(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/

(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/