THE RESTLESS HEART

John-Francis Friendship

THE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis FriendshipTHE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis FriendshipTHE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis Friendship
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THE RESTLESS HEART

John-Francis Friendship

THE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis FriendshipTHE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis FriendshipTHE RESTLESS HEART John-Francis Friendship

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filler@godaddy.com

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  • Spiritual Direction
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • QUOTES and REFLECTIONS
  • CW Psalter to Plainsong
  • RETREATS
  • GENERAL RESOURCES
  • PRAYERS
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    • DAILY OFFICE
    • WHAT DO YOU SEEK?
    • HEART OF MY OWN HEART

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Although I have been released from my Vows as a First Order Franciscan the charism of St. Francis was deeply formative and I am now a member of the Third Order of the Society.  But my spirituality and outlook on life has also been influenced by Benedictine, Carmelite and Ignatian spiritualities.  For a decade I led pigrimages to the Holy Land and Egypt and spent much time exploring the Christian heritage of that region and becoming involved with the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Beni Suef as well as visiting many of the country's monastic sites. 


After being released from my Rekligious vows in 2002 I trained on the Ignatian Spirituality Course at the London Centre for Spirituality.  Later I became a tutor on the London Course in Spiritual Direction (now known as Encounter) and went on to develop a course in Exploring Christian Spirituality, but am now retired from these.  My first book, Enfolded in Christ, was oublished in 2018 and others have followed. the latest concerning the wisdm that Religious Life has to offer the church.  


My nterests are varied - from classical music and jazz to art in all its forms.  I enjoy reading and walking - especially in Oxleas Woods, which are close to where I live with my partner and now, aas well as writing and leading retreats, focus into accompanying people in their personal pilgrimage through life through the ministry of Spiritual Direction.  I also have a personal Blog which you are welcome to read.


Biography:

1976 - 2002: Member of the Society of St. Francis 

1994 - 1997: Novice Guardian SSF 

1997 - 2000: General Secretary SSF 

2000 - 2002: Ignatian Spirituality Course 

2001 - 2011: Rector of the Parish of St. Andrew 

2002 - 2017: Tutor on Encounter (formation course for Spiritual Directors) at the London Course in Spiritual Direction 

2005: Supervision Skills for Spiritual Directors 

2009: Accredited member of the Association of Pastoral Supervisors and Educators (APSE) 2011/12: Course in Developing Direction2012 - 2018: Tutor on 'Exploring Christian Spirituality' 2018: Enfolded in Christ: The inner life of a priest published.

2019: The Mystery of Faith: Exploring Christian belief published.

2021: What Do You Seek: Wisdom from Religious Life published 

ABOUT ME

BACKGROUND

FRANCISCAN YEARS

FRANCISCAN YEARS

Having been brought up in northwest London I worked for an Insurance company in the City, West End and Harrow for a number of years. During tghat time I attended the church of All Saints, Margaret Street, London, W1 and often visited the Sisters of the Love of God at Bede House in Kent. It was there I discovered the work of Centrepoint ho

Having been brought up in northwest London I worked for an Insurance company in the City, West End and Harrow for a number of years. During tghat time I attended the church of All Saints, Margaret Street, London, W1 and often visited the Sisters of the Love of God at Bede House in Kent. It was there I discovered the work of Centrepoint homelessness project in Soho where I voluteered for a number of years and first encountered the Franciscans. 

FRANCISCAN YEARS

FRANCISCAN YEARS

FRANCISCAN YEARS

In 1976 I entered the Religious Life as a member of the Society of St Francis.  I spent twenty-five years living out that calling in different friaries around the UK and abroad where I worked in a variety of ministeries, from Prison Chaplain to General Secretary to the Society.

EGYPT AND THE HOLY LAND

EGYPT AND THE HOLY LAND

EGYPT AND THE HOLY LAND

From 1990 I developed an interest in the Middle East and travelled widely in the Holy Land, where I led many pilgrimages, and Egypt. There I explored its Christian heritage becoming involved with the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Beni Suef in Middle Egypt as well as visiting many of the country's monastic sites.   I made a short video about 

From 1990 I developed an interest in the Middle East and travelled widely in the Holy Land, where I led many pilgrimages, and Egypt. There I explored its Christian heritage becoming involved with the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Beni Suef in Middle Egypt as well as visiting many of the country's monastic sites.   I made a short video about the Coptic church which is available on YourTube here: Part 1 and Part 2

MOVING ON

EGYPT AND THE HOLY LAND

EGYPT AND THE HOLY LAND

 In 2001 I became Rector of St Andrew's Church in Romford, east London and a year later was released from my Vows as a First Order brot.  But the charism of St. Francis was deeply formative, and I am now a member of the Third Order of the Society.  I have also been influenced by Benedictine, Carmelite and Ignatian spiritualities.   


During

 In 2001 I became Rector of St Andrew's Church in Romford, east London and a year later was released from my Vows as a First Order brot.  But the charism of St. Francis was deeply formative, and I am now a member of the Third Order of the Society.  I have also been influenced by Benedictine, Carmelite and Ignatian spiritualities.   


During my time at St Andrew's I trained on the Ignatian Spirituality Course at the London Centre for Spirituality and, subsequently, became a tutor on the London Course in Spiritual Direction (now known as Encounter).  I also developed a course in Exploring Christian Spirituality.


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