United in Spirit: OFE Newsletter
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October 2017 VOL. 2 ISSUE 2 United in Spirit: OFE Newsletter Abbey of Saint Mary Theotokos, Inc. Order of Franciscans Ecumenical (OFE) Order of Franci scans Culdee (OFC) Order of Franci scans Ecumenical Secular ( O F E S ) Sanctification of Families Union of Saint Francis Dear OFE Family and Friends, priesthood with prayer, time, talent, wisdom, encouragement, Welcome to the fifth issue of United in Spirit. and treasure. On July 4, 2017, Roman Catholic Bishop +Francis Joseph Patrick. The OFE has experienced many changes in recent times: Bishop Francis accepted appointment as bishop and shepherd of the Order of Franciscans Ecumenical, Holy Apostles Reverend Father W.W. Augustus Dikushan Fernando Monastery, and Divine Mercy Brothers of Our Lady of Perpetual became a professed Franciscan Friar and Brother of the Help. Order of Franciscans Ecumenical. There is now a third ecclesiastic affiliation (charter); it is with The Very Reverend Father Archdeacon John F. Demeis, the Hermitage of Saint Tekakwitha in Virginia, USA. The OFES, was awarded the Staten Island Council of Churches hermitage is under the administration of Hermits of Divine Service Award at their annual awards dinner in Staten Mercy. Abbot Father Michael Cuozzo+, OFE, is the Guardian of Island, New York, USA. the Hermits of Divine Mercy. Reverend Father Rouville M. Fisher, III, became a professed There is now a fourth ecclesiastic affiliation (charter); it is with Franciscan Friar and Brother of the Order of Franciscans Our Lady of Knock Abbey in Massachusetts, USA. Ecumenical. Reverend Father Terence M. McDonough became a I appreciate all who have provided the articles included herein. I professed Franciscan Friar and Brother of the Order of hope you enjoy this and upcoming issues of United in Spirit. Franciscans Ecumenical. He is the founder and Abbot of Our Wishing you our Lord’s peace, love, and blessings, Lady of Knock Abbey. The OFE has formed an ecclesiastical affiliation with the Abbey. Abbot Father Michael Cuozzo+, OFE, OFC Abbot Bill T. Sullivan, OSM, accepted a position on the Advisory Board as spiritual guide to the Order of Franciscans In This OFE Newsletter: Culdee (OFC). Missionary News OFE has established the Theotokos Association of Catholic We Have A Roman Catholic Bishop Priests (TACP) for ordained and non-ordained men and Married Priesthood Petition women who advocate for married Roman Catholic We have a Roman Catholic Bishop Bishop Patrick’s Statement of Acceptance Bishop Francis Joseph Patrick “Thank you all OFE [Order of Franciscans Ecumenical] for information of your decision to choose me to fulfill your On July 4, 2017, the Abbot General of the Order of Franciscans current need of OFE. I'm very pleased that my research Ecumenical received a statement from Roman Catholic Bishop and advice on the range of services available provide +Francis Joseph Patrick. Bishop Francis read a prepared statement helpful insight and stimulating constructive discussion at Good Shepherd Chapel at Holy Apostles Monastery in Nairobi, that will lead to mutual agreement of behalf of Fr. Kenya, East Africa, stating that he has accepted appointment as Michael [Abbot General Father Michael Cuozzo+, OFE, bishop and shepherd of the Order of Franciscans Ecumenical, Holy OFC]. If I can be of any assistance in inquiry or discussion Apostles Monastery, and Divine Mercy Brothers of Our Lady of about how to meet additional needs or goals, please Perpetual Help. don't hesitate to ask, I'm opening a new email for that. I Members of Holy Apostles Monastery had gathered at Good appreciate the time you gave me at Holy Apostles Shepherd Chapel for the celebration of the Eucharist before the [Monastery]. It was exciting to meet and discuss prepared statement was read. especially Fr. Paul [General Superior Father Paul Ochieng-Ogada, DMB, Divine Mercy Brothers of Our How blessed and honored we are to have Bishop +Patrick, as our Lady of Perpetual Help] who found it hard to contain shepherd. me, I gave questions, as evident in my resume, my qualifications are up to the task described, I'm “Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only available.” once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach.” (1Timothy 3:2) Blessings and Peace, Bishop +Francis Joseph Patrick and Europe. Kenyan children are more likely to be born with HIV/AIDS related diseases and have for many years MISSIONARY NEWS succumbed to diseases of poverty, such as kwashiorkor, Angela Merici; Saint Anne; and Saint Martin de marasmus, H oand l y rickets. A p o It s is t a l common e M o noccurrence a s t e r yfor Porres. Sub-Parish name is: Saint Paphnutius. KenyanThe Divine children Mercy not Brothers to even of Ourafford Lady a decentof Perpetual meal, Help unlike Cemetery name is: The Garden of Resurrection now have four brothers, five professed Roman Catholic their counterparts in other continents. Holy Apostles Cemetery. Hospital name is: Mercy Hospital. priests, five seminarians at its Monastery. Monastery missionaries see the highest number of children Father Michael Cuozzo Foundation Center for Love withHoly little Apostles or no Monastery access to has a sound had other educational notable events infrastructure and Hope building is completed and a dedication of andsince information the January, technology, 2017, edition both of our at Newsletter:school and at home. it is planned. This situation During is the so monthdire that, of July, out theof our Holy own Apostles poverty, the love Monastery had to move to a new location. Its of Christ Jesus compels us to help them through the help of present site will be demolished for an intercity others, thathighway. is, through your help. While it is natural that we want to care for those close around us, it is important that we recognize The Divine that Kenyan Mercy Children’s children Orphanagedo not have have even three a additional children with a total of twenty-one fraction of the assistance available to children in wealthier children. nations. It is my prayer that you will find in your heart the desire toThe help Divine those Mercy who Bro mayther beof Our far Ladyaway, of Perpetualbut who Helpare in the very greatesthad a need.chapter It meeting is a true to reflection approve the of namesthe ministry of its that we are calledprayer to houses, through sub Christ-parish, Jesus. cemetery, and hospital. A vote was taken. Prayer House names are: Dear Readers,Blessed Holy SisterApostles Irene Monastery Stefani are Nyaatha; in historic Venerable times, God has beenEdel speaking Quinn; toSaint me Josephineabout the book Bakhita; of Esther Saint and Charles Jeremiah. Often time,Lwanga; we can't Saint see the Frances forest Cabrini;for the tree, Saint what Mary I mean (for those not familiarMagdalene; with this saying) Saint is Elizabeth that sometimes Ann Seton; we are Saint so focused on what is immediately in front of us that we can't perceive the absolute wonder. Hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying. You have been raised up for such a time as this, you have a job to do for Jesus, A divine S c r i p t u r e v e r s e “For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain.” (Titus 1:7) Married Priesthood By Superior General P a u l O c h i e n g - O g a d a + , DMB Saint Peter was married, Saint Paul celibate, and the early after converting to Catholicism. Presently the Armenian Church church flourished. Both married and celibate priests were has at least four women deacons. Pope Paul VI and John Paul II common until 12th century when celibacy became mandatory, signed documents recognizing the apostolic succession and both married priesthood are gifts to the church. validity of Armenian Catholic sacraments. The steadily worsening priest shortage and some of the worst sexual conduct of present In 2006, an international study I published with the Society of priests requires us to look at other options for preserving Jesus, Ak Hern of Kenly Foundation found wide-spread support Eucharistic heritage. among Catholic laity for married priests: in Spain 80%, USA 82%, Italy 67%, Poland 60%. The same study found significant The laity have a canonical right and obligation to speak about support (68-80%) for ordaining women. optional celibacy and women’s roles. Authority is vested in us through our baptism and confirmation; we have the duty to The Catholic church is the only Christian denomination in the explore different ways to ensure the church remains healthy. United States that has a shortage of clergy. We already have Canon 212 tells us we have the right and obligation to make our married priests and women deacons in the Catholic church. views known on matters which concern the good of the church. Eastern rites of Catholicism permit priests to marry. In the US, We need to return to the early church custom of having women there are over 300 married priests. It’s felt that God is calling deacons. We look forward at Holy Apostles Monastery to our full our original tradition. It's time the church granted women reinstatement when the man-made law of celibacy is rescinded. equality for pastoral service. In fact, many married priests and God is calling us back to original tradition, open your hearts and their wives minister as couples. History fully supports a married eyes to God's voice. priesthood. For the first 1200 years of the church existence, priests, bishops, and 39 Popes were married. Celibacy existed in the first century among hermits and monks, but it was considered an optional alternative lifestyle.