The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor

By John Foley, SJ

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Blessed be the Lord.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise ever in my mouth.

Let my soul glory in the Lord,

who will hear the cry of the poor.

Let the lowly hear and be glad,

the Lord listens to their pleas;

and to hearts broken God is near,

who will hear the cry of the poor.

Ev’ry spirit crushed, God will save;

will be ransom for their lives;

will be safe shelter for their fears,

and will hear the cry of the poor.

We proclaim your greatness, oh God,

your praise ever in our mouth;

every face brightened in your light,

for you hear the cry of the poor.

(Source)

We Are Spouses - We Are Mothers

We are spouses, when by the Holy Spirit the faithful soul is united with our Lord Jesus Christ, we are brothers to him when we fulfill the will of the Father who is in heaven .

We are mothers, when we carry him in our heart and body through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we give birth to him through a holy life which must give light to others by example.

St. Francis of Assisi

Source: Our Lady of the Pearl

Let Us Show Each Other God's Generosity

by Saint Gregory of Nazianzen

The following is an excerpt from a sermon on the love of poverty by Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, Office of Readings for Monday of the First week in Lent. Gregory of Nazianzen was patriarch archbishop of Constantinople at the time of the First Council of Constantinople which revised revised the Nicene Creed in 381 AD.

Recognize to whom you owe the fact that you exist, that you breathe, that you understand, that you are wise, and, above all, that you know God and hope for the kingdom of heaven and the vision of glory, now darkly as in a mirror but then with greater fullness and purity. You have been made a son of God, co-heir with Christ. Where did you get all this, and from whom?

Let me turn to what is of less importance: the visible world around us. What benefactor has enabled you to look out upon the beauty of the sky, the sun in its course, the circle of the moon, the countless number of stars, with the harmony and order that are theirs, like the music of a harp? Who has blessed you with rain, with the art of husbandry, with different kinds of food, with the arts, with houses, with laws, with states, with a life of humanity and culture, with friendship and the easy familiarity of kinship?

Who has given you dominion over animals, those that are tame and those that provide you with food? Who has made you lord and master of everything on earth? In short, who has endowed you with all that makes man superior to all other living creatures?

Is it not God who asks you now in your turn to show yourself generous above all other creatures and for the sake of all other creatures? Because we have received from him so many wonderful gifts, will we not be ashamed to refuse him this one thing only, our generosity? Though he is God and Lord he is not afraid to be known as our Father. Shall we for our part repudiate those who are our kith and kin?

Brethren and friends, let us never allow ourselves to misuse what has been given us by God’s gift. If we do, we shall hear Saint Peter say: Be ashamed of yourselves for holding on to what belongs to someone else. Resolve to imitate God’s justice, and no one will be poor. Let us not labor to heap up and hoard riches while others remain in need. If we do, the prophet Amos will speak out against us with sharp and threatening words: Come now, you that say: When will the new moon be over, so that we may start selling? When will the sabbath be over, so that we may start opening our treasures?

Let us put into practice the supreme and primary law of God. He sends down rain on just and sinful alike, and causes the sun to rise on all without distinction. To all earth’s creatures he has given the broad earth, the springs, the rivers and the forests. He has given the air to the birds, and the waters to those who live in the water. He has given abundantly to all the basic needs of life, not as a private possession, not restricted by law, not divided by boundaries, but as common to all, amply and in rich measure. His gifts are not deficient in any way, because he wanted to give equality of blessing to equality of worth, and to show the abundance of his generosity.

We Are Seculars - Not Religious

At Secular Franciscan gatherings recently, questions concerning the evangelical counsels have come up, especially poverty. Seculars, looking at St. Francis and St. Clare, Friars and Poor Clares, for role models, often seem confused. The confusion is increased by Seculars who want to latch onto the idea that somehow we are "mini-friars" or "mini-clares."

Do we give away all our property? Do we open our homes and let the poor and homeless come to live with us? Do we sell our $200,000 - $400,000+ homes to live in an $80,000 one? Do we move from our affluent neighborhoods, drive a 1990 used car instead of our 2008 Mercedes, or give up private schools for our children? Do we go to poor neighborhoods and give away all our retirement funds? What do we do about our spouses who are not Secular Franciscans, perhaps not Catholic, who do not share our Franciscan spirituality in regard to possessions. All these matters and more flood our minds, causing anxiety that we are not being good Franciscans if we do not do these things and more.

I cannot presume to give a pact answer for any of these questions. The answer for each individual is between him/her and God. But start with this in your discernment: remember we are Seculars. We are not Friars and we are not Poor Clares. At profession, we did not make vows. We made promises. Read what we promised:

• "I, _________________, by the grace of God, renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom. Therefore, in my secular state I promise to live all the days of my life the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life. May the grace of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy father St. Francis, and the fraternal bonds of community always be my help so that I may reach the goal of perfect Christian love."

From the early days of the Franciscan movement, there were three groups: Lesser Brothers, Poor Ladies and Brothers and Sisters of Penance. Simply put, the first two groups gave away everything they owned and went to live in community. The third group, from which the Secular Franciscan Order originates, lived a life of prayer in their homes, with spouses and children and with all their stuff.

Article 11 of the Secular Franciscan Order Rule states:

• "Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God’s children. Thus, in the spirit of “the Beatitudes,” and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the home of the Father, they should strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power."

Our Lady of the Pearl website addresses the evangelical counsels at http://www.ourladyofthepearl.com/counsels.htm. I quote from that page:

• The Secular Franciscan Order is an order in the Church, but is not, properly speaking, a religious order because it does not have the public profession of the vows to live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience nor a requirement to live in community. The Secular Franciscan Order is a public association of the faithful. . . .
• At profession, a Secular Franciscan makes promises to live "the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life." A Secular Franciscan makes promises, not vows as do religious at their profession; therefore, a Secular Franciscan is not bound to the Evangelical Counsels the same way as religious. . . .
• The Evangelical Counsels are essential to a Gospel-centered life, lived according to one's state of life, and for all in the Church responding to the universal call to holiness. They are present in spirit in the The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order and the General Constitutions.
• A deeper understanding of the universal call to holiness, the Evangelical Counsels, the laity and the religious may be obtained through a reading of Lumen Gentium. See our page, Lumen Gentium.

On that page there is also a writing, "The Evangelical Counsels and the Secular Franciscan Order," was written by Fr. Michael J. Higgins, TOR. Here is the web page address: http://www.ourladyofthepearl.com/counsels.htm

If I were required to sum up with one word the requirements for the Secular Franciscan in regard to poverty, I would use the word: simplicity. Another word would be: detachment.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition, by William J. Short, OFM, ISBN 1-57075-295-8, published by Orbis Books. Click below to order. If not available, online, call toll free at 866-428-2820 between 9A-5P mountain time. Ask them to order for you.

GREAT New Franciscan Blog!!

This morning I discovered the new blog of Br. William Short, OFM, Professor of Christian Spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. I am writing to pass this great news along to all of you. Click here to go to his blog. It also may be found in the list of websites on this blog.

Most of us know Br. Bill as the co-editor of the three-volume series of English translations of all the documents written by St. Francis of Assisi and his earliest biographers: Francis of Assisi: Early Documents. He has also written other books on the history of the Franciscan movement (The Franciscans) and on its spirituality (Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition). For more information about him, click here.

To give you a taste of the great Franciscan teachings available on his blog, I have copied below his post of January 26, 2008.

St. Francis and Lepers
by William Short, OFM

"Francis marks the beginning of his new life with the sign of meeting the leper. Those suffering from leprosy in the thirteenth century lived a radical poverty. They were “dead,” with funeral services celebrated over their still living bodies. Their property was confiscated; their family ties, friendship and social relations were broken. They lived by the gifts of others.

"The Lord led me among them”—Francis attributes this leading to the Lord. “What was bitter to me became sweet.” Francis finds among the lepers a quality, “sweetness,” which he usually attributes to God’s presence.

"And he wishes to stay among them, to be with “persons looked down upon, among the poor, the weak, the sick and the lepers, and those begging on the side of the road.” Among these, the persons looked down upon, Francis wishes to live. They are like Jesus “who was poor, and a guest, and lived by begging, himself and holy Mary the blessed virgin, his mother.”

"In the poor, Francis sees the image of Christ, the Image of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is poor in his birth, poor in his life, and poor in his death. And he wants to be in the world as one “looked down upon, needy and poor.”

"Francis embraces the leper, and with that gesture embraces the “holy Lady Poverty,” and her sister, “holy humility.” He does this out of a profound intuition that, through giving away everything, he will share in a truly divine activity; he will be accepting his true identity as made in the image of the poor God. “God created and formed you to the image of his beloved Son according to the body,” Francis said, “all spiritual and bodily things and ourselves were made to your image and likeness.”

"With his discovery of God’s poverty, Francis knows his own identity as made in God’s image, and recognizes his connection with all creatures—like him, they are images."

Source: http://blog.nowyouknowmedia.com/franciscans/

Operation Rice Bowl

Operation Rice Bowl is the official Lenten Program of Catholic Relief Services. For 33 years, Operation Rice Bowl has called participants to pray with their families and faith communities; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas, and give sacrificial contributions to those in need. For more information go to their website by clicking here.

In The Eighth Month

Ground zero – Hurricane Katrina! What was it like for a Secular Franciscan community at ground zero? Many continue to ask about the coast of Mississippi so I am posting this account of our story - our story in the midst of one of the most devastating natural disasters in United States history. In a nutshell, it will be years before the coast of Mississippi has recovered and much has been lost forever. As a whole, we continue to suffer and have many problems. Our story below is also found on our website at http://www.ourladyofthepearl.com/.

The Story of Our Franciscan Community
and Hurricane Katrina

Written September 2006

Updated August 29, 2007

by Ouida Tomlinson, SFO

We are Our Lady of the Pearl, Pearlington, Mississippi, a Secular Franciscan community with thirteen members. We are located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, in Hancock County. We are an emerging fraternity, seeking canonical establishment. Most of us have been very good friends for many years, but our time as a Franciscan group began in the fall of 1996. Our meeting place was the Francis House, in Pearlington. It was in the direct path of the eye of the hurricane.

Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Coast as a category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds of 125 mph. Hurricane-force winds extended up to 190 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm-force winds extended for approximately 440 miles. The Mississippi Coast was in the northeast quadrant, the most dangerous side of a hurricane. The center of the eye crossed the Mississippi-Louisiana border, near the mouth of the Pearl River, traveling north over Pearlington and Poplarville, Mississippi . The eye came directly over all of our homes, in the eighth month of 2005, on August 29th.

Massive destruction occurred across the entire Mississippi Coast. The storm surge was up to 35 feet. It penetrated at least six miles inland and up to 12 miles along bays and rivers. Numerous tornadoes compounded the hurricane’s deadly winds and water surge. People lost their lives. Millions of trees were destroyed along with wildlife, pets and domesticated animals.

Of the 171,000 homes in the coastal counties, 38% were destroyed, 22% suffered major damage, and 30% had damage. An estimated 350 buildings listed in the National Register were damaged or destroyed. Ten Catholic Churches were destroyed or gutted, ten had major damage, and four were declared unusable.

From the coast to some areas two hundred miles or more to the north, there was no electricity, water, telephone service, cell phone service, gasoline, groceries, medical or other critical services. Entire coastal communities were obliterated. All socio-economic classes and races were hit. There was no discrimination. The rich along with the poor continue to say, “We lost everything.”

OUR LADY OF THE PEARL

In Pearlington, Fr. James O’Brien said that the town suffered destruction of atomic proportions. It became a wasteland of frightened, homeless people and broken hearts. St. Joseph Catholic Church was leveled with only the steps remaining. The meeting place of Our Lady of the Pearl, the Francis House, was left with only the slab, and all contents gone. Everything was swept clean and disappeared.

In the midst of this tragedy, Our Lady of the Pearl members held together as a family. Within a day or so after the hurricane, we began looking for each other. Initially, the primary difficulty was that none of us were at our usual places. All of us evacuated, either before or after Katrina. Also, telephones, cell phones and the internet were not working well or at all. This loss of communication was one of the scariest parts.

Gradually, over those early days, we were able to verify that all members were alive, and we spread news about each other through the crippled lines of communication. Slowly other news – sad news - also was confirmed about our members, our families and the way of life we had lost.
Some members of Our Lady of the Pearl lost their homes and all possessions; most of the remaining ones suffered extensive damage to home and property and losses of all or most of their possessions. Anything that was left, was covered with mold. Many of our adult children suffered the same type of losses.

Nature also suffered. We lost beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and grass. The land was stripped bare, and the ground was covered with a tarry, black yuck, left by the flooding. At times we seemed to hear the trees crying and all nature sobbing, joining us in our tears and sorrows.

We often said we didn’t know where we belonged anymore except with each other and that everything had changed. We stayed in contact, especially as telephones, cell phones and internet services returned. During the early weeks and months after Katrina, two, three or more came together regularly and sometimes weekly. We had the Transitus of St. Francis in October, and some met in Natchez for retreats.

A year after Katrina most of those of Our Lady of the Pearl with standing homes still had much repair work to be done. Some homes continued to be unlivable. Much delay has been caused by insurance settlement problems, being under insured or not being able to find contractors and laborers to do the work.

There have been tremendous financial losses among us, and only a couple of us have been made whole by insurance proceeds or other sources. The standard of living has declined greatly for some. A few members who had retirement funds or savings have dug deeply into these resources to have livable homes. Others had no savings. Some have lost their businesses or jobs.

All of us have suffered and continue to suffer from episodes or periods of what has become referred to as post-Katrina stress syndrome. This includes an inability to concentrate, low energy, exhaustion, depression, grief, confusion, inability to remember, anxiety, anger, and sadness. The list goes on. The stress also has brought on physical problems such as chest pains, heart problems, weight loss or gain, headaches and other symptoms.

OUR MEMBERS ENCOUNTER KATRINA

Hedy, her husband, and family stayed in Pearlington during the hurricane, on the top floor of their raised home. It overlooked the Pearl River , and the water rose approximately 30 feet or more, filling the lower part of the house. It was gutted and destroyed by the wind and flood waters, which took away all of the contents.

Ann and her husband also lived in Pearlington. The interior of their home had water to the ceiling, causing extensive damage. They too lost furniture, furnishings, clothing and other personal property. They lost over 600 trees. One year after Katrina, repair on their home was almost finished.

Eileen and Renee were neighbors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, about 17 miles further east of Pearlington. They lived across the street from the Bay of St. Louis . Both families lost their homes and all contents, with nothing left except the frame or slab.

Bobbye also lived in Bay St. Louis, within a couple of blocks of the Gulf. Her home is on a ridge, at an elevation higher than most. She and her husband stayed for Katrina. Their home was flooded with about three feet of water. Contents on the first floor had to be thrown away. The flooding and the mold required extensive cleaning and renovations, which were incomplete one year after Katrina.

Tom and Ouida live in Diamondhead , Mississippi , situated north of the Bay of St. Louis and about 22 miles east of Pearlington. They had only minor roof damage and several trees down, but less than one mile from them, homes were gutted by tornadoes or the storm surge. Less than two miles away, homes and businesses were obliterated, with nothing left.

Bob and Patty stayed for Katrina at their home in Poplarville, north of the coast and approximately 60 miles from Pearlington. They had extensive damage to their three-story home. It was hit by a tornado which sucked out a sky light. Water flooded the house, causing much damage and losses to the structure and contents. They evacuated and returned a month later to find everything covered with mold. It took almost one year to restore their home.

John and Carol lived in Slidell, Louisiana, near Lake Ponchatrain and approximately 15 miles west of Pearlington. Their home in Slidell received about four feet of water with extensive damages and losses and is not livable without massive repairs. They are living in a FEMA trailer in Poplarville , Mississippi .

Karen lives in Pearl River, Louisiana, near Slidell and about 20 miles from Pearlington. Over half the roof of her home in Pearl River had structure damage from the eight trees falling on it, but the house was livable. There were 46 trees down on their one acre plus lot.
Debbie lives further west, in Mandeville, Louisiana, north of Lake Ponchatrain and New Orleans and about 40 miles from Pearlington. Her home also had damage.

OUR FIRST COMMUNITY GATHERING AFTER KATRINA

On November 5, 2005, Ann, who had relocated to Slidell, Louisiana, was able to offer the hospitality of her home for our first post-Katrina community meeting, and we have met every month since. This November gathering was one that we shall never forget. We were still in shock as to all that had happened.

We read St. Francis’ description of true joy that he gave to Brother Leo. In all that we were experiencing in our lives, what we needed most was patience and joy. St. Francis’ words went straight to our hearts. We said that to experience the very worst that can happen to us with patience is to experience true joy.

Our discussions that day covered many subjects such as how were we to respond as Christians and Franciscans and what did God expect of us in the midst of Katrina’s devastation. We reminded ourselves that God requires two things of us: to love our Lord our God with all our heart and second, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

We asked why we had to suffer. We asked if this was a purification, such as was experienced by God’s people in the Old Testament when they fell away from him, then why did we, God’s faithful children, have to suffer and lose so much? Part of the answer seems to be that we must live along side others who are Katrina victims to be God’s presence. We are serving him in our suffering. We had to be here, in this place, at this time, when Katrina came
.
We came away that day with the knowledge that we had been stripped of all things, but as Christ’s followers, in the footsteps of St. Francis, we knew that God loves us and would never hurt us and that he wants us to find our peace, love and joy in Him. We realized that these are the truths that we must take to all people in our lives and that by our example, we must bring the peace of our Lord, as spoken of by St. Francis.

During the year following Hurricane Katrina, Our Lady of the Pearl learned much from our experiences. We have a deeper insight into human suffering and a greater sympathy with its victims. We have learned that things and stuff are not so important. There is a greater desire to simplify our lives. Our priorities have changed. The importance of God, family and loved ones is very clear, and there is an enhanced appreciation for spouses. We have learned, over and over, that God loves us.

We are so grateful to be Franciscans as it has prepared us spiritually for these times. Also, we are so grateful for our community. It has provided a safe and supportive place in our post-Katrina world, a place to emotionally share our stories, grief and trauma at the deepest levels. A year after Katrina, one member aptly described our feelings: “I thank all of you for being there for me during this past year. You all are so important in my life - my stability during our most unstable time. I love you all.”

TWO YEARS LATER

It is August 29, 2007, two years since Hurricane Katrina. Many on the Mississippi Gulf Coast continue to struggle with making repairs to homes and businesses and struggle with insurance companies who have denied their claims. Recovery is blocked in many ways because business owners and home owners cannot afford or obtain insurance. Would-be home owners do not purchase homes for the same reasons.

We hear complaints from others that we should not live in hurricane areas and flood zones. They fail to understand that the storm surge (up to 35 feet in some areas) which followed and accompanied Katrina went into areas not classified as flood zones. Many did not have flood insurance because they do not live in flood zones. At the same time, weather related disasters are occurring all over the country so all in the United States are vulnerable to the weather no matter where we live.

Members of Our Lady of the Pearl Secular Franciscan community are at different stages of recovery from Katrina. Eileen, Hedy, and Renee lost their homes. Hedy moved to Natchez but hopes to rebuild in Pearlington. Eileen and Renee have purchased new homes. Most of the repairs have been completed at Bobbye’s, and John and Carol are working on their home repairs but still in a FEMA trailer.

The homes for the rest of us have been repaired. Ann is home again in Pearlington. Our community now meets in her guest house since the Francis House was lost in Katrina. St. Joseph Catholic Church was destroyed in Pearlington and will not be rebuilt. Only the steps are remaining, one of the many reminders of what has been lost forever along with the destruction to nature.

We miss our trees - young trees - centuries-old trees. We miss our grocery stores (only two in our county now), our doctors who have left, our friends who have moved away, our beautiful coastline, our way of life, our churches which were destroyed, our public services, public buildings, the antebellum homes, our stability (economic, emotional, and otherwise), schools, and on and on. The poor especially suffer in such areas as housing. Costs have soared, and there is little affordable housing for the poor and lower middle class. We miss the greater security we had from a lower crime rate. We miss - we miss. But the God of All Comfort is here, and in his presence, the things of earth grow strangely dim.

• "God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission—I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Somehow I am necessary for His purposes, as necessary in my place as an Archangel in his—if, indeed, I fail, He can raise another, as He could make the stones children of Abraham. Yet I have a part in this great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling."
• Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide the future from me—still He knows what He is about. " Source: John Henry Newman
  

Love One Another

On the night before he died, Jesus commanded us to love one another, and it is by this love that others will know we are his disciples. (John 13)

Love is expressed in many ways. One of them is hospitality which is one of the traditional corporal works of mercy. Recall the Old Testament stories of Abraham and Sarah, Lot, Manoah, and Tobit who gave hospitality to strangers who turned out to be angels. Christians who practice hospitality are welcoming Christ himself.

Christians also should see Christ in anyone who is experiencing suffering. We must remember the story of the Good Samaritan and the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25 when he said, "for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." When did we do this, Lord? Jesus tells us that "as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

Is this not what St. Francis finally understood when he kissed the leper? When he cleaned their sores and cared for them?

To practice charity towards God and others, the virtue of chastity is essential. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) Chastity expands one's capacity to love, which includes the love of all creation and the ability to see all of nature as holy. St. Francis saw all creation as a part of a divine family, deserving our love and respect.

In practicing charity and chastity, we also are called to be good stewards of all that God has given us, using his gifts as he intended. The good steward takes care of whatever it is that she or he has been entrusted. As the U.S. Catholic bishops said in Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response: “A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others and returns them with increase to the Lord.”

The life of a Christian steward does not include waste, greed, lust for power, and lust for things for the sake of having. It does not include "conspicuous waste" or "conspicuous consumption." It does not include the acquisition and display of expensive stuff to flaunt wealth and promote self-importance and social standing. Was not paradise lost because of pride and the desire for pleasure and possessions?

Now let us consider chastity in marriage. Marriage is the calling by God to seek holiness in that state in life. "When there is chastity in the love of married persons, their marital life is authentic; husband and wife are true to themselves, they understand each other and develop union between them. When the divine gift of sex is perverted, their intimacy is destroyed, and they can no longer look openly at one another." (Blessed J. Escriva.)

Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) He also said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20a) St. Francis embraced poverty and by "possessing nothing, he belonged entirely to God."

As Secular Franciscans, we are called to detach ourselves from material possessions and to live a simple life. Jesus tells us to be not anxious about our lives, what we shall eat or drink or clothes for our body. (Matthew 6). He comforts us with these words: "I will never fail you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

In all these things and more, we must be obedient and faithful to Christ and the Catholic Church, to his teachings, his commandments and the sacraments, and in unity with His Church, no matter the cost. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

Thus are Secular Franciscans called - called to live in the spirit of the Beatitudes - upon a foundation of brotherly and sisterly love - sometimes entertaining angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1-8.)

Angels Unawares

"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body.

"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never fail you nor forsake you.' Hence we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?'

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever."

Hebrews 13:1-8.

Profession to the Secular Franciscan Order

PROFESSION OR COMMITMENT TO THE GOSPEL LIFE

(promises and commitments made at the time of profession)

I, _________________, by the grace of God,

renew my baptismal promises

and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom.

Therefore, in my secular state

I promise to live

all the days of my life

the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

in the Secular Franciscan Order

by observing its rule of life.

May the grace of the Holy Spirit,

the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

and our holy father St. Francis,

and the fraternal bonds of community

always be my help

so that I may reach the goal

of perfect Christian love.
(Source: Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order)

The Sacred Exchange between St. Francis and Lady Poverty

"possessing nothing, he belonged entirely to God"

Sacrum Commercium Sancti Francisci cum Domina Paupertate is the Latin name for this allegory. It describes Franciscan poverty as a commitment to be followed by those who want to live the Gospel life. The author and date of this writing are unknown, but the date seems to be after the death of Saint Francis, perhaps in the middle of the thirteenth century.

In the prologue, the kingdom of heaven is presented as belonging to those who possess nothing. Francis is led to search for Lady Poverty because to her “the Lord had entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

Sacrum Commercium is based upon a dialogue between Francis and Lady Poverty. She lives all by herself on a mountain. Francis easily climbs this mountain, because he is not encumbered by possessions. On the mountain, he praises Lady Poverty, “since the Son of God, the Lord of virtue and the King of glory, fell in love with this virtue with a special affection. He sought, found, and embraced it while achieving our salvation in the middle of the earth.” Lady Poverty is described as a most faithful spouse, a sweet lover, and the queen of virtues. She responds to Francis by giving an account of the whole history of salvation from Adam until Christ.

"I was once in the paradise of God, where man was naked. In fact, I was in man and was walking with naked man through that entire splendid paradise, fearing nothing, doubting nothing, and suspecting nothing amiss. I thought I would be with him forever, because the Most High created him just, good and wise and placed in the most delightful place. I was so happy playing before him all the while because, possessing nothing, he belonged entirely to God."

Lady Poverty continues to analyze the history of the Church. From apostolic times in Jerusalem, poverty passes over to the peace of Constantine. This marks the beginning of the Church’s relaxation in commitment to poverty. Later there is the birth of monasticism when poverty is rediscovered in the Church, but the monastic orders did not remain faithful to Poverty. The Christian proposal of Francis is an answer to Poverty’s wishes.

The Sacrum Commercium concludes by describing a meal prepared by Francis and the brothers for Lady Poverty. She rejoices at the extremely poor way of life which Francis and the brothers lead. After having a frugal meal and resting on a stone for a pillow, Lady Poverty asks the friars to show her their enclosure. Francis and the brothers lead her upon a hill and show her all the world, telling her: “This, Lady, is our enclosure.”

She blesses Francis and the brothers, urging them to persevere in the grace they have received, ending the story with her beautiful words:

“Therefore, I beg you, brothers, through the mercy of God which has made you so poor, do that for which you have come, that for which you have risen up from the waters of Babylon. Humbly receive the grace offered you. Always use it worthily for the praise and glory and honor of Him Who died for you, Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns, conquers and rules with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God eternally glorious, forever and ever. Amen.”

Give Peace, Lord

The world will never be the dwelling place of peace
till peace has found a home in the heart of each and every person,
till every person preserves in himself
the order ordained by God to be preserved.
( Pope John Paul II, Pacem in Terris)

(click arrow below to activate video)

Saint Francis, Lover of All Creation

"When he considered the primordial sources of all things, he was filled with even more abundant piety, calling creatures, no matter how small, by the name of brother or sister, because he knew they had the same source as himself." (S. Bonaventure, The Life of Saint Francis.)

There are many stories about St. Francis and his encounters with animals, bird, fish and even insects. He rejoiced in the sounds of running water or blowing wind and walked reverently on stones. Nature became holy for him. He called all creatures and elements of creation, brother and sister. St. Francis saw everything created by God the Father and touched by the presence of the Word made flesh. He saw all creation as part of a divine family, deserving of our brotherly and sisterly love and respect. He saw great beauty in all that was around him and was enthralled by God’s presence in the created order.

"From all this, one can gather that
from the creation of the world
the invisible attributes of God are clearly seen,
being understood,
through the things that are made.
And so those who do not wish to heed these things,
and to know, bless and love God in all of them
are without excuse;
for they are unwilling to be transported
out of darkness
into the marvelous light of God."
(S. Bonaventure, The Soul’s Journey Into God)

I am a Secular Franciscan, and mom to my little family of Maltese dogs. I have a very deep affection for them and those I foster. Dogs have a spirit which allows them to form relationships, to bond with us, to love, to be grateful, to trust, to want to be with us, and other wonderful attributes which make them worthy of our greatest devotion and care. They have the imprint of God upon them which is what St. Francis realized about all creation. They are for us the source of some of our greatest joys and sorrows – sorrow when they are sick or in pain or leave us to breathe their breath back to God.

All my dogs have been a ladder for me to God. They have taught me much about God and myself in relation to him. As a Christian and a Franciscan, I cannot be indifferent to God's creatures. Any Franciscan who is indifferent has missed understanding an important part of St. Francis' spirituality. His love of all created things was an extension of his deep love of the Creator. Thomas of Celano, biographer of St. Francis for his canonization, says:

"In every work of the artist he praised the Artist; whatever he found in the things made he referred to the Maker. He rejoiced in all the works of the hands of the Lord and saw behind things pleasant to behold their life-giving reason and cause. In beautiful things he saw Beauty itself; all things were to him good. 'He who made us is the best,' they cried out to him. Through his footprints impressed upon things he followed the Beloved everywhere; he made for himself from all things a ladder by which to come even to his [God’s] throne."

He embraced all things with a rapture of unheard of devotion, speaking to them of the Lord and admonishing them to praise him. He spared lights, lamps and candles, not wishing to extinguish their brightness with his hand, for he regarded them as a symbol of Eternal Light. He walked reverently upon stones, because of him who was called the Rock…

He forbade the brothers to cut down the whole tree when they cut wood, so that it might have hope of sprouting again. He commanded the gardener to leave the border around the garden undug, so that in proper times the greenness of the grass and the beauty of flowers might announce the Father of all things … he ordered that honey and the best wines be set out for the bees, lest they perish from want in the cold of winter." (Thomas of Celano, Second Life, cxxiv, 165\\)

In this time of Advent, let us remember that all of creation has the imprint of the Creator. In this time of Advent, let us remember how St. Francis prepared the Christmas crèche at Greccio and honored the animals by including them. Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of the Child of Bethlehem, making of it his crib. Let us honor God’s presence in all creatures and in all creation.

"Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory and the honor and all blessing,
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures . . . ."
(The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis)

Pal and Gypsy

Gypsy left; Pal right
6th day of Rescue

I bent over.
They walked towards me.

So slowly. So sick.
I reached out, touched them.

They licked my fingers.

I picked them up.
They were trembling.

Their eyes were full of questions
but not without hope.

I gave them all the love I had.
They trembled more at this new thing.
So unsure. So afraid. So sick.

In time - they no longer trembled.
In time - love made them whole.
They gratefully surrendered to my touch

and forgave the human race.

God does the same for us.

He bends over,

picks us up, gives us love
and makes us whole.

But it is he who does the forgiving

and we who do the surrendering.

Gypsy top, Pal bottom,
two months after rescue.

In these pictures, Gypsy is well.

Pal is still very sick.

I'm a foster mom for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. From time to time, I will write about those sweet Maltese that I have fostered as well as our own dogs who have brought so much love into our home. (See What Is A Maltese.)This is a short story about Pal and Gypsy, my first rescues. It is a story of rebirth, for them and for me.

* * *

Pal and Gypsy were rescued from an abuse and neglect situation on September 11, 2003, by Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. They were very frightened and very sick. Gypsy had been used for breeding purposes for years, and both had been made to live outside. They did not know what it meant to be loved and to be touched and held with kindness.

Their medical conditions were serious. Both had eye and skin infections and were covered with fleas, parasites and open, bleeding sores. Their hair was shaved to the skin to remove the filth and matted hair. Neither had ever had any medical or dental attention nor any flea or heart worm prevention. Pal was diagnosed with heart worms. (He was sick for months, had treatments and recovered.) Their teeth were in horrible condition, and the smell was worse. Gypsy especially was very thin and frail. When she was spayed, her uterus was found to be infected. There is no doubt that both would have died within the year if they had not been rescued.

In spite of their conditions on September 11, 2003, that sweet Maltese spirit remained. When I first greeted them as their foster mom, they came to me and licked my fingers. I shall not forget driving them to the animal hospital that day. I cried all the way. They climbed into my lap and went to sleep, occasionally looking up as if to ask, "Are we safe now? Are we going to be o.k.? Who are you? We are so tired."

They stayed several days in the hospital and then came home. The work began. Both were on medications for a long time and had frequent baths with antiseptic shampoo to assist in the healing of sores on the body. I scheduled follow-up visits to the doctor, and they went back to the hospital for a few days. Gypsy had her dental work and was spayed. Pal began his treatments for heartworms. The treatments continued for months and are very hard on a dog. Some do not survive. All their medical expenses were paid by Northcentral Maltese Rescue.

Along with their medical problems, they both were emotional wrecks. Gypsy had no socialization and would attack the other dogs in the household. I could tell that someone had loved Pal at one time, but he was deeply wounded. I spent hours sitting with them, talking to them and holding them, which was difficult with Gypsy. She did not know how to be held and stiffened like a board.

I saw emotional improvement every day in both of them. It was so gratifying. Finally after two months in rescue, Gypsy wanted to be in my lap all the time and would fall asleep in my arms. Their personalities began to emerge. Both were more and more affectionate. I found that Gypsy was a real party girl and loved attention. She had a flair about herself. She was a live wire with an upbeat spirit. Pal liked to play fetch and was the sweetest little guy. Gypsy was well and full of energy, but Pal rested and slept lots because of the heartworm treatments which often made him sick. He still had a ways to go.

Then a miracle occurred. On November 22, 2003, Gypsy was adopted and picked up by her forever mom. Her new mom had seen Gypsy's photo on the rescue's website, made application for her and was approved. She lived in Illinois but previously had planned to be in my area on the Mississippi coast in November. It was a story-book ending, although it was tough on Gypsy for a few days and a long time for me. Gypsy is now a beautiful, spoiled princess, loved and adored by her mom and grandparents.

Gypsy, April 2004

And Pal? Today Pal is a happy, energetic, and healthy boy. He is a very good boy. He is affectionate, smart and devoted. He loves to play fetch. In fact, he could play fetch for hours. He likes sleeping next to me at night, snuggling close, and playing with his friends and his dad. He's an easy-going fellow and a survivor as well. He's my Pal. My husband and I adopted him in the spring of 2004. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?

The website of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.: http://malteserescue.homestead.com/. Please visit their site. They would greatly appreciate donations (which are tax deductible). All funds go to the care of the dogs and their medical expenses. Board members are all volunteer. Adoption is made by application and careful screening for the perfect home for each dog. Those ready for adoption are posted on the website. There is a great need for foster parents to care for these little ones until they are adopted. An application for fostering is also on the website.

Remember!

Families and friends will gather this Thanksgiving Day. They will come together in warm homes of plenty with the dinner table laden with a feast. Now Jesus enjoyed a good meal. Scripture indicates that he would begrudge no one a fine Thanksgiving dinner. But in the giving of thanks this day, we must also remember.

Remember the poor of the world who will have nothing to eat today and those who will die today of starvation with no home or bed. Remember Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and all the others who gave up all to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and to care for the poor.

And remember Jesus who relinquished heaven and became poor to be among us.

In this remembering, we give thanks for the capacity to love and for the opportunity to act out of this love. In this remembering, there is an action to be taken - on behalf of and with the poor.

Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3.

THE RULE OF THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

Article 11

Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God's children.

Thus, in the spirit of the Beatitudes, and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the home of the Father, they should strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power.

_____________________________

Image is of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The painting hangs in the Church of the OFM General Curia in Rome. Source.

Humble Jesus

The Sacred Host, humble Jesus, rests on the tongue.
This same tongue is used to bless and to curse,
to speak words of charity and uncharity,
to bring reconciliation and to bring division.

The Secular Franciscan Fraternity

The Secular Franciscan community is a union of persons, centered around our Lord Jesus Christ, commited to live and proclaim the Gospel. Our Constitutions states: "The fraternity of the SFO finds its origin in the inspiration of Saint Francis of Assisi to whom the Most High revealed the essential gospel quality of life in fraternal communion."

The Secular Franciscan vocation can be properly and effectively fulfilled only through life in community. It is a communal experience, not an individual spirituality. Throughout salvation history, beginning with Adam and Eve, every person is called to holiness in community with other people.

The Order is divided into fraternities, canonically established, at the local, regional, national and international level. Requests for admission are presented to the local fraternity. Admission is gradually attained through a time of initiation, a period of formation, and profession of the rule. Profession is a permanent commitment.

"Wherever the brothers may be together or meet other brothers, let them give witness that they are members of one family." (St. Francis of Assisi, 1223 Rule)

St. Martin of Tours Feast Day - November 11th

Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, bishop. He was the first bishop and confessor honored by the Church in the West. He was born in 315 or 316 in a Roman province that includes modern Hungary. His parents were pagans, and his father was a Roman army officer. As a child, he was spiritually hungry and was drawn to the Christian church. He became a catechumen when he was ten years old and spent time with God in contemplative prayer.

Martin was forced to join the army at 15 and was assigned to a ceremonial cavalry unit that protected the emperor. At the time he was still a catechumen. While in the army, he lived more like a monk than a soldier.

The most famous story concerning his life took place while he was on garrison duty in Gaul (France). On an extremely cold winter day, as he rode through the gates, he saw a beggar in ragged clothes. Martin slashed his mantle in two with his sword and gave half to the freezing man. That night, he dreamed that he saw Jesus wearing the half mantel he had given to the beggar. Martin was immediately baptized. He was 18. Later his zeal converted his mother and sisters.

Martin left the army and entered monastic life, living a quiet life until he was made bishop of Tours. He started churches all over France, was beloved by his people and worked many miracles. He died when he was over 80 years old on November 8th. He was buried on November 11th in the Cemetery of the Poor in Tours, at his request.

Franciscans are encouraged to read more about St. Martin's life as there are many similarities between him and St. Francis, both spiritually and in biographical events. This is further evidenced by the painting of St. Martin in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

Saint Martin of Tours Renouncing the Sword,
by Simone Martini (c. 1321).
Located in the Lower Church of the
Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Article 8

As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do.

Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. Let them join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

Blessed Are They

ALL SAINTS' DAY

NOVEMBER 1

All Saints' Day, November 1, is a principal feast of the Catholic Church and a holy day of obligation. The Church celebrates all the saints - canonized or beatified as well as those who are in heaven that are only known to God.

This a day to remember also that we are all called to holiness and to live the Beatitudes. From the 5th Chapter of Lumen Gentium, on the "Universal Call to Holiness":

"They must follow in His footsteps and conform themselves to His image seeking the will of the Father in all things. They must devote themselves with all their being to the glory of God and the service of their neighbor. In this way, the holiness of the People of God will grow into an abundant harvest of good, as is admirably shown by the life of so many saints in Church history." (LG 40)

Gospel Reading of the Day

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:1-12a)

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

Article 11

Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life, even though he valued created things attentively and lovingly. Let the Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their own material needs. Let them be mindful that according to the gospel they are stewards of the goods received for the benefit of God's children.

Thus, in the spirit of the Beatitudes, and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the home of the Father, they should strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you and with true sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You.

Protect me in the midst of danger, comfort me in my afflictions, give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

This is one of my favorite personal prayers. It is simple and short but seems to cover everything that I might include for myself alone and my relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. It brings to mind The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. Could this be because of the connection between Saint Margaret Mary and Saint Francis? Secular Franciscans, pray this prayer to live our Rule more perfectly.

From the writings of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:

"On the feast of St. Francis ( October 4, 1673 ), Our Lord let me see in prayer, this great saint, clad in a garment of light and unspeakable brilliance. He had been raised above the other saints to an extraordinarily high degree of glory, because his life was so like that of the suffering redeemer who is the life of our souls and the love of our hearts. His glory was the reward of his great love for the passion of our Lord, a love which rendered him worthy of the great stigmata and made him one of the great favourites of Jesus' heart. By a very special favour he has been given great power in applying to the faithful the merits of the Precious Blood, a power which made him, in a sense, the mediator of this treasure. After I had seen all this, the Divine Bridegroom, as a token of his love, gave me St. Francis as my soul's guide. He was to lead me through all the pains and sufferings that awaited me."

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

Article X

United themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father's hands, let them faithfully fulfill the duties proper to their various circumstances of life. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions.

Article XII

Witnessing to the good yet to come and obliged to acquire purity of heart because of the vocation they have embraced, they should set themselves free to love God and their brothers and sisters.