The Essence of Franciscan Spirituality

This course of hitherto unpublished lectures, originally addressed to Franciscan Religious in the wake of Vatican II, offers something for everyone interested in Franciscan Spirituality, be they Religious, secular Franciscans or others. Doyle’s understanding of human nature, the Rule as a forma vitae, the true meaning of the evangelical counsels, and the consequent need for some radical changes in lifestyle, are all addressed. These talks offer a gauge by which to assess the extent to which progress has been made in retrieving and living out the Franciscan charism, and are also a timely reminder of what has, or indeed has not, been achieved since Vatican II, and why Pope Francis has set in motion the current Synodal Process. The Pope’s emphasis on Fraternity finds voice in these talks, which have a contemporary, indeed timeless, relevance. The Franciscan Christology elucidated here is not only for Franciscans and the Church but indeed for the ‘universal friary’, as Doyle called it.

Eric Doyle OFM† reaches into the very soul of what constitutes the Franciscan vision of the world in these reflections, and most especially in the chapter on the Franciscan Christology, which he always referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Franciscan theology’. Perceptive, insightful, profound, this is a thought provoking, soul deepening, life enriching work of brilliance.

Seamus Mulholland OFM, author of A Gasp of Love: Duns Scotus, Franciscan Theologian and Mystic.

Scholar, theologian, lecturer, poet, Franciscan historian, author; witty, great sense of humour, infectious personality, brilliant mind, lover of God and neighbour; Franciscan Friar. All these sum up the unique and extraordinary individual, Eric Doyle OFM.

This new volume takes us on a spiritual journey from the beginnings of Salvation History to the Church in the modern world with the emphasis placed upon the important role that the Franciscan movement played throughout its over 800 year history. The reader is invited to embark upon this unique Franciscan pilgrimage, through the writings of St. Francis with Fr. Eric as our guide and host. He had the extraordinary talent to capture the heart and soul of St. Francis’ love of God and all his creation. The Essence of Franciscan Spirituality is a must read for anyone who longs for a deeper, richer and broader appreciation of the Franciscan Movement in our world today. Eric Doyle’s insights, historical knowledge of Franciscan thought and spirituality, as well as his personal reflections, all help in contributing to making this publication one of the best Franciscan sources I have ever encountered.

Ronald Gliatta OFM, author of In Praise of Sister Death and A Franciscan Way of the Cross: A Liturgical Celebration.