I am certain we will get to the other side of this (Pandemic). My certainty rests in God. My prayer is that we get to the other side with a new vision, a deeper understanding, more compassion, and a fervent commitment to do all that we can individually, fraternally, and through our Order to care for the world and all within it.
We have just posted Fratelli Tutti on our OFS-USA website, along with an overview, summary, two study guides and a video reflection by Sr. Margaret Carney OSF.
Since there are no issues within the Order in our region, our focus moved to educate ourselves on the Beatitudes of Good Communication amongst all people. I heard a quote that went something like this: “You are the other part of me, I don’t yet understand.” We need to learn from each other. This is why learning and practicing mindful dialogue is so important with all people, because we don’t understand each other and what life is like from the perspective of other cultures.
Here is a very festive video that makes me so happy! I invite you to take 3 minutes, and maybe even dance as you watch it... or at least tap your feet!
A Historical View
By William Wicks, OFS, NAFRA Historian 2005 – 2012
I believe strongly that as Secular Franciscans, we are called to accept all people as equal under God; our Rule testifies to this by stating “in the divine seed in everyone.” (Rule 2:19) And who can […]
The national OFS fraternity has asked us: to identify and eradicate the structures that perpetuate racism…; to pray for an end to racism…; to identify and confront our own unconscious racial biases. I hope this article provides some resources for each of these actions that you can use individually or as a fraternity for on-going formation. It is not comprehensive, but rather offers a menu of ideas.
Our appeal asks a very simple thing from each and every Secular Franciscan brother and sister: that each pray a crown rosary any time on this day, either individually or in community, or in family, or in parish, asking the intercession of the Francsican Saints.
During these difficult times of political turmoil and racial upheaval, one question keeps coming up over and over again: “What can I do?” I have only one answer: Dialogue with one another. Listen to the stories. Validate the stories. Then you will be able to share your stories.
“[St. Francis showed us the] inseparable bond between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace.”
The National Executive Council (NEC) typically meets 2-4 times per year to conduct the business of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States with a few phone calls in between meetings.