National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order – USA
By JAN PARKER, OFS, & MARY BITTNER, OFS
In consultation with the National Executive Council
NEW RULE, NEW UNITY, NEW VISION
We’ve been on this journey of renewal for some time now. In the last 40 years the essential structures were set in place – and now we see the progression – the trajectory. What a gift it is to recognize this trajectory as God’s direction for our Order, even as we await its fulfillment.
New Rule, new unity, new vision. The new Rule gave us hope for renewal. A new unity as we formed a worldwide Order. A new vision through the visioning gatherings for Youth, Formation and JPIC. Certainly, from the beginning we have always “begun again” and started “something new” – but there is a particularity about this moment. The delivery of our new Rule was a ‘decisive and powerful moment,’ and this ‘moment’ of grace has been prolonged into a ‘season.’ Truly a new spirit has been placed in our hearts and a holy anointing has been poured out in our midst. Let us, like Francis, be tireless as we pursue holy newness. The way is unfolding before us, and God is with us.
“In these last times, a new Evangelist,
in a holy flood over the whole world.
and the teaching of truth in his deeds.
came into the world.
(1 Celano 89)
Peace and all good,
Jan Parker & Mary Bittner, in consultation with the National Executive Council
National Executive Council
Jan Parker, Minister
Mary Bittner, Vice Minister
Claudia Kauzlarich, Treasurer
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/02/17/state-of-the-order-2019-new-rule-new-unity-new-vision/