£6.99
This pocket-sized vademecum presents a fresh perspective on discernment by viewing the gifts of the Holy Spirit as commented on by St Bonaventure as the core of a Franciscan discernment process. Each gift is investigated as a stage to linger over in the process leading to wisdom, the outcome of any attempt at discernment. Enhanced by the profound artwork of Michael Reyes OFM.
Paperback 67 pages. Published June 2023.
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This comprehensive Franciscan guide for individuals exploring religious vocation, serves as a practical roadmap for discerners, no matter where they are in their vocation journey. The author identifies piety and counsel as signposts on this roadmap essential to helping discerners grow in relationship with God and better understand commitment to a religious vocation. Fr Anthony’s wisdom and decades of lived experiences jump off the pages, particularly in his profound reasoning that since we receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us through life, why not use them as the foundation of Franciscan discernment? He explores the relationship between spiritual directors and discerners, a relationship that he fittingly says should be one of Franciscan love and non-judgmental concern. The book offers valuable insight into the Franciscan perspective of spiritual guidance and discernment.
The journey on which a Franciscan spiritual guide embarks with another is a courageous one, requiring deep rootedness in the Word of God revealed through scripture and in the fabric of the person’s life, both for the guide and the one who is guided. Anthony Carrozzo OFM, with Bonaventure’s spirituality and theology serving as his foundation, brings life and light to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their significant place in Franciscan Discernment. In a sacred and loving manner, he sets one’s feet on a ‘Journey Toward Wisdom’ by following in the footprints of Jesus through the Gospel. Nothing matters more in the pursuit of discernment through Franciscan Spiritual Guidance.
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| Weight | 1 kg |
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Sr Janet Sullivan –
I have just finished Journeying Toward Wisdom, and truly enjoyed the messages. In an effort to express my gratitude for this book I offer a few notes that mainly concern the gems that resonated most deeply within me.
I did not easily identify with first chapter on Fear of the Lord. My view of this gift is closely related to respect and reverence as referenced in the second chapter on Piety: ‘The worship of God consists above all in reverence for God (p. 16).
I wanted to say ‘yes, yes’ when I read in the chapter on Knowledge that discernment is being ‘saturated by the Word of God until the Truth is revealed to us’. What a great piece of knowledge!
Mary, revealing the presence of God to us as the ark of the covenant is such an inviting image. I have never given it much thought; however, it is very appealing.
Regarding the chapter on Counsel: the whole chapter is pretty packed and it is difficult to pick out one part only.
Again I want to say ‘yes, yes’ when the Fr Anthony says in the chapter on Understanding that ‘there is a need for humility in order to receive this gift’. In recent years, the Washing of the Feet has taken on a new significance for me; it is related to forgiveness which, of course, would have its own connections to Understanding.
Periodically I find myself going back to Scripture readings on Wisdom. I believe that one who has Wisdom excels in all the virtues.
The second part of the book which highlights the wisdom of Francis and the attractiveness of Franciscan Spiritual Direction comforts me. Comforting also is the connection between the presence of Mary at the Descent of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual direction relationship. The last paragraph on page 52 ends with: ‘They did not receive the grace of Pentecost simply for themselves.’ Spiritual directors and directees both do well to keep that in mind.
The last chapter was splendid. My favorite line is, ‘No more burdens. No more scruples. Just Jesus who sets us free.’
The art work of Fr Michael Reyes deserves time and reflection. For me, the canvases are vibrant. Obedience portrays the mental agony of trying to come to grips with God’s Will; poverty expresses the plea of our nothingness and openness to receive God’s abundant blessings; chastity expresses the giving of who one is (with all intentions purified) without excuses or defenses, without protection or camouflage to God.