THE CANTICLE SUN. January 8, 2015 Gathering.

Transcription

1 The Newsletter of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Secular Franciscan Fraternity THE CANTICLE SUN January 2015 Issue No. 2 apple.com/iwork January 8, 2015 Gathering. Spiritual Advisor Br. Mick Joyce, OFM CAP Council Mark Carroll, ofs Minister/Newsletter Donna Gluvna, ofs Vice Minister Suzanne Bettinger, ofs Secretary Kathleen Collins, ofs Treasurer Cathy Waters, ofs Formation Minister Pat Smith, ofs Councilor Ann Moran, ofs Councilor " Appointments: Ruth Ann Eston, ofs Music Minister/ Infirmarion Social Committee: Suzanne Bettinger, ofs Carol Ditzel. ofs Anna Hall, ofs Sacristan: Grace Bostwick, ofs Mailings: Patricia Ranallo, ofs 7:15 p.m. Liturgy of the Hours Leader: Rev. Larry Gregg Antiphonary: Cathy Waters, ofs Reader: Bernard Wirtz, ofs Liturgy of the Word with Communion Celebrant: Rev. Larry Gregg Acolyte: Rudolf Rendesi, ofs Lector: Jim Medling, ofs Collection of Offerings: Debbie Seguin, ofs Ann Moran, ofs Eucharistic Ministers: If needed, will be assigned at the Gathering. If your unable to attend our monthly gathering, please make your absence known to a member of council, prior to the gathering. The Canticle Sun, Nantucket Row Bay Village, Ohio, 44140, (216) / mcarroll09@me.com

2 THE CANTICLE SUN: PROPER OF FRANCISCAN SAINTS PAGE 2 January 7 St. Angela of Foligno Third Order Secular and Regular St. Angela of Foligno was born in Umbria in the year Putting aside the allurements of the world which attracted her for a time, she joined the Third Order of Penance of St. Francis and drew many women to follow her example. She was conspicuous for her fervent love for God and fellowmen, especially the poor, and her humility, patience and poverty. Blessed by God with heavenly favors she had a special devotion to the mysteries of the life of Christ and left remarkable writings on spiritual topics which gained for her the title Teacher of Theologians. Between 1296 and her death in early 1309, she established a community of Sisters who added to the Rule of the Third Order a commitment to a common life without, however, binding themselves to enclosure, so that they might devote their time to works of charity. Pope Clement XI approved the veneration paid to her in her beatification on July 11, 1701 and Pope Francis extended the veneration to all the Church on October 9, 2013 declaring her a saint. January 12 Blessed Bernard of Corleone, Religious First Order Bernard Latini (baptized Phi;ip) was born at Corleone in He was a quarrelsome person in his youth and was prone to violence. But converted to a better way of life, he sought admission to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Wholly devoted to God alone, he bent every effort to become like Christ crucified through heroic love and genuine deeds of penance. He died in the year January 14 Blessed Odoric of Pordenone, Priest First Order Ordoric was born in Pordenone, Italy in He entered the Order of St. Francis and combined the austerity of life with apostolic zeal for the propagation of the faith.he was first sent to the missions in Order in Asia. Later he went on to the distant Indians and Tartars and finally reached China where he was instrumental in establishing the ecclesiastical hierarchy in the city of Peking known then as Cambalek, and brought many thousands to the Christian faith. As he was on his way to Avignon to report to the Pope on the progress of Christianity in the distant mission, he died in the friary of Udine on January 14, January 16, Berard, Priest and Companions Protomartyrs. First Order Memorial. January 23, Marianne Cope, OSF ( ). January 30 Hyacinth of Mariscotti, Virgin Third Order Hyacinth was born of a noble Roman family in She joined the Franciscan Sisters early in life but put off the virtues of religious life.it was during her recovery from a serious illness that she gave up her worldly vanities. Thereafter she afflicted her body with severe penance and occupied herself with the works of charity, thus meriting to receive heavenly favors from God. She died at Viterbo in the year The Canticle Sun, Nantucket Row, Bay Village, Ohio, (216) / mcarroll09@me.com

3 THE CANTICLE SUN: FORMATION FOCUS PAGE 3. A Franciscan Conversation As the convergence of this year and next draws near, the promise of tomorrows dawn awaits. Usually at this time, new years resolutions abound. A plethora of new beginnings that resemble last years, are once again uttered with the caveat, I mean it this year! If one reads the news paper, catches any one of endless news programs, our world is in turmoil. Has anyone ever made the resolution to do what God has called upon us to do; or have we ever resolved that in this new year, to be an agent of change? We know that Francis was able to achieve this but how? Perhaps it began with a conversation. I m sure that losing weight is right up there with world peace, but can we facilitate either? They both are a lifelong process that require commitment on our part to do. We look around our corner of the world and it at times seems quite comfortable, but haven t we been called by our own vocation to go beyond the pleasant, in order to assist in a world that cry s out for help? Looking at this realistically, it seems daunting to even try. As one person, what in the world could each of us do to help oppose injustice? How could we work to cure ebola, crusade for peace, ease racial tensions or contend that all life and lives matter? The many crises that plague our world are massive, seemingly uncontrollable and overpowering, and yet all were perpetrated on this planet, given to us by God, because of the human condition. Francis sought to change that human condition, no matter the personal sacrifice required. Perhaps, a conversation with God is in order. To facilitate this heart-to-heart exchange with our creator, we must focus our minds to listen. Listening is key to our conversation because God is found not in the mighty winds or roaring flames, but in silence. In that tiny whispering sound, God speaks the way of love, his way, to those who become quiet enough to listen. As Fr. Murray writes in his prayer notes, Learning to Listen for God in prayer, I had to look calmly but steadfastly in order to hear, and I had to listen in order to see. This is not a typo, of which I m quite capable thereof. No, this is about becoming so in tuned with our senses that the hidden becomes the obvious, and the silence speaks! If anyone is an example of this, it is the Little Poor Man from Assisi. It was in the silence of the caves, that Francis began to see God s plan for him; and as he gazed upon the beauty of the San Damiano Cross, he heard the voice of our Lord saying Francis, go and rebuild my church. So despite being only one, e a c h o f u s c a n m a k e a difference. Ours is a society in which we are called to be agents of change. By profession, we pledge to live the gospel in the manner of St. Francis by means of our rule approved by the church. So where is our passion, our compassion; what are we called to do? Perhaps the better question would be; where to start? Prayer has to be at the forefront of all we do. While The Canticle Sun, Nantucket Row Bay Village, Ohio, / / mcarroll09@me.com

4 THE CANTICLE SUN: FORMATION FOCUS PAGE 4 we are able to discern our passions, what is it then, that feeds our compassion. Yet, what if it s not what we are called to do? I have many causes or charities, that dominate my thoughts, the operative word being my. Despite that, the conversation we need to have is two sided. If not, and we never ask nor listen, we have had a discussion with ourselves. Imagine had Francis not gazed upon to hear the Crucifix, or Elijah had not persevered on the mountain to hear the tiny whispering sound of God s voice. Many times, a conversation can go in a direction not considered. That which is the furthest thing from our mind may be closest to God s. The paths we are called to follow could be a direction we would never has chosen. If we had not listened, we could never have seen what God has called us to do The world that has taken shape in our time, is truly one in need of prayer. Virtually every vice known exists in our time, and is celebrated in the media. Wedges are driven between peoples, (Satan s most valuable tool,) in order that hatred might flourish. Life is not valued in modern society. The number of abortions that kill the innocent, senseless gun violence which does the same, and torture, the means that justifies the end, are protected by our rights as guaranteed in the Constitution, or at least in someone s interpretation thereof. Even justice Anthony Scalia in an attempt to justify torture said; there is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits torture. It begs the question, is not abortion torture? There is no place in modern society for indifference. Indifference kills! Once we journey down that slippery slope called modern society, we give a tacit approval to that w i t h w h i c h w e b e c o m e members by default. It becomes difficult to see the beauty in and of our time, if we never look to hear, or listen in order to see. It is a tremendous gift we have been given to be here at this time, to do what we have been called to do. And that is to do as much as we can to bring about change. We have been called by Francis to go out as the brothers so many centuries ago, to bring Christ to every nation. We are called to bring the Good News to a world that longs for God s peace and joy. Where must it begin? Within! Before we can hope to be agents of change, we must first be born anew into our own corner of the world. Then we can go forth to bring the Gospel to those who listen and see, and the Peace of Christ to those who look in order to hear. Profession brings with it, responsibility. We have been called upon at this time, to pray, to work towards, to be a light to others that they might see. Sounds difficult at best, and it will be. Yet Francis gave us a blue print to follow. We shouldn t flatter or boast about doing what any sinner can do. A sinner can fast, pray, weep, mortify the flesh. But this a sinner cannot do; Remain faithful to the Lord. Therefore this is what we should glory in: Rendering glory to our Lord, serving him faithfully, and acknowledging as his, whatever he give us. The Canticle Sun, Nantucket Row, Bay Village, Ohio, (216) / mcarroll09@ me.com

5 THE CANTICLE SUN: PRAYER INTENTIONS PAGE 5 Remember Them in Prayer Kay Bevelacqua, Grace Bostwick, Mary Kearns, Rosemary Diemer, Ann Micenko, Lois Hillenbrand, Mary Jo Jelar, Kathleen Conroy, Ann Moran, Nancy Sweeney, Ferdinand & Rudolf Rendisi, Bernard & Mary Ann Wirtz, Margret O Neill, Darlene Sasz, Arline Petras. Robert Rericha, Helen Roche, Carol Ditzel, Nicole Dister, Lynne Plezia, Daniel Bostwick, William and Mark Carroll, and Becky Ranallo. Let us pray Antiphon Holy Virgin Mary, There is no one like you among women, Daughter and Handmaid of the most high. sovereign King, the heavenly Father, Mother of the most holy Lord Jesus Christ, Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Pray for us with St. Michael the archangel and with all the powers of heaven and with all the saints together with your most holy beloved Son Lord and Teacher. Glory... From the Little Office of the Passion. Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for January, 2015 Universal: Peace That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace. Evangelization: Consecrated Life That in this year dedicated to consecrated life, religious men and women rediscover the joy of following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal. Anniversaries Nancy Sweeney, ofs 1/9/47 Sixty eight years Birthday s Kathleen Conroy, ofs 1/3 Nancy Sweeney, ofs 1/6 Carol Ditzel, ofs 1/18 Bernard Wirtz, ofs 1/23 To all of this months celebrants, thank you for your continued service to our fraternity, and our Secular Franciscan way of life! Holiness doesn t mean doing extraordinary things, but doing ordinary things with love and faith. Pope Francis Fair Share 2015 Another passing from our fraternity was recorded in October of Audrey Ice, 91 has passed away. Audrey was a resident of Riverview Pointe in Olmsted Falls. She was professed on October 13, No other information has been received. Her passing notice came in the form of a returned newsletter, stating she had died. May she rest in Peace The Canticle Sun Nantucket Row Bay Village, Ohio, 44140, (216) / mcarroll09@me.com

6 THE CANTICLE SUN: LOOKING AHEAD & MORE PAGE 6 Looking Ahead Thursday, January 8, 6:15 PM. Inquirers gather at 6:15 PM in Linus Hall. Material for discussion will be chapter 9, in your Franciscan Journey books. Thursday, January 8, 7:15 PM. Evening Prayer will begin and will be followed by Mass at 7:30 PM. On going formation and fraternity social will follow in Linus Hall cafeteria. Thursday, February 12, 6:15 PM Candidacy classes will begin at 6:15 in Linus Hall. Candidates will gather in Linus Hall and begin their final journey to profession. Thursday, February 12, 7:15 PM Evening prayer begins promptly at 7:15, followed by Mass and our monthly gathering. Friday, March 13, Immaculate Heart of Mary Lenten retreat. The retreat is open to all the members of the St. Maximilian Kolbe region. Registration will begin at 8:30 to 8:55 AM. More information will follow. Since our regular meeting is on March 12, our meeting will take place following the retreat. Thursday, April 9, 2015 Council elections will be held after Mass concludes. We will move to Linus Hall for this purpose. Fair Share It is once again that time of year when we are called upon to offer support to our Order. It is Fair Share season. So much is accomplished and so much good is done when we can support those who support us. Fair share as you know is to support all the c o u n c i l s a b o v e u s, Regional, National, and International. It is through the Regional Council, that our greatest support comes. Through programs and opportunities such as the Fun Manual, that provides excellent formation training for both new and professed members. Regional Council provides a forum for the Ministers to gather together yearly, to learn from each other and to be kept up to date from the National and International Councils. It is the Region who will administer our elections in April. The offering this year is $38.00 dollars. We will send our check to the Region at the end of January. Please be timely with your fair share offering, and as always, if you are not able to contribute, please let a member of Council know. Though St. Francis had to moderate his early rigor because of his illness, he continued to say: My brothers and sisters, let us begin to serve the Lord, for up to now we have done little, or nothing. -Celano, First Life, 103 The Canticle Sun, Nantucket Row, Bay Village, Ohio, 44140, ( 216) / mcarroll09@me.com