THE NATIONAL of THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN

Newsletter Spring 1992

A TIME TO REFLECT to observe the gospel of our Lord Christ Richard Morton, SFO by following the example of Francis of National Minister , who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people." As Secular , our vocation needs (Rule, Chapt. 11, Art. 4). Jesus said: "You shall constant nourishment in the form of reflec- love the Lord your God with your whole tion, meditation, and discussion. I hope each heart, with your whole soul, and with all of you has an opportunity to set aside some your mind.' This is the greatest and first quality time for such activities, especially in commandment. The second is like it: 'You view of our new . shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments the whole law is The new Constitutions is a document that based, and the prophets as well." (Mt. 23:37-40.) should be studied by all Seculars for it is a fertile source of ongoing formation topics. The Constitutions, freeing us from a This is particularly true of II program developed by someone else, now entitled Form of Life and Apostolic Activity. Art. 9, Par. 1, is a good example: "The challenges us to develop a relationship with Christ in a manner we can personalize to our spirituality of the Secular Franciscan is a plan of life centered on the person and on the own needs and circumstances. This should following of Christ, rather than a detailed not be too difficult because the freedom to program to be put into practice." love our Lord and our neighbor does not require a detailed "how to" list. Loving These words are telling us that the plan of relationships are not built on written life, or model, for Secular Franciscan living is contracts, but on mutual trust and being not to be a profusion of rules and regulations sensitive to the others' presence in our lives. as it may have seemed to some not so many years ago. The goal of our Franciscan Perhaps a good resolution for 1992 would spirituality is to build an intimate relation- be that, through more prayer and meditation, ship with Jesus as modeled by St. Francis: we can each center our life more on Jesus "The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan and his love for us. Why not give it a try? CIOFS PRESIDENCY MEETING HOLY ATTACHMENTS AND LOVING From the report of Marianne Powell, SFO DETACHMENT Member, SFO Presidency for the English language Rev. Lawrence Landini, OFM Conf. National Spiritual Assistants The Presidency met for its second work session in Assisi, October 14-20, 1991. Attachments are the most natural things in the world. We are attached by the umbilical The Juridical Commission has worked out cord to our mothers and remain emotionally a draft of the new International Statutes. attached for the rest of our lives. We attach One area of discussion is the principle of to or bond with fathers, brothers and sisters, representation in CIOFS. spouses, relatives, and friends from our earli- est days. As we develop into mature persons, In the present Statutes, representation is we form new bonds of loving attachments to roughly that of one representative from each parishioners, countrymen, workers, country, but for historical and other reasons and many others and, hopefully, to God. some countries have 2, 3, or 4 representa- Life is also full of separations from attach- tives, which has been felt by many to be ments. Our parents, relatives, and friends unjust. Two principles were considered: may die, or become separated from us. Some- times there is an emotional break in our 1. representation in the CIOFS should attachments; friends become enemies, mar- depend on the number of members in a coun- riage partners separate and/or divorce. We try. grieve over separations and ruptures in relationships. 2. representation is to depend solely on the existence in the country of a national SFO But separation also brings the occasion for structure; each country that has this struc- new attachments. Separation breaks down ture is to be allowed only one representative. into two words: se which means self and preparare which means to prepare. Thus, The second principle was the suggestion of in every separation, we are preparing or some of the small nations. It corresponds to being prepared for new relationships and the understanding of justice and democracy friends. This is true even in the painful on which the United Nations is built. To its separation of death. We leave our friends on adherents, principle 1 appears a kind of earth to be in a new and wonderful way with domination of the majority, or, in Franciscan God and all the and angels. language, an appropriation. When life brings with it the pain of sepa- It was decided to leave both principles in ration, God asks us to accept a loving detach- the draft that will be sent to the National ment from the past and to begin anew to Councils for observations. forge holy bonds with others. In the case of the death of a parent or spouse, it may take As soon as possible, National Councils will two to three years to grieve through the pain also receive: of separation and detachment. Throughout the grieving process, God invites us to pre- pare ourselves for new friends and relation- Guide for revision of National Statutes, ships. Formation outline, Reports on the following Commissions: If attachments are part of God's plan for Youth, us, why then do the saints practice and coun- Evangelization, sel detachment? The reason is, unfortunate- Justice, Peace, & Ecology. ly, that our attachments can get out of hand. What is good and natural to enjoy can be- JDL CHARITABLE FUND come what we "have to have" and must possess. In clinging to and grasping after Dear Sisters and Brothers, things and people, a distortion of reality May the Lord give you peace. results. Boundaries are set up, demands are made, turf is claimed, and violence is often At the Annual Meeting of the Directive Board of the National Fraternity held last used to protect, defend, and wrest more of October, I received the many Mass cards, what was originally given as gift. Jesus says Spiritual Bouquets, Spiritual Enrollments, we can lose our very selves in this destructive notes, and letters from the Secular Francis- process. can Provinces, local , and individ- uals. Added to that were the green lei from is a grace filled season of letting go of Hawaii, our first Region, the large scroll from unholy attachments and for practicing a the Secular Franciscan Province of Saint loving detachment in all of our relationships. Conrad, and the beautiful and delicious sheet As Secular Franciscans, we might not have to cake from the Seculars in Louisville. Wait! overcome sinful attachments to money, pow- There is more! I was informed of the many, er, and sexual misconduct. But sometimes many contridutions to the "J.D.L. Charitable we might catch ourselves "having to have" Fund". our children come back to Church, our spous- es stop drinking, our good health return, and Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by even a deeper relationship with God. All of your goodness and thoughtfulness. It is my intention to acknowledge each and every gift. these good desires can become unholy attach- Until you hear from me, please let this letter ments when they become charged through express my heartfelt thanks. with a "driven-ness", a compulsiveness and a time table for God to follow. We want things, These past nine years have been full of others, and even God on our own terms. many special graces and blessings. During the many, many visits to the Provinces for St. Francis gives us an example of how to visitations and elections, and to local fraterni- practice a loving detachment and holy attach- ties to give talks, it was my privilege to meet ment. He reverenced people and all created many of you. You never failed to encourage reality as gifts from God. He would not and, more importantly, to edify me. I will appropriate, that is, take ownership of these always be grateful to you for your inspiration gifts. In this way, he practiced a loving and love, both given so freely. detachment and was able to live a life of Somehow, someway, we will meet again. gratitude in the enjoyment of all God's good Until then, I will meet you each day in gifts. But through this kind of loving detach- prayer. Daily, during the Holy Sacrifice of ment, he became attached in a holy way to the Mass, I will write your names in prayer- all of creation - he became bonded to every- ful hues and colors on the Eucharistic Canvas one and everything as the universal . of Holy Communion.

Loving detachment frees us to desire God; Stay well. Be happy. holy attachments free us to love all things in God. May this Lenten reflection aid Secular Fraternally, gratefully, lovingly, Franciscans in their efforts to "set themselves free to love God and their brothers and sis- IS! Jim cent next page ters." (Rule, Chapter II, no. 12.) 3 Chester, Pennsylvania, located on the FRANCISCANS AT THE U.N. Delaware River south of Philadelphia, is James A. Costello, SFO considered an impoverished area. Complicat- ing the economy is the fact that, according to Did you know the Franciscans have a voice the pastor of a local , Resurrection, the at the U.N.? fastest growing group in the area is HIV positive. What began several years ago as the inde- pendent dream of a Franciscan sister in Iowa The horror of the situation is that many of and a on the island of Malta has now the infected women are innocent victims. taken root at the United Nations Headquar- Even worse - all of the infants are. ters in New York City. We are working to achieve official recognition in 1993 of our Resurrection Parish had an empty convent. Franciscan Family as a non-governmental The Missionaries of Charity became interest- organization (NGO) with the opportunity for ed in establishing a hospice for mothers and direct participation on U.N. committees and children infected with the AIDS virus. collaboration with other NG0s.

Gift of Mary Home was dedicated January So far, we have the right to share informa- 6th. Mother Teresa couldn't attend as she tion on committee projects and interact with was hospitalized in La Jolla, California, U.N. members in a somewhat circumscribed recovering from pneumonia and coronary way. Our expectation is that all procedural problems. However, she had previously barriers will be removed by next year when thanked Cardinal Bevilacqua and Governor we can function with full accreditation. Casey for their support. The Governor said, Meanwhile, several of our members attend "Just to have Mother Teresa's presence here and monitor committee meetings, including through her Order is a great thing for Penn- those of the General Assembly and Interna- sylvania." tional Conferences. These Franciscans regu- larly meet with people at nearly every level Jim Lynch spent the past few months of the U.N. hierarchy and share our Francis- searching for the charity or charities to re- can perspective on issues of genuine concern ceive the fund. His criteria were: that the to all Franciscans. fund be kept in this country, that the recipi- ent organization be such that very little Our mission is to exert our influence in the would be lost to administrative costs, and areas of: that it have a strong Franciscan philosophy 1. Care of Creation, even if it were not part of the Franciscan 2. Peacemaking, and Family. 3. Concern for the Poor. We believe that all creation from the sim- Certainly no one would question the plest organism to the human being is interde- Francis-like charism of Mother Teresa and pendent. This interdependence is nurtured her Order. And, thanks to Secular generosi- by harmony, care, and peace; it is violated by ty, some hungry, hurting, dying victims will exploitation and domination. It has been be made more comfortable. The check, in the said that most of the poverty we see in the amount of $7,000, was sent by the National world is the direct result of the destruction of Minister in early February. traditional cultures and of the uprooting of 4 people in the name of progress. This evidenc- U.N., we are appending a brief calendar. es a profound disrespect for the harmony of We've also interspersed several excerpts from creation and can only be rectified when we the Rule of the that understand the planet as most "primitive" seem to have been formulated especially to peoples do, as the protector of our human validate the work we now undertake. race. We humbly, but most expectantly ask you Your representatives at the United Nations to remember us in your prayers. Pray that are dedicated to carry our Franciscan charism God gives us the grace to maintain our Fran- to all peoples through contacts and initia- ciscan witnesses and instruments of the tives. Our song of love will have a strong Church's mission to proclaim Christ to all chord of persuasiveness, witness the growth peoples. Pray that we may accomplish what and presence of the worldwide Franciscan God had in mind at Creation which is univer- Family which today stands at some 1.2 mil- sal harmony and an unceasing chorus of lion members. This is a mighty song grown praise to our Creator. If you wish to know from the voice of that little poor man, that more about our efforts on your behalf, or to fool for Christ, whose army even now mobiliz- offer advice, or other assistance, or to suggest es to engage the United Nations in a dia- initiatives, or simply to say hello, please logue of peace and love and good. write in care of:

It is almost eight centuries since Francis Brother Kevin Smith, OSF lay naked on the ground in a sacred moment 135 Remsen Street of union between Creator and created, lover Brooklyn, NY 11201 and beloved. Francis left us with the vision he espoused at death... God is in creation and (Please place the calendar insert ma prominent place in creation is good. Our United Nations initia- your home as a reminder to pray for the intentions.) tives provide us a new alternative to accom- plish our mission to evangelize the world according to the precepts of the Franciscan PLEASE REMEMBER Rule(s). Each of us can think locally and act locally on a day to day basis, knowing that Fr. Brendan Mitchell, OFM, who died s/he has representatives working to insure November 10. Father was the first Vice that precepts of universal kinship illuminate Commissary of the Secular Franciscan Prov- all United Nations activities. ince of St. Barbara; he then served as Com- missary for 35 years and, later, as Provincial Our goals and focus are similar to those of Spiritual Assistant. the Secular Franciscan Order which has established Commissions on Work, Ecology, An eloquent speaker and writer, he was at Peace & Justice, and the Family. There is a one time editor of Way of St. Francis. He nearly identical vision being pursued on the was a man of vision who long ago decided national level through these Commissions as that it was time for him to step aside and we pursue at the United Nations on an inter- turn over leadership to the Seculars. national level. His last years were full of illnesses which To familiarize you with some of the dates forced his retirement. He was a Franciscan in 1992 that have special significance at the for 65 years and a priest for 59. FRATERNAL VISITATIONS, PLUS OR As I reflect on the experience, I am MINUS? pleased to remember that the visitations were Jerry , SFO a time of personal renewal and conversion for National Vice Minister me and I believe for the province overall. To- gether we committed ourselves to reclaim the In keeping with our Rule and the empha- grace, the enthusiasm, the dream which first sis on taking responsibility for our Order, several years ago, I conducted the first frater- attracted us to the Franciscan Way of Life. nal visitations by a provincial minister in St. The Provincial Minister was no longer some- John the Baptist Province. one "out there", a name, but a real, live human being who was caring, loving, and The real inspiration for my visitation was touchable. I was energized and enlivened by prayerful reflection on St. Paul's Epistle to the warm, positive response. the Romans, I long to see you and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - There was, of course, some uncertainty in rather what I wish is that we may be mutually the hearts of some about why I was coming to encouraged by our common faith. (Rom. 1:11-12.) visit. The apprehension on the part of those members concerned my purpose and their With this discernment to guide me, I expectations, but that did not prove to be a began concrete plans to visit my brothers and stumbling block. The valuable time together sisters from Michigan to the bayous of Louisi- seemed to strengthen not only the individual ana and from the Kansas wheatfields to the members, but the overall fraternity as well. industrial midwest, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. What I found is that, if we simply reach As the idea of visiting our entire province out to one another, we can build fraternal began to take shape in my mind, I began to communities that promote fidelity to the feel overwhelmed by my decision and was Franciscan charism. We can offer them filled with anxiety about the awesome dis- encouragement in observing the Rule and tances that separated our fraternities. As I provide support, however it may be needed. planned and examined the situation more closely, praying for strength and courage, I Visitation helps to foster interaction with- began to see and believe that was, indeed, in and among the fraternities. Ones that what I was being called to do as the servant choose to be self-contained, isolated units leader of our province. would be the exception. Once convinced of the "rightness" of the fraternal visitation and the importance of As a result of visitation, there is expanded reaching out in love and support to my Fran- communication through personal contact and ciscan family, there was no turning back. fraternal gatherings, and our fraternities experience community beyond their individu- I determined that since it would not be al fraternity. Their concept of being part of possible at that time to visit all fraternities, the larger spiritual family of St. Francis is my plan was to visit our six geographically enhanced, and our fraternities grow stronger structured areas which had representation in sharing a common vision. from each fraternity in the area. In addition to visiting the areas, I also visited two isolat- To other Provincial Ministers I say, "If ed fraternities in the upper peninsula of y'all haven't yet gone to visit your Francis- Michigan and some others that were having can family in their fraternities, try it; I know some particular difficulty . y'al1 will like it." ARE WE LIVING THE RULE? Rule. If the entire Order were open to the Laurence M. Herbert, SFO, Newsletter Staff action of the Spirit there would be no limit to the work that could be accomplished by our On June 24th of this year the Secular actions. If we are to be leaven to the world Franciscan Order will have had the Rule for we must first become leaven to our brothers 14 years. That is more than enough time for and sisters in our fraternity. Our leaven is in us to have read it and implemented what it the Rule. Learn the Rule! Love the Rule! contains. Many of us were professed under Live the Rule! 2 that Rule and should have studied, it in our formation program. Ongoing formation in our 1 fraternities for professed members should also Fonck, OFM, Benet A., Ritual of the Secular Francis- be Rule based. On the day we made our can Order, St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, initial commitment to the Secular Franciscan OH, 1985, p 24. 2 Order we said: From an admonition of John Paul II to Secular Franciscans. "I promise to live all the days of my life the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life."' THE RULE Every one of us should posses a copy of the Rule. The National Fraternity has pub- Presentation copies of the Rule lished a pocket sized booklet of it convenient enough to carry with us. How many of us mentioned above are available have a copy? How many of us have read the from: Rule? When was the last time? If we have promised to live by a standard why are we Miss Marie Costigan, SFO reluctant to become informed as to what the 109 Golden Gate Avenue standard is. If we took five minutes a day to San Francisco, CA 94102 read a part of the rule we could read the entire rule every week! Send check payable to: NAERA In the excerpts from: "Letter of the Four Ministers General of the Franciscan Family", for $1.50 per copy; minimum order that is printed in the same booklet of our - 5 books. Rule, the Ministers General challenge us to renewal.

The hope of renewal hinges upon return- ing to the origins and to the spiritual experi- ence of St. and of the broth- SYMPATHY FOR THE U.S. PRESIDENT ers and sisters of penance who received from P.B.S. News Report him their inspiration and guidance. This re- newal also depends upon openness to the Following President Bush's intestinal flu Spirit in the signs of the times. incident in Japan, a Pennsylvania fifth grade class wrote letters of sympathy to him. One I have not seen this renewal in the Secu- said, "I threw up on my brand new skirt on lar Franciscan Order. There are many, many Easter Sunday in church and I don't even fraternities that are active and living the belong to that Church." 7 THE FRANCISCAN PYRAMID, I panied by an inner attitude of 'conversion', that is to say of condemnation of and detach- To know where we are, to know where we ment from sin and of striving toward God." 2 are going, we must first know where we have been. The Rule, Chapter II, 7, refers to us as Following the fall of our first parents, it "brothers and sisters of penance" and to the would seem only logical that every human necessity of daily "conversion". must admit his weakness, must have sincere sorrow and the wish to amend his ways, and The name Brothers and Sisters of Penance should feel the need to make restitution. and the concept of conversion did not origi- Even pagans do. That is metanoia, conver- nate with Francis. To find our origins, we sion, penitence. Displeasure with one's previ- must travel back many centuries. ous life should certainly lead to the desire to make compensation. But as we shall see, the Father Raffaele Pazzelli, TOR, wrote that emphasis on restitution gradually changed the Greek word metanoia, found in the Septu- the concept of conversion in its entirety to an agint, and the Latin words paenitentia or accentuation on the performing of penitential conversio, found in the , may be used acts. interchangeably. "...the term metanoia even outside the sphere of religion, indicates a Of the many Old Testament references to change of persuasion, attitude, or interior metanoia one of the best known and most plan, either for good or evil. Secondarily, it frequently used and abused is Isaiah 58: 6-7. indicates displeasure or regret for previous behavior. " 1 This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the Pope Paul VI's statement, February 17, thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, 1966, evidences the antiquity of metanoia: breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the "The Church.. .has noted with joy that al- homeless; clothing the naked when you see most everywhere and at all times penitence them, and not turning your back on your has held a place of great importance, since it own. 3 is closely linked with the intimate sense of religion which pervades the life of most Some of the socio-economically comfortable ancient peoples as well as with the more people of that day had changed acts of person- advanced expressions of the great religions al penance into game-like competitions; connected with the progress of culture. conversion was not part of their lives.

"In the Old Testament the religious sense To translate their behavior into our times: of penitence is revealed with even greater their sackcloth bore Fifth Avenue labels, richness. Even though man generally has their ashes were ground from Patmos incense recourse to it in the aftermath of sin to pla- crystals, and, during periods of fast, they cate the wrath of God, or on the occasion of never ate pate de fois gras or chateaubriand grave calamities, or when special dangers are in public. They were so involved in their imminent, or in any case to obtain benefits "penitential" contests that they completely from the Lord, we can nevertheless establish ignored the hungry, the oppressed, and the that external penitential practices are accom- captives. 8 God did not say he did not want personal We know that the early prac- penance; he said he did not want it the way ticed certain rituals that became sacraments they were doing it. Yet, have not we used such as , the eucharistic meal, the that passage to exempt ourselves from per- imposition of hands, and the anointing of the sonal penances - Friday abstinence, fasting, sick. But the pagans had sacramental proce- and various forms of self-denial? dures too, and Psychology 101 was known long before the twentieth century. In the New Testament, Christ taught metanoia by his words and actions. Before If people are to be indoctrinated into a new his public life, he spent forty days in the life, philosophy, or religion, the most success- desert in prayer and fast. (Remember that the ful method is by analogy to, not eradication Jewish fast was just that - total abstinence of the old. When a pagan was indoctrinated from food and drink.) In so far as prayer is into some phase of activity, even the army, communication with the Father, that part is there was a ritual of initiation. Initiation understandable. But did the Son of God need into the Christian belief was by the ritual of to fast? In addition to its being an example baptism. Pagans had special days of honor- to us, perhaps the answer lies in Paul's ing their gods. Many Christian feast days magnificent statement: Though he was in the were established on or near the dates of form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with pagan feasts. Although Judaism is not con- God something to be grasped at. (Philippians 2:6.) sidered a sacramental religion, 5 the Jews did have rituals that were easily adaptable. Later, he submitted to a baptism that he certainly didn't need. Ceremonial cleanliness So, rituals, especially those of initiation, was important to the Jews. To be physically were vital in helping the pagan and the Jew clean permitted a man to approach God, if his convert to Christianity. motives were pure. 4 By publicly accepting baptism, he reinforced the teaching of the Ironically, the rapid growth of Christianity Baptist, thus changing ceremonial washing to caused complications. As the new religion a spiritual symbol, and he set the stage for spread, there was need for the written word. God's acknowledgment of him. He further The Lord had not left the Apostles a neat, followed the law by feeding the hungry, precise list of rituals or sacraments, nor had curing the sick, and releasing the spiritually the New Testament been written the day bound. after Pentecost, and, when it finally was, its duplication was a major problem. At Pentecost, Peter called for conversion. Then he and the other Apostles began to Too, Aramaic was still a very primitive preach and administer. language at the time of our Lord. Getting its real meaning into another language caused At this time, most of us SFOs are still more than one problem, a problem which has products of the Baltimore Catechism where continued into this age. Consider one brief everything was so tidy. But, in the primitive example. Christ, who lived and taught love, Church, very little was tidy let alone well- said that we must hate people, but love God. defined. Here, we must take a couple of side Obviously, the meaning was that we should excursions to understand more fully the love God more than we love people, but there development of sacraments and of our origin. cont. next page. 9 were no comparatives in Aramaic. The THE BELOVED ancient Jews understood the meaning. It gave Patricia Brandweirt-Ball, SFO many of us problems until the scriptural translations post Vatican II. Part I

There were further problems caused by Tears filled my eyes, retching pain consumed my life; distance, which, in those days, could amount A sense of abandonment, aloneness to virtual isolation. As bishops, or other edu- opened to a dark abyss. cated men attempted theological definitions, And in its presence occasionally there resulted heresy, the reper- there was room for nothing else. cussions of which might last for centuries. I felt forsaken Finally, there was civil interference and by the whole world persecutions which also caused theological and writhed in such torment questions. To be continued. I could barely form the words to ask for your embrace, Pazzelli, Raffaele, St. Francis and the , the touch that would surround me 1982, Franciscan Herald Press. so much so 2 Flannery, 0.P., Austin, Editor, Vatican II More that for a while I would not exist- Postconciliar Documents, Volume II, "Apostolic Consti- that whatever shreds of self tution on Penance" Paul VI, Paenitemini, p. 2. 3 might be left The New American Bible, 1970, of would be given over to your love. Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. 4 Wijngaards, M.H.M., John, Handbook To The Gospels, At the moment of fully entering 1979, Servant Books, Ann Arbor, MI, p. 131. the dark abyss, 5 Martos, Joseph, Doors To The Sacred, 1982, Image you intervened - Books, Garden City, NY. and the darkness became a muted light, and the substance of your body A partial list of Old Testament references to withheld the abyss. metanoia: No longer did I exist outside the fold of your arms Exodus 24:18 nor beyond the limits of your heart. Leviticus 16:31; 23:29 Spirit fused into spirit. Deuteronomy 9:9, 18 1 Samuel 7; 14:24; 31:13 You lead me to 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35; 12:16 Him whose Life you have become. 1 Kings 21:20-21, 27. And in the faded light of day Tobit 12:8-9 you released me Judith 4:8; 8:16-17; 20:25-26 into His searching eyes. Esther 3:15; 4:1,16 (How did you know with such certainty Psalms 34:13; 2 it was not you I truly sought?) Isaiah 53:4-11; 58:6-7 Jeremiah 3:3,7,9 He called me by name, Baruch 1:2,5,17-18 Himself once forsaken. Daniel 1:12; 9:3; 10:3,12 He entered my abandonment Zechariah 7:5; 8:9, 21 and stretched out His hand. 10 His fingers moved with gentleness repeating everywhere at every turn upon the cords of my heart; "Hold not your hand from me the lines of mending Draw not away." quickened There is nothing left of me and burned more deeply that does not feel the pain - each time He traced (How is it you have found with such His Holy cross... apparent ease, Forever, there would be a scar. Him whose Life you have become?) Part II Part III

As promised the Cross remains In agony I am gathered branded into my heart - into His shadow - reminding me of and I linger. Him whose Life you have become, "Draw not away from me," beckoning me my being whispers. to search the eyes of everyone I meet; "Hold not your hand from me compelling me Draw not away - to caress the heart of everyone I meet; lest my misshapen heart Still, I long for a return of His wither and die - gentle touch misshapen and bruised but can only come near His hand by the longing when I embrace the burning pain for your gentle fingers in another's heart. upon its flesh - drawn tight, Searching bound, till I am no more inseparable from the burning cross." till all that remains of me In bittersweet love is the burning Cross He held my heart seared into my heart. and in the bond of this covenant I implore Him, let me rest, "Hold nof your hand from me. in the fragrance of love Draw not away - consoled me. lest the dark abyss He called me by name. open up before me - My eyes fell upon His heart. for you are the muted light It bore a Cross (muted that my eyes may yet see) and was encircled by a crown of thorns. and you are the shield withholding the abyss He gave me this crown and said, (that I may not be lost "Love wounds the heart beyond the beyond)." (Oh joyful wounds) My heart and love doth heal. recognizable no longer Take my Cross and Crown as a human heart as an everlasting sign of my love. seeks only the Beloved Wear these with fidelity and courage. who took my life I am with you always; and made of it a journey without rest, I am He whose Life you have become... a pilgrimage of love. Driven only by this one desire (Pat is a member of St. Casimir Province.)

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FRATERNITY RECORDS It is the responsibility of the outgoing minis- Dr. Marguerite B. Stein, SFO, Canonist ter and officers to meet with the incoming minister and officers to provide for the turn- The Summer, 1991, issue carried a short article by over of all records. It is helpful to create an Newsletter Staff member, Laurence Herbert, SFO, on inventory sheet to be passed on and which the importance of keeping records. Now, Marge Stein carries it further, and every bit is needed. Please read should include locations for: and be aware that the ability to keep records is not just a trait of certain people; it is an obligation for officers. 1. The document of canonical establishment. 2. Up-to-date Register of Members which includes: Suppose the office of minister or secretary a. Date of admission; suddenly becomes vacant. Do the other b. Date of profession: c. Date of death; officers know what the documents of the d. Date of transfer,including fraternity of origin or fraternity are; where they are kept? Or destination; where provincial/regional archives are locat- (This Register must be checked by fraternal visitors.) ed; what documents should be going to them? 3. Ritual; NB: This must be used for fraternity rites including council and fraternity meetings, receptions, profes- It is the responsibility of the minister, the sions, visitations; secretary, and the council to pass on all 4. 1978 Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order; fraternity documents and records to the next 5. The new General Constitutions (and each group of officers as they are elected. The Council member should have one). records should be labeled and kept together 6. NAFRA Statutes and one for each council member; in a safe place. The person who maintains 7. Governance guidelines of the province/region; them should tell someone in his family (new statutes should not be written until new NAFRA Statutes are available.) what they are and where they are kept. 12 8. A file containing the provincial/regional guide lines various private homes on upper shelves of for: closets, tossed into large boxes helter-skelter. a. Elections, local and provincial/regional; But if you will only bring it all together, how b. Duties of officers; very much easier your service will become! c. Necessary reports to the province/region; d. Procedures for dealing with dispensed and delin- Many of these things, such as the Register, quent members; are mandated to be kept by the secretary as e. Outline of procedures for provincial/regional you will discover, if you read the Constitu- visitations. tions, but in many fraternities a practice has 9. A history of the fraternity. grown up to have every thing kept by the 10. UP-TO-DATE INVENTORY of all equipment which minister, already under heavy responsibility. belongs to the fraternity, such as: typewriters, computers, office furniture and miscellaneous sup The first key is to separate the incoming plies. material and put it in its binder or get it to its agreed-upon custodian. HARDBACK BINDERS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR: 1. Minutes of council meetings and, where notable The second key is the obligation and will- action was taken at general meetings; ingness on the part of the trusted custodians 2. A ledger showing income, expense, and balance; to make the material available to all. treasurer's reports; 3. Attendance records, whether by sign in sheets or Think of it. Truly organized Franciscans! secretary's monthly report; Brother Elias would be proud! 4. Bulletins from all levels of fraternity filed by category and date. DIRECTIVE BOARD UPDATE 5. Formation materials Page 2, 'Ohana 0 Ke Anuenue Region, It is also considered essential to keep these Minister: files: Mrs. Carol Amaral, SFO 1. A sturdy file for correspondence, kept in date order 2715 Pamoa Road and separated by topic if volume warrants; Honolulu, HI 96822 2. Formation Material: (808)988-4432 a. "Guidelines for Initial Formation in the SFO", published by the National Formation Commission; Page 2, Most Holy Name b. Up-to-date record of formation procedures, includ- Minister: ing texts used, outside reading required, apostolic Phone number (401)738-8297 experience given, etc. 3. A roster of all provincial/regional officers and of Page 7 local ministers. Conference of National Spiritual Assistants: 4. File for papal encyclicals, etc. dealing with the , Add: mission, and apostolic work. Rev. Stephen R. Gross, OFM Cony. St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary, P.O. Box 820 At first glance, that list is staggering. We Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 know. We are willing to bet that right now (805)489-1012 your fraternity would be hard put to assem- ble all this documentation, which is probably Page 8 (no insult intended - we are all very busy) in Formation, remove William Braswell, SFO 13 A FRANCISCAN FAMILY because it's fun to be there, or just because Gloria N. Shriver, SFO they need a quiet time of prayer. Even the Chair, Family Commission non-Catholics join in the daily family .

Would you believe we have a Secular The Forams believe that every home needs Franciscan couple in New Jersey who can a head and a heart, and that the father is the boast of having six Secular Franciscans in head and the mother the heart. Ed is quick their immediate family? Of course, it sounds to explain that the head is not the big boss. more reasonable when you hear that Ed and By head he means that the father is responsi- Nancy Foran have fourteen children: twelve ble for supporting the family and making biological and two adopted. The eldest, sure they have good spiritual development. Nancy Marie, a systems engineer, is vice- He is responsible for its religious education. minister of her fraternity. (That does not mean he has to teach religion classes himself, but he must see that they "When people ask me if we don't have know what the Church teaches.) enough," says Ed, smiling his infectious grin, "I ask them, 'Enough what?' Enough getting You may be wondering how they manage a up at night? Keeping enough food on the family of this size in the world of high prices table? Enough of paying the doctor bills? Or when most people can't tell the difference are you asking if we have enough of the joy between needs and wants. But manage it of sharing their achievements, enough of they do, with the help of two stoves, two receiving their love, of the thrill of having freezers, a three-door refrigerator, 25 gallons them run out to greet me when I get home in of milk a week, along with a couple dozen the evening? loaves of bread, and a lot of Franciscan prayers and trust in God. "Nancy and I feel there's never enough. Twenty-six years ago we decided we would They have solved problems that you and I surrender to the will of God in the sacrament never dream about - such as having to buy a of marriage. We promised we would accept dumpster when the hauler refused to take out any children God sent us, children born to us so many bags of trash a week. At one time or any other child who came through the they rode in a second-hand, eight-door airport door. We've never gone back on that promise, limousine, but now that the older children and God has never gone back on His promise have cars of their own, it's no longer needed. to be with us always. He has helped us many times through other people. How else could When asked how they have the courage to we have managed to feed and clothe and take take on so many problems, Ed says, "We care of the spiritual needs of our fourteen, know God will never send us a problem we plus the myriads who came needing help and can't handle and that He will give us the have stayed for a short or long time over the strength to raise these children to achieve years? And I only make about $40,000 a heaven and learn how to handle the many year! Of course, the older ones have jobs problems that life unfolds." now." They must have had strong faith in that Children just seem drawn to the Forans, theology when they decided to take five of especially the ones from dysfunctional fami- the younger children out of school and have lies, the abused, or the handicapped. It is as Nancy teach them at home. She admits that if the strong family values that radiate from she was terrified at first even though she this household like a magnet attract people holds a degree in music education. However, who need love. They come for advice, for a since they weren't completely happy with the pajama party, to escape abuse at home, just local school program, she put her faith in God 14 and a Home-School program from Our Lady THE QUINQUENNIAL of the Rosary in Kentucky. She is teaching four in grade school and one in high school. Registration forms, general information, Now, she is quick to tell you, "I wish I had and programs for the August 2-7 Quinquen- home-schooled them all." When the oldest of nial Congress were mailed during January to her pupils went over to the high school, she local fraternity ministers. If you did not found that she was ahead of the school's receive them or need more, contact: classes and had even completed books that Miss Catherine Miltz, SFO, Coordinator higher grades were using in their most ad- 1615 Vine Street vanced sections. Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513)241-9862 Nancy and Ed have a simple philosophy about helping children: build up their self- PORTIUNCULA CELEBRATION, 1993 esteem. It's as simple and as complicated as that! How do they do it? They'll tell you by The Franciscan Heritage Office has an- making a 180 degree turn away from the rest nounced the Portiuncula Celebration in honor of the world. That doesn't mean they isolate of the eight centennial of the birth of St. the children, but they emphasize " home and family values". They make each Clare, July 30 - August 1, 1993. The pro- gram, which will take place at Steubenville, child feel wanted and loved. Ohio, has been designed to incorporate the Ed says, "I don't want the kids to learn the whole Franciscan family. world's values. I want them to learn OUR values," and Nancy adds, "We try to be like A FEW THOUGHTS the typical family of the fifties, like the ones From the Editor Ed and I grew up in." CIOFS Representatives With all the necessary shopping, cooking, cleaning, and washing tons of clothes each The concern being paid by the Internation- week, plus the time that must be spent with al Presidency over just representation is the children, do they have time to do any- certainly needed and to be commended. thing in their Church? Of course! Every However, there is another very important Secular knows that if you want something aspect that should be addressed. done, ask a busy person. This family is the church choir. Nancy is in charge of the Election to minister on any level of frater- music. They sing for the Masses, funerals, nity automatically places that minister on and weddings. Ed and Nancy say they can't the general council or directive board of the donate money to the church, but they figure next higher fraternity, except CIOFS. Nation- that 20% of their time is spent on church al ministers are not, ipso facto, CIOFS coun- activities. That's a large donation to any cilors. church, especially when there are fourteen in the family. In addition to all of this, Ed The reason given is that CIOFS functions serves as the Family Commission Chairman on six year terms, while national ministers of his Fraternity. are elected for three years. That the Presi- dency should be elected for six years is under- For years, this family thought they were a standable and reasonable. But there is no typical American family, but now they are reason to apply the same term to the entire beginning to wonder if they aren't an anach- council. There is every reason not to do so. ronism. Maybe they are, but wouldn't it be cont. next page. nice if many more were like them. 15 THE NATIONAL FRATERNITY SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER . NONPROFIT ORG. R. D. 1, BOX 1251 U.S. POSTAGE BRANDON, VT 05733 PAID PERMIT NO. 26

MR. RICHARD MORTON, SFO 3191 71st STREET EAST INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55076 PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS, CHECK EXPIRATION DATE ABOVE

Television Project this to the attention of your fraternity imme- diately so that everyone will be prepared. We Were still running behind, but monitors may not win the battle, but, at least, we will are working. There have been two objections have tried. Our new constitutions indicate to the project: censorship and duplication of that, using acceptable methods, we must try the efforts of other organizations. to improve the world. Refusal to do so is tantamount to tacit approval of present Concerning censorship, why not? The conditions. airways belong to us, not to writers, produc- ers, actors, and sponsors who seem dedicated Private subscriptions to contaminate. Specific sex (whether licit or not) crude, offensive language, and violence Keep them coming and thanks so much for are bad enough. There also appears to be a the many very nice comments. A substantial continuing, if not a growing trend to mock number of subscribers and local ministers religions, and the Church is have mentioned using articles as the basis of one of the prime targets. ongoing formation. That is one of our aims.

As to duplication, the more, the better. In this issue there are several referrals to One SFO, who is involved in various aspects the new constitutions. Unlike most legal of communication, said that each letter of documents, ours is not fifty pages of thou protest is felt to represent seven others un- shall or shall not. There is tremendous written. A few thousand letters could have spirituality involved. Remember, the docu- some impact. ment is an expansion of the Rule. So, even if you are not one who enjoys reading Canon The failure may be that the pleas (that we Law, give the constitutions a try; parts of it have read) of other organizations usually ask may surprise you. their readers to write a letter of protest. But it is so easy to forget or to say, "What impact Private subscription costs can I have?" Plenty, if we are organized. U.S. - $2 per year Sample letters, which may be duplicated, Canadian - $3 per year will be sent to you. The dates for mailing Foreign - $4 per year will be given. Local Ministers, please bring There are four issues per year. FRANCISCAN U.N. CALENDAR

Secular Franciscans should go forth as witnesses and instruments of the Church's mission among all people, proclaiming Christ. Rule 6

1992 Ongoing Decade Against Drug Abuse Decade of International Law Decade To Combat Racial Discrimination World Decade For Cultural Development Concludes Decade of Disabled Persons

They shall strive to create conditions of life worthy of people especially the lowly redeemed by Christ. Rule 13

7 April World Health Day 1-12 June Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro 5-7 June Environmental Sabbath 15 Sept International Day of Peace 1 Oct International Day For The Elderly 16 Oct World Food Day 24 Oct United Nations Day. Begins Disarmament Week 8-14 Nov International Week Of Science And Peace 10 Dec Human Rights Day

They are called to build a more fraternal evangelical world. Rule 14 Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice. Rule 15

1993 World Conference on Human Rights 1994 International Year of the Family 1995 World Conference On Women

They should move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship. Rule 18