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Over 500 pages. Paperback, bound book. Eighth Edition. Imprimatur: Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Diocese Fort Wayne-South Bend. Contains Rule and Constitutions, Induction and Pledging Ceremonies, all formation lessons for postulancy, novice 1, novice 2, novice 3, samples of ongoing formation, symbolism of San Damiano Crucifix, various Marian prayers, CFP Directory of Governance, several articles on Penance, and much other information.
If you are looking for a way to foster conversion in your soul or if you want to learn more about the Rule of Life and the governance of the Confraternity of Penitents, the CFP Handbook will meet your needs. The Handbook is the only text, other than a Bible, a breviary, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, that a penitent needs to complete formation and pledge to live a life of penance in the Confraternity. The articles alone can be read multiple times to assist one on the spiritual journey. Here are some quotes from the Handbook:
A friend becomes an enemy when he would lead us to sin, and he deserves to lose his friend when he would destroy his soul. (St. Francis de Sales on Friendship, in the Ongoing Formation Section of the CFP Handbook)
Jesus said in the prayer He taught us, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others" (Matthew 6:12). He also said in John 14:23, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him." Is this not the best reason in the world to forgive? To keep His word results in our becoming a dwelling place of the Holy Trinity and preparing for union with Jesus. (Lucy St. Michael in the Articles on Penance Section of the CFP Handbook)
"A vow, that is a deliberate and free promise made to God about a possible and better good, must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion." (From the Canon Law section of the CFP Handbook)
"Love for creation and grateful recognition that all is a gift from God is the underlying characteristic of the authentic penitent. . . . The joyful experience of giving something to God out of pure love, imitating very poorly the completely gratuitous gift of love God makes to us, is inexplicable for those who have not begun to fall in love with Jesus crucified. . . . (it is) a spiritual experience . . . the fullness of love and freedom." (Segundo Galilea, Temptation and Discernment, Institute of Carmelite Studies in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the CFP Handbook).
Praise for the CFP Handbook:
"I ordered the Handbook last week and I wanted to say I appreciated getting it so fast! I am so impressed with it. I wasn't expecting anything this nice. Thanks again." -- V.G.
Thank you for sending me the Handbook so expeditiously. (Wow it's packed with so many good things!) I think it is so savvy for you to provide the entire formation program for people who requested it, what trust. It is something I can show my spiritual director - indeed I might even order a Handbook for him! --T.B.
Confraternity of Penitents Handbook. Contains all formation lessons, Rule, Constitutions, ceremonies, directory, prayers of the Confraternity of Penitents. Also examples of readings for pledged members. An all in one resource for those seeking conversion.