Product Description
LENT WITH SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND HIS TESTAMENT: Jesus, Francis, and You for Spiritual Growth during Lent by Madeline Pecora Nugent, CfP, In time to celebrate the 800th anniversary Jubilee year of Saint Francis death, proclaimed by Pope Leo on January 10, 2026.
Madeline Pecora Nugent, author of a Franciscan trilogy Francesco, Chiara, and Antonio (Pauline Books and Media, available as individual books or in a set from the CFP Holy Angels Gift Shop), takes the reader through Lent by exploring the depths of Saint Francis’ Testament. Dictated by Saint Francis shortly before his death in 1226, the Testament is what Francis considered to be a summary of his life’s high points and his most important teachings. Through it, he hoped to preserve the original intent of his Order after his death.
Nugent couples the Testament with passages from the Gospels and the teachings of Christ, bringing out similarities that challenge the reader to deeper spiritual growth. Bulk discounts available. Available for pre-order. The booklet is being printed and will be shipped in time for Lent.
First Three Reflections:
Ash Wednesday
The Lord gave to me, Brother Francis, thus to begin to do penance (TSF)
“In the beginning was the Word . . .” (John 1:1)
Everything but God has a beginning. The Apostle John asserted that the Word was in the beginning, and that God the Father made all things through that Word Jesus Christ. John wrote his Gospel to summarize Christ’s life. “There are many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book.” (John 20:30).
Saint Francis wrote his Testament when he realized that his death was imminent. In it, he summarized the high points of his life.
If you knew that your death would occur soon, what would you want your loved ones to remember? If you can’t think of much, or if you wish you had better memories to record, why not begin to create those memories? Who do you need to contact? To forgive? What charities should you donate to now? Have you made a will? How are you leaving this world a little better?
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
for when I was in sin it seemed to me very bitter to see lepers (TSF)
“. . . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve . . . (Matthew 20:28)
Following Christ’s injunction to give alms, Francis used to throw money to lepers, while holding his nose against their putrid smell. Then, one day, he gave alms and embraced and kissed a leper. Imagine walking up to a homeless person, pressing a wad of bills into the outstretched hand, embracing the odiferous clothed body, and kissing the grimy cheek.
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote, “Today it is fashionable to talk about the poor. Unfortunately, it is not fashionable to talk with them.” The Son of Man came “to serve.” What is “service”? Giving money to the poor? Or actually serving them? Who are the “lepers”? The disheveled and shabby poor? Those with different life styles, values, political parties, and religions? The abandoned elderly in nursing homes? A rebellious child? An in-law who is more like an outlaw? How can you minister to your leper?
Friday after Ash Wednesday
and the Lord Himself led me amongst them and I showed mercy to them. (TSF)
As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (Luke 17: 12-13)
After Francis’ first close up encounter with a leper, he began to visit leper colonies, bringing money and provisions. He washed the lepers’ sores, and ate with them. Since he was a tailor, he likely patched their garments and made them new ones. No doubt he also listened to them. Henri Nouwen called listening a form of “spiritual hospitality”.
Listening is more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond. Listening is paying full attention and welcoming the other into our very being. Those who are listened to begin to feel accepted and understood. Tensions lessen, confidence increases, problems become less formidable, and solutions begin to appear. Listening is a priceless gift. Can you be present to someone by listening? Who might that be?
Quantity Discounts. Will calculate upon checkout. All copies must be mailed to the same address, please.
1 copy $3.95 each
2 - 5 copies $3.75 each
6 - 10 copies $3.50 each
11-15 copies $3.25 each
16-25 copies $3.00 each
26-40 copies $2.75 each
41-1000 copies $2.50 each
