Franciscans International has published a series of articles and resources highlighting the role of Franciscans in advancing human rights worldwide.
“Around the world, people commit to the protection and promotion of human rights. While some choose to focus on a specific issue, such as the right to water or extreme poverty, others work with certain groups like women, children, Indigenous Peoples, or migrants and refugees. They can work individually or with others, professionally or not, and in many ways: this can for example be through the collection and dissemination of information, advocacy at the local, national, and international levels, or by supporting victims. Whether they know it or not, their contribution towards dignity and justice through peaceful action makes them human rights defenders.”
Access the Franciscans International articles and resources:
The Queen of Peace Regional Fraternity of Secular Franciscans held their Spring Gathering at the Sisters of St. Francis motherhouse in Little Falls on April 29th. The Secular Franciscan Order is a worldwide association of laity and religious, with local fraternities organized into regional fraternities and national fraternities. It is one of the several orders that make up the Franciscan family. The Queen of Peace Regional Fraternity includes local fraternities in six states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The gathering was especially important for those of us in the St. Cloud fraternity of Secular Franciscans as the 100th anniversary of our fraternity. The Secular Franciscan Order itself was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Anywhere and everywhere, every Secular Franciscan seeks the same thing in their daily life, work, family and community: “Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.”
The Spring Gathering was organized to include guest speakers, celebration of mass by recently installed Bishop Neary, a communal meal, dedicated time for quiet reflection and prayer, as well as plenty of time for the joyous fellowship that characterizes a Franciscan community gathering. The guest speakers for the day were Sr. Michelle L’Allier and Shawn Colberg. Sister Michelle L’Allier is one of the Franciscan sisters at the Welcoming House located in St. Cloud, where she is involved with youth ministry, conducting programs in spirituality, and host of the podcast Engaging Franciscan Wisdom. Shawn Colberg is the Dean of Theology at St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary, where his studies and courses particularly focus on the theology of another Franciscan, St. Bonaventure, as well as St. Thomas Aquinas.
Sister Michelle L’Allier and Shawn Colberg partnered in their presentation, “Bringing Forth Franciscan Wisdom: Agents of Healing and Peace.” They set the focus of the day with a story about St. Francis of Assisi originally authored by hagiographer Thomas of Celano. The story relates how St. Francis recognized his calling when a section of the Gospel was explained to him, with its admonition of poverty, preaching the Kingdom of God, and penance. Thomas of Celano relates that St. Francis joyfully declared, “This is what I seek, this is what I desire with all my heart,” and immediately put into effect what he had heard.
The focus of the day was very timely, as so many in our contemporary society, especially with its technological capabilities and conflicting messages for anyone and everyone at all hours night and day, still struggle to know “What am I looking for?” and “What is it that I really want?” Secular Franciscans intentionally place themselves directly into the world, with all of its clamor, chaos and confusion, and seek to bring the healing and peace of the Gospel wherever they are — especially the times when, and places where, people are struggling the most. When St. Francis was seeking direction in life, he was blessed to have someone at hand to read and explain the Gospel to him, in a way that brought him lasting joy. In that same way, Secular Franciscans are at hand to bring the joy of the Gospel wherever they go in life. As the Secular Franciscan motto goes, “Going from Gospel to Life, and Life to the Gospel.”
This tradition and charism is shared between Secular Franciscans and the Sisters of St. Francis, who also attended the Spring Gathering. A highlight of my day was swapping stories with a sister about our work to serve marginalized people in hard circumstances. My stories came from my work here in Minnesota for children, youth and young adults with disabilities and behavioral health disorders, and Sister Shirley Mueller’s stories came all the way from McAllen, Texas, where she made morning tacos and coffee for the homeless. Did I mention that I sure like tacos – a lot? A fellowship was forged, and before the morning was over Sr. Shirley gave me a copy of Fratelli Tutti and a homework assignment. The afternoon was just as eventful, as after mass I stood admiring the chapel and received an impromptu explanation of the chapel’s Italian architecture and handcrafted décor from the Community Minister and President Sr. Carol Schmidt. I am sure Sr. Carol always has plenty of business to attend to, but her love for her community and good sense of humor was apparent in her choice to help me really see the chapel. She also shared a funny story about the chapel’s Umbrian architecture, a visiting theologian with a penchant for free association, and Italian cuisine. Did I mention that I sure like Italian cuisine too – a lot? I laughed at the story as well, and yet at the same time I appreciated that if you know a little about Italian, Mediterranean, or maybe any and all home cooking, it’s really about loving what is most human in all people and feeding them with that love. Remember the tacos and coffee? That’s what I’m talking about.
On the heels of a winter that lasted much too long, the Spring Gathering of Secular Franciscans was right to invite Bishop Neary, who himself came along in time to catch a winter that lasted much too long. Bishop Neary spent the morning with us, at the table, elbow to elbow. Earlier in the month, Bishop Neary had penned a column in the Central Minnesota Catholic in which he gave voice to the charge, “Each of us is called to be about the work of resurrection in our daily lives…In a world where there is so much loneliness, let us be people with hope to bring!” Although Bishop Neary may call the Congregation of the Holy Cross his spiritual home address, it was clear from his presence, homily, and encouragement, that it would not be a stretch to call Bishop Neary a Franciscan with a small but mighty “f” in his ability to see Christ resurrected in work for the poor, sick, wounded and despairing. Bishop Neary was definitely in the right place, and he fit right in with the rest of us. We were, and remain, deeply grateful for the time with Bishop Neary in Franciscan fellowship.
When you come home from a meeting of Secular Franciscans, there are usually a few surprises. Books on various faith and spirituality topics, the history of the Church, and the Franciscan saints, are ceaselessly circulated and handed from Secular Franciscan to Secular Franciscan, and it really takes effort to come home without a book tucked under your arm. In my case, Sr. Shirley made sure of that, and it is a homework assignment that I know she thinks will help me be a better Franciscan – and she’s probably right. It’s an invitation that came home with me with me from Little Falls, and I am accepting it. God also likes to keep me aware of my…let’s call them good ol’ managerial “areas for growth.” To that end, everyone had a chance to win the small pot of pansies at the center of their table. As a longtime “black thumb” saboteur of neglected office plants and high desert vegetable gardens, my inner voice made its plaintive cry: “Not me, not me, not me…”
As I came through the door, I explained to my wife, “I have to take good care of this one, this is my Franciscan plant.” The Lord never misses a chance.
Tom Delaney, O.F.S., M.A.Theo.
About the Author: I am a Secular Franciscan with the St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans. I work in the field of government policies and programs to ensure social inclusion and human flourishing for children, youth and young adults with disabilities and behavioral health disorders. I reside with my family on our “one-horse ranch” and beekeeping spot just down the road from Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Dunes State Forest. We attend St. Henry’s in Monticello. I picked up my Master of Arts in Theology with a Concentration in Spirituality at the University of St. Catherine, studying the origins of monastic spirituality in medieval Irish hagiography. I write content for the website of the St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans at www.stcloudfranciscans.org.
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The 10th Spirituality & Sustainability Conference will be held in Rome and Assisi again from June 4th to June 11th in 2023. This coming year’s conference embraces will include contemplative practices in sacred places, the sharing of spiritual practices, sharing efforts to promote transformational change, exploring collaborative opportunities and supporting the work of young leaders. There will be a program of visits and discussions in Rome from June 4th to June 5th and we then travel to Assisi for the rest of the program from June 6th through June 10th. Contact: Assisiconference@gmail.com (with cc: jimmaclellan714@aol.com).
Catholic News Agency and Vatican News reported that, on April 29, Pope Francis visited the church in Hungary dedicated to Elizabeth of Hungary, patroness of the Secular Franciscan Order. During his visit, Pope Francis stated, “We need a church that is fluent in the language of charity, that universal language which everyone can hear and understand, even those farthest from us, even those who are not believers.” He also stated, “”It is not enough to provide bread to fill stomachs; we need to fill people’s hearts,” and “”Charity is much more than material and social assistance. It has to do with the whole person; it strives to put people back on their feet with the love of Jesus: a love that helps them to recover their beauty and their dignity.” Pope Francis explained, “”Engaging in charity means having the courage to look into the other person’s eyes — it’s not charity when you look the other way. To engage in charity, you must have the courage to touch the person.” In a meeting at the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute which was also part of the visit, Pope Francis responded to the Prayer of St. Francis saying that it is “pure Gospel” because it looks at reality, sees what is missing and asks God to give the believer the strength to make a difference. Video highlights of the visit can be viewed at Vatican News. (photo: Remo Casilli, 2023)
Florida Catholic Media reported Pope Francis’ address to a delegation of the Catholic Extension’s 2023 Spirit of Francis Award at the Vatican. Spirit of Francis Award recipients are laudable for their commitment “to reach out to the margins of society” in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and the founder of Catholic Extension, Father Francis Clement Kelley. Pope Francis said, “By giving a voice to those who are frequently voiceless, you bear witness to the God-given dignity of every person.” Pope Francis also shared, “listening to and including the experiences and perspectives of all, especially those on the margins of society, enriches the church’s life and ministry…I am pleased to know of your concern to place those who are often victims of today’s ‘throw-away culture’ at the heart of the church’s pastoral activity; in this way, their voices can be heard, and all can benefit.” (photo: Catholic News Service/Vatican Media, 2023)
Are you feeling called to bring a voice to the oppressed, the lowly, the pushed aside, and the impoverished of livelihood or spirit? Are you studying for or working in a profession of bringing a voice to the voiceless? Or maybe you find yourself in that role within your community or family? Are you considering whether the Secular Franciscan Order (O.F.S.) would bring and grow the spiritual dimension in your daily life and work? We would love to hear from you! E-mail the St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans at mailbox@stcloudfranciscans.org.
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The news outlets predict even more snow is on its way. We see that our animal friends take the weather with more ease than we often do. Perhaps they have a deep awareness of the life-giving connection between falling snow, abundant water in springtime ponds and lakes, and the flourishing of all things. Fittingly, today we read in the Liturgy of the Hours for Midafternoon:
I have built my upper chamber,
and established my vault over the earth;
I summon the waters of the sea
and pour them out on the surface of the earth,
I, the Lord by name.
The sky proclaims God’s glory.
The vault of heaven, the hand of him who made it.
~ Amos 9:6
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The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite you to a Lenten Day of Reflection entitled Letting Go and Letting In on Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., in St. Francis Hall at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. Presenter: Franciscan Associate Katherine Giorgio, former Franciscan Community Volunteer and Engaging Franciscan Spirituality alum.
Come for a day of quiet reflection as we move into the Lenten season. We’ll reflect on what we are asked to let go so that we can be open to what God invites us to let in. How will we unfurl hands, stuck thoughts, ideas and judgments to journey with Christ on the Lenten road? “I call heaven and earth to witness this. I now set before you life and death, a blessing and a curse. Choose life then, that you and your descendants will live, by loving the Lord, heeding the voice, and clinging to God” Deuteronomy 30:19-20.
To register by February 17, contact Christi Hartwell at (320) 632-0680 or chartwell@fslf.org. This event is also available by Zoom. There is no fee; however, donations are appreciated. After February 17th, call (today) to see if you can still get in as a walk-in.
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The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Columbia Heights (MN) will host a Women’s Retreat, “Nourished by Living Waters,” with Sr, Michelle L’Allier, O.S.F., of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, on Saturday, March 18th, 2023.
Registrations must be received by March 10 via mail to organizer Diane Tieden, c/o Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1000 41st Ave. NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. The admission fee is $25. Call 612-916-8365 for more information.
Please note that the address for Immaculate Conception Church, the site of the retreat, is 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.
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Thus says the Lord God: This…is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the things of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed…Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help and he will say: Here I am!
~ Isaiah 58: 1-9, Liturgy for Friday After Ash Wednesday
A sense of community will make them [Secular Franciscans] joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly for whom they shall strive to create conditions worthy of people redeemed by Christ.
Are you feeling called to bring relief to the oppressed, the lowly, the impoverished of livelihood or spirit? Are you studying for or working in a profession of bringing relief to others? Or maybe you find yourself in that role within your community or family? Are you considering whether the Secular Franciscan Order (O.F.S.) would bring and grow the spiritual dimension in your daily life and work? We would love to hear from you! E-mail the St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans at mailbox@stcloudfranciscans.org.
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Jesus said to all: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” ~ Luke 9:23, Liturgy for Thursday After Ash Wednesday
He [St. Francis of Assisi] often said: “Would that my Brethren should labor and employ themselves, lest being given up to laziness, they should stray into sins of the heart or of the tongue.” ~ St. Bonaventure, Life of St. Francis, 5-6
“Often the best way to do some work on the inside of myself, is to do some work outside myself.”
(written in someone’s notes for Secular Franciscan formation, 2023)
Are you feeling called to use your daily work to follow Jesus Christ? Are you studying for or working in a profession of service to others? Or maybe you find yourself in that role within your community or family? Are you considering whether the Secular Franciscan Order (O.F.S.) would bring and grow the spiritual dimension in your daily life and work? We would love to hear from you! E-mail the St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans at mailbox@stcloudfranciscans.org.
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St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans 