National Spiritual Assistants Focus on Impact of Pandemic
(This article originally from TAU-USA Issue 102 Winter 2021)
By Mary Stronach, OFS
Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, CNSA President
Not surprisingly, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants, understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on the brothers and sisters, took the opportunity to address the issues of this new reality.
“In these isolating moments, where can God be found?,” asked President- in-turn Fr. Christopher Panogoplos, TOR. “What has isolation meant to you in these areas — social, spiritual, emotional and political?”
Spiritual Impact of Pandemic
Br. Alexander Escaleras, OFM Cap, pointed to our responsibility to others. “We must consider the welfare of others who surround us even if our own life is not going the way we want it.”
He shared a personal story about his brother, Deacon Steven, who died from liver disease complications in October 2019. A few days before his death, a cleaning lady shared with him, and family members present, her own suffering having just discovered that her daughter had diabetes and other problems. His brother, who had a tracheotomy and could not speak, raised his hands in the form of prayer. “Translation: ‘I’m going to pray for
you.’ Even as he lay there dying, my brother was given the grace by God to think of others in their need.”
“Be safe and healthy,” he closed, “and may God give you His grace to think of and help the other.”
Social Effects of Pandemic
Fr. Chris Shorrock, OFM Conv, noted that social distancing goes against our psyche and our human tendencies. It can “easily lead to a sense of isolation and unrest, especially if
we are in what has been described as being vulnerable due to age or any pre- existing medical conditions.”
Quoting David Couturier OFM Cap, he said, “the challenge we face in this time of pandemic is how to deal creatively, contemplatively, and constructively with distance.”
Individuals and fraternities are discovering new ways to meet virtually on plenty of online video platforms,
he said. Prayer searches on the internet have skyrocketed. We’ve been attending Eucharist on-line; virtual groups have formed, some spiritual and others strictly social.
“Religious and spiritual practices
deliver something special when they are done socially – a deep sense of community and connection with something larger than us,” he continued.
“While these technological changes have shown promise in meeting people’s more immediate spiritual concerns, months of self-isolation, rising unemployment and mounting death tolls will surely present fresh challenges.”
Fr. Chris suggested that as we go forward, these on-line communities “will likely not be enough.” And “what about our members who are not so technically minded?” he asked. “…and not being able to honor loved ones in funeral rites? The lack of these rituals, which bring people together, will surely affect the process of grieving.”
“It is difficult to replace in-person human connection when we are at our most vulnerable,” he added.
While we may someday return to our in-person celebrations and rituals, “some things will be forever changed by the crisis. And the new skills and online practices learned at this time
will impact the ways Franciscans engage with the religious and spiritual into the future,” he said.
He concluded: “Now is the time
to be physically apart but spiritually connected, appreciative of the deepest bonds we have, in touch with the integral peace we have with God, with creation, and with one another. It is time to become ever more aware that Jesus is the God of all nearness and He is the Lord of every distance and in Him we live, move, and have our being.”
Emotional Impact of Pandemic
Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, who became president-in-turn at the end of the chapter, took the conversation further by noting:
“God created us with emotions, and he saw that it was very good.”
Emotions such as anger, sorrow, confusion, anxiety or distress “play a role for us,” he said. “They can help us
to develop a greater connection and to deepen our love. Conflict, in fact, can actually help us grow in love.”
Depression is a kind of anger; anxiety can lead to anger. We have to consider the blessings of anger, he said. The question is, “how do we express it?”
“Emotions are a gift. We have to learn to unwrap them,” he added.
As an example, he identified the work of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, who, in an “incredibly courageous act” found a way to address their anger in a positive pro-active way. We must search for “creative solutions.” He reminded attendees that while emotions such as anger are natural responses, sometimes our reactions need to be adjusted.
Political Impact of Pandemic
We develop a well-formed conscience through prayer, Fr. Christopher noted. “Don’t jump to
conclusions. Listen to what God wants. Test what we feel. Listen to what the Church has to say historically.” He added that we need quiet to listen to one another – to experience the beauty of dialogue.
He said: “Franciscans are called
to take seriously the demands of the Gospel, to be agents of reconciliation and peace. (We are called to) alleviate suffering; extend hope; provide for
the well-being of others. There can
be no two sides of this divide. All of us need to do better at encountering and accompanying one another on the journey of life.”
“Politics is something nobler than posturing, marketing, and media
spin,” he said. These sow nothing but division, conflict, and a bleak cynicism incapable of mobilizing people to pursue a common goal…In thinking of the future, we do well to ask political leaders: ‘Why are you doing this? What is your real aim?’
NATIONAL MINISTER ADDRESSES STATE OF THE ORDER
(This article originally from TAU-USA Issue 102 Winter 2021)
By MARY STRONACH, OFS
National Minister Jan Parker, OFS provided historical perspective as she inspired and challenged the 47 regional ministers, delegates and guests during her State of the Order message.
Responding to Signs of Times
“You cannot quarantine the Holy Spirit” she said.
“In spite of the pandemic and all the upheaval, the work of prayer, peacemaking and building up of the Kingdom has continued in a thousand beautiful ways… We are moving forward in new ways, responding in faith to the signs of the times.”
She quoted the General Constitutions (26.1): “…Secular Franciscans affirm their hope and their joy in living. They make a contribution to counter widespread distress and pessimism, preparing a better future.” Then she added, “The pandemic is not squelching our desire for fraternity – it is strengthening it.”
A Course of Renewal
She then took the attendees on an historical perspective of the Order in the United States from the development of the Pauline Rule of 1978 to the recent “season of visioning” when youth, formation and JPIC leaders, and spiritual assistants came together to help take the Order “on a course to renewal.” She exhorted the brothers and sisters: “we must continue to look for the unexpected joy and open our hearts to this holy newness. We cannot stop now, and we won’t. The Holy Spirit impels us.”
“We are beginning to see the fruit from of our ‘season of visioning’.”
- In Formation, new initial formation texts are in the process of being written and “wonderful” resources such as “Formation Friday” have been assisting Regional Formation Directors.
- In the area of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, there has been a “real awakening.” JPIC focus groups have formed, and there is more involvement by members at large. A “Franciscan-looking JPIC vision” is being developed, one that we need LIVE and SPEAK “justly, courteously, in peace and with charity.”
- In the area of Franciscan Youth and Young Adults, “there is new energy and momentum for outreach to youth and young adults.” An animator training on Zoom has provided new tools for outreach to support and establish YouFra fraternities.
She recognized the work of all committees, saying that “we have made great strides, but we have farther to go.”
Future Plans
She said there were projects that she and the council would like to “make a reality.” These included: a Communications Summit to “explore new ways for Public Relations, Website, Social Media, Database and TAU-USA folks to work together”; continued work on the database; “widening our embrace of culture”; updating the National Statutes, National Guidelines and the Spiritual Assistant Handbook; support of the newly formed “Franciscan Family Forum.”
At the international level, the working document for the next General Chapter, called the Instrumentum Laboris, shines a “bright light on the path ahead.” Announcing the theme: “Animate and Guide with Servant Leadership,” she emphasized that “servant leadership and co-responsibility truly is the way to move our Order forward.” She explained that the Instrumentum Laboris is organized “according to the challenges of leadership.”
She challenged the ministers to take the Instrumentum Laboris, review it and respond, considering what it means to animate and guide, to be co-responsible, to be a minister or council member, to lead collegially, to listen, to collaborate. She said that each region would be receiving the complete document with instructions on how to respond.
In closing, she urged, “live a life worthy of your call,” and quoted Francis’ Psalm 7 from the Office of the Passion: “Cast off the weight of sin, and take up the Lord’s holy cross, and follow the Lord’s most holy commands to the very end. So be it. Amen.”