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FROM THE PROVINCIAL
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 NEW YORK - In addition to the beginning of another Church year, last Sunday was also the beginning of the Year of Consecrated Life - called for by Pope Francis.
Perhaps it is a particular gift of having a religious as Pope that he would bring this special focus to our way of life committed and consecrated to following the Evangelical Counsels.
In calling for this special year, the Pope has called upon each of us to "Wake up the world. Be witnesses to a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world."
It is no small thing that the Holy Father is calling us to. He is inviting us, especially in this year, to be first renewed in who we are; renewed in who God is calling us to be; renewed in our charism, our vows, our way of life. This renewal will lead us to a more powerful and clear witness of the Gospel and as we know from our own founder, when this witness is clear and powerful, it can change the world - it can indeed wake up the world.
I encourage each and every one of us to embrace all that this year is inviting us into. Let us not be satisfied with a superficial acknowledgment of the Year of Consecrated Life; instead let us be made new again; renewed in our common call.
The Pope said, "Religious follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way. It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be men and women who are able to wake the world up."
Fraternally,
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Year of Consecrated Life | Pope Francis
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"We must not be afraid to leave 'old wineskins,' that is, to renew the routines and structures that, in the life of the church and in consecrated life, no longer respond to what God is asking us today in order to promote his kingdom in the world."
"The church must be bold in recognizing and changing the structures that give us a false sense of protection and that condition the dynamism of charity, as well as the routines that distance us from the flock we are sent to and prevent us from hearing the cry of those awaiting the good news of Jesus Christ."
"In that portion of the Lord's vineyard represented by those who have chosen to imitate Christ most closely through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, new grapes have matured and new wine has been pressed."
"We are called to discern the quality and the vintage of the 'new wine' that was produced in this long period of renewal and, at the same time, to evaluate if the wineskins that contain it -- represented by the institutional forms present in consecrated life today -- are adequate to hold this 'new wine' and promote its full maturation."
"We also must be very careful to ensure that institutional and ministerial tasks do not take priority over the development of members' spiritual lives. We face the difficult integration of cultural and generation diversity, the problematic balance of the exercise of authority and the proper use of material goods -- poverty concerns me, too."
"Please tell your new members that to pray is not to waste time, adoring God is not a waste of time, praising God is not a waste of time. Without prayer, the wine will be vinegar."
"The secret to evangelization is to communicate the Gospel in the style of the Gospel. The joy of a gift received out of pure love must be communicated with love."
- Pope Francis speaking to members of the Congregation for Religious, November 27
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Happy Thanksgiving from Rome
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ROME - Thanksgiving was celebrated in friaries throughout the Province, of course, but even our friars in Rome took time out to celebrate this quintessentially American holiday.
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Lay Missioners headed to Valley of the Angels
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VALLEY OF THE ANGELS, GUATEMALA - Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM, director of Valley of the Angels Orphanage and School, is excited to announce a partnership with Franciscan Mission Service based in Washington, DC.
Beginning early next year, FMS will be sending to of their lay missioners for an extended mission experience at Valley of the Angels. These young lay missioners will begin a two-year commitment to working with the children at Valley. Amanda Ceraldi and Maeve Gallagher have been part of the FMS training program for several months already, preparing for their missionary experience.  | | Maeve Gallagher (left) and Amanda Ceraldi (right) |
Maeve Gallagher's passion for social justice lies in race relations, mental health issues, and the empowerment of young women. Fueled by a desire to serve and heal, Maeve hopes to foster these gifts during her time in Guatemala. She loves to write and experience music and art in different cultures. She grew up outside of Chicago, IL, and graduated from Christendom College, where she discovered her love for solidarity. Maeve comes to us from Wheaton, IL with a degree in English language and literature from Christendom College. Her favorite saint, in addition to St. Cecilia, is St. Martin de Porres who cared for the people most in need while still facing racial prejudice himself. In her own words, "he is absolutely inspiring and is an example for our broken modern world." That desire to care for and serve others is also apparent in her favorite quote, "What on earth can you do on this earth but catch at whatever comes near you, with both your hands, until your fingers are broken?" (From Orpheus Descending by Tennessee Williams) When asked about her most meaningful service experience thus far, Maeve thinks of Wendy, a girl she became friends with on a mission trip to Honduras. Though they didn't share the same language or culture, they still became friends and it is from this experience that Maeve learned about the universality of friendship, faith and love. Maeve enjoys reading, listening to live music, visiting museums, drinking coffee or wine with good friends, and watching Wes Anderson movies. Amanda Ceraldi, a Maryland native, loves all things related to her home state. After visiting Assisi and studying Sts. Francis and Clare, Amanda discovered her love for the Franciscan charism and ministry of presence. She studied theology and peace and justice studies at The Catholic University of America where she found a love for service and mission. She is excited to work with the children at Valley of the Angels. A Maryland native, Amanda graduated from Catholic University of America in May 2014 where she majored in theology and peace and justice studies. Her role models are her dad, Louie, and Oscar Romero who she says "has had a profound impact on my faith life and my discovery of my love of mission and service." Her life's mantra comes from her favorite TV show, One Tree Hill, "Somebody told me this is the place where everything's better and everything's safe." Amanda's most meaningful service experience to date was spent working in Portmore, Jamaica. The day she and her group spent with the kids in the neighborhood as part of a clinic and day camp was hugely impactful as she discovered a bond of joy, laughter, and love that transcended cultures. On mission she hopes to rediscover this bond, and live life following the words of Mother Teresa, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Her interests include spending time with family and friends, reading, craft projects, and watching the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. She also knows how to sew and can list all 197 countries in the world if you ask her.
Additionally, three other lay missioners will begin their mission after the beginning of the year. Tom Little will go to Bolivia; and Brandon Newland and Patrick Montine will serve with
friars of St. John the Baptist Province in their mission in Jamaica.
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"Live the Present with Passion" | Franciscan Living
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By Michael Della Penna, OFM | Director of Ongoing Formation
"Let us begin to do good, for up to now we have done little or nothing"
As we enter into the season of Advent and begin a new Church year, one in which Pope Francis dedicated to Consecrated life, we are not only invited to review our spiritual lives but are challenged to be forward looking as we reclaim the words of Pope John Paul II in his Vita Consecrata, who reawakened us to the reality we also have a "great history still to be accomplished!" and so must "look to the future, where the Spirit is sending you in order to do even greater things."
It is in this spirit that I would like to encourage each of us to take to heart Pope Francis' lead and "live the present with passion" and be refreshed by the Ratio Formationis Franciscanae's exhortation to rediscover "the poor and crucified Christ in oneself, in one's brothers, in one's service, in one's particular culture and in the whole of contemporary reality." (RFF 107)
To begin this new year, a regular column, Franciscan Living, dedicated to the renewal of our Franciscan life will appear in Inter Nos, which is aimed at helping us make this year a special time of conversion and means of growth in our faith relationship with Christ. It will provide resources for updating as well as highlight and share how local fraternities are developing their spiritual and fraternal lives. A blog has also been created to promote deeper discussion on various topics of interest to our consecrated life and apostolates. You can visit the blog here: FRANCISCAN LIVING BLOG
Please visit and contribute to our first conversations:
- What are some of the best practices you could share with the brothers that have helped you to grow?
- What topics would you like to see addressed in retreats and workshops?
- Pope Francis' questions in his letter:
"If and how we too are open to being challenged by the Gospel; whether the Gospel is truly the "manual" for our daily living and the decisions we are called to make."
Is Jesus really our first and only love, as we promised he would be when we professed our vows?
Are our ministries, our works and our presence consonant with what the Spirit asked of our founders and foundresses? Are they suitable for carrying out today, in society and the Church, those same ministries and works? Do we have the same passion for our people, are we close to them to the point of sharing in their joys and sorrows, thus truly understanding their needs and helping to respond to them?
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Novices learn that manners matter
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By Br. Josh Critcheley, OFM
BURLINGTON, WISCONSIN - On Friday, October 24, 2014, Brother Scott Obrecht, OFM and Ms. Amy Motyka came to the Novitiate to lead a workshop on manners.
To kick off the day we were given a brief 10 question quiz asking us how much we knew about manners. The presenters then shared a little bit of background about themselves. Br. Scott is a friar from St. John the Baptist Province and Amy is a certified etiquette teacher. The two of them formed a wonderful and dynamic team, which was proved through this interactive workshop.
A very funny skit followed that involved Br. Scott and Amy having a dinner party which demonstrated what not to do and what poor table manners looked like. Novice Br. Dale Brewer helped animate the skit as a guest at the dinner party. It was a humorous way of showing that manners truly do matter. The remainder of the morning was focused on table manners and various kinds of table settings.
The afternoon continued with other courtesies that are just as important as table manners. These included making an introduction to another person, how to give a proper handshake, tips on phone use and good travel tips. Then the novices had the opportunity to ask etiquette questions.
That evening we were treated to a four-course 'practice' dinner in the refectory. Bobbie Poulsen, the chef at Queen of Peace Friary, served a magnificent meal. One novice from each table volunteered to be the server for their table. Dinner began with rolls and salad. Next on the menu was Italian Wedding Soup. The main course was spaghetti with sauce and sausage. The meal concluded with a delicious apple crisp served with vanilla ice cream. The dinner was led by Amy who was very helpful in giving instructions throughout our time together.
After the dinner was over Br. Scott and Amy answered a couple more questions. The day concluded with a short ceremony in which Br. Scott and Amy presented the novices with a certificate for completing the workshop.
The workshop was very well organized, interactive and informative. The presenters definitely did their job of teaching why manners do actually matter. The skills learned have benefited all the novices. Now then, please pass the salt.
Photo: Br. Christian Seno (OFM), (Holy Name)
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International Human Rights Day conference in NYC
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - In celebration of International Human Rights Day, the Migrant Center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi will hold a Human Rights Conference on Saturday, December 13, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference, entitled "LOOKING BEYOND OUR BORDERS," will focus on the seemingly unrelated but surprisingly interconnected issues of environmental justice and human trafficking.
Speakers at the conference will include scholars, experts and community organizations who will address the effects of environmental degradation and the scourge of human trafficking. Participants at the conference will hear the testimony of actual survivors of human trafficking and environmental disasters, and will participate in workshops and activities to inform themselves more deeply about these issues and to develop skills, share ideas, and learn ways in which they personally can take action to raise awareness in their own communities and to effect change on a wider scale.
The conference, which is inspired by the spirit of St. Francis, the "Patron Saint of Ecology," is intended to be nonsectarian: all people of good will are encouraged to attend the conference, participate in the workshops, and join in the "call to action" that will close it.
Join us as we spark some needed action in confronting these issues one small step at a time. Together, we can make a difference. We're looking forward to your participation. Please help promote the conference in the OFM-ESC and other Franciscan entities.
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U.S. Provincial Ministers speak in support of Immigration Action
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December 1, 2014
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
It is with a tempered gratitude that we write to thank you for your recent Executive Action providing relief for our unregularized immigrant brothers and sisters. Many of them have lived for years under the fear and shadow of deportation and family separation. We have the privilege of ministering to many of these persons in the hundreds of Franciscan parishes, schools and service ministries where we serve in the U.S. Regularly we hear our immigrant brothers and sisters tragic stories of flight from violence and economic oppression. It is a just and good thing that as many as 5 million persons may take advantage of the Executive Relief you have signed. Our caution stems from the fact that this action is temporary and incomplete.
We persist in our concern for the more than 6 million persons who will remain in the shadows - those who are not able to take advantage of the Administrative Relief. They and their families endure under the danger of separation through deportation and detention. As you know, and as we have asked you and Congress before, the best solution is comprehensive and just immigration reform. Until that day arrives justice will elude our immigrant sisters and brothers. Please do not feel you have done all you can with the Executive Relief. Though we appreciate the temporary respite for some of our immigrant brothers and sisters, comprehensive immigration reform must be our goal.
In addition to the need for comprehensive immigration reform, the situation with the unaccompanied minors and minors accompanied by a single parent remains a crisis on our border. Though it does not receive the same level of news coverage of this past summer, it does remain an on-going issue that many of our ministries on the U.S.-Mexico Border are addressing with other partners of good will. These individuals continue to be innocent victims of violence fleeing for their lives from Central America. We urge you and the Congress to provide a safe haven for these refugees and take action that can remove the factors of violence and economic misery that drive people from their homes.
We realize there will be a backlash against the Executive Action; we find this unfortunate but indicative of the complexity and need for a permanent resolution to the immigration crisis through comprehensive immigration reform. For our part, we are encouraging our ministries that serve immigrant populations to distribute and promote the information about how to take advantage of the temporary relief made possible through this Executive Action. We continue to pray for you, for Congress and for our nation that together we can work towards a justice that will enable all of us to fully recognize and welcome the gifts brought to us by our immigrant brothers and sisters.
Sincerely,
Leadership of Franciscan (O.F.M.) Provinces of the United States
Very Rev. John Puodziunas, OFM
Assumption BVM Province
Franklin, WI
Very Rev. Kevin Mullen, OFM
Holy Name Province
New York, NY
Very Rev. Primo Piscitello, OFM
Immaculate Conception Province
New York, NY
Very Rev. Jack Clark Robinson, OFM
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province
Albuquerque, NM
Very Rev. William Spencer, OFM
Sacred Heart Province
St. Louis, MO
Very Rev. John Hardin, OFM
Saint Barbara Province
Oakland, CA
Very Rev. Jeff Scheeler, OFM
Saint John the Baptist Province
Cincinnati, OH
CC:
Speaker of the House John Boehner
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
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Resources for Advent and Christmas
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