A free new formation resource on the Gospel life of Francis based on the Early Rule is available for download from St. Bonaventure University.
It includes links to a 30-part series of short YouTube videos on the life of St. Francis completed by Franciscan scholars Fr. Wayne Hellmann, O.F.M. Conv., and Dr. Jay Hammond of St. Louis University.
Digital publication of the set of notes and videos was announced by Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap., at the 20th Secular Franciscan Congress OFS-USA held Aug. 3-7. 2022, in Phoenix, AZ.
Fr. Couturier is executive director of the Franciscan Institute and an associate professor of theology at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, which published the resource.
“In this handbook, we invite Franciscans to think about and work through the way that Francis of Assisi presents the core elements of Gospel perfection. We demonstrate how solidarity with the poor is itself an intimate sharing in the work of God as God repairs the world in the Christ,” Fr. Couturier writes in the introduction.
The course is designed so that it can be taken individually or in community. It includes primary and supplementary readings and videos. Lessons are designed for the learner to read, understand, and reflect on the Rule. Detailed instructions are provided for navigating the course.
Before downloading the handbook, you will be asked to complete a one-minute survey. Access The Gospel Life of St. Francis of Assisi handbook.
Greetings and Blessings, I am the brother Ofs Alfonso Sotomayor González, I am interested in having this Formation of San Francisco in light of the rule…. Thank you Peace and Good from Colombia 🇨🇴
Dear Alfonso,
Please see link within paragraph below which you will need to copy & put into search box: (https: through handbook)
Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap., has just released a handbook with 24 videos that is available to all Secular Franciscans through St. Bonaventure University. Go to “https://www.sbu.edu/academics/academic-resources/franciscan-institute/gospel-life-of-st.-francis-handbook” to download. The book is called The Gospel Life of St. Francis: An Introduction to His Writings Through the Earlier Rule. You must complete a one-minute survey before accessing the materials.
Glad to be of service.
Terri for the
Sisters & Brothers of the OFS-USA NEC
Can we get email addresses for the presenters for follow up after the fact ?
Dear Mark,
I’m not sure how to answer you. Are you asking about email addresses for presenters on “Gospel Life of St. Francis Handbook or presenters at the Q?
Peace,
Terri for the
Sisters & Brothers of OFS-USA NEC
For the digital booklet ?
Yes.
Is there a way to purchase a CD or pin drive of the videos in this book? Our gathering place does not have wifi to view the videos. Peace, Dona
Dear Dona,
Thank you for your recent “comment”.
Two suggestions: Contact The Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY as they produced this program; have one of your members access the YouTube videos on their home computer & save to CD or thumb drive if you haven’t tried this already. I hope this helps.
Peace & Joy,
Terri Leone, OFS for
Sisters & Brothers of OFS-USA NEC
This will be very helpful to me