The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher

Brothers and Sisters, St Francis, in the conclusion of his Letter to the Entire Order says, “…O wonderful loftiness and stupendous dignity!  O sublime humility!  O humble sublimity!  The Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides under an ordinary piece of bread. . .”

The full text of this Sunday’s homily here: Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher (text)

View his homily here: Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher (video)

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher

Reflect on the Sacred Heart

Jane DeRose-Bamman Minister 2022

Jane DeRose-Bamman National Minister

In my home, visitors see religious articles throughout. These include a crucifix by the entrance of most of our rooms. My office has all my Franciscan images along with my framed profession certificate. In our primary bedroom, we have a collage of religious art across from the chairs where I often sit to pray.

The month of June is very special to me. I professed to live the Rule of the OFS on June 4, 1995. It holds many feast days for inspiring saints (including St. Anthony of Padua, St Thomas More, St John the Baptist, Sts Peter and Paul). But the most important aspect for me is the month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart and established June as the month to celebrate it in 1899. Although St. Francis may not have used the term “Sacred Heart”, St. Francis’ love for the suffering Christ was the basis for the Stigmata.

Article 10 of the OFS rule fits in well with this month’s dedication:

“Uniting themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father’s hands, let them faithfully fulfil the duties proper to their various circumstances of life. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions.”

 New Mexican style images of the Sacred Heart are in the collage on my bedroom wall. More than just decorations, the images keep me focused. My prayer for this month is for all of us to reflect on the Sacred Heart and to find ways to transform any suffering we experience into grace for our neighbors.

I conclude this message with the verse of a song by songwriter Michael John Poirier.

“Most sacred heart of Jesus
Truly present in the Holy Eucharist
I place all my trust in You!”
By Michael John Poirier

May Jesus Christ be praised now and forever!

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/05/31/reflect-on-the-sacred-heart/

The Gift of Greccio

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Digital Issue #111)

by Patrick Martin, OFS National Centenary Task Force

According to the American Museum of Natural History, two thousand years ago our planet’s population was about 170 million souls (a far cry from today’s population of about 8 billion). Hundreds of thousands of babies were born that year. And in a far corner of the Roman Empire, a child was born to a carpenter and his wife in a small shed or cave in the village of Bethlehem.

Eight hundred years ago, our Seraphic Father, St. Francis, created that scene again in the hill town of Greccio. That event, that statement of incarnational belief, would influence the direction and theological foundation of the Franciscan Movement forever.

The Sanctuary at Greccio

This past year, the worldwide Franciscan Family celebrated the eighth centenary of the Nativity scene at Greccio. Here in the United States many events were held at the national, regional, and fraternity level to remember and remind us about the importance of what happened at Greccio in 1223.

Mother Cabrini Region’s Regional Formation Day last March focused on the incarnation, starting with a presentation by Fr. Edward Tverdek, OFM, entitled “The Incarnation, the Atonement, and the ‘Franciscan Thesis.”‘ The afternoon included a slide tour of Greccio, presentations on the many dimensions of the Centenary, and a closing liturgy. Regional Minister, Luana Lienhart, said, “Our formation team put together a beautiful set of presentations on recognizing the Incarnation in ourselves and each other. We focused on the works of mercy/JPIC/multicultural dimensions of the Incarnation and collected goods for a shelter for women and their children.”

The San Diego District of the St. Francis Region planned its Greccio event working with the First Order, Second Order and Third Order Regular to bring the entire Franciscan Family together for celebrations in November at two different locations in the diocese. “It’s events where the branches of the Franciscan family come together – and when we gather with Seculars from many fraternities, in our District, Region, or Nationally – that we truly experience what it is to be a member of this beautiful community. Our Franciscan spirituality is so much more than what’s in any one Fraternity – and that’s a camaraderie you could deeply feel at both of these Greccio events,” said Laura Chun, Minister of San Luis Rey Fraternity.

Also in November, the OFS-USA Centenary Task Force presented an online event called, “Celebrating Christmas at Greccio,” where more than 300 individuals and groups saw a virtual tour of Greccio conducted by Sr. Maryann Dosen, ssfcr. Following the tour, readings from the writings of two early Franciscan biographers were shared with the group: Thomas of Celano, one of the original followers of St. Francis, and St. Bonaventure, a “second generation” Franciscan who interviewed the remaining original followers. Discussion questions were given to the participants, who met in small groups for sharing. Videos of the presentations can be found at the OFS-USA website: Centenary Resources: Christmas at Greccio – Secular Franciscan Order – USA

(accessed Mar 2, 2024).

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/centenary-resources-christmas-at-greccio/

San Diego Greccio Celebration: Receiving small bundles of straw and blessing cards for home crèches.

The Gift of Greccio

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher

Brothers and sisters, “Wherever you are, in every place, at every hour, at every time of day, every day and continually, let all of us truly and humbly believe, hold in our heart to love, honor, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and exalt, magnify and give thanks to the Most High and Supreme Eternal God, Trinity and Unity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Creator of all! Savior of all! who believe and hope in Him, and love Him…” (St. Francis, conclusion of the Early Rule)

the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher (text)

View his homily here: Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher (video)

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Rule of OFS, Chpt 3, Art.25-26 – May 24, 2024

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

The OFS-USA National Fraternity has recently published “From Gospel to Life,” the OFS Rule with Commentary. This occasional series highlights the Prologue (See November 17th and 24th) and the articles of the Rule, the commentary, and questions based on this publication for fraternity discussion. You may order “Gospel to Life” at this link: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Order-Form_October_2023rev.pdf

Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 Articles 25-26

Article 25: Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sisters should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils.44

Article 26: As a concrete sign of communion and co-responsibility, the councils on various levels, in keeping with the constitutions, shall ask for suitable and well-prepared religious for spiritual assistance. They should make this request to the superiors of the four religious Franciscan families, to whom the Secular Fraternity has been united for centuries.

To promote fidelity to the charism as well as observance of the Rule and to receive greater support in the life of the fraternity, the minister or president, with the consent of the council, should take care to ask for a regular pastoral visit by the competent religious superiors as well as for a fraternal visit from those of the higher fraternities, according to the norm of the Constitutions.45

 

“And whoever observes these things let him be blessed in Heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of His Beloved Son with the Most Holy Spirit the Paraclete.”

(Blessing of St. Francis found in The Testament of Francis)

 

Commentary

Article 25: Paragraph 25 points out that the voluntary contributions of the members finance the fraternity’s spiritual and temporal needs and activities. The fraternity, according to its means and agreed-upon arrangements, also contributes to the support of regional, national, and international fraternities. This paragraph is a contemporary application of the traditional Secular Franciscan values outlined in the very first rule, that the members are responsible for taking care of their own in whatever way is necessary.

 

Article 26: Finally, the rule speaks of the spiritual assistance of the clergy; it also refers to the need of the friars to share fellowship and their Franciscan vocation with the Secular Franciscans (26). Three important implications are drawn from this paragraph: First of all, since the Secular Franciscan Order is basically a lay order, the laity themselves are primarily responsible for their own spiritual growth and have the duty to get the proper assistance to achieve this end. Secondly, spiritual assistants should have a good background in Franciscanism and Vatican Council II (especially the role of the laity) and a willingness to share their own vocation with the Secular Franciscan community. Thirdly, the official visit to the fraternity is given a dual role; spiritual growth is ensured through pastoral visitation by a Franciscan friar. Organizational development is provided by the fraternal visitation of a higher lay leader.

For discussion with a partner, in a group, or to comment on in your journal:

+Re-read articles 25-26 and the commentary:

— Sharing in expenses

· What do you understand the monthly contribution to the fraternity to be?

· How would you explain this to a new member?

—Spiritual Assistance

· Does your fraternity have a spiritual assistant? If yes, is it a friar, sister, or a Secular Franciscan? If no, who takes care of the spiritual needs of your fraternity?

· In what ways does your spiritual assistant serve your fraternity? If you know your regional spiritual assistant, tell how he serves your region.

 

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

 

Formación 17 de mayo, 2024 Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad local

 

La Fraternidad Nacional OFS-USA ha publicado recientemente “Del Evangelio a la Vida”, la Regla de la OFS con comentario. (Publicada en inglés y español) Esta serie ocasional que destacará el Prólogo (véase 17 y 24 de noviembre) y varios artículos de la Regla, el comentario y las preguntas para la discusión de la fraternidad. Se puede pedir “Evangelio a la vida” en español en este enlace:
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Order-Form_October_2023rev.pdf

 

Regla de la Orden Franciscana Seglar

Capítulo 3 Artículos 25-26

 

Artículo 25: Todos los hermanos y hermanas ofrezcan una contribución proporcionada a las propias posibilidades, para sufragar los gastos necesarios de la vida de la Fraternidad o para obras de culto, de apostolado y de caridad.Las Fraternidades locales contribuyan al pago de los gastos de los Consejos de las Fraternidades de nivel superior.44

 

Artículo 26: Como signo concreto de comunión y de corresponsabilidad, los Consejos de los diferentes niveles, de acuerdo con las Constituciones, pedirán religiosos idóneos y preparados para la asistencia espiritual a los Superiores de las cuatro Familias religiosas franciscanas, a las cuales, desde siglos, está unida la Fraternidad Seglar.

Para fomentar la fidelidad al carisma y la observancia de la Regla, y para recibir mayor ayuda en la vida de fraternidad, el Ministro o Presidente, de acuerdo con el Consejo, sea solícito en pedir periódicamente a los Superiores religiosos competentes la visita pastoral y a los responsables del nivel superior la visita fraterna, según las Constituciones.

 

“Y todo el que guarde estas cosas, sea colmado en el cielo de la bendición del altísimo Padre, y sea colmado en la tierra de la bendición del amado Hijo con el Espíritu Paráclito…” (Bendición de San Francisco, del Testamento)

Comentario

Artículo 25: El párrafo 25 señala que las contribuciones voluntarias de los miembros financian las necesidades y actividades espirituales y temporales de la fraternidad. La fraternidad, según sus medios y arreglos convenidos, contribuye también al sostenimiento de las fraternidades regionales, provinciales, nacionales e internacionales. Este párrafo es una aplicación contemporánea de los valores franciscanos seglares tradicionales descritos en la primera regla, que los miembros son responsables de cuidar de sí mismos en cualquier forma que sea necesaria.

 

Artículo 26: Finalmente, la regla habla de la asistencia espiritual del clero; se refiere también a la necesidad de los frailes de compartir la fraternidad y la vocación franciscana con los franciscanos seglares (26). De este párrafo se extraen tres implicaciones importantes: En primer lugar, dado que la Orden Franciscana Seglar es básicamente una orden laica, los laicos mismos son los principales responsables de su propio crecimiento espiritual y tienen el deber de obtener la asistencia adecuada para lograr este fin. En segundo lugar, los asistentes espirituales deben tener una buena formación en franciscanismo y el Concilio Vaticano II (especialmente el papel de los laicos) y la voluntad de compartir su propia vocación con la comunidad franciscana seglar. En tercer lugar, se da un doble papel a la visita oficial a la fraternidad; el crecimiento espiritual se asegura a través de la visita pastoral de un fraile franciscano. El desarrollo organizacional es proporcionado por la visita fraterna de un líder laico superior.

 

Para hablar con un compañero, en grupo o para comentar en su diario:

+Leer otra vez los artículos 25-26 y el comentario:

–Compartir los gastos

· ¿Cuál entiende que es la contribución mensual a la fraternidad?

· ¿Cómo le explicaría esto a un nuevo miembro?

–La asistencia espiritual

· ¿Su fraternidad tiene un asistente espiritual? En caso afirmativo, ¿es un fraile, una hermana o un franciscano seglar? Si no es así, ¿quién se ocupa de las necesidades espirituales de su fraternidad?

· ¿De qué manera su asistente espiritual sirve a su fraternidad? Si conoce a su asistente espiritual regional, describa cómo sirve a su región.

 
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