St Anthony Brief
IRISH FRANCISCAN MISSION MAGAZINE No .1 dEC/JAN 2015 €1.00
✣ The Journey to Bethlehem ✣✣ The Simplest Prayer ✣✣ Northernmost Friars SOFTEN US O living God, soften us! Let the fire of your love thaw the frost within us. Let the light of your justice sear away our blindness. Let the grace of your compassion heal our hardened spirits. O living God, soften us! That, flowing with your grace, we be impelled to face the world in bold compassion, that, driven to justice, we may dare to cry aloud for the little ones, the raped, the beaten the imprisoned, and the hungry. O living God, soften us! Sweep us forward in a Mighty Wave of Mercy to heal our darkened world. – EDWINA GATELEY
d Life Spirit an St Anthony Brief SStt AAnntthhoonnyy BBrriieeff
2 Spirit and Life. 4 From the Editor. The Holy Name and Understanding Salvation . As the Jubilee Year 5 of the Holy Name draws to close for the Franciscan Family in Ireland, Kieran Cronin OFM ponders the deeper significance of calling on the name of Jesus.
A Modern Day South African Martyr. Gerry O’Reilly OFM tells of 8 the life and death of Benedict Daswa. A New and Fascinating World. His growing friendship with the 10 indigenous people of Panama has opened the way to unexplored territory for Gerald Evans OFM. 12 Church Brief. More of the Same? Marko Phiri reflects on “speaking truth to 13 power” in Zimbabwe. 13 Sipho Zikhali OFM. The Journey To Bethlehem! Pope Francis points the way to make 14 Advent a time of spiritual refreshment. 16 A Call to Your Generosity! 18 25 Years of Franciscans International. 18 A Beautiful Christmas Gift for Yourself or Others! 19 The Divine Exchange. King Saint Louis IX of France. Pat Conlan OFM tells the story of 20 the Patron of the Third Order Franciscans, now known as the Secular Franciscans. 21 St Anthony’s Monthly Draw: End of an Era. Volume 75 No.1 News from Around the Franciscan World. Missionary Magazine of the Irish 22 Franciscans. Published bi-monthly by The Simplest Prayer. Francis Cotter OFM shares the talk he the Franciscan Missionary Union, gave at the launch of The Simplest Prayer in Dublin in October. 8 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8. 24 Editor: Br Stephen O’Kane OFM. Reaching Out to Jesus for Help in Our Relationships. Production: Fr Francis Cotter OFM. 26 Subscription & Distribution Secretary: “Northernmost Friars" – Franciscans in Alaska. Gearóid Ó Helen Doran. Tel: (01) 6777651. [email protected] 27 Conaire OFM looks at the mission of the friars among the Design, Layout & Printing: Athabascan people in the remote interior of northern Alaska. Corcoran Print & Design. Tel: (053) 9234760. Mission Digest. Subscription including Postage: 30 Ireland – €12.00 per annum Letters to the Editor. Britain – Stg£12.00 per annum Overseas – €15.00 per annum 31 dec/Jan 2015 3 From the Editor Flabbergasted!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost with us once again. Where did the last year go? Christmas means different things to dif - Br Stephen O’Kane, OFM ferent people, and I suppose it is increasingly more difficult to keep Christ in the celebration. I remember a campaign some years ago with the slogan, “Keep Christ in Christmas!” I think that is a good idea, and that’s why when I send Christmas cards I always make sure they say something about the birth of the Son of God, because that’s what we are celebrating after all, incredible as that seems.
St Francis of Assisi, when he thought of the goodness and generosity of God in becoming one of us, was flabbergasted at the humility of God and almost speechless with joy. So full of love and appreciation was he for what God had done that he wanted the ordinary man and woman around him to feel and appreciate that admiration too. And so, as you well know, Francis made physical and more real the whole beautiful story of the birth of Jesus by creat - ing what we now know as the nativity scene or crib.
We are so used to seeing the birth scene in our churches nowadays that we fairly much take it for granted. But for those ordinary folks of the Italian village of Greccio back in 1223, seeing for the first time that re-enactment of what it must have been like that first night, moved those present to tears and a change of life. One who witnessed it said that the people were so happy “the woods rang with joy.”
Jesus, by becoming one of us and our brother, made each of us brothers and sisters as well, and that means we have the responsibility of care for each other.
I wish you and yours every joy this Christmas and God’s blessing in the year ahead. Thank you for all you do for the Franciscan missions abroad and may we never stop being amazed at this God of ours who became one of us. – Stephen O’Kane OFM ([email protected])
St Anthony Brief 4 e Holy Name and Understanding Salvation
As the Jubilee Year of the Holy Name draws to close for the Franciscan Family in Ireland, Kieran Cronin OFM ponders the deeper significance of calling on the name of Jesus.
t is widely accepted these days that bringing the Kingdom of God, His Father Salvation: Negative and Positive Aspects our image of God tends to influence and ours, to its perfect realisation – for sal - To clarify the authentic meaning of this IIour relationship with Him. If, for exam - vation is an ongoing process, which has essential aspect of our faith, I suggest that ple, we focus exclusively on legal imagery been only partially achieved. Already pre - we speak first of false or, perhaps better, – the God of justice, the judge or police - sent in the Old Testament, and intensifying limited meanings of salvation. One exam - man – then the way we relate to the Lord in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, ple is the idea found in the account of the may be dominated by a mixture of fear and then continuing in a special way in the life Annunciation to St Joseph in St Matthew’s anxiety, leading in some extreme cases to of the Church, this initiative of a merciful Gospel, where the angel instructs him to an obsessive scrupulosity. A similar point and loving God remains a challenge to call the child, “Jesus”, and explains the can be made about some of the key con - believers to work for the establishment of name as “the one who will save His people cepts on which our faith is built, in particu - His reign. Nor should we ignore the myste - from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21). There lar the idea of “salvation” and associated rious ways in which God works in all peo - definitely is truth in this notion that salva - notions like “redemption”, “reconciliation” ple of good will, religious and non-religious tion involves a basic liberation from a sinful and “liberation”. And, as we celebrate the alike, to accomplish His saving intention. If life and this message is given again and Year of the Holy Name, it is surely of great we fail to grasp the meaning of salvation, again in the public ministry of Jesus in the importance that we grasp the true meaning we fail to grasp the meaning of the Holy way in which He mediates forgiveness to of the name of Jesus, which in Hebrew Name and we may end up praying for the sinners. However, this negative side of sal - stands for “God saves”. When we use this wrong thing – a “salvation” that reflects our vation is only a first step towards the most name, especially in prayer, we are not sim - own prejudices and self-interest rather important issue, namely, our reconciliation ply reminding ourselves of the historical than God’s will. God forbid that our use of with God, our calling to be disciples of mission of Our Lord, we are also calling the Holy Name should become a form of Jesus and co-workers with Him in building out to Him to complete that mission of blasphemy or idolatry! for the Kingdom of God. The essential dec/Jan 2015 5 point is that we are “saved from” some - to heaven. But, surely this is our goal and since our tradition suggests that our eter - thing bad in order to be “saved for” some - the final fulfilment of all our striving? nal fate is settled immediately when we thing wonderful, a life devoted to promot - Wouldn’t we all love to hear Jesus speak die. The General Judgement at the end of ing Gospel values, spending all our ener - to us, as we die: “Today, you will be with time can seem then like an after-thought. gies in trying to bring about the will of God me in paradise,” (the words from the In fact, it is that final judgement which is on earth as it is already perfectly accom - Cross to the good thief). But going to the fundamental one in the Scriptures, plished in heaven. heaven when we die is still, according to because we are invited to rejoice in God’s A similar point can be made about the the Bible, not the final stage of salvation. ultimate triumph over all evil. It is an two sides of freedom, where “freedom That comes, the New Testament sug - incredibly selfish idea to reduce salvation from” various kinds of oppression is a nec - gests, when Christ returns to earth in to the achievement of our own eternal essary, but not a sufficient, means to full glory, when the souls of the saints in happiness and to have little or no thought liberation. In addition we have to accept heaven and those who remain on earth for the ultimate fulfilment of God’s plan for the challenge of positive freedom or “free - experience the resurrection of their bodies his creation. That is a bit like a sport’s dom for” the good God calls us to do. It is and when the General Judgement occurs. team, where some of the members are surprising how often people can expend All of these intimately interrelated events only concerned with their own success so much energy on overcoming obstacles coincide with the perfect coming of God’s and fame, while showing no real enthusi - to a virtuous life when this leaves them Kingdom – when God will be all in all, asm for the victory of the team as a whole with little energy for the real calling God when not only moral evil, such as injus - and the aims of the manager who has put has in mind for them. Maybe, it is due to tice, will be overcome, but also every nat - his trust in them. the fact that, psychologically, the negative ural evil such as sickness and death. Then I would hazard a guess that many aspect of our human struggle can be so there will be a new heavens and a new believers pay only lip service to the belief dramatic, while the positive aspect seems earth, a new everything! (see 2 Peter confessed in the creed about the resurrec - relatively dull in comparison. In our still 3:13). However, if you scratch the surface tion of the body, and that they would not fallen state we can sadly be more fasci - of the basic beliefs of the average bat an eyelid if that doctrine were dropped nated by evil than attracted to good. Christian about life after death, you may altogether. (Some people may even cite Sometimes the Devil seems to have all find that what matters most is that you the downgrading of the doctrine of Limbo the best tunes! “save your soul” and that you join your in recent times as a precedent.) In other The second mistake that many loved ones whose “souls” are also words, many of us consider the body to be Christians make is to identify salvation “saved”. It is the Particular Judgement at a temporary means God has given us to with what happens when they die and go death that probably bothers folk most, accomplish the good works necessary for
Godafoss, Iceland: salvation includes all creation. Gothic Cathedral of Castilla Leon, Spain: most artisans did not see the finished building.
salvation. It is like a ladder you need to sending of the Spirit. The subjects of this it just for the money”. But here I am think - climb unto a roof and which you then dis - Kingdom are those who imitate Christ in ing of others who longed to see the ulti - card. A similar idea can crop up in thinking their daily lives, trying to be faithful to the mate goal of the collective effort. They about the world of nature; it, too, is a Father’s will as He was. The salvation could only resort to their imaginations and means to an end and no longer of any use Jesus brought in his short time on earth dreams to conjure up the beautiful image once the end is achieved. But this manner anticipates the fullness of salvation which of the completed church. We Christians of thinking fails to understand that salva - is being worked out as we speak, but is can be like those workers. Some of us tion and creation are intimately related. only fulfilled at His Second Coming. So, may be only concerned with our own life God, in His saving power, overcomes the when we forgive others as God forgives and passing the test of goodness to “get obstacles humans place in the way of His us, when we reach out to poor people in us into heaven”. But others take a longer plan for creation and demands of the sub - their need, when we care for the ill and view, seeing their own faithful, hopeful and jects of His Kingdom that they fully respect infirm at home or visit them in hospital, we loving lives as playing a small, but in not only their own bodies but also the are in fact anticipating the Kingdom of God’s eyes, a significant role in the final world of nature which is our home. God in its fullness. But, because that final stage of the coming of the Kingdom. Indeed, part of the reason for such respect goal is thought to be far off in the future, These wise Christians know too that the is precisely because our bodies and those we can be slow to see the significance of Lord will one day reveal to everyone the of all creatures will share in the new life our actions as contributing, even in a perfection of His creation, the fullness of won for us through the death and resur - small way, to that end. salvation in His Kingdom, and then they rection of Jesus our Saviour. After all, A useful analogy for this problem, I will see where their lives contributed (or when Christians speak of their relationship found, comes from a book, Surprised by failed to contribute) to that truly spectacu - with Christ in this world they never refer to Hope , by the scripture scholar, N.T. lar reality which puts the most magnificent the Church as the “Soul of Christ” but as Wright, who reminds us of the time span cathedral in the shade. It is in the light of the “Body of Christ”. And Jesus is the taken to build the great Gothic cathedrals this hope that we call on the name of “Head” of the body, not its soul. of medieval Europe. Sometimes it took Jesus to save us and to bestow on us the over a hundred years or more to finish the grace to cooperate in His reconciling, lib - Salvation and the Kingdom of God work. This meant that many of the artisans erating work. I have already mentioned the theme of the working on the building in different special - The building analogy used by Wright Kingdom of God as the key to understand - isations probably died before the building is, of course, an echo of a scriptural pas - ing the notion of salvation. We know how was complete. They saw their own contri - sage where St Peter writes, “Come to central this reality was in the teaching of bution to the effort, but it must have been Him, to that living stone, rejected by men Jesus. He was always talking about it, frustrating not to see the final result of all but in God’s sight chosen and precious; though often in parables, which are not the different skills and talents in a magnifi - and like living stones be yourselves built always easy to understand. (You might cent church directed to God’s glory. No into a spiritual house, to be a holy priest - like to read the thirteenth chapter of doubt there were workers who didn’t look hood, to offer spiritual sacrifices accept - Matthew’s Gospel to refresh your mem - to the future and were happy with their able to God through Jesus Christ” (I Peter ory.) God’s Kingdom is a community in own accomplishment – this altar or pulpit 2:4-5). May we all find salvation in building which God takes charge through His Son, or that window or statue. For all we know, our lives on the foundation of Christ, the Jesus, who in turn works through the there may have been some who were “in true cornerstone of our faith. n dec/Jan 2015 7 A Modern day South African Martyr
Grave where Benedict Daswa rests in peace Benedict Daswa
he chose the name Benedict as he was Gerry O’Reilly OFM tells of the life and inspired by the motto of St Benedict Ora et death of Benedict Daswa. labora [Pray and work]. Benedict attended the Vendaland Training Institute from which shimangadzo Samuel Daswa, the pleted his secondary education at he graduated with a Primary Teacher’s first-born son of Tshililo Petrus Mphaphuli High School. Certificate. His first appointment was to TTDaswa and Thidziambi Ida Daswa, Following the accidental death of his Tshilivho Primary School at Ha-Dumasi vil - was born on 16 June 1946 in Mbahe vil - father, Samuel took on the responsibility of lage. During this time he studied for the lage situated 30 kilometres from caring for his younger brothers and sister. Matriculation Certificate by correspondence. Thohoyandou in the Diocese of Tzaneen, When he joined the workforce, he helped Benedict continued to be involved in the South Africa. The Daswa family belonged to pay for their education and continually Church assisting the catechists and the to the black African tribe called the Lemba encouraged them to study. During school priest. He had a particular interest in youth, or Black Jews. Their clan name was holidays he stayed with an uncle in taking groups of boys and girls away for Bakali. They followed the Semitic traditions Johannesburg where he had part-time weekends where he would teach them tra - such as kosher-like dietary restrictions, work. At this time he became friendly with ditional skills. Building the first Catholic male circumcision rites, and strict rules a young white man who was a Catholic. church building in the area at Nweli was a against inter-marriage and Semitic sound - Several of his peers who were Shangaans project dear to his heart. He worked tire - ing clan names. These beliefs and prac - were also Catholics. After returning home, lessly on the project encouraging others to tices were instilled in the children. to Mbahe, Samuel joined a group of do likewise. In the general community, Samuel’s parents were hardworking, enter - Catholics who met for instructions in the Benedict was highly respected. He was prising and renowned for hospitality and Catholic faith under a fig tree. The cate - secretary of the Headman’s council. At kindness. Samuel Daswa had three chist was Benedict Risimati. He held the social functions he was a popular master of younger brothers and a sister. Sunday service and assisted the priest ceremonies. He was known for his absolute As was common in the rural area, he who came from Louis Trichardt Mission honesty, truthfulness and integrity. He was a herd-boy prior to going to school. once a month to celebrate Mass. Benedict spoke his mind and was not swayed by From working in his father’s garden, he had a strong influence on Samuel. Later popular opinion. developed a great love of working with the after Benedict’s wife died, the catechist As Principal of the school, he was an earth and growing vegetables. His primary was ordained a priest. honest and fearless leader. He encouraged, education began in Vondwe Primary supported and challenged his staff. The School in 1957 (11 years old). Later he Young Adulthood welfare of the students was his prime con - attended Mbahe Primary School, After two years instruction Samuel was cern. In the case of absentees, he would Tshikonelo Primary School at Ha-Matsheka baptised on 21 April 1963 by Fr Augustine visit the family to see if he could be of and the Salvation Army William Eddie O’Brien, MSC, at Mafenya, Sibasa parish. assistance. Students, who were unable to School in Tshidimbini village. He com - At the retreat preached before his Baptism, pay school fees, were given work in his
St Anthony Brief 8 garden to pay the fees. He shared the pro - kitchen he ran straight in to hide and save Revered duce of his garden with the needy. He was his life. The mob who quickly chased after The funeral Mass was concelebrated on one of the few people in the rural area with him, asked the woman there where 10 February 1990. The funeral procession a car. Those in need of transport could rely Benedict was hiding, threatening to kill her began at Benedict’s home in Mbahe to on him at any time for assistance. if she did not tell them. Pointing to where Nweli Church. The Mass was concele - Benedict was hiding, she pleaded: “Don’t brated by several priests with Fr John The Price of Being a Christian kill me. He is inside.” Two of the mob Finn, MSC, Parish Priest of Thohoyandou In November 1989, heavy rains and light - entered and pulled Benedict out. Hugging / Sibasa as the main celebrant. By com - ning strikes were prevalent in the Venda one of them, Benedict pleaded: “Please, mon agreement all wore red vestments in area. This was not seen as a natural phe - spare my life!” The youth responded: “OK. acknowledgment of their belief that nomenon – negative spiritual forces were Let me go, we’re not going to kill you.” Benedict died for his faith and that it was seen as the cause. Some members of the Believing him, Benedict went out. his stand against witchcraft which had community became very concerned as to As the mob had now surrounded the brought about his death. A large crowd who was responsible. On Thursday 25 rondavel, Benedict could not escape, so followed the proceedings and followed the January 1990, after a heavy downpour, seeing one of them coming with a coffin to the Mbahe cemetery. there were several lightning strikes in the knobkerrie, he knelt and prayed: “Father In the years since the local people area. The Headman, his council and the into your hands I commend my spirit.” gather to pray at Benedict’s grave. A pre - community met to discuss their concerns. Things then moved very quickly. The man liminary inquiry for the Cause of his It was agreed that a traditional healer/ san - hit Benedict on the head with his knobker - Beatification has started. He is remem - goma be consulted to identify the rie, crushing his skull. Benedict fell to the bered as a courageous witness to his witch/ umtakati who was responsible for ground. Boiling water was then poured faith. He is revered greatly in his home vil - what was happening. For this purpose a over his head. lage of Nweli and stories about his great contribution of R5 per person was agreed The woman, who owned the rondavel, acts of courage and kindness are on. Benedict arrived after the decision was ran to tell Benedict’s brother, Mackson, recalled. Will Benedict Daswa be recog - taken. His explanation that lightning was a what had happened. After calling the nised as South Africa’s first canonised natural phenomenon was greeted with police, he stayed with Benedict’s body martyr? scepticism. He argued against following throughout the night. The following morn - Hearing of the example and courage the old ways and for blaming witches for ing a police photographer and forensic of martyrs like Benedict raises questions causing lightning strikes. When the deci - specialist arrived and an investigation for us. Can the example of his life and sion held, Benedict refused to pay the R5 started. A number of people were arrested death help us to live our own faith in contribution. He argued that his Catholic for Benedict’s brutal murder. When the Christ? Where can we stand up for our faith prevented him from taking part in any - case came to court it was dismissed faith with integrity and fortitude in both pri - thing connected with witchcraft. Many in through lack of evidence. vate and public life? n the community saw him as belittling the traditional beliefs and conspired to get rid of him because to them he was a stum - bling block because of his Catholic faith St Francis of Assisi: Songster, Minstrel, and consistent stand against witchcraft. A week later on 2 February 1990, Troubadour, Poet Benedict drove his sister-in-law and her by Tom Russell OFM sick child to the doctor in Thohoyandou. St Francis has been described as On the way he picked up a man who asked for his help to take a bag of mealie the “the true singer and adorer of meal to his home in a village adjacent to God”. In this book (51 pages) Irish Mbahe. Around 7.30pm, Benedict returned friar Tom Russell celebrates the gift to Mbahe. After leaving his sister-in-law of joyous song that permeated the and child near their home, he told his Poverello’s life. This canticle of daughter he would return after taking his praise not only nourished Francis’ other passenger and his bag of mealie life with God but also was part of meal to the next village. his Gospel mission as a troubadour Returning home, Benedict found his of the Lord drawing people to the way blocked by tree logs across the road. joys of the Spirit. The book quotes When he got out of the car to remove the Pope Benedict: “Music expands logs, a mob of youths and adults came the spirit, arouses profound emo - from behind the trees and began throwing tions, and invites us to raise our large stones at him. Bleeding and injured minds and hearts to God.” he left the car and ran across a soccer field hoping for assistance from people in The book is available from our nearby huts – one being a shebeen. friaries in Ireland @ €5. Seeing an open door at the rondavel dec/Jan 2015 9 His growing friendship with the indigenous people of Panama has opened the way to unexplored territory for Gerald Evans OFM .
Dear friends: Hercilia and Cecilio with one of their children. A New and Fascinating World
ne morning, on coming in to on the adjacent seat if it was free; he and how best to respond. I began to realise breakfast after Morning Prayer, I looked at her indifferently and replied that the situation was very complex. My OOwas surprised at the unexpected gruffly: “It’s occupied.” I felt uncomfortable experience on the bus served to alert me presence of a young indigenous woman in at his manner. The girl came to the vacant that the tragedy was twofold – those margin - the kitchen ironing. She smiled a very seat beside me and asked me if it was alised and those marginalising. In one of my open smile and introduced herself to me. free, to which I replied: “Sure.” She sat conversations with Cecilio and Hercilia I Her name is Hercilia. She told me she down with the child on her knee. However shared with them my experience. They both came to help the friars when the ironing my indignation turned to shocked disbelief smiled and Cecilio replied: “Fray, it’s not just piled up. What struck me was her very when directly behind the girl came a man on the busses, I have lost count of the times open and spontaneous manner, quite who asked the same sitting man if the seat I extended my hand at the sign of peace in unusual for her people especially with a was free. The man replied in the affirma - the Mass and was ignored.” I was stunned foreigner. She told me that she, her hus - tive. I discreetly watched the girl’s face as and asked how he responded. “I continued band Cecilio and three children partici - we travelled to Dolega; it was fixed staring, to extend my hand and look calmly and pated in the parish’s pastoral care of the almost in a trance. The moment called to directly at them; somebody has to break this family team. A few days later she intro - mind a line in one of Yeat’s poems: “Too unjust and tragic cycle, Fray. That will never duced me to her husband Cecilio. From long a sacrifice can make a stone of the happen when one allows the bad behavior that day on we struck up a very close heart.” My heart went out to her but I hesi - of another to condition one’s good behavior friendship which has deepened up to the tated engaging with her. The gesture of and values.” present moment opening up my path into a that man and the look on the girl’s face Once again Cecilio’s noble spirit set me new and fascinating world. revealed in one fleeting moment the rea - thinking. It forcefully reminded me of how Every life’s journey has its decisive sons for the long history of her outcast good religion inspires our most noble senti - moments. Catalysts for these decisive state and that of her people right up to the ments and how bad religion serves our moments are very often strong experi - present day. Sadly both were enmeshed in worst prejudices, indeed our neurosis. Once ences which may affect us positively or the tragedy, slaves to historical circum - again I was inspired by the extraordinary negatively. A decisive moment in my expe - stances. I stepped down off the bus, still character and especially the conviction that rience with the indigenous populations was profoundly shocked and physically shaking this young fellow possessed, who, unlike the following. I was returning home one with indignation and disbelief. many of us, refuses to live as a victim seek - night to Dolega where I live, from David, ing to blame others for his outcast state. our nearest big city. The bus was filling up A Handshake Refused However understandable it might be the vic - and seats were in scarce supply. An Indian The experience served as a catalyst to tim mode is often a cop out mechanism. It girl with her little baby boarded the bus focus my prayer life and discernment even always undermines our freedom and per - and stopped at a vacant seat in front of more intently on where God was leading sonal responsibility to engage and change me. She very timidly asked the man sitting me in this new and unexplored territory what can be changed, under the guise of
St Anthony Brief 10 being carried by forces beyond one’s con - enslaved and conditioned by the dark side only free others when we are free in our - trol. Yet how often have we achieved what of our soul showing us we haven’t as yet selves. The enslaved person will only we really want, however difficult, when we learned to love. Prejudice, resentment, enslave others. It is interesting to note how put our minds to it. At the end of the day impatience and selfishness make us many of the miracles of Jesus are centred real and deep change is fundamentally unfree to respond according to the noble on freeing people and the healing of sight existential and spiritual. How often, for values of justice, truth, mercy and forgive - and hearing. Both point and lead to a example, do we change job, neighbour - ness which are also within all of us. We deeper freeing and healing of the soul’s hood, marriage, or the like, or indeed don’t have resentment, rather it is resent - shadows, of sight to insight and superficial demand others to change, as a cover for ment that has us and enslaves us. St hearing to deep listening. Jesus never saw evading and fleeing from the existential Teresa of Avila pointed out: “I have come people as bad but rather as blind and deaf and spiritual changes needed within our - to the conclusion that those who call them - needing the gift of insight and deep listening selves. Real deep change is undergoing selves lords of this world are, in fact, ironi - to see and hear beyond the boundaries of existential and spiritual transformation cally the slaves of many things.” their own prejudices and fears. Likewise His where we are planted by opening our lives Likewise, when people pointed to a miracles healing paralysed people pointed up to live the eternal values of justice, soli - person citing him/her as their enemy due to, and indeed very often had their source darity, mercy and forgiveness. to some hurt they had caused, St Francis in, freeing the trapped spiritual energies thus wisely pointed out that the enemy is never leading to healing and physical freedom. A Free Man the person we perceive as having hurt us, Yes, Cecilio is a free man in the true sense rather the enemy is one’s resentment, or The Shadow Side of the word. As I write these words it more destructive still one’s desire for I now realised that the hostile attitude to the strikes me how often we speak in our vengeance against that person. One’s true indigenous people touches on the cultural western culture about freedom – even to enemy lies hidden within one’s heart and it shadow side of the Latino culture within our the point of referring to our Western culture is there that the most important journey of parish. Like the shadow at all levels, the cul - as the free world. Ironically however it is reconciliation and healing must be made tural shadow (in our case the indigenous very often when we think we are most free with God’s grace. At the end of the day, life culture) contains the hidden wealth. that we are in fact most enslaved. That is I is not just about managing people and pro - Embraced and integrated by the dominant believe because generally we in the West jects but rather about managing ourselves culture (in our case the Latino culture) it equate freedom as something exterior. We maturely and freely according to our deep strengthens and adds to its richness. speak of freedom of movement, of speech, values and not our instincts. Indeed we Rejected, not only is the dominant culture freedom to live as we see fit, and so on. only have the right to manage others when left poorer but it also risks the rejected cul - While in no way underestimating the value we can manage ourselves. Integrated peo - ture rising up and violently overwhelming it. of exterior freedom, interior existential and ple will always be a force of integration My growing journey with the indigenous spiritual freedom however is to be found wherever they go. Likewise, disintegrated people in the parish was indeed helping me on another deeper plane. How often our people will be a force of disintegration see deeper into a complex reality! n lives in relationships with others are wherever they go. In the same vein we can To be continued.
Growing awareness: a gathering of the women.
dec/Jan 2015 11 Church Brief A Church Listening to the Poor Faithful to his option for the poor, Pope often silenced. The poor not only suffer On housing, he promoted “urban inte - Francis wants to hear directly from the injustice, but they also fight against it.” gration”, a concept that aims to integrate poor. Leaders of the popular movements in Referring to the concept of solidarity, the marginalised and those living in the various countries met with Pope Francis in Francis stated that it means more than slums to the cities. “In the slums we find Rome from 27-29 October. This is the first sporadic gestures of generosity. “It’s values that have been forgotten by the rich time in the history of the Church that a fighting against the destructive effects of downtowns,” he said. “They have a valu - Pope invited leaders of social movements the empire of money: forced displace - able popular culture, where the public to a three-day meeting, and not just to a ments, painful emigrations, human traf - space is an extension of the home, a place simple ceremonial audience. ficking, drug, war, violence. Solidarity in to connect with our neighbours.” In his Papal Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, Francis judges capitalism to be intrinsically unjust: "Until exclusion and inequality in society and between peoples are reversed, it will be impossible to elimi - nate violence. This is not the case simply because inequality provokes a violent reaction from those excluded from the system, but because the socioeconomic system is unjust at its root.” The event in Rome, called a Global Meeting of the Popular Movements, included the presence of 30 bishops coming from different regions who main - tain strong ties with social work and with popular movements. Some of the groups which participated give a sense of the many organisations that attended the event: The National Family Farm Coalition from the USA, from Brazil the Movement of the Landless, and The Rural Women’s Movement, the Malawi Union for Informal Sector, the Movement A ‘favela’ in Brazil: Pope Francis with the poor. of Excluded Workers from Argentina, and indigenous representatives from var - its deepest meaning is a way of making On “work”, Francis said there’s no ious tribes struggling for their rights. history, and that’s what popular move - material poverty worse than not being The theme of the gathering was ments do.” able to earn a living. He considered “Land, Roof and Work”. In an extended Francis said the gathering’s theme, youth unemployment and informal talk to the participants Pope Francis “Land, Roof, and Work”, responds to a labour to be the result of an economic joked: “Land, roof, and work! It’s odd, but very concrete hope that every parent car - system that puts economic benefit for some, if I talk about these, it turns out ries for his or her children. “It’s a longing above humanity. Coming back to one of the Pope is a Communist. The fact that that should be within reach for everyone”, his frequent themes, Pope Francis the love for the poor is in the centre of he said, “but sadly we see that it’s spoke about a “throwaway culture” that the Gospel is misunderstood,” he said. becoming further away from the majority.” leaves the children and the elderly in “Those values for which you’re fighting Francis defined hunger as a “crime”, and the margins. “Neither the children nor for are sacred rights. It’s the Church’s access to food as an inalienable right. “I the elderly produce, so we abandon social doctrine.” know some of you are calling for land them,” he said. “Now the youth are “This meeting of popular move - reform,” said Francis. Quoting the social being thrown away. Millions are unem - ments”, Francis said, “is a great sign: doctrine of the Church, he said, “land ployed. We are sacrificing a generation You’ve come to put in the presence of reform is not only a political necessity, it’s to maintain a system that has made the God, the Church, the peoples, a reality a moral obliga tion.” god of money its centre.” n
St Anthony Brief 12 More of the Same? was reading recently about concerns to the most recent, they still remain rele - the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Marko Phiri reflects vant today. It can only be asked whether IIConference raised about the state of on “speaking truth to the future brings with it any hope for reli - the nation. They make a call for the gious leaders to have their voices things that make for good governance, power” in Zimbabwe. heeded by the ruling class when they things that give meaning to the oft appeal to governments to fight poverty, quoted Lincoln dictum of “government of happen to the clergy who speak from the respect human rights and stop looting the people, for the people and by the position of not only moral authority but state resources. people.” also from their informed interpretation of What has remained constant in this I felt we were once again rehashing the Church’s social teaching – surely the struggle for justice and truth is what one what has always defined the political phi - fate of “ordinary” citizens will be worse. pastoral letter, penned a generation ago, losophy of African liberation politics. It is sad then that in the year of the called “the man in the middle”, the ordi - There the refrain is that because it is a country’s 34th birthday issues that were nary man, woman and child for whom a fight against perceived Western imperial raised over those years about good gov - better future remains elusive. And this is powers, everything else does not matter: ernance, human rights and press free - despite the numerous interventions by human rights, press freedom and all else dom all remain pertinent even today. the clergy, a clergy which itself has not in between. Citizens demanding these Reading through some of the pastoral been spared the wrath of the acerbic are therefore not doing so on their own letters and statements written by the tongues of politicians, those who forgot a volition but at the prompting of “hostile, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference long time ago why they hold public office foreign forces”. It is strange, but politi - from back in the 1970s and 80s and up in the first place. n cians here actually believe their own pro - paganda. Now, because the calls for a better Zimbabwe came from Catholic bishops, Sipho Zikhali OFM it got me thinking about how pastoral statements and letters over the years The friars of the Province of have been routinely trashed by politi - Our Lady Queen of Peace in cians holding the levers of power. I also South Africa were shocked to wondered what influence the intervention hear of the unexpected death of religion has had in Zimbabwe and of Fr Sipho Alois Zikhali indeed in other troubled democracies OFM on Monday 3 across the African continent, a region November. Fr Sipho had only where we have been told that the faith been in his new parish of has continued to grow while dwindling in Hardenberg, Matatiel, in the developed countries. diocese of Kokstad, for some Ours has thus become something of months when the Lord a cry in the wilderness where even the called him home. He was moral authority of religious leaders is dis - sick for only four days. missed as political meddling. This begs Fr Sipho was a big man in the question: What then is the fate of many ways; born in 1968, “ordinary” citizens who for years have he joined the Franciscans in called for the respect of their rights? 1996, made his Solemn Ordinary citizens remain virtually anony - Profession in 2002, and was mous so that any attempts to “speak ordained a priest three truth to power” can be swiftly dealt with. years later. All this raises questions within the con - He was buried near his text of social justice and the Church’s home at Gingindlovu in social teaching. Where does one locate Sipho Zikhali OFM the laity? Do issues of social justice Kwa Zulu Natal. Many remain a realm best left to pastors? people from Hardenberg and his previous parish of Besters travelled the Yet it will be recalled that in the quest long distance to attend his funeral to show their love and affection. to preach social justice and hold political We pray that God will comfort his family and friends, and grant Fr Sipho power accountable to the people, some a special place in His Kingdom. May he rest in peace. priests here have been thrown into police – Gerry O’Reilly OFM cells to cool off. And if this is what can dec/Jan 2015 13 Pope Francis points the way to make Advent a time of spiritual refreshment.
The Journey To Bethlehem!
With Our Defences Down need. And joy in praising the Lord. Let us tance of guarding the mystery with The season of Advent is a time when the begin this journey in prayer, charity and silence: this is the cloud, this is God’s Church and the People of God journey praise, so that the Lord might come to power in us; it is the strength of the Holy anew toward Christmas; we journey to an meet us, but let us allow Him to meet us Spirit. encounter with the Lord. Christmas is not with our defences down, in openness! A beautiful grace to pray for during merely a commemoration in time nor sim - the season of Advent is that the Lord ply a memory of something beautiful. Silent Mystery might grant us all the grace to love Christmas is something more. We travel The Gospel from St Luke records the silence, to seek it out, to have a heart down this path to meet the Lord. During words of the angel Gabriel to Mary: “The guarded by the cloud of silence. Thus the the season of Advent, then, we journey to power of the Most High will overshadow mystery growing within us shall bear meet Jesus, to encounter Him with our you. The Holy Spirit will come upon you.” much fruit. hearts and our lives, to meet Him, the liv - Throughout salvation history, the over - ing One, as He is; to meet Him in faith. shadowing of God has always guarded Waiting Souls Advent is a time truly to open our divine mystery. The Gospel clearly con - In the days leading up to Christmas a minds and hearts to Jesus because when firms this for when Mary received the simple yet profound prayer is found on He comes to me He may tell me what He angel’s announcement the mystery of her the Church's lips, “Come, Lord!” The wants me to do, which is not always what motherhood remained hidden. Church calls out to the Lord in this way I want the Lord to tell me. It is important, God's overshadowing of us in our because she is awaiting a birth. The therefore, that we never forget that He is own lives helps us to discover our own Church is like Mary – she is awaiting a the Lord and He will tell me what He mystery: our mystery of encounter with birth. The Virgin sensed within herself, in intends for me. The Lord does not look the Lord, the mystery of our life’s journey body and in soul, that the birth of her upon us all at once, as a mass of people: with the Lord. In fact, each one of us child was near. Surely in her heart she no, no! He looks at us one by one, in the knows how mysteriously the Lord works said to the baby she was carrying in her face, in the eyes, for true love is not in his or her heart and soul. womb: “Come, I want to see your face, something abstract but rather something Look at the witness of the Blessed for they have told me you will be great!” very concrete. Virgin, who lived in this silence for the This Church lives this spiritually for we We can ask for the grace to make this whole of her life. I think about how many accompany Our Lady in this journey of Advent journey with the interior disposi - times she remained silent, how many waiting. tions that will aid us. Perseverance in times she did not say what she felt in The Lord comes twice. His first com - prayer: to pray more. Diligence in frater - order to guard the mystery of her rela - ing is what we are about to commemo - nal charity: to draw closer to those in tionship with her Son. We see the impor - rate, His physical birth. Then, He will
St Anthony Brief 14 come at the end of time, at the close of closed our souls and put a highly erudite afraid of the Lord’s consolation, not to be history. However, St Bernard tells us that note on the door saying: Please do not afraid of being open, of asking for it, of there is a third coming of the Lord: His disturb?” searching for it. For it is a consolation coming to us each day, each day the that gives us hope and makes us feel Lord visits His Church. He visits each Consoled by Tenderness the tenderness of God. one of us. And our soul also enters into At this time in a special way we celebrate On Christmas night, like a burst of this likeness – our soul comes to resem - how the Lord Himself draws near to con - brilliant light, there rings out the procla - ble the Church; our soul comes to resem - sole His people, to give them peace. And mation of the Apostle: “God's grace has ble Mary. in this way, the Lord accomplishes a been revealed, and it has made salva - Our souls are waiting in anticipation great work, for He refashions all things, tion possible for the whole human race” for the coming of the Lord, open souls He recreates them. This recreation is (Titus 2:11). The grace which was calling out: Come, Lord! Over the course even more beautiful than creation itself. revealed in our world is Jesus, born of of these days the Holy Spirit moves in the When the Lord draws near to us, He the Virgin Mary, true man and true God. heart of each one of us, forming this gives us hope. Jesus refashions all things He has entered our history; He has prayer within us: “Come, come!” with hope. He always opens a door. In the shared our journey. He came to free us Throughout the Advent Season the Christian life this hope is a true strength, it from darkness and to grant us light. In Church keeps watch like Mary. And is a grace, it is a gift. In fact, when the Him was revealed the grace, the mercy, watching is the virtue, the attitude, of pil - Christian loses hope his life no longer has and the tender love of the Father: Jesus grims. We are pilgrims. Are we watching meaning. It is as though he were standing is Love incarnate. He is not simply a or are we closed? Are we vigilant or are before a wall, faced with nothingness. But teacher of wisdom; He is not an ideal for we safe and secure in an inn, no longer the Lord consoles us and refashions us in which we strive while knowing that we wanting to continue on? Are we pilgrims hope so that we might continue on. are hopelessly distant from it. He is the or are we wandering aimlessly? The Lord consoles us with tender - meaning of life and history, who has That is why the Church invites us to ness. The Lord, the great God, is not pitched His tent in our midst. pray “come!” and to open our souls in afraid of tenderness. He becomes tender - Together let us thank the Lord for watchfulness. We are invited to perceive ness, He becomes a baby, He makes having given Jesus to us, and let us and understand what is happening within Himself little. In the Gospel Jesus Himself raise from the depths of our hearts the us, if there is room for the Lord, or if says: “It is the will of my Father in heaven praises of His fidelity: We bless you, there is room for celebration, for shop - that not one of these little ones should Lord God most high, who lowered your - ping, for making noise. This examination perish” (Matthew 18:14). Therefore, each self for our sake. You are immense, and of conscience should lead us to ask our - one of us is very, very important to the you made yourself small; you are rich selves: “Are our souls open, as the soul Lord. and you made yourself poor; you are of Holy Mother Church is open, and as We must ask the Lord for the grace, all-powerful and you made yourself vul - Mary’s soul was open? Or have we during this Advent Season, not to be nerable. n Help support our Missionaries Christmas Gift Bouquet €2.00 each (Including post and packaging; no order too big or too small; 6 different designs to choose from; enrolment offering contributes to .. the support of the Franciscan foreign missions.) All enrolled are remembered at special Masses offered daily for 1 year beginning at Christmas time.
Please send me ...... Christmas Gift Bouquet(s) at €2 each ✂ Name: ......
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...... Phone No...... Please make cheque payable to: Franciscan Missionary Union and send to: ✂ Franciscan Missionary Union, 8 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8. dec/Jan 2015 15 A Call to Your Generosity! A word from Br Stephen, director, Franciscan Missionary Union
In this issue of the Brief we are making a direct appeal to you, Dear Reader, to continue to support us. To the best of my knowledge, ask - Please support the ing for your help in this way through the magazine is not something we have ever done before. We have to ask, however, because the work of our friars income to the mission office is going down noticeably while at the in Zimbabwe. same time our responsibilities overseas are increasing. Thanks be to God we have fine young Franciscans alongside the Irish Send what you can to: friars still serving abroad, who continue the great work begun by the Franciscan Irish friars who went before them. These young friars, the future, need our support too in their work of spreading the Good News of Missionary Union, God’s love, just as the Irish friars did. 8 Merchants Quay, And so, I simply ask you to give what you can. Dublin 8. I thank you very sincerely for all your care and support up until now for the work of the Franciscan mission. All who contribute in any way Thank you. are remembered daily in our Masses and prayers. May God reward you.
Children in Zimbabwe St Anthony Brief 16 Blessed Hands: Making a difference in Zimbabwe As we come to the end of yet another year I take this opportunity to step back and reflect on all the people who, in any way, touched our lives as Franciscans in Zimbabwe. I am talking especially about those people who in different ways support our life and mission. Here in Zimbabwe we are in a serious economic meltdown which is basically due to political dishonesty Alfigio Tunha OFM and greed. The people suffer greatly as a result. It is in this situation that we have experienced the generosity of God through the people of Ireland. I would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Irish people in the following areas: Our GenerAl WelFAre: The friars have six fraternities in the archdiocese of Harare. Three of them are rural missions, covering very large areas, founded by the Irish friars in the early 1960s. They are like oases of hope in the middle of the people of God who live in abject poverty. The Irish people have ensured that the friars have means to go out and meet people and this includes vehicles and provisions. The friars are called to be the heralds of the Good news. Irish generosity has helped these bearers of the Gospel to be men worthy of their vocation – fully trained for their challenging, energy-draining ministry. FOOd AId: Most people here survive on subsistence farming and they rely heavily on rainfall. It is sad to note that time and again the rain pattern in Zimbabwe has been erratic. Then drought becomes inevitable and the fields yield nothing. When this happens many people have nowhere to seek assistance since the government cannot cope. So our fraternities become nutritional centres for the drought-stricken masses. SuppOrT FOr educATIOn: We friars realise the importance of education; and because of the support we get from Ireland we are able to have an education fund which assists disadvantaged children to pursue their education dreams. These young people are extremely grateful for this opportunity to improve their lives and, in time, to help their families. SelF-SuSTAInInG prOjecTS: In our attempt to be self-sustaining we are engaged in various projects to reduce costs. We resolved that each Franciscan community must utilise what it gets to generate enough, if not more, for consumption. All our houses have vegetable gardens and most of us keep chickens for consumption as well as to sell. We also have a farm where we have a few cattle and sheep. It is our dream that this project grows so that it will help us to meet more of our needs. We are a group of young, energetic friars who are equipped with zeal to do a lot for God and for the people we serve. We wish to see ourselves multiplying everything we receive so generously from the Irish people. THe FrAncIScAn cHArISM: The underlining factor in all this is to make sure that the Good news is being sown in the right soil and by the right sowers. The Irish friars worked tirelessly to preach the Gospel and today the fruits of their labour can be seen. We have been helped to fulfil God’s commandment of love in the way of St Francis. We remain focussed on living our charism because we see the people of God being nourished by it. prOFOund GrATITude: Our gratitude is profound for all the blessed hands that are stretched out to us in our need. We are confident of what we are doing because of the support we get. I have mentioned material and financial support while never forgetting the spiritual support we also experience. We know we are being prayed for. The generous hand is an external expression of interior goodness and the intention of the heart. I thank you, the people of Ireland, for what you have been to us, what you are and what you continue to be. May God bless you. – Friar Alfigio Tunha OFM, custos, custody of the Good Shepherd, Zimbabwe.
dec/Jan 2015 17 25 Years of Franciscans International
This year Franciscans International (FI) cele - brates 25 years since it was formed. FI works at the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva to address human rights injustices that impact on the poor and most vulnerable. It is a non-governmental organisation with UN General Consultative Status and a shared ministry of the global Franciscan Family. The Franciscan voice at the United Nations seeks to protect the vulnerable, the forgotten, and our wounded earth.
The ministry of FI at the United Nations flows from the Franciscan vision with priority given to areas of extreme poverty, environment and peace-building. Apart from advocacy at UN, FI produces information booklets on various themes of justice, peace and care of creation. It also holds workshops and support groups around the world. Check out: www.francis - cansinternational.org n
A beautiful Christmas Gift
In today's world, we can often feel This book, beautifully illustrated at sea, unsure of where to turn in for Yourself by the Poor Clares in Galway, times of trouble. We might want includes practical advice on medi - to pray, but don't know where to or Others! tation and using Jesus' own words start or what to say. Here, in The for help in periods of loss, grief, Simplest Prayer: A Book of Love and gratitude, happiness, self-doubt and anxiety. The Simplest Prayer Faith , the Irish Franciscans show shows us how we can open our - us how we can find peace and selves to the presence of Jesus in solace through prayer. our everyday lives. Even in the The Simplest Prayer National darkest times we are not alone. helps us to achieve a Bestseller! Hardcover, 240 pages, priced at sense of calm by incor - €17.99, the book is available in porating prayer into our Easons, Veritas and in all good lives in the simplest way and with bookstores throughout Ireland. the simplest prayer – reaching out Also available on amazon.com in to “touch” Jesus in trust – what - both print and Kindle. ever our circumstances, however Proceeds from the sale of The we may feel about ourselves, no Simplest Prayer will be donated matter how feeble we think our to our Franciscan Mission in faith is. Zimbabwe. n
St Anthony Brief 18 The Divine Exchange
He by whom all things were made was made one of God was made man that man might be made all things. God. The Incarnation opened up a full participa - tion in the Divinity, which is the true bliss and The Maker of the sun was made under the sun. end of human life. The Son of God by the Father without a mother The Incarnation teaches us how great is our became the Son of man by a mother without a father. human dignity, so great now that Christ has The Word who is God before all time became flesh at taken up human form. Therefore we should not the appointed time. sully it with sin. He who fills the world was laid in a manger, great in What greater reason is there of the Lord’s com - the form of God but tiny in the form of a servant. ing than to show God’s love for us? If we have And this was in such a way that neither was His been slow to love, at least let us hasten to love in greatness diminished by His tininess, nor was His return. tininess overcome by His greatness. – ST AuGuSTIne Nothing was so necessary for raising our hope as to show us how deeply God loved us. And what could afford us a stronger proof of this than that the Son of God should become a partner with us of human nature? dec/Jan 2015 19 KING SAINT LOUIS IX OF FRANCE
Pat Conlan OFM tells the story of the Patron of the ird Order Franciscans, now known as the Secular Franciscans.
his year we celebrate the eight to the Mohammedans. Louis was a man grims to enter the Holy Land. It is centenary of the birth of St Louis of justice and peace. While recovering believed that he told the Sultan that he TTin 1214. Louis IX was the son of from his illness he tried to reconcile would prefer death to mortal sin, which Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. She Pope Innocent IV and Emperor Frederick would cut him off from God. As a result was a spiritual yet pragmatic woman who II. To ensure justice for everyone he the Sultan held him in great respect. His ruled with a wise yet strong hand during appointed justices countrywide to receive mother Blanche died in 1252 and Louis Louis’ minority and when he was absent complaints about injustice against citi - returned to look after his kingdom from France. He learned to pray often zens made by state agents and redress Louis continued to promote justice by and fast regularly. He also learned to wrongs. encouraging appeals from baronial rule in a humble and plain manner. courts to royal court. He even went out Blanche also brought in some Crusades to sit among the people, talk to them and Franciscan friars to help with his educa - The Council of Lyons meeting in 1245 listen to their complaints. Louis incor - tion and he took St Francis as his guide excommunicated Frederick II and asked rectly heard through his brother, Charles in life, particularly the instruction to go for a new crusade – the Sixth crusade. of Anjou, that the Emir of Tunis wished and live the Gospel. It is because of this Louis was about the only king in Europe to be baptised and so set out on another dedication to Francis that he became a with the capacity to launch one. The crusade, the seventh and last. Charles patron of the Secular Franciscan Order. army sailed in 1248, going to Egypt after had ambitions for lands in North Africa to Louis became king in 1226 and later a stop in Cyprus. The port city of add to those he had in Italy and Sicily married Margaret of Provence with Damietta was captured in June 1249 but and managed to divert the crusade to whom he had eleven children. He built attempts to take Cairo failed due to ill - Tunis. The army suffered from plague the Sainte Chapelle in Paris in 1243-8 as ness in the army. Louis was among the while besieging Carthage. Louis died of a shrine for the crown of thorns that ill and was captured in April 1250. He the plague on 25 August 1270 and his Louis got from Baldwin II, king of had to surrender Damietta and pay a remains were brought back for burial at Jerusalem. At the same time he fell seri - ransom. His main worry was looking Saint-Denis in Paris. His son, Philip III ously ill and promised to go on crusade if after his sick soldiers. He remained in the Bold, succeeded him. Boniface VIII he were cured. Jerusalem had just fallen Egypt trying to negotiate terms for pil - canonised Louis in 1297.
St Anthony Brief 20 Saintly He loved good talk and was good com - assist at the divine office with joyful Jean de Joinville wrote a biography of pany. devotion. This is the prayer of the whole St Louis. He lived close to the king over Like St Francis and St Clare, St Church. While in the church we should many years and was convinced that he Louis left us a testament. Louis left his not let our gaze wander or chat about tri - was a holy man who loved God with all for the son who would succeed him on fles, but pray to the Lord attentively with his heart and tried to follow Him in his the throne. He began by pointing out words in our mouths and warmth in our actions. As the Lord died for the love that he should love the Lord his God hearts. We should be compassionate He bore his people, so did the king put with all his heart and all his strength. towards the poor, the destitute and the his body in such peril for the Lord’s Otherwise he would not be saved. He afflicted. While ruling with justice, he cause. No layman lived as holy as he must guard himself from all that is dis - should err slightly on the side of the did all his days, from the beginning of pleasing to God, that is to say from mor - poor. We should thank God for all the his reign to the end. He was simple in tal sin. Martyrdom would be better than gifts He has given us and hope that we dress, sober in eating, watered his wine committing one mortal sin. If tribulation will be worthy of still greater gifts. His and ate whatever his cooks set before comes our way we should endure it, son should do his utmost to ensure him. He ordered food to be given to the realising that it is for our good. We peace and justice for all. We should poor after his own meal. One hundred should thank God for the benefits that obey our mother the Roman Church and and twenty poor people were fed in his He bestows on us. We must not use the revere the Solemn Pontiff as our spiritual house. During Advent and Lent he gifts that God has given us to offend father. Louis ends by bestowing his would serve them before eating himself. Him. Louis wished that his son would blessing . n
Dear Friend and Benefactor, interested in promoting our Mission Enrolment Cards? Peace and goodness to you! ST AnTHOny’S We have a selection of enrol - St Anthony’s Monthly Draw ment cards for all occasions: has been part and parcel of MOnTHLy DRAw: Christmas, Easter, Get Well, fundraising for the Spiritual Bouquet, Deepest Franciscan Missions for over Sympathy, to name just a 40 years now and has over enD OF An eRA few. The cost is €2, this those years been the source includes a card and a share of funding for innumerable in a special Mass said daily worthwhile projects. for all members enrolled. Through your association with the Monthly Draw you Once again, on my own have contributed generously behalf and on behalf of all the to this good work and for this missionaries and all who we thank you sincerely. have benefited from the money you so faithfully Unfortunately the Monthly raised over the years, I say Draw has been running at a a very sincere thank you. substantial loss in recent years. I Your good deeds will know that you will understand not be forgotten and that it is with great regret therefore please be assured of a that we, the Franciscan Missionary daily remembrance in our Union, are forced to discontinue the prayers and Masses every St Anthony’s Monthly Draw. The day. We thank you for your December draw will take place as loyal support and hard work usual on 1 December and the collecting for us over the past results will be posted as normal number of years. We thank God for around 2 December. But after that, all that has been achieved together St Anthony Monthly Draw will We are very much hoping up to this point, asking Him to cease. It is of course with a sense of that you will continue your valued continue to be our strength and sadness that we have had to reach connection with the Franciscan guide in what lies ahead. this decision, but also with a sense Mission Office here. Perhaps you of gratitude for all that has been would consider promoting this our bi- yours sincerely, achieved over the years, thanks to monthly mission magazine, the St Br Stephen, Director, your tremendous generosity. Anthony Brief ? Perhaps you may be Franciscan Missionary union.
dec/Jan 2015 21 News from around the . . . Franciscan World
Advising the Pope SECULAR Our photo shows Pope Francis has spent months working Denis O'Callaghan (Minister), on his new encyclical on creation and FRANCISCANS Fr edward O'Callaghan OFM respect for the environment. During an There were three SFO (Spiritual Assistant), Geraldine Buckley, audience with the Minister General, Professions in St eugene Hayes and Patrick Martin, Michael Perry, and the General Francis Fraternity, the three newly professed members of the Order. Councillors of the Order, the Pope Cork, on 1 October. expressed how much the topic concerns him, and asked them for their advice. Fr Michael says: “The Pope himself brought up the issue of the environ - ment. He talked about his deep concern that we Franciscans need, and the Church needs, to find the way to respond, using the best of science. But also the Church needs to use the good - will of all humanity to bring together a consensus on how to respond to the ecological crisis.” To help him reflect on this issue the Franciscans gave Pope Francis a copy of their book, Franciscans for Ecology . It cites several initiatives within this field that the Order has promoted, alongside people of other faiths. The Minister General says: “I was in the Amazon three times in the last year, and every time I go I see greater deforestation. And I was just in eastern Congo where there is conflict over the mineral resources there, and I see the great impact that it is having on the social climate.” n
Formation Gathering Above: Friars David Connolly, Vincent Finnegan, David Collins and Postulant Tom Robinson. with Timothy Radcliffe OP (centre) at the Religious in Formation gathering at Marianella, Dublin, in November. Those in formation and their formators come together annu - ally for a conference of talks, support and fraternity. Speakers this year were Nuala O’Loan, Sean Goan, and Timothy Radcliffe OP. Cardinal Brady presided at the Eucharist.
Left: Conversation: the Minister General with Pope Francis in Jerusalem. n
St Anthony Brief 22 Please post the “Brief” magazine for one year to the following person/s (please use block capitals): ______
1. Name: ...... Address: ...... Dear Friend, ...... Firstly, I would like to wish you ...... and yours a blessed and peaceful €12 (Ireland) [ ] €15 (Overseas) [ ] Stg£12 (U.K.) [ ] (please tick appropriate box). Christmas and all God’s bless - ______ings in the New Year. Thank you 2. Name: ...... for your loyal and constant sup - port of our missions – both by ...... your prayers and by subscribing Address: ...... to our Mission magazine “St ...... Anthony Brief”. The proceeds ...... from the sale of this magazine go €12 (Ireland) [ ] €15 (Overseas) [ ] to help our missionaries who _S_tg_£_1_2_ _(U__.K_._) _[ _ _] _(_p_le_a_s_e_ _ti_ck_ _a_p_p_ro_p_r_ia_t_e_ b_o_x_)_. _____ minister in Zimbabwe, South 3. Name: ...... Africa and Central America...... The magazine as you know is full of interesting articles, a Address: ...... good read from the beginning to ...... end. If you enjoy reading our ...... magazine, why not donate a €12 (Ireland) [ ] €15 (Overseas) [ ] Stg£12 (U.K.) [ ] (please tick appropriate box). year’s subscription as a gift on ______behalf of a friend or neighbour. Your own name and address: Just fill in the accompanying ...... subscription form and return it ...... to our office...... Yours sincerely ______Br Stephen O’Kane OFM Please complete and return with payment to Franciscan Missionary Union, Director 8 Merchants’ Quay, Dublin 8. Thank you. dec/Jan 2015 23 e Simplest Prayer
Fr Francis cotter, oFM
Francis Cotter OFM Franciscan Friary, Dublin: Sr Julie McGoldrick OSC, Kieran Cronin OFM (Vicar Provincial), naomi Dunleavey, and Francis Cotter OFM shares the talk he gave at the launch. at the launch of The Simplest Prayer in Dublin in October.
n the foreword to this beautifully pro - duced book, our Provincial Minister, Fr IIHugh McKenna, writes: “St Francis rejoiced that the Lord was ‘the fullness of good, all good, every good, the true and supreme good.’ In keeping with our Franciscan tradition, these pages, written by an Irish friar, attempt to present with clarity the beauty and the goodness of the Lord that we might be drawn to him by attraction.” Although St Francis is rarely men - tioned in this book it flows from the Franciscan spirit. G.K. Chesterton said that Francis walked this world as “the par - don of God”. It was as if people glimpsed estimate the Lord’s love for us – because So there is the constant call to trust, to let in his loving presence how much they it is a divine love, utterly beyond what our go, to surrender in faith – to let the Lord were cherished by God and this gave poor minds and hearts can take in at this have His loving way with us. Francis under- them courage to return home to His stage of our existence. For Francis all is stood that our whole life is one long birthing mercy. Francis knew from his own experi - mercy, all is grace, all is gift! We all stand into the divine life that already dwells within ence that compassion will cure more sin before the door of God’s abundant good - us by the gift of the Spirit. than condemnation! People cannot be ness, a goodness that will not fail us. St Let me tell you if we have glimpsed the harangued or bullied into the Kingdom of Bonaventure, the great Franciscan theolo - Father’s total love, if our hearts have been God. People must be loved into the gian, spoke of the Lord’s “plenteous pierced by the truth of the Cross, if we have Kingdom. And what harshness and accu - redemption” – the redeeming love that tasted the sweetness of the Spirit – then we sation cannot do, gentle kindness, cour - comes from Christ is not going to run out. will not want to sin; we will beg the Lord to tesy and understanding can achieve. soften our hearts; we will want to be free of God’s correction does not mean His rejec - Attraction all that blocks the flow of love into our lives tion. His disapproval of our actions is not We need to be clear: this vision is not and through us for the sake of others. By disapproval of us. some soft spirituality. Francis wept bitter his life and teachings Francis constantly Francis’ favourite adjective for God is tears because “Love is not loved”, because issues the invitation: Stop circling the fire, “good”. This goodness becomes tender Christ, Love Incarnate, was ignored and the fire of God’s love! Don’t settle for too lit- mercy when it reaches our wounded lives spurned. Francis was not naïve – sin is tle too soon when so much is offered to and broken world. The saint recognised real. Each day this rejection of God, this you. St Francis wanted to form a people his God in the Crib, the Cross, and the hardness of heart destroys lives and who experienced mercy, celebrated mercy, Cup of the Eucharist – this Divine Self- causes immense suffering in our world. proclaimed mercy and sought to live in squander who pours Himself out in utter For Francis Jesus’ love is a fire, a passion mercy. We are called to draw by attraction self-giving. We will always, always under - that forms and indeed transforms our lives. – from darkness to the light of Christ.
St Anthony Brief 24 Touching Jesus It is this Franciscan spirit that this book attempts to convey. In the light of the love that will not fail us, the simplest prayer is to call on the name of Jesus and to reach out to Him in trust whatever our circum - stances. When Jesus walked this earth people were constantly reaching out to touch Him because power came out from Him that healed them all. A key image that runs through the book is that of the woman with the bleeding for twelve long years. She thought: “If I can just touch the hem of His garment I will be healed.” Many people were bumping into Jesus in that crowd but only one reached out in hope, touched Him in faith, and received in joy! This reaching out to touch the Lord and draw life from Him is not only an his - torical reality. Today the one who believes in Christ touches the Christ – the living Lord present in our lives. This book was written in the belief, indeed the strong conviction that prayer works. Prayer works because Lord’s love is active, His grace is powerful and His mercy endures for ever. Blessings flow and miracles happen when we recognise our need, turn to the Lord in humble faith and allow Him to release His divine energy into our lives and situation. Of course, not everything is solved and sorted and settled. However we can be so graced with fresh hope and courage and love and light that life does not overwhelm us or embitter us. His gracious presence unwraps the heart to grace. His faithful tenderness binds up our soul wounds. We can be in the same external circum - Francis drew by attraction: Compassion not condemnation stances as before but now, touched by grace, we are interiorly emboldened and are free to love. It takes such emotional, and especially what they must not do – fortified. Now, supported by Jesus’ pres - psychological and spiritual energy to be but there is no joy and delight in God’s ence, the trials and sufferings of life serve shoring up our frail egos and defending endless love, no sense of the redeeming to stretch not shrink the soul. our poor self-image. But when we are strength of the Spirit of the Risen Jesus at Sometimes theologians and learned secure in God’s love as son or daughter, work in their lives. people can have a certain distaste for when this truth becomes the bedrock of In contrast these reflections are rooted such talk of reaching out to Jesus in sim - our identity – then that energy can be in the certainty that the Lord is close to the ple faith. It is seen as too pious; they can released for love and service. We are broken hearted, that He wants to raise up be uncomfortable with what they dismiss blessed so that our lives may become a those who are bowed down, and that in as popular piety. They are mistaken! To blessing, nourished so that we may grow Him the fullness of divine goodness is experience the Lord’s mercy and the strong in goodness, filled that we might available to us. We are invited to reach power of His grace at depth in our daily bear the fruit of Christ-like lives. out to touch Jesus no matter what are our needs, to know Him as the One who jour - There can be a form of religion without present circumstances or our past deeds; neys with us in darkness and light, in sor - God – that is lots of rituals and regulations no matter how feeble we might feel our row and joy – this is the essence of the but no living faith, no expectation that the faith is. As Fr Hugh writes in his foreword: Gospel and the key to Christian living. Lord is truly present and wants to be “May all who read this book be drawn involved in our lives. Indeed have you closer to the Lord Jesus in heartfelt trust; Endless Love ever noticed that some people have just may they experience anew the grace of Nor is this some selfish devotionalism. enough religion to make them miserable? His presence and know with joy the gift of When we are confident in Christ’s love we They know all about what they have to do, His love in their lives.” n dec/Jan 2015 25 Reaching out to Jesus for help in our relationships
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. (Luke 6: 32 -33).
Our lives are made up of a network of relationships – family, relatives, friends, neighbours, and work colleagues – there is no avoiding them! And there is no avoiding the hurt and conflict that at times can blight some of these relationships. When such tensions arise Jesus’ guidance is very clear – our fundamental stance should be one of willingness to heal the rift and to be pro-active in love. It is easy to be kind and helpful to those who return the favour. As those who have experienced God’s merciful love in our own lives, Jesus asks more of us. It has been said, “Where there is no love put love and then you will find love.” Even if the other person does not respond we have done what we should do. A real risk when we feel hurt and are angry with someone is that we get into obsessive thinking about them, winning argu - ments in our head, and imagining what they are thinking or, even worse, saying about us. We talk about them to others and tell what they have done. All this reinforces the negativity and pushes the thorn of hurt deeper into our heart where it can fes - ter and seriously poison the relationship. It is important at such times to guard the mind from obsessive thinking, close the mouth to bitter words, and to take the actions of love. How frequently do the scriptures come back to this important issue of the quality of our relationships! “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips…Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3: 8, 12-14). Jesus, grant me the largeness of heart to take the actions of love, and to work to heal any wounds in my relations with others.
– Extract from The Simplest Prayer: A Book of Love and Faith.
St Anthony Brief 26 “Northernmost Friars" - Franciscans in Alaska
Faith in action Fr gearóid ó conaire, oFM
Gearóid Ó Conaire OFM looks at the mission of the friars among the Athabascan people in the remote interior of northern Alaska.
few months ago a friend of mine north to investigate. He spent two weeks as Pastoral Administrator. Fr Joe is the sent me clippings of a diocesan in the Far North, talking with people, read - only priest serving the region regularly. He AAmagazine, The Alaskan ing, visiting mission stations and observ - divides his time between the villages of Shepherd, which included an article on a ing. He shared an informative report with Ruby and Kaltag. Br Justin serves the vil - Franciscan presence in Alaska. I asked the members of his Province, hoping to lage of Huslia and the city of Galena, as permission to have a version published in find friars “ready, able and willing to Parish and Pastoral Administrator respec - the St Anthony Brief. answer the call to Alaska, not a place for tively. He excels in hands-on maintenance babes in the woods, but a mission skills, especially useful since Galena was Background demanding a great deal of self-giving and deluged with a disastrous flood last In the 1980s, facing a shortage of priests dedication.” spring. Br Justin is busy helping restore in his missionary Diocese of Fairbanks, The Franciscans have focused their St John Berchmans church and assisting and, at the same time, desiring to enrich ministry efforts within eight Athabascan local residents, many of whom lost every - ministry in it with new apostolic charisms, villages located along the banks of the thing. Bishop Michael Kaniecki SJ invited the Yukon, Koyukuk, Kuskokwim and Tanana Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart rivers in Interior Alaska. The villages are The Friars and What They Offer Province – headquartered in St Louis – to poor, and the friars have learned the sub - Br Bob Ruzicka went to Alaska in 1986 consider serving the Athabascan people in sistence lifestyles of the Native people. Br and celebrates his Golden Jubilee in the villages in the interior of northern Bob provided training and faith formation 2016. Fr Joe Hemmer headed north in the Alaska. In September 1985, Fr Dismas throughout the interior region. He is summer of 1988. Fr Joe was ordained 24 Bonner OFM, Minister Provincial, went home-based in Nulato where he serves June 1954 and celebrates his 60th dec/Jan 2015 27 anniversary this year. Br Justin Huber working in vocations and parish ministry, God and one day minister to the went in the year 2000 while celebrating he continued cooking for the friars and Athabascan People of Alaska?" Fr Joe his Golden Jubilee. He is a man of mis - others. Br Bob believes God was prepar - told Kangas that he has learned many sionary zeal, having served previously in ing him for Alaska. "It seemed like every things while living among the Athabascan Zaire. Relocating from Africa to Alaska, Br place I went prepared me for the next people. He has developed a great appre - Justin says, is "like going from the frying place I was going," he explains. Though ciation for local, traditional foods espe - pan into the freezer!" drawn to missions, Br Bob was not natu - cially salmon strips and blueberries. He The three friars are a lot alike. They rally attracted to Alaska at first, but he values traditional ways: the importance of all hail from Midwest USA and they heard trusted God's leading when he said “yes” handing down knowledge and skills, the the call to the Franciscan life at young in 1986. importance of family and loyalty, the per - ages. They all like to work with their Fr Joseph Hemmer was born in manence of relationships. And also the hands. They all consider, in true Cornlea, Nebraska. While still in high importance of reaching out to other peo - Franciscan form, ordinary "non-ministry" school, he entered a boarding school ple at all times and circumstances wher - skills and activities like working with their seminary in Illinois. For the first half of his ever there's a need, on the trail, at home, hands are as much a part of preaching as ministry years Fr Joe served in various during times of disaster, or in sickness. are Sunday reflections. "As a vocation, capacities: an inner city high school Br Justin Huber was born in especially as a brother," says Br Bob, teacher and principal, a chaplain, a supply Lakewood, Ohio. He entered the "we're dealing with people not always on pastor. Yet, while still in seminary, Fr Joe Franciscans at age 19. Before going to a ministerial level as such, but a minister - had an interest in the missions, in "the Alaska in 2000, Br Justin served in such ial level in the workplace. You take Christ Church in faraway places," which he varied locales as Zaire, Africa and the with you everywhere you go, as St never forgot. When the Franciscans put Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. Francis would say. It's very much a out the call for Fairbanks missionaries, Fr Besides ministerial work, Br Justin Franciscan thing." Joe knew it was for him. He boarded a accomplished hands-on maintenance Br Bob Ruzicka was born in St Louis, plane bound for the northern diocese in and/or repair work, or built something, Missouri. He entered the Franciscans at 1988. In the article, writer Katie Kangas wherever he went. He is gifted in age 20. He also went to Chicago's asks: "Who knew that this little farm boy mechanics, electronics, plumbing, even Washburn Culinary School for profes - would grow up and dedicate his life to sional training as a cook. Later, while
Friars Joe, Bob and Justin: over 70 years collective mission in Alaska.
St Anthony Brief 28 tioning in the absence of professional ministers, but flourishing in the faith of Christ. The Diocese of Fairbanks is the best place on earth to be if you are look - ing for ministry opportunity. It is challeng - ing, but rewarding work. There are breath - takingly beautiful vistas to behold, but there are often great distances between parishes and difficult terrains to cross and harsh climates to endure. Some remote villages have dusty roads within them, but there are no roads connecting villages to one another. The village parishes are extremely poor. There's a huge shortage of priests, and precious few men and women religious to help. Some of the rural villages don't have running water, or dependable power sources. The cost of living is outrageously high. The winters are dark and long and the summers mos - quito-filled. The friars have dedicated a On the way: Bob on the snow mobile collective 70 years of service to the mis - sion in Alaska under these challenging as a locksmith. According to his fellow fri - temporal needs of their churches; to grow circumstances. ars, Br Justin can do wonders with the in their faith and spirituality, and to learn The needs are great indeed, but the repair and maintenance of heaters, a skill enough of their faith to be able to teach people are extraordinary. Without the that comes in handy in Interior Alaska! their children. As coordinator of the work of the Franciscan friars, the beautiful region," says Br Bob, "My biggest calling people of Interior Alaska would be without A Series of Challenges is to find those leaders and to find good sacraments, sacramental preparation, The cross-cultural acceptance didn't come leaders, leaders with the right spirit and a ministry training and spiritual leadership. quickly but the long-standing presence of good heart. We come from a background Br Bob reflects: "You know we pray for the friars has made a lasting impact on that says we have a Father or a Brother vocations from the local places that we're the Athabascan people. There were barri - or Sister who will lead us. It's hard to put at, but sometimes we have to face the ers to overcome. Both Fr Joe and Br people in a frame of mind to say, now we fact that we're not at that point yet. And Justin recall the struggle to be accepted. need to take over the leadership of the so we have to say, I have to say, or part When Fr Joe first went some wondered Church, to make them feel comfortable to of my family has to stand up and say, we aloud how long this latest Cheechako serve, realising that yes, they are worthy." need to be leaders of the next church." In (tenderfoot/greenhorn) would survive our most northern missionary diocese, it bush Alaska's long, dark, very cold win - Legacy of the Franciscan Friars is easy to see the work of St Francis ters; or the mosquitoes that can swarm in The legacy of this generation of reflected in the lives of our Franciscan fri - summer. Br Justin says the people do Franciscan friars could well be the calling ars who seldom need to use words to slowly accept newcomers. "It takes time", forth and training of the laity of Interior preach. n he says, "And I don't like mosquitoes but Alaska to keep the Church not just func - [email protected] at least they don't carry malaria like in Africa. That's a plus." Once you're accepted by the community though, you're in. After a generation of burying, Christmas NoveNa marrying, and baptising people, the friars are definitely in. Cards available from: The challenge will be the next genera - Church Office, tion of Church in Interior Alaska. The Franciscan Friary, Fairbanks Diocese suffers from the priest shortage. When priests and religious 4 Merchants’ Quay, become fewer, the laity is challenged to Dublin 8. step forward and care for the spiritual Packets of 12 for €15 or needs of the communities. It is not always €20.00 including p&p. easy. "We need leaders; we need prayer Please print name and address when applying. leaders and ministry leaders and adminis - trative leaders to care for the spiritual and dec/Jan 2015 29 Mission Digest
FRANCISCANS IN EdUCATION IN INdIA Friars from around India involved in pastoral education, along with visiting Franciscans from Rome, gathered with some 60 teachers in October at the Franciscan College in Mumbai. They discussed and reflected how best to foster the Franciscan spirit in the various ways they are involved in the education of the young .
30 dear editor, ubscription to the nclosed please find my yearly s e ding the all donation. I always enjoy rea ‘Brief’ plus a sm Dear Brother Stephen igest and news from , magazine especially Mission d I just got my copy of t Around the Franciscan World. he St Anthony Brief and to my sur s and grace of Advent prise I saw your face and I will be sharing the blessednes name on the magazine, a y prayers. nd I said to with you via m mysel f, “Here is a face I know!” regards, It ha s been years since I first joseph Tonna, read the magazine and I always w Vallea, Malta. ait for it with eagerness. Let me send you congratulations for your new p osition and be sure of my prayers. Dear Br Stephen, God bles Congratulations on s you and the staff of the your new appointments as Director of th magazine. e Franciscan Missionary Union, and Editor of the St Anthony Brief. Melina Varvo, SFO, Until a few mon Rome ths ago, I had never read , Italy. this magazine. I’m privileged to be able to do an hour’s Eucha ristic Adoration daily in the Blessed Sac rament Chapel in Ennis where Perpetu al Adoration is happily on-going, day and night, since 1994. Over 600 people a re committed to a weekly hour. Anyway, I ch ose not to read there, just to be with our Jesus, as I felt if I went to visit Letters friends I would n’t read a book in their presence!! Howeve r, once or twice recently, noticed I the St Anthony magaz to the ine left on a seat, and ye s I was tempted to browse through it, and then read it and finally purchase a copy a Editor t the Friary Office! I was very pleasantly surprised at its content of diverse global int erest and what a Please write beautiful publication it is, illustration-wise, colourful, etc. We your letters, ll done to all concerned. I’ve decided I wil comments and l now get it bi-monthly. suggestions, to: Fr Liam, who was Guardian in Ennis, is a real Anam Cara to the editor, me for just over a year. I was sad when he st anthony Brief, was recently transferred Athlon to e, but I'll keep in touch. Franciscan Yours sincerely, Missionary Union, Merchants’ Quay, Ada Power, Ennis. dublin 8.
dec/Jan 2015
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Friar Pat Lynch OFM – Director of Pastoral Care of Vocations Franciscan Vocations Office, Franciscan Friary, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Mobile: 087 1346267 Email: [email protected] Web: www.franciscans.ie