¡Somos una familia! Artículo 1 de la Regla de la OFS
Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS
Ministra Nacional
Jane DeRose-Bamman
Ministra Nacional
¿Cuántos miembros hay en su familia? El tamaño de mi familia ha variado a lo largo de los años. Desde el punto de vista biológico, crecí en una familia numerosa (siete hijos). Tengo muchos primos por ambas partes. Por el contrario, como adulto, mi familia inmediata solo tiene dos miembros.
Mi experiencia con las familias de la fraternidad franciscana también ha variado. Me profesé mientras era miembro de una fraternidad grande (probablemente entre 80 y 100 personas). Ahora soy miembro de una pequeña fraternidad con tres profesos y siete en formación.El tamaño de la familia o la fraternidad no importa. Lo que importa es la conexión, las relaciones.
El artículo 1 de la Regla de la OFS establece que formamos parte de una familia. Esta familia tiene un papel importante en la vida y la misión de la Iglesia.
Cada miembro tiene dones y habilidades únicas. No somos clones unos de otros. San Francisco insistió a sus hermanos en que no debían imitarlo, sino buscar lo que les correspondía hacer siguiendo las enseñanzas de Jesucristo.
El artículo 98 de las Constituciones Generales de la OFS expone el artículo 1 de la Regla de la OFS.
Estamos llamados a vivir en comunión recíproca y vivificante con todos los miembros de la Familia Franciscana. Nuestra familia es GRANDE: Primera, Segunda y Tercera Orden, Institutos Seculares, otros grupos eclesiales laicos que siguen a Cristo tras las huellas de San Francisco. La Familia Franciscana está llamada a colaborar para difundir el Evangelio, eliminar las causas de la marginación y servir a la causa de la paz.
No nos sintamos abrumados, sino que aceptemos el llamado a conectarnos con nuestra familia y promover estas iniciativas, tal como nos lo pide el Espíritu Santo. Espero con interés establecer relaciones. y escuchar cómo otros están haciendo lo mismo.
Hablando de relaciones, ya que somos familia, espero recibir pronto una invitación para cenar.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/10/somos-una-familia/
Multicultural Relationships
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025 Issue #116)
by Willie Guadalupe, OFS
Multicultural Coordinator
Multicultural relationships involve partners from different cultural backgrounds and can present challenges and opportunities. Effective communication is very important, as language barriers and different cultural expressions can complicate relations. You need to be able to understand the differences. Partners may face differences in standards, beliefs, and behaviors, which require time, patience, and effort. These relationships can lead to a rich exchange of ideas and cultural norms, fostering personal growth for those involved. Overall multicultural relationships can be rewarding but as stated they require patience, understanding, and open communication to be successful.
Multicultural relationships are justice issues that seek the good of the other person(s). As Franciscans, we are known for our dedication to justice. We strive to bring people together in a society that is fair (or just). Each person needs to feel welcomed to create a diverse OFS community. Each person needs to know that their culture is important to others. When we take the time to connect with people from other cultures, we break down barriers and challenges that may exist.
The link between justice and relationships moves us to develop personal viewpoints and actions that build on relationships. We cannot tolerate actions that deny basic human dignity to anyone involved. Problems become opportunities when the right people work together.
OFS Rule, Article #15 Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives.
Especially in the field of public life, we should make definite choices in harmony with our faith. Immigrants or minority groups who speak a different language may face challenges in communicating their ideas, needs, or concerns. This can create feelings of isolation and marginalization, preventing individuals from fully participating in society.
We need to address the language challenges inherent in relating to other cultures. Some may speak English, may read English, may write English, but many may not. We need to be considerate of that and know that many times they will need to receive opportunities in their preparation and instruction in formation in their native language. Even for those who may be bilingual, their native language may be their preferred language for worship, or for prayer, because it is their love language.
Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you
created unity in the midst of diversity.
We acknowledge that human diversity is an
expression of your manifold love for your creation.
We confess that in our brokenness as human
beings we turn diversity into a source of
alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding.
Empower us to recognize and celebrate
differences as your great gift to the human family.
Enable us to be the architects of understanding,
of respect and love.
Please fill our hearts with your Love so that your
light may shine through each one of us.
AMEN
From jesuitresource.org
Author Unknown; modified by Wilie Guadalupe
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/09/multicultural-relationships/