The Joy of Francis

Together for the Gospel! Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 VIII Centenary 17 Nov 2006 / 17 Nov 2008 “I am pleased to inform you that, in its last meeting of April 2006, In This Issue the CIOFS Presidency decided that the will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, from November 17, 2006 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Page 1 to November 17, 2008. Future of Spiritual Ass’ts Page 1 Yes, you read correctly – we will Initial Formation Seminars Page 2 dedicate two years to our Patron Lay Spiritual Assistants Page 3 so that we can get to know her well and live her Franciscan and From Assisi, Fr. Steve Page 4 secular spirituality of a young Call to the Lay Faithful Page 4 spouse and mother, who did Formation Page 5 not hesitate to take on heavy Advent Page 6 government responsibilities in her “reign”, achieving, through love Already a Total Gift Page 7 and dedication (in a very difficult Fraternity News Page 8 St. Elizabeth, cont. page 15 Rebuild My House Page 11 Why is There War? Page 12 Remembering 9-11 Page 13 To my Franciscan Family: SFO National Council Page 14 The Future of Spiritual Assistants 2007 Rel Ed Congress Page 14 by Rock DeSpain, Regional Minister Legend of St. Elizabeth Page 15 On Nobility of Soul Page 16 After spending a year and a half in and had the usual feelings most Calendar of Page 18 classes, visitations and elections, of us get when we undertake Regional Directory Page 19 I was certified as a Lay Spiritual something new. Fortunately there Assistant on July 1, 2006. I knew was an internship in my future. this was not an end but a beginning continued page  Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  Future of Spiritual Assistants continued from page  Initial Formation Seminars Larry Frasor, Regional Vice-Minister This was a comforting feeling as I pondered my future as a At the St. Francis Regional Gathering held on October 21, 2006, an Lay Spiritual Assistant. We had announcement was made that a new opportunity for Formation is being spent so many hours studying offered by the Region. All of those persons in initial formation will be our books, but what was even required to attend and everyone in our Fraternities is invited. These more important, we spent a lot seminars are designed to supplement and not to replace the one-to- of discussion time on typical one and small group formation already going on in each Fraternity. problems that arose in a fraternity “In our travels around the region, one Order, one Formation, one and how to solve the problems Fraternities are doing different Franciscan secular life. from a pastoral point of view. things, having different Formation The Lay Spiritual Assistants and Vision over structure became processes. How can we be on the Certified Formation Members our battle cry and it made so Order if we are going in different will conduct these seminars, in directions? Soon we will begin a much sense. But what did the each District. In March of 2006, series of four one-day seminars. future hold for me and the other Cardinal Stanislaus Ryalko, These seminars will be held in each 15 Lay Spiritual Assistants in St. President of the Papal Commission District and they will be repeated in Francis Region? I was sure the on the Laity, speaking to ecclesial each District once every eighteen Holy Spirit would reveal what groups such as ours, made a mind months. The topics covered will be boggling statement. He said, was supposed to happen, but I the SFO Rule, the SFO Constitution still thought about it. and Statutes, SFO History, and ‘Christain families are no longer As we Lay Spiritual Assistants SFO Prayer and Spiritual Life. We able to pass on the faith to the started out internship, I heard hope that on Profession Day, all next generation, and neither are about the forthcoming annual Candidates will be professing to the parishes, although they must the same basic Formation. Does Conference of National Spiritual continue.’ this take away from the Formation Assistants gathering in Easton, responsibilities of the Fraternities? We must bind together in the New PA. and asked if I could attend. Crusade to Rebuild the Church. The answer was yes and I asked Absolutely not! We must consecrate and dedicate if Larry Frasor, our Regional We hope these seminars will give our lives to this pursuit. Francis Vice Minister and also a Lay each Fraternity all the time they showed us the way. It is our turn to Spiritual Assistant could attend need to do one-on-one Formation, follow. God be with us!” with me and I was told yes. So get to know their Candidates Synopsis of Seminar Larry and I went and spent 4 days better, allow each person to share with National, Provincial and their faith with other members Topics: Regional Spiritual Assistants. of the Fraternity, allow time for A SECULAR FRANCISCAN Apostolic endeavors, extend WHERE DO WE COME It was an excellent experience prayer, scriptural study etc., and FROM ? for Larry and me. We listened by Profession that we may be more (St Francis and the Third Order: to the talk about their closely united with each other. By Raphel Pazzalli T.O.R.) Journey. It was a special blessing Profession we are bonded and to spend one of the days working bound to work together to rebuild BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF on discussion questions about the Church. In other words, our PENANCE continued on page 17 goal is one Doctrine, one Church, continued on page 17 Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  Region Receives 11 New Lay Spiritual Assistants

SFO Lay Spiritual Assistants, Left to right : Peter Hanh Nguyen, Rock DeSpain, Catalina Tan, Joachim Nguyen Van Du, Sylvia Paoli, Mary Lynn, Kim Tong, (Rev. Stephen R. Gross, OFM Conv.), Anthony Hoang Van Le, Robert Herbelin, Larry Frasor, Armando Lomeli, and Joseph Bui As of July 1, 2006, Saint Francis Secular . Fr. Steve Regional Minister, Rock deSpain, Region #52 has 11 new Lay said that it is important that they reminded us that as a result of Spiritual Assistants. be “credible examples in today’s their specialized training, the Lay world of Christian living in a Spiritual Assistants have a better Members of the Region gathered Franciscan way.” grasp of the needs of the SFO than at St. Gregory the Great parish to many of the First Order. attend Mass and welcome these The new Lay Spiritual Assistants new Assistants into our hearts. will not be assigned to particular After Mass, there was the The diversity of their backgrounds SFO Fraternities, but they will traditional “no one goes hungry” is well matched with the many instead be sent where they are meal with a bit of a twist. In a cultures and ethnicities represented needed as the need arises. in the Region. In his homily, Fr. bitter-sweet double event, the Steve said that it is no coincidence According to the revised Rule of Region also said good-bye to Fr. that as fewer Friars are available to 1978, the Friars supporting the Steven Gross, OFM Conv., who act as Spiritual Assistants, that this Secular Fraternities are “Spiritual has been part of the Conference of development in Lay Spirituality Assistants,” not directors. The Regional Spiritual Assistants and would happen. do not run the meeting nor the was assigned to St. Francis Region, Fraternity. Their task became and is now being reassigned to It is definitely the Will of the Holy communicating Franciscan Assisi. Spirit that we have these workers Spirituality and assisting in the vineyard. They are not in Formation. All Spiritual imitation priests, but rather a truly Assistants, including our new Lay Lay force enlivening the spiritual Spiritual Assistants, represent life of the Secular Franciscan the Friars. The First Orders have Order. They are not “spiritual been very clear that the SFO is superiors” to their brethren, but are OUR Order and that we must pastoral guides working to foster maintain and enliven it. At present a deeper insight into Franciscan there are 43 groups in the Region spirituality and formation of the and 16 Lay Spiritual Assistants. Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  The Call to the communion, which has among its Greetings Everyone purposes the transformation of the Lay Faithful world. Working in the Church is a path Pace e Bene From Co-Workers in the Vinyards of the Lord, A Resource for Guiding of Christian discipleship to be the Development of Lay Ecclesial encouraged by the hierarchy. The from Assisi!! Ministry, by the Committee on the possibility that lay persons undertake Laity of the Conference Church ministries can be grounded of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 2005. I’ve been here for about two months in Scripture and the teachings of the now and I continue to learn so Lay men and women hear and Church, from St. Paul to the Second much from the experience of taking answer the universal call to holiness Vatican Council and in more recent pilgrims and tourists through the primarily and uniquely in the documents. “Sharing in the function Basilica of St. Francis - sharing secular realm. They are found “in of Christ, priest, prophet and king, commentary about history, fransican each and every one of the world’s the laity have an active part of their spirituality, art-history and so much occupations and callings and in the own in the life and activity of the more. As I continue to read the long ordinary circumstances of social and church. Their activity within the history of this place, I am growing family life which, as it were, form church communities is so necessary more and more convinced that it the context of their existence. There that without it the apostolate of the was the intention of the Church they are called by God to contribute pastors will frequently be unable to leadership, working the friars and to the sanctification of the world obtain its full effect.” the many artisans, to make sure from within, like leaven, in the spirit that the palce was NOT about St. of the Gospel, by fulfilling their own From Fr. Benet Francis as much as it is about particular duties.” A whole series of ministeries for and how like Francis, we too can be For lay persons, this call, given Secular Franciscans do not appear transformed by the love of God for in the Sacraments of Initiation, specifically in the Revised Rule: the us in Christ! is rightly described as having a ecclesial or “churchy” ministries The Basilica with its three-tiered “secular character” that is properly like lector, auxiliary ministers of the churches, speaks eloquently to the theirs as laity. The secular nature of Eucharist, sacristan, usher, server at fact that Francis himself invites us their calling refers to the fact that the altar, catechist, parish council to discover what it is that we can do God “has handed over the world to member, choir member, and so forth. to better serve the Lord in our lives. women and men, so that they may I think such were omitted from the His response was particularly heroic. participate in the work of creation, text of the rule not because they are Our response will be the same if we free creation from the influence not pertinent to Secular Franciscans genuinely desire to be moved by of sin and sanctify themselves in (They certainly are! Just look at how the grace of on-going conversion to marriage or the celibate life, in a many active lay leaders in parishes progress in virtue!! And, of course, family, in a profession and in the are Secular Franciscans!), but that will NOT make us more like various activities of society.” This rather because these ministries are Francis, but rather more like the task is itself a participation in the the expected norm and presumed very best God has made US capable mission of the Church. involvement of all committed of becoming!! Francis ‘proved’ it is All of the baptized are called to Christians. The Revised Rule details possible, can we do the same? Is those ministries which are over and transformation your desire? Well work toward the transformation of the world. Most do this by working above the call to usual Christian life then, what are you waiting for?? and are special and particular to the +Blessings! in the secular realm; some do this by working in the Church and Secular Franciscan Commitment. fr. steve, ofm conv. focusing on the building of ecclesial - Fr. Benet Fonck, OFM Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  Are we here to become senators, to an article in America magazine congressmen, and cabinet members? written by Fr. Albert Dilanni, the But that will make us associational former vicar general of the Society members only… members who of Mary. Fr. Dilanni wrote that: are present at events and activities Refounding can be exhilarating, Kata Tan, SFO when such involvements do not challenging, and threatening. But [email protected] conflict with ‘other’ ‘busy-ness’ it is of utmost importance if we are and activities…or activities that going to continue to be a viable Senators, are convenient for us to attend or witness within the Church. The activities that are agreeable to us. Second Vatican Council calls us Congressmen, Otherwise, we would have other to rediscover the charism, the gift Cabinet Members! busy-ness to attend to. No one is of the founder. The challenge of There were angry discussions willing to be the servant. refounding is whether or not we can make that charism as alive today among those present, “This is total On the other hand, an intentional as it was during the time of the nonsense!!!” Someone else said, member is someone who is not founder. In his article, Fr. Dilanni “Impossible!” Another said, “ No looking to be a star, but someone who quotes Sister Joan Chistister of the way!” is willing to be a disciple…willing Erie, PA Benedictines: “What do to make sacrifices for the fraternity Then someone asked, “Wait a you stand for? Who knows what and the Order. THAT is what our minute, I thought I was going to be you stand for? Because if no one profession is all about. Committing a member of his cabinet!” Another knows what you stand for, you to make sacrifices for the good of the joined in, “I’ve been getting my don’t stand for it.” family and myself all psyched up Order. The sacrifices may make one about the position I will be occupying infamous because, although they Now that sounds scary: I guess this in the Senate…and aren’t you going may be according to our Rule of is a true challenge. The universal to be one of the congressmen?” he Life or Constitution, they may not call to holiness in the Second Vatican asked a colleague. be agreeable to what some or many Council is a call to be an intentional members may perceive membership member, not just an associational There was commotion! Before in the Order is all about.So looks member. A call not just for the anyone realized it, all the prospective like being an intentional member Religious and the Clergy, but for all senators, congressmen, cabinet means doing the “dirty” job that no people, especially the laity… us! members, and advisors were gone! one else is willing to do. They’ve deserted their CEO! Fr. Dilanni goes on to describe Gosh, it must have been difficult Sister Doris Gottemueller, President these two types of members: “Both to be so disillusioned as the of the Sisters of Mercy of the types of members are drawn to and early disciples were! They had Americas touched on this in one believe in what the community expectations but Jesus had a totally of her talks: “Who are we? We or organization stands for… The different plan for them! Nowhere are ordinary people called to healthy and vibrant future of the near what they had in mind. live extraordinary lives.” Even community is dependent upon the business people challenge us not to number of intentional members But if they had stayed awhile, they be satisfied with being mediocre. out-numbering the associational would have been given the necessary Although it is not an easy call, it members. If the opposite occurs, information, and they would have is not impossible. What makes it the vibrancy and vision of the gone through some formation with difficult is when there are only a few community could be greatly the Master, and journeyed with him who are willing to be intentional affected to the extent that it could towards tranSFOrmation! members doing the dirty job. lose its identity all together.” But that’s the very essense of it all! Br. James Reiter, OFM-Conv., refers So which one am I then ? ? ? ? Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  Advent: Bethlehem, Greccio, and Last Judgement

Brother John, Byzantine Brothers chanting, joined by nightingales, as Inspired by the Holy Spirit, ancient of St. Francis, Calimesa, CA. deer and rabbits watched in awe, and prophets from over thousands of white birch trees holding clusters of years past had revelations of a Crisp night breezes rush through birds bowed reverently in the wind. coming Savior, with particular facts aged sycamores and gnarled oaks Preparation always precedes the surrounding his conception, lineae, as thousands of starlit flecks glitter ADVENT of spectacular events birth, life, all recorded throughout multicolored in heaven’s vast cobalt in life – a child’s birth, arrival Hebrew Scripture. blue. Nearby, an overhanging cliff nestled in forests above the town Proving his credentialed legitimacy, of Greccio is made ready, a gift to the Prince of Peace fulfilled over the Poverello and followers by a 200 prophesies, portents announcing generous benefactor. his arrival upon the global scene. Close to midnight, townsfolk, Specific writings portray a carrying torches and lanterns, child born of a virgin, move single-file serpentine- mystically called like, a stream of flowing E m m a n u e l speckled light, up the (God with us), mountainside though the living, teaching, woods, thicket and curing, feeding, rocky ravines. Quite suffering, dying, mysteriously, all and rising form had been invited to death. This infant- attend Christmas prodigy was not Mass in a forest to have been - a thing quite their longed-for unheard of. conquering Messiah, crushing Israel’s oppressive Arriving breathlessly, startled enemies, but a tiny humble child of citizens froze in astonishment, poor means. Thus, Christ was born! of dignitaries, approaching beholding a temporary sanctuary Mass continued as Old and New destinations after prolonged set in a cave’s loft, - altar, flickering Testament readings were completed. journeying. ADVENT SEASON candles, chalice, with vested priests Francis approached a delighted which celebrates the glorious birth and devout deacon, Francis. congregation, and speaking of of Jesus Christ, anticipates his final Below, a striking stable tableau with Christ’s birth, at the mention of his return in power, and alerts Christians ox and donkey, sheep and shepherds beatific name, “the fire of his love to their ultimate mortality. Advent’s stood silently, except for the bleating overcame him,: and called the child, four weeks of churches arrayed in of lambs. A Joseph and Mary gazed “the poor babe of Bethlehem,” his violet, recall four thousand years downward at a wood-carved Christ- tongue gently rolling each syllable. of awaiting the promised Messiah, Child resting in straw, looking filling man’s history with expectant The future world’s climatic end shall pensive with clasped hands. exultation, contrasting Lent’s welcome a Redeemer’s monumental Mass began with choir softly somber penitential theme. arrival, in great power and glory Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  radiating in all directions amidst The birth of Christ colossal fulminating storm clouds, and dazzling legions of angels. is already total gift Eternity replaces transient time as - from A Christmas Message irrevocable judgment is passed on From Jack Wintz, O.F.M. mankind, the faithful living and the www.americancatholic.org/ spiritually dead. One of the great insights we draw Towering over Greccio’s liturgy, like from those words is that already Gothic arches, massive trees offer a with the Incarnation and birth of canopy against inclement weather. Christ—many years before Jesus’ A small bell rings announcing the death and Resurrection—we have Epiclesis prayer asking the Holy received God’s total self-gift... Spirit’s descent upon bread and and faults. Additional prayers allow When Pope John Paul II came to wine, prelude to their becoming us to ascend to spiritual realms, Bethlehem’s Manger Square, during Christ’s Body and Blood. With the gaining increased insights. We his great Jubilee visit to the Holy suddenness of all miracles, God offer thanks for all he has given is Land, March 22, 2000, he affirmed returns to earth once more, appearing appreciated by a generous Father. in a similar vein that both Jesus’ on the altar with the simplicity of a Incarnation as well as his Passion child born in a stable-cave. Christ 2. For fellow life travelers: express this same great mystery of has come again. family, friends, co-workers, we God’s all-out, unconditional love offer improved patience, ready for us. “The silence and poverty forgiveness, visits to the sick/shut- of the birth in Bethlehem are one All praise be yours, ins, money to the needy, and offering with the darkness and pain of the a sympathetic ear is valued. my Lord, through death of Calvary,” the pope said in Sister Death, from 3. The soul thrives on Scripture an address at Bethlehem. “The Crib whose embrace no reflection, additional Masses, and the Cross are the same mystery , and a more kindly spirit. It of redemptive love; the body which mortal can escape. is in giving that we receive. Mary laid in a manger is the same body offered up on the Cross.” Canticle of Brother Sun, Evening Mass concludes as the All of us, I can only suspect, need St. Francis. faithful prepare to depart. Suddenly, to upgrade our appreciation of the Francis lifts the Christ-Child image. enormous gift that God offered to Witnesses claim the figure came to us that first Christmas. Life’s journey is without guarantees life, smiled, and touched the saint’s of another day, month or year. beard and robe. Love for God had To the Birth of Christ and the Death/ It ceases, occasionally without grown cold, and was rekindled by Resurrection of Christ, we can add a warning, following a brief illness, the Seraphic Father’s devotion. third mystery or event which offers accident, aging or violence. to us that same supreme gift. I am As you receive Holy Communion In four weeks, three Magi-like gifts speaking of the Holy Eucharist, this coming Christ’s Mass, you hold might be offered to the little “babe the gift that Christ left us on the the infant Jesus of Bethlehem, the in straw.” eve of his death, and a gift that Lord of the Second Coming, and a commemorates and truly embodies 1. God, pleased with our every Father who will one day bring you the same loving and total self-gift of effort to improve, is honored by our home. Held within each others’ God. The point is that God is always struggle to remove sin, bad habits, embrace, God and man are one! giving himself totally for us.

Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  The Visitor St. Padre Pio Fraternity & St. Francis and Clare Satellite/ Moreno Valley/Hemet Minister: Dixie Marshall SFO Editor: Gerri Merchant, SFO NEWS: St. Padre Pio Fraternity is meeting each first Saturday at 10:15 a.m., to pray the for the unborn in front of Planned Parenthood in Moreno Valley. We Sts. Francis & Jude Fraternity will not block the sidewalk. If we – Joint Profession: St. Francis are asked to move by authorities, Fraternity hosted a joint profession we will move peacfully. We will not at the March 19th, 11:00 a.m. Mass, attempt to interfere with any persons. at Sts. Simon and Jude Church in We will be there to pray and not to Huntington Beach. Candidates Share the Joy: Holy Spirit demonstrate or display violence. To from three fraternities made a Fraternity, Claremont, CA paraphrase what Brother Francis lifelong commitment into the Minister: Bill Mussatto SFO was purported to have said, we will Secular Franciscan Order (SFO): Editor: Jackie not need to use words. Our words Gwen Booth, John Boozan, will go to Our Lady. We will be there Elizabeth Derkowski, Gail Judkins, to pray come rain or come shine. and Jim Tessmar of St. Francis Fraternity in Huntington Beach; Anne Killian, Shirley Prisk, and Thomas Prisk of St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Los Alamitos; and Ron Wakefield ofOur Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra. We welcome the newly professed! A special thank you to everyone who helped prepare for and carry NEWS: As of September 10th out the profession and potluck we have a new council: William The Dove, San Juan Capistrano afterwards. Colman Hall was filled Mussatto, Minister; Claudia Good, Fraternity, Laguna Niguel, CA to capacity with family, friends, Vice-miniter; Mirna Kildare, Minister: Bill Lynn SFO, Editor: and well wishers. Secretary; Randy Rohrer, Tresurer; Tom Cooney, SFO Alma Jiminez, Formation; Godwin NEWS: San Juan Capistrano April 20, 2006 – Twentieth Anniversary of Profession: Three Milner and Claudia Thompson, Fraternity elected a new Council for Councilors. the next three-year term at its 6/17/06 members who were professed at Sts. Simon and Jude twenty years Fraternity Elections. Left to right: We also celebrated the 25th Gloria Albamonte Council Member- ago celebrated recently. Linda M. Nelson, SFO, is currently Minister of Anniversary of our founding At-Large; Bill Lynn, Minister; as a Fraternity on October 7, Anita Albamonte, Treasurer; Joan St. Francis Fraternity in Huntington Beach. Two other members have 2006. Mass at Our Lady of the Fessenden, Secretary; Deacon David Assumption was said by Fr. Victor, Sire, Vice Minister (kneeling); and moved to St. Maximilian Kolbe in our first Spiritiual Assistant. Dan Abalos, Formation Director. Los Alamitos – Carol Werdin, SFO, and Stellamarie Nadeau, SFO. Afterwards we had a reception Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  which included present and past would be permitted by God to visit readings, scripture, singing and the members and family. purgatory and deliver from there company was fantastic. In ways it On Saturday, November any Franciscan (or lover of Francis was a strange gathering: somber and 4 we will attend the 8:15 reverential but with hints Mass at OLA, following of joy and true familial which we will pray the intimacy! What a joy to belong to this Order. Franciscan Crown Rosary What heavenly graces in memory of those our Father from Heaven members of our Fraternity rains down upon us!

St. Joseph’s Staff, St. St Mary of the Angels, Joseph’s SFO Fraternity, Portiuncula; Emerging Los Angeles; Minister: Fraternity, Woodland Michael Sanchez, SFO, Hills, CA; Editor: Bob Editor: Mike Sanchez, Garon, SFO SFO NEWS: TRANSITUS; NEWS: We are beginning OCT 3: It was a time of to launch our Bridges celebration from all over program to create human Los Angeles turned out bridges between various to honor the Transitus members of our Franciscan of our Seraphic Father, Fraternity - our Franciscan St. community. We are forming at the Los Angeles several small groups who Church bearing his will be in regular contact with each other on a weekly name. The multi- basis, and will support, cultural atmosphere was encourage and assist each Transitus of Our Seraphic Father Francis held enhanced by the dual- other in the pursuit of a at Mission San Luis Rey, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006 language Liturgy of holy life in a Franciscan Spanish and English. way, in that area where and his way of life) and translate The bells tolled at 7:00 p.m. them into the Kingdom of Heaven! those particular members live. This Assembled in the back of the Church The evening began with song and program is open to all Franciscans were the members of the procession a procession: a candle = the Light who are associated/members of our representing the Fraternities. fraternity. of the World; a habit = indicating Francis, his order (of which we A Friar carried the Light of the L.A. TRANSITUS: Our brothers are a part!) and his holy rule; the World. Mike Sanchez followed and sisters gathered at St. Francis of San Damiano cross (which we all with a Franciscan robe. Daniel Lee Assisi Church in L.A. to celebrate know and love); and the book of processed with the Gospels. Two the triumphant passing of our father the Gospels (the great promises members of the Korean Fraternity Francis into glory on October 3rd. that bring us life and that on which bore the Cross of San Damiano. What a blessing! Father Francis, our rule is based!); and finally, a Mary Rose Garon, SFO, presented because of his great faith in God, first-grade relic of St. Francis, a the relic of the body of St. Francis asked and received this grace - symbol of his very real presence of Assisi. Mass was said by Fr. that on the day of his passing he with us on that powerful night! The Richard Juzix, OFM. Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page  San Lorenzo Ruiz Fraternity had its First Profession!

San Lorenzo Ruiz Fraternity Minister: Manuel Graciano: NEWS: On Saturday, August 5, 2006, at Santa Barbara’s Friary Chapel, Father William Brand celebrated a Profession Mass for Jehan Tubola and Pacita Bongat. It was a beautiful Mass and of course Frather William gave a magnificient and moving sermon. There was a representative from St. Bonaventure Fraternity and from St. Louis Fraternity present.

The celebration continued with a picnic at the beach. Fr. William joined us and we all had a wonderful time laughing, playing games, singing, eating, etc.

As Fr. William said, it was truly a “gala celebration.” Monastery. Thank God for a very We ended the day with a novena special, holy and fun day for all of S e v e n t e e n t h for St. Clare at the Poor Clare’s us. Q u i n q u e n n i a l Congress

July 3-8, 2007

Franciscan University at Steubenville, Without You, the family is incomplete.

A sense of community will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people redeemed by Christ. (SFO Rule, Article XIII)

Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 10 We will began a program to get Each council will pick a specific Catholic television into every Sunday each month and come to Catholic home. We will seek other mass together as families to show Knights Councils in our area to other families it can be done. We combine and support a program to will plan combined family outings bring name, motivational speakers and camping trips on an annual into our area to begin to educate us basis. In short we will begin Go Rebuild my a families. living our Catholic Faith publicly, rebuilding the church. House Four times a year we will gather our families together, bring our Bro Larry Frasor, SFO Our Fraternity will act as Hosts own food and drinks, pray together, for these events planning prayers, eat together, listen to the talk This is the message of Jesus music, arranging for the speakers, in together, discuss as families, what to Francis, and thereby the general acting as spiritual assistants we learned and how we can bring message of Jesus to the Secular to the Knights. A beginning, a the knowledge into our homes and Franciscans. A year ago I was seed, something real. We ask your live it and see it being lived by elected to the position of Advocate prayers, and Gods grace. It feels other families. Live and learn as in the Knights of Columbus. The so good to think we might make a families, not age groups. Secular Franciscans are cousins difference and bring to reality our to the Knights of Columbus. Fr. solemn profession. McGivney chose Christopher This will allow each of us no matter Columbus , who by the way was our age to learn and share our faith Praise God! a Secular Franciscan, because he and lives. brought the Catholic Faith along with the Franciscan 1st order to the Americas. He called them Knights because they were to be defenders of the Faith and the protectors of their families.

When I explained this to the Knights, they asked our emerging fraternity, the Companions of Francis to do a day of recollection for their council. This we did and it was a wonderful day for both groups.

After prayer and discernment, I recommended to our fraternity a program we could host for the Knights, and then presented it to the Knights. Both organizations Fr. Christian Mondor, OFM blesses a rosary for Ginnie Guemo, agreed and we have begun a journey SFO, from San Lorenzo Ruiz Fraternity, at the Annual Regional together to rebuild God’s House. Gathering on October 21, 2006.

Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 11 on ourselves that we shouldn’t take the wisdom of Etty Hillesum even be thinking of hating our to heart and begin to practice acts so-called enemies… of kindness and forgiveness. To cultivate kindness and forgiveness Each of us must turn inwards is not easy and it is not a feeling, it and destroy in himself all that is a decision that will bring peace JoAnn Hardwick SFO he thinks he ought to destroy to our hearts and our world. [email protected] in others. And remember every atom of hate we add to this world One last example is this prayer by a makes it still more inhospitable” Jew found on a scrap of paper when Why is there Auschwitz was liberated: In another entry she writes: War? Peace be to men of bad will, and “All disasters stem from us. Why an end of all revenge and to all After watching the evening news is there a war? Perhaps because words of pain and punishment. filled with the horrors of the war now and then I might be inclined So many have borne witness with in Iraq and the wars on the mean to snap at my neighbor. Because their blood! streets of Southern California, the I and my neighbor and everyone O God, do not put their suffering terrorists in the Middle East and else do not have enough love. Yet, on your scales of justice, lest it the domestic terrorists in Southern we could fight war and all that counted to the hangman, lest California, questions rose in my grows out of it by releasing, each he be brought to answer for his mind, “Why is there war?” “Why is day, the love which is shackled atrocities. But to all hangmen there so much hatred in our world? inside us, and giving it a chance and informers, to all traitors and Why are people so uncaring as to to live. think that violence will solve our evil ones, do grant the benefit of problems?” And I believe I will never be able the courage and fortitude shown to hate any human being for his by those others, who were their The answer came from what I had so-called wickedness, that I shall victims. read in the book, “An Interrupted only hate the evil that is within Life” by Etty Hillesum. This is me, though hate is perhaps Grant the benefit of the burning the diary of a young Dutch Jewish putting it too strongly even then. love and sacrifice in those woman that was exterminated by In any case, we cannot be lax harrowed, tortured hearts, which the Nazis at Auschwitz in 1943. enough in what we demand of remained strong and steadfast in She was only 29 years old. The others and strict enough in what the face of death and unto their book is the diary she kept some we demand of ourselves.” weakest hour. two years before her death. It is Such wisdom borne of suffering All this, O Lord, may it count in filled with expressions of love for from one so young. I firmly believe Thine eyes in that their sin be life, compassion for people, and that acts of kindness and forgiveness forgiven. May this be the ransom devotion to God. are like a pebble thrown in a pond that restores justice, and all that In one entry, she writes to a Jewish making ever-widening ripples out is good, let it be counted, and all friend who is understandably from its impact to the shores of that is evil, let it be wiped out. embittered and hateful of the the pond. In like manner acts of May peace come once more upon Germans. anger and revenge ripple out into this earth, peace to men of good “Kaas, all I really want to say is our world scarring the beautiful will, and may it descend upon this: We have so much work to do creation of God. We all need to the others also. Amen.

Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 12 Remembering 9-11 Columbus Museum in New Haven. “The Cross at Ground Zero looks like it will remain. After an arduous from: http://www.kofc.org/un/ Franciscan Father Brian Jordan is four-year battle, I have gotten publications/columbia/detail. head of the Immigration Center written guarantees from the Port cfm?id=145419 based at St. Francis of Assisi Church Authority and from the director of America awoke on Sept. 11, 2001, to in City, and member of the World Trade Center that state attacks on its financial, military and Holy Family Council 5547 of the that the cross will be temporarily government centers. As hijacked Knights of Columbus in Silver moved to St. Peter’s Church, in a planes crashed into the twin towers Spring, Md. He spent countless position that will face Ground Zero, of the World Trade Center in New hours ministering at Ground Zero, and then after completion of the York City, heroes were at the scene, and led a movement to keep the new building and memorial, it will ready to sacrifice and save. There cruciform girders — known as the be returned to the site. The cross is a were heroes already in the buildings Cross at Ground Zero — at the reminder that God never abandoned who died helping others to safety; site after the rebuilding project is us at Ground Zero. and there were heroes rushing into complete: the buildings to rescue those seeking No New Yorker will ever forget The cross symbolizes that Christ to escape. the terrible tragedy of 9/11 and its was both victim and victor. He was painful consequences. However, humbled, and was ripped apart and Knights were among the heroes that what we’re forgetting to maintain is bleeding, yet he was victor over day — as firefighters, police officers that spirit of solidarity that we all death. We, too, can be victims in this and emergency workers, and as the held in the aftermath of 9/11. life, and we may see no sense to the chaplain listed as the first to die in the suffering. But we also can share in attacks, Franciscan Father Mychal I was hoping that spirit would the victory of the cross.” Judge. Forty-five Knights bravely sustain itself, but we are forgetting gave their lives while seeking to and falling back to our old ways, not Father Robert Romano, New York save others. Their names are listed caring for our brothers and sisters Police Department deputy chief of on a Wall of Honor at the Knights of in need. chaplains and a member of Don Bosco Council 4960 in , N.Y. He spent weeks working at Talk less... Listen more. Ground Zero, and has ministered to TV less... Think more. police families ever since: After five years, there has been Ride less... Walk more. some healing. People have gotten on with their lives. Some have Sit less... Kneel more. gotten married, their children are growing, there are new challenges Rest less... Work more. and commitments. Yet deep down, that feeling, that loss, that hurt does Self less... Others more. not go away. The expression that Hate less... Love more. time heals all wounds is not true. We just learn to live with the pain, and Eat less... Live longer. sometimes it can make us stronger. We are able to move on because of - from Confirmation cards given out by Bishop Rombert our faith, because of our memories, Casimir Kowalski, O.F.M. (1884-1970) and because of the example of those who gave their lives that day.

Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 13 New SFO National N a t i o n a l annual gathering of Roman Councilor Clare Catholics!Over 40,000 in Executive Council McCluggage, SFO, Attendance Former Regional National Minister Minister of Los Variety of Topics -- Over the three Patrick Mendes, Tres Companeros days, Congress offered workshops in SFO, Former Region English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Regional Minister of Mother Cabrini CIOFS Councilor Free Exhibits for Registrants Region. Anne Mulqueen, ranging from religious art to music, SFO, Former Co- and from publishing houses to chair of the National educational institutions, in addition National Vice F o r m a t i o n to our own represented Archdiocesan Minister Tom Bello, Commission. ministries. SFO, Former Regional Minister Free Entertainment for Registrants of St. Margaret of T h e 2 0 0 7 Admission to Congress includes Cortona Region Los Angeles both free lunchtime and evening concerts ranging from contemporary National Secretary Re l i g i o u s Christian music to Celtic pop- Sarah Mulholland, rock and from bilingual (Spanish/ SFO, Former E d u c at i o n English) to liturgical dance! Secretary to C o n g r e s s For more information check out the the Council of Web information: National Spiritual www.recongress.org/ Assistants It is the nation’s largest annual gathering of Roman Catholics. E-mail information:

Over 41,000 people participated [email protected] National Treasurer this year, some coming from across Dennis Ross, the country and from as far away SFO, Re-elected as Ireland and Singapore. Make A Reminder National Treasurer plans to be part of this Spirit filled from Mike Morris SFO, our Web experience! Register before Friday, Master for our Region web page January 5, 2007 for best selections and discounts. If you know of any events we might N a t i o n a l March 1, 2007 – Youth Day, be able to attend together, let me Councilor Mike Registration $15 know. Also, if you have access to Carstens, SFO, Re- the Internet you can look at our elected National March 2-4 – Congress Days, Regional Calendar located on our Councilor Registration $55 The theme for the 2007 Congress is Regions website,

Stand in the light / Permanecer en National Councilor http://www.stfrancisregion.org la Luz. Pat Brandwein for upcoming events in other Ball, SFO, Former The Religious Education Congress fraternities. We are all part of a big Regional Minister sponsored by the Archdiocese of Franciscan family. All are welcome of St. Elizabeth of Los Angeles Office of Religious to attend these gatherings Hungry Region Education, is the nation’s largest Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 14 St. Elizabeth, cont. from page  • Lori Pieper, United States holds a loaf of bread; these are the situation for a woman), the mission • Tibor Kauser, International symbols of her life, her inherited that we speak so much about Councilor of Hungary position as Queen of Hungary, and today. • Francesco and Antonello the life she elected for herself of Mattiocco, a couple penance and asceticism. belonging to the Fraternity We intend to celebrate this The contrast between the two of the deacons of centenary in two phases: callings is everywhere apparent • a member of the German in the twenty-four years which SFO In the first year, from November • Xavi Ramos, CIOFS made up her life. Even before her 17, 2006, to November 17, 2007, Presidency Councilor wedding at the age of thirteen to together with the entire Family • an SFO General Assistant. the saintly Louis of Thuringia, of the Third Order, supported and • Barbara Bonauer she was marked out for suffering. accompanied by the First Order, will Her mother-in-law tried to prevent be dedicated to learning more about On the basis of the indications of the wedding out of jealousy and the spirituality of Saint Elizabeth; the Presidency, this Commission constantly mocked Elizabeth for will offer us guidelines to ensure her charity and humility. She said In the second year, from November that the centenary of Saint that she behaved ‘like a tired old 17, 2007 to November 17, 2008, Elizabeth is not merely focused mule,’ when she prostrated herself will be celebrated especially by the on the celebrations, but is, instead, before the crucifix, and that she SFO and will be dedicated to going characterized by a marked sense was totally unfitted to be Queen. into further detail on the secularity of formation and personal and of our vocation, inspiring ourselves community interiorization on Her mortification took the form to our Patron. the fundamental aspects of our of wearing the simplest clothes Christian, Franciscan and secular woven of coarse untreated wool On February 23, 2007, a Historical vocation and our mission in this and of eating as little as possible; Congress on Saint Elizabeth will important historical moment. she refused to wear her jewelled be celebrated at the “Antonianum” crown, when our Lord wore one of Pontifical University. Later on, with the suggestions of thorns. However, more important the Commission, we will provide than these mortifications was For both these years there will be a further information on this event. her constant and remarkable small guidebook available with all Let’s get prepared to start!” the most significant events to help charity, which was expressed in us focus on reflections shared by Encarnación del Pozo every detail of her life, inward the entire Order. SFO General Minister and outward. When she was not actively engaged in the business For the whole duration of the The Legend of of government she spent all her centenary, a spiritual thought on time either in prayer or visiting the Saint Elizabeth and a brief reflection Saint Elizabeth poor and the sick, with the result on the concrete life of Secular by Ruth Sawyer that, after her husband’s death in Franciscans today will be published http://www.cin.org/elizhung.html 1227, his family accused her of monthly in our Web site. St Elizabeth is traditionally squandering the royal purse on the To co-ordinate and animate the represented as dressed in rich vagrants of the land. clothes, bearing in her top skirt- centenary celebrations, the CIOFS Her husband’s family gained which is gathered up at the front to Presidency created a Commission control of the government and formed by: form an apron-a profusion of red roses, while behind her back she Legend, continued on page16 Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 15 Legend, continued from page 15 That is why Elizabeth loathed ON NOBILITY everything that savored of pride, ousted her from the palace with always remaining as humble and her four children, and Louis’s OF SOUL submissive as a child. -- Do you brother declared himself regent. http://www.franciscan-sfo.org/ HS/s11.htm#17 permit the nobility of your soul to He forbade any citizen to take her be sullied by pride and vanity? in, and such was his reputation 1. Consider how noble Elizabeth for savagery that she was reduced was by birth: the daughter of a king, 3. Consider how almighty God to spending the first days of her the wife of a prince who governed a prepares the soul, which He has banishment in a pigsty. She refused beautiful and wealthy country. But endowed with such nobility, for the asylum offered by her father, nobility of soul meant more to her its destiny in eternity. In company but finally accepted the hospitality who was God’s child, destined to with all the angels and saints the of her own uncle, the bishop of serve the Most High here on earth, soul is to enjoy the most intimate Bamberg. and to be an heir of the heavenly union with God. That is why God kingdom. Filled with the spirit of permits many trials and hardships Since 1226 her confessor had been God, Elizabeth appreciated her to come upon human beings, so Master Conrad of Hamburg, a dignity from childhood on. She that their fidelity may be proved severe and unpopular inquisitor of found her sweetest delight in being and everything unworthy may first heretics. St Elizabeth now placed united with God by prayer and be removed. herself unreservedly under his pious practices, and her favorite But he who tries to escape the direction, which was so severe as occupation was to serve God in test of the cross and seeks sensual to seem sadistic: he banished all His poor and sick members. She pleasures makes himself unworthy her followers, substituting two did this with such holy sentiments of nobility of soul and exposes that our Lord deigned to take ugly and disagreeable waiting himself to the danger of losing it. the place of the leper she was women; and for infringements of He who wants to be faithful to God nursing. She was always aware his discipline he would administer but submits only imperfectly to of the nobility of her own soul a beating, sometimes for merely His ordinances must pass through and acted accordingly. -- Is your missing a sermon. a severe purification in purgatory soul not equally noble? Are your before he can enter heaven. Only sentiments and conduct in keeping Eventually her husband’s the soul that has been thoroughly with your nobility? comrades returned from the purified here on earth can be Crusades, entrusted with the duty 2. Many people believe that the admitted to heaven immediately of protecting Elizabeth. This they way to maintain their dignity is by after death. were preparing to do when the proud and domineering manners usurper changed his attitude to her; and by exterior pomp and finery. When Elizabeth departed from she was recalled and the rights of Elizabeth thought otherwise. this life, her soul was radiant in her son recognized. She looked upon vain pomp as a the full brilliance of its nobility. In form of slavery in which the soul trials she had thanked God in the She had few more years of life basely serves the detestable vice words of the Te Deum; and then to run, but she spent them in of pride, the sin through which she submitted to the strict guidance constant prayer and practical our first parents lost their nobility of a confessor who completed the charity, and became universally in Paradise. The Son of God gave preparation of her soul for heaven. loved and revered. She died on His own blood to atone for that sin; -- While there is time, prepare November 19th, 1231, and was and only by means of that royal your soul so that, when you die, it canonized four years later by purple have we been restored to may be ready for heaven. Pope Gregory IX. the position of children of God. Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 16 Future of Spiritual Assistants Initial Formation Seminars WHAT AND WHO DIRECTS continued from page  continued from page  US ? Spiritual Assistants. Another In as much as conversion is The Magisterium, the SFO special part of the time was to hear interiorized , it concerns first Constitutions (chapter three, Life the Friars talk about the decreasing of all in a change in evaluating in Fraternity) and the SFO Statues numbers of Friars and how could things (metnoia) from which if and Regional Norms. Art.#28-2 it is sincere, new behavior will they give spiritual assistance to the The SFO is divided into fraternities SFO where there were no Friars? inevitably follow. By the term (“conversion”) is meant the at various levels, with mutual Their concern was genuine and collaboration among the brothers painful. At the end of the 4 days, decision to make a more or less radical break with one’s previous and sisters, and their active and the Friars drafted and made a lifestyle, that is the world. communal presence, both in the statement that was their vision of the local and universal church. future as far as spiritual assistants The person, who was not necessarily WHAT IS OUR SPIRITUAL a public or habitual sinner, pledged were concerned. I quote the last LIFE? paragraph from their statement. to live a new kind of life, a “life of penance. This commitment was Franciscan solitude (edited by “There were continuing realized by the persons entrance Andre Cirino OFM and Joseph discussions of the state of into one of the many forms of Raischl) Spiritual Assistance in the penitential life which, which were “It was Francis’s custom to use US today. The naming of SFO developing within the church from the time God had given him, to members as Spiritual Assistants the fourth to the eighth centuries. earn grace in two ways: first for was affirmed, at both local WHAT TO WE DO ? the benefit of the people, and then and regional levels. A program for the solitude of contemplation.” for training the SFOs for this Vatican II constitution on the Laity, Our living in the life of hermitage important ministry will cover all The Church and Joy and Hope. The (Hermitage days run by Lay aspects of Spiritual Assistance, S.F.O. rule. Spiritual Assistants to train quiet, including how they form the The Church was founded to spread prayer, meditation, contemplation, link to the larger Order.” the Kingdom of Christ over all the for that day and to be used in our earth, for the Glory of God the homes on a weekly basis. Francis’s The future is now, we Lay Spiritual Father, to make all men partakers love of and use of the Liturgy of Assistants have our work cut out in redemption and salvation, and the Hours to foster meditation for us. Continued gatherings of through them to establish the right and contemplation, personal and the Conference of Lay Spiritual relationship to the entire world communal prayer. Assistants, will sharpen our skills, to Christ. Every activity with The reading of Sacred Scripture. but it will be the times we are this in view goes by the name of with our SFO family as Spiritual “Apostolate.” A plan to influence and cause Assistants that will assist us on change in the daily life and fraternal Between the members of this life of a Secular Franciscan. our journey. body there exists, further, such a To make it clear that we are brothers I love this job! unity and solidarity that a member that does not work at the growth and sisters around the world! Peace, love and blessings of the body, to the extent of his Rock DeSpain, SFO possibilities, must be considered Minister – St. Francis Region useless, both to the Church and to himself. Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 17 Franciscan May 9. Catherine of Bologna, virgin, II How great a shame it would be February Order for us servants of the Lord that 10. Saint Ivo of Brittany, III Order 4. Joseph of Leonissa, priest, I the saints and blesseds and 11. Ignatius of Laconi, religious, I Order other holy men and women Order 6. Peter Baptist, Paul Miki and bore true witness by their life 16. Margaret of Cortona, III Order companions, martyrs, I and III and death, while we should be -- Memorial Orders -- Memorial content to admire their deeds 17. Paschal Baylon, religious, I 7. Colette, virgin, II Order and seek honor and glory Order -- Memorial 10. , hermit, III merely by recounting what 18. Felix of Cantalice, rel., I Order Order they have done!” 20. Bernardine of Siena, pr., I 19. Saint Conrad of Piacenza, - St. Francis of Assisi, Order hermit, III Order Admonition VI 24. Dedication of the Bascilica of December St. Francis of Assisi March 28. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, 8. Immaculate Conception of Mary, virgin, III Order Patron and Queen of Francsican 2. Bl. Agnes of Prague, II Order, 30. Bl. Bapbtista Varano, virgin, II Orders. Solemnity 4. Bl. Didacus Joseph of Gadiz, Order 10. Blessed Peter Tecelano (III priest, I Order 30. Saint Ferdinand, King, member Order) 9. Saint Frances of Rome, rel., of of the III Order. 15. Bl. Mary Frances Schervier, III Order virgin, III Order 12. Blessed Angela Salawa, III “No devotion to the saints is 18. Mother Alfred Moes, III Order Order more acceptable and more 23. Saint Catherine of Genoa, III January proper than if you strive to Order express their virtues.” 1. Solemnity of the Mother of God - Erasmus 3. Holy Name of Jesus – Memorial April 5. Blessed Diego José of Cádiz 7. Bl. Angela of Foligno, religious, 2. Blessed Elisabetta Vendramini, F r a n c i s c a n III Order III Order Print Resources 12. Bl. Bernard of , 3. Benedict the Black, religious, I religious, I Order Order – Memorial Franciscan Resources 14. Bl. Odoric of Pordenone, priest, 6. Saint Crescentia Höss, III Order P.O. Box 350 Menahga, MN I Order 16. Saint Bernadette Soubirous, 56464 800-772-6910 16. Berard, priest, and companions, cordbearer of St Francis St. Anthony Messenger Press protomartyrs, I Order – Memorial 17. Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, 1615 Republic St. Cincinati, 18. Saint Charles of Sezze, I Order cord-bearer of St Francis OH 45210 800-488-0488 24. Saint Francis de Sales, bishop, 21. Conrad of Parzham, religious, I Barbo- Carlson doctor, cord-bearer of Saint Francis. Order-- Memorial P.O,Box 189 Lindsborg, Ks Memorial. 23. Bl. Giles of Assisi, I Order 67456 785-227-2364 28. Brother Juniper, I Order 24. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest 30. Hyacinth of Mariscotti, III and martyr, I Order – Feast Padre Pio’s Book Shelf Order 27. Saint Zitta of Lucca. III Order 2096 Main St. Cambria, CA 31. Saint John Bosco, pr., III Order, 28. Bl. Luchesius and Buonadona, 93428 805-927-7209 Fndr III Order Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 18 District Liaisons St. Francis Region Orange County Carolyn Paxton, SFO [email protected] Southern California, USA San Diego Michael Layon Executive Council Vietnamese Councilor [email protected] Peter Hanh Nguyen SFO Tri-County Regional Minister Home phone (714) 808-9141 Cell phone (714) 458-9729 Pauline Riendeau Rock De Spain SFO [email protected] Home phone (951) 766-1308 [email protected] Cell phone (951) 288-6038 Los Angeles [email protected] Bob Garon Commissions [email protected] Vice Minister San Bernardino Riverside Larry Frasor SFO Formation Home phone (619) 443-2514 Catalina Tan SFO vacant Cell phone (619) 508-2518 Home phone (323) 466-2175 [email protected] Cell phone (323) 381-0794 Liturgy Coordinator [email protected] Larry Frasor SFO [email protected] Secretary Sylvia Paoli SFO Peace & Justice Commission Data Base Coordinator Best Phone number (714) 523-0223 JoAnn Hardwick SFO Robert Herbelin SFO [email protected] Cell phone (714) 273-4078 [email protected] [email protected] Newsletter Editor Family Commission Ted Hewitt Sylvia Paoli SFO 6571 Farmington Drive Treasurer [email protected] Robert Herbelin SFO Riverside, CA 92504 Home phone (951) 678-6427 (articles may be mailed here) Ecology Commission Cell phone (951) 440-1941 [email protected] [email protected] Carolyn Paxton, SFO [email protected] Associate Editor William Mussatto SFO Multi-Cultural Councilors Work Commission [email protected] vacant Web Servant Mike Morris SFO Hispanic Concilor [email protected] Armando Lomeli SFO Youth Commission Home phone (714) 836-1479 vacant Cell phone (714) 296-6152 National SFO USA [email protected] www.nafra-sfo.org Conference of Regional C I O F S Spiritual Assistants (CRSA) SFO International Council Korean Councilor Rev. Stephen Gross, OFM Conv Encarnación del Pozo, Heeyoung Lydia Chung SFO [email protected] Minister General OFS Cell phone (714) 514-5161 CIOFS Headquarters [email protected] TOR Vacant Calle Vittorio Putti, Rome http://ciofs.org/sfo.htm Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis Region #52 S. California, USA Fall/Winter, 2006 - Vol. 14, No. 2 http://www.stfrancisregion.org Page 19

- St. Francis of Assisi Assisi of Francis St. -

CF Message of JPII to the S.F.O. the to JPII of Message CF

CF Consistoral Message JPII Message Consistoral CF

and true command. true and CF The Church in the Americas JPII Americas the in Church The CF

carry out Your holy holy Your out carry

manner of St. Francis of Assisi. of Francis St. of manner

so that I may may I that so

persevere in the true faith and in a life of joyful conversion in the the in conversion joyful of life a in and faith true the in persevere

knowledge, knowledge, the high measure of ordinary Christian life. They are persons who who persons are They life. Christian ordinary of measure high the

as inseparable realities. They commit themselves with connection to to connection with themselves commit They realities. inseparable as sense and and sense

doctrinal agreement. They live belonging to the Church and society society and Church the to belonging live They agreement. doctrinal

a perfect charity, perfect a

cultivate deep unity among themselves, which is based on complete complete on based is which themselves, among unity deep cultivate

a certain hope, hope, certain a

situations. They announce the Gospel with one heart and soul. They They soul. and heart one with Gospel the announce They situations.

forgiveness, honesty, trasnparency of heart and patience in difficult difficult in patience and heart of trasnparency honesty, forgiveness, a correct faith, faith, correct a

itself to God. They embody deeply evangelical ideas, such as mercy, mercy, as such ideas, evangelical deeply embody They God. to itself

Give me, Lord, Lord, me, Give

They work in holiness wherever they are and consecrate the world world the consecrate and are they wherever holiness in work They

heart; heart;

Jesus Christ. They are largely responsible for the future of the Church. Church. the of future the for responsible largely are They Christ. Jesus

darkness of my my of darkness communion, lead their brothers and sisters to encounter the living living the encounter to sisters and brothers their lead communion,

who incorporated into the people of God through spirituality of of spirituality through God of people the into incorporated who enlighten the the enlighten

A Secular Franciscan is a person conscious of their baptismal dignity dignity baptismal their of conscious person a is Franciscan Secular A

glorious God, God, glorious

WHAT IS A SECULAR FRANCISCAN? SECULAR A IS WHAT Most high Most

The Joy of Francis

St. Francis Region #52 Secular Franciscan Order Southern California, USA 28275 Rawlings Rd. Hemet, CA 92544