By Corinne Lorenzet, OFS
National Executive Council

In early December 2025, one of the daily gospel readings was from Matthew 7:24-25 “…like a wise man who built his house on rock…it did not collapse because it had been built solidly on rock.”. Article 4 of our Rule, placed at the beginning of Chapter 2, The Way of Life, is, to me, that rock, that foundation of what it means to live our Rule.

From the first line I’m reminded that we are grounded in observing the Gospel. When we make our professions, we say “…I promise to live all the days of my life the Gospel or our Lord Jesus Christ…”.  How can I do this without going back, again and again, to the living Word, which always has something new to say to me, if I but pay attention.

As I continue on my Franciscan journey, I try to live Gospel to life, but more and more I’m finding I need to take my life back to the Gospel message, using it as a mirror in the manner of St. Clare, helping me to reflect on how I’m doing trying to live, each day, the profession I have made.

As one who does not believe that there are any coincidences with God, here is Pope Leo’s Intention for January, 2026: “For Prayer with the Word of God”.

“Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us build a more fraternal and missionary Church.”

Pretty Franciscan, wouldn’t you say?

May God give you peace!

OFS Rule Article 4

The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.

Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he comes to give abundantly.

Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.

 by Sharon Winzeler, OFS  Committee Chair

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025  Issue #117)

Fr. Tomas, Church witness, Ana Maria, election presider, and Kim Pappas, election secretary.

The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States (NAFRA) concluded its 2025 Chapter with the election of a new National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, September 13, at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD.

Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, was re-elected as national minister for a second term. Also returning to office are Vice Minister Diane Menditto, OFS; Secretary Susan Ronan, OFS; and International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, OFS.

Newly elected officers include Treasurer Steve Roszhart, OFS, and Councilors Christine Blood, OFS; Chris Leone, OFS; and Corinne Lorenzet, OFS. Diane Menditto was also elected alternate international councilor.

The fraternity expressed gratitude to the outgoing NEC members: Treasurer Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS, and Councilors Josh Molidor, OFS; Donna Hollis, OFS; and Cherryle Fruge, OFS.

The election was overseen by international visitors Fr. Tomas Ginga Panzo Suva, OFM Cap., of Rome, general spiritual assistant to the OFS, and Ana Maria Raffo Laos, OFS, of Peru, who served as election presider.

The election marked the conclusion of a five-day meeting that gathered the elected NEC officers, committee chairs, ministers of the 30 regional fraternities or their delegates, the CNSA – the four national spiritual assistants who represent the Franciscan friars: OFM, OFM Conventual, OFM Capuchin, and Third Order Regular (TOR), and observers.

The new national priority developed by a task force is “Living the Gospel.” This priority emphasizes build-ing relationships, inspiring others to seek God, forming ourselves in the Franciscan way of life, attracting vocations, and working to rebuild the Church.

“When we are living the Gospel, we are involved in the activities and challenges of the world, integrating faith and action in our daily lives, nurturing hope, sowing seeds, and transforming hearts and minds,” Chris Leone, OFS, task force member said. “These actions represent what Christ would be to sdathe world.”

In addition to Chris, other task force members were Janet Angelillo, OFS; Pamela Boespflug, OFS; Ellen Ferrone, OFS; and Jeffrey Wilson, OFS.

The new national theme for 2025–2028

is drawn from the Gospel of Mark:

“Go into the world

and proclaim the good news.”

(Mk 16:15)

The newly elected NEC: Susan Ronan, Christopher Leone, Mary Frances Charsky, Jane DeRose-Bamman, Diane Menditto, Steve Roszhart, Christine Blood, and Corinne Lorenzet.