From the Heart of the Minister - December 2016

The Franciscan Gift

May the Lord give you peace! Most of us grew up being taught to think of others first. We take care of everyone else and see to their needs before taking care of ourselves. That really was our first brush with Franciscanism! This time of year is especially filled with thinking of others. What gift shall I buy for Johnny, don’t forget to bake those special cookies that Grandmom likes so much, make sure you write a note to your old neighbors before you send their card. If we ever make time for ourselves it surely isn’t
Continue reading: From the Heart of the Minister – December 2016

Reflections from Father Francis - December 2016

December 2016 Let every creature in heaven, on earth, in the sea and in the depths, give praise, glory, honor, and blessing to Him Who suffered so much, Who has given and will give in the future every good, for He is our power and strength, Who alone is good, Who alone is almighty, Who alone is omnipotent, wonderful, glorious and Who alone is holy, worthy of praise and blessing through endless ages. Amen. (From the Later Admonitions and Exhortation of Saint Francis of Assisi) Daily excerpts from Franciscan Sources Daily reflections taken from various sources 1 The holy man
Continue reading: Reflections from Father Francis – December 2016

Greetings from Father Francis - December 2016

Dear Sisters and Brothers in St. Francis,

May the Infant Jesus grant your heart the Peace you desire.

May His Star enlighten your mind with the splendor of His Truth.

May His Love consume your heart so that it beats solely for Him.

The Magi came in search of the ‘newborn King’. Arriving in Jerusalem they inquired: Where is the newborn King? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. Having left the palace of the king, the star preceded them until it came and stopped over the
Continue reading: Greetings from Father Francis – December 2016

Thoughts from the Regional Formation Director - December 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Advent!

We all know that St. Francis created the first Crèche in history. Celano writes (1Celano 84-86) that when Francis went to the Holy Land he had gone to Bethlehem, bringing home with him the memory of the town where the Savior was born. He then reproduced the scene of the Nativity on the famous Christmas Eve in Greccio.

I came across an interesting article entitled No Nativity, No Eucharist by Tony Angesi (wife Diane) It captured so much of what we encounter as Franciscans, reflective and most significant of the Holy Birth. Luke2:7 “And
Continue reading: Thoughts from the Regional Formation Director – December 2016