Fraternity is more than local
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Diane Menditto, OFS National Vice MinisterDear Brothers and Sisters,
As I write this, I am on my way home from Rome after attending a meeting of the CIOFS International Formation Secretariat. Working with my brothers and sisters has been such a positive and uplifting experience that I began to think about why this would be so.
Have you given any thought lately to the fact that we are all members, not only of our local fraternities, but also of the Regional, National, and International fraternities? My time this past week with the CIOFS Formation Secretariat brought this point home beautifully.
The Secretariat members come from all over the world. We are from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Romania, and the USA– a real alphabet soup! Our two common languages are Spanish and English. Sometimes, I get to serve as the translator, but for this meeting, one of the Presidency councilors who speaks Spanish, English, and Italian joined us.
We last met in person two years ago, but this past week, we began our meeting as if we had never been apart. The rhythm of our conversation and our work was smooth and pleasant. Our prayers and our meals were heartfelt and hearty. We spoke in whichever language was comfortable at that moment.
You may find that this happens when you get together with long-time friends or family. But, isn’t the same thing often true when we gather with our Franciscan brothers and sisters?
The Secretariat cares deeply about our Order and about the formative material we are creating that will bring all of us closer to God and strengthen our vocations. Even though our local fraternities are thousands of miles apart, we walked together in the footsteps of St. Francis. We discussed what can benefit every member in every local fraternity throughout the world.
What is truly special and emotional for me, though, is to see how people of different backgrounds, languages, and cultures are so much alike in our love for one another, for God, and for our Franciscan vocation. The Holy Spirit has given each one of us the exact gifts and talents we need to allow us to get along and to be productive. It’s a bit of a miracle to see what even a tiny (6 of us) “temporary” Fraternity can accomplish if we are open to the Spirit and to one another.
Let’s all thank God for this gift of fraternity. It is a priceless gift that we should never take for granted. It is a pearl of great price, a treasure, that we should take great pains to preserve and share with others.
Spiritual Renewal for Young Catholics
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Issue #111)
by Kathleen Molaro, OFS National FY/YA Animator
 100vw, 251px” data-recalc-dims=”1″>Young adults are often at a crossroads, not only regarding school, work, relationships, and family, but also in their faith life. They may be questioning or have even left the faith in which they were raised. Maybe for the first time they are experiencing a draw toward God. In some cases, a young person discovers a renewed faith-life, but doesn’t know how to nourish this new reality. Finding time and energy to give thought, let alone action, to their spiritual lives is often not a “luxury” they feel they can afford. We, as more “seasoned” Catholics, can offer simple ways to revitalize this important area of their lives.</p><p>Reflecting on the story of St. Francis and his experience of renewal and transformation, we know he was close to the same age as many of the young people we hope to serve. He too sought answers when he felt confused, and later when his heart was moved toward conversion. He too experienced tension between contemporary social mores and the role of faith.</p><p>Our world is bombarded with racial issues, drug and sex trafficking, terrorism, war and violence…and the list goes on. It’s no wonder we may feel overwhelmed, depressed, and hopeless. Like Francis, many of our youth are ready to explore new options and are open to refreshing and transforming opportunities. Our Rule calls us to “adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life…” (art. 24) One way individuals and fraternities can respond is to provide encouragement, support, and times of respite to our young adult brothers and sisters. Here are some ideas that have proved successful:</p><ul><li>Evenings of Young people are thirsty for a relationship with God. Offer an evening of Taizé, a para-liturgical prayer service, adoration, or an experience in visio or lectio divina.</li><li>Encouraging Social media platforms are a great way to send thoughtful messages to the younger generations. Or, surprise them with heartfelt written cards or notes.</li><li>Ventures into Gather for a hike after Mass. Camping or backpacking takes more prep than a walk but is well worth the effort. Or meet for a picnic at a beach to mingle and build relationships.</li><li>Home-cooked Young people appreciate a good meal and perhaps even time to study together with “tutors” on hand.</li><li>Movie Gather to watch a thought provoking or simply fun movie. Our Rule states that “A sense of community will make them (us) joyful,” (art. 13) which is an important aspect of renewal.</li><li>Providing a half day, whole day, or even a weekend retreat is a dynamic means of rejuvenation and growth in holiness.</li><li>Plan a Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Invite young adults to join you. Taking action when we feel powerless about the world’s ills rejuvenates our spirits.</li><li>Take a Even a short road trip to a local holy place can be a way to escape stress, pray together, and build community with fellow pilgrims. (See Previous Article)</li></ul><p>We can help our younger generation learn “Where there is rest and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.” (Admonition XXVII, FA:ED, pg. 137) Of course, we are on our journey together, and as these are all multi-generational activities, we can be renewed right along with them!</p><blockquote class=){kind=logo}