National Chapter attendees celebrated the feast of our patron, St. Louis IX, King of France, at a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at its 2023 Chapter on the feast day of St. Louis, Aug. 25. Fr. Tom Nairn, OFM, provincial of Sacred Heart province, was the celebrant. ...
This year, the Franciscan Family continues to observe a series of eight-centenary commemorations. In 2023, we are reflecting on two important events that occurred 800 years ago: the Approval of the Later Rule and the reenactment of Christmas at Greccio. Not far from Rieti, in the northernmost part of the eponymous valley, is the hill town of Greccio. Home to just about 100 residents, the village is famed for an event that took place in 1223. Within a grotto nestled within a cliff, here, St. Francis of Assisi reenacted the first nativity scene. ...
“In Greccio there was no nativity scene. There were no statues around but living people. I invite you all to experience this miracle, together with Saint Francis, being those around the ‘Christmas crèche.’ Let us be the living family, in which Jesus can be born and can find a warm family spirit,” Tibor Kauser, CIOFS General Minister, said.
Seventy Secular Franciscans, friars and visitors met at the General Chapter in St. Louis amidst a record-setting heat wave Aug. 22-27. One day the mercury soared to 104 degrees, breaking a record of 101 degrees set in 1943. This was a visitation year, and Secular Franciscans were honored by the presence of fraternal visitor Dina Shabalina, OFS, from Ukraine, and pastoral visitor Fr. Carlos Gines Campos Julve, TOR, of Peru. Visitations are held every six years at the national level.
Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025. The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt 18:20 NAB Reflecting on Jesus' reminder from Matthew 18:20 - if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.
During December we ardently await and long for God’s presence. We yearn for God’s son Jesus to come among us in peace and joy. In Advent we are hoping and wishing that we are ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
A virtual tour of Greccio, site of the first live nativity scene, will be featured Sunday, Nov. 19 on Zoom. Then the 1223 Greccio event will be told from the perspective of two early Franciscan biographers: Thomas of Celano, one of the original followers of St. Francis and St. Bonaventure (a “second generation” Franciscan who interviewed the remaining original followers).
The idiom “You can’t take it with you” encourages all to enjoy life now because we can’t take money or possessions with us when we die. It appears that Jesus in Luke 12:13-21 may be advocating for us to spend our money and use up our possessions.
The Season of Creation is a period that unites the Christian community worldwide to pray and care for the environment. It begins on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on October 4 on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Early in the morning, when I sit on the front porch and look east, I have a clear view of the distant hills and trees. If I wake up early enough, I watch the sky just above these hills beginning to glow in various shades of yellow, orange, and magenta. A few birds flutter by, and some sit silhouetted in the trees. Even a small hummingbird pauses to watch the new day begin. As time passes, rays of light flare along the hilltops, and Brother Sun slowly appears with a glaring brightness signaling the beginning of a new day. After a short time of quiet reflection, it is time to head back into the house for a little breakfast. ...