The Joyful Messenger Summer 2020

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Marie Thomas, OFS Regional Minister

Jeane Swaynos, OFS Regional Vice Minister

Hans D. Huemmer, OFS Regional Formation Director

Patricia Gagnon, OFS Regional Treasurer

MISSION STATEMENT Rachel Ahern,OFS Assistant Regional Treasurer The mission of the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the Secular Franciscan Order is to walk in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi by bringing gospel to Patricia Wolfert, OFS life and life to the gospel and promoting a sanctified Regional Secretary family life. John Deaton, OFS Co-Regional Spiritual Assistant

Brother Lombardo D’Auria, OFM Co-Regional Spiritual Assistant MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER REGIONAL FAMILY MARIE THOMAS, OFS COUNCILORS

ARE YOU A LOVER OR A LIAR Ruth Huddle, OFS

Marcia Stamboulian, OFS “The way you love other humans and the way you love God -St. Elizabeth of Hungary Family are almost certainly identical.”

When I read this line in the book, “Eager to Love,” on page Sheila Solomon, OFS 245, I had to stop. It caused me to ponder a few things. The Mark Banschbach, OFS -St. Thomas More Family first thing that came to mind is that God commanded us to love one another. He didn’t just suggest or request us to love everyone; He commanded us to love one another. It is the Margaret Wendel, OFS second of the two Great Commandments when it says, “it is Andy Buchleitner, OFS just like the first” (Matthew 22:39). -St. Margaret of Cortona Family

So to say we love God in precisely the same way we love others is a statement that causes us to pause. In other words, it means how we love and how we allow STANDING ourselves to be loved by God is really how we love in general. COMITTEES This means that as Franciscans, we must always act with Bonnie Barlow, OFS love and service because only then do we love God. Database Manager

Francis must have known this instinctually because he is often quoted as saying, “You must preach the Gospel at Mark Banschbach, OFS all times and when necessary use words.” He knew that Webmaster happy, humble people could change other people much more effectively by loving them than preaching to them. Secular Andy Buchleitner, OFS Franciscans who are genuinely happy, are the most fruitful Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation in the world because they relate to God in a way that is profoundly personal and intimate. Still, they also identify Liaison (JPIC) and extend themselves beyond themselves and encompass the broader aspects of humankind. Theresa A. Zesiewicz, OFS No true Franciscan can say, “I can have a private relationship Electronic Newsletter Editor with my private God - by myself, and I do not need to love everyone with no exception.” Think about it. This is Janice Novello, PhD OFS genuinely anti-Gospel and anti-Franciscan. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)? Young Adult Apostolate Jesus challenges our idea of who is a stranger and who is a neighbor. As Christians, we know that caring only for Hilda Aguilera, OFS people who like us or have the same views as we do, is not Spanish Liaison acceptable. Jesus said, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6:32) We must look and love beyond all borders and see all people as our neighbors. Judith (Judy) Born, OFS Archivist Are we excluding someone? Are we being selective and avoiding the constant complainer, the nit- picking boss, or the Muslims, the terrorists, those with a different political view or those whose values or behaviors are foreign to us, etc.? All are our neighbors.

So what does this really mean? To love our neighbor means we must look past outer appearances and circumstances. Praying for those we tend to exclude is a powerful way to love them. Keep in mind that loving someone does not make us blind to their sin, but it does require us to focus on our sins first. Therefore, just pray for them and love them! God loves them and lives in them, too! Francis loved and kept, not only people but everything in the world, in an intimate relationship. He looked at the world with much more full eyes and enjoyed every person and thing in itself for itself. We need to remember that if we need a reward or recognition for something we did or said, we have backed away from love and no longer love God or neighbor with pure love. Acting with genuine love is its reward and does not need anything in return. If we say we love God, but we do not love every neighbor, we are liars! Without love for others, we cannot even say we know God.

THE JOY OF BEING CHILDREN OF GOD

Let us show the joy of being children of God, the freedom that living in Christ gives us, which is true freedom, the freedom that saves us from the slavery of evil, of sin, and of death! Looking at the heavenly homeland, we shall receive new light and fresh strength, both in our commitment and daily efforts. General audience, April 10, 2013

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER Five Franciscan Martyrs Region Florida, South Georgia, Lower Alabama

www.francisan~sfo.org

July 6, 2020 Dear Fellow Franciscans and Guests, According to God’s plan, our Annual Regional Fraternity Meeting this year will be shortened to 2 half days: so our next POSSIBLE DATES are Tuesday & Wednesday, September 22 & 23, 2020 at the San Pedro Retreat Center in Winter Park, Florida (Directions may be found at www.sanpedrocenter.org). We will be celebrating the Region’s ri-AnnualT Chapter of Elections with Donna Hollis, OFS, National Councilor, as the Presider of the election and Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR as the Ecclesial Witness. Of course we will also honor those celebrating their 25th and 50th Jubilees* as Secular Franciscans on Wednesday. Therefore, it is extremely important that the Minister, Vice-Minister or one of the elected Council Members attend… not just because it is mandated by our Rule and Constitutions and we must have a quorum, but because we are a spiritual family and we have much to celebrate. If the Minister must pass up this wonderful opportunity, then please send a delegate from the fraternity Council. Official delegate means: the elected vice minister or another member of the fraternity council for this purpose. This official delegate must bring a letter stating that they were officially delegated by the Fraternity Council, so he/she may vote. This belated 2 day Franciscan Chapter is FREE for the Ministers or official delegate and th50 Jubilarians but drivers and/or spouses are welcome to come and enjoy the Franciscan Charism of the gathering as observers. Because of “social distancing”, only one person will be permitted to a room (family member exempted) space is extremely limited. Therefore, priority will be given to Voting Members on a first-come, first served basis. Once we reach capacity, members will be placed on a waiting list. The registration form for the annual meeting follows. It may be duplicated, for others in your fraternity. Please register by August 31 because space is limited to single rooms only (married couples are exempt) and we must obtain a quorum to pass the budget & hold the election. Registration and check-in will begin 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday Sep 22, 2020 but the annual meeting formally begins at 3:00 pm with Service for the Deceased. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. We again ask that you bring your own snack which you may NOT share with others at our social. Then take “leftovers” back to your room and home. Drinks and paper goods will be provided. Also bring your own name tag and FACE MASK. See more precautions listed after the registration form. The meeting will conclude after the 11 a.m. Mass in the Chapel on Wednesday, Sep. 23 with lunch which will be served after Mass. Wishing all of you a safe and healthy summer! Marie Thomas Marie Thomas, OFS, Regional Minister

*To ensure that Jubilarians receive their Certificates, Ministers must submit names ASAP to Karen Szczeniak at [email protected] SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYRS REGION Annual Regional Fraternity Meeting

September 22-23, 2020

San Pedro Center, Winter Park, Florida Theme: “Come, Holy Spirit” Please Note that All Times, Except Meals, are Subject to Change

Tuesday, Sep 22 Building

2:00 pm Registration Bldg 300

3:00 pm Annual Commemoration of Deceased Members since last year Bldg 300

1 st Call for Nominations by NAFRA Presider

3:30 pm Annual Regional Fraternity Business Meeting Bldg 300

Open with Prayer from the Ritual p.35

Roll Call to establish quorum – Pat Wolfert, OFS

Approval of Minutes (They will NOT be read, only corrections, etc. taken)

Welcome, Overview of Weekend – Marie Thomas, OFS

Talk by Regional Spiritual Assistant – John Deaton, OFS (if available)

Approval of Treasurers Report and Budget – Pat Gagnon, OFS

Outreach Talk – Theresa Zesiewicz, OFS (if available)

Report on Youth – Janice Novello, OFS

2 nd Call for Nominations by NAFRA Presider

5:00 pm Dinner Bldg 300

6:30 pm Evening Prayer followed by Bldg 300

Introduction of NAFRA Guests & 3rd Call for Nominations Bldg 300

8:00 – ? pm Social: Unwind with Wine! Bldg 300

9:00 pm Optional Night Prayer; Please use your own Breviary Chapel

Wednesday, September 23

7:30 am Morning Prayer Bldg 300

8:00 am Breakfast Bldg 300

8:30 am Regional Triennial Chapter of Elections Bldg 300 Introduce Presider and Friar Witness

Establish Quorum, etc. and Installation of New Council follows

11:30 am Mass: Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest Chapel

Celebrant & homily: Fr. Vianney Cunningham, TOR

25Honor th & 50th Jubilarians

12:30 pm Lunch and Final Farewell to Membership Bldg 300

Meeting for New & Former Council Members during and/or after lunch

Departure after Mass and May God Keep You Safe in Your Travels! Other: 1. BRING:

snack for yourself and remember to take “leftovers” home

your name tag

your face mask list of deceased members from last year for the Rite of Remembrance

OFS Ritual for election prayers & proceedings

Annual Meeting Minutes from last year

Biographies of Nominees will be sent in advance so bring your copy

2. DO NOT BRING:

your fraternity banner or

any items for display or sale, etc.

3. If the Minister is sending a Delegate, he/she must bring a letter of authorization and submit it to Pat Wolfert before roll call.

The following short prayer is recommended for invoking the intercession of the Five Franciscan Martyrs...

O Lord Jesus Christ, reward the apostolic zeal of Fray Pedro de Corpa and his four Companion friars, Blas, Miguel, Antonio, and Francisco, who labored for the spiritual well-being of the Natives of Georgia and gave their lives in witness to the Christian faith. Through their merits and intercession graciously grant the favor I humbly ask of You, so that, for the glory of Your Name, their heroic sacrifice may be officially recognized by the Church. Amen.

(Permissu Ordinarii Dioec. Savannensis) ***Emergency Cell: (727) 492-5666 for Rachel Ahern, OFS*** SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER Five Franciscan Martyrs Region ANNUAL REGIONAL FRATERNITY MEETING

Theme: “Come, Holy Spirit” September 22-23, 2020

San Pedro Retreat Center

2400 Dike Road

Winter Park, Florida

REGISTRATION FORM

Please print or type:

Name: Phone: ( )

Address: E-mail:

City: State: Zip:

Fraternity: Fraternity City:

Please Check: Fraternity Minister (free) Fraternity Minister’s Delegate (free)

Fraternity Council Member Spiritual Assistant (Provincial, Regional, Local)

Regional Executive Council Member Other Regional Appointee

Nominee for Regional Office Fraternity Member or Observer

NAFRA Representative CNSA Representative

____ Jubilarian Celebrating: _____ 50 Years (free) or _____ 25 Years

If you are an official delegate for your Fraternity Minister, please bring a letter of authorization

and give it to Pat Wolfert, OFS, Regional Secretary. (Before or during roll call) Rooms: I have ambulatory problems, I need to be Downstairs ____ I have a wheelchair, I need a Handicap Room

If you or your companion requires a downstairs room, you MUST register & pay early! Only those who request a downstairs room immediately upon receiving this registration can be assured a downstairs room.

Type of Room (Single, Double, Commuter):

Only if Spouse:

Other special needs:

Cost Per Person: (Price includes room for one night, dinner on Tuesday, breakfast & lunch on Wednesday, evening social, and the Registration Fee). Send Registration Form by August 31 to:

Single Room: $175 Rachel & Patrick Ahern, OFS Sharing with Spouse: $100 2006 Nugget Drive Minister or Official Delegate or 50th Jubilarian: Free Clearwater, FL 33755 All-Day Commuter: $50 Questions: (727) 492-5666 (Sorry, all registrations must be accompanied with payment) [email protected]

***Emergency Cell: (727) 492-5666*** PLEASE NOTE: Registrations received after August 31, 2020 do NOT guarantee a room

Please duplicate this form as needed PANDEMIC PRECAUTIONS

To be Taken While at San Pedro

Prompted by an over-abundance of caution, below are precautionary measures to be taken this year during our time together at San Pedro. Even though San Pedro can accommodate 75 guests while maintaining the proper social distancing, we are keeping the number to about 50 OFS members. We also divided the time to two days for approximately 4 hours each with meals in between because wearing a mask for an entire 8 hours is quite difficult.

1. Wear your face mask at all times when outside your room.

2. Wave or respectfully nod or bump elbows or even blow kisses at your friends

but do not hug or shake hands.

3. You are all in single rooms. Do not invite anyone else in your room.

4. When your table number is called, go to the line for food.

5. Maintain a 6’ distance between each other, even while waiting for food.

6. Always sit at the same table and same place for eating the entire time you are at San Pedro. There will only be 3 to a table.

7. Take the same seat when we meet in the business section with voters up front.

8. Wash your hands and/or use sanitizer often.

9. During social hour, do not share your snacks and maintain social distancing. Wine and beer will be available.

2020 NOMINEES (In Alphabetical Order)

REGIONAL MINISTER: JANICE NOVELLO, OFS JEANE SWAYNOS, OFS MARGARET WENDEL, OFS

REGIONAL VICE MINISTER: JANICE NOVELLO, OFS SHEILA SOLOMAN, OFS MARCIA STAMBOULIAN, OFS

REGIONAL FORMATION DIRECTOR: MARIA VIDAL, OFS KENNETH WOLFERT, OFS

REGIONAL TREASURER: KAREN ROONEY, OFS

REGIONAL SECRETARY: PATRICIA WOLFERT, OFS

REGIONAL COUNCILORS (2) of ST. ELIZABETH FAMILY: RUTH HUDDLE, OFS MARCIA STAMBOULIAN, OFS MARGARET WENDEL, OFS

REGIONAL COUNCILORS (2) of ST. MARGARET FAMILY: HILDA AGUILERA, OFS SUSAN DESHOTEL, OFS MARGARET WENDEL, OFS

REGIONAL COUNCILORS (2) of ST. THOMAS FAMILY: MARK BANSCHBACH, OFS JANICE NOVELLO, OFS SHEILA SOLOMON, OFS SHORT SUMMARY OF ZOOM MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL REGION

After Jan Parker welcomed the 38 regional ministers, CNSA and NEC members, Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, CNSA said an opening prayer and Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, CNSA Present-in-Turn followed with an inspirational reflection. Fr. Chris Sharrock, OFM Conv, CNSA, was introduced as the newest member of the CNSA. Because this was considered a National Meeting, Jane DeRose-Bamman called the roll, and a quorum was established. The first decision made by the assembly was to totally cancel the 2020 NAFRA Chapter in Detroit, Michigan, since there would be no election or visitation this year. The repercussions from COVID, such as airports, planes, etc. were cited as the main reasons.

The 2021 NAFRA Chapter, which will include an election, will take place in Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, Texas.

All regional elections and visitations need to schedule with the individual national councilor. The councilor for Five Franciscan Martyrs is Donna Hollis. All were reminded to stay flexible. After the election, whenever it will be held, it is the beginning of the new 3-year term. As with all elections, a quorum must be established, and a Presider and an Ecclesial Witness must be present. Our tentative Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 22-23, 2020. Details are in a separate section. International (CIOFS) has re-written their Statutes and has asked for feedback. As soon as the NEC has made comments, they will forward it to the fraternities for comments. The NEC is also writing their Statutes but will wait until International is complete to avoid duplication and/or conflict. There are copyright infringement concerns among the regional ministers. As the flyer sent to you earlier, two regions inadvertently used images from an agency from licensing. One was a PowerPoint presentation, and the other was a newsletter, but BOTH were posted on the Regional websites. This involved a financial penalty. All Insurance claims must now go through the Regional Treasurer to the National Treasurer. To simplify and expedite the process, Christian Brothers Insurance prefers to deal with one person.

Carolyn Townes, the National JPIC Animator, has offered to have a zoom session for any fraternity who is having difficulty on how to dialogue about racial justice if the Regional JPICAnimator requests it. Both Carolyn and Andy Buchleitner requests that you send an email first.

The National Youth Councilor will be holding a zoom session every Monday night. Janice Novello is the FFMR representative and will happy to keep you informed. The National Formation Councilor sent out an on-line registration. Three members are permitted from each regional. We will be represented by Hans, our Regional Formation Director and the two Regional Formation Nominees: Maria Vidal and Ken Wolfert.

NAFRA ZOOM MEETING ELECTION PREAMBLE

Now that we are nearing the election of the Regional Executive Council, below are some timely thoughts. These thoughts also apply to your local Council.

Love is the most powerful force or energy in the universe. That power is multiplied in relationships such as fraternity councils and fraternity gatherings because love’s potency is released most powerfully among people who have formed a relationship. Members who truly unite for a purpose beyond themselves, as in a fraternity council, change and become more spiritually developed as they join and work together in a shared consciousness to achieve their larger purpose, which, in our case, is the good of the Fraternity and Order. As Christ said many times, “Do not be afraid,” because, in a real relationship such as this, no one’s individuality is lost. It is increased.

When two or more people come together in a caring and productive way, not only are the relating people enhanced and their capacities developed by their interaction, but their union or relationship can accomplish more than either [of the members] alone could have accomplished. Wild Woman Sisterhood by Marianne Baum

Every minute someone leaves this world behind. Age has nothing to do with it. We are all in this line without realizing it. We never know how many people are before us. We cannot move to the back of the line. We cannot step out of the line. We cannot avoid the line. So while we wait in line: Make moments count. Make a difference. Make the call. Make priorities. Make the time. Make your gifts known. Make a nobody feel like a somebody. Make your voice heard. Make the small things big. Make someone smile. Make the change. Make yourself a priority. Make love. Make up. Make peace. Make sure to tell your people they are loved. Make waves. Make sure to have no regrets. Make sure you are ready.

This world will often leave you wishing you had just 5 more minutes. Feel free to share this powerful reminder on perspective and wake up each day, realizing it is a gift and to make the most of it! LAUGH LINES

There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: “I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets.” FROM OUR REGIONAL YOUTH MINISTER DR. JANICE M NOVELLO, OFS - [email protected]

Our Youth/Young Adult National Commission has been very busy throughout this time. Rather than wait until we could meet in person, the members have been meeting weekly via Zoom and have much to share.

All Regional Youth/Young Adult Animators began meeting on Monday evenings, starting in July, via Zoom in place of the initially planned workshop for this September. Topics include the many changes stemming from updates and new measures in International and National documents.

I will be setting up our Regional meetings via zoom for our Fraternity Animators of Five Franciscan Martyrs. Please make sure I have your updated contact information and that every Fraternity is represented so that all can learn of the new items and changes.

It is an exciting time to make progress as we reach out to share the wonderful Gospel to Life: Life to Gospel way with our Youth.

FROM THE DESK OF ANDY BUCHLEITNER, OFS

TIC, TIC, TIC

“Too much time on my hands.” Frustrated with my inactivity, hidden away in isolation and trying to avoid contact with a little germ that would probably lead to my demise, I can’t help but wonder if much of the nonsense going on in our country and my own life could be changed if we would all just “do the one thing that is needed” rather than filling our “quarantined” free time with unimportant (and, at times, destructive) thoughts and actions. They say an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Oh, how true this seems to be! In this time of fear and discouragement, let us not be “busy about many things” but rather “choose that one thing that is important” - to love God and neighbor. Perhaps by demonstrating what it truly means to “be not afraid,” joyfully and courageously meeting and serving our Lord in His distressing disguise, we may become the instruments of peace and encouragement that lead others to use their time more wisely. Often, I come across a writing that can express my thoughts while offering a remedy to a problem that speaks much more eloquently than I ever could. May you find hope in this beautifully expressed offering from St. Gregory Nazianzen, one of the early spokesmen of our Church:

SERVE CHRIST IN THE POOR

“Blessed are the merciful because they shall obtain mercy, says the Scripture. Mercy is not the least of the beatitudes. Again: Blessed is he who is considerate to the needy and the poor. Once more: All day, the just man is merciful and lends. Let us lay hold of this blessing; let us earn the name of being considerate, let us be generous. Not even night (or pandemic) should interrupt you in your duty of mercy. Do not say: Come back, and I will give you something tomorrow. There should be no delay between your intention and your good deed. Generosity is the one thing that cannot admit of delay. Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the needy and the homeless into your house, with a joyful and eager heart. He who does acts of mercy should do so with cheerfulness. The grace of a good deed is doubled when it is done with promptness and speed. What is given with a bad grace or against one’s will is distasteful and far from praiseworthy? When we perform an act of kindness, we should rejoice and not be sad about it. If you undo the shackles and the thongs, says Isaiah, that is, if you do away with miserliness and counting the cost, with hesitation and grumbling (or fear), what will be the result? Something great and wonderful! What a marvelous reward there will be: Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will rise quickly. Who would not aspire to light and healing? If you think that I have something to say, servants of Christ, his brethren and co-heirs, let us visit Christ whenever we may; let us care for him, feed him, clothe him, welcome him, honor him, not only at a meal, as some have done, or by anointing him, as Mary did, or only by lending him a tomb, like Joseph of Arimathea, or by arranging for his burial, like Nicodemus, who loved Christ half-heartedly, or by giving him gold, frankincense, and myrrh, like the Magi before all these others. The Lord of all asks for mercy, not sacrifice, and mercy is greater than myriads of fattened lambs. Let us then show him mercy in the persons of the poor and those who today are lying on the ground, so that when we come to leave this world (and leave it we will!) they may receive us into everlasting dwelling places, in Christ our Lord himself, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” In your spare time, perhaps you might ask the Lord what it is that He has given for you to do. More importantly, use your time wisely by responding swiftly to His need with unconditional love. Tic, tic, tic. Time is slipping away. Like they say at the betting window at the racetrack, “Don’t get shut out!” Peace be with you! FOCUS ON FRATERNITY: OUTREACH IN A PANDEMIC

We asked the Ministers in the FFMR how they are holding their fraternity meetings during this challenging time. Here are some of the FFMR responses:

“As our Fraternity, Little Flowers of St. Francis, is small, we have had one meeting together in June. Fortunately, one of our members graciously invited us to her home. Her partially enclosed lanai is large and had plenty of room and fresh air for us to meet while social distancing. We had our council meeting followed by our regular fraternity gathering. Everyone brought their lunch and our hostess provided coffee, beverages, snacks, and dessert. It was a blessing to be together again safely”.

- Marcia Stamboulian, OFS “Hi! The St. Anthony of Padua - Gulfport Fraternity has been gathering on Zoom weekly to pray the Crown Rosary together. We share our prayer intentions, then take turns leading each decade. We’re using a free Zoom account, which is limited to 40 minutes and can usually complete the rosary together.

Judy Born, OFS St. Anthony of Padua – Gulfport”

“The Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton has a weekly Zoom Fraternity Gatherings each Sunday. We Started these in mid March. Normally we have 16 -20 Brothers and Sisters participate. The Gatherings include Prayer, Ongoing Formation, and social “chat” time. In April, we started saying the Evening prayer together every Wednesday on Zoom. Members are assigned a part of one of the readings or hymns in advance, so we maintain a flow similar to what we had in our previous in-person Gatherings. The Community has cherished this time to pray together. In March, we initiated a phone buddy system. Every member is paired with another member as a phone Buddy. The expectation is that you will talk by phone at least twice per week to see how each other are doing and just talk. Every other week I assign new buddy pairs to get to know the other members a little better We have continued our initial formation activities with all Inquirers and Candidates by phone and Zoom meetings.

God Bless. Dan Friedrich, Minister”

“Hi! Our Lady of Guadalupe has been zooming monthly fraternity meetings. Found that it is bringing more to the meeting who ordinarily can’t come/drive. It is also convenient to invite others to “come and see” what we’re all about. Good idea about sharing.

Peace, Andy”

“Hey there! Just to let you know, St John Capistrano AND the St Thomas Moore Family meetings are meeting via Teleconference. We have had 2 such meetings, and in fact, will be holding our initial formation either via phone or via Teleconference. Our hosting parish does not have meetings because they have daily masses in the parish center to accommodate the social distancing rule. The teleconference option has its challenges, both in technology and in user issues. All in all, it is currently the best option for us. I hope you’re staying well and safe

- Mark Banschbach, OFS Minister, St. John Capistrano, Tampa, Florida” Hello to all OFS During the corona virus time, our fraternity have stayed in touch and kept on growing in our fraternal faith by communicating through video conferencing. At first was a little challenge but we got the hang of it and enjoy it very much. Video conferencing have kept us close and engaged that allowed us to be together and to share our faith and ourselves and not feeling so isolated. Peace and good Espejo de Cristo Hialeah, FL

Hola a todos los OFS Durante el tiempo del virus corona, nuestra fraternidad se mantuvo en contacto y siguió creciendo en nuestra fe fraterna comunicándose a través de videoconferencia. Al principio fue un pequeño desafío, pero lo aprendimos y lo disfrutamos mucho. Las videoconferencias nos han mantenido cerca y comprometidos, lo que nos ha permitido estar juntos y compartir nuestra fe y a nosotros mismos y no sentirnos tan aislados. Paz y bien Espejo de Cristo Hialeah, FL

NEWS FROM THE FRATERNITIES

Eulogio Olivo, Nancy Olivo, Kate Hadden, Dick Heitzman On May 30th, San Damiano Fraternity, Sun City Center, held a Profession for its three candidates and one Temporary Professed member at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Wimauma. All members wore masks and followed social distancing during the ceremony/Mass celebrated by Father Gilberto Quintero. We plan on having a social celebration this Fall.

After attending their last two classes on zoom with Ken Wolfert, Formation Director, and being interviewed by Margaret Horan, Spiritual Assistant, and Deacon Pat Frye, the Council voted on their readiness for Profession.

We wish to congratulate Eulogio Olivo, Nancy Olivo, Kate Hadden, and Dick Heitzman on becoming Professed Secular Franciscans. Join us in praying for their future in our Fraternity. We are blessed.

San Damiano Fraternity and St. Anne Parish of Ruskin held a car parade for the quarantined residents of Cypress Creek Assisted Living. The residents were all lined up in their chairs, holding welcoming signs. They seemed very joyful at seeing all the cars driving by. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, emerging Fraternity, Port St. Lucie, Florida, wanted to use our resources to help people and their families during the COVID 19 pandemic. Not only in our parish of St. Lucie but anyone in need. Several weeks after our lives were impacted by this virus, our Fraternity partnered with our soup kitchen to fill a need on Thursday afternoon from 12 to 3 pm. Several members shopped for groceries, and food bags were distributed. The following Thursday, we packed sandwich bags with lunches and provided beverages. The last several weeks, the volunteers at our soup kitchen lead by Lourdes Alfonso, hot meals and a salad, bakery bread, and sweets, have been distributed. The challenge was how to inform people of this food distribution. As you see in the pictures provided, we stood on our main road and held signs and directed cars to enter our parking lot for food. What an overwhelming response feeding 200 plus people. For some, it had been their first time leaving their homes, and we welcomed them with smiles and blessings. The Holy Spirit led us in this endeavor, and we will continue providing for people in need until our soup kitchen can once again welcome guests to dine at our tables.

In Peace, Rosemary Konas, OFS