NewsletterJan 07

ATTENDED THE ANNUAL NAFRA MEETING IN WISCONSIN, THE LAST WEEK IN OCTOBER, which was the national fraternity’s election chapter. It was gratifying to see the large number of seculars who were nominated for the various offices, and even more gratifying the many seculars who were willing to serve on the national council. This newly elected council is well qualified to lead the Order for the next three years. The new national officers are listed at the end of this article. Statements reflecting our Franciscan values on two of the pressing Peace and Justice issues of today were issued, and both were sent to President Bush. The first was on immigration. It declared our support for the recent pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States, entitled “:Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope.” The statement on Darfur reiterates one issued two years ago condemning the genocide in Darfur, and urging support for the peacekeeping efforts in Darfur and for prompt and just refugee status for the people of Darfur. In addition, the Secular Franciscans in the USA will start a perpetual novena for at least one year for the people of Darfur. Every day for the next year, starting Dec 1, 2006, members of the SFO will be praying the novena prayer. We have been assigned the week starting with the first Sunday in March (4-10th) and the first week of Sept. (2-8th). The prayer was given out at our regional meeting in October and also sent to ministers by

mail. It is also included in the newsletter. You may start and end your novena on other days if necessary, or do a different week. The most important thing is to pray the prayer; we all know the power of prayer! You are also encouraged to share the prayer with others.

The correct date of our Chapter of Elections is April 28, 2007 at St. Adalbert Church in Elmhurst. Please send in your nominations for the new council, and if you are nominated for a office, accept the nomination. Continue to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the upcoming election, that we will elect those who can animate and guide our region.

May thanks to Lori Pieper for her wonderful sharing of her knowledge of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order, at our Nov.11 Regional Day.

Our regional picnic will be on May 19th, 2007, in a still to be determined park in Queens (with easy access from parkways). We will have an opportunity to share foods from a variety of countries. So mark your calendars.

The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn are sponsoring a Canticle Lecture Series, designed specifically for the SFO. The next Lecture. “Praying with Clare”, is May 5, 2007. Brown bag lunch, $20 suggested donation. Place to be announced. You may call Br. Tom Barton, OSF, 631-261-5730 to register after Jan 1, 2007. Limited to 30 people.

The Quinquennial Congress will not be held at Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 2007. The contract with NAFRA and the University has been canceled. The Quinquennial committee is looking for a new location.

Novena Prayer for Darfur

Merciful Father, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Wisdom and Compassion, please look upon our brothers and sisters in Darfur. We humbly pray:

-----For those who have been subjected to violence: women, children, young and old men, we ask for healing, consolation, and relief of further suffering.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

-----For those who have done violence, we ask for healing, forgiveness, and the grace of conversion.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

-----For those in authority throughout the world, we ask wisdom, creativity, compassion and courage in addressing this situation.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

Lord Jesus, Your Sacred Heart burns for love of all Your people. Please place in our hearts that same love and inspire us to have the courage, wisdom and ingenuity to take what measures we can personally to relieve the suffering in Darfur. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord, through the intercession of the sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Memorare: Remember oh most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, oh Virgin of Virgins, my mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen †

“SECULAR” FRANCISCANS

Regional Spiritual Assistant

GAIN, THIS PAST WEEK, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL, IN WHICH A SECULAR Franciscan expressed concern over the use of the word ‘secular’ in naming a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Over the years I have heard this concern many times. Members do not like to be called ‘Seculars’.

The word ‘secular’ comes from the Latin word for ‘world’. Many times it is used in a negative sense. In other words, secular connotes that society is very worldly, materialistic, evil, and less spiritual. I know that diocesan priests are sometimes called secular priests, to distinguish them from religious priests, and they do not like that terminology either.

First of all, permit me to say that I have nothing to do or say concerning the word ‘secular’ in the sense that I can change the terminology. That comes from Rome. The Holy Fathers, Pope Paul VI, John Paul the Great and Pope Benedict XVI, all refer to the Order as the Secular Franciscan Order. Throughout the Rule, approved by Paul VI, the words ‘Secular Franciscans’ are used. The Dominican Third Order sometimes refer to themselves as ‘Dominican Laity’. This is incorrect terminology, and would be incorrect for the Franciscan Third Order, since our members are not all laity, and we have clergy, not only laity, as members, with deacons and priests and bishops as members of the Secular Franciscan Order. They are all seculars but not all laymen and laywomen.

Some would like to be called Third Order members. I don’t think Poor Clares want to be called Second Order members, and the friars don’t want to be called First Order members. I am a Capuchin Franciscan. If I said I was a First Order Franciscan, people wouldn’t know what I was talking about. If a Graymoor Friar or Sister identified himself/herself as a Third Order religious, it would say nothing about who he/she is, unless people wanted to know the origin of the different Orders in the Franciscan family in greater detail.

The problem with the word ‘secular’ arises from a misconception or confusion of the phrases, ‘in the world’ and ‘of the world’. Secular Franciscans are, and live their vocation, in the world. But they are not to be worldly, of the world. This is one of the things that make the vocation so difficult to live. The words ‘Secular Franciscan’ clearly identify the vocation. The Poor Clare lives in a cloister; the friar lives in a community, the Secular lives in the world.

Someone gave me a book by Henri Nouwen entitled “The Way of the Heart; Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry”. The book is based on the spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. In the book Henri Nouwen writes that, “…the Christian had to become the enemy of the dark world. The flight to the desert was the way to escape a tempting conformity to the world.” The vocation of the Secular Franciscan, as mentioned above, is a very difficult vocation. It is not the vocation of the Desert Fathers or Mothers. It is not the vocation of the monk. It is not a call to flee the world, but to remain in the world and not become conformed to the world. Can we do this? This is the real test of our vocation to be a Secular Franciscan. †

Bill Sosnicki, SFO

AST NOVEMBER WE BEGAN TO CELEBRATE THE 800TH BIRTHDAY OF ST. ELIZABETH of Hungary. We will be celebrating and learning from this wonderful Franciscan for some time to come. The official time frame will be for two years, with the celebration of her 800th birth falling on her Feast Day of November 17, 2007. However, one cannot put a time limit on learning.

What a beautiful saint we have as our Patroness, as described in a letter by TOR Superiors, entitled WE HAVE COME TO BELIEVE IN LOVE. In it we can learn much about this wonderful saint. Did you know that she was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and his wife, Gertrude? She was born in 1207. At a very early age she was promised in marriage to the young German Prince from Thuringia, named Ludwig lV. When Elizabeth was four years old she traveled to her new home to live with her future husband's family. She grew up with Ludwig, and lead a holy life as a child. She and Ludwig were married, and had three children. The first child was a son named Hermann. Two daughters, named Sophia and Gertrude, followed. Elizabeth's husband was very supportive of her devotion to God and her charitable works of mercy. They shared a mutual love of God. Ludwig died when Elizabeth was twenty years of age. It was at this time that this young princess left the castle to work among the poor. She founded and served in a hospital in Marburg, placing the hospital under the protection of St. Francis. Elizabeth wore the gray habit of a penitent, and died in the year 1231 at the age of 24. She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235.

Did you know that there is a Catholic Church named after St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Melville, Long Island? If you ever get the opportunity, please stop by. You can feel the Franciscan spirit as you enter the area. There is a beautiful bronze statue of St. Elizabeth outside, who smiles at you as you walk around the statue. Behind her, a short distance away, you will come across an outstanding statue of St. Francis. He was placed there, according to the church's bulletin, because he had such a great influence on Elizabeth. As you enter the church, look to your left. There is a huge pipe organ. Above it is a large, colorfully circled, stained glass window. In it, one can see two crowns. Again, the church's bulletin gave a very good explanation. The upside down crown stands for her letting go of her earthly belongings. The crown of thorns is for her suffering she was dealt because of her kindness to others. The wedding rings remind us of her marriage and their three children. You can also see a picture of bread which stands for her helping the poor. Finally, there is the Franciscan cord, which she wore, that forms a circle within this beautiful window. In the opposite direction, across the church, you will come across a large statue of St. Elizabeth holding the bread that helps us to recognize her.

Please take note that this is only a very short summary concerning St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The TOR Superiors, in their letter mentioned above, point out that God showed His love to others through Elizabeth, and that she was truly a Franciscan, following the Words of Jesus in the Gospels: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:35; Lk 17:33). "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (MK 8:34). Truly, St. Elizabeth went from Gospel to life, and life to Gospel. God shows His love to us through people.

On a personal note—I just want to say thank you for all the kindness and love as I continue with my treatment. Thank you. Peace, Bill †

HEN A PILGRIM ENTERS THE MASSIVE DOUBLE DOORS OF MARY OF THE Angels Basilica in Assisi, his eye is immediately drawn to what appears to be a child’s doll house far in the distance at the other end of the church. As he approaches and the setting is put in perspective, the realization is made that this massive structure protects this small and lovingly cared for chapel, “The Portiuncula.”

This is the place that Francis loved most and where he asked to be taken as Sister Death neared. Almost immediately behind the chapel is a re-creation of the place where he died with a representation of all those who gathered there on that crisp October Third night in 1226.

Seven hundred and eighty years later, Secular Franciscans, joined by friends and parishioners of the Franciscan Church of St. Joseph the Worker, and numbering over sixty people, gathered once again in remembrance of that long ago holy night.

Led by the Friars of St. Joseph’s Church and the Minister and members of the St. Maxmillian Kolbe Fraternity, the Transitus of St. Francis was lovingly re-created with the words uttered by Francis and his brothers that night, the passing of bread and the reading of the Gospel for Holy Thursday.

We were called to meditate on the loving exhortation graphically illustrated with the washing of the feet of the Apostles. “Whose feet shall it be my honor to wash today?” “To whom am I called today and every day to share the love and joy of Jesus?”

This was a beautiful evening for which all who attended give thanks and appreciation. Hopefully we can look forward to it for many years to come. †

The following article was submitted to Catholic New York, The Tablet and The Long Island Catholic last November.

The Tau Cross Region, Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), held their Annual Fall Gathering on November 11, 2005. A Franciscan Friar and 99 SFO brothers and sisters, representing 27 fraternities, gathered at St Joseph’s Parish Center, Babylon NY. In addition, about 12 guests attended. The Tau Cross Region is comprised of 42 fraternities located in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. There are currently about 950 professed brothers and sisters.

This year’s Guest Speaker was Lori Pieper SFO, from Mother of God Fraternity in The Bronx. Lori’s topic was St Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the SFO. A 2-year celebration of the 800th birth of St Elizabeth will begin on her Feast Day (11/17). The 1st year will be dedicated to learning more about the life of St Elizabeth; the 2nd year will concentrate on her significance for SFO spirituality. St Elizabeth’s motto was: “Give God whatever you have cheerfully and gladly.” Elizabeth was a wife, mother, queen and Secular Franciscan. She died at the age of 24. Lori called her “the original multi-tasker.” Lori mentioned St Elizabeth’s importance for Seculars: (1) Attracting youth: her idealism and heroism, and her acceptance of responsibility at an early age will appeal to youth, (2) opposing the “culture of death”: Elizabeth was a pro-life saint. She will be a model for pregnant women, the poor who are dying, and those with serious illness; (3) a proponent of social justice. Lori closed with the statement: “Like St Elizabeth, Seculars are called to abandon worldliness, but not the world.”

At 11:11 am, on 11/11, a moment of silence was observed for peace throughout the world.

Following Mass and lunch, Regional Minister Barbara O'Neill presented the Regional Family Award to MaryLou and Jim Hughes, from Il Poverello Fraternity (East Islip) and the Regional Peace Award to Joan and John DeRiso, from St Helen Fraternity (Howard Beach).

On June 1, in Dix Hills, Florence Luna was admitted into New Pentecost Fraternity. Frank Harnos, Minister, presided.

On October 9, in Astoria, 2 members were admitted into Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fraternity. Sal Grippi, Minister, presided. Rev Carmelo Gagliardi OFM Cap was Friar Witness.

On March 17, at St James, Barbara Consorte, and on November 16, Pat Consorte and Joan DiDonato, were admitted into Blessed John XXIII Fraternity. Elizabeth Wittish, Minister, presided.

On December 3, at Patchogue, Anthony and Maria Vissicchio were admitted into St Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternity. Gerard Crean, Minister, presided. Rev Matthias Wesnofske, OFM Cap, was Friar Witness.

On October 1, in Patchogue, Edward Harrigan, Judith Heffernan, Alice McKenna, Dorothy Morris, Dorothy Pavacic and Martha Sconfienza were professed into St Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternity. Gerard Crean, Minister, presided. Rev Matthias Wesnofske, OFM CAP, was Friar Witness.

On October 8, in West Hempstead, Frances Skinner was professed into St Bonaventure Fraternity. Jane Krull, Minister, presided. Rev Matthias Wesnofske, OFM Cap, was Friar Witness.

On October 21, in Brooklyn, two candidates were professed into St Finbar Fraternity. Clelia Savarino, Minister, presided. Rev Carmelo Gagliardi OFM Cap was Friar Witness.

On November 18, in Sunnyside, Margaret Fleming was professed into St Mary, Queen of Angels Fraternity. Frances Schmidt, Minister, presided. Rev Matthias Wesnofske, OFM Cap was Friar Witness.

 Transitus celebration at Patchogue, sponsored by St Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity; Oct 3

 Canticle Series Inaugural Presentation: Praying with the Heart of Clare of Assisi, at Alvernia, Centerport NY, sponsored by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. Sr Meg Holden, Franciscan Sisters of Peace, was the presenter. 12 Franciscans including 9 SFO’s from Tau Cross Region, attended; December 9.

 2^ndTuesdays: SFO members from several fraternities meet at The Premier Diner on Commack a few hundred feet north of the Long Island Expressway (495) Exit 52 N for brunch once a month on the second Tuesday at 11:45 AM. We talk about Catholic/SFO subjects and enjoy each others’ company. All are invited, bring family and friends. No reservations required.

 “Christ in the City”, Retreats at Church of St John the Baptist, 210 West 31^st Street, NYC: Saturdays January 20, February 17, March 24, April 21, May 19, June 23, 4 to 10 pm; contact Brother Salvatore Patricola OFM Cap, (212) 564-9070 ext 247

 Regional Retreat, Cormaria Retreat House, Sag Harbor. Cost $160; contact Bob Campbell for information/reservation; April 17-19

 Regional Chapter of Elections, St Adalbert Parish Center, Elmhurst; April 28

 Canticle Series at Alvernia, Centerport; suggested offering $20; call Bro Tom Barton OSF at (631) 261-5730 for reservations or register online at www.alvernia.org; May 5

Please send items of interest (Elections, Professions, Anniversaries, Events, Recognition) to Regional Secretary Bob Campbell, 135 Centre Avenue, East Rockaway NY 11518 (or email to arcyc@aol.com)

The TAU is published quarterly, in January, April, July and October. Articles by Fraternity members are welcomed. If accepted, they may be edited. Please submit copy by the 10^th of the month prior to the publication month.

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Please address inquiries or letters to Frank Drollinger, SFO, Editor, The TAU 89-14 85^th St. Woodhaven, NY 11421 Phone: 718-296-1756 or fdrollin@aol.com

Volume 11, Issue 1

January, 2007

“SECULAR” FRANCISCANS

Regional Spiritual Assistant

Bill Sosnicki, SFO