CIOFS Presidency at work

This page appeared in the CIOFS publication, VOX Franciscana, and is available at the following link: https:// ciofs.info/news/vox-franciscana/winter- spring-2023/

CIOFS Presidency at work

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Tuesday’s meeting began with Minister General Tibor Kauser giving a formation talk on servant leadership.

Leadership is tied to community; that is, a leader needs a team to move ahead with a project or strive for a goal. So, he said, a leader helps form and protect community, and helps members grow in their OFS vocation.

When looking at traits of leaders, one should recognize that leaders are not uniform. “Look at Moses, Jesus, St. Peter, St Francis, St. Bonaventure…”

But some characteristics should be common to OFS leaders:

  • Help form and strengthen the fraternity – it’s the OFS home.
  • Encourage and maintain communication, which brings people closer.
  • Encourage collaboration, with members using their charisms and talents.
  • Serve the growth of everyone.
  • Do not be afraid of new approaches.
  • Be prayerful (be ready to be with the Holy Spirit).
  • Live a sacramental and penitential life.
  • Embody a spirit of service (“washing the feet of others”).
  • Maintain an overview; have vision.
  • Be able to organize; and be ready to speak.
  • Always be open to dialogue, and able to evaluate a situation.

— What would Jesus do?

— Listen. Consult. Discern. Decide.

— Collective decisions are collegial when everyone respects one another.

  • Love your brothers and sisters. (Mutual respect essential for servant leadership.)
  • Be Franciscan.

MINISTRY AT WORK

Being a Secular Franciscan means being engaged in a ministry of service, Noemi Paola Riccardi reminded fellow members of the CIOFS Presidency in a Monday morning session.

“St Peter tells us what to do and how to do it: ‘Let each one place the gift he has received at the service of others…’ and ‘… whosoever does a service, let him do it with the strength that is given to him by God…’”

She went on to point out that in the OFS the function of “animation and guidance” is a collegial one. “Guidance and animation are entrusted to a set of elected persons, called to exercise co-responsibility and co-participation. We know well that with Profession we are all ‘animators’ or, at least, called to ‘animate’ the Fraternity, making available the talents/gifts God has given us.”

She noted some key traits of service, among them:

  • Personal presence (a fundamental requirement).
  • Witness of life (living evangelical life).
  • Prayer (it is the fuel for serving).
  • Collaboration (taking active interest in all service areas).
  • Graciousness (“Pope Francis emphasized that, like Jesus, we must serve with- out asking for anything and reiterated that we must not take control of service ‘by turning it into a power structure’.”)

Noemi identified another important element of service – listening. Listen before acting or making decisions. She suggested following the advice of a Greek philosopher: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/08/07/ciofs-presidency-at-work/

World Youth Day opens with a week’s worth of challenges

Secular Franciscans are encouraged to participate through prayer with our young people at the World Youth Day opening Aug. 1 in Lisbon, Portugal, according to Kathleen Molaro, OFS, national Youth and Young Adult Commission Chair.  Each day the young visitors are invited to share in the following daily challenges.

August 1
Go
“Get up and start again” is the expectation for this day. The eagerly awaited 1st of August, which marks the beginning of WYD Lisbon 2023, has “Leave” as the word of the day. “Who am I and how do I come to this WYD? What do I bring and what am I looking for?” is the challenge for each of the young people embracing this great adventure. “In these days, I begin to design my path here – I choose conferences, concerts, theaters, exhibitions, volunteering, whatever moves me the most.”
Daily challenge: Meet and discover the curiosities of two people from different nationalities. 

August 2
Hurry
This is the time for young people to step out of their comfort zones and take action. Reflecting on questions like “Am I looking for Jesus in a hurry?” and “Where can I find Him?” can deepen the pilgrimage experience. “Today, I actively engage in the opportunities of the day. I recognize the presence of the living Christ, seeking what urges me forward and identifying anything that hinders my progress.”
Daily challenge: Hurry to find Jesus and visit Him in a church. 

August 3
Rejoice 

Discovering the joy of being a Christian is the purpose of this day. “Today, I contemplate how faith is concretized in my life – its implications and its transformative effect on my attitude towards others. I embrace joy in my daily living.”
Daily challenge: Share with someone what made them happiest during the day. 

August 4
Believe
This day beckons the youth to embrace Faith and step inside, leaving hesitation at the door. “I open the doors to Christ,” “I let him in.” “Am I afraid? Of what?” These are the questions that guide the pilgrims in their reflections. Today, I aim to learn the art of opening my heart to Jesus, unrestricted. What holds me back from belief? What changes do I fear might unfold in my life?
Daily challenge: Offer a prayer for someone you know who hasn’t yet found belief in God. 

August 5
Give thanks
Pilgrims are invited to ponder, introspect, and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by God. “Today, I aspire to master the art of prayer, to be grateful, and to find solace in the presence of Jesus. I will be by His side, acknowledging and appreciating all that I have encountered.”
Daily challenge: Embrace the person who left the deepest impression on you during the week and include them in your prayers. 

August 6
Rise up
Pilgrims are encouraged to contemplate what lingers in their hearts after the encounter and how it will shape their lives. “Today, I conclude as I commenced – with a renewed spirit and endless rejuvenation. I acknowledge that I am a missionary, destined to spread the good news to all.”
Daily challenge: Share the WYD experience with two individuals who have not yet experienced it. 

 

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/07/31/world-youth-day-opens-with-a-weeks-worth-of-challenges/

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Juan de Padilla