MINISTER S MESSAGE: Remembering Clare, The little plant of Francis. N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e : Saint Alphonsa Fraternity

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1 N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e : Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Q u e e n o f P e a c e R e g i o n S e c u l a r F r a n c i s c a n O r d e r August Volum e 13, Issue 8 Dear Brothers and Sisters, MINISTER S MESSAGE: Remembering Clare, The little plant of Francis The Feast of St. Clare is on August 11 th and is a special day for all of us. Chiara was born into a noble family. She was a beautiful girl and from all accounts she was well-educated for a lady of her time. Her parents were set on her marrying a fine young man of nobility, but she had other plans for she desired to be the bride of her heavenly King. Clare heard Francis speak on a number of occasions and her heart was set aflame with his message of the gospel and his simple way of life. It was after Palm Sunday that she met St. Francis and the brothers and committed herself to living a life of poverty, chastity, humility and obedience. She and the ladies who would join her would completely depend on the providence of God. Her father tried to force her to come back home but there was no turning back. She had made up her mind. She made her profession before the altar of the Portiuncula. Her fine long hair was cut, and her beautiful clothes were exchanged for a coarse habit of poverty and the white veil of chastity. She was eighteen. For a while she lived at several Benedictine convents but eventually the Church of San Damiano would INSIDE THIS ISSUE Minister s Message 1 Spiritual Assistant Reflections 2 Formation Assignment 3 July Retreat 4-6 Upcoming Events 7 Prayer Requests 7 Fraternity Council 8 Newsletter Notes 8 Next Meetings 8 Treasurer Report 8 Lourdes Holy Water 8 Little Red Brick 8 be her home. She never wavered from her love of Lady Poverty. She had petitioned the Pope for many years for a Rule of life for her and her sisters and it was finally granted by Pope Innocent IV on August 7, 1263 two days before she died. St. Clare, pray for us. Light the flame of love in our hearts for living the Gospel life. Peace and all good, Teresa

2 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 2 Spiritual Assistant Reflections: Dearest Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, A couple of months ago, I handed out copies of descriptions of different ways of praying with the scripture. Praying with the scriptures for us as Franciscans as we move from Gospel to Life. Yet, we can also pray from Life to the Gospel. This month, I would like to propose a simple way of praying with and through our experiences and allowing the Lord to open our eyes to see our lives through the Gospel. *First a caveat- this little method does not need to be followed strictly- do what works to deepen your relationship with God! Begin prayer as always, by recalling in some way that God is already here present desiring you, laboring for you, and drawing you closer. Take time to relax, breathe, get comfortable, allow whatever is bothering you to arise, notice it, and gently let it go for now. judging them. And then, simply invite Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Father, Mary, Saint Francis, or any of the saints (You do not have to invite all of them, one is sufficient!) to visit you there and have a conversation with them. Share with them honestly and then listen to how they respond. I find it helpful to allow my imagination to be engaged to help me see the situation and what the person I am speaking with does in the situation. Others may share heart to heart without images. Stay in the conversation as long as you need to and let the Spirit lead! For formation practice, would you try this way of praying once or twice this Month? I will ask at our meeting whether anyone would like to share an experience. Peace and every good, Fr. John Then enter the memory or the situation you would like to pray with. This may be a memory that has come up in prayer previously or perhaps it keeps popping up as a distraction and it has become clear that the Lord desires to be with you in it. Or this may be a situation that either filled you with great joy or has been bothering you and you would like to invite the Lord into it. When entering the situation or memory in prayer, I find it helpful to ask Mary to lead me gently. Allow the situation or memory to form and take shape. Allow the feelings surrounding the memory or situation to arise without

3 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 3 Formation Director Notes: Hello Dear Brothers and Sisters, This month for our: Ongoing Formation assignment please see Fr. John's article... Inquirers Formation Assignment is "Franciscan Movement Part II" (sent out in an .) Meeting in Epiphany Brides Room on Friday September 7th, ***Also begin writing your " Letter of Intent" and set up time for an Interview. Affiliate Formation- Elizabeth will complete Affiliate Formation mid-august. We will have a welcoming for her at our August 26th meeting:) St. Alphonsa: Her Rule of Life-Her desire for obedience was shown by her personal rule 1) We should joyfully accept suffering as Divine Will. Until now I have not suffered without complaining myself. From Today, I will undergo suffering without complaining. 2) When those in authority judge us unjustly, we should accept these allegations without complaint and without justifying ourselves. How have I behaved so far? I have always tried to avoid accusations or tried to minimize their seriousness if they were true. O my Divine Spouse! With your grace I will try to practice this virtue. 3) I have chosen the Virgin Mary my Mother and Mediatrix. Glorious Mother, you know I have nothing of my own. If there is some good quality in me, it is a gift of you beloved Son. And therefore, why should I, a poor worm, glory in it? 4) She talked about giving up her natural love for creatures (Mother Ursula). Today I will give up my special love for that person and remain neutral. If I talk or behave with my natural impulses, if I fall short, I shall make some act of reparation. 5) I will seek shelter in the Sacred Heart when I am despised or humiliated. Let others speak whatever they want of me. As for me, I will thank the Lord for having given me the grace to endure all these derogatory remarks keeping in mind eternity. With your grace, I promise not to speak ill of anyone. 6) Guard my eyes from straying. I will not look farther than 2 meters ahead of me. 7) I will obey my superiors in everything taking into consideration that the will of Superiors is the will of God. 8) Even if I am accused of no fault of mine, I will only say I m sorry! Excuse me! 9) I will not speak until and unless I m forced to speak due to urgency, charity and obedience. 10) I will not seek to judge anyone for their frailties. 11) I will read spiritual books for at least 1 hour each day. 12) My soul desire is to love the Lord in perfection. I would rather die than commit even a small venial sin. 13) I have a deep longing to suffer meritoriously. I have an immense desire to bear all suffering without showing them exteriorly. ***These are some other comments she made that kind of go along with her rule - I have mortified myself to not manifest my likes and dislikes to others. - She never praised herself or flattered others.

4 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 4 July 2018 Mini-Retreat Report: By Carol Schiebold, ofs Secretary The Saint Alphonsa Fraternity gathered for a Mini- Retreat on July 29, 2018 at the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minnetonka, MN where Fr John Bauer, ofs is Pastor. The Council arrived early for set-up and a short Council meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Members began arriving about 1 to 1:15 pm for brief visiting and fellowship. Jean McGinty, ofs was invited to the podium for a presentation about our patron saint, Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu. Jean distributed a handout highlighting the important aspects of the life of Saint Alphonsa in addition to a card containing a Prayer to St. Alphonsa and a Prayer of St. Alphonsa. At 1:30 Father John called us to the Church Proper for exposition of The Blessed Sacrament and Adoration. Father led us in prayer and singing O Salutaris Hostia. We spent 30 minutes in quiet Adoration, each spending the time as we wished. Then, Father John led us in song and prayer, Benediction, prior to the reposition of The Blessed Sacrament. We returned to The Fellowship Hall for the remainder of the day. The Liturgy of the Hours for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Prayer (evening prayer), was led by Father John. Prayer was opened with singing O Christ, You Are the Light and Day. Jerry Swanson, ofs did the reading on p. 716 of Christian Prayer. Following Liturgy of the Hours, Teresa W. led us in saying the Memorare for our Priests and a Hail Mary for brothers Rick Isenor, Jim Malisheski, and Trisha Swanson, wife of Jerry Swanson. Key Points: Born August 19, 1910 in Kerala, India, baptized August 27, Baptismal name was Anna and her pet name was Annakutty. Raised by her maternal Aunt and Great- Uncle due to her mother s untimely death shortly after her birth. Despite excruciating pains, she was always a simple and joyous like a child. Entered the Poor Clares convent in 1927, received the postulant s veil in 1928 with the name Alphonsa and the religious habit in Joined the Novitiate in 1935 and was professed August 1, She offered herself to Jesus with all her heart: complete surrender to God s will. Was always cheerful despite many painful diseases and considered self as a sacrificial offering at God s altar. Believed that suffering refines us and makes us worthy of Him.

5 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 5 She did not want her suffering to be reduced by human attention and sympathy, nor did she want others to know of her suffering. This was a strange expression of humility that seeks that others should never think of you. Passed away on July 29, Funeral was simple and thinly attended. Ultimately her tomb turned into a great center of pilgrimage and innumerable miracles occurred there. Beatification process began December 2, Pope John Paul II approved a miracle on July 9 th and she became Venerable Sr. Alphonsa. Beatified on February 8, 1986 and canonized on December 10, Her Feast Day is July 28 th. Motto: A day without suffering is a day that is lost. Shirlann was invited to the podium: Shirlann's talk was on the relationship of St. Francis to the Blessed Mother. St. Francis legacy was that he learned and lived everything at the Cross. Five concepts were included in Shirlann's talk: San Damiano Cross: Contemplate the sorrowful scene at Calvary and those who learn their call to discipleship there with Mary (and Francis). Church of St. Mary of the Angels the Portiuncula o Francis abided here and continually prayed to Mary. This place represented that Palace, Tabernacle, and Dwelling of God, for Francis desired that his friars/order belong entirely to Mary (with and in Christ), as her possession and property. The mystery of the Immaculate Conception in the life of St. Francis o At the very core of St. Francis life and development of his Order was the revelation of the Immaculate Conception as the full realization of the economy of salvation based on the Incarnation. Mary's preservation from original sin is the means that our Savior uses to free us from sin. Consecration/Transubstantiation into Mary o Transubstantiation into Mary is the term of perfect sanctification and basis for those who with and in her, hear the Word of God and keep it. This is the Franciscan life lived in a spirit of total consecration to the Immaculate. Francis consecrated his life and soul to the Blessed Mother and surrendered all to her care. He desired all hearts to be transformed into the love of her Son and thus her Immaculate Heart to triumph (i.e. Call at Fatima). o (Shirlann gave many examples of the fruit/effectiveness of Consecration). Our call as brothers & sisters of Penance Attributed to St. Francis that there can be no greater fruit of penitential love than that of transubstantiation of our sinful hearts into the immaculately pure heart of Mary through her mediation, and through her use of us as her property and instruments for the conversion and sanctification of all souls. Filling up for the Church in His flesh what was lacking in the passion of Christ. (Col. 1:24) So, by surrendering with our Mother Mary at the

6 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 6 foot of the Cross of her Son, in union with St. Francis, let us learn to carry the gold of love in our hearts, the frankincense of prayer in our minds, and the myrrh of mortification in our bodies. down! By the level of noise there was no lack of visiting and conversation. After Shirlann s presentation, we prayed The Crown Rosary starting with Patti Urick leading the first decade then 6 others each leading a decade. Following completion of The Rosary, Teresa W. called Carol to the podium to give a report on her month with the Red Brick then Teresa gave her report. Both had good experiences during their month of Go Rebuild My House. Patti and Laurie accepted the bricks for the month of August. All too soon, but after a wonderful educational, prayerful, Spirit filled day, we were on our way to our respective homes. Finally, it was time for our Holy Spirit potluck. The aroma of those yummy meatballs had been enticing us all afternoon. Father led grace before we enjoyed them plus many salads, desserts, and other amazing dishes inspired by The Holy Spirit. He never lets us

7 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Upcoming Events 2018 Calendar All dates in bold type indicate required attendance by our Rule August 26th Sunday 1:30 Adoration/Meeting Council Meeting 12:30 September 30th BBQ at The Walker s Home 12:30 4:30 pm October 28th Sunday 1:30 Adoration/Meeting Council Meeting 12:30 November 25th Sunday 1:30 Adoration/Meeting Council Meeting 12:30 December TBD August 2018 Prayer Requests: To End Abortion Healing for Tom, Karen and Sam For the youth of this world Healing of all those who have eating disorders, especially Maria and Emily For Family members to return to the church For deeper docility to The Holy Spirit and complete confidence in God s Providence. Conversion for all family members For God s choice of a home for Sheree That my daughter, Bonnie and her husband s marriage be restored with Pray for our Priests! Page 7 love and respect for each other, that God would be important in their lives by going to church, which would help their 5 children, especially Caden, who has a hard time to forgive his Dad. For Aimee Jo who is struggling with infertility after treatment for ovarian cancer For Will and Megan suffering with addiction issues and the consequences of a DUI For the end to abortion and respect for the dignity of life from conception to natural death For healing and unity in our Nation; restore to order under God For full healing for Lynn, Linda, Nate, all those with cancer, chronic pain, addiction, mental/psychological pain For God s justice, healing and full reparation and restoration within our church For conversion of lost and forsaken young people That the Abel family will find peace with change of residence and the selling of their home (Laurie s family) Healing of Laurie s sister, Patty Healing of marriages

8 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Page 8 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Council Minister: Teresa Walker, OFS Vice Minister & Co Infirmarian: Mark Urick, OFS Formation Director: Jean McGinty, OFS Secretary: Carol Schiebold, OFS Treasurer: Teresa Isenor, OFS Spiritual Assistant: Fr John Bauer, OFS Co-Infirmarian: Janet Uhlir, OFS Newsletter Notes: The Newsletter of the Saint Alphonsa Fraternity is published monthly. We seek to follow traditional conventions of journalism. For example; articles are ended with the symbol, author name and/or source. Deadline for articles is the last day of the month. Articles should be sent to: Carol Schiebold, Secretary schieboldmn@gmail.com Next Meeting: All are welcome to our monthly meetings which are held in the Charity room at Epiphany Catholic Church, 2:00 PM the last Sunday of each month. Meetings are preceded by Adoration beginning at 1:30 PM in the chapel. Fraternity Council meetings precede the regular meeting. Call Teresa Walker if you are interested in attending. Next meeting day is August 26, FRANCISCAN Holy Hour Franciscan Brothers of Peace Queen of Peace Friary 1289 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul, MN Every First Friday at 7:00 PM Adoration & Franciscan Crown Rosary Chanted Compline & Benediction Refreshments and Fellowship follow. Treasurer s Report: Balance at the beginning of the month was $ Common fund income was $ for a month end balance of $ Jean McGinty submitted a bill for $22.00 for the St. Alphonsa prayer cards. A check was written to reimburse her. Lourdes Holy Water: Linda Loes has Lourdes' Holy Water available for anyone who would like some to enhance their prayer life. Please contact Linda to make arrangements for filling your own small bottle. Little Red Bricks: The intent is for each Fraternity member to take it for a month on a rotating basis, focus on an arbitrarily picked rule from the red rule book, decide what to do to follow that rule more closely then report back at the next meeting about what they did. Patti Urick and Laurie Lacina have them for the month of August. Visit our Website: www. Webmaster needed!!!!