FALL - 2016

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news. " - Isaiah 52:7 And Your Name In Religious Life Will Be… “We have a Novice!”, is not only exciting news for us Life. One month before the ceremony he chooses three names here at the FMI, but is great news for all of you, our and the Community chooses one name and places Franciscan family. “You shall be known in them under the Virgin Mary statue as we pray Religious Life as ….” brought such that She chooses the name She wants for the suspense and drew such attention at the end . This creates such speculation and of the Ceremony, that one even curiosity on the part of those who know could hear the congregation breath in which names were presented to Our Lady, heavily as one breathe of suspenseful wondering or hoping which name will be air… “as Brother Francis!” chosen. It is fascinating to watch it de- velop and finally to be decided at the What a gift to have Brother Francis end of the Novitiate Ceremony when Reineke, FMI (formerly one name is drawn out of a chalice. Justin) begin his Novitiate here in Yet, a name is important: God calls us Warsaw with the Community and each by name; a name comes with a pleasure to have him continue it something more—someone—a in his discernment, for he dis- saint, a brother in Heaven, a pa- plays such promise by his unas- tron to intercede for us, and one suming kind smile, his pleasant whose characteristics and virtues nature, his prayerfulness, and his we strive to imitate. Brother Fran- Franciscan joy. The FMI Com- cis was given the greatest patron by munity is so blessed to have him Our Lady, Saint Francis of Assisi, as part of this new beginning, and this patron is given to our very this work of evangelization for first Novice: how appropriate, how Mary Immaculate. blessed he will be and the Community As Brother Francis began his Novi- too, to be given no less than the Found- tiate, he said these words, “I ask to er himself as patron saint of our Novice, be admitted into the family of Fran- Brother Francis. cis…to live your way of life and thus Please keep Brother Francis Reineke, FMI advance toward perfect discipleship of in your daily prayers and Mass intentions, Christ.” And I responded, “I do receive that he may persevere and grow into that per- you into our Community to join the Francis- can family…, and so the of Mary fect man, that servant of Immaculate Mary, that Immaculate have received you into its midst…as saintly friar God wants him to be. I am very confi- you make your conversion toward Christ through the dent in my expectations of him, but as always, with prayerful expectation and hope, and with much prayer, also. Franciscan way, ‘put aside your old self with its past deeds and put on a new man…formed anew in the image of the Cre- Brother Francis is setting out, as I pointed out in my homily, not ator’ [Eph. 4:22-24]. Put on Christ!” as a seminarian and not in the familiar role of a diocesan priest—though he aspires to both and pray God that one day he This ‘putting on a new man’ was then symbolized by the will accomplish this. Rather, he is setting out into a life of per- blessing and then donning of the habit upon Brother Francis fection, of prayer, of study of the Franciscan way of life and as he was divested of his suit coat and tie. As the habit was of the Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, in order to placed upon him we prayed, “May the Lord clothe you with a deny himself, humble himself, be emptied of self in order to new self…”; then the hood, called capuche, “Put on the hel- met of salvation, that you may be protected against the be filled with the love of Christ crucified and display the joy onslaught of the Evil One.”; after which the cord was of the Lord. This way of Religious Life that Brother Francis wrapped around him, saying, “May the Lord gird you with sets his course on presently is different than diocesan priest- the cincture of purity, and extinguish in you the passion of hood, yet compliments it and assists it in prayer, in heroic holy lust…”; finally, the Franciscan Crown being placed in his example, and in evangelization for the Kingdom. It is a very hands, was prayed, “Receive the Franciscan Crown of the beautiful life, a life blessed by the Church and a life that enrich- Virgin Mary, that you may be bound in devotion to Her.” es that Church by displaying this Franciscan charism of spiritu- ality, drawing Brother Francis, and hopefully many closer to As we have highlighted the Novitiate Ceremony and the vest- Christ, our Master and Lord. We ask Saint Francis to bestow his ing of Brother as a Franciscan Novice in the garb of the FMI Community, I am struck by the great anticipation and expec- spirit upon Brother Francis in his new life as a Novice-friar tation by many people of what his name will be in Religious of the Franciscans of Mary Immaculate!

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. The signing of the Promises on the altar by Brother Francis, Father Joseph, and a witness, Jason Plutowski. 5 2. Brother Francis pronounces his Promises of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. 3. Celebrating the passing of Saint Francis, called Transitus, Brother Francis reads the Scripture passage Saint Francis requested before his death. 4. Previously, Justin became Postulant Justin on Mother’s Day, May 8th. 5. Brother Francis’ parents, Larry & Carrie Reineke, and their family.

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My Road: From Justin Reineke to Brother Francis, FMI

With my period of Novitiate also begins my new life as Brother Francis, I reflect on the road behind and the way left to tread.

I credit my family and the holy priests of my parish for bringing a love of God’s Will into my soul. It was especially from my parents that I learned that the most important thing is to do what is right, which is anything God wants of you, and to make others happy, to bring them peace and a smile. I am most grateful to my parents—besides the gifts of life and example of unwavering love—for the gift of attending daily Mass and having a deep reverence for Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

It was attending daily Mass with Dad and my siblings from an early age where I received my first desire to be a priest as I observed a kind Irish priest, Father Peter Hughes. I was especially mesmerized by the bells at the Consecration and disappointed when there was no server to ring them. Mind you, I was far from a perfect boy, since I was distracted at other times. Following Father Hughes were the 3 Pod-Ray’s—Father Chad Wilhelm, Father Joseph Christensen, and Father Charles Fischer—who inspired me during adolescent years. They gave me great inspirations and insights into the holy, but also, enjoyable life of a priest, along with the spiritual life.

God had slowly laid the Franciscan path before me. Gradually, I received insight into religious life when Father Joseph founded the FMI, and after the foundation of his Community, I attended all of his JMI Summer Camps with my little brothers. It was in my senior year of high school that God made it clear to me what I, despite a longing in my soul, found hard to fully accept - He was to send me to Warsaw!

In the 10 months between my decision to join the FMI and the beginning of my Candidacy, Satan wasted no time in filling my soul with doubt. Many times I wanted to change my mind and stay home with my family, to live a simple unknown life in the world. Yet, every time I brought this thought to prayer, I knew I was going against what I had learned – to do what is right. I begged God for the strength to leave home, to give my life in service to the Father and for others, and to die to self in whatever way God Willed. In short, I asked to be able to imitate Christ. He answered this prayer with a “Yes!” With tears I departed, and with joy I began the journey down another road on September 8th, Our Lady’s birth.

Here in Warsaw, I am in a gem of a village. I am surrounded by good people who have warmly welcomed me to the area. Learning from Father Joseph, I have seen that one must always have patience, and that even in this most holy office, the greatest leaders are the humblest servants. As he does, I desire to do also, to follow in the footsteps of the Great High Priest according to the ways of Saint Francis. Moreover, how many small towns have the Eucharistic Presence in three places? Here our Lord is ever present in the beautiful Church of Saint Stanislaus, in our Friary, and in the Saint Gianna Maternity Home. No matter where my duties take me, Jesus is always close in His physical Presence.

In May, then, I was received as a Postulant by Father Joseph; most of my siblings were able to attend the ceremony, celebrating the day with joy. With Brown pants, brown tunic, and a simple cord, this Postulant was given numerous identities. Many called me Robin Hood, some believed me to be a Jedi knight, and a few even said I looked the part of a ninja. I entered the world of brown now, to ask not only what it could do for me, but what I could do for God and for you, God’s holy people. I was honored to be recruited soon afterward to assist Jason Plutowski as he built the shrine for Saint Gianna. Summer came rolling in fast as we then held our JMI Summer Camps in June. It was a new perspective to not only be a counselor, but also to be a part of the organization running the program “behind the scenes”. As always a fun-filled time, the camps came in a rush and left just as quickly.

Toward the end of July, I embarked upon my first international flight with a group of almost 80 pilgrims from our Diocese as we went to Poland for World Youth Day. It was a time of great excitement and hundreds of new experiences. The greatest highlight for me was to kneel before our Lady of Czestochowa in Jasna Gora. I was only ten feet from the holy image which has brought so many blessings to Poland. I could deeply feel Her presence, my Mother Mary, who Herself had not been spared from the sword, shown by the marks on Her cheek. Two and half weeks later we returned to our beloved homeland—sad to part from the people we met and the culture we experienced—but at the same time over-joyd to return to the United States. We often forget the amazing gifts God has given some nations; it was the love of God, of neighbor, and of country that formed the strength of the Polish Nation, such patriotism that as Christians we owe our Nation.

A short ten days later, my entire family, relatives, and many friends came to celebrate as I knelt before Father Joseph and made my promises of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Up to that point there were many attacks of doubt and fear about God’s Will in my decision. But as I spoke the words, all doubt left my weak soul, and I felt the love of God: my Father, my Brother, my Life. When I received the name of Francis, the Founder of the three Orders and holy writer of our Franciscan Rule, I was humbled beyond belief! I kept asking Our Lady, Mary, “why?” Why would She choose the name of such a Saint whose holiness and love are so beyond my comprehension? My hope is that the blessing of our Seraphic Father, along with that of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus—the Patroness of our Novitiate—will obtain for me perfect love and obedience to God Almighty in true humility, and the smile of my dear Queen, His Mother Mary, who brought me into this beautiful Religious life. And now that I am in, here I will stay. I look forward with great anticipation and longing as I continue my Novitiate, toward Solemn Vows one day, then hopefully on to Ordination, and finally to my home in Heaven which awaits us all at journey’s end.

May God’s love be ever in your soul; I will say a prayer for you.

~ Brother Francis Reineke, FMI

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Father Joseph and his Fatherhood: More father, Virgil. Necessary Than ever! “ I kneel before the Father from Whom every family in Heaven and earth is named…” [Eph. 3:14]. What is it about fatherhood that we all need? We need to be led, to have direction from someone who has wisdom and experience and love in his heart for us. For example, I remember the first time I helped with filling sandbags during the flood several years ago. I drove to one of the neighborhoods directed to my attention as a work site for volunteers filling bags. I had never done this before. As I approached I looked around to see who was in charge, who I should ask what to do. At first I did not see anyone to direct me, and so I had no idea what to do. However, soon there appeared someone with a fluorescent yellow vest: I knew who to ask, and and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the was given direction of what to do. This person had authority, Father of lights…” [Jam. 1:17]. As a father, and myself as a experience, and the wisdom to guide everyone else there. Or spiritual father who participates in spiritual fatherhood by being on retreat recently, I think of us priests—we are each guiding, protecting, caring for, and making sacrifices for the groomed to be leaders; we tend to take charge. But if we each good of others whom I minister to, we need to go to prayer did, there would be chaos or at least great discontent. What before the Heavenly Father and ask Him for Wisdom, solves this? Leave the priest-director of the retreat to give Wisdom of the Holy Spirit to permeate our minds and to carry directions such as how we will approach the altar for Holy out what it is that He has planned for our lives, our decisions, Communion. All of us priests know how to do these things, but our influence over those in our care. As a priest-father I go just one needs to lead the others for order and peace. So, it is often in prayer to my heavenly Father, asking what it is I with God our Father who ultimately leads each of us back to need to do, or how I need to help remedy someone’s situation, Himself. or where it is He is leading me, at times for strength to carry In the family, too, we need fathers to lead their families; we out what He has asked of me already or in the future. All need fathers to lead in society, especially today. We need a fatherhood takes its name and its enlightenment from God the father to lead in such ways so as to protect those under his care, Father above, “from the Father of lights.” to provide for their greatest good even if this means suffering or We have come from God the Father and are returning to Him sacrificing himself for their greatest good, fathers to be heroic in in the end, as Jesus Himself said, “…I know where I came knowledge of the truth, the good, and the beautiful, heroic in from and where I am going” [Jn. 8:14]. Since we are created sacrifice of himself, heroic in seeking Wisdom from above, by Him, then we know that we are loved by Him: “God has seeking the Wisdom of the Father like Jesus, Who said, “I do loved us first” [1 Jn. 4:19]. The Father loves us into very nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught existence with a creative love. Through Baptism by the power me” [Jn. 8:28]. In my own life I was blessed by a father who of the Holy Spirit, we have become adopted children in such a knew and lived these fatherly virtues. My dad still inspires me real way that we call God, “Abba, Father”. The sense here today, even in his elderly years. would be “Daddy”, that familiar, endearing title of a little I recognize what is lacking many times in our present day child for his father. And so as children of God, we are fatherhood as I see the women who come to the Saint Gianna blessed; the Father has intended that we are loved by Him in Maternity Home. The very reason they have come to the Home the same way as the Father loves the Son and the Son loves is because the father of their child has drastically failed: failed to His Father, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved provide, failed to protect, failed to care for and love their child you” [Jn. 15:9]. and this mother, failed to do what was right even though it is In family life fatherhood passes down from father to child— probably difficult, failed to make sacrifices at all, let alone, and even father to wife—the love, wisdom, care, protection, heroic sacrifices, especially when it involves directly what he and self-sacrifice of God the heavenly Father. I am humbled has participated in and is responsible for, namely, a new life in at the thought of being part of a spiritual fatherhood the womb and a pregnant mother. Fatherhood needs to take its in my priestly ministry with God’s people that I serve. I direction and understanding of what it is, of what it should experience first-hand this spiritual fatherhood in my chaplain- entail from the Fatherhood of God. There is no other way. cy at the Saint Gianna Home: offering Holy Mass, hearing The option of not modeling fatherhood after God the Father is Confessions, giving spiritual advice, and just being present to obvious failure, as we witness all too often. the staff and women and their children, trying to be a father- Secondly, in reference to fatherhood we need humility: humility figure. To the extent that I am able, I join in activities such as to realize and to admit that I did not create myself; I was created pizza making, Christmas caroling, kick-ball or jumping on the by Someone greater than myself. I was not self-made, but gener- trampoline, or a campfire roasting a s’more. In doing these ated. In other words, I have received life from God with my activities, I always strive to be a spiritual father to all there at parents’ cooperation and do not give myself life. “What do you the Saint Gianna Home, and it has been fruitful. One such have that you have not received? And if you did receive it, why example is with Geianna, the first child born after the Home do you boast as if you did not receive it?” [1 Cor. 4:7] There is opened 12 years ago. Geianna is 11 and will turn 12 in a profound humility in Jesus that we should recognize and October. In her own words of thanks on two different strive to imitate, that helps us realize our absolute dependence occasions she has written to me: “I love how you are always on God the Father, the Father from Whom: “all good giving there for me…praying with me…[being] funny…”, and another: “Thank you Father Joseph for always being there 4

for me. Even if u aren’t there your in my heart. Also thank you for being like a father to me. I have never had one. But now it feels like I do.” She composed these completely on her own, without help from anyone! She feels a security and a love which gives her stability as she experiences through my spiritual fatherhood—and the love and care of the staff at the Saint Gianna Home—that of being led, cared about, protected, and sacrificed for because she has the dignity of a child of God the Father and has experienced this dignity and felt this love. In addition to the children being impacted by a fatherly presence at the Saint Gianna Home, the mothers too, and even former residents who are mothers, have need of that fatherly care. One such beautiful example came when I was asked to walk our for- mer resident, Carissa, down the aisle for her wedding. Her father had died when she was young, she was far away from her home Jumping with Geianna. where she grew up, and she did not have any close relative or male figure in her life to take on this role. But more than these circumstances, she really saw in me a father figure, as a father in her life; someone who helped form her and really cared about her and helped her spiritually and with encouragement through the years. I was honored to be the one to lead her to the altar, and more than that, to preside as priest to unite her in Holy Matrimo- ny with her husband, Jerry, just over a year ago, September 5th. I pray that every father will come to realize his role and importance in bestowing the Fatherhood of God on his children. Our society, our families need this so much today more than ever before. I hope to continue to be a good and faithful servant in my spiritual fatherhood to the residents and their children, even the staff, at the Saint Gianna Maternity Home, and in all of my minis- try as a priest of God. May Saint Joseph, foster-father of the Redeemer, Spouse of Mary, and Patron of Holy Mother Church continue to pray for all fathers, whether physical or spiritual, to lead those in their care and protection back to the Father above!

Walking Carissa down the aisle.

Holding MaryAnn.

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Our FMI Apostolate of the 3rd Order Secular Franciscans

Our 3rd Order Secular Franciscan group here in Warsaw numbers 28 members, who are now beginning their second year of formation this month in what will be their novitiate training. They will prom- ise (not vows) to live poverty, chastity, and obedience in their secular life to the best of their ability, along with incorporating simplicity, humility, prayer, and service to a greater degree each day as they strive to follow the spirit of Saint Francis. They are setting out to achieve and strive for deeper union with God and charity toward neighbor in a heightened way according to the Rule of life Saint Francis himself wrote for the of his time who wanted some- thing more like the Saint was living but while remaining in the world as lay people. This is very exciting for the Franciscans of Mary Immaculate since this is one of our Apostolates of our Community. It is inspiring to see the Holy Spirit and spirit of Saint Francis so active in our little village of Warsaw as these members take a further serious step in the direction of holiness, striving to grow closer to God and become the fullest Christians they are called to be.

Fr. Leonard Foley, OFM in his instruction book entitled, ‘Third Order Vocation’, writes: “The year of training called the novitiate is to prepare you for your commitment as a member of the Third Order…as seen through the eyes of St. Francis…the final purpose of the Third Order must be to help you fulfill the great commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, …soul, … mind, …strength” (Mk 12:30). Your purpose as a Lay Franciscan is to fulfill the purpose God gave you: respond to His love with total love of your own—to commit yourself, to consecrate yourself, dedicate yourself completely to the good God” (p. 1).

Pope Pius XI describes the 3rd Order in this way: “It is not the rigor of vows, not a life in common [like or ]… It is the religious life according to the spirit. It is the spirit of that life and perfection carried into the family, into everyday life - the ordinary life of the world.” The 3rd Order is not for the few as are the other Franciscan Orders, but for the many. Saint Francis instituted it for the sanctification of the lay faithful.

Following a Rule such as the 3rd Order Secular is a great help in pursuing holiness. It saves time, opposes self-indulgence and moodiness, helps one with many acts of virtue, fosters regularity in the practice of piety, strengthens the will, and imparts order to life.

Some members of the Third Order of Saint Francis included Saint Ferdinand, King of Castile, Saint Louis of France, who is the Patron of the 3rd Order, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the 3rd Order, Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Bosco, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Frances of Rome, Saint John Marie Vianney, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Philip Neri, Saint Camillus de Lellis, Saint Jane Frances, Saint Vincent de Paul, and even Dante Alighieri, and lastly Christopher Columbus.

The following lists just some of the ways in which the members strive for sanctity in their daily life: Simplicity and modesty in the manner of dress, avoiding relaxation or entertainment that is detrimental to the spiritual life, being temperate in eating and drinking, fasting and abstinence on particular days or seasons of penance, monthly , attending Mass as often as possible, praying daily one of three Offices of the Church, leading others by good example and maintaining charity towards others, refraining from using indecent language, attending the monthly meetings, visiting sick members, and lastly, praying for deceased members.

Although it is not possible to join in the 3rd Order here at this point, we hope in future years to be able to expand by beginning more groups and even in various locations. But we need more vocations, more to accomplish this and all of our many Apostolates of the FMI. So, please pray for vocations for our Community’s growth and holiness. It has really been a joy to begin working with the 3rd Order group here; it has borne great fruit. The members are very touched by God and Saint Francis as they continue to learn, pray, and grow in his spirit of humility and simplicity.

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Father David Przedwiecki—Priest Friend and Guide

Eleven years to the date, the day, and nearly even the hour of Saint John Paul II’s death of April 2nd, 2005, Saturday, the eve of Divine Mercy, Father David Przedwiecki passed from this world to the next. This Polish Saint was a man near to Father David’s heart and an inspiration for his love of the Polish customs, traditions, language, and culture that influenced much of what Father did. In writing this tribute to a priest-friend and guide, I ask myself the question: what stood out about Father David? What attracted me? Many thoughts roll around in my mind and many feelings of respect and affection fill my heart as I contemplate these questions. I marveled at his inspiring preaching; even if I had heard the story or homily previously, his ability to retell it as if it was the first time moved me to tears again or gave me goose bumps or chills down my spine, depending on what was conveyed. And when he preached proclaiming the Gospel as related to modern issues, he was fearless and never watered down the truth. He was well read and continued to educate himself, which made him very knowledgeable in many theological or historical or canonical areas. Father David loved legitimate traditions such as the use of Latin or Polish in the Liturgy, facing ad orientem, reception of Holy Communion on the tongue and while receiving on the knees in Adoration of Our Lord, chanting the Liturgy of the Hours and the Mass itself, chanting the Mass even when very tired from a long trip or arriving home late. Eucharis- tic Adoration was close to his heart along with the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary. What attracted so many people to Father David was that he came at a time of crisis and confusion in the Church’s history, and he consoled the people by offering beautiful liturgy and sound teaching. The people loved him! And what really stands out about him is that he loved to help people, he loved to preach especially parish missions, to hear Confessions, to teach, especially the youth by passing on the Faith in its entirety, working very hard and long hours, and he loved to sing. Moreover, despite any of the hardships of starting a new religious community or the rigor of living austere monasticism or despite even persecution, he was always very joyful! This is what was so attractive and inspiring and endearing about Father David. In musing over the past years spent with Father David, I smile as I think about how he showed me how to fly to Rome and how to meet the and even sing for him or concelebrate Mass with him, how to live the vows as a friar, how to be a joyful friar, how to preach and teach, how to show our youth our beautiful Catholic Faith, how to love the Virgin Mary, and how to be like Jesus Christ. He also greatly loved and cherished the Polish Traditions: Wigilia (Polish Christmas eve meal), Swięconka (Post resurrection celebration and meal), Pierogis (filled dough pockets), Kolędy (Christmas Carols), and babka bread (sweet bread), and once in a while, a piwo (beer). Father David, when asked about the history of founding the religious community, explained how he was called on to vest a priest who had died and how moving an experience this was for him. At death a priest is vested by another priest or priests with his priestly vestments for Mass as the vesting prayers are recited by the vesting priest—all this to vest and prepare the deceased priest for the Eternal Sacrifice in Heaven. Father David, as he vested the deceased priest, asked himself, “will there be anyone to vest me when I die?” I am very honored, assisted by Thomas Olszyk and Father Tom Lijewski, to have been the priest to vest Father David for eternity. I am really blessed to have had Father David as a priest friend and guide in my life. Father David really formed me to be who I am as a priest and as a religious; and I am eternally grateful! May Father David Przedwiecki rest in Eternal Peace!

Father David meeting Pope Saint John Paul II. Father David with Father Joseph.

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JMI SUMMER CAMPS - Boys & Girls - 2016

A bus load of fun and a bundle of graces!

The JMI youth learn about prayer to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, attend daily Adoration and participate in a Eucharistic Procession, grow in a deeper love of Mary Immaculate according to Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s teachings and in devotion through praying the Holy Rosary, enjoy a laugh splashing in the pool or in a serious game of kickball, or weather this summer’s storms, marvel at the fireworks bursting in the night sky, or just have a good time hanging out with other young people and realize, “that I can be Catholic and have lots of fun at the same time.”

FRANCISCANS OF MARY IMMACULATE

SAINT FRANCIS FRIARY 6098 County Road 4 Minto, North Dakota 58261-9455

[email protected] www.fmifriars.com 701-248-3020 8