St. Francis and the sinful priest

One version of the story ...

By the time Francis was an old man, he was widely known as a saintly man. He was afflicted by a disease that robbed him of his sight and he suffered so severely from the stigmata that he could not walk. He rode a donkey from town to town.

There was a town who's priest was living in sin with a woman. When the townspeople heard Francis of Assisi was coming to their town, they rejoiced, hoping the holy man would rid them of their sinful priest.

When Francis arrived, the people carried him to the door of the rectory and demanded the priest come out to face the chastisement of the saintly Francis. When the priest opened the door Francis dropped to his knees and raised his hands up until he clasped the hands of the sinful priest.

Francis kissed the priest's hands and said "All I care about is that these hands can bring me Jesus."

Pax et bonum

Questions for the rule

RULE OF THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER             Prologue: Chapters 1 and 2

The Prologue begins with the title “Concerning those who Do Penance” - What does “penance” mean here? How does that compare with other understandings of penance?

What is the purpose and value of penance?

What kinds of penances do I do?

How does Francis weave the Trinity into this prologue?

When you examine your life, who are the people who gave you your idea of love?

Why does all personal sin have social consequences?

What procedure do I use to work on my characteristic fault(s)?

How does spiritual blindness hurt us and deprive us of so much good?

Do we need to offer satisfaction for our own sins and those of others?

What blinds those who do not do penance?

Do we have a responsibility to those who do not do penance? If so, what?

CHAPTER ONE- ARTICLE ONE

What do you consider the primary purpose of the Secular Franciscan Order?

What other purposes might the SFO fulfill?

Does membership in an Order call us to make changes in our lives?

How do we explain to ourselves and to others that we are called to develop a spirituality and lifestyle “in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi”?

Who are included in the term: “the Franciscan family”? Do we interact as a family?

In what ways is your local fraternity a “spiritual family”?

 

How did you recognize that you were called to follow Francis?

Did a person or event awake you to that call

What charism of Francis speaks the loudest to you?

As a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, what are some of the blessings you experience by belonging to a fraternity?

What are some ways “to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi”?

CHAPTER ONE-ARTICLE TWO

SFO fraternities are not to be “isolated” and “autonomous” - what does that mean?

      If we have become so, why did we?

     What can we do as a fraternity and as individuals to overcome that?

Did profession change your life? And if so, how?

How does an Order differ from a parish society?

What is meant by the common adage: “From Gospel to life and life to Gospel”?

Do I regularly wear the external sign of my membership in this Order-the Tau Cross?

Article 2 states: ”In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state.” What does “strive for perfect charity” mean to you personally?

What are some ways our fraternity and our order as a whole help us to strive for perfect charity?

Pax et bonum

New Fraternity Council Elected

 

At the Glory of the Most High Secular Franciscan Fraternity meeting October 19, the following people were selected to be the Fraternity Council for the next three years:

Minister - Lee Strong
Vice Minister - Nancy Strong
Secretary - Carolyn Barth
Treasurer - Mary Smith
Formation Director - Betty Carmen
Councilors. Ann Marie Kunz, Dick Kunz
Pax et bonum

2018 Picnic pictures

Pax et bonum

Everest Pierleoni, OFS, RIP

We are saddened to learn that Everest Pierleoni (far left in the picture above) passed away July 13 after battling various illnesses. Members of the fraternity gathered to conduct a Franciscan Wake for him at the funeral home July 23.

Everest professed August 16, 2009. His Franciscan Patron Saint was St. John Bosco. That seems appropriate given his years as an aide in local schools.

Everest was a gentle soul, so simple in his faith in many ways. He was inspiring.

And he loved to sing:

His death is a great loss.

Pax et bonum

Minister's Message - Jubilee Year!

I recently asked a room full of Secular Franciscans to write three words to describe the OFS Rule.  Replies included, “conversion, prayer, humility” and “Gospel to Life”, but my favorite response was “who we are”.  What does the 40th Anniversary of the Rule mean for us, if not to live more fully who we are called to be?  How are we to do this?   We are blessed with many helps to live what we have professed, all within reach, and many right here on our website.

First, and most importantly, we have each other.  We have promised to take a long, unhurried journey together.  Something happens when we take time to share, heart to heart, about being Franciscan.  Our stubbornness and reluctance melt away, and we see more clearly.  We draw close in Christ.  We experience conversion.  I cannot imagine living the Rule without fraternity.  How critically important that we take “come away” time to be with our sisters and brothers.

The words of the Rule itself provide inspiration and guide us. “Celebrate the Rule” cards highlight some of these words and call us to ponder their application in our lives. The video entitled “Forty Years of the ‘New’ Rule: A Treasure for the OFS” helps us appreciate how the Holy Spirit guided the wording of the 1978 revision of our Rule, and the priorities therein.  Another wonderful help is the June 24, 2018 letter from our General Minister and brother Tibor Kauser (en español).  His beautiful reflection on the Rule is a great source for individual or group study.

Six of our own OFS-USA servant leaders have produced some amazing and creative resources.  These are listed below, along with a document entitled “Initiatives – OFS-USA” describing how fifteen different Regions plan to celebrate the Rule.  You can access these resources here:

• OFS Holy Half Hours on the Rule – Kathy Taormina OFS
• Formation on the Rule – Mary Bittner OFS at Franciscans of the Prairie Region
• Being Franciscan Today! Sharing Your Dream: Communal Visioning – LaVerna Region
• Ongoing Formation on the Rule – Lady Poverty Region
• The Words of Our OFS Rule – Kathy Taormina OFS
• The OFS Rule – We Hold a Treasure – Troubadours of Peace Region
• Initiatives – OFS-USA

Lastly, I would like to suggest a patron saint for our Jubilee year, one that perhaps may surprise you.  It has occurred to me only recently that the date of the approval of our 1978 Rule – June 24 – is the same date on which we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.  This is so interesting!  We can easily see some connections.  St. John the Baptist called all to repentance, to conversion, and his life was one of poverty and humility.  When the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He said, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” (See Luke 3:10-14).  Is this not a call to the Franciscan life?



Another interesting fact is that the feast of St. John’s birth occurs six months from the birth of Christ, and close to the summer solstice.  From June 24 forward, days grow shorter and light decreases.  This is a tribute to St. John who said, “I must decrease” (See John 3:28-30).  Six months from now at Christmas, Christ our Light appears, shattering the darkness.  Let us meditate on how John the Baptist models for us a true “kenosis” – a pouring out of self to make room for Christ – “He must increase.”  May St. John the Baptist continue to point us to Christ, the true Light of this world, as we celebrate our Rule, and our call to live the Gospel.
Peace and Jubilee Joy!
Jan

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

“You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1:76-79

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

John 1:29

Pax et bonum

Profession - Pat Cammarata and Irene Perevich

 

 

Pat Cammarata and Irene Perevich officially professed June 15, 2018, as members of the Glory of the Most High Secular Franciscan Fraternity. 

 

 

Pax et bonum

Prayer for OFS Leadership

PRAYER FOR OFS LEADERSHIP

Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.

In seeking a leader, let us seek
more than our own enhancement —
though enhancement we hope for —
more than security for our own plans and vision
— though security we need —
more than satisfaction for our own selfish wants
— though many things we desire.

Give us the hearts to choose and follow the leader
who will work with other leaders
to bring Your will to the agenda
and help us to fulfill it.

Give us leaders who lead us to virtue
without seeking to impose
their own version of virtue on others.

Give us leaders who will provide
for the advancement of our Order
without dictating to others to achieve it.

Give us insight enough ourselves
to choose as leaders those who can tell
strength from power,
growth from greed,
leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings of grandiosity.

We trust you, Great God,
to open our hearts to learn
from those to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words
of those to whom you entrusted
the good of other parts of this globe.

We beg you, Great God,
give us the vision as Secular Franciscans
to know where holy leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
to ask it to respect the integrity of every person
in the entire Order.

We ask these things, Great God,
with minds open to your word
and hearts that trust in your eternal care.

Amen

 

The above “Prayer for OFS Leadership” was adapted and updated September 1, 2012 by:Kevin Queally, TOR and Anne Mulqueen, OFS

Pax et bonum

Prayer for Secular Franciscan Vocations

NATIONAL PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

TO THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

 

O Good and Gracious God,

God of mercy, compassion, generosity,

and love,

As we live our lives today

in the model of St. Francis,

choosing daily to live

the Gospel life,

Help us to help others

hear Your call.

Help us to help others

to recognize their vocation

as a Secular Franciscan

that You have already

planted in their heart.

Help us, so that together

we all may work

to bring the Gospel to life.

Amen!

Marian R. Crosby, SFO

Pax et bonum

Franciscan retreat - April 14 2018

Brother Vittorio and Father Anthony led a wonderful retreat day

 

Pax et bonum

Helping the Order to Grow

The Secular Franciscans, like many religious orders, have concerns about aging and numbers. Many of our members are getting older, and they are not being replaced enough by new members.

Of course, being a Secular Franciscan is a vocation to which we are called. But we can still help people to respond to that calling and to follow that vocation.

1. Pray for an increase in the number of people responding to the call.

2. Teach others about what it means to be a Franciscan. Do this in speech, in writing, in the arts, on social media, wherever and however we can. 

3. Invite others. Maybe they sense a call, but an actual invitation might be just what they need to respond. This can be done in small ways, such as in conversations with others at church or at work or in social situations. We can write brief pieces for our parish bulletins. We can write to the diocesan newspaper.

4. Make it look attractive to others. Make it look joyful, alive, something to which they would like to belong. Don't be glum, overly serious, out of touch.

5. Talk it up. Don't be afraid to discuss your own vocation. Wear public signs of it - the Tau - and be ready to talk about it. If on social media, post about it. Place posters, brochures, cards, whatever in places where others can see them. 

6. Live out the vocation. We need to keep in mind that in everything we say and do we are witnessing to that vocation. That includes everything: The jokes we tell, the way we drive, social and entertainment activities in which we engage, and so on.

Those are just a few ideas. There are probably many other ways.

Keep in mind: Part of our calling is to help rebuild the Church - including the order.

Pax et bonum

Minister's Message for Lent 2018

As Lent Begins -

Beloved National Family,

It’s our season. Time to redouble our efforts.
Lent is upon us, beckoning us.

We seek a meaningful Lent. A fruitful Lent. So, what will we "do" for Lent?
Where is the Lord leading me? Will I really hear his voice in the desert?

I’m stressed. Worrying too much about too many things.
"Therefore… let us be very much on our guard that, under the guise of some reward or assistance, we do not lose or take our mind away from God." (Francis, the Earlier Rule)

You mean, just sit here and pray? When so much needs to be done?
"Trust in the Lord … and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Oh, let all who thirst, come to the water…  Why should you spend your life… except for the Lord?" (Isaiah 55)

As I sought meaning, the meaningful way opened. I heard His voice in the desert.
"A voice of one calling in the wilderness…" (Mark 1:3)

It was in the desert that "meaning" found me. I know now what I need to do. Peace overflows.
"You prepare a feast for me …. My cup overflows with blessings. (Psalm 23)

A feast? Yes, right here in the desert! Fasting from worry. Feasting on trust.
The joy of the Lord is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

My Lenten journey has begun. I’m on my way. But I did not get here on my own. I am blessed to share this journey with you, my brothers and sisters who mean so much to me.
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 my goal of perfect Christian love. (From the Rite of Profession in the Secular Franciscan Oder)

***********************************

When I sat down to write this message, I had a very different one in mind. But this is the message that got written. What a blessing it is to be on this Lenten journey with you! Honestly, I would not be where I am at without you. Thank you for being my brothers and sisters in Christ, Francis and Clare.

Peace, love and Lenten joy,
Jan


Pax et bonum

Franciscan Spirituality

 

Christ-Centered

Franciscan Spirituality is an incarnational, earthy spirituality. God is close to creation, not far away, “up there.” As St. Bonaventure put it, God bends down to us, lifting us up. Franciscan spirituality reveres the Eucharist as the humility of God for us.

Faithful to the Gospel and the Church

Franciscan Spirituality includes as a fundamental component obedience and loyalty to the Church and magisterium. Franciscan spirituality has an engaging, inviting stance toward the world encouraging dialogue along with a healthy and prophetic critique of modern secular culture and its values.

Rooted in Prayer, Contemplation, and Service

Franciscan spirituality hinges on the synthesis of action and contemplation; prayer leads to work and ministry; work and ministry bring us back to prayer. Contemplation is the impetus for mission. Franciscan spirituality understands authority and obedience in terms of mutual service, not submission or domination. It embraces and supports the growth and development of the arts and sciences in dialogue with revelation and faith.

Committed to Upholding the Dignity of All of Creation

Franciscan spirituality manifests a profound reverence for the human person as one made in the image and likeness of God and values and esteems creation as brother and sister, reflections of God’s goodness and glory. It understands that Creation and the world, despite the impact of sin, remain fundamentally good as gifts from God. In its witness to fraternity has an appreciation of and reverence for the individual within the global community. Franciscan spirituality acknowledges the necessity of human work and strives to uphold the value of human labor and the dignity of workers. It insists on a commitment to social justice by striving for solidarity with the poor and marginalized, the powerless and the voiceless as images of Christ Crucified. It seeks to give concrete expression of and commitment to global and local peacemaking by seeking and initiating the process of reconciliation.

Source: Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality, Mt. St. Francis, Indiana.
Pax et bonum

Questions for Chapters 15 and 16

Padre Pio: The True Story          Chapters 15-16

Padre Pio could not understand what about others’ spiritual lives?

As his fame grew, what one material thing that came his way posed a problem. What was it?
         

       How did this problem cause him additional problems in Chapter 16?

Padre Pio was not involved in politics per se, yet how did the politics affect him and the monastery?

What kind of suggestions did he offer to political leaders?

Why might the people have become so violent?

Who was emerging as a major foe of Padre Pio in Chapter 15 - and will cause him serious problems in Chapter 16?

What were the charges leveled against Padre Pio in Chapter 16?

How are they “typical” charges leveled in situations like this?

Can you recall other situations where holy people faced such charges?

In the end, what saves Padre Pio?

Pax et bonum

St. Angela of Foligno: Pray

No one can be saved without divine light. Divine light causes us to begin and to make progress, and it leads us to the summit of perfection. Therefore if you want to begin and to receive this divine light, pray. If you have begun to make progress and want this light to be intensified within you, pray. And if you have reached the summit of perfection, and want to be superillumined so as to remain in that state, pray.

- St. Angela of Foligno

Pax et bonum

Pope on New Year’s Day: Devotion to Mary is a must

Pope on New Year’s Day: Devotion to Mary is a must: At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that having a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary isn’t just something that is nice or good to do, but is an obligation in the life of a Christian.





Pax et bonum