When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Mt. 5
Father Francis entered the Cistercian Order in 1973 at
our monastery in Azul, Argentina, a daughterhouse of Spencer. He later
transferred to our monastery in 1980. Father Francis has a great love for the
Liturgy, and the beauty of our celebrations drew him to our house. He
has served the community in numerous ways in the past thirty-three years.
Francis was guesthouse cook and assistant guestmaster. A gifted tailor,
Father worked for many years in the Abbey wardrobe mending clothes
and making monastic habits. Presently Father Francis is spiritual adviser for
the Abbey's Cistercian Lay Contemplative group, for men and women who feel
called to share in our vocation while still living and working in the world.
Father tells us, "During my years of monastic life lectio divina has revealed to me the face of the Lord. And it's very exciting. I could not be a person who prays without lectio divina." His brothers are grateful for his example of steadfastness and true dedication to prayer.
