International Newsletter OFM Special Edition

FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 11

OFM

NovembeR 2016 NovembeR Special Edition Special

1928-2016

John Vaughn Newsletter OFM International

Fraternitas Br. Br. VOLUME XLVII • EDITION 237 • EDITION XLVII VOLUME FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 14 Funeral 13 11 11 11 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 5 4 4 2 Biography, 2 E F © © C F e T M r r ditor ran opertina . . M . U ail L ff s uigi He sought sainthood for Serra Chapter, USA(2July1991) DiegoGeneral Document oftheSan 1991) ( 23April to theGeneralChapter Report (11 March 1991) FormationisRatio Franciscanæ 1990) (14October friars of Masters oftemporarily professed to theInternational CongressReport Letter to 1989) theOrder (4October (24 August 1989) Letter to theOrder onChina Council ofBangalore (1May 1988) Opening Speechat thePlenary (9 November 1987) Academic Year ofthePAA at theinaugurationMessage ofthe (8 November 1986) of theFeast Day Scotus ofDuns ontheoccasionMessage 1985) (13 January to theGeneralChapter Report the Order (6-25June1983) Council of Document ofthePlenary calling us»(16January1982) Letter to theOrder: «Africa is (3 December 1979) Letter to theOrder Who was Fr. John Vaughn? : : anolo lator i /S c f io raternita

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O . FM, org December 17,1955. the Msgr. Timothy bishop of Los Manning, Angeles, auxiliary on Santa Barbara, hewas ordainedat Mission to by thepriesthood singing voice hisstudent during years. After theological studies vows there onJuly12,1952.Friar for Johnwas known hisfine college Luis years San at Mission Rey, andheprofessed solemn John. name ofManuel. Hewould later return to hisbaptismalname, onJuly11,1948,andhewas CA, given Miguel San thereligious habit, becoming amemberoftheOrder of Friars at Mission Minor forSanta Barbara, CA, onesemester. Hereceived theFranciscan beforeAngeles College entering St. Seminary Anthony’s Seminary, Morgan Leonard Vaughn Heattended the Los andJaneStack. Province ofSt. Barbara, inthewestern United States. F Following hisprofession ofsimplevows, hecompleted his John David Vaughn was inSantathesonof Ana, born CA, admired by all who knew him, especially in his home admired him,especiallyinhishome by allwho knew years Aquiet, apriest. humblefriar, hewas beloved and old, 67years professed intheFranciscan order, and61 10, 2016 in Santa Barbara. He was 88 years October ather John Vaughn, OFM, passedto eternal life on PHYBiogra FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 33 Regardless of the important offices that he held, Fr. important the of held, Regardless he that offices Angeli; te tuo adventu in deducant “In paradisum themay paradise; into you the angels lead “May John was always himself—gracious and thoughtful of himself—gracious and thoughtful always John was all to brother a always and stern, be to reluctant others, the friars of the order. in civitatem martyres, te suscipiant te perducant et sanctam cum suscipiat, et angelorum te Ierusalem. Chorus habeas requiem.” æternam paupere quondam Lazaro theto you take and martyrs you welcome to come choirs May Jerusalem. the new and eternal holy city, of the bosom to and lead you you of angels welcome you may longer no poor is Lazarus where and Abraham; rest.” find eternal VAUGHN? VAUGHN?

In 2003 he was assigned to MissionIn to Barbara assigned Santa 2003 he was Interm as 1991, after finishing his second Minister In his visits around the world as Minister General, In the world his visits around However, his term of office in the province was province in the of office his term However, On May 25, 1976, Fr. John was elected Provincial elected John was Provincial 25, 1976, Fr. On May Recognizing his talents and spirit, Fr. John’s superiors John’s and spirit, Fr. his talents Recognizing Fr. John’s first assignment was to St. Francis’ Church Francis’ St. to was first assignment John’s Fr. WHO WAS FR. ohn J WAS WHO where he assumed leadership of efforts to have he assumed leadership of effortsto have where and to a saint, Serra officially declared Junípero Fr. sisters. Clare Poor the parish in the to and minister be an to John continued Fr. blind, becoming Gradually in the community and an inspiration active presence all. to General, Fr. John took some time to rest in the San rest some time to John took Fr. General, as assignment accepting before area Bay Francisco Mission again at San MiguelMaster of Novices in July, 1994. friars found Fr. John to be open, friendly, and friendly, open, be to John Fr. friarsfound dishes and wash willing to He was encouraging. patient, always He was do other manual chores. he had to When respecting each friar as an individual. decisions in some very make hard difficult situations, friars. the good of the for always it was cut short, elected because on June 3, 1979, he was of Friars Order Minister of the Franciscan General to the moved and highest office, the order’s Minor, he was headquarters 6 years After in Rome. order’s of 6 years. term a second elected for Minister for the Province of St. Barbara, with Barbara, of St. the Province Minister for headquarters in Oakland, CA. asked him to do post-graduate studies at the Pontifical the Pontifical studies at do post-graduate asked him to in 1969 Upon his return in Rome. University Gregorian CA, Friary in Sacramento, Francis St. to assigned he was local superior, the province, for as Master of Novices the local Secular of and director parish Franciscan pastor In still 1973, while the same time. all at fraternity, Order the Province for Vicar elected he was in Sacramento, Barbara.of St. in Sacramento, CA, for several months as a parochial parochial a as months several CA, for Sacramento, in Guadalajara,in study of months after a few Then, vicar. Seminary a as Anthony’s St. at work began he México, (1957- and vice-prefect librarian of formation teacher, assistant be him to then appointed Province The 1962). Mission at pastor San and associate Master of Novices Miguel (San Miguel, CA). BiograPHY FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 4 (from aLetter to theOrder) 3 December 1979 “We lookto Him” to whocanguideusinourservice the promotion oftruevalues. want whoisengagedin friar to becloseto every live inanenvironment ofjustice andpeace. We protecting asrequired, insuchaway that allmay fromlearning them,encouraging, inspiring, theirlivingconditions,sharing theirproblems, need to benearto themenandwomen oftoday, are threatened by and institutions. structures We how muchboththepersonandhumandignity nowadays important ifwe consider is particularly ofhumanpersonality.which isanintegral part That individual. We needto everyone’s respect culture, encouraging eachofthemto have for respect every aim, recognizing and friar of every the dignity man. ofevery dignity We mustpursuethesame and ourLife. becoming the By amanheaffirmed Franciscan lifestyle. Jesusis our Way, our Truth particularly, theinspiration that isthe core ofour The messageofpeace andlove isourmessage. to theOrder we ourservice intendIn to highlight WRITINGS OF Fr «Africa iscallingus») (from aLetter to the Order: 1982 16 January community, whetheritbelarge orsmall. each individualFranciscan andto eachFranciscan and multiplicity. We attribute great to importance continue to spread through theworld initsdiversity Church, intoday’s world. Franciscan role inthelocalChurch, andintheUniversal vicar onearth. to theChurch andto ofRome theteaching ofChrist’s feelings, we commit ourselves to bealways faithful that weCertain are interpreting ourfellow friars’ humanity, inourpromotion of theFather’s kingdom. this Centenary intheir communities,this Centenary Provinces and things which many have friars organized to celebrate and outside theOrder. We grateful are very for the has attracted many people’s attention bothinside have seenmany indications that thiscelebration ofSt. Francis ofthe birth 8th centenary becausewe initiated inthelittletown ofAssisi. confidence inthefuture ofthefraternity which Francis continent, we consider, demonstrates our clearly millennium. The specificchoice ofthe youngest occasion to prepare ourOrder to encounter thethird Order seems to in this challenge. usa propitious It is themostsuitablemoment to involve thewhole ofSt. Francisconsider that ofthebirth theCentenary of ourfraternities inAfrica andinthewholeOrder. We fruits willhave permanenteffects onthe development presence whose isalongterm project inAfrica. It has as itsaimtheestablishment of anewFranciscan willbecalledtheAfrica Project plan.It and missionary set outbefore oftheOrder allthefriars aconcrete the central Governance of theOrder has decided to the Franciscan witnessinthepresent day world. forward withgreatconfidence andalively hope for thevigil,during were asign for allofus, to look in theBasilicaofSt. Peter inRome, to singandpray ofSt. Francis,of thebirth andthe15,000that gathered from allover theworld to celebrate the8thcentenary We consider, that by sodoing, theOrder will willbeourconstant concernIt to our clarify We present ontheoccasion thisproject ofthe To give concrete expression to thisconfidence The 2,000young peoplethat have arrived inAssisi . john

vaughn FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 55 We came here to reflect on the working reflect on the to document came here We “the land of speaking2. Brazilians, of Bahia, call it with their very poor shacks, the favelas visited We 3. “Evangelization and mission in the Order” in a third in a third and mission in the Order” “Evangelization as Minister America, where, in Latin context, world and innovation “Creativity said: Vaughn John General Fr. had such a rich development”. have in evangelization town a in however ourselves found We happiness”. tower buildings modern office of strident contrasts: amongst old structures; scattered centuries above of hundreds rich people are for the condominiums a half million of one and In a town pockets of squalor. in shanty town, thousand live six hundred inhabitants, of millions only a small percentage and these constitute of agglomerations in similar live of persons obliged to Brazil in statistics The towns. huts in other Brazilian other in many of the poverty a mirror suffered are is extremely rich, population 4% 1% of the countries: in misery 40% poor and 40% live rich, middle class, 15% and children where smells, and foul with open sewers to the people, spoke to We without hope. live parents squalid that in work and friarsthe live who others and forced been have people those of Many environment. been having for worse, or citythe drought by into for search came to They land. their own from expelled effortsto improve The no work. was there where work It is the been frustrated. as a result have their lives matured of such abjectcontext poverty have we that our reflections.

1. The PlenaryThe of 1983 assembled in the town Council 1. Now we wish to set before you the Africa Project. Project. the Africa you set before to wish we Now andyou will study it, all of that confident are We

of Salvador di Bahia, where the friars in 1500. first arrived where di Bahia, of Salvador Council of the Order) Council Document of the Plenary (The Gospel challenges us. 6-25 June 1983 Nations. We have encouraged the encouraged have We Nations. organization the in friarsinvolced A celebrations. of internationall of the historical mention special (see held in Rome, Congresses 1988 p.8), May-June “Fraternitas” and the Missiological in Paris, “Fraternitas”, of 1982 (see Congress We is warranted. April 1980, pp.1-2) a meeting the plan for hope that in Islamic of the friars involved this year. can be realized countries again once thank to desire We Youth the who made those all in 1981 of Assisi-Rome Congress with recall We such a success. of the the enthusiasm joy great people who of young hundreds in St. after vigil the our Curia visited the to grateful are we and Peter’s, which welcome the warm for in the Curia fraternity they afforded. historyour of outline will brief a After sketch we Africa in the motivation explain the plan and subsequently in its involved difficulties and the behind this initiative what as to Some will be given indications realization can expect and on how countries we in some African after publication the proceed to ought we consider we of the plan. to be sure to pray also you We ask reflect seriously on it. the undertake we will have in the future whatever that Spirit.Holy Siamothe of protection the and guidance molto su riflettendoci studierete lo voi tutti che fiduciosi per essere Chiediamo anche di pregare Vi seriamente. futuro in intraprenderemo sicuri qualsiasi cosa che Santo. Spirito dello abbia la guida e la protezione FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 6 them nofavours, witheitherthegovernment ormany preferential does option for the poor which certainly the burden ofastrong commitment a to thepoor: the conversion oftheBrazilian bishopswhotook on anyone else. our needto beevangelized firstbefore evangelizing have seenandheard andwhat we have re-discovered: mission. With faithandconviction we tell you what we in front ofus, andonourFranciscan ontheGospel and Francis. We have reflected onthe realities that are helped usto see, we may hope, withtheeyes ofJesus reality, disconcerting experienced avery that has inotherplaces,face ofpoverty here inBrazil we have in whichpeoplelive. Although we have seenthe realities inthesocial, economic andpoliticalspheres «Evangelii nuntiandi»: that isto lookat theconcrete here andtherewho drift throughout theworld today’s the15millionorsodisplaced people martyrs, stories of forced unjust imprisonment, and abortions, our mindsaswell asinourprayers thesessions: during caused by natural disasters. They have beenpresent to development, violence andrepression, andmisery and west. The sameshacks, unemployment, under- occurred south,east, inourown countries: from north, of usreferred to more orless identical situations which oftheworld. Each whichexists inotherparts the poverty 6. Cardinal Fra Aloisio Lorscheider spoketo usabout 5. We have to tried do what Pope Paul VI asks in the 4. What we saw inBrazil,well, wevery reflects know WRITINGS OF F which we love somuch… evangelization and to theevangelization of this world andwhichcanbeusefultocharism ourpersonal are grounded and ourFranciscan intheGospel to offer to you ourbrothers, which these reflections the poorandabandoned. Finally we are joyful masters. We are grateful to thosewhojoyously serve the peopleofGod of the world., where you live and work in the midst of you, ourbrothers spread throughout so many parts these reflections we offer GoodNews alittleoftha to We believe that we News! possesstheGood With constitutes astep towards ourown evangelization. is intended asaresponse to hiswords. We believe it must standupnow andbegin to work! andhisgrace,things withthehelpofGod butwe imagination andthemotivation.... We candogreat for us. now todayWhat appears necessary isthe of somany apostolic whohave friars openedapath we have thedocumentation. We have theinspiration repeated hiscall: “Now we have theinformation. Now culture andsociety transmit the values in the present of the Gospel day for which we pray and preach… us to they expect usto dosomethinginorderexpect to realize that r.J 11. We are thankfulto thepoorwhoare our message«THE10. Our GOSPELCHALLENGES US» Council he hisopeningspeechofthisPlenary 9. In ohn V injustice intheworld; they war, race, the arms hunger and usto repudiatepeople expect toGospel thenations…. the us to goto announce the simplicity “our vocation calls Vaughn, stated withdirect General,our Minister Fr. John Council of1981, the Plenary many things. from whichwe too could learn church“basic communities” are theonehundred thousand andsoulofthisplan the heart plan inallofthecountry. At realistic andverifiable pastoral throughdefined a consistency taken onaneffective and well of therichest. has Their action 8. In hisopeningspeechat 8. In [...] aughn FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 77 ©www.peterjordanphoto.com/peace 7 the start from one can be an Scotus shows that a with academic DoctorSubtle great a The was During the Chapter we will have the opportunity will have During we the Chapter excellent Franciscan at the same time as being a at Franciscan excellent that He demonstrates academic. and original creative is no simplicitystudy does not detract and there from poverty;Franciscan conflict study and between study of manual work as that as authentic way is a Franciscan activity. or apostolic but also a rigour, unique critical and methodological spirit an intellectual with and existential religious great What have we learned from the experience in our the experience learned from we have What period has that in the six-year and countries Provinces passed? prepared we have together on what reflect to new accept to free individually; open minds, want we Spirit the Holy what to of listening ideas and capable a new heart ask for and a new We us. to say to wants our brothers. bringspirit to to 8 November 1986 8 November the Message on the (from of Duns Scotus) Day Feast

It me opportunereport this seems to to present to Minor evangelize, to is Friars as Ourvocation special makes our lives change calls us to that word The [...] call, our examine will we that hope I in a prayerful spirit we Our preparation:

the Chapter in these terms: the Word of God of must be Word the in these terms: the Chapter Word the as Franciscans, the base of our Christianlife loved. and appreciated Francis Incarnate which St. our and inspire of God must feed that Word It is the We service. and of communion of prayer, life fraternal the Christ, poor and crucified, imitate called to are of the inspiration God is Word The made flesh Word Minor: must do as Friars we of what and the content Jesus the Holy Gospel of our Lord preach is to our life when and in the Christ, announcing it, living it and us. inspires fashion the Lord and in faith ourselves, first the Good News receiving beginning did, Francis St. which our father in the way (see the world” “leaving do penance and to convert to Testament). the General for itself hear particularly prepare as we today of the Order the state look at wish to Chapter: we of the Holy Spirit, and then take our in the light must examine we means that This decisions. in fact what do and to sought have we what in must discern we Thus done. really have we a mistake and which was correct that to order hope We do. to was right which that confirm of the in light of our reality this reading that understand better help us to Gospel may go in the future. us to wishes the Lord where our correction and renew to submit ourselves will we that I hope Minor. as Friars enthusiasm been have we that feeling the Chapter, leave the world, go into himself to Francis St. by sent Peace spread to friars, with our fellow together to right the has Goodand world the which which we expect us on the basis of that from be. to ourselves declare at should be our Order reflect on what wish to ideals should be what in its history, this point us? challenges lie before Which encouraged? correctchange? or avoid, to have we do What General Chapter) (from the Report the (from the to 13 January1985 FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 8 Academic Year ofthePAA) at theinauguration ofthe (from theMessage 9 November 1987 Being”. of sea (Ox.infinite towards “that I, d. 13, q. un, n. imprinted withtheyearning for God, directed16). asitis that ofBonaventure humanexistence is profoundly thought. intheScotistconception Both ofmanand ofthe greatcharacteristic masters of Franciscan the foundation oftheelaboration ofasystem isthe the experience ofthePoor ofAssisi Man placed as formedstructure intheschoolofFrancis. Moreover, In St. FrancisIn encounter ofAssisi anextraordinary experiencesrichest springing Ages. from theMiddle who are theheirsandresponsible for oneofthe I amconvinced that itistrulytheFranciscans WRITINGS OF Fr Bangalore) Council of at thePlenary (from the OpeningSpeech 1 May 1988 we allow ourselves to beinspired, to beevangelized Friars Minor. We candothisinan excellent fashionif and bolster ourunion andcommon inheritance as of ourtimerequire. capable ofresponding to theGospel, asthedemands secondly,understand ourown better; identity to be Ages,Middle above allasFranciscans: firstly, to Francis. today ofSt. sensitively simplicity andwithGospel the Lord’s house (cf. the world LM II 1), construct of better understandourinheritance. Franciscans, needto putdown deeproots inorder to we present day land in which, particularly the fertile fraternity indicates Ages that whichis itistheMiddle ecology, for respect humanrightsanduniversal above all as a reference point for peace, justice, and thesecret ofthefuture oftheworld. It insignificant.contains the real questionsofhumanity great needsofhumanity, especiallyfor thepoorand all creatures. isstillvalid today It asaresponse to the afraternal brings God andhumanrelationship with discernible today. ofwhichisstill thevalidity beginning ofanewsociety Francis enters ofhistory, definitively into the theheart to anewconception andcreation. ofhumanity Thus responding to us the challenges of ourtimebring changes goingoninhistime. towards theaspirations, ambitions andunstoppable is aconsequence ofhisequallyprofound sensitivity wishing for apure andsimplereturn to theGospel the Gospel. The profound ofSt. Francis originality in of themostauthentic ways offollowing of theGod to thepeopleofhistimeandalltimesone demands ofthepeoplehistime. St. Francis presents occurred and betweenthe the demands of the Gospel The Plenary Council is an opportunity to celebrate Council is an opportunity The Plenary Thus there isatwofold reason for studyingthe This to today’s inheritance isourduty world: rebuild The present day relevance ofSt. Francis ofAssisi, The experience of St. Francis of a poor and humble Faithfulness in to andsensitivity theGospel . John V aughn FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 999 In the Franciscan charism, as in a “tree planted near planted “tree charism, as in a In the Franciscan streams” (Psalm 1), right from the very beginning, the very from 1), right beginning, (Psalm streams” the marvellous of the seed and fermenting fecundity grace the in inherent Gospelthe of yeast, strength his rebuild called to of Assisi, upon Francis conferred “new, born call was a that From manifest. was Church, Jesus asked of the Father people that small and poor” had those that distinguished from this last hour”, “in FF 1617). its poverty it by and humilitypreceded (cf. forty-seven friars spread throughout the continent, continent, the forty-seven throughout friars spread in a genuine Chinese life the Franciscan live seeks to reality the must confront Everyone way. and Catholic countryof their own in so far as it impacts on their all avoided Some have and their ministry. vocation of element an Association, contact with the Patriotic reality; assumed the role the religious others have participate others again of guide in the Association; necessary considered and prudent. the point to there consecration accepted have Some brothers of our the both inside and outside ordination or Episcopal to there is In desire the China the Association. of ambit life. and the Franciscan know Franci about Saint 4 October 1989 the Order) to the Letter (from

We, Friars Minor, like many others in the in others many like Minor, Friars We, communityto enter religious the first was Our Order its community continues Franciscan the Today First of all I want to start to of all I want making by some First

world, read the newspapers and journals and the newspapers read world, of on China. All programmes television look at fraternal us a lively elicits in however, this information true a feel we whom to people that for concern China, a land which has concerns news The friendship. of our the first moments us as friars from fascinated the media touches witness through we What history. their is China whom friars for fellow our of life the our share we whom with people a of and homeland abreast remain with a habit to which begins That faith. for the prayer world turns into affairs in the of current out the stretch to a desire Chinese people and into them in the faith. hand of friendship and embrace Corvino Monte da arrived Giovanni when China into part took in the evangelization We in 1294. in Peking in 4 stages of the people and its culture of this great in historyMiddlein the China: in Ages, Church the of the sixteenth to the period of Christian from expansion in the period of unequal treaties centuries, eighteenth century 1945, and in 1949, the nineteenth up to from of the Socialist Republic of China. with the emergence is of the Franciscans of commitment continuous This historians The Church. the to significance considerable put these in to and continue collected the data have can reflectfaithful and theologians the that so order operates in which the Spirit of the Lord upon the way amongst the peoples. of A group people. the Chinese to commitment Order on China) Order (from the Letter to the to the Letter (from 24 August 1989 24 August by the Word of God, speaking of God, one another with to Word the by should says Francis which St. trust brotherly that listen to want We spiritualcharacterize brothers. knowing with respect, one another we to that else than anything this more will be enriched by part.when it is time to taken from observations,which are some of had in Definitory; have we discussions that whilst my from personal and taken more others are years. few in these last Friars meeting with the FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 10 temporarily professed friars) Congress for Masters of to theInternational Report 1990(from the 14 October Constitutions, art 157: Constitutions, art ofthe theperiod “During profession,of temporary is set out in our General servant. omnipotence for usandmadehimselfsmalla smallness for love whodeprived himselfofhis ofHim the root: poverty, andthesought anddesired humility like clear water forth which spring fromthose virtues, it theflavour oftheorigins andthe attractiveness of approved by theChurch, within the new shoot carries Piccola Famiglia Francescana”. name, itsvery In 1929, whenanewshootsprang from thetree: “La innovative andcreative to thefuture. capacity and declares hisdesire to entrust themystery ofits contemplates itsgrowth, beauty, aroma andvirtues St. Francis (cf. FF1889),amazed by tree, thisthriving flowers andfruits. The authoroftheLittle Flowers of (cf. ofitsbranches, FF1212)andtherichness leaves, its appearance, manifested thenovelty oftheGospel through (cf. theentire earth FF494),immediately on The aimofFranciscan Formation intheperiod years haveSixty now passed, from 26thDecember This tree, that likea “chosen vine” itsshoots extends WRITINGS OF F understanding ofFranciscan formation. andincorrect consideration, giving to rise asuperficial is, forgotten sooften, ornottakensufficiently into obvious. Precisely becausethat whichseemsobvious ofFranciscanrespect formation, something that isso lived andsuggested by St. Francis ofAssisi. of beingformed to follow according Christ to thestyle rather aspecificsensewithpriorities, ithasthesense specific senseofacultural-humanistic formation but profession.in thisstageofthetemporary understanding what really istheFranciscan formation and Novitiate. For thisreason we needto focus upon is theformation already begun in thePostulancy otherwords,In orcompleted what mustbeperfected by completing which has already ajourney started. andthisonlyreacheshas already itsfullness started somethingiftheprocess that onecanonlyperfect is ofthe “formation whichperfects”. We however, know isthetimeof this period “formatio perficitur”, that Generalas itisdefinedinout Constitutions. profession,formation oftemporary theperiod during and preciselyunderstand clearly essence”“the of his solemnprofession”. better realize themissionandprepare himselfto make more integrated fashionthelife oftheOrder, andto a way asto render outina theFriar suitableto carry profession,temporary formation outinsuch iscarried More thanonewillaskwhy allthisinsistence in This formation doesnothave andnon- ageneric 157oftheGeneral Constitutions declaresArticle that toI consider itto beoffundamental importance r.J ohn V aughn FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 11 1. We friars minor, assembled in the General in the assembled friars minor, We 1. an evangelizing are we of our vocation, 2. By reason is vocation evangelizing our that 3. Convinced itself in a expresses vocation 4. Our evangelizing Chapter in San Diego, California on the occasion of the on the occasion California in San Diego, Chapter Americas, the of Centenary5th evangelization the of the Gospel that to and faithfulness convinced are act to emboldens us and Francis the charism of St. with renewed as evangelizers speak prophetically to the men of consecrated as our role in enthusiasm, of the Order. d’être is the raison Evangelization Church. as the Son is sent the whole world into sent Fraternity as an envoy announce, Jn 17,18),to (Cf. the Father by Message of St. (Cf. and in the name of the Church n. 5), as 1991, Chapter the General II at John Paul actionthe through Spirit,and the Holy that minors of 83-84) 1,15; CCGG. Mk Kingdom (Cf. of God is present in its building. collaborate and to the urgency announce to feel we prophetic, essentially and in every the world Jesus Christ culture, throughout project. God’s is opposed to that all and denounce bring the we that requires condition Our prophetic its all classes of humanity to Good and through News a new humanity into transform influence, renewing 5,17). 2 Cor (cf. creature. divine inspiration, “by when the friars, privileged way and others without the Saracens go among wish to 2 July 1991 (The and evangelization Order San Diego General today. document) Chapter

Having come to the end of these six years of the end of these six years to come Having In with the directions line the of within the meaning of art. declare we Moreover,

service as your Minister General, I want to present present to service I want Minister General, as your reportthis principalwith the dealing activities of the I during this period. of the Order governance general parts: report three divided my into an the first is have General Definitory the of how managed has account period duringit six-year the for set were that aims the of the decisions of the in respect of the fulfilment partlast General Chapter; the second sets out other begun in the same period; the third were projects that partreflectionsOrder some personal about the offers the world, friars all over visits to based on my day, to particularly as through of mission, as well in the areas in Rome. leaders contacts with other religious my

General Constitutions of the Order of of the Order General Constitutions Minor Instruction the of and Friars the on formation regulations “Legal and having Institutes”, in Religious of the vote obtained the deliberative General Definitory congress in the 1991, within the meaning on 26th February celebrated using the faculties of art. Statutes, 62 §3 of the General decree present with the office, on us by conferred FORMATIONIS RATIO and promulgate approve we the be binding for it to declare FRANCISCANAE we And all of the Order. each Province that 65 §§1-2 of the General Statutes, Entity has this as its fundamental and competent “Ratio of its own in the preparation orientation assuring the unity and continuity Formationis”, with the initial and permanent formation between and particular various necessities for due adaptations situations. General Chapter 1991) General Chapter (from the Report(from the to 23 April 1991 Franciscanæ) Formationis Formationis (from the Ratio the (from 11 March 1991 1991 11 March FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 12 places at thecentre ofourconcerns, notthemethods, between lay andclerical,without distinction and Such evangelical witnessinvolves thewholeFraternity, together, “pilgrims andstrangers inthisworld” 6,2). (Rb of God” (CCGG 89,1)through thework ofallthefriars evangelize isthe “silent proclamation oftheKingdom preparation anddiscernment ofthe “signs ofthetimes”. the experience incontemplation, ofGod intellectual evangelization requires thewitnessofFraternity, the localChurch” (CCGG 117,2). who have already accepted to theGospel construct Lord hasnotyet JesusChrist come andto helpthose to whomthejoyful announcement ofour oftheGospel faith” 12,1),inorder (Rb to“to bring peoplesorgroups, 6. We recognize that thefirstandprincipal way to our originalway ofevangelizing. Witness oftheFraternity: 5. We are conscious that theFranciscan way of WRITINGS OF Fr in ourtimes. Hesought sainthood for Serra ofourFranciscanan integral part way ofevangelizing indeed all of creation. conclusion this universal In call is relationship withallthesisters andbrothers, and brothers onamissionpropels usto interdependent the universality oftheGospel. The conviction ofbeing world, hasallowed usto become more deeplyaware of Institutes. (cf. CCGG 55-63). Franciscan Order and the Franciscan inspired Secular Second Order, theSisters andBrothers oftheSecular of theFranciscan family, that iswiththeSisters ofthe not aloneinword butby example, together withall the sameresponsibility ofproclaiming theGospel, at the General Chapter n. 6), we, as Friars Minor, share wearing thesamehabit” (Address ofCardinal J. Hamer Rule, thesameform ofprofession, thesamenameand of our live.the evangelical quality “United by same the institutionsnorpastoral structures, butrather 7. Our experience 7.Our here, from withfriars allover the . John V

H. Lorren Au Jr., The Orange County Register

© 13 erra S for Choosing a monastic life hearing first the storyremember if he could Asked In school. he said”. “Like everyoneCalifornia, else in But the story Serra21 built the first nine of of how built over almost every on streets day drove “We Willard elementary school and Joseph’s St. After throughout and prayed taught has lived, Vaughn story:Complete http://www.ocregister.com/ of Junipero Serra, Vaughn gave a wry gave smile. Vaughn Serra, of Junipero They Serra missions. the and learn Junipero about You still do.” an altar stuck with him. He was missions in California Mission at picnics San Juan attend would and boy of the only surviving home chapel where Capistrano, Serra performed rites. Catholic naming the path said, Vaughn Real”, the old El Camino each other. Serra linked the missions to that by followed himself drawn found Vaughn Junior High School, He of Assisi. Francis St. extolled by the simple life to his joining lead to began taking would that the steps in 1955. order the Franciscan Rome. in years 14 worked and Mexico, and California for general minister was Vaughn 1991, 1979 to From His religious leader. its worldwide order, the Franciscan on the job of in 1998 when he took came full circle life so important the cause of Serra, the figure promoting his childhood. to articles/serra-307755-vaughn-miracle.html

sainthood

sought e H A Santa Ana native waits patiently in Mission patiently Santa waits native Ana A Santa the past 13 years 82, has dedicated Vaughn, John Bo. not just California”, all the world, for be a saint “He’d a kind of campaign is vice-postulator, Vaughn this to point seemed to life Vaughn’s all of In a way, Ana in Santa Street Washington up on grew Vaughn I and along the way “I also helped with the tamales, (This articleCounty The in first appeared Orange Barbara for news of a miracle wrought by a Spanish by wrought of a miracle news for Barbara miracle A years. 200 missionarythan more for dead a proclaim to Vatican persuade the enough to strong new saint. Serra, Junipero Franciscan, the cause of his fellow to the 18th-century monk. mission-building Sainthood of California” “Apostle of the word spread would the globe. around said. Vaughn By some sainthood. of Serra’s the cause for manager, and mountains schools, streets, Serra has more counts, His other Californian. parks after named him than any Capitol. U.S. in the California represents statue Serra. promoting role workingand recalls in a local market, making tortillas II. War World during troops ship to to he said. learned lot of Spanish,” a Register by Gary A. Warner on July 11, 2011). Gary by Register A. Warner FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 14 wash thefeet ofothers. … life expressed anappreciation ofwhat itmeansto many, whole modestaboutthem.His andhewas very with atouching humility. accomplishments His were friend, friar, aninspiring a figure of great mixed dignity “goodbye.” … fear. at that Ithinkwe timewe bothknew were saying John faced that reality squarely, serenely, andwithout past August aboutleaving, lettinggo. that And Iknew Fr. well. sovery Johnknew We hadtalkedat lengththis letting-go, of that Celtic with a twinge melancholy that or even great sadness. Isensedaquiet, gentle Rather hadgonetofriend God, Ididnotfeel shockoranguish Provincial Minister, that Fr. John,my novice master and the Lord’s love. peace-filled Vaughn, that may samepeace: know may herests in uncle, friend, mentor, novice-master, Father John peace in this place. And let us pray that our brother, wish for each other today that we the Lord’smay know began hisaddress, timehepreached. every Let us editionoftheACTA).in thenext EULOGY Our BrotherOur Johnwas agreat man,awonderful When I first received the news from Fr. David, our With thesewords, we are told, St. Francis ofAssisi “May theLord give you peace.” isanedited version. published willbe The fulltext (This FUNERAL by Br. OFMWilliam Short, snowstorm closeddown themajor highway on Bologna onewinter night whenanunexpected to andwere Rome Italy near together from northern Californian successor ofFrancis. below Assisi. The happenedto samething nearly this ofthePorziuncolausual home, inthe plain St. Mary Leo that theyare away turned from thedooroftheir winter night, Francis imagines to hiscompanion Br. Joy,”“Perfect inwhich, late andstormy onadark and Asia. … requests for anexpanded Franciscan presence in Africa governments inEastern Europe. Heheard theinsistent ways, stillsuffering thefriars under totalitarian directions. He visited, sometimes even in clandestine of theOrder hefounded, moved theOrder into new Tomatis andPeter Williams. the late Tomás Zavaleta, hiscollaborators Cristoforo Bucher,helping John–Raymond Brady, Bob and to agree, andwe were soonjoinedby otherbrothers General.”about beingMinister course, Of Ithenhad General!” And he said, “And I don’t anything know of the Minister anything about being the Secretary ashissecretary.would serve Itold him, “I don’t know a translator there andheaskedmethat evening ifI ofmany,surprise as includinghimself!Iwas serving GeneraloftheOrder, Minister elected muchto the

Fr. Chris Tomatis andFr. Johnwere travelling There isafamousparable told by St. Francis called Fr. John,as 116th successor of St. Francis at thehelm On theEve ofPentecost theChapter’s members

© Jim Balsitis, Old Mission Santa Barbara 15 As I was wondering how to give an appropriate an appropriate give to how wondering I was As Friar for us the complete are you “Dear Minister, Brother Minister general and his secretary. Immediately, with Immediately, Ministerhis secretary. and general “Reverendissimo,” kissing of and expressions of hands of the boiling itself into transformed supper the light the cantina, wine from a bottle of good pasta, for water who thought Cristoforo, very of Fr. the delight much to John’s Fr. started out this way. things should have remember “Cristoforo, telling: was however, comment, us in, offered come to us allowed brothers the that knewthey we who before sleep to place a and food … were.” an e-mailreceived I remarks, these to conclusion Romain Mailleux in Fr. message this morning from He General and friend. Vicar former John’s Brussels, the eloquent of a copy with along his condolences sent the General Chapter at he delivered of farewell words Br. Romain’s Let office. leaving of 1991, as John was today: also serve as a fitting farewell words encourage And you after the image of Saint Francis. Minor, believed always have you that in turn, because become us to the gather in yourself you In this way in each one of us. radiantis face your and virtuesOrder, the of friars the all of Saint others. in evoke and beauty the with discover you you Thank as all of us are. of you, be proud must Francis and both yesterday and for us, among us, are for who you bless you May the Lord both and tomorrow. today today, John.” Brother you, Thank always, you and keep

which they were travelling. Driving into the city, Fr. Fr. the city, Driving into travelling. were which they in the dark house the friars’ find Chris managed to the two clothes, in secular Dressed and snowy night. door the front to the storm through way made their was a small light a long wait, After the bell. and rang friara and door. the opened door, the turnedabove on he had brought that announce to wanted Cristoforo Fr. say he that John insisted But Fr. the Minister General. Rome to and unable friars from they were only that brother The driving because of the storm. continue John answered, Fr. “What do in Rome?” do you asked do office we “Oh perhaps with a twinkle in his eye, look still on his a suspicious With in the Curia.” work “I suppose you let them in, and said, the brother face, them led he Yes, said they As eat.” to something want and the kitchen put out some bread to and began to to have he would that them but then told cheese, Shortly call the Guardian. late afterward, awakened refectorythe as the came into Guardian the night, at Then their frugal meal. eat about to were visitors two awakened arrive, another friar and another began to the As the sounds of doors opening and closing. by exactlyabout two the questioned kind what Guardian that one of the friars noticed doing, they were of work looked like a photograph the table the man sitting at the a quick nod to With on the refectoryhanging wall. at the pictureon the up and a finger pointing Guardian the were visitors two the solved: was the mystery wall, © © Jim Balsitis, Old Mission Santa Barbara Santa Mission Old Balsitis, Jim FRATERNITAS - SPECIAL EDITION: VISIT WWW.OFM.ORG 16 Br. John Vaughn, OFM You Thank

Grazie caro Fr. Giacomo Bini, OFM Grazie

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