Monthly Archives: October 2023

Changes in the Franciscan Family

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St. Francis of Assisi

On October 17, 2023, six American Provinces of Franciscan Friars (Order of Friars Minor) gathered together in a joint Chapter. The Friars then officially merged into one Province, to be known as the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. One can see the need for such an action; the number of Friars have been dwindling. It was probably felt that the Friars could be more effective together in one Province, than in multiple Provinces.

At one time, a loooong time ago, I entered the formation program for the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province. I would eventually feel that I was being called elsewhere, but I treasured my experiences with the Friars. When I was working in Boston, I would regularly visit St. Anthony’s Shrine, located in downtown Boston. It was maintained by the Friars of HNP. It was and still is a place where people can find spiritual refreshment. A place where one can find a kind and understanding Friar for confession.

Hopefully, this merger will be a source of rebirth for the American Franciscans.

If you are interested in learning more the Franciscans merger, go on Facebook and look for “The Anthonian Franciscan.”

“Good Pope John!”

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Pope John XXIII

Saint John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, in 1881. Born to an Italian peasant family, the fourth child in a family of fourteen. He felt called to the priesthood, and entered a seminary. Encouraged by his spiritual director, he joined and was professed into the Secular Franciscan Order. He was ordained a priest in 1904.

In 1905, he served as secretary to the bishop of the Diocese of Bergamo, Italy. When World War I began, Father Roncalli was drafted into the Italian Army as stretcher bearer. He would receive promotion to the rank of sergeant for his work. He eventually was made a chaplain within the army.

He would enter the diplomatic service for the Holy See, He was sent to Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece. He would be consecrated a bishop and eventually an Archbishop. While in Turkey, during World War II, he used his diplomatic status to help Jewish families escape the Nazi persecution.

After the war, Roncalli remained active in the Papal diplomatic service. He served as nuncio in France for a time. In 1958, he was both made a Cardinal and named Patriarch of Venice, Italy, which also made him an Archbishop.

In 1958, with the death of Pope Pius XII, a Papal Conclave was called. After eleven ballots with no results. The Cardinals settled on Cardinal Roncalli, as a “caretaker” Pope. He would prove be anything but a “caretaker.” He summoned the world’s bishops to an Ecumenical Council, known today as Vatican II. With his encouragement, the bishops discussed matters concerning the life of the Church, and its relationship with the world. From it would come documents that would renew the Church.

He would not see the end of this great project. John XXIII died on June 3rd, 1963. He was canonized a saint in 2014.

Happy Feast Day, Francis!

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Today, the Church, indeed, the world, celebrates the life and works of Saint Francis of Assisi! He was born into a merchant class family, in the town of Assisi, in the province of Umbria, Italy.

In his youth, he was known as a party boy. He had dreams of being something more. He dreamed of becoming a knight, of entering the noble class. He got the opportunity to earn a knighthood, when Assisi went to war with its rival town of Perugia. The battle went badly for Assisi, and its army was decimated. Francis found himself a prisoner of war, held in very harsh conditions. When he was released, his body and spirit were broken.

Back in Assisi, he underwent a conversion experience, determined to live a holy life. He began to visiting chapels that dotted the Umbrian countryside. He came upon a chapel, named San Damiano, that was dilapidated. While praying before its crucifix, he heard it speak to him, “Rebuild my house, for it is nearly falling down!” So began Francis life of service, starting with repairing chapels, to caring for the poor, to striving to live the Gospel life. By words and deed, he would attract followers from all over Italy. His example would inspire millions.

This day, in the days that follow, it be good for us to reflect on his life. To read his words, to follow his example of prayer and service, we can bring the Gospel to life, as he did!

Pax et Bonum!!!