Put Christ back into Christmas with St Francis of Assisi
Published on: 13 November, 2022
By: David Torkington
A friend took me to a Christmas dinner at a local pub noted for its good food. It was also noted for something else too that nearly forced me into a fight. I am referring to its seasonal cider punch, served hot with a sprinkling of spices. It was so moreish that you couldn’t help…
From Bethlehem to Greccio with St Francis of Assisi
Published on: 26 December, 2018
By: David Torkington
Throughout his life St Francis was consumed by a desire to give his life for Christ.
St Francis of Assisi – Part 14 – Welcome Sister Death
Published on: 17 September, 2018
By: David Torkington
Two years before his death St Francis received the stigmata which we celebrate on the 17th September.
Blessed John Duns Scotus – A Theology of Love
Published on: 10 January, 2018
By: David Torkington
My school report was so bad that my eldest brother was commissioned with the task of teaching me to read.
The Crib of Greccio – Bringing Christ back into Christmas
Published on: 19 December, 2017
By: David Torkington
That St Francis put Christ back into Christmas is one thing, but it is quite another thing to suggest that he put Christ back into Christianity.
St Francis of Assisi – Part 13 – The Canticle to Brother Sun
Published on: 19 November, 2017
By: David Torkington
After St Francis h received the Stigmata he travelled all the way back to Assisi on a donkey for he could not walk. Nor could he see or hear much, because he was filled with such sublime joy …
St Francis of Assisi – Part 12 – Francis Receives the Stigmata
Published on: 3 November, 2017
By: David Torkington
Francis set out for La Verna, the mountain which had been given to him by Count Orlando dei Cattani as a place of retreat ten years before. It was here that he began to pray as never before…
St Francis of Assisi – Part 11 – A New Rule
Published on: 15 October, 2017
By: David Torkington
“Then Francis lifted up his voice and cried out, ‘Lord answer for me’ and then everyone heard the voice of Christ. ‘Francis there is nothing in this rule of yours that is not mine …..
St Francis of Assisi – Part 10 – The Desire for Martyrdom
Published on: 5 October, 2017
By: David Torkington
For the first three centuries after the death of Christ, martyrdom came to be seen as the perfection of the Christian life.
St Francis of Assisi – Part 9 – The Whole World is a Friary
Published on: 21 February, 2017
By: David Torkington
When St Francis of Assisi had rebuilt a tumbledown little church given to him by the Benedictines he called it St Mary of the Angels. It was here, over 800 years ago that he heard God speaking to him through the Gospels whilst attending Mass.
St Francis of Assisi – Part 8 – The Gospel Way of Life
Published on: 4 February, 2017
By: David Torkington
Francis chose a very specific way of life in which to embrace ‘Lady Poverty’ and it was quite unique. It was quite simply the way of life as lived by Jesus and his followers before the Resurrection.
St Francis of Assisi – Part 7 – Lady Poverty
Published on: 19 January, 2017
By: David Torkington
Ever since Charlemagne was enthroned as Holy Roman Emperor in AD 800 Europe gradually became a safer place in which to live.