SPRING 2015 • VOL. 20, NO. 2 The Way of St. Francis

Celebrating 100 Years

Always forward.

THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS PROVINCE OF SAINT BARBARA The Way of Saint Francis Inside Spring 2015 VOL. 20, NO. 2

Publisher Editor Very Reverend John Hardin, OFM Father Dan Lackie, OFM Centennial Celebration Provincial Minister Editorial Advisor Contributors 1915–2015 Father Warren Rouse, OFM Father Garrett Galvin, OFM Father Larry Gosselin, OFM Art Direction and Design Brother Phillip Polk, OFM Paul Tokmakian Graphic Design Father Warren Rouse, OFM Editorial Staff Father Joe Schwab, OFM Brother Jeff Durham, OFM Brother Scott Slattum, OFM 6 Mr. Kevin Murray Mrs. Anne Symens-Bucher Brother Scott Slattum, OFM Brother Dick Tandy, OFM

The Way of St. Francis is published by the Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. It is a free 4 Editor’s Note magazine to those who provide their time, treasure and talent to friars in the Province of Saint Barbara. The friars welcome your comments concerning The Way of St. Francis. You 5 By The Way can contact the friars at Franciscan Friars of California, Inc., 1500 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 or via email at [email protected]. � 6 Snapshot The Way of St. Francis is owned and published by The Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. Copyright 2015. The Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the Franciscan Friars of 8 The Word California, Inc. 10 Friar Profile 14 On the Cover 10 Fr. Louie Vitale, OFM, former provincial minister, addresses the friars at the 14 Franciscan Province’s 2012 Chapter. The friars at Chapter elect leadership and decided the Thoughts future direction of the Province. The mural behind Fr. Louie is Blessed Junipero Serra who said, “Always forward, never back.” The Province of Saint Barbara 18 Community is celebrating its Centennial; they are celebrating their past, but always looking Connection forward. PHOTO: PETER JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY 22 Donor Profile

24 Creative Spirit 18 26 The Scholar's Desk Prayer, Fraternity, Joy, Service ❖ 30 At Last

The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Saint Barbara are members of a Roman Catholic religious order, from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures, dedicated to serving the poor and promoting justice, peace, care of creation, and reconciliation in the joyful and prophetic spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

2 www.sbfranciscans.orgSPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 3 This is a selection of events occuring in the Province Editor’s Note By The Way over the next few months. If you have any questions regarding this list please call the Province for more information.

Dear Friends, Province of Saint Bar b a r a By the time Peter Jordan snapped our cover photo he’d been in a crouched position for some Centennial Celebration minutes eyeing the friars and Padre Serra in the 1915–2015 mural behind them. Would a photo op come to pass? Leave it to Father Louie Vitale to seize A network of grace the moment, and seize it he did, stepping to the open mike, hand raised in a visual echo of his 2015 marks the centennial of the Province of Saint Barbara. In forebear in Gospel life. Adelante, Louie! celebrating the past 100 years of the Province, we will take a closer Five Things Truth be told, we had chosen the cover pho- look at the daily work of the friars within this community through a I Learned Making a to as a sign of centennial vitality (pun intend- traveling exhibition presented at locations throughout the Province 100-Year Timeline: ed) without knowing that Pope Francis would This exhibit will highlight major movements and milestones and will soon announce his intention to canonize the present the lives and stories of our brothers committed to the needs 1 Apostle of California. Like the photograph itself, of those inside and outside the Province. "Starting points” we’ll consider the convergence a gift of divine Join us as we celebrate together 100 years of Prayer, Fraternity, Joy, aren’t really starting providence. and Service. Attend a prayer service, liturgy, or reception. points. But at the same time the cover might 2 strike some—especially those who know their Mark your calendars! Current exhibit locations and dates as follows: What’s not on California history—as a bit out of sync. After all, the timeline is as with Serra in the background, shouldn’t we be February 22, 2015 September 26, 2015 important as what is. talking not about 100 years, but at least 200? So San Damiano Retreat Center St. Elizabeth’s Parish it goes with the history of the Province of Saint Danville, California Oakland, California 3 Barbara: our timeline proves our grandmother’s 1 and 2 are not wisdom: God writes straight with crooked lines. April 30–May 3, 2015 October 4, 2015 excuses for scrapping The Province of Saint Barbara was only estab- St. Francis Parish St. Boniface and St. Anthony’s timelines! lished as an independent entity after Serra had Sacramento, California San Francisco, California 4 come and gone. In another irony of history, God Honoring the used German friars to do it. For the detailed ac- June 6, 2015 October 22–25, 2015 past means facing its count I defer to a real historian, Fr. Joe Schwab St. Francis Center St. Mary’s Parish complexities. (Franciscan Thoughts, p. 14). Los Angeles, California Phoenix, Arizona Whether our timeline spans 100, 200, or 2000 5 years it is, more than anything else, a gift of August 20–23, 2015 November 13–15, 2015 I am because God’s grace working through human beings — St. John the Baptist Parish Franciscan Renewal Center we are. with all their foibles and strengths. The articles Portland, Oregon Scottsdale, Arizona in this issue are an attempt to bring some of those people and the scriptures that inspired September 17–20, 2015 December 4, 2015 them to life. Which means of course, to you, our Old Mission San Luis Rey Old Mission Santa Barbara readers, who give us the chance to seize this mo- Oceanside, California Santa Barbara, California Have a comment or ment with love. More locations to come! suggestion? Let us know by sending an email to Fr. Dan Lackie, OFM Check our website for the most current schedule. [email protected] Editor www.sbfranciscans.org/centennial

4 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 5 Snapshot

Solemn Vows August 30, 2014 Old Mission Santa Barbara

Ever since the day of his death almost 800 years ago, the story of St. Francis of Assisi has captured the imagina- tion of artists, theologians, musicians, people of every faith, and continues to call Catholic men to religious life as Friars Minor (Lesser Brothers). This story has inspired young men for the past 800 years to place their hands in their Provincial Minister and vow: "The Rule and life of the Friars Minor is this, namely, to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by living in obedience, without anything of one’s own, and in chastity.” This August Michael Minton, OFM; Phillip Polk, OFM; Ryan Thornton, OFM; and Victor Vega, OFM followed this in- spiration and made solemn vows. They are not the first nor the last as they follow in a long line of Franciscan friars of the Province of Saint Barbara. The first friar to make solemn vows for the Province of Saint Barbara was Fidelis Kessler, OFM (pictured right). ❖

6 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 7 The Word appears in every issue and explores the The Word Holy Scripture. Its aim is to give the reader a deeper understanding of the Bible and how it realates to everyday life.

Making the most of it:

Matthew: 25: 14–30

by Fr. Warren Rouse, OFM

Parables seem designed not only to five talents went off at once and afraid of taking a risk of investing the Province of Saint Barbara cel- tell a story but deliberately to leave traded with them, and made five his talent and seeing the market ebrate our 100th anniversary this the audience puzzled and, hope- more talents. In the same way, the go down. But true growth, natural year, we, too, gladly invest in the fully, discovering more than one one who had the two talents made or spiritual, always implies uncer- future. There’s a wonderful, pow- message. Check out this particular two more talents.” tainty, the possibility of making a erful prayer by Blessed Cardinal situation that Jesus tells the people Eventually the owner returns mistake, Or maybe this man is just Newman who was a fellow traveler about the Kingdom of Heaven: and congratulates these two for plain lazy. Fr. Anthony Giambrone, with you and me: “For it is as if a man, going on a investing his talents and doubling O.P. explains: journey, summoned his slaves and them. He rewards them with more “If the third servant makes out "O my Lord, and Savior, in your entrusted his property to them; responsibilities. badly … it is because he has ren- arms I rest secure. If you keep me, I to one he gave five talents, to an- Which brings us to the third per- dered his portion from the Lord have nothing to fear; but if you aban- other two, to another one, to each son who is given one talent.: closed to growth … He has not even don me I have nothing to hope for. according to his ability. Then he “ ‘Master, I knew that you were left the talent to increase in the I have no idea what will happen to went away." (A talent was worth a harsh man, reaping where you bank—a thing requiring no effort me as I await my death; I know noth- more than fifteen years’ wages of did not sow, and gathering where from him. His hole-in-the-ground ing of what is to come; but I entrust a day laborer. We’re not talking you did not scatter seed; so I was investment strategy has positively myself to you. I lean entirely on you small change here!) afraid, and I went and hid your tal- cut off all possibility of increase.” since you know what is good for me. “…each according to his own ent in the ground. Here you have Giambrone’s point is that the As for me, I do not know. Amen." ❖ ability.” what is yours.’ ” third man is “closed to growth.” The generous donor knows the So he believes that the owner And that principle holds for the Fr. Warren Rouse, OFM, holds advanced abilities of each man. By giving is “a harsh man.” But the other spiritual life also. A person open to degrees in music and liturgical studies. He them different amounts, there is two had no issue here. Where did spiritual growth will indeed grow, has written close to 200 articles for The no idea of punishment or insult. the idea of harshness come from? but if he doesn’t make the effort, Way magazine. A former pastor, teacher He simply knows their strengths Possibly from his earliest days God’s grace cannot prevail. and retreat director, he edits the Province and their weaknesses. He respects when an authority figure (father, for This holds for all of our lives! We newsletter, WestFriars, and is the author these differences. example) was a demanding person. are to take the risk of surrendering of Words of Wisdom. He lives at Serra “The one who had received the This third man is therefore in faith to God even though we can- Retreat in Malibu, CA. not see the future. As we friars of [email protected] … true growth, natural or spiritual, always implies uncertainty, the possibility of making a mistake…

8 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 9 Friar Profile

A Franciscan Anthem Anne Symens-Bucher

For this edition of the Friar Profile, we offer the words of Anne Symens-Bucher, Fr. Ray Bucher’s niece. Anne, who was affiliated to the Province of Saint Barbara in 2006 after over 25 years of service in JPIC and other ministries, paid tribute to her uncle and his classmates last December, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their priestly ordination. Her words, adapted here, direct us to the deeper music she hears in the life and time of their commitment. Knowing the love of Broadway musicals she shares with her uncle, we’re sure Anne would much rather have sung this tribute from the flare of the footlights!

Fr. Alonso DeBlas, OFM Fr. Ray Bucher, OFM

Highlighted above (left to right) are Fr. Guinan, Fr. DeGroot, Fr. DeBlas, and Fr. Bucher, at the friar ordination class of 1964. Their ordination took place at St. Roque Church in Santa Barbara, CA with then Bishop Timothy Manning.

n 1964, the year that my To memorialize their ordination the uncle Raymond and his class- friars took an ecumenical track and I mates were ordained to the quoted the Jesuit philosopher/sci- priesthood, was a year marked by entist, Teilhard de Chardin. Printed turning points. President Johnson on remembrance cards handed out signed two of the most important to all those in attendance at the documents in the history of the U.S. ordination at St. Roque Church in in the 20th century: the Civil Rights Santa Barbara, the words capture Act and the Gulf of Tonkin Reso- well the commitment of these friars lution, the latter giving him broad to engage fully with the joy, tumult, powers to expand the war in Viet- and change represented by each of nam. The Second Vatican Council the events named above. was in full swing and Martin Lu- ther King received the Nobel Prize. To the full extent of my pow- That same year Hello Dolly, Fiddler er, because I am a priest, I on the Roof, and Funny Girl opened wish from now on to be the Fr. Michael Guinan, OFM Fr. Ignacious DeGroot, OFM on Broadway. first to become conscious of

10 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 11 …"along with as well Paul’s admo- occurred in the 1960s and 70s. I nition to the Corinthians, “We hold have no doubt that when Raymond this treasure in earthen vessels”, re- and his classmates were ordained sounds with the reader. In 1964 this they made a life commitment to reference to a nobility rooted in the the priesthood. Each of these friars earth itself forecast the renewal of had to wrestle with his vocation, a Franciscan spirituality sensitive find his way, adapt, grow, stretch, to all that binds together church, and stay. How did they manage to ministry (priesthood included) navigate their way when maps and and the created world. In fact, 50 guidebooks were in short supply? years on, these same words raise And what might their fidelity and important questions as the earth perseverance say to us today? is increasingly plundered and poi- I’ll answer with a poem and a soned for profit. For instance, does song. In her brief poem “Sometime”, anything change when we think of the poet Mary Oliver lays out a ourselves as “of earth,” rather than series of imperatives that for me “on earth”? Might “earthen” refer to capture the “instructions” that a kind of clay too often considered Raymond, Alonso, Michael, and less worthy or, worse, expendable, Ignatius have followed well. when set in opposition with the “heavenly”? In 1964, new questions Instructions for living a life: were pointing to a new direction for Pay attention. the church and its ministers, one Be astonished. To memorialize their ordination the friars took an ecumenical track and quoted that focused in a particular way Tell about it. the Jesuit philosopher/scientist, Teihard de Chardin on their remembrance cards on an incarnational and ecological handed out to all those in attendance at their ordination. dimension central to Franciscan The willingness to be present; spirituality. the capacity for wonder; the bold- In their combined 200 years of ness of the living word. These are all that the world loves, pur- I am a priest, he has sent me service, the four friars honored basic elements of service which sues and suffers: I want to to bring good news to the af- here have been exquisite earth- four friar priests embraced 50 years be the first to seek, to sympa- flicted, to be the first to be- en vessels of the Gospel. In fact, ago and now extend to us as we re- thize and to suffer; the first to come conscious of all that it is astonishing to consider their call that beautiful day when their unfold and sacrifice myself to the world loves, pursues and achievement in light of the context priestly journeys began. Let’s be become more widely human, suffers, to bind up the broken of their vocations and how much astonished, let’s be grateful, let’s al- more nobly of the earth than hearted, to proclaim liberty the priesthood has changed since low the faithfulness of these men to any of the world’s servants. to the captives, release to the 1964. However you think vocations inspire faithfulness to our own bap- prisoners, comfort to those to the priesthood happen, it cer- tismal priesthood in the world. ❖ The words carry such a strong who mourn, to be the first to tainly seems true that the times, echo of Isaiah 61 that when the two seek, to sympathize and to the parish, and the family contain- Anne Symens-Bucher is not only Fr. Ray’s pieces are stitched together, form suffer, the first to unfold and er in which these friars grew up niece, she’s also his goddaughter. She says something of an anthem for a pro- sacrifice myself to become paved the way for their priesthood. it was one of the greatest privileges of her phetic, Franciscan priesthood. more widely human, more No one could have predicted in that life to be asked to compose and share this nobly of the earth than any of heady time of Vatican II that voca- reflection on the occasion of his Jubilee. “The Spirit of the Lord is the world’s servants.” tions to the priesthood would de- Anne and her husband Terry are the par- upon me because the Lord crease dramatically in the US, nor ents of five children and the founders of has anointed me. To the full The closing words of this anthem, could anyone have imagined the Canticle Farm at St. Elizabeth Parish in extent of my power, because "To become more nobly of the earth exodus from the priesthood that Oakland, CA.

12 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 13 j Centennial Celebration i j 1915–2015 i

Franciscan Thoughts

THE PAST IS PROLOGUE: a history of Province of Saint Barbara

By Fr. Joseph Schwab, ofm

he province of Saint Barbara has its headquarters in Oakland, California. Fri- ars of our Province live and serve in places that cross ethnic, cultural, and economic boundaries through- out California and in the states of Washington, Or- egon, and Arizona. We also serve in missions in the (Pictured left to right) Br. Crispin Kurpinski, OFM; Br. Willibrord Tewes, OFM; Br. Dominic Rheidt, OFM; and Br. Bernard Jurczyk, OFM spend the Holy Land, northern Mexico, Russia, and we minister day working the field at Old Mission Santa Barbara. (Inset photo, right) among Native American peoples of the southwestern Br. Robert Rodrigues, OFM and Fr. John Hardin, OFM walk down the sidewalk at Old Mission San Luis Rey during the 2012 Province Chapter. United States.

14 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 15 j Centennial Celebration i j 1915–2015 i

Friars assembled at Mission Santa Barbara for the Installation of First Province of the Friars assembled at Mission San Luis Rey for the Provincial Chapter, 2012. Old Mission West, 1915. Old Mission Santa Barbara is considered the Queen of the Missions. San Luis Rey is considered the King of the Missions

The Province of Saint Barbara in- by the exclaustration of religious Germany and coming to the cen- ed into the states of Washington corporates many of the oldest and the annexation of California, tral United States, forming Sacred and Oregon. The friars gladly took sites in Franciscan history in North Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to Heart Province. The California fri- on large mission fields and mixed- America. From the beginning of the United States. Through all these ars petitioned Rome to be incorpo- nationality parishes. Even though Franciscan life in this region, the changes, the only unbroken com- rated into an American province. it was difficult to supply personnel brothers were noted for their ad- munity presence the friars could This resulted in the arrival of Sacred for all the places accepted by the fri- venturous spirit as they crossed maintain was in Santa Barbara. Heart friars in Santa Barbara in ars, brothers were sent to China in the boundaries of their cultural Rather than despair, the brothers 1885. Soon, these new immigrant 1914. In 1915, the friars of the west- world. First arriving in present day sought new ministries and accept- brothers began missionary work ern U.S. separated from the Sacred Arizona and New Mexico in 1539, ed new challenges. People from all among German, Irish, Italian and Heart Province and our Province of the Spanish and later Mexican fri- over the world poured into the Gold other immigrant populations, in ad- Saint Barbara was established. ars established numerous missions Rush country of California, and the dition to Native American people It seems as if boundaries estab- among the native people of what friars went on preaching tours to in Northern California and central lished through centuries of prac- is now the southwestern United meet the people where they were. Arizona. Parish ministry flourished. tice of religious life in Europe and States. Not a few friar missionar- With the development of an educa- Spanish Colonial America were giv- ies were killed during this era. With tional institution in Santa Barbara, y 1900, the large influx of Ger- ing way to new living situations. expansion into California in 1769 seminary teaching, an orphanage B man friars was ending, and While there was a great dedication under the leadership of Blessed in Northern California and itiner- recognition that the Order must to remaining faithful to the Rule Junipero Serra, the Order repre- ant preaching among the scattered become locally based was wide- and religious life, living in a non- sented the Church in this part of remnants of Mission Indian popula- spread. At the same time, the real- Catholic society brought changes the world for many generations. A tions, the small mixed community ity was that a European, monastic in interactions with secular people series of attacks on the life of the of Mexican, Irish and American- lifestyle did not fit well with itiner- and such things as the use of mon- Church began after Mexican in- born friars was very busy and cre- ant preachers covering vast tracts ey, extensive travel, and the wear- dependence from Spain in 1821: atively engaged in ministry to a di- of territory and spending many ing of secular clothing. Frontiers expulsion of Spanish-born friars in verse population. nights sleeping in camps, church were being crossed on many levels. the 1820s and secularization of mis- In the meantime, friars were sacristies and other shelter. It was The Province accepted new sions in the 1830s, later followed fleeing anti-Catholic legislation in at this time that the Order expand- CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

16 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 17 j Centennial Celebration i

Community

Connection Pictures: (background) The facade of the new St. Anthony's building; (left to right) An early St. Anthony's location, 1973; Br. Anthony's rosary. Attached to the rosary is a bullet removed from his body during World War II. The bullet is a reminder of his fox- hole conversion and his desire to serve God out of gratitude; Br. Anthony in his room at the A Beacon of Mercy Center.

By HOPE Brother Scott Slattum, ofm “This is not a ground- less hope,” said Stenger, “we stand solidly on six-  ty-four years of history. In fact, the line of peo- ple on Golden Gate Avenue waiting over my head. I was pinned down. I to walk in the door goes back more was the platoon sergeant in charge than 100 years. The Franciscan fri- of thirty men. We had dashed out ars have emulated their founder, St. of the jungle onto a Guam airfield. Francis, the patron of this city, and The cracking gun of a Japanese have seen in those who are poor, sniper kept us down for hours brothers and sisters … ” and eventually a slug ripped into St. Anthony’s story is part of the my leg.” Now ninety-four, the for- history of the Franciscan friars of mer marine’s story of his ensuing n saturday, october 4th of 2014, the Feast the Province of Staint Barbara. It months of recuperation begins to of St. Francis, the St. Anthony Foundation took a dates back to 1950 when its found- sound familiar to St. Francis. O er, Fr. Alfred Boeddeker, OFM In the hospital stateside he bold step into the future, while celebrating its past. They served the first meal in a convert- came across the story of St. Francis, ed auto-body shop, but the story and a metamorphosis of his life opened a new ten-story building, sixty-four years to the doesn’t begin there. The story be- would soon follow. He was faced date of its founding. Executive Director, Barry J. Stenger, gins with friar Anthony Lavorin, with another bullet he couldn’t OFM and his fox-hole conversion. dodge. Anthony was engaged to said they were “opening the door to so much more, more Br. Anthony served in the South be married, but now felt a desire meals, more help, more hope.” Pacific theater in World War II. He to show his gratitude by serving recounts his story, “Bullets whizzed God. In Oakland, California, he PHOTOS: (BACKGROUND) TAYLOR SKILLIN; (INSET) SAINT ANTHONY FOUNDATION ARCHIVE

18 SPRING 2014 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2014 19 j Centennial Celebration i j 1915–2015 i

met two Franciscans who won him provide food for themselves or their history of San Francisco and the clothing program, technology lab, over. Anthony made the decision families. In the Tenderloin, that Franciscan friars of the Province of medical clinic, drug and alcohol re- to become a Franciscan friar of the number is as high as one in two. St. Saint Barbara. It’s a reminder of the covery program, or a social work Province of Saint Barbara. Anthony’s serves about 3,000 hot, friars’ and community’s commit- center. St. Anthony provides justice Br. Anthony went on to do great nutritious meals a day. The meals ment to the poor. Executive Director, education and advocacy. things. He served as a mission- served feed individuals and families Barry Stenger captured the essence The prophets declared that God ary in the Peruvian mountains and who have slipped through the safe- of this commitment in his opening defended the poor, the oppressed with the Apache American Indians ty net. speech: and those who had experienced in- in Whiteriver, Arizona. Little did The new dining room seating “This is also an extraordinary mo- justice (Am 5:11-12). St. Anthony he know that it would be the sim- capacity is also 43% larger. The ment for our city. You’ve heard of is an advocate for policies and pro- ple act of making a sandwich for section for women and families is a battle going on in our city, par- grams that address root causes of those who gathered at the doors twice as large. The new kitchen ticularly here in the Tenderloin. poverty, and that will better serve of St. Boniface Church that would and food storage area are expan- Some say it’s a battle over real es- the needs of the poor and homeless become a future beacon of hope for sive and commercial grade. There tate. Others say it’s a battle over people in San Francisco. They also the poor of San Francisco. are two serving lines. Guest who housing. Some say it’s about jobs. offer education about poverty and Br. Anthony was the porter of St. are waiting outside are protected It’s a political battle; it’s an eco- homelessness to the public. Boniface Church. He was in charge from the weather by a new covered nomic battle. It’s probably all of of offering hospitality to visitors at arcade. However, the best part of these things. But I believe it’s a Jesus also proclaimed that the the door. He soon discovered it was the dining room is it’s open to natu- battle for the heart of this city. wealthy were obligated to see the the hungry who gathered there. He ral light and fresh air. By raising up this building, we poor and take care of them (Lk found himself spending his days The building is more than the din- are saying that there is a place in 16:19-31). St. Anthony provides a procuring food and making sand- ing room. The second floor is home the City of St. Francis for those structured program to support this wiches. As the years progressed, to St. Anthony’s Social Work Center who are poor. This beautiful din- teaching of Jesus. They welcome it became increasingly difficult to and the Free Clothing Program. ing room, these affordable hous- more than 10,000 volunteers each meet the demand. The Social Work Center utilizes ing units, this new clothing pro- year from every sector of the com- Something needed to change; pa- the network of programs within St. gram and social work center are munity, from students to corpo- rishioners were complaining about Anthony and connects clients with clear statements that yes, there’s rate employees. In addition, the St. the arduous task of gaining access other services to support, stabilize, a place in this city for those who Anthony Foundation does not re- to the Church through the long and improve quality of life for more have more than they need, but ceive local, state, or federal funding, lines gathered at the door. It would than 1,750 low income and working there is also a place for those but relies on benefactors. be a comment by Br. Anthony to poor individuals and families each who are in need.” We are told by Stenger that the Fr. Alfred Boeddeker, pastor of year. The Free Clothing Program The inspiring story of St. Anthony line that stretches outside the new St. Boniface, which would plant provides warm clothes, interview Foundation is the story of a simple ten-story building goes back more the seed for a new way of meet- or employment apparel, and chil- act, the making of a sandwich for a than 100 years, a reference to the ing the needs of the poor. An au- dren’s clothing. They provide free stranger at the door. This simple act Province of Saint Barbara celebra- to-body shop would be purchased clothing to 29,000 men, women and is not only an act of charity, but for a tion of its founding 100 years ago, by Fr. Alfred and the food for the children each year. Franciscan and Christian, an act of and a reminder that the Franciscan first meal would be prepared by The rest of the building consists justice. Justice calls for the fair and friars are not simply celebrating Br. Anthony. Over sixty-four years of ninety units of affordable senior equitable distribution of life’s neces- their past, but continue to remain later, that which had started as a housing, built and operated by sities, and the scriptural idea of jus- committed to a future full of hope for simple sandwich became a new Mercy Housing California, and will tice is based on the truth that all hu- the poor and marginalized. ❖ ten-story building. provide wrap-around services to man beings have dignity, worth and some of San Francisco’s most vul- are children of God. Br. Scott Slattum, OFM is a Franciscan The new dining room is a re- nerable residents. St. Anthony Foundation is com- friar of the Province of Saint Barbara. He sponse to the growing food insecu- The new ten-story building for mitted to this vision, which is why currently serves as the assistant editor for rity of San Francisco where one in the St. Anthony Foundation is the Franciscan-sponsored minis- The Way of St. Francis, and works with the five adults lacks the resources to an extraordinary moment in the try isn’t simply a dining hall, free poor and homeless in San Francisco, CA.

20 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 21 Donor Profile

Dear Friars: Thank you so much for the card celebrating 100 years of the Province of Saint Barbara and especially for the prayers you have Imelda Schroeder: a life of partnership. offered for all of our family. I was very honored when you asked me to write a little something about John and mine’s experience as In a recent letter to us, a very special friend, Imelda Schroeder in Sacramento, looked back Franciscans. I hope the following is ok. on her life just as St. Francis did 800 years ago, with gratitude. As professed members of the Order of Franciscans Secular for over 50 years Imelda—known­ to most of us as Mel—and John and I first learned about the Secular Franciscan Order on our return from John’s military stint in Guam. John was in the cha her late husband John developed many rich friendships in the Franciscan family, all the while pel at the Air Force Base when he noticed a note on the bulletin board raising eight children. Often called to important service as bridge builders between Spanish- that mentioned the Third Order of St. Francis. In much the same way and English-speaking fraternities, John and Mel participated in countless projects of prayer that Francis’ experience in a chapel brought about his conversion, so and ministry, as shining lights of simplicity and generosity. With Mel’s permission, we are to did this tiny notice in a chapel bring about our own. - printing part of her recent letter as this issue’s “Donor Profile.” Once John and I got to El Paso, Texas we investigated this —Editor “Third Order” and we fell in love with what we found. In 1962 both John and I professed as Secular Franciscans. Since that time, we have been a part of the Franciscan Family. This community has really blessed us as a second family. It has changed our lives completely and we have stayed involved and served in whatever way we could over the years. Every day we have learned something new that brought hap piness in our marriage, our family, and our community. After our time in El Paso, we moved to Sacramento in 1968. When John retired from the United States Air Force in 1972, we thought we wanted to go back to Tucson, Arizona, but God had different plans - and John got a job in Sacramento. St. Francis of Assisi in Sacramento has been our parish since we put down roots in this wonderful town those many years ago. It is in this amazing parish that we met Fr. John Vaughn, OFM and throughout the years, Fr. John has become a good friend, and he is now my priest, my friend, and my brother. When Fr. John was Photos (left to right): the Master of Novices many years ago, he used the friary here in The Schroeders with their six children; Sacramento as the novitiate. Through this novitiate, we were blessed George and Imelda with many other friars who we love and have gotten old with. Schroeder in 2006; My prayers and my blessings go out to all of the friars in the The front of St. Francis Province and all of our Franciscan Family. of Assisi Church, Sacramento, where Peace and All Good, Imelda Schroder and Imelda her husband George started attending in 1968. The friars are very grateful to Imelda Schoeder for her generous Legacy Gift to help ensure that our work will continue and flourish long beyond her life. For more information about making a Legacy Gift to the Franciscan Friars, Province of Saint Barbara, please contact PHOTOS: LEFT, SCHROEDER FAMILY; Fr. Dan Lackie, OFM at 714-392-5622 or [email protected]. ABOVE, J.D. WARRICK

22 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 23 Celebrating creativity in all of its forms, this section Creative of The Way of St. Francis celebrates the artistic work of friars in the province; be it visual, written, musical Spirit or something else all together.

Why does the world chase after you, Kneading the bread Francis of Assisi? Heeding the hungry.

Holding supernatural wings, What can ever separate us Francis flies into all hearts from this love beyond telling? like the high flying birds, Neither hunger, famine, need, nor that sing with his song, greed, will diminish our taste for God. a coming new creation. And we hunger, in need of bread to fill us. In the ordinariness of October, Jesus said, bring five loaves and two fishes. Francis laid down life for new life. To want for me is the food that never perishes. So that he could carry the aftertaste of This is what we want, having starved ourselves. Lady Poverty, in whom he saw the Lord! We ate, all ate, and received more than enough. Why does the world chase after you, Francis? The Lord is so generous in bringing food to all. Sublimed, humble, poor; the Poverello of Assisi. Bless the Lord of life, who feeds the people, Do you have the words of everlasting abundant life? Kneading the bread, heeding the hungry. What is there in your heart which you so fiercely loved? Let us never loss this taste we have Fearlessly your lived in passion of ancient wounds anew. for the living bread that comes What kind of love brings you as welcomed guest at my door? down from heaven. What grips us by you, why does our soul grasp to know more? May it fill us.. What is there in our hearts that we ensure as comfort of a dream? These are the days when the sky is filled with the darkness of desire. From a place in heaven, open our wings to fly, to a purpose revealed. You have done what is yours to do, may we do now what is ours to do. About the selected poems An altar poem is any type of poetry where the characters, words, and lines have been written in such a way that when looked at as a whole, the poem forms an outline that About the author is easily recognizable to the reader. The object that is outlined is usually related to the Fr. Larry Gosselin, OFM is a Franciscan friar of the Province of Saint Barbara. Fr. Larry poetry and gives meaning to the poem itself. was born in Sumner, Washington and is presently serving in the parish of St. Barbara at This selection of poetry is from the soon-to-be published book entitled Unshadowed Old Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California. He is the author of Hidden Light which is scheduled to be released this Easter by Tau Publishing. To purchase this Sweetness a book of poems that read like prayers. It is published by Tau Publishing. book or other works by Fr. Larry visit Tau Publishing’s website: www.taupublishing.org

24 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 25 The Scholar's Desk is a new section. More intro text goes here.

The Scholar's Desk … we currently live in “an age of anxiety.” Whether or not this is the case, the psalms offer a remedy to various anxieties.

Jerusalem or Zion and apply to it The Psalms as Antidote to Indifference theological language elsewhere re- and Discouragement served for God. The Psalter classi- The psalms push us toward en- fies Psalms 120-34 as psalms of as- gagement with both God and each cent as they seem to describe the other. Many commentators have Let Us Praise the Lord end of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. noted that we currently live in “an by Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM Psalm 122:2-5 describe the virtues age of anxiety.” Whether or not of Jerusalem. These psalms give this is the case, the psalms offer a Most will readily acknowledge the each of the five books in Psalms 41, us a sense of being able to find the remedy to various anxieties. If we importance of the psalms and their 72, 89, 106, and 150, although some abundance of God in a physical focus on Psalm 33, we are forced to place as spiritual masterpieces. If feel that Psalms 146-150 are all dox- place with people rather than just reconsider our image of God. Lest we have any doubts, we need look ologies. Regardless, five clear sec- the heavens. 2) The psalms also we think that God devises anxiet- no further than the gospels where tions can be seen. point to the collectivity of the righ- ies for us, we discover God “loves no book from the Old Testament is Whereas many see the first three teous or upright of heart as signs of justice and right; of the kindness of more frequently cited. If we would books as an acknowledgment of the abundance of God’s presence the Lord the earth is full” (33:5). The like to come to a greater apprecia- Israel’s difficulties, the final two in the world. The psalms promise psalmist urges us to be aware of tion of the psalms, it is important books represent a new beginning. that “justice will return to the righ- the abundance of God’s love in the to recognize how the psalms work Book 4 opens with Psalm 90, which teous” (94:15) and plead with them here-and-now. Ultimately, Psalm 33 both individually and as a book. reminds us of our fleeting nature to “be glad in the Lord” (32:11). will refer to God’s kindness or faith- The psalms are poems, and every and God’s eternal nature. After the These implications lead to an fulness three times in Psalm 33 (vv. poem can be appreciated in and of destruction of Jerusalem, we see a abundant vision of God. Although 5, 18, and 22). There are many ways itself. Yet as part of a book, our un- great concern with God’s role in cre- the psalms will also discuss the dif- to translate this from Hebrew, but derstanding of the structure of that ation and salvation history in these ficulties of finding God (89:47), they they all speak of a God whose love book will help us to better appreci- psalms. They affirm the Lord reigns more typically give us a sense of is abundant and accessible. When ate the individual psalms. Moving (Pss. 93, 95-99). The entire Book of the divine presence in our midst. I we respond to this love with grati- from the general to the specific, I Psalms has only nine references to believe we are called to read them tude as the thanksgiving psalms will examine the psalms as a book Moses, but seven of them are in this in order to discern this divine pres- urge, we have a sure antidote to in- before returning to types of psalms. book including the opening and ence no matter how hard it may be difference and discouragement. ❖ Then I will try to offer some strat- closing psalms. Book 5 completes to find or how many difficulties we egies for appreciating how the the transition from the lamenting are having finding it. Only when Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM holds a doc- psalms encourage us to find our ref- of the opening books to the praise we see the abundance of divine ac- torate in Biblical Studies from The uge in a God of abundance. of the later books and confidence in tion in the world and our own lives Catholic University of America. He is the abundance of God’s love found can we say as in Ps 86:15: “You, assistant professor of Sacred Scripture The Psalms as a Book in creation. Lord, are a merciful and gracious at the Franciscan School of Theology in Recent research has helped explain God; slow to anger, and abundant Oceanside, CA where he teaches a variety how the psalms work. Experts have Types of Psalms in faithfulness and truth” (my own of courses on the Old and New Testament. detected that the psalms are divid- Two communal implications to find- translation). God’s abundance in ed into five books by tell-tale signs. ing God emerges from the psalms. faithfulness and truth overflows in Doxologies or “cries of praise” end 1) The psalms point to the city of all our lives.

26 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2015 27 FRANCISCAN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 Native American mis- became a reality in ence, clericalization conflicting demands oday, our prov- temperament, cultural sion fields in southern 1956, not without re- and a monastic rou- and challenges of law, T ince is much background, customs, Arizona, New Mexico sistance from several tine clashed with the the Franciscan Rule smaller numerically abilities, gifts and and California, some- of the brothers. The pastoral demands of and Constitutions, than it once was. It is traits. Together with times returning to ar- professed lay Brothers institutions and rap- personal experience, also more ethnically di- the whole Franciscan eas first evangelized of the province also idly growing popula- ministry, educational, verse than ever. Many family, we are chal- by friars centuries be- yearned for the more tions. The inherited German and Hispanic of us speak Spanish, lenged to adapt our- fore. This was an era professional levels of understanding of reli- heritage, a largely Vietnamese, Arabic selves to a rapidly of building: churches, training enjoyed by gious life and the de- Irish-American church or other tongues as changing church and schools, hospitals and many of the German mands of expanded hierarchy, American our native languages, world while remain- other institutions were Brothers. By the 1950s, and mobile popula- patriotism, ethnic par- and many of us are bi ing true to the spirit founded or expanded. it was becoming nor- tions with different ishes with disappear- or multi-lingual. We of Saint Francis. Like Our strong German mal for some friars to ethnic and education- ing ethnic neighbor- remain committed his original followers, heritage was weak- be sent to non-prov- al backgrounds led to hoods, and a Church to missionary work Franciscans today ened by war with ince institutions and generational changes strong on rituals and in Mexico, Russia, Is- are called to live the Germany even as new universities to receive in education, outlook, institutions but weak rael, and among Na- Gospel. Our charism immigrants escaped advanced degrees. ministerial practice in evangelization, the tive Americans. While is not to any specific civil and economic un- From 1945 to 1964, and institutional com- province was ripe for many of our churches task. Rather, it is to be rest in Mexico by com- the size of the prov- mitments. A new fo- change. function bilingually, brothers among our- ing across the border, ince grew from 290 cus on foundational The mid-1960s to some are multi-ethnic. selves, to all people, a movement that is to 493 friars. We had Franciscan documents mid-1970s in the U.S. We are proud that sev- and to all of God’s cre- still shaping our soci- served as military and the application of were characterized by eral of our friars have ation. We strive to be ety today. Poverty in chaplains and many social sciences to per- tension over large and served in leadership persons of prayer in- the United States was discharged service sonal life and ministry small questions, and for the Order world- volved in a variety of common during the men came to the fra- led to the realization many departed from wide. We maintain ministries. With the Great Depression of ternity. A new mission that a particular style religious life. Personal a graduate school of grace of God and the the 1930s, beginning field was accepted in of Franciscan life was conversion and chal- theology that edu- guidance of the Spirit, the ministry to the the Philippines, high passing away. Yet an- lenge often effected cates lay and vowed our future looks to be very poor and home- school ministry was other frontier would systematic change. religious people of di- as dynamic and un- less at many of our city accepted in numerous have to be crossed, Friars sought per- verse cultural back- predictable as our his- churches. places, and the retreat and that was the il- sonal growth and re- grounds to serve in a tory. For the Province Changes in soci- ministry, still an impor- lusion we had devel- sponded to many new multicultural church. of Saint Barbara, The ety led to the need tant part of province oped of a perfect and challenges to pastoral Many of our houses Past is Prologue. ❖ for a change in commitments began. unchangeable system. life, such as an unpop- and churches serve Franciscan formation. By the early 1960s, ular Vietnam war, the as havens for the poor Joseph Henry Schwab at- Discussions, disagree- ll of this ex- the tensions arising farm workers’ move- and outcast, and many tended college at Phoenix ments and the need to A pansion led to from changing reli- ment and the expan- are popular with large College and Arizona State make hard decisions tensions between fra- gious lifestyle, apos- sion of poverty in numbers of people University, graduating forced change. Many ternity, mission, and tolates, lay expecta- inner cities. The teach- looking for a spiritual with a BA in Religious lay people were gain- religious and person- tions, independent ings of the Second home. Our heritage is Studies. He holds a Master ing access to higher al identity. Exterior thinking, mobility, Vatican Council af- one of crossing fron- of Theological Studies from levels of education change led to interior suburban Catholic life fected religious life tiers and finding new the Franciscan School of than the friars were, responses and new and materialism be- and the spirituality ministries. Theology. Fr Joe Schwab, and the friars had to initiatives during a came nearly intoler- of the people at large. Every friar is a OFM is the Executive cross another bound- time of experimenta- able. Pushed into an Groundwork was laid gift given by God to Director of the Franciscan ary: accreditation of tion. A strong concern interior experience for the present life of the order and the Renewal Center and a the province’s college for boundaries, obedi- of spirituality by the the province. Church. Friars differ in Pilgrimage Director.

28 SPRING 2015 | The Way The Way | SPRING 2014 29 At Last

The Gift of Culture By Br. Phillip Polk, OFM

s i gathered with my family and other members of the Apache A community at a recent ceremony, I reflected about how grateful I am to be an Apache. I looked around and saw the young and the old to- gether in prayer. It is here, among many of these elders, I too learned what it meant to be in community, and to pray to a God who has gifted us with so much. Now as a friar, I bring all I learned from my Apache family, and “All of us who saw these days know well share it with my Franciscan family. Our Province is blessed with the gift of having so many men from di- how quietly and peaceful those times verse backgrounds and cultures. The rich cultural heritage these men bring and share gives us all a rich understanding of who God is, and how passed, as long as the servant of Christ was the Sacred is working among the many cultures of the world. God has been present, and has revealed God-Self in each culture in unique ways, alive, and what rich abundance there was of as we read in the Act of the Apostles, “And God made from one person every nation of humankind to live on all the face of the earth, having de- all good things.” termined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, hoping that they might feel their way toward God and find the divine. Yet God is not far from each one of us, for ‘In God we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have The Remembrance of the Desire of the Soul, Book II said, ‘For we are indeed God’s offspring.’(Acts 17:26-28). Having men from such diverse backgrounds is not always easy be- cause it means that we have to learn to understand outside of our own cul- tural comfort zones. If we enter into community with our brothers with an open mind and heart, God will show another aspect of who the Divine is. For it is “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” (Ephesians 4: 2-5). With abundant gratitude I give thanks for the many gifts all my broth- ers bring and share with our community.❖

Br. Phillip grew up on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. He is the first American Indian to join the Franciscan friars of the Province of Saint Barbara. The fri- ars have ministered on the San Carlos' reservation for over 100 years. This past August he made solemn vows and is currently in studies at The Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside, CA.

30 SPRING 2015 | The Way www.sbfranciscans.org Oakland, CA 94601 1500 34th Ave Province of Saint Barbara Inc. Franciscan Friars of California,

32 SPRING 2015 | The Way