2025 Chapter Registration Packet

The St. Margaret of Cortona Region of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is eagerly preparing to welcome brothers and sisters from across the country Sept. 9-13, for the upcoming National Chapter gathering. Spanning nearly five states in the Mid-Atlantic, the region is known not only for its vibrant Franciscan spirit but also for its rich historical and spiritual heritage.

This year’s Chapter will take place at the Bon Secours Retreat Center, nestled in the wooded hills of Maryland. Organizers have been working diligently to ensure a relaxing and inspiring experience for all attendees. “Rest, peace, and love will surround you,” reads a welcoming message from the region, highlighting the opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on national OFS concerns and opportunities.

September brings warm, occasionally humid weather, and the landscape surrounding the retreat center promises to be especially inviting, with a rolling creek and lush greenery providing a natural setting for reflection and fellowship.

Beyond the retreat setting, the region is steeped in both national and Franciscan history. Notable nearby historical landmarks include Jamestown, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Mount Vernon, Manassas, and Gettysburg. The area also encompasses the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land.

Of particular interest to Franciscans is the St. Francis Missal—a 12th-century manuscript believed by many to be a relic of touch, which is on display at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Additional spiritual treasures include the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg and the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, which serves as the home of the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

A highlight of the week will be the special Day Away on Friday, September 12, from the afternoon to evening at the Shrine of St. Anthony. Attendees will enjoy a professionally guided tour of the grounds and relics, Mass with the friars, moments of quiet reflection, and a shared meal with the religious community.

Organizers urge participants to register for the Day Away separately from the Chapter registration to ensure adequate space and proper planning. Details can be found in the Chapter Registration Packet.

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2025  Issue #115)

Inclusive Multilingual Communication

by Caroline Yandell, OFS

Minister, St. Francis Region

A common statement that we have all probably heard is, “The United States is a melting pot.” But that doesn’t really seem right if you think of what a melting pot does and what its contents looks like. A melting pot melts down everything in it into one single entity. I picture a glutinous unicolored mass. Not an attractive site at all.

A salad bowl seems to be a more appropriate visual for the composition of our nation. A salad has a variety of colors, textures and flavors that come together to make something attractive and beneficial, which is much more like our combination of various cultures, backgrounds and skin tones.

People who reside in the United States come from all over the world, including many of the members of our National Fraternity who come from different cultures and speak many languages other than English. Some were born and raised in the U.S., and others immigrated as children or adults. Some have learned to speak and understand English, and some have not.

In the St. Francis Region in Southern California, almost 40% of the members speak Korean. There are two fraternities of Vietnamese speakers, and two Spanish-speaking fraternities. There is also a fraternity that has a majority of members who speak Tagalog.

This has a great impact on how the region communicates and functions. It impacts how plans are made for such events as regional gatherings, fraternal and pastoral visits, and Chapter.

The current Regional Executive Council (REC) includes members who speak Spanish and Korean. The previous REC also had a Vietnamese speaker. Three regional members act as translators for the region, translating important documents. These include part of the quarterly regional newsletter, documents that are distributed at Chapter, and other regional documents.

At Chapters, translated notes are provided so all attendees are aware of what is being covered in the presentations. All the liturgies include parts spoken, and sometimes sung, in all four languages.

It is evident at the regional picnics that language differences are no barrier to eating, playing and laughing together – especially with all the delicious international food that is shared. Members assist in translating prayers as well as activities when needed. One highlight is when each culture group shares their own version of grace before lunch.

At last year’s regional gathering, the topic was the Stigmata of St. Francis. There were two OFM presenters – one English speaker and one Korean. Everyone gathered for an international potluck lunch, followed by a PowerPoint presentation of various Stigmata pictures set to music. There were pre-translated questions for members to discuss after the PowerPoint.

Working in and with a multicultural, multilingual region takes special planning and translation work. It means getting some tasks done sooner so that the translators have time to get their work completed. These are all challenges that are worth addressing, for it states in our Rule, Art. 19:

Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.

Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others