Praying with St. Francis of Assisi: The Canticle of Brother Sun 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

Presented by: DonnaMarie Flanagan-Kaminsky, Secular Franciscan

St. Francis is one of the most popular religious figures of the Middle Ages and the founder, along with St. Clare of Assisi, of the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, in all its family expressions.  He is perhaps best known for his love of animals and nature.  However, Francis' love for creation is much deeper. Rather it is an expression of his spiritual and mystical vision, of his life of faith in the Triune God.

This evening of reflection will examine the Canticle of Brother Sun, a piece of spiritual literature  that was written by St. Francis, near the end of his life, in three separate parts:  The first part of this prayer was written shortly after Francis received the Stigmata; the second part, consisting of two verses concerning pardon and peace, was composed a short time afterward in an attempt to unite he quarrelling civil and religious authorities of Assisi; and the final verses were written as Francis lay dying.

We will examine the depths of Francis' spirituality as expressed in the Canticle, and the practical implications that this prayer might have for all persons today.

The evening will include time for personal reflection as well as a video presentation of the Canticle.

Cost for the evening, including dinner is $30.00 per person. Registration begins at 5:30 pm and Dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m. CLICK HERE to print a registration form or call the retreat house for a brochure and/or to register at: 330-896-2315 or 800-827-1416.

About Our Presenter...

DonnaMarie Flanagan-Kaminsky is an energetic, creative, Secular Franciscan, Spiritual Director, Retreat Director, Lay Ecclesial Minister, Grief-Bereavement Counselor, Hospice & Palliative Care Educator, VHA Mentor, author and lecturer who presently is the Grief/Bereavement Counselor, Educator/Training Specialist for the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She works primarily with veterans who have a terminal diagnosis, and their families who choose to participate in the VA Home Hospice Program. She also does community and staff education and training around End-of-Life issues. Previously, DonnaMarie spent eight years ministering to federal inmates and their families. DonnaMarie has created several retreats and workshops on the many diverse aspects of Franciscan Spirituality.

Additionally, DonnaMarie offers guided/directed retreats for persons of all ages in Gospel Spirituality, Franciscan, Ignatian and Women’s Spirituality.  She has presented many family spirituality programs and retreats.  DonnaMarie and her husband David presented the first Family Retreat at Loyola of the Lakes Retreat House. Among DonnaMarie’s current interests are Desert Spirituality – the mothers and fathers of the desert; Russian Spirituality, a holistic approach to spirituality, women’s issues and Restorative Justice.

DonnaMarie owns and offers Epiphany Hermitage, A contemplative oasis in the marketplace, as a place of prayer and retreat for individuals seeking a deeper experience of solitude and prayer.  

She has lectured internationally on diverse topics.  DonnaMarie is married for 45 years, the mother of five, grandmother of six and godmother to several.  Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now a resident of Akron, Ohio, her biography is cited in Who’s Who of Akron Area Women.

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