National’s Blog | Juan de Padilla

National Gathering – Kick off by Bishop Mulvey

February 21, 2020February 21, 2020

(This article originally appeared in Winter 2019 Issue #99 of TAU-USA)

URGES OFS TO BE SPIRITUAL POWERHOUSE FOR RENEWING THE CHURCH

By MARY STRONACH, OFS

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Under a domed ceiling depicting Christ feeding the multitude, Bishop W. Michael Mulvey shared spiritual food with Secular Franciscans as he helped them launch their National Chapter, held Oct. 15 to 20 at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center. It was the first time that the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States held its national gathering in Corpus Christi, with some 80 participants from across the country and Guam.

Like St. Francis, he noted, Secular Franciscans are “called to renew the church with the living spirit of Christ.”

Bishop Mulvey began his homily by sharing an affinity with the Franciscan charism, noting that his grandmother was a Secular Franciscan who brought him to Franciscan gatherings as a child, that his great aunt became a Poor Clare nun, and that he celebrated his second mass as a priest at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi.

So, “it’s good to be among family.”

Bishop Mulvey noted that it sometimes can be hard for people “to accept reality as it is,” and, quoting Pope Francis, they can become “mummified.”

For example, when the Jews were wandering in the desert, they wished they could go back to Egypt. “We want to leave things the way they were, but the promised land is ahead of us…We need a different mentality today,” one that is not “mummifying”.

“Unless we remain in the living spirit of Christ, we dry out and wither,” and “we become mummified.”

The bishop urged Secular Franciscans to work with other groups to help the church. If we “come together – Franciscans as Franciscans, Carmelites as Carmelites, we could be a powerhouse! God has called you to be Franciscan today with the charism of Francis and Clare lived today.”

He said: “Let’s not point fingers at the church. Let’s get in there and help them as Francis and Clare would have done. Never be a part of the difficulty; be a part of the solution.”

He added: “We are in the desert. It’s not an easy task. But with the body of Christ (Corpus Christi), many parts and one head…we can become a powerhouse of spiritual strength that will renew the Church.”

Quoting the saint of the day, St. Teresa of Avila, he closed with a reassuring message, “If Jesus dwells in a person, that person can endure all things.”

The joyful sound of guitar music was provided by Bob Conces, OFS, from St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in San Antonio.

At the close of the opening Mass of the Chapter, National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, thanked Bishop Mulvey for his encouragement to rebuild and renew the Church. “The (Franciscan) Rule says we are united most intimately with the Church… We are one body, one Lord. We are with you. You are in our hearts and in our prayers.”

National Gathering – Kick off by Bishop Mulvey

The National Chapter 2019-2020 “Seemed to Have It All”

February 19, 2020February 19, 2020

“They seemed to have it all,” noted one attendee as she was leaving the OFS National Chapter in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Indeed, the agenda was packed. The spirit of the meeting allowed for the gamut of experiences. An upbeat, spontaneous Conga line, thanks to YouFra’s funky music. Deeply spiritual moments. Discussions on the business of the order. A look at where our Order has been and where it is going, including setting the national Secular Franciscan theme for 2019-2020: “Journey Together in Love and Compassion.” And even sharing Star Trek’s Vulcan greeting to Franciscans around the universe during a group photo op.

The chapter erupted into song and dance when the YouFra team began a presentation with blaring funky music.

There were ample moments to get to know participants from around the country, and daily private and communal prayer. Small group huddles encouraged questions and sharing of ideas, enhancing fraternal life. Large group evaluations and decision-making marathons opened the door for the Order to tackle the challenges and opportunities confronting seculars now and in the future.

The Chapter took place Oct. 15-20 at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center, hosted by three regional fraternities – Los Tres Compañeros, St. Joan of Arc, and Our Lady of Guadalupe – Empress of the Americas. It took 80 attendees on a five-day journey through Franciscan spirituality, the future of formation, and a hands-on service project that helped 1000 immigrants at the southern border.

Where the Order has been … and where the Order is going. Friars who are truly our brothers (even boogeying and extending Vulcan greetings). Youth embracing the Franciscan charism. Social Justice, peace and integrity of creation. The local bishop’s warm welcome. Pax Christi Retreat Center’s walls heard it all, absorbed it all … and blessed the encounter.

— Mary Stronach, OFS