2010 Chapter

By BOB & MARY STRONACH, SFO

A sense of family, a spirit of peace, and a hunger for courageous initiatives would pervade the annual chapter of the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order, held Oct. 26-31 in . Arriving at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, regional ministers, delegates and others were greeted by soaring palm trees, cacti of myriad shapes and sizes, and assorted desert flora, sprawling across white sand in gardens enveloping the center. A self-standing archway belltower beckoned all to enter “Casa de Paz y Bien” – house of peace and good. “Casa” is its nickname, reflecting a place set apart in the desert for renewal of the spirit.

The courtyard, looking south toward Camelback Mountain. INSET: Entrance to the Franciscan Renewal Center. 15 • 2010 Chapter Mary Frances Charsky, SFO, minister of Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha Region (Upstate & Northwest Penn- sylvania), conducted the orientation for Joanne Angeletti, SFO new regional minis- St. Maximilian Kolbe Region ters (left and below). (Northern )

A PRE-CHAPTER cans, friars, Poor Clares and ion.” He noted: St. Thomas orientation for new regional others, including Anglican Aquinas “reminds us, if you ministers and first-time at- and Ecumenical Franciscans want to know Christ,” look tendees occupied the after- attending the chapter. at the cross. “The cross will noon, prior to the chapter’s “I think of St. Francis as a teach us about humility, the opening mass, which was seed,” the preached. cross will teach us about pa- celebrated by newly installed “...A seed that the Holy Spirit tience, the cross will teach us Charlotte Collord, SFO Phoenix Auxiliary Bishop used to produce great fruit.” about forgiveness, the cross Ohana O’Ke Anuenue Region Eduardo Nevares. During The results, 800 years later, will teach us about love.” (Hawaii) introductions before mass, is a vast Franciscan family Bishop Nevares said Fran- National Vice Minister Elaine and “the innumerable others cis of Assisi “meditated long Hedtke presented the bishop who have known and been and profoundly on the cross with a Tau cross, which she touched by Franciscans.” of Christ” – a good model for had carved from “Sister “Brothers and sisters,” he “you who have committed Tree” that “Brother Wind” said, “we are all called to be your lives to the teaching, had toppled in her back- saints, we are all called to example and spirituality of yard. In the chapel, Bishop be holy, we are all called to St. Francis.” Nevares fastened it to a cord be seeds…There are living “I pray in a great way for Marian Crosby, SFO and donned the Tau as his saints among us now who are each of you so that your Franciscans of Prairie Region pectoral cross – to the delight living the love of God and time here…will be greatly (Central : to south) of some 80 Secular Francis- neighbor in an heroic fash- blessed… and (you will)

Joan Geiger, SFO Pat Houghton, SFO Josh Molidor, SFO Sherry Stevenson, SFO Tau Cross Region St. Joan of Arc Region Los Tres Companeros Region St. Clare Region (Greater NY City Area) (MS, LA, E. TX, Memphis, TN) (Central ) (, Illinois, Indiana)

Sheri Hafeli, SFO Cyl Maljan, SFO Jerry Rousseau, SFO Steve White, SFO Divine Mercy Region Lady Poverty Region Bros & Srs of St. Francis Region Holy Trinity Region (Lower Michigan & Toledo, OH) (Parts of PA, OH, WV, VA, MD) (GA, NC, SC, AL, TN) (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) 16 • 2010 Chapter be renewed in Franciscan The theme of the chapter, spirituality and commitment, he said, is “a call and a chal- and go out to share the ex- lenge” – “Bringing the Gift perience of St. Francis in the of Gospel Living to Life: Our everyday.” Credible Witnessing.” Following mass, National Continued Bello: “Our basic Minister Tom Bello Secular Franciscan vision, as it said there were many nomina- says in our Rule, is to go from tions for the Peace Award, Gospel to life and life to Gos- but the National Fraternity pel, and to build the kingdom of (NAFRA) had to settle on one God…We need to make Christ most deserving. As the bishop our goal, our life, our light.” said at mass, “if you want to On the four priorities: see Christ, look at the cross,” 1. “Fraternity is the com- Bello said. “If you want to see munity of love…The visible Francis of Assisi today, look Bishop Eduardo Nevares presents Peace Award to Br. David. expression of the church.” at” Br. David Buer, OFM, It’s where Franciscans are friend to Arizona’s homeless THE NEXT DAY, Bello order,” he said, “begins with called to be; and, if there is a and migrants. Bishop Nevares opened the chapter assembly us” -- Franciscans who live problem, it may be a failure of then presented the award to with talk of a Gospel vi- and work in “an increasingly formation, the second priority. Brother David, and posed for sion, with four priority areas pagan world,” where “Christ 2. Both the international pictures with the friar and his for the order – fraternity, is not brought into the public and national fraternities are mother, Doris, who came in formation, communication, discourse” very much, “ex- placing an emphasis on good from Ballwin, MO. youth. “The vision of the cept in profane ways.” formation. That’s why the

Friar to the Homeless Gets Special Birthday Gift: 2010 Peace Award SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- least brothers of mine, on a vacant lot to publicize Brother David Buer, OFM, you did for me.” And St. the need for more shelters. a Franciscan friar who Francis, the spoiled son of A group of homeless men has been working with the a wealthy merchant, had a befriended and protected homeless and marginalized life-changing moment when him during the vigil. “It put in Tucson and Las Vegas, he encountered a leper on me in solidarity with those received a special birthday the road: Instead of giving who have less.” gift on Oct. 26, a day after him wide berth, Francis Next he was assigned to he turned 57 -- the National embraced the leper. “Who Tucson, AZ, where in 2008 Peace Award from the are the lepers of today?” he established another Secular Franciscan Order. Brother David asked. Poverello House and where, “It’s my experience “Who are the marginalized for the past five summers, that we can expect God’s people?” he set up Cooling Centers blessing when we bring Brother David entered at two churches six days a Br. David Buer, OFM these people -- the poor, religious life later in life, week (three days at each the homeless, the migrants Jr. and Mother Teresa of making his permanent church). The homeless -- into our circle of love,” Calcutta. profession as a Franciscan could escape the oppres- Brother David told some 80 Brother David said he brother in 1996 – a year sive summer heat in an air ministers, delegates and ob- was inspired to work among before he arrived in Las conditioned center and find servers representing 14,000 the poor and homeless by Vegas, where he established food, cold beverages and a Secular Franciscans across the words of Jesus Christ Poverello House, a daytime place to relax and read. the U.S. and by a simple act of St. refuge for the homeless. In The Award comes with He said he was humbled Francis of Assisi. A pas- 2002 he established a second a St. Francis statue and a and honored to receive the sage in Matthew’s Gospel Poverello House in Hender- $2,000 prize. same award that, in the “shot through me” – the one son, NV. He also went on a “That money is going to past, also went to the likes where Jesus says, “whatever two-week vigil and fast in Poverello House in Tucson,” of Dr. Martin Luther King you did for one of these Las Vegas, living in a tent Brother David said. 17 • 2010 Chapter Dc. Tom Bello, SFO Michelle Kim, SFO Arturo Villarreal, SFO Br. Bob Brady, OFM National Minister National Councilor National Councilor Nat’l Spiritual Assistant National Formation Commis- ALSO ON WEDNESDAY, we’re living the life of Fran- tion books, noted that despite sion, chaired by Bob Fitzsim- other national leaders got to cis.” He urged: “Do what is the turmoil in the world, “our mons, will hold a workshop share a few thoughts. necessary; then you will do Franciscan vocation invites in May to unveil a formation Holding up a tiny, three- what is possible; and finally, us to see the signs of the manual for training formators ring pretzel, National Coun- you will do the impossible.” times in a forward-looking (formation directors). cilor Michelle Kim declared In pointing to the need to light.” In other words, instead 3. Communication, the it a picture of “diversity in have a good spiritual as- of wringing their hands, third priority, “always needs unity.” She spoke of the sistant for every fraternity, “Franciscans sing the joy of improvement.” The national project to translate articles in National Spiritual Assistant God’s love.” And our profes- chapter and Tau-USA maga- Tau-USA into key languages Br. Bob Brady, OFM, noted sion recognizes that “we are zine are primary means of found in a growing number that the spiritual assistant called to live the Gospel of communication. “I challenge of U.S. fraternities, such as training curriculum, Francis- Jesus Christ.” Paraphras- you to think about how we Korean and Spanish. can Family Connections, was ing Pope Benedict XVI, he can do this better,” he said. National Councilor Arturo being updated on an on-go- said one does not make the 4. Regarding youth, Bello Villarreal said he was in- ing basis. world more human by acting asked: “If you are 40 or spired by discussion of “what Quoting scripture, he of- inhumanely; we are called to younger, please stand up.” we’re doing” around the fered: “He sent you into the do good now. Two persons rose from their country, such as what’s rep- world so that you may bear U.S. International Council- seats. The challenge, he said, resented in the Peace Award. witness to his voice.” or Anne Mulqueen sees “love is how to attract younger “We work with the poor, we “Consider,” he added, relationships” in the Francis- people to the Secular Francis- comfort the sick, we love our “what morsel you can bring can charism. “My dream for can life when so much of their brothers and sisters. This is to the table” to plant “a seed us is to enter into a relation- world is not God-centered. who we are.” of Christ”. ship of love, at all levels.” “How can we give that cred- As the bishop noted the Fr. Lester Bach, OFM She quoted Br. Felice Can- ible witnessing and show that night before, he said, “there Cap., national spiritual as- gelosi, OFM Cap.,who spoke joy…so they’ll come to us?” are saints among us…Today sistant and author of forma- at the international chapter: “With profession, our relationship is stron- ger than blood.” She described a “dynamic relationship of God and us and others,” and summed up: “We look at each other as individual, as unique, as irrepeatable, and without one of us, we are diminished.” Then she introduced Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap Anne Mulqueen, SFO Tibor Kauser & Fr. Amanuel the international Nat’l Spiritual Assistant U.S. International Councilor International Visitors 18 • 2010 Chapter fraternal visitor, Tibor Kauser of Hungary, the international councilor for English-speak- ing countries (Area 1). After extending greet- ings from General Minister Encarnita del Pozo of Spain and General Vice Minister Ed Shirley Doug Clorey of Canada, Ecumenical/Interfaith Chair Kauser immediately assured the assembly that as fraternal visitor, he was not an inspec- tor. “I’m one of you…I’m here to share in your joy and in your challenges.” He said his goal was “to Kent Ferris Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR listen, to learn, to share” and JPIC Chair National Spiritual Assistant that he especially wanted to learn as “you have many ciscans is growing so fast, National Spiritual As- two of the students. treasures” in the U.S. order. they can’t keep track of the sistant Fr. Kevin Queally, “I have come here to serve numbers. Father Amanuel TOR, piped up that he was AT LATE AFTERNOON you. I would like to ask you concurred that, unlike the organizing a group of college MASS, Father Kevin spoke to receive me as one from U.S. and Europe, Africa was students to go to World Youth of “servant leaders not being among you.” booming with vocations, Day in Madrid, Spain next in it for the power or glory.” Pointing to the local frater- which is why the Interna- August and the Franciscan They are “called by God to nity as “the most important tional Fraternity has taken on Youth (YouthFra) gathering serve.” One line from the place in the order,” he urged: “the African Project” to help immediately preceding it. scripture reading jumped “Strengthen the bond in your provide resources for forma- “My dream is I’ll come back out at him, he said. “Doing local fraternity.” tion. Africa lacks funds for with 12 fired-up youth who the will of God from the Fr. Amanuel Mesgun formation materials, he said. want to start a Franciscan heart, willingly serving the Temelso, OFM Cap., the Youth/Young Adult group.” Lord.” That’s what living out pastoral visitor from Rome, THE TOPIC OF youth, He mentioned he was trying profession is, he said. It’s spoke of the unity of the as one of the four priori- to raise funds to help defray continuous, unending. So, Franciscan family. “We are ties, drew some discussion, the travel expenses, especial- “do his will, willingly from one,” he said, because our too. “If we’re serious about ly since some of the students the heart.” founder’s aim and purpose reaching youth, we have to were barely scraping by was the same – “to build the think like them…and real- with their college costs. The THE EVENING be- church of Christ.” He said he ize they’re asking different chapter later voted to donate gan with a presentation on was inspired by the unity and questions today,” offered Ed $2,400 from the Youth/Young Franciscan Mission Service the example of Secular Fran- Shirley, theology professor Adult budget and sponsor (FMS), which sends lay mis- ciscans. “I thank you for liv- and Ecumenical/Interfaith sioners to work alongside ing the Gospel…in the world chair. He gave an example: Franciscans in Third and…among the people.” Youth today ask questions World countries, and then like “how am I connect- was capped off by a panel WITH SHARING going ed?” rather than “what’s presentation on immigra- on in geographic groups and my purpose in life?” tion. among attendees, the subject Kent Ferris, the new “Poverty is so great in of vocations came up. Kim JPIC chair, suggested the countries we serve,” Smolik of Franciscan Mis- meeting youth “where said FMS Director Kim sion Service mentioned she they are” – such as in their Smolik. had been in Zambia recently interest in ecology and the “Our hope,” she added, where “religious vocations environment, or the way “is that the Secular Fran- are blossoming” and where they use technology such ciscan Order will join Kim Smolik the number of Secular Fran- as Facebook and Twitter. Franciscan Mission Service Franciscan Mission Ser- 19 • 2010 Chapter Patti Sills-Trausch Connie Andersen Fr. Larry Janezic, OFM Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. Immigration Panelist Immigration Panelist Franciscan Action Network Franciscans International vice in a deliberate partner- and noted that because of THURSDAY MORNING for donations, asking Secular ship to spread and deepen the restrictions in immigration featured brief remarks by Franciscans to donate $5 Franciscan charism.” law and bureaucratic redtape, national appointees and a month and then ask five She noted that mission- it is virtually impossible for presentations by Franciscan people to do the same. ers go through 16 weeks of the overwhelming majority Action Network’s Fr. Larry Franciscan formation before of migrants coming from Janezic, OFM, and Fran- THE AFTERNOON was departing for a three-year Mexico to legally come to ciscans International’s Fr. devoted to On-Going Forma- assignment, and that it costs the U.S. to work. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. tion. Fr. Richard Trezza, $1,500 a month to support Congress, she said, needs Father Larry spoke of OFM, spiritual assistant one missioner. She hoped to pass legislation allowing creating conditions to pos- to the National Formation Secular Franciscans would migrants better access to sibly have “an impact on Commission, gave a two-part support FMS through prayer, work in America and making transforming public policy” talk on the importance and by getting the word out, and it easier for U.S. companies and promoted FAN’s “Care sacredness of profession. with donations. “If I were to obtain plentiful work visas for Creation,” a Franciscan He quoted Br. Felice able to say that every region for migrants. ecological training program. Cangelosi, the vicar general of the Secular Franciscan Or- “What we hear in the news Franciscans International, of the Capuchin Francis- der across the United States is not so much tied to facts with offices at the United cans, who declared at the supports us, there’s power in as to fear,” Andersen said. Nations, “is the only shared international chapter that the that.” “Are we going to let our fear ministry of the entire Fran- Church recognizes Secular govern us, or our faith?” ciscan family,” noted Father Franciscans as belonging to a WITH A controversial Over the next few days, Michael. Goals include real Order, and that profes- immigration law bringing attendees would discuss im- ending poverty, stopping the sion in the Order is of the national attention to Arizona, migration and then approve a spread of HIV/AIDS, and same importance as religious immigration has become “a statement declaring solidarity improving maternal and child profession -- different, but of very polarizing issue among with migrants. health. Father Larry appealed equal import. us in the faithful communi- “It is seen by the universal ty,” noted panelist Patti Sills- church as the same thing, Trausch of Casa Advocacy as giving ourselves over to Network. God,” Father Richard said. What it boils down to is Profession has a number of the “people come here for “awesome” elements: economic reasons,” said • It is Holy Spirit-driven: the other panelist, Connie An invitation to vocation. Andersen of Valley Interfaith Furthermore, the minister Project. invokes the Holy Spirit and She offered a brief history Franciscans International’s Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv., calls the Holy Spirit down on of U.S. immigration policy had everyone raising their arms in praise. the people being professed. 20 • 2010 Chapter • It is a fundamental mo- THE EVENING ment and an intense moment ended with Frances- with God. co’s Café, a round • It’s a ritual done in a pub- robin of displays by lic arena, in the presence of national committees the fraternity, and a platform and special guests. to give a response to God. For example, the • It’s dedicating oneself to new Tau-USA editor, service of God’s kingdom, Anna Geraci, was and it’s grace-filled, because handing out a special “we couldn’t do that without color run of the a big dose of God’s grace.” national newsletter; Fr. Richard Trezza, OFM • It’s a , a National Archivist Sharon Speaking on the Significance of Profession dedication to God’s exclusive Deveaux had a packet of tips service while living in the AT MASS following up his Franciscan Family for every regional minis- world as a single or mar- Ongoing Formation, Father Apostolate. With some 1,400 ter; National Historian Bill ried person… to be at God’s Richard continued the profes- sponsors, the apostolate is Wicks was signing copies disposal. sion theme. He compared making a difference in the of his Volume I history, and Because of the significance professed SFOs to the apostle lives of destitute families in talking up his forthcoming of profession, it is vital to since they are being called India. He asks new spon- Volume II; Ecumenical/Inter- have a discernment process to a deeper relationship with sors to donate a minimum faith Chair Ed Shirley was during the formation of God and are experiencing of $25 a month. Families offering to come to regions candidates. the gradual unfolding of the being helped may earn $10 a to give talks and share his The profession ceremony revelation of God. Brother month, “so $25 is like manna ecumenical journey, which should take place during Felice, he went on, made a from heaven.” began when he was born to Mass, with a friar or priest connection between profes- He works with religious a Catholic dad and a Baptist present to be the witness sion and the Eucharist. “We sisters in India to identify mom; Spirit and Life Team for the church and Order, present ourselves as an obla- families and pressing needs. (SALT) coordinator Marie he said. He even encour- tion, much the same as bread He showed a video of one Amore was urging regions to aged fraternities to postpone and wine on the altar… We family with a disabled father schedule the SALT experi- profession until a friar or place ourselves on the altar and a handicapped grand- ence, which she described priest can be scheduled to during profession.” child living in a dilapidated as a weekend journey of participate. He added: “Permanent structure. The apostolate was life-giving growth; and the “You are Franciscan men profession is an on-going able to provide the family self-described Nerd Herd and Franciscan women in glorification of God.” So with a new home. (Computer Committee your own right,” he said, and, every time SFOs go to mass “I need your help. We can’t members Dan Mulholland, quoting Brother Felice, he and partake of the Eucharist, do it alone.” He noted that 90 Bob Herbelin and Roger added: “The SFO profession it’s like an on-going act of percent of the sponsors are Raupp) was anything but has the dignity of solemn and profession. Secular Franciscans, and he nerdy, belting out old tunes religious profession and can- could use many more. “We with National Secretary Jan not be considered lesser than THURSDAY EVENING have over 1,000 families on a Parker, Fr. Lester Bach, and that of a religious profes- began with Secular Fran- waiting list.” other visitors who plopped sion.” ciscan Alan Ouimet talking down and stayed.

Alan Ouimet, SFO Francesco’s Cafe featured, among others, Editor Anna Geraci, Archivist Sharon Deveaux and Historian Fran. Family Apostolate Bill Wicks, SALT team’s Marie Amore, and Nerd Herd’s Dan Mulholland, Roger Raupp and Bob Herbelin. 21 • 2010 Chapter Attendees pose for a group photo, squinting in bright sunlight, before visiting nearby Phoenix. All 30 regions were repre- sented at the Chapter, except for one, whose minister arrived in Arizona only to have to rush her mother to the hospital. FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE II (commemorating his 1987 participants had “credible Secular Franciscans to “pray, provided an afternoon of visit). Fr. Vince Mesi, OFM, witnessing” and “courageous learn, act/advocate, and sightseeing in nearby Phoe- is the rector, and he likes initiatives” on their minds finally give” to the campaign. nix, culminating in Mass and to sing. His homily and the during the morning session. Throughout the coming year, supper at St. Mary’s Basilica. readings were the only parts JPIC Chair Kent Ferris JPIC would organize month- The downtown Franciscan of the mass that he didn’t lift proposed partnering with ly or periodic “webinars” (a parish, regarded as Phoenix’s in song. He even serenaded Catholic Relief Services meeting or seminar over the mother church, is located chapter attendees with Italian in its “Catholics Confront World Wide Web) involv- literally in the shadow of the ballads during a pasta feast in Global Poverty” campaign. ing interested people from city’s convention center. Its the church basement. It’s an opportunity to involve regions and fraternities. adjacent park boasts sculp- “local, regional and national The assembly unanimously tures of St. Francis, Mother PRIOR TO THE fraternities.” He suggested voted to endorse Ferris’ vi- Teresa and Pope John Paul “half-day away”, chapter a one-year trial, asking sion.

Fr. Vince Mesi, OFM, the singing rector at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix (right).

22 • 2010 Chapter U.S. Secular Franciscan Order Declares Solidarity with Migrants The U.S. Secular Fran- ly approved a statement darity with the migrants in the DREAM act.” ciscan Order declared its declaring “some current our midst,” the statement • “We support and “solidarity with migrants harsh attitudes towards reads. encourage all the humani- in our midst” during its migration” as intolerable The statement goes on tarian efforts to assist im- national gathering Oct. 29 and deploring “the fear to say: migrants who are strug- at the Franciscan Renewal and anxiety paralyzing • “We endorse the gling to survive.” Center in Scottsdale, AZ. our immigrant brothers United States Catholic • “We pray for peace The national body, rep- and sisters.” ’ urgent call for and harmony, and we al- resenting 14,000 Secular “As Franciscans, we in- Comprehensive Immigra- ways remember in prayer Franciscans across the tentionally chose to come tion Reform, including families who are being United States, unanimous- to Arizona to stand in soli- their strong support for torn apart.”

That was immediately WITH THE national fra- coming to the fund made The assembly then ap- followed by a resolution ternity already a sponsoring it possible to give $19,473 proved the budget. to endorse a statement on member of FAN, National to Haiti disaster relief and immigration prepared by Minister Tom Bello proposed another $2,340 for Philip- THE CHAPTER ALSO: Father Kevin, Kent Ferris donating to other Franciscan pines disaster relief in 2010. • unanimously endorsed and Brother David. It passed causes: Amazon Relief, Fran- In addition, the Youth/Young the establishment of a Care unanimously and declared ciscan Family Apostolate, Adult H20 Project raised for Creation Award, with a solidarity with migrants. Franciscan Mission Service $20,832 for 2009 Peace mandate to come back next and Franciscans Internation- Award Recipient Don year with guidelines for SATURDAY WAS the al. The chapter unanimously Ryder’s Kenya Water Project. launching it. final day of chapter busi- approved giving $1,000 to “I’m impressed,” Juan • unanimously adopted, ness, with Sunday primarily a each of those ministries from de Padillo Regional Min- with applause, a U.S. Secular travel day – although a post- the donor fund. ister Frank Carpinelli said Franciscan Vocation Prayer. chapter roundtable discussion That was quickly followed to murmurs of agreement. Franciscans of the Prairie awaited those who could by unanimous approval to “$42,000! We were able to Regional Minister Marian hang around before heading send $1,000 to Catholic give out (that much) in dona- Crosby, who was inspired to the airport. Relief Services for Pakistani tions.” to write the prayer during Br. Bob Brady helped kick flood relief, and to urge He also said he was the Chapter, noted: “God’s off Saturday by encouraging Secular Franciscans to con- amazed the treasurer and already given vocations. It’s attendees to be open to “God tribute to the donor fund and executive council were able our job to locate them.” moments.” increase the amount going to to propose a $216,000 budget Translation teams have He challenged: “Go back Pakistani relief. for 2011 -- the same bottom since translated the vocation to your fraternities” and “see Regarding the donor fund, line as 2010. prayer into Spanish, Korean, God in the context of the National Treasurer Dennis “That’s a major achieve- Vietnamese, and Polish. See poor.” Ross reported that donations ment.” Pages 4-5.

Brother Bob, National Minister Tom Bello, Treasurer Dennis Ross and Vocation Prayer Author Marian Crosby. 23 • 2010 Chapter AS THE CHAP- TER was about to come to a close, international visitors offered final remarks, and the assembly moved outdoors to the cen- ter’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine for the annual Rite of Remembrance in honor of deceased Franciscans across the country. The Chapter’s closing weekend coincided with Rite of Remembrance at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. the blessing of animals and pet adopt-a-thon – with scores of humane societies, animal rescue groups and pet organizations setting up exhibits. Hundreds of people walked the grounds with dogs of all breeds, and the friars came out to bless the animals.

Pat Houghton, SFO, and Michelle Kim, SFO, took a stroll through the exhibits at the St. Francis Festival and Pet Adopt-A-Thon. Peggy Alfano brought Keagen, a Border Collie, to visit St. Francis and receive a blessing from the friars. She adopted Keagen from Arizona Border Collie Rescue, one of a number of rescue groups at the St. Francis Festival. “They’re awesome,” she said. 24 • 2010 Chapter DURING CLOSING MASS, Fa- Find NAFRA ther Amanuel noted: “By our vocation, On Facebook we are called to be brothers, sisters, mothers and spouses of Christ.” With talk of how We’re brothers and sisters when we youth stay connected via “strive to do the will of the Father.” social media like Face- We’re mothers when, “by our good book and Twitter, Randy example, others see Christ.” Heinz of Our Lady of We’re spouses when, “through the the Rockies Region Holy Spirit, through the reading of the launched a Facebook Bible and especially through receiving page for NAFRA at the the Holy Eucharist...we are united with Chapter. To see and Christ.” become part of it, go to “We are blessed,” he concluded, Facebook.com and type “because we taste heaven when we are “NAFRA” in the search still on earth.” box.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES: SECULAR FRANCISCANS AND THEIR CHAPTER T-SHIRTS

FACES OF THE TIMES: FRANCISCANS AT NATIONAL GATHERING

Vice Minister Elaine Hedtke. BELOW: National Councilor Mary Bittner and Secretary Jan Parker.

Rev. Deacon Joan Verret repre- sented the Anglican Third Order Sue Simeone, minister of the host St. Society of St. Francis, and Su- Thomas More Region, and her husband, san Kay (right) represented the Deacon Phil, who planned the Chapter’s Order of Ecumenical Francis- liturgies. National Minister Tom Bello cans. They offered, Tom Bello praised the regional council and all the said, “a holy witness to our volunteers who spent 10,000 man hours Franciscan journey together.” helping to make the chapter a success. 25 • 2010 Chapter Chapter Candids

Mary Frances Charsky, SFO, was Josh Molidor, SFO, and Marie Amore, SFO, discuss spicing up regions with a little SALT. struck by a sculpture of her region’s namesake, portraying Mohawk maiden Kateri Tekakwitha in the graceful act of washing her hair.

Hans Huemmer, SFO Five Franciscan Martyrs

Bob Fitzsimmons, SFO, Formation Commission chair

Ken Beattie, SFO LaVerna Region Ed Feiler, SFO Queen of Peace

Sylvia Paoli, SFO Daily praying and singing...and experiencing joy (below). St. Francis Region THE AUTHORS Bob & Mary Stronach, SFO

26 • 2010 Chapter