Setting the stage for a weekend of formation visioning, Fr. David Pivonka, TOR, provided a dose of reality. “The world has profoundly changed in the last 25 years,” said the host of EWTN’s Wild Goose series. “Young people have no safe place. There is a sense of danger infiltrating every part of us.” He said that there are things that want to corrupt, to manipulate the spirit of faith.
The Saturday afternoon session with the Spiritual Assistants and the National Executive Council (NEC) tackled questions that attendees submitted. [...]
The National Formation Team unpacked the Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order and revealed a treasure for the life of Franciscans. Written by the International Franciscan Liturgical Commission led by Benet A. Fonck, OFM, it was officially approved in English in 1985. [...]
In true Franciscan fashion, Donna Hollis, OFS, began her JPIC award talk by recognizing others who were nominated for the award. “This award represents and includes all of us who work tirelessly for Justice and Peace. It is not just me, but many members working together as Franciscans, and people with compassionate hearts showing the love of God through our actions for others in most need,” Hollis said. [...]
Donna Hollis, OFS, is the 2021 recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the National Chapter. ... Carolyn Townes, OFS, JPIC animator, introduced Hollis as a Franciscan living out her call. “She is on the margins, at the border, taking care of those who have nowhere to lay their heads at night,” Townes said. “She does not judge or question why – only, what can I do to help? How can I love you and care for you – one human being to another? One child of God to another child of God.” [...]
When your earthly journey is over and you meet our heavenly Father, which of the two greetings do you expect? “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” “Where were you?” [...]
An echo of St. Francis’s vision of God’s call to “rebuild my church” resounds in the 21st century inspiration of ‘prophetic creativity,’ a concept that appears in recent Franciscan and church documents. [...]
For the second year, virtual hugs and warm smiles filled the computer screens of between 80 and 100 regional ministers, national leaders, spiritual assistants and observers. From across the country, they converged on screen for the 2021 National Chapter, prepared to engage in discussions and make decisions for the good of the Order. [...]
Whether you are a friend of the Order, new to the Order, an inquirer, or a Spiritual Assistant, the Q is for you. Everyone is welcome, and you do not have to be a Franciscan to attend. Please, prayerfully ask yourself if God is calling you to the Q.
I love St. Francis’ ability to find joy in everything! Francis used his senses to experience God’s love. He looked at a bird and understood; he heard the bird’s call and experienced the handiwork of God through the bird. What joy!