Franciscan Friars feature the “Spiritual Toolbox” for men discerning religious life.

Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province’s “Spiritual Toolbox” for men discerning religious life. The Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province introduce the “Spiritual Toolbox”, an online vocation resource designed for men, on their website http://www.franciscan-friars.org/

Designed to compliment the questions usually considered in the beginning stages of vocation discernment, the “Spiritual Toolbox” is an online experience modeled on St. Francis’ life-changing experience at San Damiano.

According to Fr. Joachim Studwell, OFM, Vocation Director of the Assumption BVM Province, “As a young man, St. Francis of Assisi, our founder, prayed deeply asking the Lord what he was to do with his life. Francis often prayed in San Damiano, a ramshackle chapel outside the city walls of his home town. He heard the Lord Jesus speaking from the Crucifix saying, “Francis, go rebuild my Church which you see is falling into ruins.” Francis responded promptly and began his vocation by literally rebuilding the chapel of San Damiano.”

Like St. Francis, men visiting the Spiritual Toolbox have similar spiritual means at their disposal. By reviewing challenging scenarios and offering their conclusions, they can consider how to participate in “rebuilding” and “repairing” the world today, whether they choose consecrated life as a religious or another vocation path.

As Fr. Kim explains “There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to these questions. It’s an exercise to reflect ion real life challenges and as in many situations in life, there may be several ways to reply! A great way to prayerfully think how YOU would respond to possible situations in life and in ministry.”

“This experience at San Damiano changed his life and led him to follow Jesus in a radical way, leading him to other encounters with the Lord and in service to his people.”

The Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province serve throughout the United States in Catholic education, parishes, health care, military chaplaincies and mission ministry.

Contact:

Fr. Joachim (Kim) Studwell, OFM
Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM
Sts. Francis and Clare Friary
9230 W. Highland Park Avenue
Franklin, WI 53132
877-636-3742
vocation@franciscan-friars.org

www.franciscan-friars.org