Korean translation attached as 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 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 Article 21-22Article 21: On various levels, each fraternity is animated and guided by a council and minister (or president) who are elected by the professed according to the Constitutions.
Their service, which lasts for a definite period, is marked by a ready and willing spirit and is a duty of responsibility to each member and to the community.
Within themselves the fraternities are structured in different ways according to the norm of the Constitutions, according to the various needs of their members and their regions, and under the guidance of their respective council.
Article 22: The local fraternity is to be established canonically. It becomes the basic unit of the whole Order and a visible sign of the Church, the community of love. This should be the privileged place for developing a sense of Church and the Franciscan vocation and for enlivening the apostolic life of its members.
Commentary
Article 21: This fraternity is bound together with the leadership of a president and a council who are ready and willing to serve, and it is expressed in diversified ways according to the needs of the area. Two implications ensue from the first part of this paragraph: the importance of choosing available and competent and willing leaders and, secondly, the responsibility of Secular Franciscans themselves to exercise complete control in administrative and temporal matters. The stress of diversified fraternity styles implies that the structure of the community must be tailored to the needs of those who form it.
Article 22: The local fraternity is the basic living organism of the whole Secular Franciscan Order and a visible sign of the whole Church in miniature. Hence, its beginning and development is guided by Church authority, for it is the center for spiritual growth, apostolic outreach, and loving union among its members. This paragraph calls the members to relate with one another more personally and intensely and stresses the ties with the local bishop.
For discussion with a partner, in a group, or to comment on in your journal:
+Re-read article 21 and the commentary:
— Each level of fraternity in our order is animated and guided by a council.
· How does your local council guide your fraternity? Can you name the members and tell what they do?
· What do you know about the regional executive council?
· Can you share anything you know about the national or international councils?
· If you are not sure about any of the above questions, where can you find out more?
+Re-read article 22 and the commentary:
–The local fraternity is the visible sign of the Church…
· Have you ever seen your local fraternity’s document of establishment?
· Why do you think the local fraternity is established by the Church?
+++++++++++++++
Formación 10 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 21-22
Artículo 21: En los diferentes niveles, cada Fraternidad es animada y guiada por un Consejo y un Ministro (o Presidente), elegidos por los profesos en conformidad con las Constituciones.
Su servicio, que dura un tiempo limitado, es un compromiso de disponibilidad y de responsabilidad para con cada uno y para con el grupo.
Las Fraternidades, según lo establecido en las Constituciones, se estructuran internamente de manera diversa, conforme a las necesidades de sus miembros y de las regiones, bajo la dirección del Consejo respectivo.
Artículo 22: La Fraternidad local necesita ser canónicamente erigida, y se convierte así en la primera célula de toda la Orden y en signo visible de la Iglesia, comunidad de amor. Ésta deberá ser el lugar privilegiado para desarrollar el sentido eclesial y la vocación franciscana, y, además, para animar la vida apostólica de sus miembros.
Comentario
Artículo 21: Esta fraternidad está ligada al liderazgo de un presidente y un consejo listos y dispuestos a servir, y se expresa de formas diversas según las necesidades del área (21). Dos implicaciones se derivan de la primera parte de este párrafo: la importancia de elegir líderes disponibles, competentes y dispuestos y, en segundo lugar, la responsabilidad de los franciscanos seglares mismos de ejercer un control completo en asuntos administrativos y temporales. El énfasis en los estilos de fraternidad diversificados implica que la estructura de la comunidad debe adaptarse a las necesidades de quienes la forman.
Artículo 22: La fraternidad local es el organismo vivo básico de toda la Orden Franciscana Seglar y un signo visible de toda la Iglesia en miniatura (22). Por lo tanto, su inicio y desarrollo está guiado por la autoridad de la Iglesia, pues es el centro del crecimiento espiritual, la extensión apostólica y la unión cariñosa entre sus miembros. Este párrafo llama a los miembros a relacionarse más personal e intensamente y subraya los vínculos con el obispo local.
Para hablar con un compañero, en grupo o para comentar en tu diario:
+Vuelva a leer el artículo 21 y el comentario:
–Cada nivel de fraternidad en nuestra orden está animado y guiado por un consejo.
· ¿Cómo orienta su consejo local su fraternidad? ¿Puedes nombrar a los miembros y decir lo que hacen?
· ¿Qué sabe del consejo ejecutivo regional?
· ¿Puede compartir algo que sepas sobre los consejos nacionales o internacionales?
· Si no está seguro de alguna de las preguntas anteriores, ¿dónde puede encontrar más información?
+Vuelve a leer el artículo 22 y el comentario:
–La fraternidad local es el signo visible de la Iglesia…
· ¿Ha visto alguna vez el documento de fundación de su fraternidad local?
· ¿Por qué cree que la fraternidad local es fundada por la Iglesia?
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Ascension Thursday – Fr. Christopher
Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR – The message of the Ascension:
Today, Ascension Thursday, we celebrate not the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, but a beginning: Go into the whole world, proclaim the Gospel, making disciples of all, carrying on the work Jesus has begun. But the Lord’s first direction was so blunt, so direct and clear: “Go.” The world is waiting. Act on what I have taught you, Jesus said. Put it into practice.
the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: Ascension Thursday – Fr. Christopher (text)
View his homily here: Ascension Thursday – Fr. Christopher (video)
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Ascension Thursday – Fr. Christopher
Joy Comes With The Morning
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Digital Issue #111)
by Ron Lacey, OFS
National Ecumenical / Interfaith Committee Chair
You may have heard the Zen koan: “Coming, going – what’s the difference?” A koan is a riddle that at first seems nonsensical, but when properly understood, it shows the inadequacy of human logic. It is only in our deluded state that we think we’re entering one place without leaving another.
This koan has been much on my mind lately. My beloved fraternity – St Anthony, Boston – has been deactivated. We were once the largest fraternity in St Elizabeth of Hungary Region, but age, sickness, death, a few departures, and no new blood have taken their toll. I’m sure many of you have had similar experiences; we’ve said a tearful goodbye to many fraternities.
But with deactivation come new things: exploring other fraternities, making new friends, learning new things, and ultimately, transferring into another fraternity. Coming, going . . . death, resurrection!
It isn’t just fraternity life, is it? It seems that everything works this way: the old gives way to the new. We are often sad to lose the old, but we must never despair, for our Lord may prune, but he does so only to help his branch yield more fruit (Jn 15:2). In the area of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, for example, we leave our old isolation, lose our false sense of security, and we enter a new path of discovery; we gain new friends and new wisdom. It doesn’t always happen in that order, but “joy comes with the morning!” (Ps 30:5).
Our beloved sister Carolyn Townes recently shared with us on the Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee a reflection by Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, who spoke of real ecumenism as a path of “progressive convergence.” Drawing on the late Cardinal Dulles, Rolheiser says that ecumenism is not about making converts, pointing out everyone else’s errors, bringing them around our altar. (It is Jesus’ altar, not ours!) In other words, it isn’t about getting them to leave their church for ours. Progressive convergence is about drawing closer to the Prince of Peace – something that demands a persistent turning away from sin, arrogance, the horrible need to be right – and as we draw closer and closer to Jesus, we find in our disagreements a cause for shame, for we find ourselves gathered around him, whose one and only commandment is love.
This Easter Season, ask yourself: “Where am I going?” “Where does this lead?” “Where do I want to go, and what do I have to give up to get there?” Remember in whom we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). Remember that we can ascend the heavens, and he is there; we can make our bed in the depths, and he is there (Ps 139:8). Remember that our neighbors – particularly the ones we ignore and the ones we don’t like – are in fact the gate of heaven. And remember, Jesus is making all things new (Rev 21:5)
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 6th Sunday in Easter – Fr. Christopher
Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, explains how love gives meaning and fullness to life:
“It is love that tells you what life means. God’s life in you is God’s love for you. God’s love transforms you, changes you, makes you different. You become a person in relationship. A relationship that graces you with spiritual gifts beyond the sheerly human. Only love gives meaning. Without love, words are empty. Without love, knowledge and insight are nothing. Without love, the spiritual power of faith is lacking. We may have, through the working of the Spirit, an enthusiasm for self-sacrifice, so that we give of ourselves for the neighbor or for God, giving away everything for their sake, even that is nothing done without love.”
the full text of this Sunday’s homily here: 6th Sunday in Easter – Fr. Christopher (text)
View his homily here: 6th Sunday in Easter – Fr. Christopher (video)
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 6th Sunday in Easter – Fr. Christopher
FORMATION FRIDAY – RULE, Chapter 3 – May 3, 2024
En español abajo) KOREAN TRANSLATION IS ATTACHED IN PDF FORMAT. 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 Article 20Article 20: The Secular Franciscan Order is divided into fraternities of various levels—local, regional, national, and international. Each one has its own moral personality in the Church. These various fraternities are coordinated and united according to the norm of this Rule and of the Constitutions.
Commentary
Article 20: Ordinarily, the gospel life of Secular Franciscans outlined in the second chapter is developed and sustained within the framework of an organized community, called a fraternity, in each locality. Hence, “fraternity” is the topic of chapter three (20–26). These fraternities are living and active communities. They serve as expressions of loving and trusting relationships between members and as a legal unit of government. They exist on various levels and have their own special character (20). They are given life and direction by their lay leadership and particular characteristics by their local needs (21). They exist with the approval of the Church (22) and are nurtured by new members who have been prepared for commitment (23). Their meetings and contributions express their will to and sense of community (24–25). Their spiritual growth is developed through the assistance of clergy and religious (26).
(Articles 21 through 26 will be covered in subsequent weeks and will complete our series.)
The chapter (Chapter 3) begins with outlining the fraternity as the characteristic of all Secular Franciscan groupings, whether local, regional, provincial, national, or international (20). A new dimension given to Secular Franciscan life because of this paragraph is awareness of (and, hence, a mandate to achieve) a fraternity spirit and style operating on levels beyond that of the local fraternity. Regional, provincial, national, or international groupings are not just a federation of independent, semiautonomous fraternities or a forum for exchange but actually a fully operating community with its own character, interactivity, and authority as defined by the statutes.
For discussion with a partner, in a group, or to comment on in your journal:
+Re-read article 20 and the commentary:
—The local fraternity is the heartbeat of the Order.
· Share some observations about your local fraternity.
· Why is fraternity important to you?
· How does your local fraternity add to or shape your life as a Secular Franciscan?
–The other levels of fraternity have their own special character…
· What do you know about the regional, national, and international fraternities?
· What is the name of your region? Who is your regional minister? How does your region enhance your life as a Secular Franciscan?
· What is the name of your national minister? What services does the national fraternity (NAFRA) provide for you?
· What is the name of our general minister? What do you know about the services the international fraternity (CIOFS) provides for you?
· What would you like to know about the other levels of fraternity?
+++++++++++++++
Formación 3 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 Artículo 20
Artículo 20: La Orden Franciscana Seglar se articula en Fraternidades, de diversos niveles: local, regional, nacional e internacional. Cada una de estas Fraternidades tiene su propia personalidad moral en la Iglesia34. Las Fraternidades de los diversos niveles se coordinan y unen entre sí, de acuerdo con lo que se establece en esta Regla y en las Constituciones.
Comentario
Artículo 20: De ordinario, la vida evangélica de los franciscanos seglares esbozada en el segundo capítulo se desarrolla y se sostiene en el marco de una comunidad organizada, llamada fraternidad, en cada localidad. Por lo tanto, la «fraternidad» es el tema del capítulo tres (20–26). Estas fraternidades son comunidades vivas y activas. Sirven como expresiones de la relación cariñosa y confiada entre los miembros y como unidad legal de gobierno. Existen en varios niveles y tienen su propio carácter especial (20). Sus necesidades locales les dan vida y características particulares (21). Existen con la aprobación de la Iglesia (22) y son nutridos por nuevos miembros que han sido preparados para hacer el compromiso. (23). Sus reuniones y contribuciones monetarias expresan su voluntad y sentido de comunidad (24-25). Su crecimiento espiritual se desarrolla a través de la asistencia del clero y de los religiosos (26).
(Los artículos 21 a 26 se tratarán en las semanas siguientes y completarán nuestra serie).El capítulo 3 comienza perfilando la fraternidad como característica de todas las agrupaciones franciscanas seglares, ya sean locales, regionales, provinciales, nacionales o internacionales (20). Una nueva dimensión dada a la vida franciscana seglar debido a este párrafo es la conciencia de (y, por lo tanto, un mandato para lograr) un espíritu y estilo de fraternidad que opera en niveles más allá de la fraternidad local. Las agrupaciones regionales, provinciales, nacionales o internacionales no son simplemente una federación de fraternidades independientes y semiautónomas o un foro de intercambio, sino una comunidad en pleno funcionamiento con su propio carácter, interactividad y autoridad como se define en los estatutos.
Para platicar con un compañero, en un grupo o para comentar en su diario:
+Vuelva a leer el artículo 20 y el comentario:
—La fraternidad local es el latido del corazón de la Orden.
· Comparta algunas observaciones sobre su fraternidad local.
· ¿Por qué es importante para usted la fraternidad?
· ¿De qué manera su fraternidad local contribuye o da forma a su vida como franciscano seglar?
–Los otros niveles de fraternidad tienen su propio carácter especial…
· ¿Qué sabe de la fraternidad regional, nacional e internacional?
· ¿Cuál es el nombre de su región? ¿Quién es su ministro regional? ¿Cómo mejora su región su vida como franciscano seglar?
· ¿Cómo se llama su ministro nacional? ¿Qué servicios le ofrece la fraternidad nacional (NAFRA)?
· ¿Cómo se llama nuestro ministro general? ¿Qué sabe de los servicios que le presta la fraternidad internacional (CIOFS)?
· ¿Qué le gustaría saber sobre los otros niveles de fraternidad?
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
