Formation Friday’s

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Formation Friday September 22, 2023
(en español abajo)

This month we have been focusing on Servant Leadership. Today we offer the characteristics of good servant leaders (in no particular order). You may be able to add to the list based on the qualities you have observed in the excellent servant leaders you know.

Secular Franciscan Servant Leaders:

• Love the Order and are willing to serve, when asked—for the good of the fraternity but do not seek positions of power. Have enthusiasm for living the Rule.
• Seek to understand the vision and collaborate with others—to bring it to fruition–no matter who gets the credit. 
• See challenges as opportunities for creative solutions.—They do not blame others when the outcome is unexpected. The Holy Spirit may have other ideas! 
• Are gentle in leading others—true servant leaders are humble and communicate well with the entire group. 
• Work for the good—of the entire fraternity and Order. 
• Begin, on the day they are elected or appointed, their search—for and mentoring of those who will replace them. 
• Understand the needs of the group—and make use of the talents of the entire group to move the fraternity forward through collaboration. 
• Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and use that inspiration to reach out in a concrete way to the world in which they live and serve. 
• Consider leadership an opportunity—to invest the talents they have been given in the service of others. 
• Are generous with their time—and willing to make time in their lives to serve. 
• Have life experience —both in the Order and in the world that can be offered to the fraternity. 
• Are willing to listen to others—to ask for and act on input from their brothers and sisters.

 Questions for discussion in fraternity, with a partner, or in your journal.

+Think of servant leaders you have known. Which of these characteristics do you see in them?
+Which of these characteristics do you see in yourself?
+Which characteristics do you think you could develop in order to become a servant leader?
+If you presently hold office, which of the above characteristics can you improve in yourself?
+Challenge: This week, read Mt 25:14-30 and consider the talents and abilities God has given you. How will you invest them to serve your fraternity and the Order?

 

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Formation Friday, September 15, 2023

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Formation Friday September 8, 2023

The Handbook for Servant Leadership, published by OFS-USA in 2010, contains a wealth of information that can guide us in being or becoming excellent servant leaders. For the next few weeks we will focus on various portions of that handbook. This week we are inspired by our models: Jesus, Francis and Clare.  (See Handbook for Secular Franciscan Servant Leadership pp. 4-7)

Jesus as a leader: points to ponder 

• Jesus tells us that “no pupil outranks his teacher” (Matthew 10:24).

o   If we want to be followers, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow (Luke 9 23).

o   Through his strong appeal and quiet persuasion, he enlisted others in his mission.

• He was patient and attempted to foster collaboration among the disciples, binding them together through love and the Spirit.
• He prepared them to carry out his work.
• He taught them the meaning of servant leadership. After washing their feet, he said, “What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do” (John 13:15).
• He makes it clear that true leadership is grounded in love, which results in service
• Jesus did not have the whole future planned. He gave Peter and the Apostles the keys to the kingdom, allowing the Church to unfold through the leadership of committed people.

St. Francis as a servant leader: Points to ponder

• “And after the Lord gave me some brothers, no one showed me what I had to do, but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel.” (The Testament of St. Francis FA:ED Vol 1 124 )

o   The brothers are all equal. Everyone follows Jesus.

o   The leader is the servant of all—washes the feet of the others.

• “We must never desire to be above others, but, instead, we must be servants and subject to every human creature for God’s sake.” (Later Admonition and Exhortation To the Brothers and Sisters of Penance FA: ED Vol 1 48)
• “Let no one be called superior but let everyone in general be called a lesser brother. And let one wash the feet of the other.” (St. Francis of Assisi, The Earlier Rule, VI:3-4).
• “Let the one to whom obedience has been entrusted and who is considered the greater be the lesser and the servant of the other brothers.”(St. Francis of Assisi, Later Admonition and Exhortation, FA:ED Vol 1 42) 
• “I did not come to be served, but to serve, says the Lord. Let those who are placed over others boast about that position as much as they would if they were assigned the duty of washing the feet of their brothers.” (Admonition #4 FA:ED Vol 1 130)

St. Clare as a servant leader: Points to ponder

• “Let whoever is elected reflect upon the kind of burden she has undertaken on herself and to Whom she must render an account of the flock committed to her. Let her also strive to preside over the others more by her virtues and holy behavior than by her office, so that, moved by her example, the sisters may obey her more out of love than out of fear.” CA:ED, 114 (Form of Life)
• Clare never hesitated to work right alongside the sisters taking some of the more distasteful tasks for herself.

Questions for discussion in a group or with a partner or to answer in your journal:

+ After reading the quotes above, what stands out to you as the leadership style of Jesus, Francis, and Clare?

+ As a present or future servant leader, why is it important that we “wash the feet” of others?

+ Which of the quotes above presents the greatest challenge to you?

+ Challenge:  This week take each of the quotes above to prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your skills as a present or future servant leader. Think about the service you can provide to your fraternity and to the Order.

 

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Formation Friday September 1, 2023

The Handbook for Servant Leadership, published by OFS-USA in 2010, contains a wealth of information that can guide us in being or becoming excellent servant leaders. For the next few weeks we will focus on various portions of that handbook. We begin by preparing ourselves with an examination of our servant leader conscience.

A PRIVATE TALK WITH MYSELF

This private talk can be used to surface some of your inner feelings and give you an opportunity to reflect upon your own thoughts and actions. Take a few minutes to answer each question and just jot down a few words that will remind you of the thoughts and feelings that went through your head when you were responding to each question.

1. How often does my approach to another brother or sister in the fraternity result in reactions different from those I intend? Does my brother or sister seem to be put off by my approach or does he or she seem to back away from me and the situation? Why do I think this is so?

2. When I have a problem with a brother or sister in the fraternity, how often do I stop to think about my own actions and words? I may be contributing to the problem instead of to the solution. Do I need to change in this respect? How?

3. Do I tend to use labels and stereotypes as a substitute for seeking to understand? Do I look at every fraternity brother and sister as an individual with unique talents and gifts, or do I become angry because my brothers and sisters do not respond the way I think they should?

4. How do I try to solve fraternity problems? Do I always want to fix everything myself and prevent my brothers and sisters from becoming actively involved in the process of collaborative decision making?

5. Do I have a need to be in control and when things do not go according to my plans, do I have a tendency to blame my brothers and sisters in the fraternity?

6. Am I willing to talk with fraternity members about the impact their behavior has on other brothers and sisters in the fraternity? Can I share this information with constructive intent, in ways that minimize feelings of criticism and threat, and show concern for their feelings and needs? What do I need to work on here?

7. How open am I to receiving information about how my approaches affect my brothers and sisters in the fraternity? How can I increase my opportunities for this kind of learning?

8. What will I try to do differently next week and in the future in the way I relate to the brothers and sisters in my fraternity? What changes will increase my effectiveness with other fraternity members?

9. How can I use my leadership skills to become a servant leader for my fraternity? 10. What specific steps am I going to take to help my fraternity solve its problems?

For discussion in a group, with a partner, or to answer in your journal.
+ After thinking about each question above, which sets of questions did you find most challenging? Why?
+ Which sets of questions did you answer that show you are or can be effective as a servant leader? What are the characteristics that make you think this is true?
+ Which answers tell you that you have some work to do?
+ Challenge: Over the next several weeks, choose sets of questions that will help you to work on your servant leadership style and skills. Carry out any necessary changes.

 

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Formation Friday August 25, 2023

Indulgences

A few weeks ago on August 2, many of us made the effort to visit a Franciscan church or our parish church to obtain the Porziuncola Indulgence. Did you know that as Secular Franciscans, we are eligible to receive a number of other indulgences? We thank Timothy Suspanic, OFS, from St. Kateri Tekawitha Region,  for calling this to our attention. He gave us some background information and a list of indulgences special to the Secular Franciscan Order. (The Porziuncola indulgence is not on the list because it is open to everyone, not just OFS.)

Background: “Back in 1967 Pope Paul VI abolished all indulgences prior to that year and published a new Enchiridion (a precise reference book) of Indulgences with all those prayers and works indulgenced from that time forward.  He also provided that if any Order, Congregation, Society had their own special indulgences, they should be requested anew.  In 1972, the predecessor Council to the Presidency of the International Council requested them and they are in full force and effect to this day.”

Following are the request from the Presidency and the response listing the feast days on which we, as OFS, can receive a Plenary Indulgence:

Holy Father,

The Interobediental General Council (Prior name of the Presidency) of the Secular Third Order of Saint Francis of Assisi (OFS) humbly asks for a revision of the indulgences given by the Holy See to the members of the Secular Third Order, in accordance with the norms of the Apostolic Constitution «Indulgentiarum doctrina» of January 1, 1967, n. 14.

January 22, 1972 (Response received)

The Sacred Penitentiary, by virtue of the special and explicit faculties given by the Holy Father, benignly concedes a plenary Indulgence to the members mentioned above (OFS members), provided they make or renew, at least privately, their promise to observe faithfully the Statutes of their association [ In other words: To obtain the plenary indulgence, the members of the [SFO] OFS should renew their Promise of Evangelical Life (Profession of the [SFO] OFS Rule) in addition to confession, communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope.]

1. on the day of their admission and of their profession, and at the conclusion of an official visitation;
2. on the feast-days of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Saint Francis of Assisi; Saint Louis, King; Saint Elizabeth; Blessed Luchesius; Saint Clare; Saint Margaret of Cortona and all the Saints of the Three Orders of Saint Francis.

The present decision will be in force immediately and perpetually, without any time limit. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding. Signed  In name of his Eminency by G. Sessolo, Regent; M. Venturi, Secretary 

Blessed Luchesius: April 28 Memorial;

Saint Margaret of Cortona: May 16 Feast;

Saint Clare: August 11 Feast;

Saint Louis, King: August 25 Feast;

Saint Francis of Assisi: October 4 Solemnity;

Saint Elizabeth: November 17 Feast;

All the Saints of the Three Orders of Saint Francis: November 29 Feast;

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: December 8 Solemnity

If you are interested in reading more about indulgences see: Plenary Indulgence

This is a PDF of the entire 75-page Enchiridion (very interesting!) The Enchiridion Of Indulgences

 Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal.

+Were you aware of the indulgences available to us as Secular Franciscans?

+Did you take advantage of the opportunity to receive the Porziuncola Indulgence? Why or why not?

+Of the Indulgences listed above, which ones do you plan to take advantage of?

 

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Formation Friday August 18, 2023

When We Gather in Chapter for the Fraternal and Pastoral Visitation 

Next week the National Fraternity Council (all Regional Ministers and members of the National Executive Council and Commission Chairs) will meet in St. Louis for our National Chapter. This year we will host two international visitors who will carry out the Fraternal and Pastoral visitation which is held every six years.

In the USA, the National (and Regional) Chapters are held each year and have a profound effect on every Secular Franciscan. On the regional level, elections and visitations take place every three years. On the national level, elections take place every three years, but the visitation by the higher level (CIOFS) takes place every six years.

General Constitutions Article 68.1:” The National Chapter is the representative organ of the Fraternities existing within the confines of a National Fraternity. It has legislative, deliberative, and elective powers. In conformity with the Rule and the Constitutions, it may make legislative decisions and give norms valid within its national confines. The National Statutes determine the composition of the National Chapter, its frequency, its powers, and how to convoke it.”

“The goal of all …Chapters is to promote communion of mind and heart, and a renewal of the lives of each and every brother and sister of the OFS Order. Speaking about renewal, it is a long and difficult process that makes serious demands of us: the demand to return to the source of our vocation, the priorities and essential elements of our gospel way of life that, over the course of time can become less clear and, in the extreme, no longer serve to animate and set direction for our Franciscan lives.” (Br. Michael A. Perry, OFM, former General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor, at the General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in 2021.)

As you can see in what Br. Michael said, the Chapter is not only for business, although that is also important. But, probably the most important part of the gathering is fraternity and ongoing formation. National Chapters (and Regional Chapters) occur on a three-year cycle. On the regional level, the Elective Chapter is held every three years. A visitation by the higher fraternity is carried out in the year following elections and a general business chapter is held during the third year. On the national level, this schedule varies slightly. Elective chapters and business chapters are held on the three-year cycle, but the Chapter of Visitation is held nationally only every six years.

In the United States, all three types of national chapters are held over a 5-day period with the National Executive Council and Commission Chairs arriving two or three days early for preparatory meetings. Even if there is to be an election or visitation, National Chapters follow a certain pattern. We open with a special Mass; then, each day there are many opportunities for prayer: Daily Mass, Morning Prayer, Adoration, a Holy Hour, and a Rite of Remembrance for all those who have died in the past year.

Although the National Executive Council carries out the day-to-day business of the National Fraternity, when the National Fraternity Council gathers, it is their responsibility to carry out national business. (See Article 2.1 of the National Statutes: “The governing body of NAFRA is the National Fraternity Council. The National Executive Council acts on behalf of the National Fraternity Council when the members of the entire Council are not in session [cf. General Constitutions, article #66.1]”. Therefore, during each day of Chapter there is business: Updates on what our various commissions and committees are doing; presentation of and approval of the budget for the following year; motions to approve points brought forward by the Regional Ministers who form the National Fraternity Council. The National Minister also informs the National Fraternity Council of the “State of the Order.”

This year, the National Chapter falls in the sixth year of the visitation cycle. Our last visitation by the International Fraternity was in 2017. So this year our National Fraternity will be visited by one of the International Councilors and one of the General Spiritual Assistants. The International Statutes describe the process:

(Article 13)

1) Fraternal and pastoral visitations are carried out according to the spirit of the Rule, the provisions of the General Constitutions (Art. 87.2; 94; 95), the present Statutes, and the Statutes for Spiritual and Pastoral Assistance to the OFS.

2) The CIOFS Presidency and the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CSA) carry out the fraternal and pastoral visitations to the National Councils.

3) To help ensure better fraternal and pastoral visitations, the visitors prepare for them in advance by taking the following steps:

a) acquiring from their Secretariat copies of the reports of previous visitations and any other significant information;

b) communicating the program and the purpose of the visitation with the Councils concerned;

c) soliciting from the National Fraternity Council a report in advance on the updated situation of the Fraternity itself;

d) being open to the suggestions of the Fraternity concerned.

4) The National and Regional Councils undertake to ensure that the Visitors have the opportunity to meet the local Ordinary.

5) The Visitor will write a report of the visitation, as a rule, within three months of the visitation, with his or her recommendations, addressing it to the Council concerned and to the Council of the higher level. These reports, if not made jointly, are to be exchanged between the fraternal and pastoral visitors and properly saved in the archives of the Secretariat.

Please keep your National Fraternity Council and National Executive Council in your prayers for safe travel and productive meetings.

For discussion or to answer in your journal: 

+Have you attended a National Chapter? What was your impression?

+Talk to someone who has attended and ask them their impressions.

+Have you attended your Regional Chapter? What was your impression?
+If you could attend the National Chapter this year, what questions would you ask the International visitors? What questions would you ask the National Executive Council?

 

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Formation Friday August 11, 2023 (Feast of St. Clare of Assisi)

What do you know about St. Clare of Assisi?

Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, member, National Formation Commission, OFS-USA

 Did you know that…?

• St. Clare’s family was part of the class known as the Maiores—the upper class (nobility) of society in Assisi.
• Clare’s mother, Ortulana, was a strong, deeply religious woman who made a number of pilgrimages, notably one to the Holy Land. Later, she and Clare’s sister entered the monastery.
• One of the earliest followers of St. Francis was Clare’s cousin Rufino.
• When St. Clare left her family home, she gave away all her considerable worldly goods, dowry and family connections.
• At first she lived in the Benedictine monastery of San Paolo delle Abbadesse.
• She entered penniless, without status, and was considered a servant.
• The “choir nuns” usually came from wealthy families. The lay sisters (“converse”) did all the menial tasks.
• Clare accepted the lowliest status willingly. She wanted no preference given to her.
• San Paolo delle Abbadesse monastery enjoyed a privilege of excommunication for anyone interfering or maltreating its residents thereby protecting St. Clare from her family’s wrath.
• St. Clare outlived St. Francis of Assisi by 27 years and during that time helped to maintain the integrity of the Franciscan charism by contact with St. Francis’ early followers who came to her for advice.

Rule of Life:

• In 1219, Cardinal Ugolino wrote his own Constitutions for the followers of St. Clare and established it following the Rule of St. Benedict. It allowed endowments and property, etc. This order was originally called “the Poor Ladies of the Order of Valley of the Spoleto or of Tuscany.” He tried to have St. Clare accept this Benedictine rule and his own constitutions for her order but she refused since it did not include the “Privilege of Poverty.” However, Cardinal Ugolino was able to convince many monasteries following St. Clare of Assisi, in San Damiano, to accept it.  In spite of this, there were still some monasteries loyal to St. Clare who truly lived the “Privilege of Poverty” such as Agnes of Prague’s monastery.
• After Cardinal Ugolino was elected pope (as Gregory IX) In 1228, Cardinal Reinaldo dei Conti di Segni,  was appointed the new Cardinal protector for Cardinal Ugolino’s order with its 24 female monasteries,but it was now called the “Order of St. Damian.”  St. Clare’s monastery was listed as a member monastery although St. Clare did not approve of Ugolino’s Constitutions. However, it was during this time that St. Clare’s monastery was allowed an exemption for the “Privilege of Poverty,” but it remained the only monastery given this privilege. St. Clare and her sisters were then brought under the Benedictine rule proposed by now pope, Gregory IX.
• Beginning on November 13, 1245, Pope Innocent IV issued a bull that reaffirmed that all monasteries of the Order of St. Damian were to follow the Rule of St. Benedict and Ugolino’s “Form of Life” which required endowments for the monastery.
• Clare was a very strong woman never compromising on her core belief of living only on what God provided (without dowries, property, or regular income) which she called, the Privilege of Poverty..
• St. Clare’s Rule of Life for her sisters was the first canonical “Form of Life” (Rule) written by a woman approved on her deathbed by Pope Innocent IV which at first still included only St. Clare’s monastery in San Damiano, but eventually St. Agnes of Prague’s monastery and a few other monasteries would be allowed to follow it.
• St. Clare’s “Form of Life” for her sisters was very democratic and visionary for the time. Some

of her innovations were:

• election of the abbess by all the sisters with the abbess having term limits rather than a lifelong appointment.
• voting for admission and profession candidates by all of the sisters.
• all sisters would perform menial work and there would be no demarcation between servants and choir nuns. All sisters would be expected to serve. Moreover, serving was seen as a privilege and St. Clare was a model for serving.

Questions for reflection or to answer in your journal

+What did you learn about St. Clare today that you did not know before?
+What about St. Clare’s life inspires you as a Secular Franciscan?
+ Personal Challenge: St. Clare’s love of poverty allowed her to be a collaborative servant leader. This week, examine any leadership positions you hold. How are you collaborative? If collaboration is difficult for you, what is holding you back?

For more information:

WIlliam Hugo, OFM Cap. and Joanne Schatzlein, OFS, Studying the Life of Saint Clare of Assisi: A Beginner’s Workbook. Hyde Park N.Y.: New City Press.  2019.

Bret Thoman, OFS, St. Clare of Assisi: Light from the Cloister, Tan Books, Charlotte, North Carolina. 2017.

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Formation Friday August 4, 2023

Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) Luke 1:68-69

Prepared by Layna Maher, OFS, Chair, National Formation Commission, OFS-USA

Each morning, the Canticle (song) of Zechariah, the Benedictus, is prayed in the Liturgy of the Hours as part of our Morning Prayer.  As we pray the Benedictus, the Church remembers John the Baptist, the “forerunner of Jesus” at the beginning of every day.   

The opening words of this Canticle, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel” give us the name Benedictus, a Latin word for Blessed.

• Why do we start each day with this Canticle?
• What does it mean for us as Catholics and as Franciscans?

As we awaken in the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us and one of the first things we do, is to sing this blessing of God.

Pray the Benedictus—read to yourself or out loud with a prayer partner

Benedictus: The Canticle of Zechariah

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.

In the Benedictus, we join ourselves to the mission of St John the Baptist, who came to prepare a way for the Lord by being a witness of God’s love and salvation. It calls us to do the same.   

It calls us to:

• Show mercy (Matthew 25: 35-40, The Corporal Works of Mercy)
• Be a prophet of the Most High (share our faith by how we live our lives)
• Give His people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins
• Shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death
• Guide our feet into the way of peace.

Our work each day is to use our voice and our lives as a personal witness – like John the Baptist –where we live, where we work, and wherever we go, to make God’s presence known to each person we encounter.

OFS Rule Art. 14 “Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively…”

Reflection Questions:

• How have you shown or experienced mercy or compassion?
• What opportunities did you miss to show mercy and compassion?
• How have you experienced forgiveness
• How have you shined the Light of Christ into the world?
• How have you brought peace into the world?
• Personal Challenge: Think of opportunities that you missed to forgive or to show mercy. Resolve to carry this out for a particular situation that comes to mind.

 

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Formation Friday July 28, 2023

The Pardon of Assisi – The Porziuncola Indulgence—Celebrated on August 2

+     The sixteenth century Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels envelops the tiny chapel known as the Porziuncola.

+     This chapel was one of the churches restored by St. Francis.

+     This is the spot where, while listening to the Gospel, Francis understood what he was called by God to do.

+     Here he founded the Order in 1209.

+     St. Clare received her religious habit from the hands of Francis here in 1211.

+     In 1216 as Francis prayed that everyone could be brought to heaven, he obtained from Jesus in a vision the PARDON OF ASSISI—a plenary indulgence, which was later ratified by Pope Honorius III. 

+     This is where the friars’ early general chapters were held—the Chapter of Mats of 1221 was attended by 5,000 friars.

+     Here, on October 3, 1226, St. Francis welcomed Sister Death lying naked on the ground just outside the chapel.

“See to it, my sons, that you never abandon this place. If you are driven out from one side, go back in at the other. For this place is truly holy and is the dwelling place of God. Here, when we were but a few, the Most High gave us increase; here he enlightened the hearts of his poor ones by the light of his wisdom; here he set our wills on afire with the flame of his love. Here he who prays with a devout heart will obtain what he prays for and he who offends will be punished more severely. Wherefore, my sons, consider this dwelling place of God to be worthy of all honor, and with all your, with voice of joy, and praise, give glory to the Lord in this place.”  (Words of the dying St. Francis, Celano 1, n. 106)

The Conditions for Receiving the Pardon

+     Each year from vespers on August 1 through August 2 (Feast of Our Lady of the Angels) you should visit either a Franciscan church or your own church. (At first the indulgence was only given for the Porziuncola, but it has been widened over the years.)

+     You may obtain the indulgence any day of the year upon visiting the Porziuncola itself.

CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN THE PARDON OF ASSISI
Plenary Indulgence—(for oneself or for a departed soul)

• Sacramental Confession to be in God’s sanctifying grace *(to be received within eight days before or after initiate “appeal” for the Plenary Indulgence);
• *Participation in the Holy Mass with reception of the Holy Eucharist.
• Visit to a Catholic Church, followed by the Profession of FAITH (Nicene Creed or Apostles Creed),
• Recite the OUR FATHER, in order to reaffirm and give witness to one’s Christian dignity, as a child of God, that one received in Baptism;
• Pray for the Pope’s intentions: as Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Universal Church, and visible sign of unity among the Faithful

Excellent reference on this topic: Porziuncola Chapel

Also, if you are able to read Spanish, the link below has a very interesting article about the Porziuncola.

For discussion and reflection

+     Read Matthew 10: 9-15. This is the gospel that Francis heard read at the Porziuncola. Reflect on its meaning to all Franciscans and to us as Secular Franciscans.

+     On August 1-2, visit a Franciscan or other church and follow the conditions to receive the indulgence.

+     While you are there, spend time with the Blessed Sacrament. Consider your vocation and what God is asking of you.

 

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Formation Friday July 21, 2023

Secular Franciscans and the Eucharist

Since July is the month of the Precious Blood, and we are also celebrating the three-year Eucharistic Revival, we repeat some of our previous posts on the Eucharist this month.

St. Francis was devoted to the Eucharist. In the first Admonition, he says. “This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many] ;{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life .{snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves .{snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions)

As we follow in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, we, too, are devoted to the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Let’s take a look at our Rule and Constitutions.

Rule Article 8: … “Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist….”

General Constitutions Article 14.2: (Refers to Art. 8 of the Rule) “The Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church. Christ unites us to himself and to one another as a single body in it. Therefore, the Eucharist should be the center of the life of the fraternity. The brothers and sisters should participate in the Eucharist as frequently as possible, being mindful of the respect and love shown by Francis, who, in the Eucharist, lived all the mysteries of the life of Christ.”

“The Holy Spirit builds up, animates, and sanctifies the Church. He prepares us to go out and bring others to Christ. He opens our minds to understand Christ’s death and Resurrection. He makes present for us the mystery of Christ, especially in the Eucharist, and brings us to communion with God that we may bear much fruit. (Cf. CCC- no. 737) United States Catholic Catechism for Adults – USCCB – Page 109

GC Article 53.2 & 4  (Refers to Articles 6 & 8 of the Rule) 2.”The fraternity should come together periodically, also as a Church community to celebrate the Eucharist in a climate which strengthens the fraternal bond and characterizes the identity of the Franciscan family. Where, for whatever reason, this particular celebration may not be possible, they should participate in the celebration of the larger Church community.”

N.B. “The Eucharist, celebrated with parish members, draws us to the Church. It keeps us in touch with the local parish and diocesan community. The fraternity may periodically celebrate Eucharist at their fraternity gatherings.

This celebration is recommended for special occasions – e.g. Professions, jubilees of profession, a memorial Eucharist for the deceased of the SFO or other important occasions.” Cf. Benedict XVI’s quote from Sacramentum Caritatis on page 184-185  (Franciscan Journey p. 177)

“Within the Church the Eucharist is the center of our lives. Attending a parish Eucharist is highly encouraged. We need to be consistently present at the gathering of the People of God. It reminds us of our union with the Church.” (Franciscan Journey p. 178) Visit the National Eucharistic Revival website

Through our example, we help others to realize that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. Please think about your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist as you answer the questions below.

+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Think about what our Rule and Constitutions say about the Eucharist. How are you opened up by these words to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you?
+In what ways can you show special reverence for the Eucharist?

 

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Formation Friday July 14, 2023

St. Francis and the Eucharist

Since July is the month of the Precious Blood, and we are also celebrating the three-year Eucharistic Revival, we repeat some of our previous posts on the Eucharist this month.

St. Francis centered his life and spirituality on the Incarnation, the humanity of Christ. He was in awe that God “bent down” to be with us through his birth; through his suffering and death on the cross; and through the Eucharist by which he remains with us for all time.

“²⁶Let everyone be struck with fear, let the whole world tremble, and let the heavens exult when Christ, the Son of the living God, is present on the altar in the hands of a priest. ²⁷O wonderful loftiness and stupendous dignity! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity! The Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under an ordinary piece of bread! ²⁸Brothers, look at the humility of God, and pour out your hearts before Him! ^{Ps 62:9 [Vulgate, Ps 61:9]} Humble yourselves that you may be exalted by Him! ^{1 Pt 5:6  Jas 4:10 29}Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally!” (A Letter to the Entire Order)

“¹⁰And I act in this way because, in this world, I see nothing corporally of the most high Son of God except His most holy Body and Blood which they receive and they alone administer to others. ¹¹I want to have these most holy mysteries honored and venerated above all things and I want to reserve them in precious places.” (The Testament)

“ 2With all that is in me and more I beg you that, when it is fitting and you judge it expedient, you humbly beg the clergy to revere above all else the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (The First Letter to the Custodians (1220))

“I implore all of you brothers to show all possible reverence and honor to the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ ¹³in Whom that which is in heaven and on earth has been brought to peace and reconciled to almighty God.” ^{Col 1:20}
(A Letter to the Entire Order)

“This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many];{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. {snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves. {snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions)

“We must, of course, confess all our sins to a priest and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ from him. b 23 Whoever does not eat His flesh and drink His blood cannot enter the kingdom of God. {snippet Jn 6:54} {snippet J… (Later Admonition and Exhortation)

“Francis speaks most often about the Eucharist, even more than about poverty. For him, the Eucharist is not only a mystery, a sacrament, it is a living person: it is Christ completely given into the hands of a man, fragile and defenseless, just as he was in Bethlehem. From this come his tender feelings for everything to do with the Sacrament of the altar, and his preoccupation with the dignity and cleanliness of the church and sacred vessels.” (Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap “It Is Not Good For Man to Be Alone”: Clare and Francis)

Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal.

Read and think about the quotes above. As you think about what St. Francis said (and what was said about his devotion to the Eucharist) consider your own feelings about the Eucharist.
+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Where is the Eucharist mentioned in the OFS Rule? (Also refer to the Prologue)

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Formation Friday July 7, 2023 Please share with your fraternities

Admonition #1 The Body of Christ–St. Francis of Assisi 

Since July is the month of the Precious Blood, and we are also celebrating the three-year Eucharistic Revival, we repeat some of our previous posts on the Eucharist this month.

[I. The Body of Christ]

¹The Lord Jesus says to his disciples: I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me. ²If you knew me, you would also know my Father; and from now on, you do know him and have seen him. ³Philip says to him: Lord, show us the Father and it will be enough for us. ⁴Jesus says to him: Have I been with you for so long a time and you have not known me? Philip, whoever sees me sees my Father as well. ^{Jn 14:6-9}

⁵The Father dwells in inaccessible light, ^{1 Tm 6:16} and God is spirit, ^{Jn 4:24} and no one has ever seen God. ^{Jn 1:18 6}Therefore He cannot be seen except in the Spirit because it is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh has nothing to offer. ^{Jn 6:63 7}But because He is equal to the Father, the Son is not seen by anyone other than the Father or other than the Holy Spirit.

⁸All those who saw the Lord Jesus according to the humanity, therefore, and did not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Divinity that He is the true Son of God were condemned. ⁹Now in the same way, all those who see the sacrament sanctified by the words of the Lord upon the altar at the hands of the priest in the form of bread and wine, and who do not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Divinity that it is truly the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, are condemned. ¹⁰ [This] is affirmed by the Most High Himself Who says:

This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many]; ^{Mk 14:22 11}and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. ^{Mk 14:24 12} It is the Spirit of the Lord, ^{Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. ¹³ All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves. ^{1 Cor 11:29}

¹⁴ Therefore: children, how long will you be hard of heart? ^{Ps 4:3 15} Why do you not know the truth and believe in the Son of God? ^{Jn 9:35 16} Behold, each day He humbles Himself as when He came from the royal throne ^{Phil 2:8} into the Virgin’s womb; ^{Wis 18:15 17}each day He Himself comes to us, appearing humbly; ¹⁸each day He comes down from the bosom of the Father ^{Jn 1:18} upon the altar in the hands of a priest. ^a

¹⁹As He revealed Himself to the holy apostles in true flesh, so He reveals Himself to us now in sacred bread. ²⁰And as they saw only His flesh by an insight of their flesh, yet believed that He was God as they contemplated Him with their spiritual eyes, ²¹let us, as we see bread and wine with our bodily eyes, see and firmly believe that they are His most holy Body and Blood living and true. ²² And in this way the Lord is always with His faithful, as He Himself says: Behold I am with you until the end of the age.

Questions to discuss or to answer in your journal

+ After reading this admonition carefully, note what Francis’s feelings are about the Eucharist.

+What do you believe about the Eucharist? What part does receiving the Eucharist play in your spiritual life?

Behold, I make all things NEW

A good video by Bishop Barron on the Eucharist:

 

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Formation  Friday, June 23, 2023 

 JPIC for Secular Franciscans: Family—Part 2 

Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, member National Formation Commission, OFS USA

 Last week we began our exploration about the place of Family–a part of JPIC in our Secular Franciscan life. We began by defining some characteristics of “family” and our unique role in Christ’s mission for the family, since we are secular and lay.  We will further explore our Rule and Constitutions as we consider our own families and apply what we have learned in our everyday life.

To recap, our Rule states: “In their family, they should cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life, striving to make it a sign of a world already renewed. By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives in particular should bear witness in the world to the love of Christ for His Church. They should joyfully accompany their children on their human and spiritual journey by providing a simple and open Christian education and being attentive to the vocation of each child.”

Our General Constitutions expand this idea in Article 24.1 which states: Secular Franciscans should consider their own family to be the first place in which to live their Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation. The Constitutions then expand this idea by stating:

• “They should make space within it for prayer; for the Word of God, and for Christian catechesis.
• They should concern themselves with respect for life in every situation from conception until death.
• Married couples find in the Rule…an effective aid in their own journey of Christian life, that, in the sacrament of matrimony, their love shares in the love that Christ has for His Church
• The way spouses love each other and affirm the value of fidelity is a profound witness for their own family, the Church, and the world.”

The Constitutions (Art. 24.2 and 3) continue on to point out ways that in fraternity we might want to:

• explore the spirituality of the family, marriage and the Christian attitude toward dialog, sharing experiences and family problems.
• share important moments of family life with each other and by giving special attentions to widows, singles, single parents, separated, divorced and those living in difficult situations.
• dialog between generations
• form groups for single and married families to support each other in Catholic living.

All this should be done in collaboration with the Church to affirm the value of fidelity and respect for life and offer solutions to family social problems. (GC: Art. 24.3) Finally, children should be educated and formed into living, active People of God, and with the help of organizations (such as YOU-FRA), and they should be given knowledge and a love of Franciscan life. (GC. Art.25)

To summarize, since we are secular and lay, married or single, we all have families and it is in our families that we have a special responsibility to witness and support the mission of the Church and to make Jesus known.  We must never forget that a family is holy, not because it is perfect, but because God’s grace is at work in it. (USCC/Adults. 376.)

Reflection Questions:

1. Prayerfully read and meditate on Art. 24.1 of the General Constitutions. Do you think that you are living your Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation in your family well? In what areas do you think you can improve?
2. Article 24.2-3 identifies how our fraternity life could impact our family experience with discussions of a spirituality of the family, how to dialog among family members, intergenerational sharing (especially with children) and support for those in difficult situations.   Identify one way that your fraternity could help with family life and discuss it with a member of the Council.
3. Identify some needs for young people and ask your fraternity members for ideas of what the fraternity could do to engage with youth/young adults.

 Diane F. Menditto, OFS

 

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 Friday, June 23, 2023

 JPIC for Secular Franciscans: Family—Part 1  

Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, member National Formation Commission, OFS USA

Family and work are often times the most undervalued areas of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation(JPIC ) in our Order. Perhaps it is because our Franciscan religious brothers and sisters have shared such a bounty of valuable insight, information, formation, and service in the other areas of JPIC that our own JPIC area of “family” has been underdeveloped.  

Because we are secular, not religious, however, does not mean that we should ignore the areas which are in our own areas of expertise–one of which is family life. For us, as Secular Franciscans living in the trenches of society, our witness and active participation in the discussion and formation of social questions, mores, and choices, lends credibility because we are living out our Franciscan Catholic life in society. Our witness and influence can be immense! As Pope Paul VI observed, “contemporary man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers it is because they are witnesses.”( Pope Paul VI, Address to the “Consilium de Laicis” (October 2, 1974.)

Our family is where we live our lives as Secular Franciscans. We are married, widowed or single–but we are fully entrenched in our families. For some, family may not necessarily mean “married” (although it can) but it may also include close relationships for those without biological ties–adoption, foster relationships, guardianships, parent figures, supportive mothering, or long term friends that have close emotional ties. Families are not necessarily defined by blood ties, but are from the heart.

The family has been called the first natural, and most vital cell of the society. John Paul II called it the “primary place of humanization for the person.” Lumen Gentium calls it “a school of love and a domestic church.”  Pope John Paul II also says that It is a place where a communion of persons develops and grows and how we reveal our commitment to the Fourth Commandment: Honor Your Father and your Mother.  The Incarnation is how the Son of God entered into human history through the family so therefore, the Holy Family should be the model for our own families in which the divine bridegroom brings about the redemption of all families as Jesus proclaims the “gospel of the family.” (John Paul II) 

Article 17 of our Rule states: “In their family, they should cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life, striving to make it a sign of a world already renewed. By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives in particular should bear witness in the world to the love of Christ for His Church. They should joyfully accompany their children on their human and spiritual journey by providing a simple and open Christian education and being attentive to the vocation of each child.” 

Our Constitutions expand this idea in Article 24 which states: “Secular Franciscans should consider their own family to be the first place in which to live their Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation.” 

Further exploration of the Family will continue next week. 

For discussion with your fraternity, a prayer partner, or to comment on in your journal.

1. Pray, meditate on and discuss the phrase: “contemporary man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers it is because they are witnesses.” What are your thoughts about this statement?
2. Look at how the family is described above in the quoted phrases from Lumen Gentium and John Paul II. Identify those elements in your family and assess where you can do better.
3. What are your “take aways” from this discussion? How will it change what you do?
4. Challenge: What are some ways that you can “cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace” in your family?

 

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Formation Friday June 16, 2023

Peacemaking

2 Cor 13:11-13

“Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

Last week we looked at the idea of “welcoming.” But, how can we feel welcome in our fraternities, in our families, or in our workplaces if there is conflict? The Second Letter to the Corinthians points us in the right direction.

Please read the passage again and then see the points and questions below for discussion.

+ “Mend your ways.”  St. Paul tells us that we are to look at ourselves first! How might we be contributing to the conflict? Are we saying too little or too much? We need to discern if the conflict stems from something we have said or done. Do we always have to be right?  Are we humble enough to “mend our ways” if we have contributed to the difficulty?

+ “Encourage one another.”  Do we, personally and as a council, acknowledge the efforts of others? If there needs to be fraternal correction, are we gentle, pointing out the good as well as the not so good?

+ “Agree with one another.” That’s not always easy, but if we don’t agree with what someone is saying, can we at least stop to listen to what they have to say and see if there is any point of agreement before we reject what they are saying? If we still don’t agree, be gentle.

+ “Live in peace.” (See our Rule below)

OFS Rule Article 19

“Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others…”

+ Give some examples of how Secular Franciscans can be bearers of peace in all situations.

+ What would be a good way to enter into dialogue with someone with whom we do not agree?

+ If, in fact, the divine seed is in everyone, what respect do we owe others? (Even those we don’t particularly like.)

+ If we try to bring “joy and hope” to others, how can we improve how we deal with our brothers and sisters?

+ What role do good communication, listening, and thoughtful responses (both verbally and in emails) have in bringing peace to the fraternity, family, or workplace?

+ Give serious thought to how bringing partisanship into a fraternity can be disruptive. How can this be handled well if the fraternity wants to discuss opposing points of view?

Fraternity challenge: After discussing all of the above, have a roll-playing session to see how members handle disagreements. (Please have a good moderator to facilitate the discussion.)

 

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Formation Friday, June 9, 2023

When we think of ourselves as Secular Franciscans, one of the characteristics that should come to mind is that we are welcoming. It is rare and surprising to hear that someone did not feel welcomed at an OFS event or fraternity gathering, but it does happen. As always, we can look to our Rule and General Constitutions (GC) for guidance.

Rule Article 13. As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ. A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, …

GC Article 18.2   They should deepen the true foundations of universal kinship and create a spirit of welcome and an atmosphere of fraternity everywhere. They should firmly commit themselves to oppose every form of exploitation, discrimination, and marginalization and against every attitude of indifference in relation to others.

Rule Art. 19. Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others. …

GC Article 26.2   In the fraternity, the brothers and sisters should promote mutual understanding and they should ensure that the atmosphere of their meetings be welcoming and that it reflects joy. They should encourage one another for the good.

+++++++++++

Here are some tips for Council members and for all Secular Franciscans. You may be able to think of more.

• The spirit of welcoming begins before anyone arrives at the gathering place. The Council’s relationship with one another sets the tone for the entire fraternity, especially at the local level. They set the example for how the members treat one another.
• Greet one another by name. Are you glad to see your brothers and sisters? Can they tell? Remember, we are a fraternity (family). Our gathering is not a business meeting.
• Be prepared. The Council (and the set-up committee) should arrive early; there should be no frantic prep as other members arrive. Otherwise, you will not have time to chat with the members as they come in.
• Set up the room according to what the program will be. Can people see one another? Hear one another? Can they hear the person facilitating the meeting; leading the prayer; making the presentation?
• There should be opportunities for sharing during presentations—both before and after.
• Everyone should be given the opportunity to help out with fraternity tasks, even with the little things that the Council may think it can cover. Fraternity members like to feel “ownership” of what is going on in the fraternity.
• Ongoing formation should be at the group’s level and geared to their understanding. “Collective wisdom” discussions help members to get to know one another and help the council know what is interesting to the members.
• At large gatherings (regional or national)–it benefits everyone if council members circulate and chat with different groups. Ask how things are going in their local fraternity. Ask what they thought of the last newsletter…make fraternal “small talk.” You may discover an important issue that was not brought to the attention of the Council! But, more importantly, members feel heard and seen.
• What if YOU are at a large or small gathering and don’t feel welcome?
• If it’s your own fraternity, you might want to talk to a council member to see if there might be an Issue. 
• Generally, though, you can help improve the atmosphere by greeting others yourself. You should be acquainted with everyone in your own fraternity, so ask how they are doing; how their family is, etc. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Move around, sit with someone new. 
• Get to know what interests your brothers and sisters. Be sure to stay for the social time! 
• At a large gathering, (regional or national level), you might have come with someone or with a group. Perhaps one of them will walk around the room with you to meet some new people. If you are on your own, remember that these folks are your brothers and sisters. Walk around, introduce yourself, and mention where you are from. You will be surprised how welcoming Franciscans can be!

For discussion in your fraternity, with a partner, or to answer in your journal.

+     How does your local fraternity provide a “welcoming atmosphere?”

+     Have you ever felt “unwelcome” at a fraternity event? What did you do about it?

+     What do you do to add to the welcoming atmosphere of your fraternity?

 

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Formation Friday June 2, 2023 (The Writings of Francis and Clare Part 7)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by our founder. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

The Prayer before the Crucifix  (1205-1206)

“While Thomas of Celano and Saint Bonaventure characterize the early years of Francis’s life as a struggle to discern God’s will, the author of The Legend of the Three Companions, according to two manuscripts, summarizes Francis’s yearnings in this simple prayer and places it on his lips as he kneels before the Crucifix of the crumbling church of San Damiano in Assisi. The prayer may have been influenced by the liturgical opening prayer of the Eucharistic liturgy. This version of the prayer is based on the simple text found in the majority of Latin manuscripts. As it became more popular, the prayer was embellished and lost some of its simplicity.^”   FA:ED, vol. 1, 40  

The Prayer before the Crucifix
(1205/06)

Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.

As St. Francis knelt before the crucifix of San Damiano, he put himself in God’s hands. It was the beginning for him. Franciscans can pray this prayer every day, but it is especially meaningful for those who are at the “beginning,” those who are discerning a vocation to the Order.

Pray this prayer alone or in a group. Take time to think about the words. Each line has questions for discussion and for commenting on in your journal.

MOST HIGH, GLORIOUS GOD,   (Praise)

+How did St. Francis see God? How did he praise him?

++How do you see God? Where do you find him? How do you praise God?

 

ENLIGHTEN THE DARKNESS OF MY HEART  (Repentance)

+What was the “darkness” of his heart? What was he asking to have revealed?

++What is the darkness in your heart? What do you seek? What do you need God to show you?

 

AND GIVE ME TRUE FAITH, CERTAIN HOPE, AND PERFECT CHARITY, SENSE AND KNOWLEDGE, LORD, (Petition)

+What was Francis asking for? Why are these qualities significant in the spiritual life?

++What will you need to strengthen you spiritually as you discern? Give examples of the roles these virtues play in your life.

 

THAT I MAY CARRY OUT YOUR HOLY AND TRUE COMMAND. (Resolution)

+Francis stops and listens. Then he resolves to carry out God’s will in his life. What did he do?

++When you pray, do you take time to listen? Do you resolve to imitate Christ? How do you put God’s will into practice?

 

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Formation Friday May 26, 2023  (Part 6-writings of Francis and Clare)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by our founder. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

“A Letter to the Entire Order” was written between 1225 and 1226, around the time of Francis’ death. It came after papal permission was given for the friars to celebrate the Eucharist in their churches and oratories. Below is a particularly beautiful passage that refers to the Eucharist.

You can read the full letter highlighted in blue:

A Letter to the Entire Order (portion)

²⁶Let everyone be struck with fear,
let the whole world tremble,
and let the heavens exult
when Christ, the Son of the living God,
is present on the altar in the hands of a priest!
²⁷O wonderful loftiness and stupendous dignity!
O sublime humility!
O humble sublimity!
The Lord of the universe,
God and the Son of God,
so humbles Himself
that for our salvation
He hides Himself
under an ordinary piece of bread!
²⁸Brothers, look at the humility of God,
and pour out your hearts before Him! ^{Ps 62:9 [Vulgate, Ps 61:9]}
Humble yourselves
that you may be exalted by Him! ^{1 Pt 5:6  Jas 4:10
29}Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves,
that He Who gives Himself totally to you
may receive you totally!

Please read the passage above. Read through once. Then prayerfully consider each word and sentence a second time.

• Choose four words or phrases that touch you deeply. Spend some time thinking about why you chose those words.
• How does St. Francis regard the Eucharist? What words does he use to get this point across?
• What does he mean when he speaks of the “humility of God?” What else do you know about God making himself humble?
• Personal challenge: Spend time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament this week. How do you address our Lord and Savior? How do you offer yourself to Him Who gives Himself totally to you?

 

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Formation Friday – May 19, 2023 (Writings of Francis and Clare Part 5)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by St. Francis and St. Clare. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

St. Clare’s Second Letter to Agnes of Prague Explore the complete letter and more on the website of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition.

What you hold, may you hold,
What you do, may you do and not stop.
¹²But with swift pace, light step, unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,^c
13may you go forward
securely, joyfully, and swiftly,
on the path of prudent happiness,
¹⁴believing nothing,
agreeing with nothing
that would dissuade you from this commitment
or would place a stumbling block for you on the way,
so that nothing prevents you from offering
your vows to the Most High in the perfection
to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.

¹⁵In all of this, follow the counsel of our venerable father, our Brother Elias, the Minister General, that you may walk more securely in the way of the commands of the Lord.^e 16Prize it beyond the advice of the others and cherish it as dearer to you than any gift. ¹⁷If anyone has said anything else to you or suggested any other thing to you that might hinder your perfection or that would seem contrary to your

¹⁸But as a poor virgin
embrace the  poor Christ.

¹⁹“Look upon Him Who became contemptible for you,
and follow Him, making  yourself contemptible  in this world
for Him.
²⁰Most noble Queen,
gaze,
consider,
contemplate
desiring to imitate Your Spouse,

[Who] though more beautiful than the children of men became, for your salvation, the lowest of men, was despised, struck, scourged untold times throughout  His entire  body,   and  then  died  amid  the suffering of the  Cross.

²¹If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him.
weeping with Him, you will rejoice with Him;
dying on the cross of tribulation with Him,
you will possess heavenly mansions with Him
among the splendor of the saints
²²and in the Book of Life your name will be called glorious among
the peoples.”

• GAZE: Take some time to gaze at Jesus on the cross.
• CONSIDER: Put yourself there with Jesus. What was he thinking, feeling? What did he see? Hear?
• CONTEMPLATE: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, how are you transformed, made different, by this experience?
• IMITATE: What do you resolve to do in response to this transformation?

This letter tells us much about St. Clare, her spiritual thoughts and her strength as the founder of an order.

1. As you use St. Clare’s “gaze, consider, contemplate and imitate” describe its impact on your spiritual life.
2. St. Clare is writing to a nun (Agnes of Prague) giving her advice. What can you learn about Clare’s way of dealing with the world?
3. What spiritual advice does she give to Sister Agnes? How can we apply this to our spiritual lives?

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Formation Friday May 12, 2023  (Part 4-writings of Francis and Clare)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by our founder. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

“As suggested in the introduction to A Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (See last week May 5^th) the manuscript tradition suggests that Francis saw these virtues as hers; yet they are clearly those of any Christian who has died to sin. Francis greets each virtue in a fashion typical of a medieval troubadour, describes the predisposition which each Christian must have before possessing them, and concludes by interpreting the function of each.”

A Salutation of the Virtues

¹Hail, Queen Wisdom!^b
May the Lord protect You, with Your Sister, holy pure Simplicity!
²Lady holy Poverty, may the Lord protect You, with Your Sister, holy Humility!
³Lady holy Charity, may the Lord protect You, with Your Sister, holy Obedience.
⁴Most holy Virtues, may the Lord protect all of You from Whom You come and proceed.

⁵There is surely no one in the whole world who can possess any one of You
without dying first.
⁶Whoever possesses one and does not offend the others possesses all.
⁷Whoever offends one ^{Jas 2:10} does not possess any and offends all.^c
8And each one confounds vice and sin.

⁹Holy Wisdom confounds Satan and all his cunning.
¹⁰Pure holy Simplicity confounds all the wisdom of this world ^{1 Cor 2:6} and the wisdom of the body.
¹¹Holy Poverty confounds the desire for riches, greed, and the cares of this world.
¹²Holy Humility confounds pride,  
all people who are in the world and all that is in the world.^a
13Holy Charity confounds every diabolical and carnal temptation and every carnal fear. ^{1 Jn 4:18
14}Holy Obedience confounds every corporal and carnal wish,
¹⁵binds its mortified body to obedience of the Spirit
and obedience to one’s brother,
¹⁶so that it is subject and submissive to everyone in the world,
¹⁷not only to people but to every beast and wild animal as well
¹⁸that they may do whatever they want with it
insofar as it has been given to them from above ^{Jn 19:11} by the Lord.

Please read the Salutation above. Read through once. Then prayerfully consider each word and sentence a second time.

• Choose four words or phrases that touch you deeply. Spend some time thinking about why you chose those words.
• In the first verse, we find the virtues most important to St. Francis. Can you think of why he pairs the virtues the way he does?
• In the second verse he says that we cannot possess these virtues without dying. What does this mean?
• He then goes on to explain the virtues. Please comment on what particularly touches you.
• Personal challenge: Think about the virtues and pick two that you will try to strengthen in you this week.

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Formation Friday, May 5, 2023
(Part 3-writings of Francis and Clare)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by our founder. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

St. Francis had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her role in the Incarnation and the example she set for us. He made her the protectress of the Order and thereby of the entire Franciscan family.

“This simple collection of titles forms a litany of greetings describing Mary’s role in the plan of salvation. The manuscript tradition suggests a close tie between this piece and the following, the A Salutation of the Virtues (We will feature these next week.), and, therefore, presents the Virgin Mary as the model for every Christian who responds to God’s virtuous presence in his or her life.” 

A Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

¹Hail, O Lady,
Holy Queen,
Mary, holy Mother of God,
Who are the Virgin made Church,^a
2chosen by the most Holy Father in heaven
whom he consecrated with His most holy beloved Son
and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,
³in whom there was and is
all fullness of grace and every good.

⁴Hail His Palace!
Hail His Tabernacle!
Hail His Dwelling!
⁵Hail His Robe!
Hail His Servant!
Hail His Mother!

⁶And 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.^b

Please read the references to Mary above. Read through once. Then prayerfully consider each word and sentence a second time.

• According to the phrases St. Francis used to describe the Blessed Mother, what do we learn about how he thought of her?
• Choose four words or phrases that touch you deeply. Spend some time thinking about why you chose those words.
• What does this Salutation, tell us about how St. Francis prayed?
• How do you include the Blessed Mother in your prayers each day? What do you say to her?
• Personal challenge: See if you can write some short phrases/praises of the Blessed Mother that are personal to you.

 

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Formation Friday April 28, 2023  (Part 2-writings of Francis and Clare)

It is important that we get to know the many writings left to us by our founder. Franciscans are blessed to have many of St. Francis’s and St. Clare’s writings.  By reading what they wrote, and praying as they prayed, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our vocation and how we live the Franciscan Charism.

Three sets of rubrics or directives which accompany this text in the manuscript tradition suggest that the praises below were biblical passages used by the brothers before each hour of the Office.

The Praises To Be Said at All the Hours

Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, ^{Is 6:3}
Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come: ^{Rv 4:8 a}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Dn 3:57
2}O Lord our God, You are worthy to receive
praise, glory and honor ^{Rv 4:11} and blessing.
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
3}The Lamb Who was slain is worthy to receive
power and divinity, wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and blessing. ^{Rv 5:12}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
4}Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit:^b
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
5}Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. ^{Dn 3:57}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
6}Sing praise to our God, all you His servants
and you who fear God, the small and the great. ^{Rv 19:5}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
7}Let heaven and earth praise Him Who is glorious. ^{Ps 69:35 [Vulgate, Ps 68:35]}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
8}Every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth;
and in the sea and those which are in it. ^{Rv 5:13}
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
9}Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8
10}As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
And let us praise and glorify Him forever. ^{Rv 4:8}

Please read the praises above. Read through once. Then prayerfully consider each word and sentence a second time.

• What do the words and phrases that St. Francis wrote about God tell you about his relationship with Him?
• What do they tell you about his relationship with all of creation?
• Choose four words or phrases that touch you deeply. Spend some time thinking about why you chose those words.
• What do these praises, prayed daily, tell us about how St. Francis prayed?
• How do you praise God each day? When do you praise him?
• Personal challenge: See if you can write some praises of God that are personal to you.