By Diane Menditto, OFS
National Vice Minister

Diane Menditto, OFS National Vice Minister

On August 9, 1979, nine members of St. Francis Fraternity in Hackensack, NJ, took a significant step in their spiritual journey by being professed into the Secular Franciscan Order. My great blessing is that I was one of them. As I reflect on these 46 remarkable years, I want to share a few things I have learned along the way.

Fraternity Life is the foundation of being Franciscan

Fraternity life is central to living as a Franciscan. I have often said that without a fraternity, we are not Franciscans. When I first joined the order I didn’t fully grasp how important we are to one another. Over time, I’ve come to understand that the relationships we build within our fraternities are more than mere friendships. These bonds teach us to live the Rule—not through study alone, but through example and interaction. The Rule challenges us, inspires us, and guides us to strive for holiness every day of our lives.

One of the greatest blessings of being a Secular Franciscan is the opportunity to meet brothers and sisters at every level of the Order. Each individual brings unique gifts to the table—gifts that touch my heart and enrich my soul, even if I don’t always agree with every perspective. I’ve also discovered that people truly appreciate responsiveness, which strengthens our connections and reinforces the value of mutual respect.

Daily conversion is a necessity

Looking back over the decades, one profound lesson stands out: daily conversion is not optional; it is necessary. It takes time to realize this, but the process of transformation is always ongoing. I can see how much I have changed, how my relationship with God has deepened, and how God continues to work on me and in me. The Holy Spirit never stops teaching and shaping us, if only we open our hearts to him.

Listening is a gift

Fraternity life has given me more than I could have imagined, and one of its greatest gifts has been learning to listen well. Listening—to God and to my brothers and sisters—is the foundation of my spiritual well-being and one of my contributions to fraternity life. It is not always easy, and it requires constant practice, but it is through listening that we connect, grow, and experience the life-changing power of empathy and understanding.

Serving my brothers and sisters has been an eye-opener.

Serving others is one of life’s greatest teachers. Through my service to the Order at various levels, I have been blessed to form relationships with Franciscans not only across the United States but also around the world. It amazes me how similar we are, united by our faith and our shared mission. This global connection reinforces the importance of our Rule and Constitutions, which serve as the golden thread binding us together as Secular Franciscans. Our way of life is unique, and I see it as a responsibility and a joy to pass on its values to others.

Serving as a formator has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my service to the order. It has taught me so much and animated me to share who we are and whose we are as Secular Franciscans. Mentoring others has allowed me to offer them what God has given me in order to guide, inspire, and prepare future generations of Secular Franciscans, ensuring that our way of life continues to flourish.

Peace, gratitude, and joy

As I reflect on these 46 years, I am filled with gratitude for the peace, relationships, and joy that fraternity life has brought me. This journey has been filled with lessons on service, outreach, the upside-down world of living the gospel, and the beauty of our deep relationship with Jesus. It is a life built on the strong foundation of the Rule and Constitutions and Franciscan spirituality, that continues to shape me and others every day.

May we continue to walk together in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, and inspired by the richness of our Franciscan family.

Peace and blessings to you all!