The St. Katharine Drexel Region of the Secular Franciscan Order

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Greetings of love and peace to you!

Looking ahead to the season of Lent which will be upon us shortly, I think Chapter 6 in the text Franciscan Prayer, “The Heart Turned Toward God,” by Ilia Delio OSF, would be very appropriate for Ongoing Formation although it was not written specifically for lent. While I cannot physically include the whole content of this chapter, I would like to at least point out a few excerpts which can be used for discussion. If you already have the text, go for it. You may approach the chapter differently. If I can be of any help to you I am always available.

The heart is the center of the whole personal life of the human person. If we tend to clutter our hearts with those things that really do not matter, we will not be able to encounter God, this is where God reveals himself to us. As Jesus tells us in the Gospel “where you treasure is, there will be your heart be also (Luke 12:34). Francis believed that the heart is the seat of the will, the root of sin, and the place of conversion.

Francis in his Admonitions indicated that the heart must not turn away from God under “pretexts” of occupations. We too often complain we do not have enough time to pray or we are too busy to pray. When we are too busy, Francis’ admonition calls to mind that our hearts may turn away from God.

Francis placed a great emphasis on the Word of God, as a living Word, the Word of life. This is the Word that took flesh in Jesus, the Word that comes to us in the Scriptures and in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the Word that fulfills our lives when it dwells in our hearts. As a life-giving Word, Francis made every effort to ensure that the Word became his life, and he called his followers to do the same.

For Bonaventure, the heart is the place of knowledge and rest, as well as the place of love. It is the place where one enters into solitude and fosters the desire for God. “Be sure always to guard your heart well” he writes.

Clare of Assisi had a clear focus on the crucified Christ as the spouse of transforming love and only in union with Him can we be transformed to the beauty of God’s image in our lives.

So how can we as Franciscans apply the above during our Lenten journey? Everyday?

Article VII of our Rule gives us some direction – United by their vocation as “brothers and sisters of penance,” and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of radical interior change which the gospel itself calls “conversion.” Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily. On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father’s mercy and the source of grace.

Peace,

Rosie

“THE JOY OF SAYING YES”

Servant Leadership In the Secular Franciscan Order

 Brothers and Sisters, after reading the article in TAU USA written by our National Minister Tom Bello, OFS, I could not help but think of my journey and also others who have served for a long time.

When you think of those who say “No” to leadership in fraternity election after election, I ask where is the Holy Spirit if we by our faith, at our Baptism, have been called to Holiness – a deeper relationship with God and the realization that we are called to be a community of love and loyal to our Bishop and our Holy Father. All of these are components to living the Franciscan way of life in joy and in service. Some say they are not worthy to serve for they are not as educated as some of those who serve. There is no statement farther from the truth than this. I completed 12 years of High School. As far as my calling to the Secular Order I prayed that the Lord would direct me where He wanted me to go and what He wanted me to do. Through discernment, with the aid of the Holy Spirit. I was led to the Secular Franciscan Order and this is where I have found my peace and my joy.

I think it is exciting and a joy when, after completing the process of initial formation, you reach the day of your Profession day and proclaim the words, Yes this is what I want in response to the questions asked of you. I did not have the privilege of an Initial formation program as it is structured today. I was asked to read the Secular Franciscan Catechism, answer the questions at the end of the chapters and live by my means. With joy I did so. I especially loved to meet other brothers and sisters from Saint Ladislaus Fraternity in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The first time I saw The Liturgy of the Hours and the current Ritual was at St. Peter Fraternity in Riverside, when I had been invited to a Day of Recollection. A year later after my profession I was asked to be Prefect of my Fraternity and, through the grace of God, have continued to serve our Order in many capacities since that time. At each step, I could feel the joy of the presence of God in my life more than I ever had before. Of course, I did not walk this journey alone. I was inspired by members of my family – my mother and grandmother – Sr. Clare Andre, OSC, and many sisters and brothers in Fraternity who have accompanied me on this journey. I specifically recall Kay Sirak, OFS, who enhanced my inspiration to live my Franciscan call.

I do not regret serving our Order for up to now I have done nothing. If you feel are truly called to serve then pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction. He will show you how to prioritize and organize what you are to do. Have no fear, since you will not walk this path alone. If called to service, you will have the help of the outgoing council members which will enable you to put your gifts into action. How many times have we heard these words, Do not be afraid.

God Bless you All in the Holy Season of Advent and may the Infant Jesus bless you abundantly in this coming year.

May I just share my most beautiful Christmas Hymn with you,” Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming”

May the darkness of our hearts be enlightened when we hear the beautiful words of this hymn and may we be formed into His likeness.

Love,

Rosie

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“Buona Gente”

Our Holy Father Pope Francis in his special prayer intentions for this past September asked us to lift up the mentally disabled and also to pray as Christians inspired by the word of God to be compelled to serve those who are poor and suffering.

Article 13 of our Rule 13 describes how we as Franciscans should respond. We know that Christ was poor and suffered and He is for all people. The sense of equality is important. We are to work together as people of God in love and in harmony. » Click to continue reading “Thoughts from our Regional Formation Director – October 2014” »

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

PEACE and good to each of you.  As we begin this month of celebration with the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiucula, we are reminded of the Portiuncula Indulgence, the first written document of which  was dated October 31, 1277.   The Portiuncula was the place where St. Clare received her religious habit at the hands of St. Francis in 1211.  In a vision in 1216, St. Francis obtained from Our Lord the indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi which was approved by Pope Honoroius, III.  We are the beneficiaries of this plenary indulgence which is a mighty tool for works of mercy and a weapon in our ongoing spiritual warfare. To obtain the Portiuncula plenary indulgence, a person must visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels at Assisi (would that we could), or a Franciscan sanctuary, or one’s parish church, with the intention of honoring Our Lady of the Angels. One should then perform recite the Creed, an Our Father and pray for the intentions of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.  One should be free, at least intentionally, of attachment to venial and mortal sin, and truly repentant.  One should make your sacramental confession 8 days before or after the feast and participate at Mass and receive Holy Communion 8 days before or after the feast.

Last month we began an article written by Sr. Clare Andre in honor of St. Clare.  As the Feast of St. Clare occurs this month, the conclusion of the article follows.

» Click to continue reading “Thoughts From Your Regional Formation Director – August, 2014” »