A Mutual Embrace

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

by Fr. John De La Riva, OFM Cap.

President-in-turn, National Conference of Spiritual Assistants

I write to you as I am gazing on a nicely framed picture depicting the familiar portrayal of St. Francis embracing our crucified Lord Jesus. In an irresistible bond of loving gaze and opened armed embrace, the “little poor man” is drawn into the love of the “God-man.” This mystical encounter is set within the imagery of Calvary. It is a setting that calls to mind the exclamation of St. Paul when he says, “as for me life is Christ and him Crucified.” This statement expresses an understanding of the means and purpose, that St. Paul, St. Francis, and each Christian must embrace if we are to “live on” in the love of the Savior.

A general focal point of theme for the articles of this TAU-USA issue is “WE ARE LOVE.” As for myself (and perhaps for you), this declaration is exhilarating, and at the same time, intimidating as it draws us to recall that we are “earthen vessels” that God providentially designs to be the home of His indwelling love. “WE ARE LOVE” draws me to identify qualities of God’s love that transform and perfect our love to a higher love. I see our Christian love being incarnational – an indwelling, sacrificial, and life-giving oblation.

It is in the truth of Christ’s divine initiative, like the figurative arm (unrestrained by the nail of cross) that Jesus extends to St. Francis, that we all find our ability to persevere in hope and love beyond any burden of our imperfections. The first letter of John reminds and encourages us when it states: “We love because He loved us first.” Yes, this gift of Divine love not only defuses any debilitating scrutiny of unworthiness, but ignites a bold confidence of self-donation in love. And so, like St. Francis, we can increasingly open wide our hearts in mutual embrace with Christ.

How often do we take time to ponder and to relish the action of Christ’s love engaging and embracing us? It is in this ever-clearer self-awareness that is born of the Spirit that we are set afire with a love that is fruitful whether we are in stillness of presence or obvious in action.

The Franciscan family is easily inspired to new heights of devotion by the fiery exclamation of St. Francis when he said: “My God and My All!” To strive to be whole and holy is the most natural and supernatural of desires and strivings for the follower of Christ. The freedom of sanctifying grace, time and again, will enable us to be unimpeded by moment of fault so to continually arise in greater integrity and generosity of love.

As I reflected on the theme statement: “WE ARE LOVE,” I thought it necessitates an on-going choice of will – NOW, in the present moment, to conform to the Will of God who is love.  This declaration demands by its integrity, that we do not “rest on the laurels” of what we were in love nor rest content with the presumption of what we will be in love. On the contrary, we plant our feet so to speak in an intentional present moment of commitment to set our gaze on what stands before us in person and circumstance and say “yes” to love as we are loved by God. Let us remember that what we want to be, we should do (now), and what we do, we will become.

What is the scope for this “Being” love? We know well the fundamental call to “love God with your whole mind, heart, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” The Letter of St. James warns us to remember that “to say we love God yet to hate our neighbor makes us liars.” There is no true love of God if it betrays a love of neighbor. Oh, the challenge we can find in our brother or sister (and ourselves). We can easily recall our Lord instructing us that we are called to a greater love: A love that reaches beyond that of family and friend (“for even the pagan loves those who love them”) on toward the enemy and persecutor. The sacrifice and cross of true love await us all to beckon and encourage us to trust the many means and ways of its presence – to open our hearts, with a bold abandon, to the dictates of the Holy Spirit.

Considering the necessity of our love being freely sacrificial, in an oblation of self for the “other,” I recalled a spiritual counsel from a Franciscan Tertiary of the 18th century, named St. Benedict Joseph Labre. St. Benedict was of noble birth but chose an itinerant life of voluntary poverty – a beggar who made the streets of Rome, Italy, his pilgrim way of silent prayer, fasting, and penance. Although known to seldom speak, when he did, it was worth the hearing.

He was asked one day how our love should be to achieve sanctity and his reply was: “To properly love, one must have three hearts. The first must be a heart of fire toward God so as to think and speak only of God, accepting hardships with demands by its integrity, that we do not “rest on the laurels” of what we were in love nor rest content with the presumption of what we will be in love. On the contrary, we plant our feet so to speak in an intentional present moment of commitment to set our gaze on what stands before us in person and circumstance and say “yes” to love as we are loved by God. Let us remember that what we want to be, we should do (now), and what we do, we will become.

What is the scope for this “Being” love? We know well the fundamental call to “love God with your whole mind, heart, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” The Letter of St. James warns us to remember that “to say we love God yet to hate our neighbor makes us liars.” There is no true love of God if it betrays a love of neighbor. Oh, the challenge we can find in our brother or sister (and ourselves). We can easily recall our Lord instructing us that we are called to a greater love: A love that reaches beyond that of family and friend (“for even the pagan loves those who love them”) on toward the enemy and persecutor. The sacrifice and cross of true love await us all to beckon and encourage us to trust the many means and ways of its presence – to open our hearts, with a bold abandon, to the dictates of the Holy Spirit.

Considering the necessity of our love being freely sacrificial, in an oblation of self for the “other,” I recalled a spiritual counsel from a Franciscan Tertiary of the 18th century, named St. Benedict Joseph Labre. St. Benedict was of noble birth but chose an itinerant life of voluntary poverty – a beggar who made the streets of Rome, Italy, his pilgrim way of silent prayer, fasting, and penance. Although known to seldom speak, when he did, it was worth the hearing.

He was asked one day how our love should be to achieve sanctity and his reply was: “To properly love, one must have three hearts. The first must be a heart of fire toward God so as to think and speak only of God, accepting hardships with resignation, and to submit in everything to His holy will. The second must be a heart of flesh, toward our neighbor, that will move us to help him in all his needs by instruction, advice and prayer; to have compassion for the poor sinners and for the souls in purgatory so that the Lord will grant them eternal rest. The third must be a heart of bronze toward oneself, that will make us hate all kinds of sensuality, resist self-love without rest, mortify the body, and subdue the wicked tendencies of perverted nature. With these three hearts love makes us deserving of the reward of the life to come.”

Looking once again upon the devotional picture of St. Francis and our Crucified Lord, both with arms outstretched in mutual embrace, I am comforted and encouraged to answer the call to be love. For this Calvary setting which the world associates with humiliation, suffering, weakness and defeat, rather reminds the Christian of the power of love for the other, a love that can sow the seeds of new life from the blood of selfless sacrifice and self-donation. This greater love is not the stuff of dream or fantasy. This love is the light that casts out the darkness of our imperfect and broken world. It is here and now at the crossroads of our life with each other that our Lord seeks to dwell in love.

A Mutual Embrace

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Fr. Christopher tells us that Jesus fed the hungry crowd, and now they are hungry for more – more bread and fish?:

“But for the things that make life worth living.  This, I believe, is to what Jesus was directing their attention—a hunger in their souls—that no quantity of food could satisfy.  They needed to go deeper to find it.  Jesus invites them to shift their expectations from outward signs to inner transformation.

Read the full text of Fr. Christopher’s homily here:

View and listen to Fr. Christopher’s homily here.

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – August 2, 2024 (ONE DAY EARLY TO GET READY FOR THE PARDON OF ASSISI)

The Pardon of Assisi – The Porziuncola Indulgence—Celebrated on August 2 (en español abajo)

Please share with your local fraternity Korean Translation attached in a separate PDF

 

+ The sixteenth century Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels envelops the tiny chapel known as the Porziuncola.

+ This chapel was one of the churches restored by St. Francis.

+ This is the spot where, while listening to the Gospel, Francis understood what he was called by God to do.

+ Here he founded the Order in 1209.

+ St. Clare received her religious habit from the hands of Francis here in 1211.

+ In 1216 as Francis prayed that everyone could be brought to heaven, he obtained from Jesus in a vision the PARDON OF ASSISI—a plenary indulgence, which was later ratified by Pope Honorius III.

+ This is where the friars’ early general chapters were held—the Chapter of Mats of 1221 was attended by 5,000 friars.

+ Here, on October 3, 1226, St. Francis welcomed Sister Death lying naked on the ground just outside the chapel.

“See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in at the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, when we were but a few, the Most High gave us increase; here he enlightened the hearts of his poor ones by the light of his wisdom; here he set our wills on afire with the flame of his love. Here he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honour, and with all your, with voice of joy, and praise, give glory to the Lord in this place.” (Words of the dying St. Francis, Celano 1, n. 106)

The Conditions for Receiving the Pardon

+ Each year from vespers on August 1 through August 2 (Feast of Our Lady of the Angels) you should visit either a Franciscan church or your own church. (At first the indulgence was only given for the Porziuncola, but it has been widened over the years.)

+ You may obtain the indulgence any day of the year upon visiting the Porziuncola itself.

CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN THE PARDON OF ASSISI
Plenary Indulgence–(for oneself or for a departed soul)

  • Sacramental Confession to be in God’s sanctifying grace *(to be received within eight days before or after initiate “appeal” for the Plenary Indulgence);
  • *Participation in the Holy Mass with reception of the Holy Eucharist.
  • Visit to a Catholic Church, followed by the Profession of FAITH (Nicene Creed or Apostles Creed),
  • Recite the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm and give witness to one’s Christian dignity, as a child of God, that one received in Baptism;
  • Pray for the Pope’s intentions: as Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Universal Church, and visible sign of unity among the Faithful

Excellent reference on this topic: http://www.shrinesf.org/pardon-of-assisi.html

Also, if you are able to read Spanish, the link below has a very interesting article about the Porziuncola.

For discussion and reflection

+ Read Matthew 10: 9-15. This is the gospel that Francis heard read at the Porziuncola. Reflect on its meaning to all Franciscans and to us as Secular Franciscans.

+ On August 1-2, visit a Franciscan or other church and follow the conditions to receive the indulgence.

+ While you are there, spend time with the Blessed Sacrament. Consider your vocation and what God is asking of you.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Formation Friday – 2 de agosto, 2024

El perdón de Asís – La indulgencia de la porciúncula 2 de agosto

Comparta con su fraternidad local.

 

+ La Basílica de Santa María de los Ángeles del siglo XVI envuelve la pequeña capilla conocida como la Porciúncula.

+ Esta capilla fue una de las iglesias restauradas por San Francisco.

+ Este es el lugar donde, mientras escuchaba el Evangelio, Francisco comprendió lo que Dios le había llamado a hacer.

+ Aquí fundó la Orden en 1209.

+ Santa Clara recibió su hábito religioso de manos de Francisco aquí en 1211.

+ En 1216, mientras Francisco oraba para que todos pudieran ser llevados al cielo, obtuvo de Jesús en una visión el PERDÓN DE ASÍS, una indulgencia plenaria, que luego fue ratificada por el Papa Honorio III.

+ Aquí es donde se llevaron a cabo los primeros capítulos generales de los frailes; al Capítulo de las Esteras de 1221 asistieron 5.000 frailes.

+ Aquí, el 3 de octubre de 1226, San Francisco recibió desnudo a la Hermana Muerte en el suelo a las afueras de la capilla.

 

“Ocúpense, hijos míos, de que nunca abandonen este lugar. Si son expulsados de un lado, regresen por el otro. Porque este lugar es verdaderamente santo y es la morada de Dios. Aquí, cuando éramos sólo unos pocos, el Altísimo nos dio crecimiento; aquí iluminó el corazón de sus pobres con la luz de su sabiduría; aquí prendió nuestras voluntades con la llama de su amor. Aquí el que ora con corazón devoto obtenga lo que pide y el que ofende será castigado más severamente. Por tanto, hijos míos, consideren esta morada de Dios digna de toda honra, y con toda su voz, con voz de gozo y alabanza, den gloria al Señor en este luga .” (Palabras de San Francisco agonizante, Celano 1, n. 106)

 

Las condiciones para recibir la indulgencia

 

+ Cada año, desde las vísperas del 10 de agosto al 20 de agosto (Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles), debe visitar una iglesia franciscana o su propia iglesia. (Al principio, la indulgencia solo se otorgó a la Porciúncula, pero se ha ampliado con los años).

+ Puede obtener la indulgencia cualquier día del año al visitar la propia Porziuncola.

 

CONDICIONES PARA OBTENER EL PERDÓN DE ASÍS

Indulgencia plenaria – (para uno mismo o para un alma difunta)

 

• Confesión sacramental para estar en la gracia santificante de Dios * (para ser recibida dentro de los ocho días antes o después de iniciada la “apelación” para la Indulgencia Plenaria);

• * Participación en la Santa Misa con recepción de la Sagrada Eucaristía.

• Visita a una Iglesia Católica, seguida de la Profesión de FE (Credo de Nicea o Credo de los Apóstoles),

• Recitar el PADRE NUESTRO, para reafirmar y dar testimonio de la propia dignidad cristiana, como hijo de Dios, que se recibió en el Bautismo;

• Ore por las intenciones del Papa: como Vicario de Cristo, Pastor de la Iglesia Universal y signo visible de unidad entre los fieles.

 

Excelente recurso en español http://franciscanos.org/santuarios/bellucci.htm

 

Para platicar y reflexionar

 

+ Lea Mateo 10: 9-15. Este es el evangelio que Francisco escuchó en la Porciúncula. Reflexione sobre su significado para todos los franciscanos y para nosotros como franciscanos seglares.

+ El 10 o el 20 de agosto, visite una iglesia franciscana u otra iglesia; siga las condiciones para recibir la indulgencia.

+ Mientras esté allí, pase tiempo con el Santísimo Sacramento. Considere su vocación y lo que Dios le está pidiendo.

 

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025

Celebrating the Anniversary of our Franciscan Profession

Mary Francis Charsky, International Councilor

Recently I was at a Mass and ceremony on the 25th anniversary of Profession for a Sister of St. Francis. What an inspiration it was! This was a reminder for me and all of us present about what a gift our Profession is to us. It was a reminder that during our years as Franciscans, we make a sincere effort to make present the charism of our common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the church. Also we aim to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the Kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. We joined in thanksgiving of sister’s commitment to the ongoing conversion and change of heart. Those present were reminded about our daily conversion efforts.

The Franciscan Priest who was the celebrant of the Mass was celebrating the 17th anniversary of his Profession too. On that day we reflected on The Testament of St. Francis. “But as the Lord has given me to speak and write the rule and these words simply and purely, may you understand them simply and without gloss and observe them with a holy activity until the end. And whoever observes these things let him be blessed in heaven with a blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son with the Most Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, and all the powers of heaven and all the saints. And as far as I can, I, little brother Francis, your servant, confirm for you, both within and without, this most holy blessing.”
We congratulated Sister and Father for their fidelity and dedication to their vocation. There is a bond of unity among Franciscans which strengthens the bonds of fraternal life within the community.

Please consider using the ceremony on the anniversary of Profession from our Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order for the significant anniversaries, for example, the 25th and 50th anniversaries. Consider also to read the ceremony on the anniversary of your Profession on your anniversary date each year. This is a way to renew our commitment to the gospel life once a year according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order until the end of our days. In the ceremony we are reminded to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters. We are to give witness to younger people of the great gift we received from God, our Franciscan calling. Our goal is to go forth as witnesses and instruments of the Church’s mission among all people proclaiming Christ’s love by our life in words and actions.

What a tremendous witness and encouragement for our brothers and sisters! All praise be yours, O Lord, through all that you have made. Amen.

“Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessings” forever and ever. Amen. (St. Francis of Assisi, “Canticle of the Creatures” in FA:ED 1:113)

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/07/31/celebrating-the-anniversary-of-our-franciscan-profession/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Constitutions #1 – July 26, 2024

Please share with your local fraternity (en español abajo) Korean translation attached in separate PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions answered by our Constitutions: For the next several weeks we will take a look at some questions given in the 2010 edition of the Handbook for Servant Leadership. The same questions often arise on our councils and in our fraternities. Becoming familiar with the Constitutions is very helpful in addressing issues that arise in fraternities at all levels. For the complete, latest translation of the entire document, visit: https://ciofs.info/library/official-documents/ or https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/the-general-constitutions-of-the-secular-franciscan-order-2000/

+What official relationship does the OFS have within the Church? (See General Constitutions (GC) Article 1.5)
“The OFS is a public association5 in the Church. It is divided into fraternities at various levels: local, regional, national, and international. Each one has its own juridical personality within the Church.” [This is important because it tells us that we have official standing in the Church.]

 

+Who may belong to the OFS? (See GC Article 2.1 and 2.2)
“The OFS is open to the faithful of every state of life. The following may belong to it:

– the laity (men and women);

– the secular clergy (deacons, priests, bishops).”

 

“…those who are bound by a perpetual commitment to another religious family or institute of consecrated life cannot belong to the OFS”

 

+How is the OFS life different from religious life?” (See GC Articles 3.1 and 3.2)

“1. The secular state characterizes the spirituality and the apostolic life of those belonging to the OFS.

2. Their secularity, with respect to vocation and to apostolic life, expresses itself according to the respective state, that is:

– for the laity, contributing to building up the Kingdom of God by their presence in their life-situations and in their temporal activities;

– for the secular clergy, by offering to the People of God the service which is properly theirs, in communion with the bishop and the clergy7.

Both are inspired by the gospel options of Saint Francis of Assisi, committing themselves to continue his mission with the other branches of the Franciscan Family.”

 

+How is the OFS governed? What are its governing documents? (See GC Article 4)

“1. The OFS is governed by the universal law of the Church, and by its own: Rule, Constitutions, Ritual, and particular Statutes.iii

2. The Rule establishes the nature, purpose, and spirit of the OFS.

3. Rule 3. The Constitutions have as their purpose:

– to apply the Rule;

– to indicate concretely the conditions for belonging to the OFS, its government, the organization of life in fraternity, and its seat8.iv

 

For discussion in fraternity or to comment on in your journal

· When was the last time you read any part of our General Constitutions?

· How will the articles above help you to explain our Order to other people? (Perhaps to someone new who comes to the fraternity.)

· Challenge: Read the articles of the Constitutions above in their full form including the footnotes and the endnotes on our website or on the CIOFS website. Take special note of items you did not know before or had forgotten and share them in a discussion at a fraternity gathering.

Formación 26 de julio, 2024 (por favor, compartir con su fraternidad local.)

Preguntas frecuentes respondidas por nuestras Constituciones generales: Durante las próximas semanas echaremos un vistazo a algunas preguntas contenidas en la edición 2010 del Manual para el liderazgo de servicio. Las mismas preguntas surgen a menudo en nuestros consejos y en nuestras fraternidades. Familiarizarse con las Constituciones es de gran ayuda para abordar cuestiones que surgen en las fraternidades en todos los niveles. Para obtener la traducción completa y más reciente de todo el documento, visite: https://ciofs.info/es/library/official-documents/

+¿Qué relación oficial tiene la OFS dentro de la Iglesia? (Vea Constituciones generales (CCGG) Artículo 1.5)

La Orden Franciscana Seglar (OFS) es una asociación pública en la Iglesia5. Se articula en fraternidades a varios niveles: local, regional, nacional e internacional. Cada una, individualmente, tiene personalidad jurídica en la Iglesia. [Esto es importante porque nos dice que tenemos una posición oficial en la Iglesia.]

+¿Quiénes pueden pertenecer a la OFS? (Vea GGCC 2.1 y 2.2)
“La OFS está abierta a los fieles de cualquier condición. A ella pueden pertenecer:
– los laicos (hombres y mujeres)
– los clérigos seculares (diáconos, sacerdotes, obispos).”

“…no pueden formar parte de la OFS quienes ya están vinculados, mediante compromiso perpetuo, a otra familia religiosa o instituto de vida consagrada.”

+¿En qué se diferencia la vida OFS de la vida religiosa?” (Ver Artículos 3.1 y 3.2 de las CCGG)
“1. La índole secular caracteriza la espiritualidad y la vida apostólica de quienes pertenecen a la OFS.
2. Su secularidad, en la vocación y en la vida apostólica, se expresa según la respectiva condición, es decir:
– – Para los laicos, contribuyendo a la edificación del Reino de Dios con su presencia en las realidades y en las actividades temporales6.
–Para los clérigos seculares, prestando al pueblo de Dios el servicio que les es propio, en comunión con el Obispo y el Presbiterio7.
Unos y otros se inspiran en las opciones evangélicas de San Francisco de Asís, comprometiéndose a continuar su misión con los otros componentes de la Familia Franciscana.”

+¿Cómo se gobierna la OFS? ¿Cuáles son sus documentos rectores? (Ver artículo 4 de las CCGG)
1. La OFS se rige por el derecho universal de la Iglesia y por el propio: Regla, Constituciones, Ritual y Estatutos particulares.
2. La Regla determina la naturaleza, el fin y el espíritu de la OFS.
3. Regla 3. Las Constituciones tienen como finalidad: – aplicar la Regla; – indicar, en concreto, las condiciones de pertenencia a la OFS, el régimen de la misma, la organización de la vida de la Fraternidad, la sede.

 

Para discutir en fraternidad o para comentar en su diario.

• ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que leyó alguna parte de nuestras Constituciones Generales?

• ¿Cómo le ayudarán los artículos anteriores a explicar nuestra Orden a otras personas? (Quizás a alguien nuevo que llega a la fraternidad).

• Desafío: Lea los artículos de las Constituciones anteriores en su forma completa, incluidas las notas a pie de página y las notas finales en el sitio web del CIOFS. Tome nota especial de los elementos que no sabía antes o que había olvidado y compártalos en una discusión en una reunión de fraternidad.

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
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Juan de Padilla