Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, member National Formation Commission, OFS USA
Family and work are often times the most undervalued areas of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation(JPIC ) in our Order. Perhaps it is because our Franciscan religious brothers and sisters have shared such a bounty of valuable insight, information, formation, and service in the other areas of JPIC that our own JPIC area of “family” has been underdeveloped.
Because we are secular, not religious, however, does not mean that we should ignore the areas which are in our own areas of expertise–one of which is family life. For us, as Secular Franciscans living in the trenches of society, our witness and active participation in the discussion and formation of social questions, mores, and choices, lends credibility because we are living out our Franciscan Catholic life in society. Our witness and influence can be immense! As Pope Paul VI observed, “contemporary man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers it is because they are witnesses.”( Pope Paul VI, Address to the “Consilium de Laicis” (October 2, 1974.)
Our family is where we live our lives as Secular Franciscans. We are married, widowed or single–but we are fully entrenched in our families. For some, family may not necessarily mean “married” (although it can) but it may also include close relationships for those without biological ties–adoption, foster relationships, guardianships, parent figures, supportive mothering, or long term friends that have close emotional ties. Families are not necessarily defined by blood ties, but are from the heart.
The family has been called the first natural, and most vital cell of the society. John Paul II called it the “primary place of humanization for the person.” Lumen Gentium calls it “a school of love and a domestic church.” Pope John Paul II also says that It is a place where a communion of persons develops and grows and how we reveal our commitment to the Fourth Commandment: Honor Your Father and your Mother. The Incarnation is how the Son of God entered into human history through the family so therefore, the Holy Family should be the model for our own families in which the divine bridegroom brings about the redemption of all families as Jesus proclaims the “gospel of the family.” (John Paul II)
Article 17 of our Rule states: “In their family, they should cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life, striving to make it a sign of a world already renewed. By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives in particular should bear witness in the world to the love of Christ for His Church. They should joyfully accompany their children on their human and spiritual journey by providing a simple and open Christian education and being attentive to the vocation of each child.”
Our Constitutions expand this idea in Article 24 which states: “Secular Franciscans should consider their own family to be the first place in which to live their Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation.”
Further exploration of the Family will continue next week.
For discussion with your fraternity, a prayer partner, or to comment on in your journal.
1. Pray, meditate on and discuss the phrase: “contemporary man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers it is because they are witnesses.” What are your thoughts about this statement?
2. Look at how the family is described above in the quoted phrases from Lumen Gentium and John Paul II. Identify those elements in your family and assess where you can do better.
3. What are your “take aways” from this discussion? How will it change what you do?
4. Challenge: What are some ways that you can “cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace” in your family?
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JPIC para Franciscanos Seglares: Familia—Parte 1 (Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad local)
Preparado por Francine Gikow, OFS, miembro de la Comisión Nacional de Formación, OFS USA.
La familia y el trabajo son a menudo las áreas más infravaloradas de Justicia, Paz e Integridad de la Creación (JPIC) en nuestra Orden. Tal vez sea porque nuestros hermanos y hermanas religiosos franciscanos han compartido una gran cantidad de conocimientos, información, formación y servicio valiosos en las otras áreas de JPIC que nuestra propia área de JPIC de “familia” ha estado subdesarrollada.
Sin embargo, el hecho de que seamos seglares, no religiosos, no significa que debamos ignorar las áreas que están en nuestras propias áreas de especialización, una de las cuales es la vida familiar. Para nosotros, como franciscanos seglares que vivimos en las trincheras de la sociedad, nuestro testimonio y participación activa en la discusión y formación de cuestiones, costumbres y opciones sociales, da credibilidad porque estamos viviendo nuestra vida católica franciscana en la sociedad. ¡Nuestro testimonio e influencia pueden ser inmensos! Como observó el Papa Pablo VI, “el hombre contemporáneo escucha con más gusto a los testigos que a los maestros, y si escucha a los maestros es porque son testigos.” (Papa Pablo VI, Discurso al “Consilium de Laicis” (2 de octubre de 1974))
Nuestra familia es donde vivimos nuestras vidas como franciscanos seglares. Estamos casados, viudos o solteros, pero estamos totalmente arraigados en nuestras familias. Para algunos, la familia puede no significar necesariamente “casado”, pero también puede incluir relaciones cercanas para aquellos sin vínculos biológicos: adopción, relaciones de acogida, tutelas, figuras paternas, maternidad solidaria o amigos a largo plazo que tienen vínculos cercanos, vínculos emocionales. Las familias no necesariamente se definen por lazos de sangre, sino que son de corazón.
La familia ha sido llamada la primera célula natural y más vital de la sociedad. Juan Pablo II lo llamó el “primer lugar de humanización de la persona”. Lumen Gentium la llama “una escuela de amor y una iglesia doméstica”. El Papa Juan Pablo II también dice que es un lugar donde se desarrolla y crece una comunión de personas, y cómo revelamos nuestro compromiso con el Cuarto Mandamiento: Honra a tu Padre y a tu Madre. La Encarnación es cómo el Hijo de Dios entró en la historia humana a través de la familia, por lo tanto, la Sagrada Familia debe ser el modelo para nuestras propias familias en las que el Esposo divino realiza la redención de todas las familias como Jesús proclama el “evangelio de la familia”. .” (Juan Pablo II)
El artículo 17 de nuestra Regla dice: “Vivan en la propia familia el espíritu franciscano de paz, fidelidad y respeto a la vida, esforzándose en convertirlo en el signo de un mundo ya renovado en Cristo. Los casados, particularmente, viviendo la gracia del matrimonio, den testimonio en el mundo del amor de Cristo a su Iglesia. Con una educación cristiana, sencilla y abierta, atentos a la vocación de cada uno, recorran gozosamente con sus hijos su itinerario espiritual y humano”.
Nuestras Constituciones amplían esta idea en el artículo 24 que dice: “Los franciscanos seglares consideren a su familia como el ámbito prioritario en el que viven su compromiso cristiano y la vocación franciscana”.
La exploración adicional de la Familia continuará la próxima semana.
Para platicar con su fraternidad, un compañero de oración, o para comentar en su diario.
- Oren, mediten y comenten la frase: “el hombre contemporáneo escucha con más gusto a los testigos que a los maestros, y si escucha a los maestros es porque son testigos”. ¿Cuáles son sus pensamientos acerca de esta declaración?
- Mire cómo se describe a la familia arriba en las frases citadas de Lumen Gentium y Juan Pablo II. Identifique esos elementos en su familia y evalúe dónde puede hacerlo mejor.
- ¿Cuáles son sus “resultados” de esta discusión? ¿Cómo cambiará usted lo que hace?
- Desafío: ¿Cuáles son algunas formas en las que puede “Vivir en la propia familia el espíritu franciscano de paz”?
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
Introducing The New Member Of The National Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring Issue #109)
by Donna Hollis, OFS , National Councilor
The National Ecumenical Committee has changed faces and set different goals during the many years of its existence. Our focus has been on the outreach and involvement of those on our Joint Committee (TSSF Third Order Society of St. Francis, OEF Order of Ecumenical Franciscans and OLF Order of Lutheran Franciscans).
In our Regions, we have many members who are also involved with JPIC, and this goes hand in hand with Ecumenism. When working with Justice and Peace, we inevitably work with those in different denominations and spiritualities.
One of our goals is to make sure all our regions that are in ministry with either JPIC or Ecumenism work together. We would like to hear everything that is happening in our different regions regarding these ministries and post any events or information on our new and updated website under Ecumenical Committee. We want to have more input and invite everyone to experience/participate in what our Brothers and Sisters are doing in our Order. It is important to support each other in our endeavors.
I took over as temporary Chair when our Brother Mike Carsten, OFS, completed his term in 2021. After the call for a new chairperson, the NEC chose a member from our Order to continue the leadership of the Ecumenical Committee.
I would like to introduce our new National Ecumenical Committee Chair, Ronald Lacey, OFS. He is from the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region and attends the St. Anthony Fraternity in Roxbury, MA. Ron will share his experiences with Ecumenism and how it has affected his life. He will direct our Ecumenical Committee with the goals we have discerned in moving forward.
Thank you Ron, for accepting this role in our Order. We appreciate your leadership with humility and collaboration. The Team looks forward to working with you.
Ronald Lacey, OFS
I am honored to work with the members of the Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee – Marie Bianca, Donna Hollis, and Carolyn Townes – and I am grateful to the National Executive Council for giving me this opportunity. As Franciscans, we are called to be instruments of peace. We are needed! We humans create many divisions – all sad – but perhaps none is so tragic as the division we create in the name of religion.
I was raised by a Roman Catholic mother and a Southern Baptist father, so I guess you could say that ecumenical awareness has been with me from the cradle. The two sides of my family have always gotten along peacefully, so I’m taken aback when I hear religious people (whether Christian or non-Christian) speaking disrespectfully of people of other faiths or denominations.
In college, I studied medieval history, with a special interest in religion and spirituality. One of my “concentrations within my concentration” as an undergraduate was Jewish studies. After receiving my master’s in medieval church history from the University of Notre Dame, I taught Latin for a little while. For the past twenty years, I have worked in one of the libraries at Harvard University, where I have had the good fortune to take classes at the Harvard Divinity School, which is a major center of interreligious study.
I am blessed, in Boston, to live among many different Buddhist traditions, and I have studied meditation with several of them. From my living room window, I can see a mosque and, just past it, the steeple of an Orthodox church, where I sometimes go for Vespers. St. Columbkille’s, where I often attend early morning Mass, is within walking distance from my house and next door to a yeshiva; the lads, with their hats, curls, and prayer shawls, running to school past the Gothic-revival belltower, create a scene to inspire Chagall.
So many ways to call upon God, all within a half-mile radius. This is, I believe, cause for great joy! I have found great wisdom in the traditions I have studied and neighbored. Who doesn’t have something positive to share?
My hope for the Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee is that we may help initiate dialogue and understanding where they don’t yet exist and deepen them where they have already begun. I very much look forward to working with the Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee on these goals, and we look forward to hearing your ideas as well!
Marie Bianca, OFS
As a young person growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, I always had a strong pull to deep spirituality. I attended a Catholic college―Marywood College. There I majored in Religious Studies and Psychology. But more importantly, I started a life of ministry in high school that has followed me through the years. Each step along the way has drawn me further and further into a deeper relationship with our Creator. My family gave me a rich foundation to build upon.
Fast forward to the late 1990s―I became professed as a Secular Franciscan in 1994; the journey continued to reveal deepening layers of who and what I am. I have served at all levels of leadership―local, regional, and national. What I find to be particularly enriching today is learning from other faiths to be the best Catholic I can be. The practice of each faith I have had the joy to experience has taught me a beautiful facet of faith that enriches who I am and how I live. Locally, I have served on the Interfaith Alliance of the Southwest for four years. I have served on the National Committee of Ecumenical/Interfaith work for three years. During that time, building new relationships with my brothers and sisters has been the central focus of my work. The work can be teaching modules of a retreat, attending community events, scheduling important and enriching topics of conversation, writing articles for our newsletter, research and building community. We have been recently blessed with two new members to our committee and the work can now expand and develop foundational expressions of unity.
Carolyn Townes, OFS
My name is Carolyn Townes, OFS, and I currently serve as the National Animator for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. Ecumenism is a part of who I am and so closely linked with peace and justice, that it was a natural fit to team with the Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee. I grew up Baptist and Methodist, becoming Catholic as an adult. I was so moved by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process that I became a catechist in the process for more than 10 years. I also worked and served with an Atonement friar whose work was ecumenism, which further deepened my knowledge of other faith traditions. Serving as a board member on two Franciscan organizations as well as ministering to a third has also given me the opportunity to connect and minister with ecumenical Franciscans. It is truly a joy to work with our brothers and sisters who worship and pray differently but love with mercy just the same.
Introducing The New Member Of The National Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee
NAFRA-FORM Formation Friday June 16, 2023 Peacemaking
Peacemaking
“Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”
Last week we looked at the idea of “welcoming.” But, how can we feel welcome in our fraternities, in our families, or in our workplaces if there is conflict? The Second Letter to the Corinthians points us in the right direction.
Please read the passage again and then see the points and questions below for discussion.
+ “Mend your ways.” St. Paul tells us that we are to look at ourselves first! How might we be contributing to the conflict? Are we saying too little or too much? We need to discern if the conflict stems from something we have said or done. Do we always have to be right? Are we humble enough to “mend our ways” if we have contributed to the difficulty?
+ “Encourage one another.” Do we, personally and as a council, acknowledge the efforts of others? If there needs to be fraternal correction, are we gentle, pointing out the good as well as the not so good?
+ “Agree with one another.” That’s not always easy, but if we don’t agree with what someone is saying, can we at least stop to listen to what they have to say and see if there is any point of agreement before we reject what they are saying? If we still don’t agree, be gentle.
+ “Live in peace.” (See our Rule below)
OFS Rule Article 19
“Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others…”
+ Give some examples of how Secular Franciscans can be bearers of peace in all situations.
+ What would be a good way to enter into dialogue with someone with whom we do not agree?
+ If, in fact, the divine seed is in everyone, what respect do we owe others? (Even those we don’t particularly like.)
+ If we try to bring “joy and hope” to others, how can we improve how we deal with our brothers and sisters?
+ What role do good communication, listening, and thoughtful responses (both verbally and in emails) have in bringing peace to the fraternity, family, or workplace?
+ Give serious thought to how bringing partisanship into a fraternity can be disruptive. How can this be handled well if the fraternity wants to discuss opposing points of view?
Fraternity challenge: After discussing all of the above, have a roll-playing session to see how members handle disagreements. (Please have a good moderator to facilitate the discussion.)
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Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local
PACIFICADORES
“Hermanos: Estén alegres, trabajen por su perfección, anímense mutuamente, vivan en paz y armonía. Y el Dios del amor y de la paz estará con ustedes. Salúdense los unos a los otros con el saludo de paz. Los saludan todos los fieles.
La gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, el amor del Padre y la comunión del Espíritu Santo estén siempre con ustedes.”La semana pasada analizamos la idea de ser acogedores. Pero ¿cómo podemos sentirnos bienvenidos en nuestras fraternidades, en nuestras familias o en nuestros lugares de trabajo si hay conflicto? La Segunda Carta a los Corintios nos señala la dirección correcta.
Lea el pasaje nuevamente y luego vea los puntos y preguntas a continuación para su discusión.
+ “Trabajen por su perfección.” ¡San Pablo nos dice que primero debemos mirarnos a nosotros mismos! ¿Cómo podríamos estar contribuyendo al conflicto? ¿Estamos diciendo muy poco o demasiado? Necesitamos discernir si el conflicto proviene de algo que hemos dicho o hecho. ¿Siempre debemos tener la razón? ¿Somos lo suficientemente humildes como para “enmendarnos” si hemos contribuido a la dificultad?
+ “Anímense mutuamente”. ¿Reconocemos personalmente y como consejo local los esfuerzos de los demás? Si es necesaria una corrección fraterna, ¿somos amables, señalando tanto lo bueno como lo no tan bueno?
+ “Vivan en paz y armonía.” Eso no siempre es fácil, pero si no estamos de acuerdo con lo que alguien dice, ¿podemos al menos detenernos a escuchar lo que quiere decir y ver si hay algún punto de acuerdo antes de rechazar lo que dice? Si aún no estamos de acuerdo, sea amable.
+ “Vivir en paz.” (Vea nuestra regla a continuación)
Regla OFS Artículo 19
“Como portadores de paz y conscientes de que ésta ha de construirse incesantemente, indaguen los caminos de la unidad y del entendimiento fraterno, mediante el diálogo, confiando en la presencia del germen divino que hay en el hombre y en la fuerza transformadora del amor y del perdón.” Mensajeros de la perfecta alegría, esfuércense permanentemente en llevar a los demás el gozo y la esperanza…”
+ Dar algunos ejemplos de cómo los franciscanos seglares pueden ser portadores de paz en todas las situaciones.
+ ¿Cuál sería una buena manera de entrar en diálogo con alguien con quien no estamos de acuerdo?
+ Si, de hecho, la semilla divina está en todos, ¿qué respeto debemos a los demás? (Incluso aquellos que no nos gustan particularmente).
+ Si tratamos de llevar “gozo y esperanza” a los demás, ¿cómo podemos mejorar la forma en que tratamos a nuestros hermanos y hermanas?
+ ¿Qué papel tienen la buena comunicación, la escucha y las respuestas reflexivas (tanto verbalmente como por correo electrónico) para traer paz a la fraternidad, la familia o el lugar de trabajo?
+ Piense seriamente en cómo traer el partidismo a una fraternidad puede ser disruptivo. ¿Cómo se puede manejar esto bien si la fraternidad quiere discutir puntos de vista opuestos?
Desafío de fraternidad: Después de discutir todo lo anterior, tenga una sesión de juego de roles para ver cómo los miembros manejan los desacuerdos. (Tengan un buen moderador para facilitar la discusión).
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
St. Francis and the Rule of 1223
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2023 Issue #109)
by Bret Thoman, OFS
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Confirmation of the Rule by Giotto, 1297-1300, AssisiThis year, 2023, the Franciscan Family will commemorate the 800th anniversary of the confirmation of the Later Rule. Also known as the Approved Rule, or the Rule of 1223, the papal approval of the Rule marks the culmination of a long and difficult journey for St. Francis. His journey can be an example to those of us who have professed a different rule, the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
A rule is a commitment to live a particular religious form of life. It is conceived when one feels a calling. Then it is developed over time through prayer and discernment in fidelity to God, as well as in obedience to one’s superiors and the Church.
The beginning of the Rule of St. Francis can be traced to February 24, 1208. On that day, he received his calling to Gospel poverty. He was at Mass at the church of St. Mary of the Angels when the priest read from the Gospel of St. Matthew: “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick” (10:9-10).
Francis responded, “This is what I want to do with all my strength.” (See Legend of the Three Companions, Chapter VIII, 25.) His heart was set ablaze as he realized what he was called to do. Total, radical poverty was his charism.
If St. Francis was called by God to embrace poverty, how he would do so would be worked out over time. His charism was not given within a vacuum; it would be lived within the milieu of the thirteenth century and the canonical structure of the Catholic Church. Moreover, he would have to contend with the humanity of the other friars. Angels were not joining his order; men were.
Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, narrates this dichotomy brilliantly and poetically. He introduces these two aspects in the title of his masterpiece biography of St. Francis, The Journey and the Dream. The “Dream” is Francis’ calling to poverty; the “Journey” is the struggle he faced as he dealt with the myriad challenges in implementing it. The journey would take 15 years.
Soon after receiving his calling, others from Assisi began following St. Francis. In the beginning, there was little guidance to direct the fledgling community. There was essentially one rule the friars had to abide by. It was directly from Scripture: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
This verse was revealed when Francis’ first companion, Bernard of Quintavalle, asked to follow him. In the church of San Nicolò, the two opened the Bible at random and, guided by the Holy Spirit, came upon that verse. They opened the Scriptures two more times and read: “Take nothing for your journey” (Luke 9:3) and “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). (See Little Flowers of Saint Francis, Chapter 2.)
After this, according to Thomas of Celano, “Bernard immediately carried out all these things, without neglecting a single iota of this counsel. In a short time, many turned away from the weary cares of the world toward an infinite Good, returning to their homeland with Francis as their guide.” (The Remembrance of the Desire of a Soul, Second Life, Chapter X, 15.)
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Hermitage of Fonte Colombo where St. Francis wrote the Rule of 1223When Francis had 12 followers, he discerned that his fledgling community needed more guidance. He wrote what is known as the Protorule, or primitive Rule, and went to Rome seeking papal approval from Pope Innocent III.
Thomas of Celano described the event: “When blessed Francis saw that the Lord God was daily increasing their numbers, he wrote for himself and his brothers present and future, simply and in few words, a form of life and a rule. He used primarily words of the holy Gospel, longing only for its perfection. He inserted a few other things necessary for the practice of a holy way of life.” (The Life of Saint Francis, First Life, Chapter XIII, 32).
This initial rule has not been preserved. It is believed that it consisted of the scriptural verses revealed to Francis and Bernard of Quintavalle, a promise to live the evangelical counsels, and a commitment to poverty. What is certain is that Francis did not take any of the existing monastic rules – which were essentially either Augustinian or Benedictine in the West. His form of life was radically new. He wished to base his life according to the Gospel life of Christ and the Apostles.
Pope Innocent III accepted Francis’ rule, though not without some hesitation. April 16, 1209, is given as the date on which the Franciscan Order was constituted and the Protorule was approved orally by the Pope.
Over the following years, Francis led the Order by example. The men who entered the Order did so in large part because of him, and the Franciscan way of life was modeled after the figure of St. Francis. However, it was increasingly apparent that more structure was necessary. Twice a year, the friars gathered in Assisi in what became referred to as chapters. They discussed “how they could better observe the Rule. […] Saint Francis, however, used to give admonitions, corrections, and directives as it seemed to him to be according to the Lord’s counsel.” (See Legend of the Three Companions, Chapter XIV, 57.)
In time, the Franciscan model began to change. As the Order grew in numbers and the known world was divided into provinces, men joined who had never met Francis or been to Assisi. Many had unique ideas and notions about the Franciscan way of life. When Francis was away in the Holy Land from 1219-20, the order moved farther from the vision of the founder.
For these reasons, Francis decided to formulate a much more comprehensive form of life. In a document consisting of 23 sections, he wrote the second rule – also known as the Earlier Rule, or the Rule of 1221. However, it did not meet the expectations of the friars. Moreover, its regulations were ambiguous, and it was not presented in sufficiently legal terminology. Therefore, Francis set out to crab another rule once again.
In 1223, he went with Brother Leo and Brother Bonizo to a hermitage near the city of Rieti, known as Fonte Colombo. Aber praying and fasting for forty days, he emerged with the final rule.
St. Bonaventure described the moment:
Since he therefore wanted the Rule that had been taken from a more widespread collection of Gospel passages to be confirmed, he went up to a certain mountain led by the Holy Spirit, with two of his companions, to condense it into a shorter form as the vision had dictated. There he fasted, content with only bread and water, and dictated the rule as the Holy Spirit suggested to him while he was praying. […] Fervently exhorting the brothers to observe this rule, Francis used to say that nothing of what he had placed there came from his own efforts but that he dictated everything just as it had been revealed by God. (The Life of Blessed Francis, Greater Legend, Chapter Four)
Pope Honorius III approved the Rule in a papal bull, Solet annuere, on November 29, 1223.
At first glance, the Rule of 1223 may appear technical or legalistic. However, it was unique, as it was different from the other traditional rules of the day. Moreover, it fully encompassed the vision St. Francis had for his Order, and he was fiercely devoted to it. In 1226, he wrote his Testament:
And I strictly command all my cleric and lay brothers, through obedience, not to place any gloss upon the Rule or upon these words saying: “They should be understood in this way.” 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 the 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 with all the saints. (38-40)
Shortly after writing the Testament, St. Francis died. As he lay dying, he said, “I have done what is mine; may Christ teach you what is yours!” He had a peaceful death, knowing that he had remained faithful to the charism he received when he was a young man. He lived his life according to the words God revealed to him, “Take nothing with you for the journey.” Through tenacity and perseverance, his “dream” was greater than the obstacles and challenges he faced on the “journey.”
As we reflect on St. Francis and his calling and commitment to the Rule, may we find inspiration as we consider our own calling.
Take a few moments to consider the following questions:
- When and how did you hear your calling to the Secular Franciscan Order?
- What was the “dream” like?
- How have you been faithful to your calling?
- What has the “journey” been like?
- What have the challenges been like?
May we, as Secular Franciscans, be confident we know and have done “what is ours!”
Formation Friday Welcoming June 9, 2023
Formation Friday June 9, 2023 (en español abajo)
Please share with your local fraternityWhen we think of ourselves as Secular Franciscans, one of the characteristics that should come to mind is that we are welcoming. It is rare and surprising to hear that someone did not feel welcomed at an OFS event or fraternity gathering, but it does happen. As always, we can look to our Rule and General Constitutions (GC) for guidance.
Rule Article 13. As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ. A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, …
GC Article 18.2 They should deepen the true foundations of universal kinship and create a spirit of welcome and an atmosphere of fraternity everywhere. They should firmly commit themselves to oppose every form of exploitation, discrimination, and marginalization and against every attitude of indifference in relation to others.
Rule Art. 19. Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others. …
GC Article 26.2 In the fraternity, the brothers and sisters should promote mutual understanding and they should ensure that the atmosphere of their meetings be welcoming and that it reflects joy. They should encourage one another for the good.
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Here are some tips for Council members and for all Secular Franciscans. You may be able to think of more.
· The spirit of welcoming begins before anyone arrives at the gathering place. The Council’s relationship with one another sets the tone for the entire fraternity, especially at the local level. They set the example for how the members treat one another.
· Greet one another by name. Are you glad to see your brothers and sisters? Can they tell? Remember, we are a fraternity (family). Our gathering is not a business meeting.
· Be prepared. The Council (and the set-up committee) should arrive early; there should be no frantic prep as other members arrive. Otherwise, you will not have time to chat with the members as they come in.
· Set up the room according to what the program will be. Can people see one another? Hear one another? Can they hear the person facilitating the meeting; leading the prayer; making the presentation?
· There should be opportunities for sharing during presentations—both before and after.
· Everyone should be given the opportunity to help out with fraternity tasks, even with the little things that the Council may think it can cover. Fraternity members like to feel “ownership” of what is going on in the fraternity.
· Ongoing formation should be at the group’s level and geared to their understanding. “Collective wisdom” discussions help members to get to know one another and help the council know what is interesting to the members.
· At large gatherings (regional or national)-it benefits everyone if council members circulate and chat with different groups. Ask how things are going in their local fraternity. Ask what they thought of the last newsletter…make fraternal “small talk.” You may discover an important issue that was not brought to the attention of the Council! But, more importantly, members feel heard and seen.
· What if YOU are at a large or small gathering and don’t feel welcome?
· If it’s your own fraternity, you might want to talk to a council member to see if there might be an Issue.
· Generally, though, you can help improve the atmosphere by greeting others yourself. You should be acquainted with everyone in your own fraternity, so ask how they are doing; how their family is etc. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Move around, sit with someone new.
· Get to know what interests your brothers and sisters. Be sure to stay for the social time!
· At a large gathering, (regional or national level), you might have come with someone or with a group. Perhaps one of them will walk around the room with you to meet some new people. If you are on your own, remember that these folks are your brothers and sisters. Walk around, introduce yourself, mention where you are from. You will be surprised how welcoming Franciscans can be!
For discussion in your fraternity, with a partner, or to answer in your journal.
+ How does your local fraternity provide a “welcoming atmosphere?”
+ Have you ever felt “unwelcome” at a fraternity event? What did you do about it?
+ What do you do to add to the welcoming atmosphere of your fraternity?
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Formation Friday 9 de junio de 2023
Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local
Cuando pensamos en nosotros mismos como franciscanos seglares, una de las características que debe venir a la mente es que somos acogedores. Es raro y sorprendente escuchar que alguien no se sintió bienvenido en un evento de la OFS o en una reunión de fraternidad, pero sucede. Como siempre, podemos consultar nuestra Regla y Constituciones Generales (CCGG) como guía.
Regla Artículo 13. De la misma manera que el Padre ve en cada uno de los hombres los rasgos de su Hijo, Primogénito de muchos hermanos, los Franciscanos seglares acojan a todos los hombres con ánimo humilde y cortés, como don del Señor e imagen de Cristo. El sentido de fraternidad les hará felices de colocarse a la par de todos los hombres,…
CCGG Artículo 18.2 Profundicen en los verdaderos fundamentos de la fraternidad universal y creen en todas partes espíritu de acogida y una atmósfera de hermandad. Rechacen con firmeza toda forma de explotación, de discriminación, de marginación y toda actitud de indiferencia hacia los demás.
Regla Art. 19 Como portadores de paz y conscientes de que ésta ha de construirse incesantemente, indaguen los caminos de la unidad y del entendimiento fraterno, mediante el diálogo, confiando en la presencia del germen divino que hay en el hombre y en la fuerza transformadora del amor y del perdón. Mensajeros de la perfecta alegría, esfuércense permanentemente en llevar a los demás el gozo y la esperanza.
CCGG Artículo 26.2 En la Fraternidad, los hermanos promuevan el entendimiento mutuo y procuren que el ambiente de las reuniones sea acogedor y refleje la alegría. Anímense mutuamente para obrar el bien.
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Aquí hay algunos consejos para los miembros del Consejo y para todos los franciscanos seglares. Es posible que usted pueda pensar en más.
- El espíritu de bienvenida comienza antes de llegar al lugar de reunión. La relación del Consejo entre sí establece el tono para los miembros de la fraternidad, especialmente a nivel local. Ellos dan el ejemplo de cómo los miembros se tratan unos a otros.
- Salúdense unos a otros por nombre. ¿Está contento de ver a sus hermanos y hermanas? ¿Pueden sentirlo? Recuerde, somos una fraternidad (familia). Nuestra reunión no es una reunión de negocios.
- Esté preparado. El Consejo, o el comité, debe llegar temprano; no debe haber una preparación frenética a medida que llegan otros miembros. De lo contrario, no tendrá tiempo para platicar con los miembros a medida que entren.
- Configure la sala de acuerdo con lo que será el programa. ¿Pueden las personas verse entre sí? ¿Escucharse unos a otros? ¿Pueden escuchar a la persona que facilita la reunión; que dirige la oración; que hace la presentación?
- Debe haber oportunidades para compartir durante las presentaciones, tanto antes como después.
- Todos deben tener la oportunidad de ayudar en las tareas de la fraternidad , incluso en las pequeñas cosas que el Consejo cree que puede cubrir. A los miembros de la fraternidad les gusta sentirse “propietarios” de lo que está pasando en la fraternidad.
- La formación permanente debe estar al nivel del grupo y orientada a su comprensión. Los debates de “sabiduría colectiva” ayudan a los miembros a conocerse unos a otros y ayudan al consejo a saber qué es lo que les interesa a los miembros.
- En grandes reuniones (regionales o nacionales), beneficia a todos si los miembros del consejo circulan y conversan con diferentes grupos. Pregunte cómo van las cosas en su fraternidad local. Pregúnteles qué pensaron del último boletín… conversen fraternalmente. ¡Es posible que descubra un tema importante que no se señaló a la atención del Consejo! Pero, lo que es más importante, los miembros se sienten escuchados y vistos.
- ¿Qué pasa si USTED está en una reunión grande o pequeña y no se siente bienvenido?
- Si es su propia fraternidad, es posible que desee hablar con un miembro del consejo para ver si puede haber un problema.
- Generalmente, sin embargo, puede ayudar a mejorar la atmósfera saludando a los demás usted mismo. Es probable que conozca a todos en su propia fraternidad, así que pregúnteles cómo les va; cómo es su familia, etc. No espere a que la gente venga a usted. Muévase, siéntese con alguien nuevo.
- Conozca lo que le interesa a sus hermanos y hermanas. ¡Asegúrese de quedarse para el momento social!
- En una gran reunión (a nivel regional o nacional), es posible que haya venido con alguien o con un grupo. Tal vez uno de ellos pasee por la habitación con usted para conocer a gente nueva. Si está solo, recuerde que estas personas son sus hermanos y hermanas. Acérquese, preséntese, mencione de dónde es . ¡Le sorprenderá lo acogedores que pueden ser los franciscanos!
Para discutir en sau fraternidad, con un compañero o para responder en su diario.
+ ¿Cómo proporciona su fraternidad local una “ambiente acogedor”?
+ ¿Alguna vez se ha sentido “no bienvenido” en un evento de fraternidad? ¿Qué hizo al respecto?
+ ¿Qué hace para añadir al ambiente acogedor de su fraternidad?
Diane F. Menditto, OFSVice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USAListen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
