The Centenary of Christmas at Greccio
and the newly granted Plenary Indulgence
…Celebrating the centenary of Christmas in Greccio as a Franciscan Family is an invitation to pause before the mystery of the Incarnation to contemplate the greatness of divine love for humanity. The Son of God also becomes the Son of man, he becomes one of us, our brother (cf. Letter to the faithful, 2nd edition 56). Our faith in the Incarnation drives us to discover the seeds of the Word ( semina Verbi) present in all cultures and in contemporary society, so that the seeds of humanity found there may flourish. In addition, it urges us not only to defend life, but also to become instruments
of life and humanity in our families and fraternities, to reach out to those who are no longer considered human but are disposable members of society. The concreteness with which Francis of Assisi celebrated the mystery of the Incarnation in Greccio invites us to recover the awareness that “we are keepers of a good that humanizes, that helps to lead a new life. There is nothing better to transmit to others» ( Evangelii Gaudium 264)… ( Centennial Franciscan Family Conference 2022).
For discussion or to comment on in your journal
+Is our daily life, with its joys and difficulties, a privileged place of encounter with the Lord?
+Share your experiences.+Does the way we celebrate Christmas and other liturgical festivals reflect the simplicity, poverty and humility that +Francis of Assisi desired?
+Share your experiences.
Special resources from the CIOFS website, including the letter regarding the Plenary Indulgence available during the Christmas season.
Quote from the letter granting the Plenary Indulgence:
“During this Centenary, on 17 April 2023, we addressed the following petition to the Holy Father: “in order to promote the spiritual renewal of the faithful and increase the life of grace, we ask that the faithful receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions from 8 December 2023, the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to 2 February 2024, Feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by visiting the churches run by Franciscan families throughout the world and stopping in prayer in front of the nativity scenes set up there. Likewise, those who are sick or unable to participate physically can equally benefit from the gift of plenary indulgence, offering their sufferings to the Lord or carrying out practices of piety.”
The Apostolic Penitentiary favorably welcomed the request, granting the right to announce it publicly.
“Therefore, in all the churches entrusted to us for pastoral care,
it will be possible for all the faithful
to receive a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions,
from 8 December 2023 to 2 February 2024.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Formación 22 de diciembre 2023
Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad local
El centenario de la Navidad en Greccio y la nueva indulgencia plenaria concedida
…Celebrar el centenario de la Navidad de Greccio como Familia Franciscana, es una invitación a detenerse ante el misterio de la Encarnación para contemplar la grandeza del amor divino por la humanidad. El Hijo de Dios se hace también Hijo del hombre, se hace uno de nosotros, nuestro hermano (cf. Carta a los fieles, 2ª redacción 56). Nuestra fe en la Encarnación nos impulsa a descubrir las semillas del Verbo (semina Verbi) presentes en todas las culturas y en la sociedad contemporánea, para que florezcan las semillas de humanidad que allí se encuentran. Además, nos insta no sólo a defender la vida, sino también a convertirnos en instrumentos de vida y humanidad en nuestras familias y
fraternidades, para llegar hasta aquellos que ya nadie considera humanos, sino sólo descartables de la sociedad. La concreción con la que Francisco de Asís celebró el misterio de la Encarnación en Greccio nos invita a recuperar la conciencia de que «somos depositarios de un bien que humaniza, que ayuda a llevar una vida nueva. No hay nada mejor para transmitir a los demás» (Evangelii gaudium 264)… (Centenario Conferencia Familia Franciscana 2022).
Para discutir o comentar en su diario
+Nuestra vida cotidiana, con sus alegrías y dificultades, ¿es un lugar privilegiado de encuentro con el Señor?
+Comparta sus experiencias.
+¿El modo en que celebramos la Navidad y otras fiestas litúrgicas reflejan la sencillez, la pobreza y la humildad que deseaba Francisco de Asís?
+Comparta sus experiencias.
Recursos especiales del sitio web del CIOFS, incluida la carta sobre la Indulgencia Plenaria disponible durante la temporada navideña.
Cita de la carta concediendo la Indulgencia Plenaria:
“Dentro de este Centenario, el 17 de abril de 2023, dirigimos la siguiente petición al Santo Padre: “Con el fin de promover la renovación espiritual de los fieles y acrecentar la vida de gracia, pedimos que desde el 8 de diciembre de 2023, solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María, hasta el 2 de febrero de 2024, fiesta de la Presentación en el Templo de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, visitando las iglesias que las familias franciscanas tienen en todo el mundo y deteniéndose en oración ante los pesebres allí montados, los fieles puedan obtener la Indulgencia plenaria en las condiciones habituales. Asimismo, quienes estén enfermos o físicamente incapacitados para participar, también podrán gozar del don de la Indulgencia Plenaria ofreciendo sus sufrimientos al Señor o realizando prácticas piadosas”.
La Penitenciaría Apostólica ha aceptado positivamente la petición, concediendo la facultad de anunciarla públicamente.
“Por lo tanto, en todas las iglesias que nos han sido confiadas para el cuidado pastoral
será posible obtener la Indulgencia plenaria
por todos los fieles, en las condiciones habituales,
del 8 de diciembre de 2023 al 2 de febrero de 2024.”
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
OFS-USA National Chapter 2023
(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2023 TAU-USA Issue #110)
by Sharon Winzeler, OFS
Visitors and NEC. Front row:_Cherryle Fruge, OFS._Second row (left to right: Fr. Carlos Gines Campos Julve, TOR; Mary Frances Charsky, OFS; Kathleen Molaro, OFS; and Dina Shabalina, OFS. Third row (left to right): Susan Ronan, OFS; Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS; Diane Menditto, OFS; Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS; Layna Maher, OFS._Back row (left to right): Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap.; Donna Hollis, OFS; and Joshua Molidor, OFS.
Seventy Secular Franciscans, friars and visitors met at the General Chapter in St. Louis amidst a record-setting heat wave Aug. 22-27. One day the mercury soared to 104 degrees, breaking a record of 101 degrees set in 1943.
This was a visitation year, and Secular Franciscans were honored by the presence of fraternal visitor Dina Shabalina, OFS, from Ukraine, and pastoral visitor Fr. Carlos Gines Campos Julve, TOR, of Peru. Visitations are held every six years at the national level. This year’s event was at the Pallottine Renewal Center. Secular Franciscans recognized the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24 by singing the national anthem and providing a generous check to Dina for the Secular Franciscans in Ukraine.
Dina and Fr. Carlos spent the week talking in groups and individually with members of the National Executive Council, regional ministers and spiritual assistants.
“My hometown is thousands of miles away from this place, but this week I couldn’t feel the distance. I felt like I am at home,” Dina said.
“I appreciate very much that you were honest with us. You shared not just your joys and achievements but also your challenges,” she said.
She praised the NEC and the regional ministers for their work.
“The higher you are, the more burden of service you take upon your shoulders,” Dina said.
She praised the efforts that the Secular Franciscans were making to reach out to youth.
“I appreciate that you are looking for ways to find the young people. The young people need you. Don’t be afraid to show them who you are,” she said.
Dina was fluent in English. Fr. Carlos had an interpreter, but he delivered his closing remarks in English.
“This moment is by the grace of God. I discovered the Franciscan fraternity years ago. It helped my vocation as a friar grow,” he said.
Fr. Carlos said he saw true fraternity among those gathered and encouraged them to seek God’s grace and spiritual support in guiding the Order.
“Let’s not only use our logic and wisdom but also our faith in the grace of God because this is his work,” he said.
The chapter concluded with the recitation of the Hail Mary in many of the languages represented at the chapter English, French, Spanish, Polish, and Ukranian.
The week also included meetings, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on his feast day, budget adoption, the Minister’s State of the Order Address, the JPIC award, and an activity demonstration by the Centenary Committee.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/12/18/ofs-usa-national-chapter-2023/
Formation Friday – O Antiphons – December 15, 2023
Please share with your local fraternity
Did you ever notice the relationship between the Praises of God and the O Antiphons? Now might be a good time to take a look.
“Leo of Assisi, who was with Francis on LaVerna in the Fall of 1224, wrote in red ink on one side of this piece of parchment: ‘Two years before his death, the blessed Francis spent forty days on Mount LaVerna from the Feast of the Assumption of the holy Virgin Mary until the September Feast of Saint Michael, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and the blessed Michael the Archangel. And the Lord’s hand was upon him. After the vision and message of the Seraph and the impression of Christ’s stigmata upon his body, he composed these praises written on the other side of this page and wrote them in his own hand, thanking God for the kindness bestowed on him.’”
The Praises of God – St. Francis of AssisiYou are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.
You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true.You are love, charity; You are wisdom, You are humility,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength, You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,
You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.About the O Antiphons
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/the-o-antiphons-of-advent
“The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.”
December 17: O Sapientia “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet gentle care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are love, charity; You are wisdom,
You are patience, You are beauty, You are meekness,…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 18: O Adonai “O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free. “You are the holy Lord God Who does wonderful things.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are strong. You are great. You are the most high.
You are three and one, the Lord God of gods;
You are the good, all good, the highest good,
Lord God living and true…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 19: O Radix Jesse “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are security, You are rest,
You are gladness and joy, You are our hope, You are justice,
You are moderation, You are all our riches to sufficiency.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 20: O Clavis David “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are the protector, You are our custodian and defender,
You are strength…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)December 21: O Oriens “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are refreshment. 6You are our hope,
You are our faith, You are our charity,…” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)December 22: O Rex Gentium “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are the almighty king. You holy Father,
King of heaven and earth.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)
December 23: O Emmanuel “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God. (Antiphon: Canticle of Mary, Liturgy of the Hours)
“You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life:
Great and wonderful Lord, Almighty God, Merciful Savior.” (From the Praises of God by St. Francis)To discuss or comment on in your journal
+ How does the text of the “Praises of God” help you to see how St. Francis thinks about God?
+ Think about the praises—perhaps at Adoration—How do they influence your closeness to and relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
+ Each day during the rest of Advent, take the O Antiphon for the day and think about it in light of the Praises of God. Discuss or comment on your prayer experience in your journal.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Formación 15 de diciembre, 2023 (Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad.)
¿Alguna vez notó la relación entre las “ Alabanzas de Dios” y las “Antífonas O”? Ahora podría ser un buen momento para echarle un vistazo.
“León de Asís, que estuvo con Francisco en LaVerna en el otoño de 1224, escribió con tinta roja en un lado de este trozo de pergamino: ‘Dos años antes de su muerte, el bienaventurado Francisco pasó cuarenta días en el monte LaVerna desde la Fiesta de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María hasta la Fiesta de San Miguel de septiembre, en honor de la Santísima Virgen María, Madre de Dios, y del bienaventurado Miguel Arcángel. Y la mano del Señor estaba sobre él. Después de la visión y el mensaje del Serafín y la impresión de los estigmas de Cristo en su cuerpo, compuso estas alabanzas escritas al otro lado de esta página y las escribió de su propia mano, agradeciendo a Dios por la bondad que le había concedido.’”
ALABANZAS DEL DIOS ALTÍSIMO
http://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.htmlTú eres santo, Señor Dios único, que haces maravillas.
Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo, tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra.Tú eres trino y uno, Señor Dios de dioses,
tú eres el bien, todo el bien, el sumo bien,
Señor Dios vivo y verdadero.Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría,
tú eres humildad, tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre,
tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud,
tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.Tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre; tú eres protector,
tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro;
tú eres fortaleza, tú eres refrigerio.Tú eres esperanza nuestra, tú eres fe nuestra,
tú eres caridad nuestra, tú eres toda dulzura nuestra,
tú eres vida eterna nuestra:
Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador.El Significado de las antífonas de la O y la Fiesta de la expectación del Parto
https://www.aciprensa.com/recursos/el-significado-de-las-antifonas-de-la-o-y-la-fiesta-de-la-expectacion-del-parto-178417 de diciembre O Sapientia: ¡Oh Sabiduría “Oh Sabiduría, oh santa Palabra de Dios, tú gobiernas toda la creación con tu cuidado fuerte pero gentil. Ven y muestra a tu pueblo el camino de la salvación”!. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres amor, caridad; tú eres sabiduría,
tú eres humildad, tú eres paciencia, tú eres belleza, tú eres mansedumbre”, (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)18 de diciembre O Adonai: “Oh sagrado Señor del antiguo Israel, que te mostraste a Moisés en la zarza ardiente, que le diste la santa ley en el monte Sinaí: ven, extiende tu mano poderosa para liberarnos. “Tú eres el santo Señor Dios que hace cosas maravillosas”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres fuerte, tú eres grande, tú eres altísimo, tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)19 de diciembre O Radix Jesse: “Oh Flor del tallo de Jesé, has sido levantada como signo para todos los pueblos; Los reyes callan ante ti; las naciones se postran en adoración ante ti. Venid, que nada os impida acudir en nuestra ayuda”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres seguridad, tú eres quietud,
tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)20 de diciembre O Clavis David: “Oh Llave de David, oh Poder real de Israel, que controlas a tu voluntad la puerta del cielo: ven, derriba los muros de la prisión de la muerte para los que habitan en tinieblas y sombra de muerte; y lleva a tu pueblo cautivo a la libertad”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres protector,
tú eres custodio y defensor nuestro;
tú eres fortaleza, tú eres refrigerio”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)21 de diciembre O Oriens: “Oh Aurora Radiante, esplendor de luz eterna, sol de justicia: ven, brilla sobre los que habitan en tinieblas y sombra de muerte”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
”Tú eres gozo, tú eres nuestra esperanza y alegría, tú eres justicia,
tú eres templanza, tú eres toda nuestra riqueza a satisfacción.” (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)22 de diciembre O Rex Gentium: “Oh Rey de todas las naciones, único gozo de todo corazón humano; Oh piedra angular del poderoso arco del hombre, ven y salva a la criatura que creaste del polvo”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres rey omnipotente,
tú, Padre santo, rey del cielo y de la tierra”. (De las alabanzas de Dios altísimo—San Francisco de Asís)23 de diciembre O Emmanuel: “Oh Emmanuel, rey y legislador, deseo de las naciones, Salvador de todos los pueblos, ven y libéranos, Señor Dios nuestro. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)
“Tú eres toda dulzura nuestra,
tú eres vida eterna nuestra:
Grande y admirable Señor, Dios omnipotente, misericordioso Salvador”. (Antífona: Cántico de María, Liturgia de las Horas)Para discutir o comentar en su diario
+ ¿Cómo le ayuda el texto de las “Alabanzas de Dios” para entender cómo piensa San Francisco sobre Dios?
+ Piense en las Alabanzas, tal vez durante la Adoración, ¿Cómo influyen en su cercanía y relación con Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo?
+ Cada día durante el resto del Adviento, piense en la “Antífona O” del día a la luz de las Alabanzas de Dios. Platique o comente sobre su experiencia de oración en su diario.
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Building Relationships with the help of Jesus
(This article originally appeared in the Fall TAU-USA Issue #110)
By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, National Minister
Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025. The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 NAB
Reflecting on Jesus’ reminder from Matthew 18:20 – if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.
From August 22, the National Fraternity Council experienced our fraternal and pastoral visitations as required by Article 26 of the OFS Rule and Articles 92-95 of the OFS General Constitutions. We are connected with our fourth fraternity – the international fraternity. Through this process, we continued to build relationships with our international family. Although the official report is not expected for several months, the initial feedback was overall positive. The visitation identified areas for us to work on which fit in with our priorities and theme.
Over the last year, the National Executive Council (NEC) has worked on building or enhancing relationships with the Regional Executive Councils (RECs). We learned that some of our RECs have grappled with issues. Relationships are strained. Some relationships are wounded because of harsh behavior. We received a report of blatant racist behavior.
When relationships are good – it is easy for them to flourish. What are our reactions when the relationship is strained a bit? What happens if there is conflict?
Of course, none of us are perfect. We are called to live the Gospel. We will fall short at times. However, there is no place for racist attitudes or remarks in living the Gospel. Respectful dialogue is critical for our fraternal way of life. However, as we know from OFS Rule Article 7, we are called to daily, ongoing conversion. Thus, we must never lose hope that our transgressions can be overcome. We must take it seriously and be committed to start again each day.
For council members encountering these situations, they may need to implement Jesus’ teachings referenced earlier in Matthew 18 (verses 151n which are also woven into the procedures specified in our General Constitutions Articles 56.2 and 58.2. If our members don’t feel they have the skills to effectively address the issues, then please reach out to the other council members or the members of the next higher council level for assistance.
Let us be encouraged to look for opportunities to build relationships:
- within or outside the Franciscan family (OFS Rule Articles 1, 2, 12,17,19),
- with other members of the Church (OFS Rule Articles 5, 6, 8),
- with people in our communities (OFS Rule Articles 13,14,15, 16) or
- with the non-human part of creation (OFS Rule Articles 1 1, 18).
I am challenged to embrace the opportunities for perfect joy, so that God’s glory can shine. May the Holy Spirit lead us as we listen, discern, and go forth to build up the kingdom of God.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/12/11/building-relationships-with-the-help-of-jesus/
Formation Friday December 8, 2023 – Advent
Advent is a time of waiting and meditation. We think about the coming of our Lord and Savior in the Incarnation and the part that Mary and Joseph played in his life. During this month we can use the words in the graphic (or the word bank below) in our prayer and meditation to focus on the meaning of this season. St. Francis was devoted to the Incarnation. This devotion came out in his prayer, his writings and in his actions.
Here are some ideas to put a Franciscan flavor in your Advent meditations:
· Choose a word or two from the word bank each day and see where those words or ideas come up in our Rule.
· Choose a word or two and see where they come up in Scripture—perhaps in the readings of the day or in the psalms as you pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
· Think of stories in Scripture and in the writings by and about Francis and Clare that typify hope and patience.
· Read online or in books that you have at home:
1 Celano chapter 30 (The story of the first Nativity scene at Greccio) (FA:ED, vol. 1, 254)
https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/695-fa-ed-1-page-254A Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (FA:ED, vol. 1, 163)
The Praises of God (FA:ED, vol. 1, 109)
St. Clare’s Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague (CA:ED, 56)
The references above (FA:ED and CA:ED) refer to Francis of Assisi: Early Documents and Clare of Assisi: Early Documents. These and many more writings of and about Francis and Clare can be found on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition website:
https://franciscantradition.org/
Word Bank
Poverty, Peace, Emmanuel, Promise, Yes, Joy, Hope, Anticipation, Waiting, Praise, Generosity, Humility, Simplicity, Mary, Jesus, Joseph, Forgiveness, Mercy, Listening, Patience, Pilgrims, Strangers, Conversion, Incarnation, Greccio,
Manger
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Formación 8 de diciembre, 2023 (Comparta con su fraternidad.)
El Adviento es una temporada de espera y meditación. Pensamos en la venida de nuestro Señor y Salvador en la Encarnación y el papel que María y José desarrollaron en su vida. Durante este mes podemos usar las palabras del banco de palabras abajo en nuestra oración y meditación para enfocarnos en el significado de esta temporada. San Francisco se dedicó a la Encarnación. Esta devoción se manifestó en su oración, sus escritos y sus acciones.
Aquí hay algunas ideas para darle un toque franciscano a sus meditaciones de Adviento:
• Elija una palabra o dos del banco de palabras cada día y vea dónde esas palabras o ideas aparecen en nuestra Regla.
• Elija una palabra o dos y vea dónde aparecen en las Escrituras, tal vez en las lecturas del día o en los salmos mientras reza la Liturgia de las Horas.
• Piense en historias en las Escrituras y en los escritos de Francisco y Clara y sobre ellos que tipifican la esperanza y la paciencia.
• Lea en Internet o en libros que tenga en casa:
1 Celano capítulo 30 (La historia del primer pesebre de Greccio) (FA: ED, vol. 1, 254)
Capítulo XXX (30)
http://www.franciscanos.org/fuentes/1Cel03.html (en español)Un saludo de la Santísima Virgen María (FA: ED, vol. 1, 163)
https://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/salvm.htmlLas alabanzas del Dios altísimo (FA: ED, vol. 1, 109)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.htmlCuarta carta de Santa Clara a Agnes de Praga (CA: ED, 56)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esscl/ctacla4.htmlLas referencias anteriores en inglés (FA: ED y CA: ED) se refieren a Francisco de Asís: Primeros documentos y Clara de Asís: Primeros documentos. Estos y muchos más escritos de Francisco y Clara se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Tradición Intelectual Franciscana: (en inglés)
https://franciscantradition.org/
Excelente sitio en español: http://www.franciscanos.org/frandp/menup.html
Banco de palabras
Pobreza, Paz, Emanuel, Promesa, Sí, Alegría, Esperanza, Anticipación, Espera, Alabanza, Generosidad, Humildad, Sencillez, María, Jesús, José, Perdón, Misericordia, Escucha, Paciencia, Peregrinos, Extranjeros, Conversión, Encarnación, Greccio, Pesebre
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
