Franciscan Living – How to Go Among the Saracens in Our Lives

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring Issue #109)

by Francine Gikow, OFS

[1]” “ghosting[2],” and “gaslighting.[3]” Our society has become verbally and sometimes physically violent, disparaging and divided.

Unfortunately, since we are part of this society, it is too easy for us to fall into society’s mores and forget our own Franciscan values from our Rule: “…trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.[4]”

In his early rule, Francis outlined for us how the friars should go among the Saracens and other non- believers, and I believe it holds many lessons for Secular Franciscans living in our society: “One way is to not engage in arguments or disputes but to be subject to every human creature for God’s sake.”[5]

I believe there are three crucial points to consider from this initial way of going among the nonbelievers (or our enemies.)

Firstly, we must not engage in arguments or disputes. Arguing has never changed a person’s mind. In fact, it just solidifies the person’s thinking. I am reminded of the old saying, “the devil is in the details.” Yes, the evil one wants us to engage in detailed arguments and disputes, because he wants to sow doubt, anger, error, and chaos into the mix. He wants us to forget about seeing the “divine seed” in everyone and the transforming power of love and pardon.

Secondly, Jesus wants us to LOVE our enemies. He wants us to show His compassion and love to them. If we are so involved in our arguments and disputes that pushes out His love and the chance for a relationship with the other. It is in this relationship―the give and take―that God can enter into the process. It has been truly said: “Compassion is the most effective response to hatred and violence.[6]”

Finally, peace in our relationships takes humility: to be subject to every human creature for God’s sake and know and realize that it is not all about “me” but rather it is “all about us” …in Christ. We must meet the “other” as an equal brother or sister, without condescension, and with God’s compassion and love.

Remember the Peace Prayer? “Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith… for it is in dying (i.e., to self) that we are born to eternal life.” Do we really mean what we pray and live accordingly?

I recently read the following, and it resonated within me.

“… we don’t really take Jesus seriously. We don’t love our enemies. We don’t turn the other cheek. We don’t forgive seventy times seven times. We don’t bless those who curse us.… We say: I am not a saint. We say: this Gospel stuff can’t be meant for everybody. We say: The Gospel is an ideal. But the Gospel is not merely an ideal.

For the followers of Christ, the Gospel is the Way.[7]

 PAX ET BONUM

[1] [Cancel culture] is often said to take the form of boycotting or shunning an individual… who is deemed to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner.

[2] Ghosting happens when someone cuts off all online communication with someone else, and without an explanation.

[3] the act of using psychological manipulation to get another person to question their own feelings, perception, or sanity

[4] OFS Rule, 2 #17.

[5] ER: XVI, 5-7.

[6]  Gerard Thomas Straub, OFS. The Sunrise of the Soul.” Brewster MA: San Damiano Books, 2020. p. 158

[7] Gerard Thomas Straub, OFS. p. 63.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/07/24/franciscan-living-how-to-go-among-the-saracens-in-our-lives/

New database will launch in August

The National Executive Council is pleased to announce the rolling out of our new national database starting in August 2023.

After more than two years of work, the Database Committee is ready to go live with this new tool.

Most of the persons responsible for entering information have been trained.  The old database will no longer be used.   To facilitate the transfer of information from the current database to the new one, the current database will not be available starting July 30, 2023.

This means changes can be made in the current database through July 29, 2023.

Once the new database comes up, the current database will be shut down permanently. The two databases will not be run in parallel. All data entry will be done on the new database. The Database Committee will notify everyone when the new database is populated and ready for use.

There have been 270 users set up on the system. We have held 18 training sessions, and the majority of users have been trained. We will continue periodic training sessions for the rest of the users identified by the Regional Ministers and for new users.

We want to thank the members of the Computer Committee who have been an integral part of the development team for the new database for their years of service and dedication in operating and maintaining the retiring database. Without their knowledge and expertise, we could not have delivered the new database.  Those members are: Bob Herbelin, Bill Mussatto, Cyl Maljan-Herbelin, and Patsy Phillipps.

Those attending Chapter will have a chance to ask questions about the new system.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/07/22/new-database-will-launch-in-august/

Open post

Formation Friday – Secular Franciscans and the Eucharist – July 21, 2023

Since July is the month of the Precious Blood, and we are also celebrating the three-year Eucharistic Revival, we repeat some of our previous posts on the Eucharist this month.

St. Francis was devoted to the Eucharist. In the first Admonition, he says. “This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many] ;{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life .{snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves .{snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 129)

As we follow in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, we, too, are devoted to the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Let’s take a look at our Rule and Constitutions.

Rule Article 8: … “Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist….”

General Constitutions Article 14.2: (Refers to Art. 8 of the Rule) “The Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church. Christ unites us to himself and to one another as a single body in it. Therefore, the Eucharist should be the center of the life of the fraternity. The brothers and sisters should participate in the Eucharist as frequently as possible, being mindful of the respect and love shown by Francis, who, in the Eucharist, lived all the mysteries of the life of Christ.”

 

“The Holy Spirit builds up, animates, and sanctifies the Church. He prepares us to go out and bring others to Christ. He opens our minds to understand Christ’s death and Resurrection. He makes present for us the mystery of Christ, especially in the Eucharist, and brings us to communion with God that we may bear much fruit. (Cf. CCC

– no. 737) United States Catholic Catechism for Adults – USCCB – Page 109

GC Article 53.2 & 4 (Refers to Articles 6 & 8 of the Rule) 2.”The fraternity should come together periodically, also as a Church community to celebrate the Eucharist in a climate which strengthens the fraternal bond and characterizes the identity of the Franciscan family. Where, for whatever reason, this particular celebration may not be possible, they should participate in the celebration of the larger Church community.”

 

N.B. “The Eucharist, celebrated with parish members, draws us to the Church. It keeps us in touch with the local

parish and diocesan community. The fraternity may periodically celebrate Eucharist at their fraternity gatherings.

This celebration is recommended for special occasions – e.g. Professions, jubilees of profession, a memorial Eucharist for the deceased of the SFO or other important occasions.” Cf. Benedict XVI’s quote from Sacramentum

Caritatis on page 184-185 (Franciscan Journey p. 177)

 

“Within the Church the Eucharist is the center of our lives. Attending a parish Eucharist is highly encouraged. We need to be consistently present at the gathering of the People of God. It reminds us of our union with the Church.”

(Franciscan Journey p. 178)

 

A good video by Bishop Barron on the Eucharist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Real Presence)

 

Visit the Eucharistic Revival website: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

 

Through our example, we help others to realize that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. Please think about your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist as you answer the questions below.

 

+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Think about what our Rule and Constitutions say about the Eucharist. How are you opened up by these words to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you?

+In what ways can you show special reverence for the Eucharist?

 

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

 

Los Franciscanos Seglares y la Eucaristía – Por favor, comparta con su fraternidad local.

 

Dado que julio es el mes de la Preciosa Sangre, y también estamos celebrando el Avivamiento Eucarístico de tres años, repetimos algunas de nuestras publicaciones anteriores sobre la Eucaristía este mes.

 

San Francisco era devoto de la Eucaristía. En la primera Admonición, dice.”…como lo atestigua el mismo Altísimo, que dice: Esto es mi cuerpo y mi sangre del nuevo testamento, [que será derramada por muchos] (cf. Mc 14,22.24); 11y: Quien come mi carne y bebe mi sangre, tiene vida eterna (cf. Jn 6,55). 12De donde el espíritu del Señor, que habita en sus fieles, es el que recibe el santísimo cuerpo y sangre del Señor. 13Todos los otros que no participan del mismo espíritu y se atreven a recibirlo, comen y beben su condenación (cf. 1 Cor 11,29). (Admoniciones http://franciscanos.org/esfa/adm-ae.html )

 

Mientras seguimos los pasos de nuestro Seráfico Padre, nosotros también somos devotos del Cuerpo y la Sangre más preciados de nuestro Señor Jesús en la Eucaristía. Echemos un vistazo a nuestra Regla y Constituciones.

Regla Artículo 8: … “Participen de la vida sacramental de la Iglesia, epecialmente la Eucaristía… ”.

 

Constituciones Generales Artículo 14.2: (Véase Regla Art. 8.) “ La Eucaristía es el centro de la vida de la Iglesia. En ella Cristo nos une a Él y entre nosotros como un único cuerpo. Por lo tanto, la Eucaristía sea el centro de la vida de la Fraternidad; los hermanos participen en la Eucaristía con la mayor frecuencia posible, conscientes del respeto y amor de San Francisco, que en la Eucaristía vivió todos los misterios de la vida de Cristo.”

 

“El Espíritu Santo edifica, anima y santifica a la Iglesia. Él nos prepara para salir y llevar a otros a Cristo. Él abre nuestras mentes para comprender la muerte y resurrección de Cristo. Nos hace presente el misterio de Cristo, especialmente en la Eucaristía, y nos lleva a la comunión con Dios para que demos mucho fruto. (Cf. CCC

– no. 737) Catecismo Católico de los Estados Unidos para Adultos – USCCB – Página 109

 

CCGG, artículo 53.2 y 4 (Se refiere a los artículos 6 y 8 de la Regla) 2. (Regla 6; 8). “La Fraternidad se reúna periódicamente, como comunidad eclesial, para celebrar la Eucaristía en un clima que consolide el vínculo fraterno y exprese la identidad de la Familia Franciscana. Donde no sea posible la celebración particular, particípese en la de una más amplia comunidad eclesial.”

 

NB “La Eucaristía, celebrada con los feligreses, nos acerca a la Iglesia. Nos mantiene en contacto con la

comunidad local parroquial y diocesana. La fraternidad podrá celebrar periódicamente la Eucaristía en sus reuniones de fraternidad. Esta celebración se recomienda para ocasiones especiales, por ejemplo, profesiones, jubileos de profesión, una eucaristía en memoria de los difuntos de la OFS u otras ocasiones importantes”. Cf. Cita de Benedicto XVI de Sacramentum Caritatis en la página 184-185 (Jornada franciscana p. 177)

 

“Dentro de la Iglesia la Eucaristía es el centro de nuestra vida. Se recomienda encarecidamente asistir a una Eucaristía parroquial. Necesitamos estar constantemente presentes en la reunión del Pueblo de Dios. Nos recuerda nuestra unión con la Iglesia”. (Jornada franciscana p. 178)

 

Un buen video (en inglés) del obispo Barron sobre la Eucaristía:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Presencia real)


Visite el sitio del Avivamiento Eucarístico: https://es.eucharisticrevival.org/

 

A través de nuestro ejemplo, ayudamos a otros a darse cuenta de que Jesús está realmente presente en la Eucaristía bajo la apariencia del pan y el vino. Piense en su relación con Jesús en la Eucaristía mientras responda las siguientes preguntas.

 

+¿Por qué la Eucaristía es importante para usted como católico? ¿Como franciscano?
+¿Cómo se prepara para recibir el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo?

+¿Cómo se vincula la Eucaristía a nuestra espiritualidad franciscana?

+ Piense en lo que dicen nuestra Regla y Constituciones sobre la Eucaristía. ¿Cómo estas palabras le abren para permitir que el Espíritu Santo lo transforme?

+¿De qué maneras puede mostrar reverencia especial por la Eucaristía?

 

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

Youth-Friendly Fraternities Like a Family Meal

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring Issue #109)

by Kathleen Molaro, OFS

Franciscan Youth and Young Adult Commission Chair

LOGO - San Damiano Cross in center with Unite, Ignite, Invite and Secular Franciscan OrderThe commission has spoken many times about the importance of creating youth-friendly fraternities. Why is this essential and what does this really mean? The simple answer to the first question is, it’s essential because if a young person is interested in joining a YouFra (Franciscan Youth Fraternity), at this point they have nowhere to go with that desire, except to us—the Secular Franciscans. There are only a few official YouFra groups in the United States.

Many individuals and fraternities, however, are taking steps to reach out to youth and young adults. So until there are enough young people to form a YouFra, they need us to welcome them into our fraternities! Our Rule calls us to include our younger generation and “adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity” (Art. 24).

What does it mean to have a youth-friendly fraternity? That question is a little complicated. We all know the best way to draw people to us is by being present and visible; by living our charism authentically and with great joy; and by truly making our fraternity life vibrant and inspirational. This is especially true if a young person crosses our path or even walks through the door to join a gathering. Our younger Catholics live in a dangerous and sometimes depressing world. Our call is to spread hope, and to encourage them to see the good, beautiful creation around them and to seek Jesus in every face they meet. Our willingness to serve and sacrifice to make things better speaks volumes. Phew. That’s a lot to ask, right? However, this is what we said “yes” to in our Profession Rite!

How do we build relationships with a different generation? We are an aging Order. Most of us at one time or another have expressed a wish that younger people would be joining us as Secular Franciscans. One of my Franciscan friends said recently, “I look around the table and the young people are missing.” I had to ask her, “When was the last time we invited them to a meal? Were they warmly welcomed? What did we serve? Most importantly, what was the conversation around the table?” Of course, she was metaphorically speaking of the

Eucharistic table, but we can use the same analogy when defining a youth-friendly fraternity. We can invite them to our “family meal.”

When was the last time you invited a young person to a meal?

Our gatherings or other Franciscan events are like a family meal, right? Many friendships are forged or strengthened over a meal. Have we considered inviting others, including young people, to join us?

How visible are we? Do others, in particular the young people in our midst, know we are Secular Franciscans, or what that means?

Were they warmly welcomed?

Did we make an effort to connect personally with them? (As we do at a family meal?) Listen to their story? Let them know we were glad they came and invite them back?

Family Meal on one side and the 2nd picture is Jesus with others at a mealWhat did you serve?

Was the content of our gathering nutritious, delicious, well balanced, and enough for everyone? (Like a plate of food?) Would they want seconds or trust it would be good the next time too? Would they want to invite a friend to come along?

What was the conversation around the table?

Was our gathering inspiring and meaningful? (Think of a conversation around the dinner table at a family meal.) Did we allow open, non-judgmental sharing and invite all to have a chance to speak? Have we learned how to dialogue respectfully when difficult subjects arise? Did we emanate joy and show how much we care about one another?

We all know that wishing doesn’t just make something happen on its own. (I have often wished a family meal would just arrive automatically and that everyone would get along!) It takes creativity, determination, time, and initiative. Many fraternities around the country are setting goals in this area and really working to determine next steps.

We suggest you use this year’s NAFRA theme as inspiration and simply “listen, discern, and go forth.”

First, listen. Listen to the young people in your lives, and to one another in fraternity. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Is God calling your fraternity to have the courage and to take the time to reach out to our younger generations in some way? Remember—our mission isn’t to grow our fraternities. Our mission is to share the gospel. How does the Lord want us to participate in this mission?

Next, discern. Start looking, as individuals and as a fraternity. Who are the young people to whom you have access? Are there young people in your Church? Are there already existing programs for youth and young adults nearby? Is there a college, Catholic school, or a catechesis program that is open to guests or outside speakers? Discern what age group you would best serve and who in your fraternity would be willing to take this on.

Finally, go forth. Once you determine who your young people are, you can brainstorm ideas for ways to immerse yourselves—even if it’s only a few times a year—either into an already existing program as a support, or by planning an event of some kind that will give you the opportunity to mingle and build relationships with the younger generations.

Our Rule tells us in Article 24 that we are to foster communion among one another, especially with our youth and young adults, and it challenges us to “adopt appropriate means for growth in the Franciscan and ecclesial life.” The commission is here to help. We encourage you to keep on moving forward. The fruit of your labor may eventually lead to the growth of the Secular Franciscan Order… but even if it doesn’t, you can look back and know you’ve done what you were called to do. Enjoy your meal!

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/07/17/youth-friendly-fraternities-like-a-family-meal/

Open post

Formation Friday July 14, 2023 – St. Francis and the Eucharist

Since July is the month of the Precious Blood, and we are also celebrating the three-year Eucharistic Revival, we repeat some of our previous posts on the Eucharist this month.

St. Francis centered his life and spirituality on the Incarnation, the humanity of Christ. He was in awe that God “bent down” to be with us through his birth; through his suffering and death on the cross; and through the Eucharist by which he remains with us for all time.

“26Let everyone be struck with fear, let the whole world tremble, and let the heavens exult when Christ, the Son of the living God, is present on the altar in the hands of a priest. 27O 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 Himself under an ordinary piece of bread! 28Brothers, look at the humility of God, and pour out your hearts before Him! Ps 62:9 [Vulgate, Ps 61:9] Humble yourselves that you may be exalted by Him! 1 Pt 5:6 Jas 4:10 29Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally!” (A Letter to the Entire Order: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 118)

“10And I act in this way because, in this world, I see nothing corporally of the most high Son of God except His most holy Body and Blood which they receive and they alone administer to others. 11I want to have these most holy mysteries honored and venerated above all things and I want to reserve them in precious places.” (The Testament: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 125)

“ 2With all that is in me and more I beg you that, when it is fitting and you judge it expedient, you humbly beg the clergy to revere above all else the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (The First Letter to the Custodians (1220): FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 56)

“I implore all of you brothers to show all possible reverence and honor to the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ 13in Whom that which is in heaven and on earth has been brought to peace and reconciled to almighty God.” Col 1:20
(A Letter to the Entire Order: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 117)

“This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many] ;{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life .{snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves .{snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 129)

“We must, of course, confess all our sins to a priest and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ from him. b 23 Whoever does not eat His flesh and drink His blood cannot enter the kingdom of God .{snippet Jn 6:54} {snippet J… (Later Admonition and Exhortation: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 47)

“Francis speaks most often about the Eucharist, even more than about poverty. For him, the Eucharist is not only a mystery, a sacrament, it is a living person: it is Christ completely given into the hands of a man, fragile and defenseless, just as he was in Bethlehem. From this come his tender feelings for everything to do with the Sacrament of the altar, and his preoccupation with the dignity and cleanliness of the church and sacred vessels.” (Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap “It Is Not Good For Man to Be Alone”: Clare and Francis: CA:ED, p. 11)

A good video by Bishop Barron on the Eucharist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Real Presence)

Visit the Eucharistic Revival website: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

 

Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal.


Read and think about the quotes above. As you think about what St. Francis said (and what was said about his devotion to the Eucharist) consider your own feelings about the Eucharist.
+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Where is the Eucharist mentioned in the OFS Rule? (Also refer to the Prologue)

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

San Francisco y la Eucaristía

Dado que julio es el mes de la Preciosa Sangre, y también estamos celebrando el Avivamiento Eucarístico de tres años, repetimos algunas de nuestras publicaciones anteriores sobre la Eucaristía este mes.

San Francisco centró su vida y espiritualidad en la Encarnación, la humanidad de Cristo. Estaba asombrado de que Dios “se inclinara” para estar con nosotros por su nacimiento; por su sufrimiento y muerte en la cruz; y a través de la Eucaristía por la que permanece con nosotros para siempre.

http://franciscanos.org/esfa/menud2.html

26¡Tiemble el hombre entero, que se estremezca el mundo entero, y que el cielo exulte, cuando sobre el altar, en las manos del sacerdote, está Cristo, el Hijo del Dios vivo (Jn 11,27)! 27¡Oh admirable celsitud y asombrosa condescendencia! ¡Oh humildad sublime! ¡Oh sublimidad humilde, pues el Señor del universo, Dios e Hijo de Dios, de tal manera se humilla, que por nuestra salvación se esconde bajo una pequeña forma de pan! 28Ved, hermanos, la humildad de Dios y derramad ante él vuestros corazones (Sal 61,9); humillaos también vosotros para que seáis ensalzados por él (cf. 1 Pe 5,6; Sant 4,10). 29Por consiguiente, nada de vosotros retengáis para vosotros, a fin de que os reciba todo enteros el que se os ofrece todo entero. (Carta a toda la Orden http://franciscanos.org/esfa/ctao.html )

10Y lo hago por esto, porque nada veo corporalmente en este siglo del mismo altísimo Hijo de Dios, sino su santísimo cuerpo y su santísima sangre, que ellos reciben y ellos solos administran a los otros. 11Y quiero que estos santísimos misterios sean sobre todas las cosas honrados, venerados y colocados en lugares preciosos. 1 (El Testamento http://franciscanos.org/esfa/teste.html )

2Os ruego, más que si se tratara de mí mismo, que, cuando os parezca bien y veáis que conviene, supliquéis humildemente a los clérigos que veneren sobre todas las cosas el santísimo cuerpo y sangre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo…
(Carta a los Custodios http://franciscanos.org/esfa/ctacus.html )

10…como lo atestigua el mismo Altísimo, que dice: Esto es mi cuerpo y mi sangre del nuevo testamento, [que será derramada por muchos] (cf. Mc 14,22.24); 11y: Quien come mi carne y bebe mi sangre, tiene vida eterna (cf. Jn 6,55). 12De donde el espíritu del Señor, que habita en sus fieles, es el que recibe el santísimo cuerpo y sangre del Señor. 13Todos los otros que no participan del mismo espíritu y se atreven a recibirlo, comen y beben su condenación (cf. 1 Cor 11,29).
(Admoniciones http://franciscanos.org/esfa/adm-ae.html )

22Ciertamente debemos confesar al sacerdote todos nuestros pecados; y recibamos de él el cuerpo y la sangre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 23Quien no come su carne y no bebe su sangre (cf. Jn 6,55. 57), no puede entrar en el reino de Dios (Jn 3,5). (Carta a los fieles II http://franciscanos.org/esfa/ctaf2.html )

“Francisco habla más a menudo de la Eucaristía, incluso más que de la pobreza. Para él, la Eucaristía no es solo un misterio, un sacramento, es una persona viva: es Cristo entregado por completo en manos de un hombre, frágil e indefenso, como lo fue en Belén. De ahí su ternura por todo lo que tiene que ver con el sacramento del altar, y su preocupación por la dignidad y limpieza de la iglesia y los vasos sagrados ”. (Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap “It Is Not Good For Man to Be Alone”: Clare and Francis: CA:ED, p. 11)

Un buen video (en inglés) del obispo Barron sobre la Eucaristía:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Presencia real)
Visite el sitio del Avivamiento Eucarístico: https://es.eucharisticrevival.org/

Preguntas para platicar o para responder en su diario

Lea y piense en las citas anteriores. Al pensar en lo que dijo San Francisco (y lo que se dijo sobre su devoción a la Eucaristía), considere sus propios sentimientos sobre la Eucaristía.

+ ¿Por qué la Eucaristía es importante para usted como católico? ¿Como franciscano?

+ ¿Cómo se prepara para recibir el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo?

+ ¿Cómo está ligada la Eucaristía a nuestra espiritualidad franciscana?

+ ¿Dónde se menciona la Eucaristía en la Regla OFS? (consulte también el Prólogo)

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