“I greet you, Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Virgin…chosen by the most holy Father of heaven; consecrated to holiness through His most holy and beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. In you was and is the whole fullness of grace and everything that is good” St. Francis.

“Mary, mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now” Blessed Mother Teresa.

Beloved National Family, May the Lord give us Peace!

Please permit me in this last article that I will write as National Minister to focus on the Blessed Mother, my Mother, your Mother, the Mother of our Order, the Fifth Gospel.

Of course, we all know the names of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

How many of us know the name of the fifth Gospel: Mary.

She is the Gospel written by God through Her life.

We are each called to be living Gospels like Mary.

Mary is our mother in faith. She is the first believer in Jesus Christ, the Son announced to her and conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit.

Our Secular Franciscan Rule Four calls us devote ourselves “especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.”

As the fifth Gospel, as the first believer, as our Mother, Mary can lead us all into a closer encounter with all the Gospels and with her Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Our Secular Franciscan Rule Nine tells us of the great love our Father Francis had for the Blessed Mother: “She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.”

Blessed Thomas of Celano, whom Franciscan scholars identify as directly knowing St. Francis, supports our Rule when he writes and praises:

“Toward the Mother of Jesus he [St. Francis] was filled with an inexpressible love, because it was she who made the Lord of majesty our brother. He sang special Praises to her, poured out prayers to her, offered her his affections, so many and so great that the tongue of man cannot recount them. But what delights us most, he made her the advocate of the order and placed under her wings the sons he was about to leave that she might cherish them and protect them to the end.

“Hail, advocate of the poor! Fulfill toward us your office of protectress until the time set by the Father.”

Having lost my own Mother just the last year and facing my own possible loss to this world, I feel myself drawn more and more to the Blessed Mother. I feel her consoling presence and find great peace whenever I pray to her.

I pray that none of you ever has serious surgery requiring total anesthesia. My health had always been good until this past June when my small intestines “telescoped” (in the words of the doctors), and I couldn’t process any solid foods through my system. A wonderful female surgeon, a wife and Mom and Catholic, removed four dangerous tumors, leaving another ten smaller and less dangerous ones for treatment at a later date, all of which, when biopsied, confirmed what the doctors had feared would be metastatic melanoma, which had first appeared as just a small dot on my back, easily removed, in 2005.

When I woke in the hospital after the surgery in a groggy consciousness, there was honestly nothing I could do for the next twelve hours except pray the Rosary and talk to my Mother.

Those prayers gave and have given and, I believe, will always give peace.

As we live in the Americas, I have always had a special devotion to our Blessed Mother’s appearances to St. Juan Diego, the miraculous image of herself that she left on his tilma as Our Lady of Guadalupe for us, and her consoling words to him and to all.

Much has been written about the history of this appearance, the miracle of this image on the tilma and the conversation between Juan and the Blessed Lady. I would encourage your online or other research for your own personal faith formation and consolation.

More importantly, I would encourage your greater prayer and devotion to the Blessed Mother, our Mother, my Mother. I try always to carry this image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, along with an image of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis and St. Anthony on my person, and if you could come to my bedroom where I am writing you right now, you could find her and them immediately!

I pray to her daily, and she always takes me closer to her Son, closer to Peace.

If you don’t want my advice, I give you the advice of one of my favorite 20^th Century Franciscan saints, whose Shrine, church and museum I have all visited and prayed at in Niepokalanów, Poland: St. Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conventual, who wrote:

“It is beyond all doubt that Mary’s will represents to us the will of God himself. By dedicating ourselves to her we become in her hands instruments of God’s mercy even as she was such an instrument in God’s hands. We should let ourselves be guided and led by Mary and rest quiet and secure in her hands. She will watch out for us, provide for us, answer our needs of body and spirit; she will dissolve all our difficulties and worries.”

Of course, our Mother Mary continues to care and pray for me and you and all of creation. She continues to be that fifth Gospel as she “treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart” just as Pope Francis shared with us this past Pentecost on May 24, 2015, in his beautiful Encyclical “LAUDATO, SI” (PRAISE TO YOU, O LORD) when he wrote at Number 241:

“Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world. Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power. Completely transfigured, she now lives with Jesus, and all creatures sing of her fairness. She is the Woman, ‘clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars’ (Rev 12:1). Carried up into heaven, she is the Mother and Queen of all creation. In her glorified body, together with the Risen Christ, part of creation has reached the fullness of its beauty. She treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart (cf. Lk 2:19, 51), and now understands the meaning of all things. Hence, we can ask her to enable us to look at this world with eyes of wisdom.”

Permit me to leave you with my undying love, gratitude and prayers this depiction of the conversation between our Blessed Mother and St. Juan Diego that I read when in need, which recently has been frequently:

“Know for certain that I am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God … here I will show and offer all my love, my compassion and protection to the people. I am your merciful Mother, the Mother of all who love me, of those who cry to me, of those who have confidence in me. Here I will hear their weeping and their sorrows … their necessities and misfortunes. Listen and let it penetrate your heart.

“Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and my protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the fold of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?”

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of the names St. Francis used for the Blessed Mother?
2. Explain which name means the most to you.
3. What is the name of the fifth Gospel? Why?
4. What is each of us called to be? How might we better do this?
5. Which image of or devotion to Mary speaks most to your heart? Why?
6. What honor or prayer or devotion does your fraternity give to the Blessed Mother at every gathering? Why this particular one?
7. When do you most need your Blessed Mother?

This is an excerpt from a series of articles by the late Deacon Tom Bello, OFS, former Minister of the National Secular Franciscan Order – USA.  “Many of these essays were originally published in TAU-USA, our national newsletter,” said Jan Parker, OFS, current National Minister. “They are excellent for reflection and ongoing formation.”  Jan helped Tom publish these essays in book form.  It is called  For All The Saints:  St. Francis’s Five-Point Plan for Salvation and is available from Tau Publishing. These excerpts will appear several times a week on the Secular Franciscans website.

Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Virgin!

By Jan Parker, OFS

National Minister

The National Priority of Fraternity Life has never been more important than at this time of social distancing.  Some of you have asked how to maintain fraternity activities during this time.

The following events can be held using video conferencing or conference call:

• Fraternity gatherings
• Fraternity Council meetings
• Initial formation sessions

Some fraternity events require personal presence:

• Elections
• Visitations
• Rite of Admission
• Rite of Profession

These must be postponed until we can meet safely in person, however, initial formation should continue in the manner described below.

Please see the following sections for detailed guidelines on all the above.

Fraternity Gatherings

We encourage fraternities at both local and regional levels to maintain fraternal bonds as much as you can.  Be creative.  Make phone calls, send cards or letters.  Use technology to meet as a group (conference calls or teleconferencing, etc.)  if possible.  On a video conference some members will not have the ability to be “on screen,” but they can join by phone.  Do your best to incorporate prayer and ongoing formation.

Fraternity Council Business

Fraternity Councils and Regional Executive Councils can conduct business by phone or teleconference.  Decisions can be made by consensus or voice vote.  (Note: A secret ballot is only required for elections or for approval of a Candidate for Profession.)

Fraternity Council Elections

Fraternity members, the appointed Presider and Ecclesial Witness must be physically present for an election.  Elections involve voting by secret ballot, and this cannot happen by teleconference, phone or email.  Mail in ballots are not acceptable for the following reasons:  the reading of ballots must be overseen by the Presider and Ecclesial Witness, and there are multiple elections and a changing slate.  Elections that cannot be held safely must be postponed.

What if postponement of an election is not a good option?

If a Council member is not able to continue to fulfill their duties during a term that has been extended due to the pandemic, then that person may resign.  In this case the Council fills the vacancy in the usual manner.

Official Fraternity Visitations

Fraternity members and the Visitor(s) must be physically present for an official Visitation.  An official Visitation cannot take place by teleconference.  Visitations that cannot be held safely must be postponed.

Initial Formation

Initial Formation should continue during social distancing. However, every effort should be made to maintain the same standards followed for an in-person formation session.

• Material can be sent out by email or surface mail but discussion is still key.
• Engage everyone in discussion as it would normally take place at a formation gathering.
• This can be done by phone, conference call, Face Time, Zoom, Google Classroom—whatever is the most comfortable for the formation director and those in initial formation.
• Please resist the urge to combine classes. Orientation, Inquiry, and Candidacy sessions should be held at separate times as you would usually do.
• For those in initial formation, it is even more crucial at this time to have contact with their sponsors or a prayer partner.
• Formation team involvement is very important at this time.

For those fraternities currently meeting virtually, (by teleconference or video conferences)

Question: We have new members whom we want to welcome into the fraternity even though we are not meeting in person. Can we do this?

Answer:  Ceremony of Introduction and Welcoming (p. 9 of the Ritual)

The Ceremony of Introduction and Welcoming can be celebrated by conference call OR video conference if the following conditions have been met:

• The individuals had been attending in-person fraternity meetings before the quarantine. (At least 2-3 meetings)
• They have been participating in the fraternity Zoom or conference call sessions. (At least two or three regular virtual fraternity gatherings)
• The fraternity council and the fraternity itself have had the opportunity to get to know them. (Either prior to social distancing or by talking to them on the phone and exchanging emails during social distancing.)
• The initial interview and faith summary have taken place. (This might have already been done prior to social distancing or it can be handled by phone or video conference [preferred, if possible].)
• Orientation lessons have been completed. (Not less than three months) This can be handled by phone, email or videoconference. Full sessions should be held, just as if you were meeting in person.
• Ensure that they have access to a short biography of St. Francis.

If all of this has been completed, the Ceremony of Introduction and Welcoming (p. 9 in the Ritual) lends itself to taking place during a videoconference (ex: Zoom, Go To Meeting). The Ritual says that it is to be kept as simple as possible; it is not a liturgical rite and should take place during the regular virtual fraternity gathering at the time of ongoing formation and socializing.

Question: We have Inquirers who are arriving at the time for the Rite of Admission. Can we celebrate the Rite during social distancing?

Answer: Rite of Admission (p. 11 of the Ritual)

It is not recommended that the Rite of Admission be carried out virtually.  The Rite of Admission takes place within a liturgical celebration (not Mass). The fraternity really should be gathered in person for this to take place. (Depending on the social distancing guidelines of particular dioceses, it might be possible to have the Rite of Admission with a small group representing the fraternity. [See Ritual pp. 4 and 5 section 3.2 description of those to be present.])

However, determine if the following has taken place:

• Inquirers should have completed at least 6 months of focused discernment-(Inquiry classes—of the same length and nature that would have taken place before social distancing began. Once again, material can be emailed or surface mailed, but sufficient time should be taken for explanation and discussion.)
• Prior to the interviews, all sacramental certificates, and letters of recommendation should be received and reviewed by the Council.
• Two interviews (one by the Spiritual Assistant) to assess the readiness of the Inquirers to become candidates. (These can take place on the phone or via video conference.)
• A letter written to the Council by each Inquirer requesting admission to Candidacy. These can be emailed to the Formation Director who will share with the rest of the Council.
• Discussion and collegial decision of the Fraternity Council (GC 39.3)
• The Inquirers should be made aware of the seriousness of the Rite of Admission and why it is being delayed until the community can gather.
• Once all of the above has been completed, Candidacy classes can begin via video conference or conference call. Again, these should be of the same length and nature as prior to social distancing.
• When social distancing has ended, the Rite of Admission can take place in person. It should be noted in the fraternity register that the Rite of Admission was delayed due to social distancing and that Candidacy classes began on ___ date.
• The Rite of Profession will also need to be delayed until the fraternity can gather. This is necessary for two reasons:
  • The Council needs decide by secret ballot on admission to profession of each candidate. (GC 41.1)
  • The Fraternity needs to be present to witness the profession
• Even when social distancing ends and the Rite of Admission takes place (if it has not been possible beforehand), an appropriate interval (below) should elapse between the Rite of Admission and Profession. (As long as Candidacy does not extend beyond three years.)
• Explanation of appropriate interval:  

The Rites of Admission and Profession offer separate and distinct opportunities for celebration, reflection, and the action of the Holy Spirit. Under the pandemic guidelines, someone could proceed through candidate formation for many months before participating in the Rite of Admission. Care should be taken to maintain an appropriate interval (at least six months) between the two rites to preserve the dignity and efficacy of each and to allow grace to act in the life of the candidate.

The National Executive Council thanks the National Formation Commission for their work on these guidelines.

Guidelines for Fraternal Life During Social Distancing