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FORMATION FRIDAY – Formation Process – November 27, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters,   Secular Franciscans are always in the formation process – either initial or ongoing.  We resolve to do better and become holy Secular Franciscans, working to transform ourselves to be more like Francis and Clare.  Today we have a reminder of the formation process.  Please share with your local fraternity. Peace, Dona

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More about Formation

 

•       MEANS OF GROWTH: (We Nourish)—we nurture our vocation and the vocation of our members—both new and long-time. Aspirants require focused discernment of their vocation. in ongoing formation, we also benefit from discernment—discussing with the Holy Spirit how strong our vocation is—or if it has become diluted and weak. We are in a constant state of formation as Franciscans.

 

•       ASSIMILATION: (We Absorb) through example and sharing of information. Secular Franciscans “wrap” the member in the charism of St. Francis—

Sometimes we are the “wrappers”  and sometimes we are the “wrapees.”  Slowly, the charism is absorbed if the soil of the vocation is fertile (Transfer of culture and values)— Formation immerses members (both new and professed) into the living community that is the fraternity.

 

•       INTEGRATION of values: (We enter) Franciscan values become a part of us— the charism becomes automatic

 

•       ONGOING CONVERSION: (We examine) We will not move forward every day. When we slip back, we resolve to do better. We help one another to do this.

•       TRANSFORMATION: —(We are changed) The end result of formation should be transformation. The end point of everything we are and do as Secular Franciscans must be to become more like Christ and closer to him.

 

The Transformational Component supplies the bedrock of our vocation. Here we examine our relationship with God and how this becomes the alpha and omega of our Franciscan life.

It answers the question: How does my relationship with God impact my life and my relationship with others?

 

For discussion or to answer in your journal

 

+ How do I help others in my fraternity (new and professed) on their way toward the full realization of their vocation as Christians and as Franciscans?

+How does formation (my own and the fraternity’s program) help me toward a personal union with God the Father in Christ through the Hol y Spirit?

+How does the plan of formation in my fraternity facilitate our members’ experience of community and sense of mission in the world and in the Church?

+Describe how you discern for yourself and help others in the fraternity to discern.

  

Please refer to the Guidelines for Initial Formation in the United States pp. 11-15

 

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Comparta con su fraternidad local

 

Más sobre la formación

 

• MEDIOS DE CRECIMIENTO: (Nutrimos) —alimentamos nuestra vocación y la vocación de nuestros miembros, tanto nuevos como profesos. Los aspirantes requieren un discernimiento enfocado de su vocación. En la formación permanente, también nos beneficiamos del discernimiento, discutiendo con el Espíritu Santo cuán fuerte es nuestra vocación, o si se ha diluido y debilitado. Estamos en constante formación como franciscanos.

 

• ASIMILACIÓN: (Absorbemos) a través del ejemplo y el intercambio de información.. Los franciscanos seglares “envuelven” al miembro en el carisma de San Francisco—

A veces somos los “envoltorios” y a veces otros nos “envuelven.” Poco a poco, el carisma se absorbe si el suelo de la vocación es fértil (Transferencia de cultura y valores) –

La formación sumerge a los miembros (nuevos y profesos) en la comunidad viva que es la fraternidad.

 

• INTEGRACIÓN de valores: (Entramos) Los valores franciscanos se vuelven parte de nosotros – el carisma se vuelve automático

 

• CONVERSIÓN CONTINUA: (Examinamos) No haremos adelantos todos los días. Cuando retrocedemos, decidimos mejorarnos. Nos ayudamos unos a otros a hacer esto.

 

• TRANSFORMACIÓN: – (Experimentamos un cambio de vida) El resultado final de la formación debe ser la transformación. El punto final de todo lo que somos y hacemos como franciscanos seglares debe ser llegar a ser más como Cristo y más cercano a él.

 

El Componente Transformacional proporciona la base de nuestra vocación. Aquí examinamos nuestra relación con Dios y cómo ésta se convierte en el alfa y omega de nuestra vida franciscana.

Responde a la pregunta: ¿Cómo impacta mi relación con Dios mi vida y mi relación con los demás?

 

Para platicar o responder en su diario

 

+ ¿Cómo ayudo a los demás de mi fraternidad (nuevos y profesos) en su camino hacia la plena realización de su vocación como cristianos y como franciscanos?

+ ¿Cómo me ayuda la formación (la mía y la de la fraternidad) hacia una unión personal con Dios Padre en Cristo a través del Espíritu Santo?

+ ¿Cómo facilita el plan de formación en mi fraternidad la experiencia de comunidad y el sentido de misión de nuestros miembros en el mundo y en la Iglesia?

+ Describe cómo disciernas por ti mismo y ayudas a otros en la fraternidad a discernir.

 

Refiérase al Guia de la formación inicial en los Estados Unidos pp. 11-15.

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region

 

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Secular Franciscan Order and YOUFRA to Hold Day of Prayer on the First Sunday of Advent

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the National Fraternity,

Joy to you this day!

This is a reminder that we are asked to unite in prayer tomorrow.  Let us join our worldwide family of some 300,000 OFS members to pray the Rosary of the Seven Joys – the Franciscan Crown Rosary – as our Minister General asks of us.

This special day of prayer tomorrow, November 29, is the Feast of All Franciscan Saints and the start of the beautiful season of Advent.

I invite you to watch this 2 minute video message from Tibor  (click on this link, and when the page opens, scroll down a little for the video).  You can also read Tibor’s  Letter about this day of prayer.

Next, below is a transcript of an interview with Tibor that was conducted by the Hungarian Courier – Catholic News Portal.  It was translated from the Hungarian, and shared with us by our sister Emma Lozowski, Regional Minister of Franciscans of the Prairie.

Lastly, I have included Meditation on Seven Joys.  In this meditation I focus on these seven Franciscan experiences:

Call 

Fraternity

Holiness

Prayer

Identity

Joy

Glory

I look forward to joining you, and our worldwide fraternity, in prayer tomorrow.

Please share this widely.

Peace, all good, and Happy Advent!

Your sister,

Jan Parker

National Minister

Secular Franciscan Order–USA

The Secular Franciscan Order is organizing a worldwide day of prayer on November 29, 2020. We asked the Minister General, Tibor Kauser, about this initiative.

– What is the message behind choosing the first Sunday of Advent?

This is the first day of the liturgical year, and it is a good opportunity to start our lives again in prayer. We have been living and suffering for eight months in this pandemic. We are badly in need of some renewal and refreshment of our souls. On the other hand, November 29 is the feast of all Fransicasn Saints. We are asking for their intercession for beginning anew.

– The Secular Franciscan Order is a worldwide organization. What do we need to know about the members’ geographic spread?

The OFS are part of the Franciscan Spiritual Family. The first orders are well known, the Order of Friars Minor, the Capuchins, etc. And then there are the second order sisters, who are the Poor Clares, who live a contemplative life and are connected to the Franciscan family in their own special way. This is followed by the third order, and its different branches. One branch is the Third Order Regular, among others here are the religious brothers and sisters who serve the poor and nurse the sick, and also the Secular Fanrsicans, that is made up of people living in the world. Worldwide we are present in 116 countries and have about 300,000 members. The biggest fraternity is in Italy; that’s where the Franciscans originated, but we have many members in Latin America, within that in Brazil and Mexico, and there are quite many in the United States, and there are more than 10,000 members in Korea.

-In Hungary, too, the order is known.

In our homeland, we number about 450. Compared to the size of the country, that’s not too few.

– The minister general is nevertheless is a Hungarian. You have been part of the International Council for 6 years.

That shows that in the Secular Franciscan Order we operate as true brothers and sisters. Not the headcount or economic weight are the deciding factors, but the degree to which one is committed and that one is seen as suitable for the task by the others.

– How will the proclaimed prayer day take place?

Our appeal asks a very simple thing from each and every Secular Franciscan brother and sister: that each pray a crown rosary any time on this day, either individually or in community, or in family, or in parish, asking the intercession of the Franciscan Saints.

The Franciscans have been praying the “crown rosary” or “seraphic rosary” for centuries, or as it is also called the “rosary of the seven joys of Our Lady.” It consists of seven decades, each commemorating one of the seven joys of Our Lady.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/11/28/secular-franciscan-order-and-youfra-to-hold-day-of-prayer-on-the-first-sunday-of-advent/

FRANCISCAN MINDFUL DIALOGUES

(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2020 Issue 101 of the TAU-USA)

By Carolyn D. Townes, OFS, National Animator

“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.”
(OFS Rule, Art. 19a)

During these difficult times of political turmoil and racial upheaval, one question keeps coming up over and over again: “What can I do?” I have only one answer: Dialogue with one another. Listen to the stories. Validate the stories. Then you will be able to share your stories.

It doesn’t mean you have to agree with those stories, because after all, they are someone else’s truth–not yours. As Franciscans, we are called to listen, to understand, then to speak from that understanding. Especially when you are engaged in difficult dialogues – about racial tensions or political differences – you want to remain grounded in the Gospel. Jesus had difficult dialogues, but he knew to speak the truth in love, with
empathy, compassion, and peace.

When we attempt to have dialogues, or two parallel monologues, there is a winner and a loser. We go on the attack, we spot a weakness in someone’s argument. We tend to take every comment or opinion that is expressed as a personal affront to our own values and beliefs.

What if we change the way we think about these dialogues? What if, in those heated moments, we choose dialogue over debate? What if we choose to have mindful dialogues? When we engage in mindful dialogues, we flip the script. We replace our ego and desire to win with a sense of curiosity, empathy, and a desire to learn. Instead of coming from a place of judgment, we are genuinely interested in the other person: their experiences, values and concerns. They become other, and not object, to gain the upper hand.

Nazi Concentration Camp survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl once wrote: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” We have that space. In our dialogues, how are we filling that space?

We must engage in mindful and meaningful dialogues that move us forward–not backward, or worse, not at all. Something happens when both speaking and listening are reverenced–it creates a sacred and transformational moment. It is the beginning of being in right relationship with one another. We are called to build connections through mindful dialogue–in relationships, communities, and fraternities. It is taking that space and filling it with curiosity and empathy and reverencing the outcome.

Getting to that place of dialogue can be difficult. We tend to get fired up about what we are passionate about–especially when discussing politics or social justice issues. We can let our ego get in the way of truly hearing the other person’s perspective. In the current climate, those heated debates morph into conflicts where people are even willing to walk away from their relationships, friendships, and fraternities.

After having mindful dialogues, you will discover that your assumptions and biases can be wrong or totally off base. If those conversations don’t happen, the parties remain annoyed and frustrated, causing an undercurrent of disrespect in the relationship.

First, be curious about the other person; their ideas, concerns, perspectives. Then, be willing to listen to them, even when you disagree. By putting aside your own ego and preconceived ideas, you become open to limitless learning. Also be curious and ask questions. Questions allow mindful dialogue to get to a place of true understanding. They allow you to disagree agreeably.

In our conversations and dialogues, the goal is not to win or convert the other to your way of thinking and believing. The goal is to be open to learn, to be curious about the other person, allowing them a safe space to be heard and to voice their opinion. The goal is a true speaking and listening experience, offering empathy rooted in friendship.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/11/23/franciscan-mindful-dialogues/

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FORMATION FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 20, 2020 – Trinity 3 in 1

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we discuss the “personal God” the Holy Trinity in the OFS Rule.  God is a loving, relational God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Please share with your fraternities.  Peace, Dona
There is an attachment.
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The life of the Trinity as presented in the OFS Rule.

God is not a solitary God, haughty and distant, always the “judge.” The Rule shows us “God-in-Family,” “God-Communion of Persons,” in their own relationships, in their action with people, hence a God near to them, God-Emmanuel, God-with-us.

  • The FATHER is LOVE. He gives us his own Son (SFO Rule, #4). He is mercy in the face of our weakness; he gives us the grace of strength (#7). In every person, the Father sees the features of his Son (#13). The Father calls all people to build a more fraternal and evangelical world that proclaims his kingdom (#14), and all creation bears the imprint of the Most High (#18).
  • The SON JESUS CHRIST is the GIFT of the Father and becomes for all people the WAY to the Father, their LIFE, their TRUTH. Therefore, Christ must be the inspiration and center of their life (#4). Christ has risen and lives and works in our brothers and sisters (#5). He makes us members of His Body, the Church (#6).
  • The HOLY SPIRIT is the TRUTH and opens the Rule. Already the first line speaks of the Spirit’s action. The Holy Spirit gives rise to spiritual families in the Church (#1); calls the faithful to follow Christ (#1); prompts them to strive for the perfection of charity (#2); and introduces them to the Truth (#4).
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[Guidelines for Initial Formation p. 39]

Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal

+ Read the articles of the Rule mentioned above. How do they apply to your life as a Secular Franciscan?

+ Give some examples of Francis’s devotion to the Trinity in his writings and in how he prayed. (To read the writings of St. Francis visit: https://franciscantradition.org/early-sources#francis-the-saint

+ How does your life demonstrate a devotion to the Blessed Trinity?

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La vida de la Trinidad como se presenta en la Regla de la OFS.

“Dios no es un Dios solitario, soberbio y distante, actuando siempre como el “juez.” La Regla nos muestra “Dios-en-Familia”, “Dios-Comunión de las Personas”, en sus propias relaciones, en sus acciones con la gente. Por consiguiente  un Dios cercano a ellas, Dios-Emmanuel, Dios-con-nosotros.”

El PADRE es AMOR. Él nos da su propio Hijo (Regla OFS, # 4). Él es misericordioso ante nuestra debilidad; nos da la gracia de la fuerza (# 7). En cada persona, el Padre ve los rasgos de su Hijo (# 13). El Padre llama a todas las personas a construir un mundo más fraterno y evangélico que proclame su reino (# 14), y toda la creación lleva la huella del Altísimo (# 18).

El HIJO JESUCRISTO es el DON del Padre, y se convierte para todas las personas en el CAMINO al Padre, su VIDA, su VERDAD. Por lo tanto, Cristo debe ser la inspiración y el centro de su vida (# 4). Cristo ha resucitado y vive y obra en nuestros hermanos y hermanas (# 5). Nos hace miembros de su Cuerpo, la Iglesia (# 6).

El ESPÍRITU SANTO es la VERDAD y abre la Regla. La primera línea ya habla de la acción del Espíritu. El Espíritu Santo suscita familias espirituales en la Iglesia (# 1); llama a los fieles a seguir a Cristo (# 1); les impulsa a luchar por la perfección de la caridad (# 2); y les presenta la Verdad (# 4).

[Guía para la formación inicial en la Orden franciscana seglar en los Estados Unidos – Smoky Valley Press pp. 31-32]

Preguntas para platicar o para responder en su diario

+ Lea los artículos de la Regla mencionados anteriormente. ¿Cómo se aplican a su vida como franciscano seglar?

+ Da algunos ejemplos de la devoción de Francisco a la Trinidad en sus escritos y en cómo oraba. (Para leer los escritos de San Francisco en español, visite: https://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/escritossf.html )

+ ¿Cómo demuestra su vida una devoción a la Santísima Trinidad?

 
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region

 

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FORMATION FRIDAY THE ROSARY & THE FRANCISCAN CROWN – Nov 13, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters, If there was a time to pray with deep conviction – it is now when Life and Religious Freedom is at risk.  Today, the NFC send us a formation on why prayer is so important to the journey of the Secular Franciscan.  Listed below are some resources including Youtubes with a couple of great friars that talk about the importance and power of these prayers.  My fraternity is having an hour of Adoration and will say the Crown Rosary in our parish.  Please share these resources with your with your fraternity.  They are even more powerful in a group!  God bless you all, Dona

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Last week Formation Friday was about the prayer journey of the Secular Franciscan.

Many, if not most of us, pray the Rosary, both the traditional Rosary and the Franciscan Crown,  as an integral part of our prayer journey.

We would like to offer some resources below that will deepen our experience of praying this beautiful prayer:

Why Pray the Rosary? Fr. John Anthony, CFR and Fr. Mark-Mary, CFR, speak about the Rosary. Excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeASW2M_yo

 

 How to Really Pray the Rosary—Fr. Mark Mary, CFR, Ascension Presents (Excellent)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=FTd19idM-Jc

 

How to Pray the Rosary More Deeply

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/how-to-pray-the-rosary-more-deeply-47155

 

The Franciscan Crown (The Seven Decade Rosary)—this one is ours!!

https://franciscanmissionaries.com/7-decade-rosary/

“One unique devotion of the Franciscans is a seven-decade rosary known as the Franciscan Crown. While the traditional rosary consists of 5 decades which meditate on 15 mysteries (or 20 if you pray the Luminous mysteries) the 7-decade Franciscan Rosary, known as the The Franciscan Crown, is a Rosary consisting of seven decades with each decade describing a particular joy from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

 

+ Whether you already pray the Rosary or not, please view and read the interesting material above.

 

Questions to discuss or to answer in your journal:

+ Why is the Rosary important in your life?

+ If you don’t pray the Rosary, what has been stopping you?

+ How can the Rosary become an important part of your spiritual journey as a Secular Franciscan?

 

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El viernes pasado, “Formation Friday” fue sobre la jornada de oración del franciscano seglar.

Muchos, si no la mayoría de nosotros, rezamos el Rosario, tanto el Rosario tradicional como la Corona Franciscana, como parte integral de nuestra jornada de oración.

 

Nos gustaría ofrecer algunos recursos a continuación que profundizarán nuestra experiencia de rezar esta hermosa oración:

 

¿Por qué rezar el rosario? P.. John Anthony, CFR y el P. Mark-Mary, CFR, hablan sobre el Rosario. Excelente.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeASW2M_yo

 

 Cómo rezar realmente el rosario — Fr. Mark Mary, CFR, Ascension Presents (Excelente)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=FTd19idM-Jc

 

Cómo rezar el rosario más profundamente

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/how-to-pray-the-rosary-more-deeply-47155

 

La Corona Franciscana (El Rosario de las Siete Décadas), (Éste es nuestro rosario!

https://franciscanmissionaries.com/7-decade-rosary/

“Una devoción única de los franciscanos es un rosario de siete décadas conocido como la Corona Franciscana. Mientras que el rosario tradicional consta de 5 décadas que meditan en 15 misterios (o 20 si reza los misterios luminosos), el Rosario Franciscano de 7 décadas, conocido como La Corona Franciscana, es un Rosario que consta de siete décadas con cada década describiendo un particular. alegría de la vida de la Santísima Virgen María ”.

 

+ Ya sea que reza el Rosario o no, mire y lea el interesante material de arriba.

 

Preguntas para discutir o responder en su diario:

+ ¿Por qué es importante el Rosario en su vida?

+ Si no reza el Rosario, ¿qué le ha detenido?

+ ¿Cómo puede el Rosario convertirse en una parte importante de su camino espiritual como franciscano seglar?

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
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