BE PREPARED By Marie Thomas, OFS Regional Vice-Minister As Secular Franciscans, we try to ‘sacrifice’ with Christ during Lent. But Lent comes every year! Thus, our offerings may have become rather ‘hohum’. Let’s approach it from a different angle this year. Imagine that your doctor just told you that you have one week to live. You come home in a stupor. What should you do? The one thing you know you want to do is prepare yourself. You want to be ready. But what are we waiting for? We are dying every day. We are not getting any younger! We are coming closer and closer to our last day. So let’s not put off the preparation. Saint Paul didn’t. He believed the second coming of Christ was coming very soon and he lived every moment of his life with that belief. Look at the result: it made him a saint! The good news is that Jesus wants us to be prepared so He made it easy. In fact, He compared it to the banquet where the more people come, the merrier. The only stipulation is that we wear the proper spiritual attire or risk being thrown out. Let’s look at the three items that are a requirement in our spiritual wardrobe: First and foremost, we must have a clear conscience. This means going to confession often because even the smallest sin or fault can cloud our vision of the Lord when He is calling us. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and consoling ourselves by thinking, “They don’t go to Mass and they often use vulgar language, March, 2013 MISSION STATEMENT The Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States is the organic union of all Secular Franciscan fraternities in the State of Florida, South Georgia, and Lower Alabama. We desire to promote in the world a deeper presence of the Catholic Faith and the Franciscan tradition; and we seek to bring the Gospel Beatitudes of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, as personified by St. Francis of Assisi, to all our secular, daily lives. We foster a spirit of prayer, conversion, reconciliation, justice and service, especially to the marginalized in our society. We invoke the intercession, honor the memory, and advance the Cause of the patrons of our Region, the Five Franciscan Martyrs of La Florida, who, in A.D. 1597, freely gave their lives in testimony to the dignity of Christian marriage and family life. (Rewritten from original 1991 version and approved in February 1999, updated February 2004 to include Lower Alabama). REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL etc. so we are better than they.” No, we need to compare ourselves to Jesus and ask ourselves, “Did we respond to all the inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Were we even aware of His presence? Do we still care what others say or think of us Fr. Tom Murphy, OFM Regional Spiritual Assistant Hans Huemmer, SFO
Transcript
Subject: SFO Newsletter -‐ PreviewDate: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 10:57:22 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Secular Franciscan Order (sent by Secular Franciscan Order <brandon=project-‐[email protected]>)
To: Brandon DeWeese
BE PREPARED
By Marie Thomas, OFS Regional Vice-Minister
As Secular Franciscans, we try to ‘sacrifice’ with Christduring Lent. But Lent comes every year! Thus, our offeringsmay have become rather ‘ho-‐‑hum’.
Let’s approach it from a different angle this year. Imaginethat your doctor just told you that you have one week to live.You come home in a stupor. What should you do? The onething you know you want to do is prepare yourself. Youwant to be ready. But what are we waiting for? We are dyingevery day. We are not getting any younger! We are comingcloser and closer to our last day. So let’s not put off thepreparation. Saint Paul didn’t. He believed the secondcoming of Christ was coming very soon and he lived everymoment of his life with that belief. Look at the result: it madehim a saint!
The good news is that Jesus wants us to be prepared so Hemade it easy. In fact, He compared it to the banquet wherethe more people come, the merrier. The only stipulation isthat we wear the proper spiritual attire or risk being thrownout. Let’s look at the three items that are a requirement in ourspiritual wardrobe:
First and foremost, we must have a clear conscience. Thismeans going to confession often because even the smallest sinor fault can cloud our vision of the Lord when He is callingus. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of comparingourselves to others and consoling ourselves by thinking,“They don’t go to Mass and they often use vulgar language,
March, 2013
MISSION STATEMENT
The Five Franciscan Martyrs Regionof the Secular Franciscan Order in theUnited States is the organic union ofall Secular Franciscan fraternities inthe State of Florida, South Georgia,and Lower Alabama. We desire topromote in the world a deeperpresence of the Catholic Faith and theFranciscan tradition; and we seek tobring the Gospel Beatitudes of OurLord, Jesus Christ, as personified bySt. Francis of Assisi, to all our secular,daily lives. We foster a spirit ofprayer, conversion, reconciliation,justice and service, especially to themarginalized in our society. Weinvoke the intercession, honor thememory, and advance the Cause ofthe patrons of our Region, the FiveFranciscan Martyrs of La Florida,who, in A.D. 1597, freely gave theirlives in testimony to the dignity ofChristian marriage and family life.(Rewritten from original 1991 versionand approved in February 1999,updated February 2004 to includeLower Alabama).
REGIONAL EXECUTIVECOUNCIL
etc. so we are better than they.” No, we need to compareourselves to Jesus and ask ourselves, “Did we respond to allthe inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Were we even aware ofHis presence? Do we still care what others say or think of usor have our priorities shifted so that we are totally concernedonly about what God thinks of us? Do we think we must useevery gift for doing good or do we spend more time andenergy with the Person who gave us our gifts? Do we trustGod enough to thank Him for everything or do we worryabout things? Do we think we are the only ones who will dothings right?”
Secondly, our mission, like that of Jesus, is to love others. Heeven tells us to love others as He loves us! This means wemust love others ... unconditionally! Love them even thoughthey hurt us or belittle us or neglect us or are deliberatelyrude to us. Love them even though they are homeless drunksstanding on our corner or terrorists bombing our men andwomen overseas. Love them even though they had anabortion or have HIV. Love them even though they don’tseem to keep forgetting things and don’t seem to be able todo anything right. Let’s love them. Let’s love themunconditionally.
“……….embrace the poor ChristLook upon Him, making yourself contemptible inthis WorldFor Him.….gaze, consider, contemplate, desire to imitate”
St. Clare of Assisi, from “The Second Letter toAgnes of Prague”.
Lastly, it goes without saying that we must stay close to ourcrucified Jesus as Francis did. There is only one way to stayclose to God -‐‑ through prayer! Prayer is not a multiplicationof words; it is a multiplication of time -‐‑ time spent with Him.We need to let go of our own agenda and gradually openourselves to what God wants us to experience. We need tocreate a space in our hearts for God to reside. The more timewe spend with God and ponder His word, the more it growswithin us, gently changing us and shaping our thoughts, ourfeelings, and our lives to be more in conformity with His will.He can accomplish far more when we are open and receptiveto Him. We must simply be open and allow Him to take theinitiative. The most practical preparation we can make forLent and death is to cultivate an interior silence in our life
Fr. Tom Murphy, OFM Regional Spiritual Assistant
Hans Huemmer, SFORegional Minister
Marie Thomas, SFO Regional Vice Minister
Pam Nagle, SFO Regional Treasurer
Mary Rivera, SFO Regional Formation Minister
Norma Coffin, SFO Regional Secretary
John LoRicco, SFO Northeast Councilor
Joy Niklas, SFO West Central Councilor
Bonnie Barlow, SFO East Central Councilor
Barbara Carroll, SFO Southwest Councilor
Barbara Gesmundo, SFO Southeast Councilor
John Abendroth, SFO Northwest Councilor
Ed Duff, SFO General Councilor –at-‐‑Large
Theresa A Zesiewicz MD OFS,Regional Newsletter Editor
etc. so we are better than they.” No, we need to compareourselves to Jesus and ask ourselves, “Did we respond to allthe inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Were we even aware ofHis presence? Do we still care what others say or think of usor have our priorities shifted so that we are totally concernedonly about what God thinks of us? Do we think we must useevery gift for doing good or do we spend more time andenergy with the Person who gave us our gifts? Do we trustGod enough to thank Him for everything or do we worryabout things? Do we think we are the only ones who will dothings right?”
Secondly, our mission, like that of Jesus, is to love others. Heeven tells us to love others as He loves us! This means wemust love others ... unconditionally! Love them even thoughthey hurt us or belittle us or neglect us or are deliberatelyrude to us. Love them even though they are homeless drunksstanding on our corner or terrorists bombing our men andwomen overseas. Love them even though they had anabortion or have HIV. Love them even though they don’tseem to keep forgetting things and don’t seem to be able todo anything right. Let’s love them. Let’s love themunconditionally.
“……….embrace the poor ChristLook upon Him, making yourself contemptible inthis WorldFor Him.….gaze, consider, contemplate, desire to imitate”
St. Clare of Assisi, from “The Second Letter toAgnes of Prague”.
Lastly, it goes without saying that we must stay close to ourcrucified Jesus as Francis did. There is only one way to stayclose to God -‐‑ through prayer! Prayer is not a multiplicationof words; it is a multiplication of time -‐‑ time spent with Him.We need to let go of our own agenda and gradually openourselves to what God wants us to experience. We need tocreate a space in our hearts for God to reside. The more timewe spend with God and ponder His word, the more it growswithin us, gently changing us and shaping our thoughts, ourfeelings, and our lives to be more in conformity with His will.He can accomplish far more when we are open and receptiveto Him. We must simply be open and allow Him to take theinitiative. The most practical preparation we can make forLent and death is to cultivate an interior silence in our life
Fr. Tom Murphy, OFM Regional Spiritual Assistant
Hans Huemmer, SFORegional Minister
Marie Thomas, SFO Regional Vice Minister
Pam Nagle, SFO Regional Treasurer
Mary Rivera, SFO Regional Formation Minister
Norma Coffin, SFO Regional Secretary
John LoRicco, SFO Northeast Councilor
Joy Niklas, SFO West Central Councilor
Bonnie Barlow, SFO East Central Councilor
Barbara Carroll, SFO Southwest Councilor
Barbara Gesmundo, SFO Southeast Councilor
John Abendroth, SFO Northwest Councilor
Ed Duff, SFO General Councilor –at-‐‑Large
Theresa A Zesiewicz MD OFS,Regional Newsletter Editor
and be receptive to God’s presence because He is therealways.
GREETINGS FROM ANDY BUCHLEITNER
JPIC is alive and well in our Region! I can tell from yourresponse to the call for nominees for the Annual RegionalJPIC award. I look forward in recognizing and celebrating thewinner with you.
Our Franciscan challenge continues, however, as JPIC issuesseem to be growing at an ever-‐‑increasing rate. In the past,some of the most pressing of these issues have been mass-‐‑mailed to the Fraternity contacts I currently have. This willcontinue. I will also be taking advantage of the opportunity touse our regional newsletter whenever possible. Finally, I willsend a regular monthly update (if no newsletter is to bepublished) directly to representatives of each fraternity.
I would ask, therefore, that every fraternity makes sure thatI have at least one contact person’s email. I also welcomeanyone else to send their email to [email protected] they wish me to send them this information directly.
In closing, I wish all of my fellow “repentance seekers” toenjoy with me another opportunity to come closer to ourmighty God as we celebrate this Holy Season of Lent. Andremember:
LENT – REPENT!
“You’re looking for volunteers?” “I’m just too busy!” “I haveso much to do!” “I just don’t have time.”
Stop Everything – and for the next minute think of all thethings you feel need your immediate attention. Now, for the
Most High, Glorious God,Enlighten the darkness of my heartand give metrue faith,certain hope,and perfect charity,sense and knowledge,Lord,That I may carry outYour holy and true command.
DID YOU KNOW?
The word “Lent” is actually derivedfrom the German word “Lenz” andthe Dutch “Lente”, meaning “spring”,or lengthening of days! Lent is a timeof hope for a new beginning.
TAU TUMBLERS
Those of you who purchased a TauTumbler and need some adjustment,contact the Tervis Company directlybecause they have a lifetimeguarantee with no questions asked.Either call 877-‐‑425-‐‑4897 or visitwww.tervis.com
THE EMPTY TOMB
Life is marked by contradictions. Weexperience success and failure daily.
and be receptive to God’s presence because He is therealways.
GREETINGS FROM ANDY BUCHLEITNER
JPIC is alive and well in our Region! I can tell from yourresponse to the call for nominees for the Annual RegionalJPIC award. I look forward in recognizing and celebrating thewinner with you.
Our Franciscan challenge continues, however, as JPIC issuesseem to be growing at an ever-‐‑increasing rate. In the past,some of the most pressing of these issues have been mass-‐‑mailed to the Fraternity contacts I currently have. This willcontinue. I will also be taking advantage of the opportunity touse our regional newsletter whenever possible. Finally, I willsend a regular monthly update (if no newsletter is to bepublished) directly to representatives of each fraternity.
I would ask, therefore, that every fraternity makes sure thatI have at least one contact person’s email. I also welcomeanyone else to send their email to [email protected] they wish me to send them this information directly.
In closing, I wish all of my fellow “repentance seekers” toenjoy with me another opportunity to come closer to ourmighty God as we celebrate this Holy Season of Lent. Andremember:
LENT – REPENT!
“You’re looking for volunteers?” “I’m just too busy!” “I haveso much to do!” “I just don’t have time.”
Stop Everything – and for the next minute think of all thethings you feel need your immediate attention. Now, for the
Most High, Glorious God,Enlighten the darkness of my heartand give metrue faith,certain hope,and perfect charity,sense and knowledge,Lord,That I may carry outYour holy and true command.
DID YOU KNOW?
The word “Lent” is actually derivedfrom the German word “Lenz” andthe Dutch “Lente”, meaning “spring”,or lengthening of days! Lent is a timeof hope for a new beginning.
TAU TUMBLERS
Those of you who purchased a TauTumbler and need some adjustment,contact the Tervis Company directlybecause they have a lifetimeguarantee with no questions asked.Either call 877-‐‑425-‐‑4897 or visitwww.tervis.com
THE EMPTY TOMB
Life is marked by contradictions. Weexperience success and failure daily.things you feel need your immediate attention. Now, for the
next minute, think about all the things that are important inyour life when viewed from God’s eyes, in the eyes ofeternity. Are your priorities and God’s priorities the same? Oris it time for a change?
“Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand!” (Mt 4:17) Prophetsthroughout history have echoed these first words of Jesus.However, prophets tend to bring up much more than wewant to deal with. Like two-‐‑edged swords, their wordspenetrate and divide our souls from our spirits and judge thethoughts and desires of our hearts. Because they are soconfrontational and convicting, we refuse to listen. We mighteven call them “mad.” (Mt 11:18) God’s will for each of us isthat we love Him – and our neighbor. For our own good, Hegives us guidelines to follow in His commandments. Butwhat are His commandments? Perhaps we have changedthem into something of our own fabrication: “Thou shaltignore spouse, kids and neighbors when it’s TV time.” “Thoushalt not jeopardize thy personal comfort level.” “Thoushalt…”
However, God didn’t come judging – Hecame saving! He wants to heal us.Fortunately, we have a patient God Whoallows us time for repentance andchange of heart. “It is not the will of Godthat a sinner should die, but that heshould be converted from his wickedways, and live.” (Ex 18:23) Maybe it’s time to examine ourhearts more closely and determine how well we are followingGod’s plan for our lives.
To love is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes we may need toforgive before we can even begin. But love is not an emotion– it’s a decision. To be authentic, it requires sacrifice. It asksthat we freely subjugate our will to God’s will. Loving Godand neighbor means giving ourselves totally and unselfishlywithout counting the cost. But isn’t that what our faith is allabout – imitating the example of loving sacrifice given to usby our Lord Jesus Christ?
Lent is a time of special grace. Let us take advantage of thisgrace and truly repent that we may go with Jesus to the cross;not only on Good Friday but all the days of our life. Let ussay with St. Paul: “May I never boast of anything but theCross of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Gal 6:14)
The journey from birth to death, frombaptism to eternal life, isn’t an easypath. The happiness of a birth isdampened by the death of a lovedone. A promotion at work may begreeted with jealousy. We allexperience these events; theproverbial “sharp knife” of anunexpected death, divorce, orbetrayal. The joyful weddings andfamily-‐‑filled holidays feel so solitarycompared to these tough times.
When we experience dark days, wecan take comfort by the life of St.Francis, and the joy he achieved byconversion and Gospel life. Aprivileged young man born to wealthshed his expensive garments andcomfortable lifestyle, and embracedpoverty with zeal and passion.
The contradictions of life-‐‑-‐‑-‐‑our tearsand joy-‐‑-‐‑-‐‑can be better understoodwhen reflecting on the Lenten season.
We recall that the Life of Jesus, asGod made Man, was contrary to theexpectations of those who awaited aglorious and powerful Messiah. Jesuswas born in a stable, to humbleparents. He was the son of a carpenterand performed manual labor. He hadno royal robes, no mansion, and noservants. Jesus also experiencedcontradictions in his public life. Canyou imagine riding into Jerusalem intriumph on a donkey on PalmSunday, only to be hung on a Crosssoon after?
Even Jesus’ tomb is a contradiction.Tombs are unpleasant objects. Cold,dark, and stony, they are placedunderground or in a crypt where nosun can reach them. The dead areplaced inside them in grief andsadness. Horror movies depict tombswith skeletons and bones. They are
things you feel need your immediate attention. Now, for thenext minute, think about all the things that are important inyour life when viewed from God’s eyes, in the eyes ofeternity. Are your priorities and God’s priorities the same? Oris it time for a change?
“Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand!” (Mt 4:17) Prophetsthroughout history have echoed these first words of Jesus.However, prophets tend to bring up much more than wewant to deal with. Like two-‐‑edged swords, their wordspenetrate and divide our souls from our spirits and judge thethoughts and desires of our hearts. Because they are soconfrontational and convicting, we refuse to listen. We mighteven call them “mad.” (Mt 11:18) God’s will for each of us isthat we love Him – and our neighbor. For our own good, Hegives us guidelines to follow in His commandments. Butwhat are His commandments? Perhaps we have changedthem into something of our own fabrication: “Thou shaltignore spouse, kids and neighbors when it’s TV time.” “Thoushalt not jeopardize thy personal comfort level.” “Thoushalt…”
However, God didn’t come judging – Hecame saving! He wants to heal us.Fortunately, we have a patient God Whoallows us time for repentance andchange of heart. “It is not the will of Godthat a sinner should die, but that heshould be converted from his wickedways, and live.” (Ex 18:23) Maybe it’s time to examine ourhearts more closely and determine how well we are followingGod’s plan for our lives.
To love is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes we may need toforgive before we can even begin. But love is not an emotion– it’s a decision. To be authentic, it requires sacrifice. It asksthat we freely subjugate our will to God’s will. Loving Godand neighbor means giving ourselves totally and unselfishlywithout counting the cost. But isn’t that what our faith is allabout – imitating the example of loving sacrifice given to usby our Lord Jesus Christ?
Lent is a time of special grace. Let us take advantage of thisgrace and truly repent that we may go with Jesus to the cross;not only on Good Friday but all the days of our life. Let ussay with St. Paul: “May I never boast of anything but theCross of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Gal 6:14)
The journey from birth to death, frombaptism to eternal life, isn’t an easypath. The happiness of a birth isdampened by the death of a lovedone. A promotion at work may begreeted with jealousy. We allexperience these events; theproverbial “sharp knife” of anunexpected death, divorce, orbetrayal. The joyful weddings andfamily-‐‑filled holidays feel so solitarycompared to these tough times.
When we experience dark days, wecan take comfort by the life of St.Francis, and the joy he achieved byconversion and Gospel life. Aprivileged young man born to wealthshed his expensive garments andcomfortable lifestyle, and embracedpoverty with zeal and passion.
The contradictions of life-‐‑-‐‑-‐‑our tearsand joy-‐‑-‐‑-‐‑can be better understoodwhen reflecting on the Lenten season.
We recall that the Life of Jesus, asGod made Man, was contrary to theexpectations of those who awaited aglorious and powerful Messiah. Jesuswas born in a stable, to humbleparents. He was the son of a carpenterand performed manual labor. He hadno royal robes, no mansion, and noservants. Jesus also experiencedcontradictions in his public life. Canyou imagine riding into Jerusalem intriumph on a donkey on PalmSunday, only to be hung on a Crosssoon after?
Even Jesus’ tomb is a contradiction.Tombs are unpleasant objects. Cold,dark, and stony, they are placedunderground or in a crypt where nosun can reach them. The dead areplaced inside them in grief andsadness. Horror movies depict tombswith skeletons and bones. They are
SECULAR ORDER COMMUNITIESCELEBRATE, SHARE THEIR CHARISM
LINDA CALDWELLof the Florida Catholic staff Note from the Editor: the OFS is a religious order founded for the laity with a ruleapproved by the Pope, and differs from secular communities or modalities
ORLANDO | Donning the symbol of their secular order – abrown scapular for the Lay Carmelites and Secular DisclacedCarmelites, a simple wooden cross for the SecularFranciscans, and a colorful scapular for the Secular Servantsof Mary, Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Orlandoparticipated in the celebration of the first diocesan Mass forsecular order communities Jan. 19 at St. James Cathedral inOrlando. Bishop John Noonan served as celebrant.
Bishop Noonan recognized the various secular groups, notingthat they all follow the examples of the saints, powerful
symbols of the End.
But the empty tomb of Jesussymbolized the Beginning! From themoment that Mary and the womensaw the empty tomb on Eastermorning, the course of humanitychanged. Death was made powerlessand eternal salvation was gained.Billions of souls were brought to newlife. The Risen Jesus underscored theapostles’ belief, without doubt, thatJesus truly was The Son of God. Andit all started with an empty tomb withburial clothes folded neatly inside.Only the Master of the Universecould make the unhappiest of events,death, so glorious in the end.
If we walk through life with Jesus,death will also be our final gloriouscontradiction. Our tombs will be thestart of inexplicable joy, peace andrelief as we gaze on the face of ourLord. Daily formation, conversion,and living our lives according to theGospel help to bring us into greaterunion with Jesus.
The Risen Jesus makes it all possible.The contradictions in life all makesense through Him. Rest assured thatHe is standing at the end of ourjourney with wide open arms and bigsmile.
Happy Easter.
Theresa A. Zesiewicz, OFS
GUESS THEFRANCISCAN QUOTE(ANSWERS BELOW)
1. “In the evening of life, we will be
SECULAR ORDER COMMUNITIESCELEBRATE, SHARE THEIR CHARISM
LINDA CALDWELLof the Florida Catholic staff Note from the Editor: the OFS is a religious order founded for the laity with a ruleapproved by the Pope, and differs from secular communities or modalities
ORLANDO | Donning the symbol of their secular order – abrown scapular for the Lay Carmelites and Secular DisclacedCarmelites, a simple wooden cross for the SecularFranciscans, and a colorful scapular for the Secular Servantsof Mary, Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Orlandoparticipated in the celebration of the first diocesan Mass forsecular order communities Jan. 19 at St. James Cathedral inOrlando. Bishop John Noonan served as celebrant.
Bishop Noonan recognized the various secular groups, notingthat they all follow the examples of the saints, powerful
symbols of the End.
But the empty tomb of Jesussymbolized the Beginning! From themoment that Mary and the womensaw the empty tomb on Eastermorning, the course of humanitychanged. Death was made powerlessand eternal salvation was gained.Billions of souls were brought to newlife. The Risen Jesus underscored theapostles’ belief, without doubt, thatJesus truly was The Son of God. Andit all started with an empty tomb withburial clothes folded neatly inside.Only the Master of the Universecould make the unhappiest of events,death, so glorious in the end.
If we walk through life with Jesus,death will also be our final gloriouscontradiction. Our tombs will be thestart of inexplicable joy, peace andrelief as we gaze on the face of ourLord. Daily formation, conversion,and living our lives according to theGospel help to bring us into greaterunion with Jesus.
The Risen Jesus makes it all possible.The contradictions in life all makesense through Him. Rest assured thatHe is standing at the end of ourjourney with wide open arms and bigsmile.
Happy Easter.
Theresa A. Zesiewicz, OFS
GUESS THEFRANCISCAN QUOTE(ANSWERS BELOW)
1. “In the evening of life, we will bepeople who, like St. Matthew, heard the Lord’s calling intheir life and followed him with great devotion anddedication.
“We are called to know, love and serve the Lord because wewere made in his image and likeness and our role more thananything else is to make sure the Word of God is alive andwell, not only in our lives but in the midst of ourcommunities and families,” Bishop Noonan said. “Today,you the lay religious community of the Church are livingsymbols in dialogue with the world so that the world mayknow and the world may believe that Jesus Christ is alive andwell.”
“Your devotion, your prayer life, your follower, the one whoin a sense called you, is the Lord,” he continued. “The onewho helped you is the one who, in a sense, too, knew theLord. If it was Francis, if it was Augustine, if it was Mary, theMother of God, all of them, too, were in union with the Lord.Our greatest goal in life is to know, to love and to serve theLord. Not just what we believe but what he wants us to sharewith the rest of the world, that he has come to bring life andto bring it to the fullest.”
”If 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 possessheavenly mansions with HimAmong the splendor of the saintsAnd in the Book of Life your name will be called gloriousamong the peoples”
St. Clare of Assisi, from “The Second Letter to Agnes ofPrague”, 49
judged on love alone.”
2. “Place your mind before the mirrorof eternity! Place your soul in thebrilliance of glory! And transformyour entire being into the image ofthe Godhead Itself throughcontemplation."ʺ
3. “The most deadly poison of ourtimes is indifference. And thishappens, although the praise of Godshould know no limits. Let us strive,therefore, to praise Him to thegreatest extent of our powers”.
4. “I asked the Mother of God whatwas to become of me. Then she cameto me holding two crowns, one white,the other red. She asked if I waswilling to accept either of thesecrowns. The white one meant that Ishould persevere in purity, and thered that I should become a martyr. Isaid that I would accept them both”.
5. “If things created are so full ofloveliness, how resplendent withbeauty must be the One who madethem!”
6. “When we pray, the voice of theheart must be heard more than thatproceeding from the mouth”
Southwest
Portiuncula Fraternity
The Portiuncula Fraternity has received its final the letters from Fr. David Morrier, TOR, ProvincialSpiritual Assistant for the Sacred Heart TOR Province, transferring the Portiuncula Fraternity'ʹscanonical bond of altius moderamen from the Holy Name OFM Province to Sacred Heart TOR Provinceand also officially appointing Fr. Benjamin Medeiros, TOR as its Spiritual Assistant. Fr. NicholPolichnowski, TOR, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province, acted as Presider of the Rite of Installationfor Fr. Benjamin which took place at the end of February.
NEWS FROM THE FRATERNITIES
people who, like St. Matthew, heard the Lord’s calling intheir life and followed him with great devotion anddedication.
“We are called to know, love and serve the Lord because wewere made in his image and likeness and our role more thananything else is to make sure the Word of God is alive andwell, not only in our lives but in the midst of ourcommunities and families,” Bishop Noonan said. “Today,you the lay religious community of the Church are livingsymbols in dialogue with the world so that the world mayknow and the world may believe that Jesus Christ is alive andwell.”
“Your devotion, your prayer life, your follower, the one whoin a sense called you, is the Lord,” he continued. “The onewho helped you is the one who, in a sense, too, knew theLord. If it was Francis, if it was Augustine, if it was Mary, theMother of God, all of them, too, were in union with the Lord.Our greatest goal in life is to know, to love and to serve theLord. Not just what we believe but what he wants us to sharewith the rest of the world, that he has come to bring life andto bring it to the fullest.”
”If 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 possessheavenly mansions with HimAmong the splendor of the saintsAnd in the Book of Life your name will be called gloriousamong the peoples”
St. Clare of Assisi, from “The Second Letter to Agnes ofPrague”, 49
judged on love alone.”
2. “Place your mind before the mirrorof eternity! Place your soul in thebrilliance of glory! And transformyour entire being into the image ofthe Godhead Itself throughcontemplation."ʺ
3. “The most deadly poison of ourtimes is indifference. And thishappens, although the praise of Godshould know no limits. Let us strive,therefore, to praise Him to thegreatest extent of our powers”.
4. “I asked the Mother of God whatwas to become of me. Then she cameto me holding two crowns, one white,the other red. She asked if I waswilling to accept either of thesecrowns. The white one meant that Ishould persevere in purity, and thered that I should become a martyr. Isaid that I would accept them both”.
5. “If things created are so full ofloveliness, how resplendent withbeauty must be the One who madethem!”
6. “When we pray, the voice of theheart must be heard more than thatproceeding from the mouth”
Southwest
Portiuncula Fraternity
The Portiuncula Fraternity has received its final the letters from Fr. David Morrier, TOR, ProvincialSpiritual Assistant for the Sacred Heart TOR Province, transferring the Portiuncula Fraternity'ʹscanonical bond of altius moderamen from the Holy Name OFM Province to Sacred Heart TOR Provinceand also officially appointing Fr. Benjamin Medeiros, TOR as its Spiritual Assistant. Fr. NicholPolichnowski, TOR, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province, acted as Presider of the Rite of Installationfor Fr. Benjamin which took place at the end of February.
NEWS FROM THE FRATERNITIES
PROFESSIONS:
Six Candidates from the Southwest Area have been professed:
Sionnie Tolentino, OFS and Domingo Tolentino, OFS from St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity, Port Charlotte,promised to always live the Gospel according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on Thursday,January 24, 2013 at the 11:00 AM Mass. Joyful socializing followed at the International Buffet.
Marie Fiscina, OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton; Roger Reid, OFS from Solanus CaseyFraternity in Venice; and Adele Lewis, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Cape Coral all madetheir permanent commitment to following the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on the Feast of thePresentation, February 2, 2013 at a con-‐‑celebrated 10 AM Mass with Rev. Benjamin Medeiros, T.O.R. asthe main celebrant, in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. Everyone then celebrated and mingled atDuff’s Buffet. Photos can be viewed on www.portiuncula.org . On that same day, Christina Pekar fromSt. Clare Fraternity in Naples was professed in the newly renovated St. William’s Church.
Marie Fiscina, OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton; Roger Reid, OFS from Solanus CaseyFraternity in Venice; and Adele Lewis, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Cape Coral all madetheir permanent commitment to following the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on the Feast of thePresentation, February 2, 2013 at a con-‐‑celebrated 10 AM Mass with Rev. Benjamin Medeiros, T.O.R. asthe main celebrant, in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. Everyone then celebrated and mingled atDuff’s Buffet. Photos can be viewed on www.portiuncula.org
On that same day, Christina Pekar from St. Clare Fraternity in Naples was professed in the newlyrenovated St. William’s Church.
DECEASED:
Since our last Regional Newsletter, two members from the Southwest Area have been called home byGod and will be missed by remaining members:
Dolores Laporta, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity died on November 29, 2012 and Jane Sulliva,OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity died on January 10, 2013.
PROFESSIONS:
Six Candidates from the Southwest Area have been professed:
Sionnie Tolentino, OFS and Domingo Tolentino, OFS from St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity, Port Charlotte,promised to always live the Gospel according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on Thursday,January 24, 2013 at the 11:00 AM Mass. Joyful socializing followed at the International Buffet.
Marie Fiscina, OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton; Roger Reid, OFS from Solanus CaseyFraternity in Venice; and Adele Lewis, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Cape Coral all madetheir permanent commitment to following the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on the Feast of thePresentation, February 2, 2013 at a con-‐‑celebrated 10 AM Mass with Rev. Benjamin Medeiros, T.O.R. asthe main celebrant, in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. Everyone then celebrated and mingled atDuff’s Buffet. Photos can be viewed on www.portiuncula.org . On that same day, Christina Pekar fromSt. Clare Fraternity in Naples was professed in the newly renovated St. William’s Church.
Marie Fiscina, OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton; Roger Reid, OFS from Solanus CaseyFraternity in Venice; and Adele Lewis, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Cape Coral all madetheir permanent commitment to following the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on the Feast of thePresentation, February 2, 2013 at a con-‐‑celebrated 10 AM Mass with Rev. Benjamin Medeiros, T.O.R. asthe main celebrant, in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. Everyone then celebrated and mingled atDuff’s Buffet. Photos can be viewed on www.portiuncula.org
On that same day, Christina Pekar from St. Clare Fraternity in Naples was professed in the newlyrenovated St. William’s Church.
DECEASED:
Since our last Regional Newsletter, two members from the Southwest Area have been called home byGod and will be missed by remaining members:
Dolores Laporta, OFS from Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity died on November 29, 2012 and Jane Sulliva,OFS from Portiuncula Fraternity died on January 10, 2013.
Josephine (aged 3), the youngest little Franciscan~!
Both Memoriam may be views on www.portiuncula.org
RETREAT:
Advent Retreat – Five fraternities from the Southwest Area participated in an Advent Retreat at OurLady of Perpetual Help in Venice with Fr. Francis De Poal, OFM as the Retreat Master. It was anuplifting day with several talks, opportunity for confession, and ended with the ultimate prayer, theMass. Of course the socializing during a tasty lunch added to the camaraderie.
St. Clare Fraternity, Naples, Florida
St Clare Fraternity in Naples, Hosted a SouthwestRegional Advent day of recollection at Our Ladyof Perpetual help in Venice. Fr Francis De SalesOFM from Ave Maria University led the day,sharing the gift of years. We are called to joyfullylive in the present, not looking back but forwardin awe and wonder for what great and mightythings God has in store for us. Many young andold alike enjoyed the beauty of His creation in andaround the retreat grounds during the day.
Fr Raney'ʹs 100th Birthday Celebration and a request for prayer as Fr. Joe Sterns continues on his journeyto be a Secular Franciscan!
Thank You! May God Bless your Spirit with Peace and all Good!
Bob Pekar, OFSMinister of St Clare Fraternity
Josephine (aged 3), the youngest little Franciscan~!
Both Memoriam may be views on www.portiuncula.org
RETREAT:
Advent Retreat – Five fraternities from the Southwest Area participated in an Advent Retreat at OurLady of Perpetual Help in Venice with Fr. Francis De Poal, OFM as the Retreat Master. It was anuplifting day with several talks, opportunity for confession, and ended with the ultimate prayer, theMass. Of course the socializing during a tasty lunch added to the camaraderie.
St. Clare Fraternity, Naples, Florida
St Clare Fraternity in Naples, Hosted a SouthwestRegional Advent day of recollection at Our Ladyof Perpetual help in Venice. Fr Francis De SalesOFM from Ave Maria University led the day,sharing the gift of years. We are called to joyfullylive in the present, not looking back but forwardin awe and wonder for what great and mightythings God has in store for us. Many young andold alike enjoyed the beauty of His creation in andaround the retreat grounds during the day.
Fr Raney'ʹs 100th Birthday Celebration and a request for prayer as Fr. Joe Sterns continues on his journeyto be a Secular Franciscan!
Thank You! May God Bless your Spirit with Peace and all Good!
Bob Pekar, OFSMinister of St Clare Fraternity
Southeast
Espejo de Cristo
Espejo de Cristo (aka: Mirror of Christ) had our annual Christmas Apostolate for 2012. As part of theApostolate, we purchased and donated food baskets and toys for the children of needy families in ourcommunity. We also worked with Queen of Peace fraternity to contribute 100 care boxes with toiletryfor the homeless (See pictures of us purchasing and preparation the donations!)
Hard work and long hours but the Joy of Giving and expressing the Lords Love were great thisChristmas season. Thanks to the generous donations of many people.
West Central Florida
St. Michael the Archangel, Tampa, Florida
St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity Council (Maria Nicotra OFS,Fr. Angelus Migliore TOR, Sandy Scionti OFS, Marie WaddellOFS, John Williams OFS, Buzz Bruno OFS, and Dr. MargieSweeney OFS
Maryann Fitzpatrick OFS, Marie Waddell OFS, Sandy SciontiOFS, and Sharon McHugh OFS
Southeast
Espejo de Cristo
Espejo de Cristo (aka: Mirror of Christ) had our annual Christmas Apostolate for 2012. As part of theApostolate, we purchased and donated food baskets and toys for the children of needy families in ourcommunity. We also worked with Queen of Peace fraternity to contribute 100 care boxes with toiletryfor the homeless (See pictures of us purchasing and preparation the donations!)
Hard work and long hours but the Joy of Giving and expressing the Lords Love were great thisChristmas season. Thanks to the generous donations of many people.
West Central Florida
St. Michael the Archangel, Tampa, Florida
St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity Council (Maria Nicotra OFS,Fr. Angelus Migliore TOR, Sandy Scionti OFS, Marie WaddellOFS, John Williams OFS, Buzz Bruno OFS, and Dr. MargieSweeney OFS
Maryann Fitzpatrick OFS, Marie Waddell OFS, Sandy SciontiOFS, and Sharon McHugh OFS
St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity Members John Williams OFS and Sharon McHugh OFS
St. Michael the Archangel fraternity meets at St. Patrick Church in Tampa, Florida, on the thirdWednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. The fraternity is led by Francis “Buzz” Bruno OFS (Minister), Dr.Margie Sweeney OFS (Vice Minister), John V. Williams OFS (Formation Director), Sandy Scionti OFS(Secretary), Marie Therese Waddell OFS (Treasurer), with Jane Keehan OFS and Maria Nicotra OFS(Councilors at Large). Rev. Angelus Migliore, TOR is our beloved Spiritual Assistant.
The fraternity actively assists our homeless brothers and sisters, with a ministry led by Maria Nicotra.Mary Skok, Jane Keehan, and Mary Ann Fitzpatrick also minister to nursing home patients in Tampa.The fraternity assists our brothers and sisters in Haiti and other developing countries through theHelping Hands Healing Ministry, led by Dr. Margie Sweeney, OFS. Margie will be travelling to Haiti inthe spring with a team of medical professionals and volunteers, as they help those in developingcountries with medical care and education, and our prayers. Margie'ʹs work is a fraternity groupapostolate of St. Michael the Archangel. For more information, please visithttp://drmargie.blogspot.com.
Our fraternity received the grace and blessings of five new professions in the year 2012. In April 2012,Mary Skok OFS and Dorothy T Smith OFS were professed at St. Patrick Church with great joy! InDecember 2012, Bill Morgan OFS, Diana McKinney OFS, and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz OFS were professedas well. Our Christmas party was held in December following a reception for the professions.
Two members experienced Sister Death and passed on to eternal life (Robin Reich OFS and BernadineCameron OFS). May their souls be blessed and rest in peace.
Michelle Thresher Taylor JD OFS and Dr. Margie Sweeney, OFS Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz OFS, her husband Dr. Joseph Staffetti anddaughter Alessandra
Diana McKinney OFS and her friends John Williams OFS, David Koehler, and Buzz Bruno OFS at aformal welcoming ceremony for Dave
Buzz Bruno, OFS and Rev. Jim Angert, TOR Fr. Angelus Migliore, TOR (Spiritual Assistant)
ANSWERS: 1. St. John of the Cross | 2. St. Clare | 3. St. Maximillian Kolbe | 4. St. Maximillian Kolbe | 5. St. Anthony of Padua | 6. St.Bonaventure
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