(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

by Joe Makley, OFS National JPIC Animator

San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate.

“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” (James 2: 15,16.)

It could also be said, if we see a river of people wandering without protection, all their savings stolen, preyed upon by criminals and officials alike, huddled against our national border, and we say to them, “peace and all good,” and do nothing to help them obtain food, shelter, and safety, what good is that?

Every Secular Franciscan wants to do more of course. We want our love to have an effect. The model of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) helps to remind us of the challenges and rewards of authentic love, which is made visible in actions of solidarity. Secular Franciscans get together collectively, in their fraternities and regions, and ask themselves, what are the needs in this community? And they form an organized effort to meet the need. A collective apostolate is not a requirement of every fraternity, but it’s helpful. The members each bring their gifts and in turn experience fraternity, connection, and community. Our efforts are maximized when we find ways to connect them with others.

In many areas of the USA, we can show solidarity with the marginalized and the destitute, including immigrants, by getting involved with Catholic Charities USA or one of its affiliates. This picture is of San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate. Thanks to Chris Kolb, JPIC animator for the Los Tres Compañeros Region, for sending it in.

Recently at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region’s annual retreat in Kennebunkport, Father Sam Fuller, OFM Cap, described the work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries, a street ministry in Boston. “Get out of the buildings,” he said. “Meet people on the streets. Don’t proselytize, don’t try to make them Christian, instead, let them lead the conversation, empty yourself in service to them.” Roberta, an OFS volunteer, added, “What happens is different than just sandwiches and coffee. It’s all about the spiritual gifts.”

Another benefit of a regular apostolate is a sense of unity. Father Sam brought our attention to Pope Francis’ encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, and how he used the story of the Good Samaritan in a long passage that emphasized the unity of love and service. These are beautiful examples of love in action.

There is much work to be done on the public policy front, to help change unjust conditions. Our US Bishops Office has straightforward positions on public issues. They encourage advocacy and provide assistance that is important to know about and share. But direct service to the poor is not controversial. Some folks still try to make it so. Remember, “God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 Jn 4:16). My mother taught our family to sing that as a spiritual. I’ve got it in my brain stem, way down deep. If we are troubled when someone sows discord by demonizing immigrants or other groups, we can remember that passage. As we give ourselves in service together, we will truly abide in love. We will be one in God’s mercy and feel ourselves lifted up on those eagles’ wings.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/08/19/apostolate-love-in-living-deeds/

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

By Layna Maher, OFS

National Formation Commission Chair

Think back to your profession and recall the words that you said as the Minister held your hands and you made your profession promise.

I, by the grace of God, renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom. Therefore, in my secular state I promise to live all the days of my life the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life. May the grace of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy father St. Francis, and the fraternal bonds of community always be my help, so that I may reach the goal of perfect Christian love.

Our OFS Rule provides guidance for how we are to live each day and act in every situation. Article 9 tells us how we are to appreciate and respect Mary, our mother and model in life.

The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to His every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently. OFS Rule Article 9

St. Francis’ love and devotion to the Blessed Mother is evident from the earliest days.

Thomas of Celano, the first to write a life of Saint Francis, describes how St. Francis rebuilt the church of Saint Mary of the Portiuncula in Chapter IX of the First Book.

“When the holy man of God saw it SO ruined, he was moved by piety because he had a warm devotion to the Mother of all good and he began to stay there continually.” (FA:ED vol.1, 201)

Saint Bonaventure shares with us that Saint Francis “…embraced the mother of the Lord Jesus with an inexpressible love since she made the Lord of Majesty a brother to us and, through her, we have obtained mercy.” (FA:ED vol. 2, 598)

We can turn to the early documents to read the words of St. Francis himself in his Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Hail, O Lady,

Holy Queen,

Mary, holy Mother of God,

Who are the Virgin made Church,

chosen by the most Holy Father in heaven

whom he consecrated with His most holy

beloved Son

and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,

in whom there was and is

all fullness of grace and every good.

Hail His Palace!

Hail His Tabernacle!

Hail His Dwelling!

Hail His Robe!

Hail His Servant!

Hail His Mother!

And hail all You holy virtues

which are poured into the hearts of the faithful

through the grace and enlightenment of the

Holy Spirit,

that from being unbelievers,

You may make them faithful to God.

(FA:ED, vol. 1, 163)

Take time to ponder the words of this beautiful salutation and pray with gratitude for Mary, our mother and model, that gave us Jesus as our brother.

What qualities or attributes of Mary most move you? How do you imitate those qualities and attributes in your daily life? How are you saying yes?

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/08/12/re%ef%ac%82ecting-on-mary-our-mother-and-model/