Congratulations to Krisann, Shirley and Silvia Our New Candidates! In This Issue

Fraternity Reports

News and Events Faithful Views Deacon ’s Declarations ’s Corner Little Green Habits

Fraternity Fare

Brother Juniper

MEDITATION Today, I am afraid of nothing. I am not afraid of my littleness. I am not afraid of my falls. For Welcome to Our as many times as I fall today, I will turn to You New Inquirers not discouraged, but with a contrite heart. I will tell you everything. To convert means to Teresa and turn around to You, to face You, to look toward Veronika! You, to love You with all my energy, my mind, my soul and my heart. , I beg You for the grace to be continually converted today, to begin yet again to seek You, no matter how many times I have to turn back to You. Fr. L. Czelusniak, MIC

“Lent comes providentially to re-awaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” Francis

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From the Spiritual Director From the Minister Dear brothers and sisters in Brothers and Sisters, Christ and Francis,

The Lenten Season is always a time This coming October 2014, Pope Francis of reflection. We tend to jump to has called an Extraordinary General ‘giving something up’ and then Assembly of the synod of Bishops to wash our hands, obligations satisfied! But if we hope to discuss the “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of enter fully into the experience of Easter then it is evangelization”. “All people of ” will participate in this necessary to enter fully into the experience of Lent. challenge of meeting the pastoral needs of the family. Many of As a fraternity we have studied and shared and us in the Secular Franciscan order are committed to both our hopefully experienced the spiritual dynamic into which families and living the Gospel as Jesus has called us. As a we are all called. We have enjoyed the Presence of the prayerful, Franciscan community I urge you to answer our Spirit, we know we are loved. Pope’s request to pray “intensely to the Holy Spirit” – that He will guide the synod as they prepare for the World Meeting of In this bright Light of Christ we have become aware of Families that will take place in September 2015. All families our own darkness, our own sin. And yet, in spite of need the love of Christ to sustain us, and to help us journey ourselves we are loved and called to serve. We are together in love. Pope Francis reminds us: “If there is no love called to be a Christ-person and to minister to one then there is no joy, and authentic love comes to us from Jesus. another as Christ has ministered to us. He offers us his word, which illuminates our path, he gives us the Bread of life which sustains us on our journey.” By tradition the three undertakings of Lent are fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Fasting: taking a hard look at It is with joy and thanksgiving to God that we welcome our myself, my attitudes, my sinfulness; accepting the three new candidates to Mount Alverno fraternity! Please join me in welcoming Shirley, Krisann and Silvia! Also, we are so reality of who I am and making decisions to change happy to welcome both Veronika and Teresa to explore their (practical choices). vocation to the ofs through a period of inquiry – welcome!

Prayer: turn my gaze to the Lord and look upon the Thank you to our members who have contacted me with Crucified One. Gaze upon the face of Love, the face of wonderful suggestions and ideas for our fraternity! We have a Goodness. fraternity that is alive and inspired by the Holy Spirit and Alms-giving: to share who I am and what I have been what a blessing that is! given with others. To cherish the world, to love and to give generously. I continue to encourage all of you to contact me with any questions, ideas or concerns. This is Resurrection! ([email protected] 416-418-0314) Have a wonderful and uplifting Easter! Peace and love, frankie Brother .

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From the Formation Director MOUNT ALVERNO NEWS EVENTS As I write this report, we anticipate welcoming Silvia, Shirley and Krisann as new candidates in the Secular Franciscan Order at our March Marriage Course April 25th – 26th 2014 fraternity meeting. All Inclusive. Information click on the email link:

This will mark their formal entry into the SFO. mount-alverno.on.aibn.com Although this is not yet a permanent profession it is, as Br. David explained, a time for them to test out their commitment to the Franciscans.

Together we will be spending the next period of time 3rd Annual Classic Car Show & Swap examining, studying, and praying over each article of Saturday July 12th, 2014 9:00 – 3:00 pm the rule of the SFO adopted in 1978. Information click on email link: mailto:[email protected]?subject=Classic Car As well Teresa and Veronica have both decided that Show and Swap they wish to take the next step in becoming Secular Franciscans. They will begin their orientation in April and should they and God be willing will become inquirers this September.

Our fraternity continues to grow!

Our council will begin discussions soon on the direction our ongoing formation should take in 2014-2015. Should you have any thoughts on this matter I would FUNDRAISER be very interested in hearing them. Windows of Faith Project for Mount Alverno Upgrade the windows to energy efficient thermal pane To all I wish a holy and blessed Easter season. windows. Tax Receipted donations. $55,000 raised to date Goal is $150,000. Your Tax Receipted Donation is Dan St. Pierre. gratefully received and will enable us to improve our building and to continue GOD’s work here at Mount Alverno Retreat Centre. Contact Bro. Alan Gaebel “Our Lord has written the promise of the 416-241-3010 x 245 to donate or donate directly at resurrection, not in books alone, but in CanadaHelps.org. every leaf in spring-time.” Martin Luther

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NEWS WORLD FRANCISCAN NEWS

Trillium Region Chapter Elections To be held May 23rd – 25th FUNDRAISER RESTORATION PROJECT Trillium Region Launches NEW website! ST. FRANCIS IN

Visit at www.SFOTrilliumRegion.weebly.com The friars who run the San Francesco a Ripa church in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood RETREATS launched a Kickstarter online a fundraising th 5 Annual Women of the Word Luncheon campaign to raise $125,000 for the restoration of May 4th 2014 Premiere Banquet Hall the tiny cell where St. Francis stayed when he Information click on email here: came to Rome to see the starting in 1209. mailto:[email protected]?subject=Infor This project is also supported by Franco mation Women of the Word Luncheon Zeffirelli, Liliana Cavani, some of the students of the “Stella Adler Studio of Acting” of New York 26th Annual Pilgrimage Medjugorje and the young guests of the St. Francis Convent October 10th – 20th 2014. in Rome. More Information, See Flyer details on the “News” page at www.kickstarter.com Search St. Francis in Rome… www.SFOTrilliumRegion.weebly.com or for more Information click on email here: CIOFS NEWS REPORT mailto:[email protected]?subject=Medjugorje The CIOFS have reported to All National SFO Councils with regard to the letter written by the Retreat. Catholic Bishops Conference of Venezuela stating the struggles and violence current in Venezuela. VATICAN NEWS As Franciscans we are urged to participate in Pope Francis launches, “One Human Family, writing a letter to the Archbishop. A sample Food for All” campaign Development and Peace letter is available for download at (D&P), the Canadian Caritas Internationalis arm www.SFOTrilliumRegion.weebly.com – look is participating in their 2014 One Human Family, up “Events” Food For All campaign launched by Pope Francis which seeks to bring an end to world hunger. ROMANS VI NEW WEBSITE! The JPIC office in They have made it the central theme of their Rome has launched a new website to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 2014 Share Lent campaign. D&P have produced naming of Saint Francis as Patron of Ecology. many tools to help learn more about this Share Anniversary date - November 29th 2014 Lent campaign and to promote it. www.devp.org Go to: www.francis35.org

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FAITHFUL VIEWS (from: franciscanponderings.blogspot.ca)

“The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.” Handed over! On one level, on the surface, Jesus was handed over to his enemies by Judas. But on a deeper level, for love of us, with a complete yielding to the Father’s redeeming purpose – he unreservedly handed himself over.

Jesus, we are told, set his face resolutely toward Jerusalem and all that awaited him there. He could say: “Nobody takes my life from me. I lay it down of my own accord.”

It was a moving forward in love, a letting go totally into the hands of God, allowing his life fall like a grain of wheat into the dark earth. It was with such absolute trust that Jesus went to the Cross-and, with such abandonment to the Father, he handed over his life for us.

And what of us, as the Lord’s disciples? St Francis so often refers to the Scripture: “Christ suffered for you leaving you an example that you might follow in his footprints.” And it is, above all, this interior disposition of trusting surrender that is the heart of Christ’s example we are called to follow.

The constantly teach us this message of handing over all our lives, especially the inevitable, unavoidable sufferings and struggles and trials we face. St Ignatius prayed: “Take, Lord, receive... all is yours. Dispose of it wholly according to your will.” John Newton, slave-trader turned servant of the Gospel, wrote in a time of great trial: “It is sufficient that the Lord knows how to dispose of me, and that he can and will do what is best. To him I entrust myself for I trust that his will and my true interests are inseparable. To his name be the glory!”

The saints know that in the end the Lord asks for everything so that we might receive everything. There has to be an immense space for the gift of God! Something to hold in our hearts as we approach the week we call Holy. Written by Frater Hibernicus

"I used to approach Jesus frequently saying, 'What do you wish from me?' He would reply, 'that you die to yourself, that you rise above your worldly interests; die to everything, even to those affections that seem to be holy, live at a level where life's contradictions don't disturb you, where attentions don't flatter you. Seek only God and His interests.'" -Venerable Julia Navarrete Guerrero Which part of Jesus' reply to Venerable Julia might He be saying to me today?

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DEACON MICHAEL’S DECLARATIONS

A LENTEN THEME At the time of writing, it is not yet Lent, but as I hope to be in warmer climes soon, my thoughts turn to the upcoming season. An observation first of all, -- The Jews fasted in order to prepare for the coming of the Messiah and God's Kingdom. But Our Lord counters this idea with His response that the Messiah and the Kingdom have already arrived. The time for fasting is over. The time for feasting is here. Fasting in these circumstances would be like opening up an umbrella after the storm has passed and the sun is shining brightly.

This begs the question for us; what are some of the religious acts that we perform/engage in, more out of duty than any love we might have for our neighbour?

As St Teresa of Avila commented, -"God does not want our deeds, He just wants the love that prompts them". Peace and Happy Easter To All, Deacon Michael Robertson

PRAYER REQUESTS For Vernon & Angela Grant For the Brown Family Melanie, family member of ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS Kevin Spurling nd For the McCullough Family t of Orangeville Bro. David Laurie St. Pierre April 2 th Peace in Syria and the Profession May 1 Bruce Golden April 17 th Middle East Gillian, Allan st Lucita Ibay April 27 Brown May 5 st Peace in the Ukraine and Theresa Kim May 6 th th Venezuela Kevin, Bernadette Felix Ibay May 21 rown June 27 For Silent Children’s Spurling May 12 Gillian B Gin, Cliff Mees th Mission Shirley Stonehouseth June 3 th For the souls of relatives rd June 12 une 15 Peter Graf J and friends

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SAINT’S CORNER St. Benedict Cottolengo April 30th 1786 - 1842

Saint Joseph’s life is remarkable for his unfailing confidence in the Lord—a confidence and faith which allowed him at accomplish remarkable feats of charity for those in need. Joseph was the eldest of 12 children, six of who later died in infancy or childhood. Born to a middle class family in Bra, Piedmont (near Turin, Italy), Joseph made his intentions of entering the priesthood known at age 12. Despite his frail health and academic difficulties in school, he was accepted into the seminary at Turin and ordained for the Diocese of Turin in 1811.

The first years of ’s priesthood were unremarkable, with the exception of his deep devotion to the Blessed . He set about his days, viewing the priesthood as an occupation, rather than a blessed calling. But that was about to change. One cold night, he was called to the bed of a traveler—an extremely poor, sick woman who was also in labor. This poor woman badly needed medical help, but had been turned away everywhere for lack of money. The hospital would not take her because she was pregnant, and the maternity ward would not take her because she was ill. Saint Joseph remained with her throughout the night, hearing her Confession, absolving her, giving her Holy Eucharist, and Last Rites. He baptized her newborn daughter, and stayed with the pair while they both died in bed.

Upon returning to the Church of the Corpus Domini, he paused in front of the statue of Our Holy Mother of Grace. In that moment, he received the inspiration to create a home open to everyone, whatever disease they might suffer from, without distinction of race or creed. Without thought of whether this inspiration would be financially or politically possible, Saint Joseph devoted his life to the mission. He first started a small home, which initially held only 4 beds, near the church. When the demand grew too great, he increased the size of the building, calling upon men and women to volunteer. As the “hospital” grew even larger, he called upon the Brothers of Saint Vincent and the Vincentian Sisters for assistance in nursing and volunteering. During a cholera outbreak in 1831, the local police closed the hospice, fearing it was a source of the illness. In 1832 he transferred the operation to Valdocco, and called the shelter the Little House of Divine Providence (Piccola Casa). The Casa began receiving support, and grew, adding asylums, orphanages, hospitals, schools, workshops, chapels, almshouses, and programs to help the poor, sick, and needy of all types. This small village of the poor depended almost entirely on alms, Joseph kept no records, and turned down offers of state assistance; never once did they do without. Joseph directed the operation until a few days before his death, and the Casa continues to today, serving 8,000 or more each day. He founded fourteen communities to serve the residents, including the Daughters of Compassion, Daughters of the Good Shepherd, Hermits of the Holy Rosary, and Priests of the Holy Trinity. He was a Third Order Franciscan in his young years, and continued working on behalf of the poor. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Holiness in everything else shall be given to you as well.” Saint Benedict Joseph Cottolengo.

For A Calendar of Franciscan Saint’s by Month visit www.franciscan-sfo.org

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LITTLE GREEN HABITS FRATERNITY FAIR Favourite Recipes submitted by Fraternity Members CHALLAH BREAD

In Jewish history Challah bread dates back 3,500 years, (1st appears in the Bible in Numbers 15:18-21) traditionally for Shabbat and for Jewish holidays. nd I make Challah bread for Easter. The bread is blessed at the EARTH DAY April 22 Easter Sunday ; one loaf is given to our Priest and the 1 Billion People rest shared among the family. 192 Countries 1/3 c honey 5 c in unbleached flour or whole TAKE ACTION! 1 ¼ c warm water wheat flour (more as needed) To learn more about Earth Day 2014 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast ¼ c milk and what you can do to participate ½ tsp salt 2 tbsp. olive oil in events, action, campaigns, resources 2/3 c olive oil 1 egg white and more visit www.earthday.org 2 eggs 1 tbsp. white sugar Dissolve honey in water, stir in yeast, set aside until WHAT I LIKE A HAND UP! yeast forms creamy layer on top. (about 15 minutes). Stir in slat, 2/3 c olive oil and beaten eggs. Add flour 1 Master Gardener Mark Cullen blogs cup at a time until dough is slightly tacky, but not sticky about S.H.A.R.E Agriculture Foundation wet. On floured surface, knead until smooth and A Canadian Non-Profit Charity that is “opening doors of elastic. Lightly oil a bowl, place dough in the bowl, turn prosperity to a great number of people in Central dough in oil. Let it rise until doubled (about 90 minutes) and South America. SHARE supports landless people Punch down the dough and cut into 2 equal size pieces. and subsistence farmers with the tools and resources Cut each piece into 4 equal parts. Roll into 4 ropes that they need to get a start. The slogan 'A Hand Up not (about 14” long) To make the “under 2, over 1 braid, a Hand Out' originated with this organization 35 years take the left most rope and move it to the right to cross ago.”One of the key rules that guides the SHARE strategy underneath the next 2 ropes, then move it to the left to is the 'Pass On' principle. This is a rule that, for every cross back over the strand immediately to the left. gift of resources provided, the fruits of it must be passed Repeat on the right. Pinch the ends tightly together on to other needy people. A cow has calves, which are and let rise 1 hour. Repeat with the second piece of given away to cow-less families. The wealth is therefore dough. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets spread around to people who can really use it. with parchment paper. Make the glaze by whisking For more Information: www.shareagfoundation.org together milk, 2 tbsp olive oil, the egg white and sugar. Brush braided loaves to make a shiny crust and bake until golden brown (about 30 minutes. NOTE traditionally bread is pulled apart and not sliced.

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“To Love God To Serve God Everything is in that”

St.

THANK YOU TO THE CONTRIBUTORS BROTHER DAVID, FRANKIE BURG-FERET DAN Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil Homily ST. PIERRE & DEA. MICHAEL ROBERTSON. “Let the Risen Jesus enter your life,

Welcome Him as a friend, with trust, He is ALL NATURE PHOTOS TAKEN AT Life! Up until now you have kept Him at a MOUNT ALVERNO. distance, step forward, He will receive you Calling All with open arms. If you have been Cooks & indifferent, take a risk: you won’t be Bakers Add to disappointed. If following Him seems Fraternity Fair our difficult, don’t be afraid, trust Him. Be send your confident that He is close to you. He is with favourite recipe to vmees@rogers. you and will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as He com would have you do.”

First Ever Double Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII to be canonized on April 27th in St. Peter’s Square. Vatican City expects about five Mount Alverno Fraternity 20704 Heart Lake Road million people to attend the ceremony and millions more watching around the Caledon ON L7K 2A2 world. The Vatican’s CTV will produce the event in 3-D and will be screened in over 600 movie theaters around the world. For more details link to the new website www.2popesaints.org

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