitationSiste: Ok Yes I have heard of it I think we do have it here in the library
Feb 14, 7:58 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It sounds wonderful!
Feb 14, 7:58 PM
VisitationSiste: Early on it talks about the way St Francis taught those in his household to say the Rosary, I think
Feb 14, 7:58 PM
Kristine Correira: He is so verbose and bubbling over in everything he writes in this and other letters. He was isolated, according to this letter, and I wonder if he was a naturally gregarious person–chatty!
Feb 14, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: I don;t know but you are correct and his sentences sometimes seem like they will never come to an end
Feb 14, 7:59 PM
Kristine Correira: Very Pauline…
Feb 14, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: He had so much to say
Feb 14, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: so the next Q is: Introduction to the Devout Life. How can this letter give us a new appreciation for the book, knowing this little back story
Feb 14, 7:59 PM
Karen (Guest): I like with the first three Hail Mary’s how he also says: Mary the child of God the Father, Mother of God the son…
Feb 14, 8:00 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes I forgot what he said but it was different
Feb 14, 8:00 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: We know that he did not set out to write a “great work”. It is great because it is written for the reader, not as an academic study
Feb 14, 8:02 PM
Kristine Correira: He also says he does not have time for lengthier works
Feb 14, 8:03 PM
VisitationSiste: He refers to his letters as a collection of notes- can’t imagine getting book quality notes from someone in spiritual direction tho that would be great!
Feb 14, 8:04 PM
VisitationSiste: As much as we know St. Francis for being a scholar, what must it have been like to be assigned to an area where there was little access to books?
Feb 14, 8:04 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Oh it must have been so hard!
Feb 14, 8:04 PM
Kristine Correira: This other book, the collection of advice letters, one can see how St. Francis could write such quality notes!
Feb 14, 8:05 PM
Karen (Guest): frustrating, especially pre-internet!
Feb 14, 8:06 PM
Karen (Guest): didn’t some of the people he talk to write some of the notes for him?
Feb 14, 8:06 PM
VisitationSiste: probably pre- library too! at least in that vicinity
Feb 14, 8:06 PM
Kristine Correira: I wonder if his natural verbosity and excitement paired with his great knowledge and reverence allowed him to pen such lengthy and helpful spiritual direction letters
Feb 14, 8:06 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes the Spiritual Conferences to the nuns were collected that way
Feb 14, 8:07 PM
Karen (Guest): thx
Feb 14, 8:07 PM
Kristine Correira: It seems, though, the content didn’t really require other books??? Not having read the whole work…
Feb 14, 8:07 PM
VisitationSiste: Probably Kristine But to tell you something I am in a way, shocked, he had all that he wrote basically stored up in his mind? Do you know how many examples he uses, no library?? Wow!
Feb 14, 8:08 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: How did St Francis continue to grow somin knowledge without access to books?
Feb 14, 8:08 PM
VisitationSiste: That’s what I want to know. Maybe from his schooling Maybe a photogenic mind?
Feb 14, 8:08 PM
VisitationSiste: Here is a new avenue to explore.
Feb 14, 8:08 PM
Kristine Correira: That’s why he’s a saint and doctor of the Church. lol!
Feb 14, 8:08 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes!!
Feb 14, 8:09 PM
Kristine Correira: I will pay particular attention to his examples when I pick the work up again!
Feb 14, 8:09 PM
Karen (Guest): me too!
Feb 14, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: and esp in the Treatise of the Love of God. Maybe he had books by then?
Feb 14, 8:10 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It will take many re-readings to grasp,it all
Feb 14, 8:10 PM
Kristine Correira: I am curious if he discusses things without specific reference? For example, writing about something from scripture but not quoting nor stating where in scripture it was located?
Feb 14, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: he does do that
Feb 14, 8:11 PM
VisitationSiste: good observation!
Feb 14, 8:11 PM
Karen (Guest): I heard that he would take money from some of the children, and then when they showed up at mass he would give it back… so, he had a sense of humor too.
Feb 14, 8:11 PM
VisitationSiste: I never heard that- another little story to remember
Feb 14, 8:12 PM
VisitationSiste: How does his attitude show us that he “practices what he preaches”?
Feb 14, 8:12 PM
Kristine Correira: Based on the tone of his letters, I imagine he did have a good sense of humor, and was likely a great conversationalist. Maybe even one you would have to slow down at times
Feb 14, 8:13 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It would make it easier to take his adice–he us not too serious
Feb 14, 8:15 PM
Kristine Correira: Here he says, “That is why, leaving great plans to great workmen, I have conceived the idea of certain small works less hard to write and nevertheless quite suited to the conditions of my life, a life which is dedicated and even consecrated to the service of my neighbour for the glory of God.” Humility, prudence, self-knowledge and yet doing good works.
Feb 14, 8:15 PM
Karen (Guest): he would have to practice it to come up with so many great ideas…
Feb 14, 8:15 PM
Karen (Guest): like the one about angels… something like if you can’t deal with your neighbor, pray to your neighbors angel.
Feb 14, 8:16 PM
Kristine Correira: Karen — lol! That’s great!
Feb 14, 8:17 PM
VisitationSiste: It’s funny- somebody in our community was just talking about that the other day!
Feb 14, 8:18 PM
Kristine Correira: The Holy Spirit at work…
Feb 14, 8:18 PM
VisitationSiste: We had not been conscious of this advice for a long time and were just reminded- and here you state it again
Feb 14, 8:18 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes the Holy Spirit
Feb 14, 8:18 PM
Karen (Guest): I like talking to people’s angels. it helps keep me calm.
Feb 14, 8:19 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It can be very effective to ask the angels to do the talking
Feb 14, 8:19 PM
Kristine Correira: It seems like a great strategy. I will try that myself!
Feb 14, 8:20 PM
Karen (Guest): I imagine with blended families, that there is a whole conference of angels who get together and sort things out!
Feb 14, 8:20 PM
VisitationSiste: If only they knew!
Feb 14, 8:20 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It can be helpful when human communication breaks down
Feb 14, 8:21 PM
Karen (Guest): yes indeed
Feb 14, 8:21 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I wonder how much of our inspirations come from our guardians
Feb 14, 8:21 PM
Kristine Correira: My poor angel has its work cut out for it. Praise God he gave me one with much strength and patience!
Feb 14, 8:22 PM
VisitationSiste: I do remember one time I did this- I was desparate to get in touch with Fr Groeshel about a serious problem in the Monastery- I sent my angel to his, mentally and on Holy Thurs not too long afterward Fr called me! About another issue he had in hsi mind- but we were able to deal with both
Feb 14, 8:22 PM
VisitationSiste: Probably more than we know Carol Anne
Feb 14, 8:22 PM
Kristine Correira: Sister, that is a wonderful story!
Feb 14, 8:22 PM
Karen (Guest): thats wonderful!
Feb 14, 8:22 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Kristine, that sounds like me too!
Feb 14, 8:23 PM
Kristine Correira: Like the leper in today’s Gospel, I should be more thankful for that tireless spiritual guardian God has gifted me.
Feb 14, 8:23 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: So many stories I could tell. I bet we all could
Feb 14, 8:23 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes I believe we could!
Feb 14, 8:23 PM
VisitationSiste: Maybe we will
Feb 14, 8:24 PM
Kristine Correira: I don’t think I have thought quite so much about my guardian angel. So this is a good conversation for contemplation.
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
Karen (Guest): I think you have to be somewhat peaceful to get inspiration from the Godly spiritual realm. When we’re not peaceful, then the devil has an easier time infiltrating our mind.
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes and a new practice for Lent maybe- getting familiar with our angels
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I really on mine a lot
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
Kristine Correira: Sister, yes!
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
VisitationSiste: You are blessed Carol Anne!!
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Have you heard the chaplet of St Michael?
Feb 14, 8:25 PM
VisitationSiste: yes
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I am, it’s the truth!
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
Karen (Guest): just the prayer, not the chaplet.
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
VisitationSiste: Have not prayed it in a while tho, a long while
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
Kristine Correira: I will have to search it out.
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
Karen (Guest): I like Mary the Undoer of Knots
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
VisitationSiste: we say the St Michael prayer ever day after Mass but not the chaplet
Feb 14, 8:26 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I’ve picked it up again recently as part of my nightly routine.
Feb 14, 8:27 PM
VisitationSiste: Good idea esp in these times
Feb 14, 8:27 PM
Kristine Correira: Our bishop has asked the priests to say the prayer after all Masses as well
Feb 14, 8:27 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: It is an Our Father and three hail Marys in honor of the nine choirs and a plea for intercession
Feb 14, 8:27 PM
Karen (Guest): Kristine: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/chaplet-of-st-michael-the-archangel-386
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Thank you!
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Yes! That’s the one
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
Kristine Correira: Oh it’s is of Carmelite origin!!!
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
VisitationSiste: That is powerful Kristine that the Bishop made the request
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
Kristine Correira: Yes–in the diocese next to yours, Worcester. Bishop McManus.
Feb 14, 8:28 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Didn’t we used to always say it at the end of Mass? I wonder why we stopped
Feb 14, 8:29 PM
Kristine Correira: He was your diocesan administrator for a brief time recently.
Feb 14, 8:29 PM
VisitationSiste: in Brooklyn?
Feb 14, 8:29 PM
Kristine Correira: Oh, I came to this site through Tyringham, MA
Feb 14, 8:29 PM
VisitationSiste: I think they stopped after Vatican 11
Feb 14, 8:29 PM
Kristine Correira: I thought you were from there.
Feb 14, 8:30 PM
VisitationSiste: I know the Sisters in Tyringham- have been there but no I am in Brooklyn NY
Feb 14, 8:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Last q if you want to continue or do some other time- I have to leave now: He says he is writing a book for “the conversion of heretics,” a phrase that he mentions twice. How would we state this today? Why have we changed our terminology?
Who is Philothea?
Feb 14, 8:31 PM
Kristine Correira: The spiritual leader of my secular Carmelites is Fr. Sean O’Mannion, so I get the Guard of Honor emails.
Feb 14, 8:31 PM
VisitationSiste: I know him too as he has visited our Monastery re the Guard of Honor!
Feb 14, 8:31 PM
Kristine Correira: He has told us that wonderful story!
Feb 14, 8:31 PM
VisitationSiste: That was about 7 years ago tho
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
VisitationSiste: May each of you have a blessed Ash Wed and beginning of Lent!
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Kristine Correira: Thank you, Sister, Great meeting you, Carol and Karne!
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
VisitationSiste: Let’s pray foreach other. God bless!
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Kristine Correira: Karen…
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Karen (Guest): you too sister, thank you!
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Blessed Ash Wednesday to all! So great to be here
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Kristine Correira: Yes, and the same for your community!
Feb 14, 8:32 PM
Karen (Guest): We had to change terminology so we could undertand it better.
Feb 14, 8:33 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: And so that people would be less defensive
Feb 14, 8:33 PM
Karen (Guest): Isn’t Philothea just a term for whoever is reading it?
Feb 14, 8:33 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Oh, I don’t know. Could be?
Feb 14, 8:34 PM
Karen (Guest): I’m not sure what term to replace heretic with.
Feb 14, 8:34 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Non believer?
Feb 14, 8:35 PM
Karen (Guest): but a non-believer probably wouldn’t even pick up the book.
Feb 14, 8:35 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: True
Feb 14, 8:35 PM
Karen (Guest): It seems like it was written for people who believe, but want to be better.
Feb 14, 8:35 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: I think you are right
Feb 14, 8:36 PM
Karen (Guest): to deepen our spirituality
Feb 14, 8:36 PM
Karen (Guest): I doubt even my Christian friends would read it.
Feb 14, 8:37 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Sometimes it’s because they have no experience with that type of reading and dont know how to take it
Feb 14, 8:37 PM
Karen (Guest): true. you have to just feed them one sentence.
Feb 14, 8:38 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: No one is really taught this anymore unless you’re lucky enough to be in a parish with a good education program
Feb 14, 8:38 PM
Karen (Guest): That’s one thing I love about the Catholic church is that our theology is so deep, and the drs. of the church all agree on same underlying ideas.
Feb 14, 8:39 PM
Karen (Guest): The daughter of St. Francis de Sales have a formation program…
Feb 14, 8:40 PM
Karen (Guest): but you can read through things and still not get a whole lot out of it… depends on who your companion is I guess.
Feb 14, 8:40 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: There are many such, thank goodness! They can be hard to find
Feb 14, 8:40 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Or if you have a companion
Feb 14, 8:41 PM
Karen (Guest): the formation program is set up with a companion, to go through the material with you.
Feb 14, 8:41 PM
Karen (Guest): I think we’re using that word in a different way. lol
Feb 14, 8:42 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Yes, I’m thinking of general parish life
Feb 14, 8:42 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Nit much companioning there alas
Feb 14, 8:42 PM
Karen (Guest): Well, have a blessed evening. I’m starving and the oven just beeped… you take care, and have a blessed lent.
Feb 14, 8:43 PM
Carol Ann Chybowski: Happy Lent!