Enflamed with God’s Love – Preserving, Nurturing, Reimagining the Franciscan Charism is the third book in the Leadership in Mission charism book series, which forms part of the Mercy Partners’ efforts to support the development and sustainability of formation and mission in ministries established by religious orders. This initiative reflects Mercy Partners’ dedication to nurturing the charism for future generations.
The foreword to the book is written by Catherine White mfic, Community Coordinator, Missionary Franciscan Sisters Australia. Catherine says, “Enflamed with God’s Love is a wonderful resource for schools and individuals wishing to engage with the Franciscan charism. I encourage all Franciscan schools and ministries to secure a copy and to enter its pages. I am deeply grateful to Caroline and Libby (Mercy Partners Formation) for the time, energy, research and creativity they have given to this book.”
Enflamed with God’s Love not only compiles various works on St Francis and St Clare, but also presents innovative and practical methods to enhance the charism of your ministry through creative ideas for formation and reflection. Each chapter provides valuable content to support leaders in implementing charism initiatives within their ministries. This source book is designed for those entrusted with carrying forward the Franciscan charism, emphasising the importance of preserving, nurturing, and reimagining the spiritual legacy of St Francis, St Clare of Assisi, and the Franciscan orders worldwide.
To embody the essence of Enflamed with God’s Love, individuals are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, strategic planning, and remain open to the guidance of the Spirit to courageously explore new paths. This resource equips individuals with the necessary tools to achieve this, including reflections on charism, art for contemplation, excerpts from the letters of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi with accompanying insights, prayers, blessings, and rituals honouring their lives, Franciscan leadership principles, elements of Franciscan spirituality, and so much more. In summary, this book offers a wealth of information and guidance for you to build on and grow in the Franciscan charism.
The other two books in the series are:
- Keep the Lantern Burning – Preserving, Nurturing, Reimagining the Presentation Charism
- Be as Shining Lamps – Preserving, Nurturing, Reimagining the Mercy Charism
Dr Caroline Thompson and Libby Blom recently attended the Franciscan Schools Australia 2024 Conference “In Our Own Backyard.” “Enflamed with God’s Love – Preserving, Nurturing, Reimagining the Franciscan Charism,” was launched during the conference by the Mercy Partners Board Chair, Dr Ricki Jeffery and Sr Catherine White mfic. Mercy Partners Board Directors Cath Bartolo, Steven Rubic, Patricia Bergen, Steward Representative Chair Marg Endicott rsm, and Formation Committee members – Vicki Ward, Lisa Eastment, along with ministry leaders from Mount Alvernia College – Samantha Jensen (Principal) and Richard Rogusz (Deputy Principal Identity and Religious Life of the College) all joined the celebration to show their support for this wonderful new resource.
