MISSION STATEMENTThe Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States is the organic union of all Secular Franciscan fraternities in the State of Florida, South Georgia, and Lower Alabama. We desire to promote in the world a deeper presence of the Catholic Faith and the Franciscan tradition; and we seek to bring the Gospel Beatitudes of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, as personified by St. Francis of Assisi, to all our secular, daily lives. We foster a spirit of prayer, conversion, reconciliation, justice and service, especially to the marginalized in our society. We invoke the intercession, honor the memory, and advance the Cause of the patrons of our Region, the Five Franciscan Martyrs of La Florida, who, in A.D. 1597, freely gave their lives in testimony to the dignity of Christian marriage and family life. (Rewritten from original 1991 version and approved in February 1999, updated February 20)

Winter 2017/2018

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILMarie Thomas, OFSRegional Minister

Jeane SwaynosRegional Vice Minister

Patricia Gagnon, OFS Regional Treasurer

Pat Wolfert, OFSRegional Secretary

John Deaton, OFSRegional Spiritual Assistant

Hans Huemmer, OFSReginal Formation Minister

REGIONAL COUNCILORSCarlos Calderon, OFS

Genevieve LoRicco, OFS

Jeff Majewski, OFS

Sheila Solomon, OFS

Margaret Wendel, OFS Robert Johnston, OFS

STANDING COMITTEESBonnie Barlow, OFSDatabase Manager

Fred Schaeffer, OFSWebmaster

Andy Buchleitner, OFSJustice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation Liaison

Theresa A. Zesiewicz, MD, OFSElectronic Newsletter Editor

Jim Beck, OFSEcumenical Council & Leadership

Janice Novello, PhD OFSYoung Adult Apostolate

Hilda Aguilera, OFSSpanish Liaison

Linda PalmerArchivist

MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER….. KNOW HIM ...PERSONALLY

By Marie Thomas, OFS, Regional Minister

Every Advent we hear readings about John the Baptist. Allow me to share the one that strikes me the most, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? (Mt 11:3) This question strikes me because of the openness of his question. John could have asked, “When will you act against the Romans to free us?” or “How long will it be before you conquer the world as its king?” Surely these various ideas of the coming Messiah were circulating during John’s time. Yet, John, in today’s language, merely asks Jesus, “Tell me who you are.”

Every Secular Franciscan ought to approach Jesus with such openness. This can be difficult because often we have a fixed image of how Jesus preached and acted. This limits our ability to get to know Jesus at a deeper level. If we hope to find Jesus at work in our lives and in our world, our relationship with Jesus should begin with the same request, “Lord, tell me who you are.”

John’s question relied totally on his personal relationship with Christ. He loved Jesus and trusted whatever answer Jesus would give. It is the same for us Franciscans:

The disciple who wishes to know Christ must come to know him personally.

Our images of Jesus may be out of date, given to us by our mother or father. They may hinder more than help us in our search for a personal relationship. Jesus is alive and at work through the Gospels, the sacraments, and the church. We must also take up Isaiah’s dream and perform the works of mercy as Christ did. When we continue Christ’s ministry in this way with our brothers and sisters, not only will we find him alive and still at work, but we can also share His hands, and voice and heart with the world.

In order to recognize Jesus, it takes prayerful discernment. We can seek Jesus in all the places He tells us to look, but we will only find Him if we are free enough to let Him tell us who He is.

Many thoughts and phrases came from “Tell Me Who You Are” by Michael R. Simone, S.J.

FROM THE VICE MINISTER…..Newsletter Summary from the NAFRA Annual Meeting

This is a list of some of topics that were discussed at the NAFRA National meeting held in Indiana this past October. This cannot begin to embrace all the discussion that took place over the four days in October of 2017. Marie was in Italy so I attended the meeting in her absence. I have tried to summarize the important points and share them with you.

· The importance of formation was stressed and this responsibility is to be shared by the entire council. The region needs to make sure the local fraternities have the resources needed.

· NAFRA is in the process of developing a new database this should take about 2 years before we see the complete product. They are also in the process of changing NAFRA logo to “Secular Franciscan Order”. Many do not know what this acronym means and they hope to have a better connection to the Secular Franciscans.

· When making visitations it is important that the financial records are always reviewed. Often the responsibility of treasurer is changed and having the books in order at the start of the term is important.

· There was discussion about the spiritual assistants and there are many local fraternities that are operating without one. At the international visitation Father Francis stated that a fraternity without a spiritual assistant is like a fraternity working with a broken leg. It is important that we further our process of training more secular Franciscans to do this vital role. There are also many local fraternities that have spiritual assistants

that do not know their role. Many have not had any training in the Franciscan spirituality and the role Secular Franciscans play in this world.

· There were issues that came up when NAFRA had its visitation with CIOFO, which is the International Secular Franciscans. There is a lack of TOR’s and experienced leaders. Many have a lack of knowledge of the essential documents and the charism of Francis. The fraternities with older members are at the end of their life cycle and we are missing the young members that are being professed.

· The three areas that NAFRA will work on from the list of suggestions given at the visitation:

o Developing more substantial l ongoing formation for all

o Increasing the strength of the initial formation and giving more leadership in this area

o Providing a national network of spiritual assistance and increase the strength of the training part of this program.

· There has been some frustration with FAN (Franciscan Action Network) and how they have been the voice in Washington for Franciscans. NAFRA has asked Carlos Calderon to be the spokesperson for NAFRA and are hoping this relationship improves over time.

Thank you Jeane Swaynos, OFS Vice Minister FFMRF

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMSThis is a summary of the actions taken by the Regional Executive Council since the last Regional Executive Council meeting.

· The Regional Executive Council met Oct 27 and stayed for the 3 day retreat at San Pedro on Oct 27 to 29 with Fr. Vianney as the Spiritual Presenter. A summary and pictures are in this newsletter.· Because of serious health issues, Jim Grant, Family Councilor for St. Thomas More Family, turned the reigns over to Robert (Bob) Johnston.· Summaries of the NAFRA Chapter and Formation Workshop were given. Details of the Chapter and the Workshop submitted by Jeane Swaynos and Hans Huemmer, respectively, may be found elsewhere in this newsletter.· To emphasize the importance of the Formation Director’s office, the order during fraternity voting was changed to: Minister, Vice-Minister, and Formation Director, followed by the other offices.· Thankfully, since none of our fraternity members suffered any catastrophic losses from Hurricane Irma, a vote was taken to send $1000 from the Regional Treasury to Immokalee victims who suffered horrific losses they had and are still enduring.· The Spiritual Assistant training program is progressing well. John Deaton has submitted the details elsewhere in this newsletter.· No one submitted an alternate, brief Mission Statement for our region. Therefore, Bob Johnston will take on that project for the REC.· Redemptoris Mater Fraternity members requested and received an affirmative vote from the Regional Executive Council to declare them inactive/deactivated because their membership decreased to four members for several years.· All Councilors received a copy of “Nuts and Bolts” to be used at Family Meetings when and however they see fit.· The Regional Executive Council discussed the possibilities of three newly forming communities becoming fraternities· Each fraternity will receive a Christmas e-card from the Executive Council, compliments of Pat Wolfert.· A preliminary agenda was discussed for the Annual Meeting and several decisions were made: 1)Theme: Go Rebuild My Church, 2)Combine the Annual Meeting to a Ministers’ Meeting and a Formation Director’s Workshop with Diane Menditto, OFS, member of the National Formation and Regional Minister of Our Lady of the Angels Region, 3)Those attending the Formation workshop need to bring The Franciscan Journey, the FUN Manual and any other material they use, 4)Both a Raffle and 50-50 will be held, and 5)Because of the combined group, the Liturgy of the Hours will be in Chapel with paper copies.· National changed the Annual Reporting form, therefore, changes needed to be made to the local fraternity Annual Reporting form also.· All members of the Executive Council gave responses to the Pre-Visitation Questionnaire. These will be summarized and the Visitation report finalized at the next meeting on February 1-2, 2018.

TREASURER’S CORNER - FAIR SHARE FOR 2018I would like to remind everyone that the Fair Share is due to be paid before March 1. An email will be sent to the Minister of each Fraternity in early January 2018, along with the Fair Share Transmittal Form and Treasurer’s Report Form. The Minister and Treasurer of each fraternity should work on this together. It is the responsibility of each fraternity to communicate to the Regional Executive Council the number of active fraternity members in your fraternity as of 12/31/2017 and to pay your Fair Share based on that number. In other words, if your member count is 10 on 12/31/2017, the amount owed for 2017 is 10 X $55 or $550.

All professed member and candidates in your fraternity as of 12/31/2017 are assessed a Fair Share for 2018. There is no partial payment. Professed members who left a fraternity and have legally transferred into another fraternity are included with their new fraternity. They are assessed for the entire year or $55, no matter when they transferred during the year. If they are attending meetings in a new fraternity but have not yet transferred their paperwork, they must be included with their former fraternity.

Please make sure to report any changes to Bonnie Barlow so that she can bring the Data Base to date, insuring that the number on your fraternity’s register will be correct.As announced at the Annual Meeting the Fair Share for 2018 will remain at $55.

The Fair Share rate is determined by the Regional Executive Council based on the projected budget for the upcoming year. Going forward, the Fair Share rate for the upcoming year will be voted on and approved at the annual meeting. The new rate for 2019 will be announced at the Annual Meeting in April 2018. This will enable you to better budget for it.

Article 18.7 from the Statutes of the National Fraternity of the SFO in the USA

The local fraternity is responsible for contributing to the Regional Fraternity on a fair share basis from its common fund to underwrite the costs of that fraternity (cf. GC 30.3). A fair share contribution is made based on the number of active and active excused brothers and sisters, but not for those who are deemed lapsed.

o An active fraternity member is one who participates by attending fraternity meetings and by providing financial support to the community, or whom the fraternity has excused from such obligations.

o Those brothers and sisters, who neither attend meetings, support the community financially, nor have valid reasons due to health, family, work, or distance, and who, after personal invitations to return to the fraternity, consciously and deliberately reject or ignore the invitations, will be termed lapsed and will not be carried on the fraternity membership roll nor be reported as a member to high fraternity councils. (cf. GC 53.3).

Sincerely,Pat Gagnon, OFSRegional Treasurer

MORE FROM OUR TREASURER: HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF FUND

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

As we all know the entire State of Florida was affected by Hurricane IRMA, the most powerful Atlantic storm in a decade, which reached the highest category five status and packed sustained winds of up to 185mph. The storm pounded heavily populated areas of Florida as it carved through the state with high winds, storm surges, and torrential rains. The storm left 6.2 million without power – over 60% of the entire state, ripped roofs off homes and flooded city streets.

Collier County of Southwest Florida was greatly impacted with such cities as Naples that saw 6-foot storm surges and almost 12 inches of rain. Neighborhoods were under waist-deep water, homes collapsed and had their roofs ripped off due to the over 140 mph winds. Two third of the home in Everglade city were left unlivable. For many in Immokalee, Southwest Florida’s farmworker community, insecurity surrounding basic needs was a reality of daily life BEFORE Hurricane Irma. Hardworking agricultural and service industry families struggled to make ends meet, the storm had taken nearly everything from people who had very little to begin with. Many homes – mostly uninsurable trailers – are gone or heavily damaged. The fields where they work have been flooded or scoured by wind. They have families to support, mouth to feed, trailers to fix, looters to watch out for and no idea when they’ll have an income again. These are just some of the realities that communities are still facing today.

To make matter worse, some of the agencies that are usually at the forefront of helping the poor and the needy were also affected by the storm and limited the help that they were able to provide. The St. Vincent DePaul Society lost the thrift shop that usually accounts for 30% of their funds to help those affected. The Catholic Charities’ Guadalupe Center was also impacted with limited funds for the increase in needs.

St Vincent DePaul said, “It is our obligation for us to inconvenience ourselves for the service of the poor.”

As Franciscans we are called to feed the hungry, clothes the naked, care for the sick.

I believe our Franciscan Spirit was demonstrated, as a result of the collective efforts and donations from NAFRA, Five Franciscan Martyrs Region, Saint Clare

Fraternity of Naples and individual contributors. A total of $4,500 was donated. These funds were distributed equally between Catholic Charities of Collier County and the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Naples to help the surrounding communities.

From St. Vincent:

Thank you for the aid to the poor we all serve in concrete assistance and prayer. You know what a disaster Hurricane IRMA was to so many including SVDP which, while it affected individuals in the community, it also impacted the Society’s ability to finance the services that people in Naples have depended on. The number of meals distributed to the home bound through our Meals on Wheels Program was reduced. The amounts available for rent, food and utilities were similarly limited, because of the destruction of our Thrift Shop on Davis Road. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.

From Catholic Charities:

Thank you so much for the generous donations to help support the Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief Efforts. We know you are aware that many members of our community are struggling. The demand for assistance in maintaining utilities, obtaining life sustaining prescriptions and receiving food and counseling has increased dramatically. Your donations will go a long way in helping us meet the challenge. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Please know that many men, women and children who do not know you will give thanks to Him through your generosity.

A Special thank you for your generosity for donations collected to help the poor and needy in our area as a result of Hurricane IRMA.

ANNUAL FRANCISCAN RETREAT San Pedro Spiritual Development Center

Winter Park, FL by Faith Libbe, OFS

The Regional Council of the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region held their executive meeting on the lovely grounds of San Pedro Spiritual Development Center, Winter Park, FL on Friday, October 27, 2017. Regional Minister, Marie Thomas, OFS facilitated the meeting. After the

meeting, the Regional Council was blessed to begin a weekend of retreat at the center.

In addition to the Regional Council, many members of the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region traveled far and wide to participate San Pedro’s annual Franciscan Retreat held on October 27 – 29, 2017. The retreat began with dinner on Friday night and concluded with Mass on Sunday.

Fr. Vianney Cunningham, TOR was the facilitator of the retreat.

The retreat included various lectures given by Fr. Vianney followed by lively discussions from the retreatants. Fr. Vianney spoke about the following Franciscan values throughout the weekend:

- Care of Creation - Dignity of the Human Person - Consistent Ethic of Life

- Respect for the Poor and Vulnerable - Peace and Reconciliation

- Justice

- Demand for Change and Conversion

- Agents of Change

Various video clips enhanced the lectures, such as:

- The leper and the flame from the movie “Poverello” - The conversion experience from the movie “Br. Sun, Sister Moon”

- A clip of Pope Francis addressing Congress

Also, the video “Reluctant Saint” was shown in its entirety.

In addition to enjoying food and fellowship all weekend, we were also blessed to have Mass, Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel, prayer and free time for personal reflection.

Fr. Vianney concluded the retreat with the following questions:

- Have you allowed yourself to experience life from the vantage point of another? - How can government leaders overcome our tendency to make enemies? - What can our churches do to foster unity in diversity and be bridge builders? - What role do Franciscans play in all this?

Powerful discussion and sharing ensued, which inspired and encouraged action among retreatants.

As we begin a new year, as Franciscans, we might ask ourselves once again the above questions, as we strive to imitate the joyful love of our Seraphic Father, Saint Francis. May our Franciscan witness and charism continue to shine brightly in our world, as we continue our Franciscan

journey into 2018!

The St Bonaventure Fraternity is looking for 1 New unopened FUN Manual. We also have 2 New Spanish versions in the notebook which we would like to exchange for 2 English version FUN Manuals in like New condition for our people in formation. The company that prints these charges a ridiculous amount for shipping to Florida. Therefore we are trying to find a more cost effective means. If interested, please contact Linda at rainbeaus@live.com with FUN Manual in subject or 904-704-7282.

Linda Palmer, a Candidate in the St. Clare Fraternity in Naples, has volunteered to be the Five Franciscan Martyrs Regional Archivist. Welcome to the task! She is open to ideas and information. 239-537-3401; lindalinelle@gmail.com; 279 Glen Eagle Circle, Naples, FL 34104

On Friday, November 10, 2017 the San Damiano Fraternity of Sun City Center and St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity of Clearwater co-sponsored their 6th Annual Day of Reflection at the Franciscan Center in Tampa. Thirty-two participated in the day, including members of the St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity in Tampa and St. Clare Fraternity in Naples.Sister Jeanne Williams, OSF presented on the theme, “Beauty in the Franciscan Journey to God.” Sister Jeanne, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, NY and currently lives in Tampa. She has ministered for many years as a retreat presenter, spiritual director, and pastoral counselor, and enjoys incorporating music and art into her ministry. She has also served her congregation in leadership, taught in secondary education, and ministered in health care. Father Kevin Tortorelli, OFM, participated in the Day of Reflection, celebrating the Mass and hearing confessions. Father Kevin is new to our area, residing at St. Anthony’s Friary in St. Petersburg

Father Kevin Tortorelli, OFM

Left to right: Deacon Pat Frye, SFO, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Ruskin; Sheila Solomon, OFS, Regional Councillor; Patricia Wolfert, OFS, Minister of San Damiano Fraternity and Regional Secretary; Jeane Swaynos, OFS, Regional Vice Minister; Sister Jeanne Williams, OSF, Presenter; Jeanette Grant, OFS, Minister of St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity..

VISITATION AND ELECTION CALENDARJanuary

E 13 Sat 9 am Our Lady of the Angels Ascension Church, Melbourne

February

2-3 Speaker Murry Bodo sponsored by St. Clare’s Fraternity in Naples it will be held at

St. Williams’s Parish , 750 Seagate Dr., Naples

E 9 Fri 8:00 am San Damiano Prince of Peace Church, Sun City

V 10 Sat 12:30 St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi, Apopka

V 18 Sun 1:00 pm St. Clare of Assisi St. Charles Borromeo, Port Charlotte

FM 17 Sat 10:30 am St. Joseph Fraternity Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Ft. Lauderdale

V18 Sun 12:15 St. Joseph Fraternity Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Ft. Lauderdale

V 21 Wed 7 pm St. Michael the Archangel St. Patrick’s Church, Tampa

FM 24 Sat 10:00 St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi, Apopka

V25 Sun 12:30 pm St. Clare Fraternity St. Williams Church, Naples

Executive Council Meeting (Thursday and Friday) February 1 and 2, Sarasota

March

V 7 Wed 9 am San Damiano St. Mark Church, Summerfield

V 10 Sat: 9:30 Holy Spirit St. Theresa Church, Spring Hill

April

Annual Meeting April 27 to 29 at San Pedro

E (Election) V (Visitation) FM (Family Meeting)

SHORT SUMMARY OF 2017 PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & ASSISI (in Celebration of the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region’s 25th Anniversary)

Hurricane Irma forced our little pilgrimage group of 18 to start a day earlier and included the following members: Judy Born, Cathy Clarice, Amina Edmonds, Helen Edmonds, Jim & Jeannette Grant, Cindy Housely, Dave & Ellen Jankowski, Kay & Lance Kronzer, Pat McKenna, D. Susan Pivec, Lois Scrivener, Regina Smutz, Lamar & Marie Thomas, Janet Thomson and our extremely knowledgeable and spiritual Pilgrim Leader Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR,.

ROME

After traveling the first day by bus to Atlanta and then by plane to DC on September 9, we took off for Rome the following day. Our very first stop was for Mass at Saints Cosmas and Damian Basilica (two 3rd-century eastern martyrs who were twin brothers and physicians). Even though this structure was built around the 5th century, in 1510, the church was given to the Franciscan Tertiaries and images of Franciscan saints were added in the 17th century. Today, the church is served by and is the motherhouse of the Friars of the Regular Third Order of St. Francis.

Having obtained the necessary permission, the group was privileged to attend a private Mass celebrated by Fr. Kevin in St. Peter’s Basilica. More privileges followed because we attended a Papal audience and not only were we up close to Pope Francis but were blessed by him. Naturally, we viewed St. Peter’s Square, the fantastic Vatican Museums, and meditated in the Sistine Chapel while gazing on Michael Angelo’s ceiling fresco of the creation of man. We learned many things both about and in the Sistine Chapel. One thing I learned is that the Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous painted interior spaces in the world, and virtually all of this fame comes from the breathtaking painting of its ceiling from about 1508-1512. The chapel was built in 1479 under the direction of Pope Sixtus IV, who was a Franciscan and gave it his name (“Sistine” derives from “Sixtus”). One of the functions of the space was to serve as a place for cardinals of the Catholic Church to gather in order to elect a new pope. It is still used for this same purpose, including in the recent election of Pope Francis in March 2013.

Surprisingly, I found the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica overwhelmingly fascinating also. First, it is a landmark papal basilica founded in the 5th century & known for its Roman mosaics & gilded ceiling. It is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy, from which size it receives the appellation “major”.

Three things impressed me about this Church: 1) According to tradition, the Virgin Mary chose this spot for the church’s construction by covering this area with a blanket of snow on August 5th. 2) The bell tower, rises 75 meters high and is the tallest in Rome and contains five bells, one of which, “La Sperduta,” or “the lost one,” rings every evening at nine to call the faithful to prayer. 3) In the crypt under the high altar lies the relic known as the Holy Crib. A statue of a kneeling Pope Pius IX is before the ancient wooden pieces of the manger which is in a precious crystal urn trimmed in silver.

We also visited the Roman Colosseum, which is a testament to the architectural skill of the ancient Romans and gave us an insight into the culture at that time.

We also saw the Arch of Constantine, which commemorated his victory and many other picturesque views of the city.

ASSISI

On our way to Assisi, one of the first places we stopped was at a nativity scene in a cave in the town of Greccio. The Nativity scene or Christmas crib is said to have originated with Saint Francis in 1223 that he constructed with the help of a friend and this is where the first Christmas Eve Mass was held. The town of Greccio reenacts this event each year and there’s a collection of many varied nativity scenes and a memorial to Saint Francis. Greccio is in the Rieti Province of Lazio. We prayed and meditated in this holy spot for some time.

The beautiful Reiti Valley south of Assisi is surrounded by mountains, the most famous of these being Mt Terminillo which attracts Franciscans to places that were favorites of Francis. In the year 1223, he received the final rule of the Friars Minor in Fonte Colombo and it is now referred to as the “Franciscan Sinai”. On the wall of the church is a copy of this early rule and in the window to the left the saint himself inscribed a Tau Cross (the sign which St Francis adopted as his seal). After Fr. Kevin celebrated a private Mass for our group, we studied these areas.

Also in Rieti Province, 4 kilometers from the town of Rieti, is La Foresta Franciscan Sanctuary. Francis stayed here in 1225 and it’s believed that this is where he composed the Song of Brother Sun. There’s a 13th century church and a cave used by Francis. In addition to Greccio and La Foresta, Francis visited other parts of the Rieti Valley and it’s sometimes called the Sacred Valley. The Saint Francis Walk, an 80 kilometer walk, is a pilgrimage walk along paths used by Francis that includes eight stops important to Francis.

Of course, one highlight of our Assisi tour was the magnificent Basilica of San Francesco that houses Francis’s tomb. Consisting of two churches, the lower Basilica and the upper Basilica, the building was constructed starting in 1228, right after Francis’ canonization, and completed in 1253. The lower church, which is Romanesque in style, features extraordinary frescoes by the late-medieval artists Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, etc. and contains the saint’s tomb, carved right into the rock of Mount Subasio (Assisi stands on the slopes of this mountain, whose pink colored stones were used for many buildings in town). The upper church is Gothic, full of light, and houses frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.

The Basilica of San Francesco is considered to be one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. The Basilica was badly damaged during an earthquake that struck the area on September 26th, 1997; part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside the church and destroying a fresco by Cimabue. The building underwent a painstakingly, two-year restoration.

Another stop on our Assisi tour was the Chiesa Nuova, a church built in 1615 on the site of one of the presumed birthplace of St. Francis, the house of Pietro di Bernardone, Francis’s father, a rich merchant whom Francis renounced, along with his inheritance, to live in poverty. The building was erected after the Spanish Vicar General of the Franciscans, on a visit to town, saw that the original home of St. Francis was becoming dilapidated and decided to raise funds to save it.

As you know, Assisi was the birthplace of another important religious figure, Saint Clare, a close friend of St. Francis’ who was one of his first followers. She, with St. Francis, co-founded the Order of Poor Clares, a monastic, cloistered, religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition; their headquarters is the early Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara where Clare’s tomb is housed. The church also preserves the venerated crucifix known as the San Damiano Cross, to which St. Francis was praying when he is said to have been asked by God to rebuild the crumbling church he was in – the Church of San Damiano – that today preserves a replica of the cross in its original position. All Franciscans cherish this cross as a symbol of our mission from God. The Church of San Damiano, with a monastery near Assisi, Italy was built in the 12th century. The church has a hut-shaped façade; the entrance has a short portico with three round arcades supported by brickwork pillars. Above the central arch is a circular rose window. The interior has a single nave with ogival barrel vaults (ogival arch is a pointed, “Gothic” arch). The right wall is home to a rectangular chapel with, at the altar, a wooden crucifix executed by Innocenzo da Petralia in 1637. The nave ends with a deep apse with a modern stone altar, a Baroque wooden tabernacle and the choir.

Not one of the major legends or compilations of the life of Saint Francis mentions his family house, or the exact date and spot of his birth. The stories surrounding the birth of Saint Francis are the result of late 14th century documents, and the aim is that of portraying Francis as a saint who lived in perfect conformity with Christ in all the moments of his life, from his birth to his death. Nevertheless, with my limited knowledge and judgment, it appeared to me that the Casa Paterna was the real birthplace and house where St. Francis lived. It is now

maintained by the TOR’s and we were privileged to have had Mass celebrated there by Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR.

La Verna, in eastern Tuscany, is where Francis is said to have received the stigmata. Saint Francis used to retreat to this beautiful spot perched on a rocky promontory in the mountains. He founded a small church on this spot in 1216 and eight years later he received the stigmata. Today there’s a large church and monastic complex but you can still see the small church, the cave that was his cell, and the chapel built on the spot where he received the stigmata. The sanctuary, perched on a rocky promontory, is visible from afar and is in a remote and beautiful forest area with fantastic views of the countryside.

Four kilometers above Assisi, in a steep forest gorge on Mount Subasio, stands the Eremo delle Carceri, a small monastery with a church where St. Francis retreated and preached to birds. Many would later follow him to the mountain, settling in isolated caves to pray; buildings were added throughout the centuries and the site became known as Santa Maria delle Carceri after the small “cells” occupied by friars (‘carceri’ comes from the Latin ‘carceres‘ and means “cells”). The convent is still occupied by Franciscan nuns.

One Assisi Cathedral, not as recognized as that of the Basilica of San Francesco and less known is Duomo of San Rufino, built in Umbrian Romanesque style. It is important in the history of the Franciscan order because it was here that Saint Francis (1182), Saint Clare (1193) and many of their original disciples were baptized.

Gubbio is a well-preserved medieval hill town in Umbria where Francis lived for awhile. It’s here that Saint Francis made peace with a wolf that was bothering the people of Gubbio. According to the story, after Francis tamed the wolf, the wolf lived peacefully with the people of Gubbio for two years until he died of old age. It was fitting to conclude our tour of Assisi at the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the seventh largest Christian church and the beginning and end of St. Francis’ earthly mission.

The basilica was built in the Mannerist style between 1569 and 1679 on the site of the 9th century ‘chiesetta’ known as Porziuncola, which is the place where young Francis understood his vocation and renounced the world to live in poverty and preach his message of non-materialism, compassion and love of nature, thus starting the Franciscan movement. The Portiuncola is also the place where, in 1226, Francis died, leaving a legacy of humanism and equality that anticipated the Renaissance movement. It is the

most sacred place for Franciscans…especially for me since I belong to the Portiuncula Fraternity in Bradenton.

We also took a tour of Perugia, Assisi and Lake Trasimeno for a wonderful day that combined countryside, cultural sites, art, lake views, rolling hills and religious meditation. Hence,we returned renewed in mind, body and spirit.

FROM THE DESK OF ANDY BUCHLEITNER, OFSDid you experience the intensity of joy that these recent Holy Days brought to me? If you had trouble finding that joy, let me share something that might help.

I recently read (re-read?) something from Franciscan Theology, Tradition and Spirituality on the Primacy of Christ, by Bl John Duns Scotus: “Until we understand that we stand alone and naked before God, without any accomplishments and without successes, and understand/experience that God is totally consumed with love for each of us, we cannot fathom the depth and passion of God’s love and His desire to share this love with us.” I was particularly blessed during the Christmas season with a debilitating respiratory illness that left me truly “alone, without any accomplishments.” I could do little but cough and hope for my next breath. But the words of a couple saints have always given me comfort in times of suffering: “Suffering out of love of God is better than working miracles.” (St. John of the Cross)” “We complain when we suffer. But we have more reason to complain when we do not suffer, since nothing so likens us to our Lord as the carrying of the Cross.” (St. John Vianney)

At this time of the year I always like to go back and reflect on past events that have touched my life. Appropriately, I came across this reflection that just so happened to have occurred during a Christmas past and spoke very clearly about the joy that can come in spite of suffering. I call it:

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE

Our friend and faithful volunteer, Bob Foster, died on Christmas. While a man of significant accomplishment in the armed forces and business world, everlasting life in Christ will be Bob’s reward for how he lived his faith.

How many times in my ministry to the elderly I have heard, “Why doesn’t God take me? I’m no longer of use to anyone.” If we look to the world to measure our worth, our times of helplessness due to illness, physical handicap or advanced age can lead us to despair. Fortunately, “God sees not as we see; for we look on the outward appearance, and God looks on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7) If we look to God, realizing He loves us just as we are, we need only believe that He will use us in our weakness; that our lives do indeed still have meaning.

MORE FROM ANDY...By the time this message gets to you, we will now have celebrated Christmas and the beginning of a New Year. While it is certainly a great time to rejoice, I also find it a good time to review just where I’m at in my relationship with God. Words that came to my mind this year were forgiveness, mercy, conversion and sharing my joy.

As I serve in prison ministry and outreach to shut-ins, one thing that really breaks my heart, especially at this time of the year, is

the cry of those that long for love or even any human touch. Most no longer have anyone in their lives to bring them a message of hope much less a reason to rejoice. I would like to share my reflections on what I see many of these poor souls going through.

“FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE…”

“Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” How easy it is to extend this Christmas greeting. But how difficult it can be to work for the justice that makes this greeting meaningful? True peace, the peace that God gives, will only be attained when we are able to forgive and reconcile with all our brothers and sisters, even those who have hurt us.The majority of the men I visit in prison are not at peace this season. Most feel unjustly treated by the court system, the prison system and society as a whole. Most suffer from rejection and abandonment by family and friends. Locked away in a living hell, many find it impossible to forgive, even though they realize they are the ones at fault.

Bob Foster knew God’s love. Even after he became homebound due to crippling arthritis, he accepted his weakness and continued to serve the Lord. Unable to leave his home, he began a telephone outreach to shut-ins. It began simply with Bob calling lonely seniors who had no family and very few, if any, friends. As my wife and I visited these same shut-ins, we began to notice a significant improvement in their attitudes. After a time they began to ask us, “How’s Bob? When is he going to call again?” Even though they had never met him, they now considered Bob an important part of their lives. As he shared his walk with the Lord, they came to understand how blessed and loved they truly were. They experienced God’s love through Bob’s weekly phone call.God doesn’t look so much at the greatness of our works as at the faithfulness and love we put into them. Charles Dickens once said, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.” God must certainly be “well pleased” with Bob for being most useful in lightening the burdens of loneliness and despair that weighed heavily on his fellow man.

And how do we feel toward those who are incarcerated? Do we “throw the first stone” at these sinners? Or do we answer God’s request to forgive as we ask to be forgiven? Our human nature will fight our spirit but it is the calling of all Christians to be peacemakers, offering words of forgiveness that will bring dignity back to these outcasts of society. For without feeling forgiven and the hope of being given another chance in life, a prisoner will have little reason to change.

Forgiveness is a decision – not a feeling. Even when we do decide to forgive, we might not always feel good afterward. Sometimes the bad feelings will persist regardless of how hard we try to put our “hurt” behind us. However, forgive is what our Lord calls us to do. Not just once or twice or even seven times but seventy times seven times.

Currently, there are nearly two million men and women behind bars in the United States; another two and a half million are out on parole. These are just the ones that have been found guilty and imprisoned. What about all the rest of us who have sinned by hurting a loved one or neighbor and remain unpunished? But for the grace of God couldn’t we all be in prison?

The local news recently interviewed a law enforcement official who voiced an opinion that many in our society hold toward those who step out of line. The incident that brought on these comments involved a man who attacked a deputy with a knife, obviously to do him harm. Fortunately, during the ensuing struggle, the deputy was cool-headed enough to spare the man’s life at great personal risk to himself. The deputy’s boss, however, said when interviewed, “If it were me I would have killed him.”

When we have been hurt and are unable to forgive, we cannot love. Instead, we create walls. Walls built for protection become walls that imprison us. Only by breaking down these walls through reconciliation can we become truly free. As importantly, we now set the captive free – free to heal, free to regain self-esteem, free to love again. “If you see someone sinning, pray to the Lord and say, ‘God, forgive me for I have sinned.’” (Desert Fathers)

I thank God every day for His mercy - a mercy that has no bounds. It is Mercy Who gives us the ultimate gift, Jesus, the perfect atonement for our wrong doings. I pray that God will grant me the grace to forgive my enemies as well as my friends and especially my loved ones who may have offended me in the

past. May I bless as I am blessed; forgive as I am forgiven; love as I am loved.

The St Bonaventure Fraternity will be holding a full day retreat on July 14, 2018. The retreat “Christian Building Donna Hollis, OFS with the NAFRA Ecumenical/Interfaith committee. The retreat will focus on the message from Pope Francis for Christians to reach out to other faiths and also Catholics who have fallen away from the Church. In addition it will discuss how we as Franciscan can follow our rule to achieve this. The retreat will be held at Sacred Heart Sullivan Hall in Fleming Island (Jacksonville/Orange Park area). Further details will be available on our web site http://www.stbonaventureofs.org/retreat.html as they are available and at the Annual Regional Meeting. In addition, we will celebrate our fraternity’s 50 year anniversary. We look forward to seeing many of you there, so please mark your calendars so you don’t forget.

Peace!

“Give witness to what we believe in andwho we are with joy and simplicity.”Pope Francis

Start by doing what is necessary,then what is possible,and suddenly you are doing the impossible.St. Francis of Assisi

THANK YOU - JIM GRANT & BOB JOHNSTONFor your servant leadership.Recently Jim Grant decided the time has come for him to resign from active Regional Executive Counselor. Bob Johnston graciously agreed to step up to receive the torch of servant leadership from Jim.We are happy, Brothers Jim and Bob, to extend our gratitude and Peace and Good to you both!“Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example” (extracted from Rule 6, The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, 2008) you have devoted “yourselves to living on full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialogue of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.”By example, you serve, and when necessary use words. May we, your brothers and sisters of all of the Fraternal Families of the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the National Fraternity of the Order of Secular Franciscans in the United States of America continue to learn from your example of servant leadership as we go forward to “rebuild the Church”!

Submitted to FFMR Newsletter by: P. J. Chalmers, OFS

FAREWELL AND WELCOMEIt is with a tremendous reluctance that the Regional Executive Council is saying “Farewell” to Patrick Chalmers, OFS, who took his responsibilities very seriously and executed them conscientiously. PJ, as he liked to be called, is a jewel of reasonableness and understanding.

Coming to fill the void, is an equally conscientious, thorough and prompt Secular Franciscan named Margaret Wendel, OFS. You probably know her and have been her many, many times at the annual meetings in San Pedro because she is the Minister of St. Joseph’s Fraternity in Fort Lauderdale. We welcome her with open arms and hearts!

Via Dolorosa

Linda Bertino, OFS

St Bonaventure

Secular Franciscan Fraternity

Francis had a devotion to the child Jesus and in 1223 he recreated Christ’s birth inside a cave we recognize today as the Nativity scene. The Franciscans were also thought to have founded the Stations of the Cross celebrated during the Lenten season. They did not play a role in the Stations until the 17th Century. This article looks at how the Stations of the Cross became a devotion for all Catholics.

Way of the Cross, Stations of the Cross, Via Crucis, and Via Dolorosa are names used to signify either a series of pictures or tableaux representing certain scenes in the Passion of Christ. Each corresponded to a particular incident, or the special form of devotion connected with that station. No matter what title you use they all refer to the journey our Lord took on the final day of His life. The Blessed Mother and Apostles held Jesus’ final journey in high esteem. It has been told that Mary visited the scenes of our Lord’s passion daily.

Constantine legalized Christianity in 312 and the pathway was then marked with its important stations. Early Christians in the Holy Land remained devoted to the stations. Pilgrims came from the West wanting to see the places and know how Christ traveled from his Condemnation to His Crucifixion. There was a desire to join in Christ’s passion, death and burial spiritually.

This devotion grew in popularity with pilgrims from the west traveling to the actual locations in Jerusalem. There were various religious practices but no set prayers for following the stations at that time. The devotion grew in popularity and in the fifth century an interest grew to “reproduce” the holy places in other areas. This was considered so that people unable to make the actual pilgrimage could do so in a spiritual way. Saint Petronius in the fifth century erected a series of chapels dedicated to the important shrines of Jerusalem in Bologna, Italy. Pilgrimages and travels to the Holy Land resumed during the Crusades, with a renewed interest among Europeans in the Via Sacra (Sacred Road). By the 11th century, pilgrims had popularized the devotion. There was a widespread devotion to the Passion of Christ in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Stations of the Cross as a devotion was born.

In 1342, Franciscans were granted custody of Christian holy places in Jerusalem. This increased the popularity of the Stations of the Cross, which became a devotion. The faithful received indulgences for praying at the following stations:

At Pilate’s house, where Christ met His mother, where He spoke to the women, where He met Simon of Cyrene, where the soldiers stripped Him of His garments, where He was nailed to the cross, and at His tomb. The common form of the stations from Church tradition only included five stations: Jesus meets his mother, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus and his three falls.

In the 1400’s, the Stations of the Cross became extremely popular in Europe and were usually a series of outdoor shrines. The route in the beginning was the reverse order of the way we do it today and included many other stops, which are no longer a part of the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way). It started at Calvary and ended at the home of Pontius Pilate. The word “Stations” was not used until William Wey, an Englishman visited the Holy Land in 1458 and 1462. He accounted for the 14 stations but only five correspond to our current version.

The medieval pilgrims upon returning home frequently brought home a bit of Palestine. They included relics and a desire to re-create scenes from the Holy Land. When the Muslims closed access to the Holy Land commemorative shrines were set up in as many as thirty different locations. These recreations varied the number of stops from as few as five to as many as forty-two. A book written in 1584 listed 12 stations, which are identical to our first twelve. A devotional manual known as “spiritual pilgrimages” was from Germany and the Low Countries used 14 stations with prayers for each one. The number of stations was not mandatory.

The Franciscans gained custody of the sacred sites of Jerusalem in 1343 and became active in development of the stations to promote devotion to Christ’s passion. St. Francis was known to have a great faith and love of Jesus Christ,

especially in his suffering. Francis became so much like Christ that he received the stigmata and shared the wounds of Jesus. This example of St. Francis inspired his brothers to develop the same love for Christ Crucified. Friar St. Leonard of Port Maurice was known as the “preacher of the way of the cross”. In his zeal he erected 571 sets of stations between the years 1731-1751. He is considered responsible for also reversing the order of the stations ending in Calvary rather than Pilate’s house.

The erection of stations in churches was becoming increasingly popular by the end of the 17th century. Pope Innocent XI realized that many people were unable to travel to the Holy Land due to the Muslim oppression. In 1686, Pope Innocent gave Franciscans the exclusive right to erect stations in their churches. Initially only those associated with the Franciscans could obtain indulgences. In 1726, Pope Benedict XIII extended these indulgences to all of the faithful. Franciscans were responsible for making the stations popular and spreading the devotion. The Franciscan continued their control of erecting the stations until 1731 when Pope Clement XII approved indulgences to all churches with a fixed number of stations at 14 provided a Franciscan priest erected them. The Franciscan maintained control until 1862 when the right to erect stations was granted to all Catholic Churches.

St Francis wrote the original prayers for the Stations of the Cross. In 1975 Pope Paul VI approved a Gospel-based version for the Stations. Pope John Paul II in 1991 introduced some changes to more closely align the 14 stations with events explicitly mentioned in the gospels that reflected his support of the environment. He starts with the Last Supper and ends with the resurrection.

This devotion focuses on the Passion of Christ and should end in a way to convey hope from the resurrection. Due to the relationship between the passion and death of our Lord with His resurrection, several of the devotional booklets now include a 15th station, which commemorates the Resurrection.A plenary indulgence is granted for those who prayerfully exercise the Way of the Cross, actually moving from station to station where they are legitimately erected and while mediating on the passion and death of our Lord. Those who are unable to visit a church may gain the same indulgence by piously reading and meditating on the passion and death of our Lord for one-half hour. There are also Stations of the Cross for the elderly and youth. Links below for alternate forms.

Resources:St Francis of Assisi The Way of the Cross –http://www.xt3.com/library/view.php?id=11800

Pope Paul VI - Scriptural Stations of the Cross http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/stations-of-the-cross/scriptural-stations-of-the-cross.cfm

John Paul II - version of his Stations of the Cross - https://franciscanaction.org/sites/default/files/stations.pdf

Stations for the Elderly – https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Article/tabid/535/ArticleID/13654/ArtMID/13567/

Stations for the youth – http://sacredhearthouston.org/documents/Teresa%20-%20CCE/Lent/Stations%20Booklet%20HS.pdf

THE FIXER-UPPERBy Theresa Zesiewicz, OFS

The highlight of my friend’s Susie’s night is a cable show called, ‘Fixer-Upper’, in which a young couple transforms plain homes into spectacular ones. Susie is addicted to this show! The hosts demolish old houses using drills, hammers, and nails. Old wood and masonry are discarded, walls are removed, and extra studs are added for strength. The front door is nicely painted. Space is cordoned off to make a playground for children. The study is furnished with comfortable furniture and books for reading. I think Susie really enjoys watching an unattractive home become beautiful in just 30 minutes, from the comfort of her couch!

With the advent of a New Year, we might consider turning our attention to our own ‘fixer upper’. Our souls are ‘houses’; daily conversion forces us to discard what is false and build up what is true. Our relationship with Jesus is our foundation. Uncaring, rigid approaches to the poor and marginalized should change. Racism, hatred, pride, and jealousy are some fixtures in the rooms in that need to be discarded. “Walls” between us need to be knocked down. Our lives need “safe” time and space for prayer and contemplation. Hopefully, our ‘front door’ is a smile!

We all have aspects of our lives that could use fixing. Relationships with family members or loved ones that have soured…..anger over a past hurt or betrayal….. …..the list seems endless. Perhaps your relationship with a family member, or even a fraternity member needs to be strengthened. Take the first step to make amends, regardless of who caused the first offense.

Jesus was a carpenter, and our patron, St. Francis, was a spiritual builder. Christ asked St. Francis to “Repair My Church”. In this New Year, He asks this of us as well. May we use the tools we were blessed with to build spiritual bridges and break walls, every day.

Courtyard,Basilica of St. Francis,Assisi picture

NEWS FROM THE FAMILIESSt. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Clearwater FL

In Memory of Br. Mark Brown,OFM6/29/1938 - 10/7/2017

Br. Mark became our fraternity’s Spiritual Assistant in 2005 and served us with love and devotion until his passing Saturday October 7, 2017. He also served as Spiritual Assistant to San Damiano Fraternity, Sun City Center for the past several years. His devotion, guidance, and love for our order will be greatly missed by all those he served. May he rest in peace.

St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity Meeting 10/14/2017

We held our first meeting at our new meeting place ,Light of Christ Catholic Church following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. We met in rooms 5 and 6 of the Parish Hall. A buffet of breakfast items was enjoyed by all. Thanks to those who contributed items to the repast.

Due to the recent death of our beloved Spiritual Assistant Br. Mark Brown, OFM, a Franciscan Wake Service was held to celebrate his life.

6TH ANNUAL DAY OF REFLECTION - NOVEMBER 10, 2017 - THE FRANCISCAN CENTER IN TAMPAThirty-two participated in the day, including members of the St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity in Tampa and St. Clare Fraternity in Naples. Sister Jeanne Williams, OSF presented on the theme, “Beauty in the Franciscan Journey to God.” Father Kevin Tortorelli, OFM, participated in the Day of Reflection, celebrating the Mass and hearing confessions.

Participants currently in Formation

Deacon, Fraternity Ministers & Regional Representatives.