SHARING THE VISION – News From The Executive Council
Instrumentum Laboris: Animate & Guide with Servant Leadership … National Council Elections – Last Call for Nominations … Invitation to Explore the CIOFS Website
STEADY, FRANCISCANS
Many might remember the cute poster popular in the 70’s that pictured a cat desperately hanging on to a branch with its claws! The depiction underneath was “Hang on, Baby!”, and it became a common catchphrase, often used to this day. Words of wisdom for the struggles we are dealing with now.
FRANCISCAN LIVING
The story of the widow’s might in Luke’s gospel, (Luke 21:1-5) always captured my imagination and wonder. How could a person who had nothing be so generous? How could she ignore how she would obtain her next meal? What would she live on?
Ecumenical Interfaith Committee Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2021 Issue 102)
MOST FRANCISCAN JESUIT, POPE FRANCIS SET THE BAR HIGH
by Donna Hollis, OFS, National Councilor
What was Pope Francis thinking when he took on the name of St. […]
Formation Commission – TAU-USA Issue # 102
What exactly is a chapter? What is involved when we call the membership to gather for a religious chapter? You might think this is an unusual topic for a formation article, and you would be correct. It is an unusual topic. However, I believe one of the objectives of formation is to help us understand why we do what we do. As agents of formation, we assist by feeding the mind as well as the soul of a person.
Local Fraternity is the Heart of the Order
In her presentation titled “Fraternity: Our Way of Life,” Menditto elaborated on five key elements to living in communion with one another — collaboration, community, communication, commitment, and conversion.
NATIONAL MINISTER ADDRESSES STATE OF THE ORDER
“You cannot quarantine the Holy Spirit” she said. “In spite of the pandemic and all the upheaval, the work of prayer, peacemaking and building up of the Kingdom has continued in a thousand beautiful ways... We are moving forward in new ways, responding in faith to the signs of the times.”
Chapter Becomes Historic First in OFS History
As the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United State planned for the 2020 National Chapter, they accepted the fact that COVID pandemic would require a measure of flexibility and creativity, an understanding of the new technology… and the ability to imagine the possibilities.
Fraternity Life 2018-2021 National Priority
Pope Francis introduces Fratelli Tutti by acknowledging his inspiration from the life and words of St. Francis of Assisi. He then sets before us his own purpose: “It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. Brotherhood between all men and women.”
Reclaming the Bay!
Spirituality, fraternity, science, and some good old elbow grease work together in an apostolate sponsored by the St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Taking a page from St. Francis’s love of the environment and Laudato Si, the fraternity works to improve the fragile ecosystem of Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor by raising tens of thousands of clams each year.