General Minister encourages Franciscans to continue life of love, service and leadership, following the example of Jesus Christ

Prot. 3455                                                                                                                                                                       

Rome, Easter 2022.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Tibor Kauser

Easter is the feast of joy, when the joy of the resurrection fills our hearts with hope and gratitude. It is more important than ever to experience the depth of Easter and what is the true joy of Easter for us, when we look around in the world and see so many troubles around. Sometimes it looks right to ask: how can we discover the glory of God among so many difficulties? What is our duty? How can we find the joy of Easter?

We are facing many challenges. Many people all around the world, including many of our sisters and brothers are living in war, in food crisis, in water crisis, in financial crisis or hit by natural disasters. Many are still suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic or from other diseases. All these things have caused a financial crisis, that has hit the world. Besides this, what is not less important, we are facing moral challenges, too. We have to face such moral questions which we never had to answer before, and as I said in the report of the CIOFS Presidency at the General Chapter, we can see less divinity and therefore, less humanity in the world. The fight between the good and the evil is taking more and more time and space. What I invite you all now is to remember that the ultimate victory can never be won by evil. Christ has won the ultimate victory on the cross. This is what we celebrate, and in spite of every difficulty, misery, poverty and marginalization, illness and weakness, Easter is a feast of joy, the feast of the glory of God. 

In human terms the glory of God is not a success story. When Jesus died on the cross, there was only a small audience, no applauds, no big catharsis except those who understood that the glory of God is in the sacrifice, in the love, in becoming “obedient to death, even death on a cross”1. In the end of the story, however, it is not a failure but the best that could ever happen, the resurrection, the new life. The glory of God is not what we expect but what God wants to give us in his eternal love. 

In this situation what we can see around us we shall do a lot of things and many of us are doing a lot of important and good things. We have to do our best to relieve the sufferings of those being hit by war, by disasters, by poverty. I would like to say thanks from the depth of my heart to all of those, who have expressed their solidarity for our brothers and sisters in need during these hard times. It is the sign of the true Franciscan generosity and fraternal spirit. 

In the last General Chapter we discussed the topic of leadership. It is a very important aspect of our life as being seculars, belonging to an Order. In order to stay on the right path in leadership, now in the time of Easter we have to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the perfect leader. We can learn from him, how to be good servant leaders. “I didn’t come to be served but to serve”2. We have to learn how to help one another to live the secular Franciscan vocation, how to live the faith in Him.

We often seek Jesus lifting our heads and looking upwards, thinking that our leader has to be higher than we are. The truth is, that we should look down, because Jesus is there, washing our feet, right now. The tools of our leadership should be the washbowl and the towel. All those of us, who have the service of leadership, should not want to be looked at up high, but should be looked at down, while we are washing the feet of the others. Who should be an example for others, has to live from the example of Jesus. We should take all aspects of the life of Jesus, including the service of others, the deep personal contact with the Father, the temptations, the persecution, even the cross. Otherwise, we are admirers who look at him from a distance but not disciples. 

Let us bring the good news to the world! Let our fraternities be the signs of this faith, hope and love, places of shining generosity of offering our services freely, places like the opened arms of Jesus welcoming and embracing everyone, places of deep prayerful spirit and places of prophetic visions of our Christian and Franciscan vocation! 

I invite all of you to fix our eyes to the cross, which is the symbol of love: a sacrifice of love which endures until the death, and rises to eternal life so that everyone may have eternal life. This is the glory of God, and this is our hope. 

I wish you all a blessed Easter! 

Your brother and your minister 

Tibor Kauser 

CIOFS general minister 

__________________________

1 Phil. 2:8

2 Mt. 20:28

Tiber Kauser Easter Letter English

TiberKauserEasterLetterSpanish

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/04/16/general-minister-encourages-franciscans-to-continue-life-of-love-service-and-leadership-following-the-example-of-jesus-christ/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – GOOD FRIDAY – APRIL 15, 2022

Since today is Good Friday, it is an extra special time to follow Saint Clare’s Gazing on the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in her second letter to Saint Agnes of Prague.
 
19“Look upon Him Who became contemptible for you,
and follow Him, making yourself contemptible in this world
for Him.
2 0 Most noble Queen,
gaze,
consider,
contemplate
desiring to imitate Your Spouse,
[Who] though more beautiful than the children of men became, for your salvation, the lowest of men, was despised, struck, scourged untold times throughout His entire body, and then died amid the suffering of the Cross.
21If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him.
weeping with Him, you will rejoice with Him;
dying on the cross of tribulation with Him,
you will possess heavenly mansions with Him
among the splendor of the saints
22and in the Book of Life your name will be called glorious among
the peoples.”
 
• GAZE: Take some time to gaze at Jesus on the cross.
• CONSIDER: Put yourself there with Jesus. What was he thinking, feeling? What did he see? Hear?
• CONTEMPLATE: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, how are you transformed, made different, by this experience?
• IMITATE: What do you resolve to do in response to this transformation?
 
For Discussion or to comment on in your journal.
 
1. As you use St. Clare’s “gaze, consider, contemplate and imitate” describe its impact at this moment on you.
2. In what ways have you been drawn to Imitate the Crucified prior to this? In what ways has this transformed your life?
3. How do you see Christ in your “mirror?”
4. Personal Challenge: As we enter the Easter season, how can you be a “mirror of Christ?”
 
+++++++++++++++++
 
Formation Friday – 15 de abril de 2022
Por Favor compartir con su fraternidad local
 
Dado que hoy es Viernes Santo, es un momento especial para seguir la mirada de Clara en la cruz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo como se encuentra en su segunda carta a Santa Inés de Praga.
 
19Míralo hecho despreciable por ti
y síguelo, hecha tú despreciable por Él en este mundo.
20Reina nobilísima,
mira atentamente,
considera,
contempla,
deseando imitarlo, a tu Esposo,
 
El más hermoso de los hijos de los hombres (cf. Sal 44,3), que, por tu salvación, se ha hecho el más vil de los hombres, despreciado, golpeado y flagelado de múltiples formas en todo su cuerpo, muriendo en medio de las mismas angustias de la cruz.
21Si sufres con Él, reinarás con Él;
si lloras con Él, gozarás con Él;
si mueres con Él en la cruz de la tribulación,
poseerás con Él las mansiones celestes
en el esplendor de los santos (cf. Rom 8, 17; 2 Tim 2,12.11; 1 Cor 12,26; Sal 109,3),
22y tu nombre será inscrito en el libro de la vida (cf. Flp 4,3; Ap 3,5), y será glorioso entre los hombres.
 
 
• MIRAR ATENTAMENTE: Tómese un tiempo para mirar atentamente a Jesús en la cruz.
• CONSIDERAR: Póngase ahí con Jesús. ¿Qué estaba pensando, sintiendo? ¿Qué vio? ¿Qué oyó?
• CONTEMPLAR: Inspirado por el Espíritu Santo, ¿está transformado, hecho diferente, por esta experiencia?
• IMITAR: ¿Qué decide hacer en respuesta a esta transformación?
 
Para platicar o para comentar en su diario.
 
1. Al usar la idea de “mirar atentamente, considerar, contemplar e imitar” de Santa Clara, describa el impacto que tiene en su vida.
2. ¿Hasta ahora, de qué manera se ha sentido atraído a imitar al Crucificado? ¿De qué manera ha transformado esto su vida?
3. ¿Cómo ve a Cristo en su “espejo?”
(Véase la cuarta carta a Inés de Praga http://www.franciscanos.org/esscl/ctacla4.html)
4. Desafío personal: al entrar en la temporada de Pascua, ¿cómo puede ser un “espejo de Cristo?”
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Formation Director, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Formation Director, St. Francis Fraternity, Hackensack, NJ

Updates on Quinquennial Celebration Aug. 3-7 in Phoenix

Excitement is building for the Aug. 3-7 Secular Franciscan Quinquennial in Phoenix.

Nearly 600 Franciscans have registered, and there is room for more.

Although rooms in the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Phoenix are sold out, there are plenty of rooms available in the Phoenix area, including at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale.  Please download and read the 2022 Quinquennial Rooming Options,” which lists all available possibilities.   If you have further questions after reading the flyer, email ofsusa.qcongress@gmail.com

If you need to cancel a reservation you have already made with the Sheraton, do NOT call the hotel. Instead, please contact the Q committee at ofsusa.qcongress@gmail.com so we make sure the room stays in our room block.

If you have already registered, please remember to update your registration.  If you are registered for the Q, you need to go back to your RegFox account to enter flight info to qualify for a chartered bus provided to/from PHX airport and choose breakout sessions. Need help doing this? See the latest TAU USA – page 29 – now online and soon in your mailbox.

For more of the latest updates on the Quinquennial, OFS USA Quinquennial UPDATE – April 2022

More information is also available on the website.  Click Quinquennial on the homepage.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/04/11/updates-on-quinquennial-celebration-aug-3-7-in-phoenix/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – The OFS Rules: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Six)

The OFS Rule: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Six)
 
Formation Friday is the work product of the National Formation Commission of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA. Please keep all citations and references intact. (This statement should be included with any posts in emails, on websites, or on social media.)
 
For the last five weeks we have been reading portions of the Rule at this link: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EN-OFS-Rule-s.pdf (You can download the PDF to your computer or tablet.)
 
We have focused on conversion, penance, prayer and action in our lives as Secular Franciscans. Now, in week 6 we focus on the heartbeat of the Order—FRATERNITY. The topics below will guide you as you write in your journal or discuss with your fraternity, a small group, or a prayer partner. We hope that this section will aid you in strengthening your understanding of our commitment to fraternity life.
 
Week Six: Please read Articles 20-26 of our Rule (Chapter 3: The Way of Life, Pages 11-13 of the PDF above.) [This section is also attached.]
 
Chapter Three describes for us the “heartbeat of the Order,” FRATERNITY. Fraternity is the essential characteristic that describes Secular Franciscan groups on all levels: local, regional, national, and international (Article 20.) In fraternity we experience relationship. We learn to trust and support one another. Here we learn about and strengthen our vocation and live out the Franciscan Charism, and, together, we reach out to others. Article 21 speaks of the servant leaders who work together to maintain fraternity life; Article 22 reminds us that our fraternities are established and guided by the authority of the Church. We, in turn, work to carry out the mission of the Church; Article 23 speaks of the importance of formation both for those who wish to enter the Order and those who have already been professed and the permanence of our commitment; Article 24 highlights the importance of fraternity life and gatherings; Article 25 speaks of our responsibility to support financially our own fraternity and the fraternities of higher levels; Finally, Article 26 speaks about our responsibility to seek suitable and well-prepared spiritual assistance. (Please read and think about these 7 articles before moving on to the questions.)
 
+Key Learnings: What are the four most important points (in your opinion) that you discovered as you read Articles 20-26?
+Living the OFS Rule: What about these articles presents a challenge for you to live out? Why?
+Conversion: The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in a very personal way. As you read Articles 20-26, please explain how they helped you to understand the Order itself; how they touched and changed you and brought you closer to God.
+Discernment: What can you put into practice right away?
+Key Takeaways: Please list three key takeaways to living in fraternity that this portion of the Rule will help you to achieve.
+Challenge Yourself: Choose one of the takeaways as your personal challenge for this week and resolve to carry it out.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Formation Friday 8 de abril de 2022
Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local
 
La Regla OFS: Instrumento de Conversión OFS (Semana Seis)
 
Formation Friday es el producto del trabajo de la Comisión Nacional de Formación de la Orden Franciscana Seglar-EE.UU. Mantenga todas las citas y referencias intactas. (Esta declaración debe incluirse con cualquier publicación en correos electrónicos, sitios web o redes sociales).
 
Durante las últimas cinco semanas, hemos estado leyendo partes de la Regla en este enlace: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ES-Regla-OFS-s.pdf (Puede descargar el PDF a su computadora o tableta).
 
Nos hemos centrado en la conversión, la penitencia, la oración y la acción en nuestras vidas como franciscanos seglares. Ahora, en la semana 6 nos enfocamos en el latido del corazón de la Orden: LA FRATERNIDAD. Los temas a continuación lo guiarán mientras escribe en su diario o discute con su fraternidad, un grupo pequeño o un compañero de oración. Esperamos que esta sección le ayude a fortalecer su comprensión de nuestro compromiso con la vida de fraternidad.
 
Semana seis: lea los artículos 20 a 26 de nuestra Regla ( Capítulo 3: El estilo de vida, páginas 11 a 13 del PDF anterior). [Esta sección también se adjunta].
El capítulo tercero nos describe el “latido del corazón de la Orden,” la FRATERNIDAD . La fraternidad es la característica esencial que describe a los grupos franciscanos seglares en todos los niveles: local, regional, nacional e internacional (artículo 20 ). En la fraternidad experimentamos la relación. Aprendemos a confiar y apoyarnos unos a otros. Aquí aprendemos y fortalecemos nuestra vocación y vivimos el carisma franciscano y, juntos, nos acercamos a los demás. El artículo 21 habla de los líderes servidores que trabajan juntos para mantener la vida de fraternidad; el artículo 22 nos recuerda que nuestras fraternidades están establecidas y guiadas por la autoridad de la Iglesia. Nosotros, por nuestra parte, trabajamos para realizar la misión de la Iglesia; el artículo 23 habla de la importancia de la formación tanto de los que quieren entrar en la Orden como de los que ya han profesado y de la permanencia de nuestro compromiso; el artículo 24 destaca la importancia de la vida de fraternidad y de las reuniones; el artículo 25 habla de nuestra responsabilidad de sostener económicamente nuestra propia fraternidad y las fraternidades de otros niveles; Finalmente, el artículo 26 habla de nuestra responsabilidad de buscar una asistencia espiritual idónea y bien preparada. (Lea y piense en estos 7 artículos antes de pasar a las preguntas).
 
+Aprendizajes clave: ¿Cuáles son los cuatro puntos más importantes (en su opinión) que descubrió al leer los artículos 20-26 ?
+Viviendo la Regla OFS: ¿Qué pasa con estos artículos que presenta un desafío para que usted pueda vivirlo? ¿Por qué?
+Conversión: El Espíritu Santo nos habla a cada uno de nosotros de una manera muy personal. Mientras lee los artículos 20-26, explique cómo le ayudaron a comprender la Orden misma; cómo le tocaron y le cambiaron y lo acercaron a Dios.
+Discernimiento: ¿Qué puede poner en práctica de inmediato?
+Puntos clave: Enumere tres puntos clave para vivir en fraternidad que esta parte de la Regla le ayudará a lograr.
+ Desafíese a sí mismo: elija uno de los puntos como su desafío personal para esta semana y decida llevarlo a cabo.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Formation Director, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Formation Director, St. Francis Fraternity, Hackensack, NJ
 

National Chapter Viturally Engaging and Inspiring

(This article originally appears in the TAU-USA Spring 2022 issue #105)

By MARY T. STRONACH, OFS

For the second year, virtual hugs and warm smiles filled the computer screens of between 80 and 100 regional ministers, national leaders, spiritual assistants and observers. From across the country, they converged on screen for the 2021 National Chapter, prepared to engage in discussions and make decisions for the good of the Order.

Prayer helped the participants to focus. New regional ministers met for the first time in their own session and were reminded to “allow the Holy Spirit to hold the reins” as He will “give you courage to do what you have to do.” National Minister Jan Parker offered the powerful insight that the “state of the order depends on the state of each one of us,” and then, provided an overview of the U.S. Order and a vision for the future. In a brief appearance from Hungary, Minister General Tibor Kauser reminded everyone to have “a clear vision of our identity” because “with- out knowing who we are, we will never know what we should do.”

A full agenda assured attendees that this event, although from the comfort of their couches or kitchen tables, would require their attention, hard work and wisdom.

The national budget was presented and approved. The Peace Award for work done with refugees and undocumented immigrants at the southern border brought tears to the eyes of participants. The Formation Team brought the OFS Ritual to life. Spiritual Assistants provided insights on Franciscan spirituality through the Liturgy of the Hours, mass and formation, emphasizing that “prayer and contemplation are the bedrock of our engagement with the divine.” As is customary, attendees also had their “day away,” a virtual trip along the trails, peak and ravines of Yosemite National Park and Ash Mountain. And, for those who needed a little more excitement, participants from Florida had to hide in a closet because of a tornado warning. They returned shortly, safe and sound in the arms of the Secular Franciscans awaiting them on the Zoom call.

The theme for 2021-2022 brought the National Chapter to focus with its man- date from Psalm 31:25: “Be strong, take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/04/04/national-chapter-viturally-engaging-and-inspiring/

Scroll to top
Juan de Padilla