“It is in Giving That We Receive” – A Testament of Grace
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025 Issue #117)
By Mary Frances Charsky, OFS • International Councilor
Among the many treasures of our Franciscan heritage, few words echo more deeply than the closing line of the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “It is in giving that we receive.” These words are not merely poetic; they are a spiritual truth lived out in the quiet generosity of countless souls who embody Gospel love. Today, we reflect on one such soul: Christine Gmeiner, whose final act of giving has blessed the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States in a profound and humbling way.
Christine’s bequest came without fanfare, without stipulation, and without expectation. Her estate offered a generous gift to the National Fraternity with no strings attached, no instructions, and no conditions. It was a pure offering, given in the spirit of trust and love. In receiving it, we are reminded that the most powerful gifts are often those that flow freely from the heart, echoing the selfless love of Christ.
This act of generosity invites us to pause and consider the deeper meaning of giving. In our Franciscan way of life, giving is not transactional, it is transformational. When we offer kindness, compassion, and resources to others without seeking recognition or reward we open ourselves to the grace of spiritual fulfillment. We receive not material compensation but something far greater: inner peace, joy, and a deeper connection with God’s love.
Christine’s gift is more than a financial blessing; it is a spiritual invitation. It calls us to reflect on how we, as brothers and sisters in the Secular Franciscan Order, might embody the same spirit of generosity. How might we use this gift to further the mission of our Order? How might we honor Christine’s legacy by becoming instruments of peace, channels of love, and bearers of hope?
The absence of specific instructions with this bequest invites us to listen to the Holy Spirit, to one another, and to the needs of our communities. Whether we use it to support vocations, outreach, youth, or the strengthening of fraternal bonds, may every decision be rooted in prayer and guidance by the values we hold dear.
Let us receive Christine’s gift with gratitude and reverence. Let it inspire us to give more freely, to love more deeply, and to serve more joyfully. Let us honor her memory not only with words, but with action. May her gift bear fruit in the lives of many, and may we too, be inspired to give without counting the cost, trusting that in giving, we truly receive.
For those who feel moved to continue a legacy of generosity, donations to support the work of the OFS in the United States are warmly welcome.
To learn more or to make a contribution or bequest in support of the Secular Franciscan Order for a Local, Regional, National or International Fraternity please contact:
Secular Franciscan Order-USA5000 Colerain AveCincinnati, Ohio 45223-1213
Email: info@secularfranciscansusa.org Website: www.secularfranciscansusa.org
1-800-FRANCIS
Let us continue to give with open hearts, trusting that in every act of love, we receive the grace of God. Let us pray for Christine and for the Gmeiner Bequest Task Force established in her honor. May Christine rest eternally in peace.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/03/it-is-in-giving-that-we-receive-a-testament-of-grace/
Our Mission: OFS Rule Article 6
By Christine Blood, OFS
National Councilor, OFS-USA
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Christine Blood, OFS National Councilor
On the night of my Profession, I realized how blessed I was to have had excellent formators, true witnesses of our faith and the Order. They taught me well because I knew that I would forever be more intimately united with the Church and her mission because of my Profession.
Our current OFS-USA Theme is: “Go into the world and proclaim the good news.” (Mark 16:15). Our OFS Rule Article 6 captures and describes this exactly.
Article 6 calls to action our vocation as Secular Franciscans. It is our rallying cry. One might say it describes our marching orders. It instructs us to have an active participation as witnesses to the Church’s mission, stresses our ongoing support for the Church through evangelization efforts, and for us to be in full communion with the Pope, bishops, and priests.
It also describes how I am to be that witness of Christ to my family, to my friends, to those in my communities, to those I have yet to meet, and to be an active Catholic, proclaiming Christ by my life and words while building up the Kingdom of God around me. (GC 17)
Someone recently asked why I became a Secular Franciscan. That is a great question! We all should have a response ready to share as part of our evangelization with others. My response: I am called to sainthood, to follow Jesus, to live according to the Gospels, and I professed to do just all that in the manner and footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.
We professed to be the Church’s witnesses and instruments in fulfilling her mission to everyone and everywhere. So, I ask you this: How are you evangelizing Jesus Christ, His Church, and the Secular Franciscan Order?
Peace & All Good, Always!
OFS Rule Article 6
They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession.
Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.
Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/02/our-mission-ofs-rule-article-6/