It is concerned to show the way in which this life has a treasury of basic knowledge concerning human life and how we can live together. The Life has been present, in some form, in the Church from the beginning of Christianity and in the Anglican Communion for almost 200 years, but is frequently overlooked or considered irrelevant yet has helped mould both individual well-being in Christ and the shape and wisdom of the Christian world.
Whilst
it uses stories concerning various communities it is not primarily intended to
promote the Life, although it was written with a view to help those who may be
considering their call. Chapters include: Seeking God and the wisdom of
the Desert tradition; The Monastic Way and Contemplative Living; For
the Sake of the Kingdom, offering insights into the way the Life responded
to growing social needs; Habits and Hearts, looking at the way we
express what lies most deeply within us; Priests and Prophets,
reflecting on how the Life might inform both the ordained and those seeking to
live prophetically, and The Hidden Monk, exploring the way the ‘monk’
(nun) lies in the depths of us all.
From the Foreword by the Bishop of Manchester
‘Perhaps this book should be required reading for all presenting themselves to their Vocations Team or priest, who feel God’s call must, because this is the only model they have ever seen, mean becoming a ‘vicar’. In our pluriform age, consideration of Religious Life should be required of those who seek to help people find their path among today’s array of options. Above all this is a book for any prepared to acknowledge that what they are seeking is not merely to better themselves, who acknowledge that the small voice from within will be quietened neither by enthusiastic activity nor internal contemplation, but by recognising that this call comes from beyond. The one we are seeking is God, and we seek because God has already sought us.’
COMMENDATIONS
At a time when so many are looking for ways to live
a meaningful and authentic Christian life, this is a timely book. Those who are
simply interested in finding ways to incorporate ancient monastic wisdom into
their daily lives will find John-Francis’ reflections thought provoking. Those
who might consider a monastic vocation for themselves, will find the same
questions an aid to their discernment.
Br. James Koester SSJE, Superior, Society of Saint John the Evangelist
John-Francis was my Novice Guardian when I first
joined the Society of St. Francis. I learned a lot from him then, and I have
learned more since reading this book. He speaks of the Religious Life with
great affection and thanksgiving. It has encouraged me to go back to the roots
of my vocation, to 're-plant' myself in the love of Christ. May this book
inspire many others and raise up vocations to the religious life and all
pathways to God.
Br. Nicholas Alan SSF, Guardian, Glasshampton Monastery and
co-author of ‘Seeing Differently: Franciscans and Creation’
This is beautiful and accessible book introduces the
treasures of the Religious Life through the lens of John-Francis’ varied
experience and Anglican practise. Much more than a personal spiritual
reflection, the breadth of his encounters and research mean the book is an
excellent resource for those unfamiliar with the religious life and in
particular how this has been expressed in the Anglican tradition. For those of
us who have been exposed a little in religious life circles in the UK there is
much delight in the collected quotes of so many familiar sisters and brothers.
For those seekers coming afresh, encountering an unfamiliar world, John-Francis
is an excellent guide.
The Rev. Simon Lewis, Dean of the Community of St. Anselm, Lambeth Palace
Over the centuries monasticism existed seamlessly
alongside society, with many points of connection. That changed with the
dissolution of the monasteries in England under King Henry VIII but with
monasticism's re-establishment in the Church of England in the nineteenth century
Christian men and women were once again able to hear God's call to enter the
monastery while those who were not called could come alongside monastic
communities for spiritual benefit. John-Francis Friendship has not only lived in
a Franciscan community but has also drunk from monasticism's spiritual well for
decades. His insights are fully monastic while also easily applicable to all
Christians. This book is not only an excellent primer on monasticism but a rich
treasury of monastic wisdom that will strengthen all readers in their
single-minded pursuit of God.
The Rev. Dr. Greg Peters (Visiting Scholar, Von Hügel Institute , St.
Edmund's College , University of Cambridge and author of ‘The Monkhood of
All Believers)
To enter this book is to find oneself in another
world soaked by the presence of God; it is to realise that all life, communal
and individual, and indeed the natural world around, participates in a greater
reality of love and there finds meaning and purpose. In a time of global
pandemic, the ancient way chosen by Religious in answer to the deep question
‘What Do You Seek?’ is more relevant than ever, and I firmly predict we shall
see a renaissance in vocations to the religious life in coming times.
John-Francis Friendship brings all his experience and wisdom to open up the
rich hinterland of the religious orders that have contributed so much to church
and society in this beautifully written book which will inform and inspire in
equal measure.
The Very Rev. Dr Frances E F Ward, former Dean of St Edmundsbury,
parish priest, theologian and writer.
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