(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2025 Issue #114)

by Mary Frances Charsky, OFS

International Councilor

Welcome to Rome

“You are love” was the theme of the 17th General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order held in Rome in November of 2024 during the 8th Centenary of the Stigmata. This idea was expanded upon by fellow Franciscans with explanations that God loved us first. Our Franciscan way of life begins with love. Love of God, love of self, and love of neighbors and our families. Testimonies and examples were shared. Our level of concern was elevated for struggling fraternities and for marginalized people throughout the world.

La-Verna

Our day trip to La Verna, visiting the place where St. Francis received the stigmata, enabled us to meditate on the deep love that Francis had for the poor and crucified Jesus.  We reflected on the love and passion that St. Francis had for the Lord Jesus and how we can learn to love all our brothers and sisters.

The most enjoyable part of the General Chapter for me was being with brothers, sisters, and friars from 65 countries around the world. There were 103 brothers and sisters in total which included the voting members, observers, and others who served the Chapter. Many relationships were renewed and precious new ones developed. Participants shared throughout the week, especially in small working groups, at meals, and during the fraternal evenings of songs, dances, and stories that demonstrated their culture, country, and belonging to the Order and to each other. Unity was established among participants and was demonstrated in the approval of the priorities, Statutes, and the budget. This unity was the result of the OFS Presidency members, presentations, and working groups. Stay tuned for future updates!

An essential part of the General Chapter was daily celebration of Holy Mass which gave us the spiritual strength to accomplish our work throughout the day. Holy Mass was alternately presided over by the General Ministers of the First Order and TOR and the four General Spiritual Assistants, reminding us of the life-giving union between the OFS and the rest of the Franciscan Family. The homilies were provided ahead of time in the four languages so that we could follow along.

Three priorities emerged from the week of reflections, discussions and deliberations:

Formation should help us live our Franciscan spirituality in a way that deepens our relationship with God who is love and leads us to become a community of love.

Family life is the essence of our human life. As Secular Franciscans, we are called to live the love of God in the family, either as single or married persons. Family life should help us see the important role that family plays in our Franciscan life. We belong to another family – the Franciscan Family.

Promotion of Vocations is the third priority. Article 45 in our General Constitutions states that promoting vocations to the Order is the duty of all the brothers and sisters. It is a sign of vitality in fraternities. We need to promote the OFS vocation with courage, creativity, and validity of the Franciscan way of life.

For more articles and to view photo and video galleries, go to the CIOFS website: www.ciofs.info/news/gen-chapter/2024-general-chapter/