SECULAR FRANCISCAN RETREAT

                   OCTOBER 14^TH 2007

                       TRIBUTE TO FR. BART

We thank you Fr. Bart for God’s message that you bring.

You’ve helped us journey back to see where we have been.

As we pick up the pieces of our spiritual life,

some events are joyful and some are filled with strife.

Here we escape the world – that world of many cares,

as we settle down in quiet to meditate in prayer.

If Francis can…….so can we

come full circle in our spirituality.

For many of us you have been a special stepping stone,

as you’ve helped us break out of our comfort zone.

We look at where we’ve been and why we’re here today,

It was all in God’s plan and you’ve helped us find our way.

You told us about Francis and the poverty he lived,

which inspired us to follow him and enhanced our way to give.

It is our human nature to cling on to the past,

as change is very painful and we think that it can’t last.

But, you have taught us to open up our hearts,

 and to allow God to heal that which is tearing us apart.

He is standing by our side and cannot enter in

until we empty all the boxes and die to all our sins.

As we rid ourselves of possessions and the anger we portray,

Lady Poverty will take our hand and lead us on our way.

Sharing your faith journey as you grew into a man

was your gift to us, when you were touched by our Father’s hand.

You’ve opened up new avenues for our faith to grow.

Sometimes we’re impatient and blame God because we’re slow.

Most high glories God, artist of all living things,

we thank you for your servant, Bart and the wisdom that he brings.

Loving lepers for Francis was more than he could take,

he was blinded by the world and the poor choices that he made.

Then God set his heart on fire with his Spirit from above,

and he gently embraced the leper and expressed his deepest love.

You’ve helped us look inside our hearts to see God’s loving face,

so we could seek and find our lepers to embrace.

You’ve inspired us to be a witness of our Christian love,

not always to be right but to discern God’s Spirit from above.

To listen and accept what others have to say,

To live according to our Rule, not talking until we pray.

We’re bursting with your goodness, so much to comprehend,

We’re sad that this joy of sharing is now about to end.

As we go home with an attitude of gratitude we give our God our praise,

for His everlasting love as He nurtures us each day.

You will always have a special place within our hearts,

Know our prayers are with you,  we’ll never be apart.