Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents Quotes

“REFLECTION ON THE SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX: Read the section on the San Damiano Crucifix. Use a good sized photograph of the cross or, better yet, a replica of the crucifix, for this reflection. Try to pray daily, gazing at this crucifix. Ask yourself: What “leaps out” at me from this crucifix when I gaze at it prayerfully? Why do I think this is so? What might God be telling me through this? What parts of the crucifix do I not really notice unless I look very closely? Why do I think I miss those parts? Might there be any symbolic spiritual lessons in those parts that I may not want to see? Do I think that praying with this crucifix might impact my spiritual life? How?”
― Confraternity of Penitents Confraternity of Penitents, Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents: Living the Original Third Order Rule of Saint Francis as a Lay Person in the Modern World

“If you want to grow in perfection, you cannot advance by yourselves – you need a guide. Hence, when you go to God, go through Mary and with Mary! - St. Maximilian Kolbe Prayer to Our Lady of Gentle Love Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, infuse in our hearts the love you have for Jesus, your Divine Son. Help us to understand that love and gentleness go together in our daily life. Intercede for us and bring peace and joy in our families, help our neighbors, the lonely, the sick, the homeless and the hungry. You are the Mother of all humankind, given to us by Almighty God and we turn to you for guidance. Help us to be holy, as you are holy and to love as you love. Our Lady of Gentle Love, pray for all your children. We ask you to implore for us to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, to bless us all and to help us to attain eternal salvation. Amen.”
― Confraternity of Penitents Confraternity of Penitents, Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents: Living the Original Third Order Rule of Saint Francis as a Lay Person in the Modern World