FRANCISCAN LIVING

(This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 Issue of the TAU-USA #100)

 ST. CLARE: HER LIGHT AND HER WORDS

By Francine Gikow, OFS

Have you ever read what St. Clare actually wrote? If not, you will be in for a pleasant surprise! Although a lot has been written about St. Clare, reading what she actually said can be quite an eye opener! Her words are ripe with rare beauty, full of medieval sensuality reminiscent of the Song of Songs in the Hebrew bible. In her words, St. Clare reveals her relationship with the Lord and her Franciscan heart. She is a mystic in love with Love incarnate!

Please don’t rush through these words of St. Clare. Read them slowly and let them seep into your heart and become your prayer. Savor them! They are Clare’s gift to you!

In her letters to St. Agnes of Prague, St. Clare describes her relationship with her God and Spouse. She writes:

“Draw me after you,

let us run in the fragrance of your perfumes,

O heavenly Spouse!

I will run and not tire,

until You bring me into the wine cellar,

until Your left hand is under my head and Your right hand will embrace me happily,

You will kiss me with the happiest kiss of Your mouth.”[1]

Clare did not easily arrive at this sacred place, however. She united herself with the Suffering Jesus, insisted on the love of poverty, and persevered in her vocation throughout her life.

“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him;

dying on the cross of tribulation with Him,

you will possess heavenly mansions with Him among the

splendor of the saints

and in the Book of Life your name will be called glorious

among the peoples.”[2]

 Clare embraced poverty, understanding that poverty’s riches lie in dependence on God alone. In her words: “For I firmly believe that you know the kingdom of heaven is promised and given by the Lord only to the poor because she who loves what is temporal loses the fruit of love.”[3]

Finally, St. Clare exhorts us:

“What you hold, may you hold,

What you do, may you always do and not stop.

But with swift pace, light step, unswerving feet,

so that even your steps stir up no dust,

may you go forward

securely, joyfully, and swiftly,

on the path of prudent happiness,

believing nothing,

agreeing with nothing

that would dissuade you from this commitment.”[4]

As you can see, Clare was a strong lady. She fought for her “privilege of poverty,” owning nothing, but relying only on what the good Lord would provide. She “agreed with nothing” that would dissuade her from this commitment to follow the poor Christ. She persevered despite many challenges.

We shall conclude with St. Clare’s exhortation and blessing:

“Always be lovers of your souls and

those of all your sisters [and brothers.]

And may you always be eager to observe

what you have promised the Lord.

May the Lord always be with you and

may you always be with Him. Amen.”[5]

 

All quotations from: Clare of Assisi: The Lady. New York, N.Y.: New City Press, 2006. Used with permission.

[1] 4LAg. 30-32.

[2] 2LAg 21-22.

[3] 1LAg. 25.

[4] 2LAg.11-14.

[5] BlCl. 14-16.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/07/26/franciscan-living/

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Formation Friday – Peace Prayer with attachment

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  
St. Francis is one of the most beloved saints.  Most know of St. Francis and his love of animals and nature.  He is most often standing in our gardens.  The real Francis was that but much more.  Today, we look at facts and legends.  I am sending this to all members since most are still not gathering.  The formation team is hoping that you, as always, will share with your local fraternities.  Peace, Dona
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
We are all part of a history and a story. We are part of the story of our families, of our religion, of the time in which we live. As Franciscans, we are also part of the Franciscan story. There are traditions, stories, devotions, prayers, and sayings involved with all of these groups. Knowing about them helps us to be part of the family. 
But, SOMETIMES what appears to be part of our tradition comes from another source.
 
Every so often, Formation Friday will highlight one of these important parts of our story.
 
This week: The Peace Prayer is ATTRIBUTED TO St. Francis, but it was most likely written in France in 1912. It then gained popularity during WWI when Pope Benedict XV had it reprinted in L’Osservatore Romano in 1916.
 
What makes it seem like it could have been written by St. Francis? Check out the references on the website: https://franciscantradition.org/  (We give you a few, see how many more you can find by using the search tool provided. (FA:ED means Francis of Assisi: Early Documents)
 
LORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE:
[“May the Lord give you peace!” Legend of the Three Companions 26]
[The Assisi Compilation: “He makes peace between the bishop and mayor of Assisi adding a verse to the canticle. 84]
[“2Those people are truly peacemakers who, regardless of what they suffer in this world, preserve peace of spirit and body out of love of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Admonition XV  FA:ED, vol. 1, 134]
 
WHERE THERE IS HATRED, LET ME SOW LOVE;
[…he was not afraid to present himself to the sight of the Sultan of the Saracens…57 The Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 231]
[1The Lord says: Love your enemies [do good to those who hate you and pray for those who persecute and slander you]. Mt 5:44
2For that person truly loves his enemy who is not hurt by an injury done to him, 3but, because of love of God, is stung by the sin of his soul. 4Let him show him love by his deeds. Admonition IX]
 
WHERE THERE IS INJURY, PARDON;
[True and Perfect Joy  FA:ED, vol. 1, 166
 
WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, FAITH;
WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, HOPE;
[See the Prayer Before the Crucifix FA:ED, vol. 1, 40]
 
 
WHERE THERE IS DARKNESS, LIGHT;
[See The Major Legend of St. Francis by St. Bonaventure FA:ED, vol. 2, 525 – “His companion said to the holy man: ‘Pray, father, that we may be saved from these threatening dangers!’ Full of confidence, the man of God answered him: ‘God is powerful, {snippet Lk 3:8} if it pleases him in his sweetness, to disperse this darkness and give us the benefit of light.’
 
WHERE THERE IS SADNESS, JOY.
[“3Where there is poverty with joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. an Admonition XXVII FA:ED, vol. 1, 136]
 
Now you try looking up some references.
 
O DIVINE MASTER, GRANT THAT I MAY NOT SO MUCH SEEK
TO BE CONSOLED AS TO CONSOLE,
TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS TO UNDERSTAND,
TO BE LOVED AS TO LOVE.
FOR IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE,
IT IS IN PARDONING THAT WE ARE PARDONED,
AND IT IS IN DYING THAT WE ARE BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE.
AMEN.
 
 
Diane F. Menditto
 
Chair, National Formation Commission
Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Regional Fraternity

 

peace-prayer-meme.jpg
 
 

Embracing Technology in Times of Necessity and Change

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2020 Issue #100)

By John Baldino, OFS, MALS

From quarantines to stay-at-home orders, isolation is a challenge for those who meet regularly in fraternities and participate in parish and community activities. Secular Franciscans are in the world, working and playing among people all the time, so it is no surprise that during a time in which people must avoid contact with each other brothers and sisters may feel apprehensive. While fraternity meetings are the equivalent of a monastery for the brothers and sisters of penance, the Secular Franciscan Order is not cloistered. It operates beyond monasteries.

In spite of drastic measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s situation is not debilitating. The Order should not allow this crisis to curb meetings and actions. Digital communication platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and even conference calling connect people in ways almost as closely as in-person gatherings. Social platforms like Facebook and Instagram present evangelization opportunities for Secular Franciscans and all the faithful. Websites share schedules, formation materials, prayers, and inspiring words.

Fear precludes many from using these technologies. It is human nature to fear the unknown, and that fear is prominent when it comes to digital media. If Secular Franciscans are driven only by fear of basic communication technology as it emerges, obsolescence will surely come next—and soon. Websites, social media presence and communication technology are vital to the success of any organization—especially one that is expected to preach the Gospel at all times. These platforms are key when traditional face-to-face interactions are not possible, and optimal supplements even when in-person contact is permitted.

Fear notwithstanding, human beings communicate digitally. Remaining relevant means adapting and embracing the way the faithful communicate.

The Catholic Church has a long history of embracing communication technology. From being among the first to abandon scrolls in favor of the codex to Fr. Gabriel Richard publishing the first Catholic newspaper in the United States in 1802 to St. Maximilian Kolbe using magazines and radio to combat Nazi propaganda in Poland and Japan during World War II, the Church has been a pioneer in communicating with people in the way they want to be reached. Kolbe said, “If Jesus or St. Francis were alive today, they would use modern communication technology to reach the people.”

Email was first introduced in the 1970s, videoconferencing in the 1980s, so today’s modern technology is not really new at all. There are just new, better platforms that deliver that technology to more people today than 30 years ago.

Jesus tells us “Be not afraid.” St. Clare said, “Go forth without fear.” The Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order, Tibor Kauser, OFS, wrote in his Easter message, “Do not be afraid of using contemporary instruments and tools. Share your feelings, your experiences with each other,” he wrote. “Make phone calls, write e-mails, short messages, organize videoconferences.”

Once fear is overcome and the realization of a technological society sets in, the instruments available abound. Fraternity meetings and community prayer are easily conducted via Zoom and Google Hangouts. These video conferencing services offer brothers and sisters the opportunity to see each other while meeting. It is the next best option to meeting in person, and the best option when in-person meetings are not possible. Facebook is an opportunity to evangelize, sharing scripture quotes, images (those not protected by copyright), and even links to the written word on fraternity websites. Blogging on websites can supplement formation for the fraternity, the region, and the nation. It puts more content available to be used and shared.

Technology created by man can be used for the greater glory of God as we face unprecedented times.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/07/21/embracing-technology-in-times-of-necessity-and-change/

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FORMATION FRIDAY! – CALL TO CONVERSION

Dear Brothers and Sisters,   We are all called to conversion.  Today’s formation addresses our path to conversion through our vocation as Secular Franciscans.  Hope that you find this formation helpful and as always, please share with your fraternities.  Peace, Dona

 
Secular Franciscans are called to conversion:
 
OFS Rule: Chapter 2: Art. 7
•       United by their vocation as “brothers and sisters of penance,”  and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ through that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls “conversion.” Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion is carried out daily.
•       On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father’s mercy and the source of grace.

Also, see Article 13 of the General Constitutions
 
•       Conversion is symbolized as a JOURNEY of TRANSFORMATION led by the Spirit of God
•       Communal experience—encouragement and witness
•       On-going process celebrated in stages with Eucharist as the highpoint
•       Conversion is a lifetime experience of transformation
 
5 Fundamental Elements of Penitential Lifestyle
  1. To love God
  2. To love our neighbor
  3. To resist sinful tendencies of our fallen nature
  4. To receive the body of Christ in the Eucharist
  5. To act or live in conformity with our conversion
 
See FUN Manual -Penitence and Conversion
 
How will we live out our conversion?  (To ponder and discuss)
•       What goes into our “conversion?”
•       What is the meaning of the phrase, “that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls ‘conversion?’
•       What is the focus of the Sacrament of Reconciliation? How important is this for us as Secular Franciscans?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Los franciscanos seglares están llamados a la conversión:
Regla OFS: Capítulo 2: Art. 7 7
• Unidos por su vocación como “hermanos y hermanas de la penitencia,” y motivados por el poder dinámico del evangelio, confórmense sus pensamientos y acciones a los de Cristo mediante ese cambio interior radical que el evangelio mismo llama “la conversión.” ” La fragilidad humana hace necesario que esta conversión se realice diariamente.
• En este camino hacia la renovación, el sacramento de la reconciliación es el signo privilegiado de la misericordia del Padre y la fuente de la gracia.

Véase también el artículo 13 de las Constituciones generales.

 

• La conversión se simboliza como una JORNADA de TRANSFORMACIÓN dirigida por el Espíritu de Dios.
• La experiencia comunitaria: aliento y testimonio.
• El proceso continuo, celebrado en etapas con la Eucaristía como punto culminante.
• La conversión es una experiencia de transformación por toda la vida.
 
5 elementos fundamentales del estilo de vida penitencial
1. Amar a Dios
2. Amar a nuestro prójimo
3. Evitar las tendencias pecaminosas de nuestra naturaleza caída.
4. Recibir el cuerpo de Cristo en la Eucaristía.
5. Actuar o vivir de conformidad con nuestra conversión.

Ver el manual FUN –“Penitence and Conversion”
¿Cómo viviremos nuestra conversión? (Para reflexionar y discutir)
• ¿En qué consiste nuestra “conversión”?
• ¿Cuál es el significado de la frase, “ese cambio interior radical que el evangelio mismo llama conversión”?
• ¿Cuál es el enfoque del Sacramento de la Reconciliación? ¿Qué tan importante es esto para nosotros como franciscanos seglares?
 
 



Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Chair, National Formation Commission

 

 
 

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OFS-USA

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2020 Issue #100)

OUR NATIONAL ARCHIVES:

IDENTIFYING, ORGANIZING AND PRESERVING

By Sharon Dale, OFS

Last November, I flew to St. Bonaventure University in New York to have a first look at our National Archives, located in the lower level of St. Francis Hall. At first look I thought, “Oh my, look at all these boxes!” Indeed, there were 237 boxes labeled by number.

The room was clean and comfortable, dimly lit, and looked to be safe and secure for our precious Secular Franciscan records. Boxes were stored on sturdy shelving units and no box was stored on the floor. Temperature, lighting, cleanliness and safe storage are important when a “home” for archives is being considered.

What are archives?

Archives are important documents and artifacts that need to be preserved. They are as diverse as the institutions and people they serve. They are located in federal, state, and local governments, colleges and universities, religious institutions, businesses, hospitals, museums, and historical societies—wherever it is important to retain the records of people or organizations. Included in archives are important letters, photographs, films, audio and video recordings, very important manuscripts, business meetings, and so on.

As the National Archivist of OFS-USA, I am responsible for selecting pertinent records, arranging and naming them, and ensuring the long-term preservation of the collection. When needed, I can assist researchers and plan exhibits and other out-reach programs.

Why is it important to identify and organize records?

An archivist is more than a historian—more like a museum curator. I take the minutes of OFS national meetings, the correspondence to and from our International Order, the continued work of our various national commissions and committees, the elections of regional officers, reports from Quinquennials and a hundred (only slightly exaggerating) other sources that are sent, and create files. These files will be stored alphabetically for easier future access, then placed into numbered boxes. Only books that have been written to memorialize important OFS national events will also be kept as archived matter. You know from your workspace at home, filing bills coming in and payments being made, emails to be answered and so on, that one must be organized. If not, the inevitable “I can’t find…” becomes your wail.

What about preservation?

Taking care of the records tagged as important at the national level, as well as being the archivist/ secretary at the regional level is essential to assure their longevity. At the regional level annual reports, documents of establishment, visitation reports, pictures of fraternity events and so on should be stored.

The area chosen should be well-ventilated, safe and secure, with low to no light. Other members of your regional council should be aware of and approve the space chosen. If archived material must be stored in a basement, there should be no humidity issues. All boxes should be archival (bank boxes are fine). Every-day cardboard boxes should not be used, as they aren’t sturdy enough for long-term storage. Boxes should be identified as OFS material. So many records are lost because family members look at unmarked boxes as “throw-aways.”

It is most desirable is to have records scanned into a computer so that there is not only hard-copy, but in case of possible “lost items,” your fraternity would have the electronic backup.

Looking ahead

I’m looking forward to the work ahead in our National Archives. Sharon Deveaux, my predecessor, has done a great job in acquiring mountains of documents and interesting artifacts of our early years, first as Franciscan provinces, then as regions. A special place will be established for non-paper items such as reels of film from the old television series Hour of St. Francis, old scapulars and cords, burial garments and tunics, profession crosses and various Third Order ribbons and medals. My priority will be to make sure all files are itemized and properly labeled in boxes. After getting access to a scanner, my hope is to provide an electronic backup of all paper documents.

It is the hope of National Historian Tom McNamara and I to have a “museum” of sorts at our upcoming Quinquennial in 2021, where we will have documents and artifacts available relating to the early years of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States.

****************************************************************************

Archives Mission Statement

(Quoted from an undated document in the archives.)

✤ The Secular Franciscan Order in the United States is an organization consisting of a National Fraternity, 31 regional fraternities, many local fraternities and more than 17,000 members. Its history includes many personal and institutional activities, functions, ministries and events which demonstrate and encourage Franciscan spirituality and the vocation to be followers of Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, according to our Rule.

✤ The Archives… serves as the main repository for the historical documents, official records, photographs, books, letters, artwork, memorabilia and many other materials that pertain to the history of the Order in the United States. The establishment of the Archives is in fulfillment of Article 6.3 of the National Statutes.

✤ The purpose and mission is to actively collect existing materials, appraise materials for historical significance, organize material into a cohesive collection, ensure the physical care and preservation of the collection, and to facilitate scholarly interpretation and use of the collection.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/07/15/national-archives-ofs-usa/

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Juan de Padilla