From the Newsletter

Be Love to Young People

“Love isn’t something we feel, it’s something we do.” We’ve all heard this quote time and time again, but what does it really mean? It simply means we can’t just talk about loving one another. Our actions, words, and intentions need to express love genuinely and concretely. That’s not easy to do when we speak of loving our younger generation. Not because we don’t have hearts for young people, but because it’s difficult to love them if they’re not in our presence. If there aren’t younger Catholics in our midst—how can we show them we love them? ...

Carolyn Seal2024-08-21T15:01:53-04:00August 26th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

Apostolate: Love in Living Deeds

“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” (James 2: 15,16.) It could also be said, if we see a river of people wandering without protection, all their savings stolen, preyed upon by criminals and officials alike, huddled against our national border, and we say to them, “peace and all good,” and do nothing to help them obtain food, shelter, and safety, what good is that?

Carolyn Seal2024-08-15T20:07:43-04:00August 19th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

Reﬂecting on Mary, Our Mother and Model

Think back to your profession and recall the words that you said as the Minister held your hands and you made your profession promise. I, by the grace of God, renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom. ...

Carolyn Seal2024-08-08T14:55:56-04:00August 12th, 2024|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

A Mutual Embrace

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

by Fr. John De La Riva, OFM Cap.

President-in-turn, National Conference of Spiritual Assistants

I write to you as I am gazing on a nicely framed picture depicting the familiar […]

Carolyn Seal2024-08-01T14:36:25-04:00August 5th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

“You Are Love:” Fraternity is our Workshop

... how grateful I am for the gift of fraternity: “What is truly special and emotional for me, though, is to see how people of different backgrounds, languages, and cultures are so much alike in our love for one another, for God, and for our Franciscan vocation. The Holy Spirit has given each one of us the exact gifts and talents we need to allow us to get along and to be productive. It's a bit of a miracle to see what even a tiny "temporary" fraternity can accomplish if we are open to the Spirit and to one another.”

Carolyn Seal2024-07-21T14:17:38-04:00July 22nd, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|0 Comments

Puzzles & Important Information TAU-USA Digital #111

These Puzzles and Important Information originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2024 Digital Issue #111 – GOSPEL TO LIFE BOOKSTORE INFORMATION IS UPDATED June 20, 2024.

Carolyn Seal2024-06-24T13:01:22-04:00July 1st, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Prayer inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudate Deum

This prayer is inspired by Laudate Deum, Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on care for creation in follow-up to Laudato Si'. Laudate Deum is available on the Vatican website under “Apostolic Exhortations.”

Carolyn Seal2024-06-19T11:42:51-04:00June 24th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

St. John the Baptist Fraternity Essay Contest Winner

With brilliance and insight, Jordan weaves a philosophical connection between beauty and God as proclaimed by St. Francis in the Canticle of the Sun. Jordan received a $100 prize and a Word of Fire Bible. We hope that you are inspired by the thoughtful writing of this young man. Praise be to God!

Carolyn Seal2024-06-11T09:49:51-04:00June 17th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

The Cross and St. Francis

On Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Franciscan Family officially opened the VIII Centenary of the Stigmata of St. Francis, with an event entitled “From the wounds to new life.” Eight centuries ago this year, up on the same mountain, on September 17, 1224, he received the stigmata; that is, the wounds of Christ were revealed on his hands, feet, and side. However, St. Francis’ interiorization of the cross took place much earlier. It happened around 1205-06, at the beginning of his conversion.

Carolyn Seal2024-06-04T13:29:12-04:00June 10th, 2024|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

We Are Called To Renewal

This passage from St. Paul (Rom12:2), notes three levels of adherence to God’s will: good, acceptable and perfect. Initially there is a minimum of following Christ which is solely good (not evil). Next we have acceptability which reflects a little higher adherence but still withholds total commitment and finally, there is perfection; for those who are fully committed to follow Christ and to become transformed by Him. It is a renunciation of self and desires, with a total intention of living for Christ in this world.

Carolyn Seal2024-05-29T14:16:08-04:00June 3rd, 2024|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments