Journeying Toward Wisdom

This pocket-sized vademecum presents a fresh perspective on discernment by viewing the gifts of the Holy Spirit as commented on by St Bonaventure as the core of a Franciscan discernment process. Each gift is investigated as a stage to linger over in the process leading to wisdom, the outcome of any attempt at discernment. Enhanced by the profound artwork of Michael Reyes OFM.

This comprehensive Franciscan guide for individuals exploring religious vocation, serves as a practical roadmap for discerners, no matter where they are in their vocation journey. The author identifies piety and counsel as signposts on this roadmap essential to helping discerners grow in relationship with God and better understand commitment to a religious vocation. Fr Anthony’s wisdom and decades of lived experiences jump off the pages, particularly in his profound reasoning that since we receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us through life, why not use them as the foundation of Franciscan discernment? He explores the relationship between spiritual directors and discerners, a relationship that he fittingly says should be one of Franciscan love and non-judgmental concern. The book offers valuable insight into the Franciscan perspective of spiritual guidance and discernment.

Basil J. Valente OFM, National Vocation Director

The journey on which a Franciscan spiritual guide embarks with another is a courageous one, requiring deep rootedness in the Word of God revealed through scripture and in the fabric of the person’s life, both for the guide and the one who is guided. Anthony Carrozzo OFM, with Bonaventure’s spirituality and theology serving as his foundation, brings life and light to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their significant place in Franciscan Discernment. In a sacred and loving manner, he sets one’s feet on a ‘Journey Toward Wisdom’ by following in the footprints of Jesus through the Gospel. Nothing matters more in the pursuit of discernment through Franciscan Spiritual Guidance.

Sister Mary Jo Chaves OSF, Franciscan Spiritual Director