Comfort of the Psalms
It does not matter what translation of the Bible we might read; we will find 150 Prayers called Psalms. Many are attributed to King David and all of them may be read, chanted, sung or prayed. We included some Psalms with the hope that they will bring you peace and strength, and an interest in reading more of them in your Bible. They are most certainly a wonderful spiritual gift to us.
Franciscan Prayers
The Franciscan Crown Rosary
The Franciscan Crown Rosary, properly known as 'The Franciscan Crown of Our Lady’s Joys' dates back to the year 1422. According to holy tradition, as related by the Franciscan historian Father Luke Wadding, a very pious young man who had been admitted to the Franciscan Order in that year was saddened and had decided to return to the world and quit the cloister. Before his entry into the Order, it was his custom to adorn a statue of the Blessed Virgin with a wreath of fresh and beautiful flowers. Now, he was unable to continue his act of piety and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
Our Lady appeared to him and prevented him from taking such a step as he had planned. “Do not be sad and cast down, my son,” she said, “because you are no longer permitted to place wreaths of flowers on my statue. I shall teach you to change this pious practice into one that will be far more pleasing to me and more meritorious to your soul. In place of the flowers that soon wither and cannot always be found, you can weave for me a crown from the flowers of your prayers that will always remain fresh and can always be had.” When Our Lady had disappeared, the overjoyed Novice at once began to recite the prayers in honor of her Seven Joys, as she had directed.
Prayers of St. Clare
St. Clare of Assisi was born on July 16, 1194 and died August 11, 1253. She was canonized in 1255 and her feast day is August 11. She was abbess and founder of the Poor Clares.
St. Clare became deeply influenced by St. Francis and he received her vows on March 18, 1212. She became the abbess of the Poor Clare in 1216. Two days before she died Pope Innocent IV approved her definitive rule, the first woman to have a Rule approved by the Church. Clare is credited with twice saving their city from destruction. Clare caused the convent chaplain to elevate the Host to the refectory window, and Moorish attackers fled. The second was when a larger force besieged Assisi, whereby Clare and her nuns fervently prayed for the Assisians, and a great storm scattered the attackers. She was credited with miracles not only during her life, but also after her death.
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