A Region of the Secular Franciscan Order
Jesus’ works are gifts of restoration. Something that was missing is found. Something that was wounded is healed. Sight, mobility, cleanliness, hearing, life, and dignity are returned to those who did not have them.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/12/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-gaudete-sunday-fr-christopher/
(en español abajo) Korean translation attached in a separate PDF.
St. Francis’s Praises of God and the O AntiphonsIf you have ever read St. Francis’s Praises of God, you may have noticed that they mirror the O Antiphons which we pray starting December 17th each year. You will notice these Antiphons appear each day for the Canticle of Mary from December 17th to the 23rd.
The Praises of God
You are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.
You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true.You are love, charity; You are wisdom, You are humility,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength, You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,
You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.Each day, meditate on the relationship between the antiphons and Francis’s writings.
December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are love, charity; You are wisdom,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,…”December 18: O Adonai (O Lord)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.
You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true…”December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.”
December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength…”December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,…”December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.”
December 23: O Emmanuel (God is with us.)
PRAISES OF GOD: “You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.”As Advent draws to a close, use the Praises of God above to enhance your meditations on the coming of our Lord Jesus,
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Formación 12 de diciembre, 2025 (Compartir con su fraternidad local)
Las Alabanzas del Dios Aaltísimo de San Francisco y las Antífonas OSi alguna vez ha leído las Alabanzas a Dios de San Francisco, habrá notado que reflejan las Antífonas O que rezamos a partir del 17 de diciembre de cada año. Verá que estas Antífonas aparecen cada día en las Vísperas en el Cántico de María, del 17 al 23 de diciembre.
Las alabanzas del Dios altísimo
Tú eres santo, Señor Dios único, que haces maravillas.
Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo, tú eres rey omnipotente, tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra.
Tú eres trino y uno, Señor Dios de dioses, tú eres el bien, todo el bien, el sumo bien, Señor Dios vivo y verdadero.
Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría, tú eres humildad, tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre, tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud, tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia, tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.
Tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre; tú eres protector, tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro; tú eres fortaleza, tú eres refrigerio.
Tú eres esperanza nuestra, tú eres fe nuestra, tú eres caridad nuestra, tú eres toda dulzura nuestra, tú eres vida eterna nuestra: Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador.
https://franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.html [Forma C]
Cada día, medite sobre la relación entre las antífonas y los escritos de Francisco.
17 diciembre: O Sapientia (O Sabiduría)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría,
tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre,”18 diciembre: O Adonai
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “Tú eres santo, Señor Dios único, que haces maravillas.
Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo,.
Tú eres trino y uno, Señor Dios de dioses,
tú eres el bien, todo el bien, el sumo bien,
Señor Dios vivo y verdadero.”19 diciembre: O Radix Jesse (O Raíz de Jesé)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud,
tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.”20 de diciembre: O Clavis David (O Llave de David)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “tú eres protector, tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro;
tú eres fortaleza,”21 de diciembre: O Oriens (O Amancecer)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre,
Tú eres refrigerio..
Tú eres esperanza nuestra, tú eres fe nuestra, tú eres caridad nuestra,22 de diciembre: O Rex Gentium (O Rey de las naciones)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “Tú eres rey omnipotente, tú, Padre santo,
rey del cielo y de la tierra.”23 de diciembre: O Emmanuel (Dios está con nosotros)
ALABANZAS DE DIOS: “Tú eres toda dulzura nuestra, tú eres vida eterna nuestra:
Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador.”A medida que el Adviento llega a su fin, utilice las alabanzas a Dios anteriores para mejorar sus meditaciones sobre la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAGo into the world and proclaim the good news.” National Theme 2025-2028
This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025 Issue #117)
By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS • National Minister
“When Jane asked if it was ok if she put her name on the ballot, I said that I was open and that I am not going to say no, because I do not want to have a conversation with Jesus as to why I didn’t let Jane run for national minister.” Brian Bamman
The prayers of the Order produced a Spirit-filled Chapter. We have a National Executive Council (NEC) to serve the National Fraternity for the next three years. I have the honor of serving as National Minister for another term. Outgoing members are Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS; Donna Hollis, OFS; Joshua Molidor, OFS; and Cherryle Fruge, OFS. I give praise and thanks to God for their years of service to the Order. These four brought many wonderful gifts to the NEC. We owe them much thanks for their countless hours of service. Let us pray for them as they discern where God wants them to serve next.
For the 2025-2028 term I continue to serve with National Vice Minister Diane Menditto, OFS; National Secretary Susan Ronan, OFS; and International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, OFS. We welcome four new members: National Treasurer Steve Roszhart, OFS; and National Councilors Christine Blood, OFS, Christopher Leone, OFS, and Corinne Lorenzet, OFS. These new members have served on local and regional Councils and thus know the ins and outs of serving. I look forward to seeing how the Order will be blessed by their “yes.”
Upon re-election, I texted Brian (my spouse and “co-minister” of the OFS-USA) to let him know he was “re-elected.” Of course, Brian Bamman was not a name on the ballot. He’s not a Secular Franciscan. But by virtue of being married to me, he has taken on the responsibility of serving the Order. We work together – the Bamman Team. Although he doesn’t routinely attend the gatherings of the OFS, he is a supporter. I would not be able to serve without him taking care of things at the office and at home while I am away. At times when I’ve shared details of situations with him, he has offered insights, often very helpful in moving the decision along.
During the last term, I learned a lot about myself. I juggled marriage, work and serving the Order. My attempts at multitasking had limited success. I didn’t always navigate my responsibilities well. Often, I would conduct the business of the Order in the evenings or late at night, responding to emails, etc. Brian wondered if I would get enough sleep. When I traveled for the Order, I focused on the meetings and sometimes missed a chance to connect with Brian. I didn’t take the time for my first vocation, sending the wrong message to Brian. This was not the outcome I intended.
This term, I’m beginning again and implementing a few changes. I plan to stay focused on Brian, work, and service of the Order. I will choose to say “no” to other distractions to protect my time.
God gave me good administrative skills, so I naturally gravitate to those responsibilities. But I professed to make, and want to make, a difference – not just administratively. Our profession to live the Rule calls us to be present in society. It doesn’t give me a pass because I am National Minister.
Is it obvious through my actions, writings, Facebook posts, etc. that I am a Christian? Is it evident that I love the Gospel and love the OFS Rule? I’ve been playing it very safe in my 30 years of being a Secular Franciscan. I chal- lenge myself to put urgency in my words and actions, to spread the Good News about the Gospel, our Faith, and our Order. I challenge myself to engage in dialogue with others about injustices in our communities and world. I pray for myself, the new NEC, and each member of the OFS-USA:
“…may you be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father…” (Col 1:9-11)
Life is too short not to share the good news about Jesus and our Order with others. This term, with God’s grace, I will make a difference. Perhaps you too will make a difference by striving to accomplish good works to bear much fruit and grow in the knowledge of God. With this knowledge, let us enthusiastically live the 2025-2028 OFS-USA theme together: Go into the world and spread the Good News!
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/12/a-new-term-and-looking-to-make-a-difference/
John said, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming.” John works with water. Jesus works with fire for Spirit. Both are needed, but one is greater.
Reflection on the Immaculate Conception
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/12/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-2nd-sunday-in-advent-and-the-immaculate-conception-fr-christopher/
(en español abajo) Korean translation attached in a separate PDF.
Advent a time of Hope and FaithSecular Franciscans are people of conversion. Looking through this lens during Advent, we realize that seeking conversion requires hope and faith.
CONSIDER:
+ Our Rule: Article 19—”Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.
Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others.”
+ Our Rule: Article 9—”The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family15. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently16.”
+Admonition XXVII: Virtue Puts Vice to Flight
1Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.
2Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor disturbance.
3Where there is poverty with joy, there is neither greed nor avarice.a
4Where there is restb and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.
5Where there is fear of the Lord to guard an entrance, Lk 11:21 there the enemy cannot have a place to enter.
6Where there is a heart full of mercyc and discernment, there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.+ During Advent, we strive to imitate our Blessed Mother who brought joy and hope to the world through her “YES.” Now is the time to ask ourselves if we are saying yes to what the Lord is asking of us and to what we promised at our Profession.
Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal+ How do you build peace in your fraternity and in your family? What are the most challenging times/topics that you encounter during family or fraternity gatherings, and how do you handle them?
+Which characteristics of the Blessed Mother do you strive to imitate? Consider Mary’s role in the Incarnation. What does it take to say YES to God?
+The Prayer Before the Crucifix occurred before the Admonitions were written. According to Admonition XXVII, how did God answer Francis’s prayer?
Thank you to Anne Mulqueen, OFS, for her inspiration.
Formación 5 de diciembre, 2025 (compartir con su fraternidad local)
Adviento: Temporada de fe y esperanza
Los franciscanos seglares somos personas de conversión. Al mirar a través de esta lente durante el Adviento, nos damos cuenta de que buscar la conversión requiere esperanza y fe.
CONSIDERE:
+Nuestra Regla: Artículo 19—“Como portadores de paz y conscientes de que ésta ha de construirse incesantemente, indaguen los caminos de la unidad y del entendimiento fraterno, mediante el diálogo, confiando en la presencia del germen divino que hay en el hombre y en la fuerza transformadora del amor y del perdón31.
Mensajeros de la perfecta alegría, esfuércense permanentemente en llevar a los demás el gozo y la esperanza32.”
+Nuestra Regla: Artículo 9—”La Virgen María, humilde sierva del Señor, siempre atenta a su palabra y a todas sus mociones, fue para San Francisco centro de indecible amor, y declarada Protectora y Abogada de su familia15. Los Franciscanos seglares den testimonio de su ardiente amor hacia Ella con la imitación de su disponibilidad incondicional, y en la efusión de una confiada y consciente oración16.”
+Admonición XXVII: De la virtud que ahuyenta al vicio
“1Donde hay caridad y sabiduría, allí no hay temor ni ignorancia.
2Donde hay paciencia y humildad, allí no hay ira ni perturbación.
3Donde hay pobreza con alegría, allí no hay codicia ni avaricia.
4Donde hay quietud y meditación, allí no hay preocupación ni vagancia.
5Donde está el temor de Dios para custodiar su atrio (cf. Lc 11,21), allí el enemigo no puede tener un lugar para entrar.
6Donde hay misericordia y discreción, allí no hay superfluidad ni endurecimiento.”http://franciscanos.org/esfa/adm-ae.html
+ Durante el Adviento, nos esforzamos por imitar a nuestra Santísima Madre que trajo alegría y esperanza al mundo a través de su “SÍ.” Ahora es el momento de preguntarnos si estamos diciendo SÍ a lo que el Señor nos pide y a lo que prometimos en nuestra Profesión.
Preguntas para platicar o para responder en su diario
+ ¿Cómo fomenta la paz en su fraternidad y en su familia? ¿Cuáles son los momentos / temas más desafiantes que encuentra durante las reuniones familiares o de fraternidad, y cómo los maneja?
+ ¿Qué características de la Santísima Virgen se esfuerza por imitar? Considere el papel de María en la Encarnación. ¿Qué se necesita para decirle que SÍ a Dios?
+ La oración ante el crucifijo ocurrió antes de que se escribieran las Admoniciones. Según la Admonición XXVII, ¿cómo respondió Dios a la oración de Francisco?
Le agradecemos a Anne Mulqueen, OFS, por su inspiración.
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAGo into the world and proclaim the good news.” National Theme 2025-2028
