(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall Issue #104)

By Mary Stronach, OFS

National Formation Commission

The following formation project can be experienced individually, perhaps even in Eucharistic Adoration, or in small groups at a fraternity gathering. It will take you back in time–to our roots and our early family. The materials needed for this activity: the accompanying chart, a copy of Memoriale Propositi (https://franciscan-archive.org/documenta.html), a copy of our present rule (the Rule of 1978).

Step One: Preliminary Questions

At the beginning of the session, consider the following questions. (If this activity is done individually, you may want to write your thoughts in your journal. If it is done with a group, you may want to discuss these questions at the beginning of the session):

Have you ever had the experience of finding old letters in the attic that our grandparents wrote? What treasures! To peek into the lives of those whose DNA we carry is a wonderful gift. Did you try to see yourself in that old picture of your great-grandmother or great-grandfather? How did you feel when you discovered them? Why did it mean so much when you found them?

Step Two: Background

As Secular Franciscans, our forefathers also left us some amazing treasures. Among them is the Memoriale Propositi, our inspirational document, which dates back to 1221. It was written by Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti di Segni at the request of St. Francis of Assisi. Cardinal Hugolino later became Pope Gregory IX, who canonized Francis of Assisi in 1228, two years after his death.

A quick review of the Memoriale Propositi of 1221 may give us a better perspective of who our early brothers and sisters were and how they lived. As importantly, it will connect us with them and, perhaps, even strengthen our focus on how we can live more completely in the footsteps of St. Francis.

Step Three:

Activity: Read Memoriale Propositi and reflect on its message. How does it speak to us? What does it tell us about our forefathers? How is it different and how is it similar to our present Rule? Are there some parts of it on which we too can act? (Note: You may want to use the chart at the end of this article to help organize your thoughts and to compare our present Rule with Memoriale Propositi.)

(Note for Formation Leaders: This activity can also be used at your Fraternity Gathering–in small groups or the large group. You may want to give each group about 30 minutes to discuss two or three topics and then invite each group to summarize its discussion in the large group):

Summary statement: While our brothers and sisters of 1221 lived different lives, the essence of who we are as Secular Franciscans has never changed. We follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis… from Gospel to life and life to Gospel. The Rule of 1978 reflects our foundational and inspirational document and reminds us of the gift and treasure Francis gave us when he asked Cardinal Hugolino to write the first Franciscan guide for the “Brothers and Sisters of Penance.”

Memoriale Propositi: Going home. A Formation Project That Renews Us

by Jan Parker, OFS, National Minister

​Happy Feast Day and Happy New Year, as we welcome 2022 filled with hope, peace and joy!

The ​National Executive Council met the week before Christmas and, after prayerful consideration and some good conversation about the wonderful slate of nominees, we made our decision on the appointment of two new members to the Duns Scotus Formation Fund Board​ (DSFF).

I am happy to announce the appointment of:

Michelle Bryk (Divine Mercy Region) and Linzy Martin OFS  (Queen of Peace Region)

Michelle and Linzy will be wonderful additions to the DSFF Board.  Thank you for saying “yes.”

​Our thanks to all those who said “yes” to being nominated.   We had a slate of wonderful nominees. Every one of them was well qualified, and we will certainly consider them to fill future openings on the Board.

And to everyone reading this — here is a plea from your National Minister:

The DSFF is there to financially support formation in the OFS-USA, so let’s use the funds we have been blessed with!

 How can the Duns Scotus Formation Fund benefit your Region?  How about planning NOW for a formation gathering in your Region in 2023?  Perhaps a Formation Workshop or Spiritual Assistant gathering in your Region or your geographic area?

Feel free to contact Diane Menditto, National Formation Chair to discuss what’s possible.

Don’t delay. Here’s Diane’s email — diane.menditto@gmail.com

It’s easy to request a DSFF Grant — and we are happy to help you!   Feel free to contact me at ofsusaminister@gmail.com

The DSFF Board Members are:

• Jan Parker (National Minister)
• Pat Serotkin (DSFF Board Secretary)
• Claudia Kauzlarich (National Treasurer)
• Diane Menditto (National Formation Commission Chair)
• Fr. Jerome Wolbert (CNSA President-in-Turn)
• Anne Mulqueen (Member-at-large)
• Bob Fitzsimmons (Member-at-large)
• Michelle Bryk (Member-at-large)
• Linzy Martin (Member-at-large)

We look forward to working together with you in 2022!

May our Blessed Mother watch over us, and may we continue to reflect her JOY, as we give birth to Christ in the world!

Christmas Joy ​and Blessings to all!

​Your sister and Minister,

Jan

Jan Parker OFS, National Minister

Secular Franciscan Order – USA

Be strong, take courage, all you who hope in the Lord! (Ps. 31:25)

2021-2022 OFS-USA Theme

National Minister Announces New Members Appointed to DSFF Board