The St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter Fraternity #101 Volume 20 Issue 2 February 2017 Graceful Thoughts from the Minister Hello to all my brothers and sisters in St. Francis, February is already here! As my children always tell me in February - Mom! Only eleven months until Christmas!! Yes, they are in their thirties but they are still kids at heart. As most parents will agree, we find it hard to let go of our children as they become adults and forge ahead without us... But deep inside each and every one of us is a child-like spirit. When Jesus said: Let the children come to me (Matthew 19:14), I believe that He was also speaking for His father as an invitation to all of us in continuing our journey toward heaven. Even though our innocence begins to fade as we age, we can NEVER lose the Spirit that lives within us. Keeping that in mind, as a family, we grieve with our brothers and sisters when family members and friends are called... But the gift of the Holy Spirit is the gift of life literally. Without the Spirit, we are only a shell. What a blessing to realize and appreciate that fact! And what joy we have in knowing that we will one day be in the presence of our Creator... As Lent begins on March 1st, I pray that we will all take the opportunity to make it the best Lent ever! I hope that we challenge ourselves to walk this Lenten journey daily with Christ ever mindful that our sufferings as well as our joys are united with His. We should contemplate on His suffering and place ourselves at His side as we ask for mercy for ourselves and for the world. I'm learning so much from all of you. Thank you. Your sister, Israela O Breath of God, unite us in action! Bo ruach Elohim! Spiritual Assistant s Message Dear sisters and brothers in St. Francis--- There are many occasions to celebrate, liturgically, before we spiral up into the 2017 Season of Lent--beginning Ash Wednesday, March 1st. I chose to share some thoughts on a relatively new canonized saint: Josephine Bakhita [bah-kee-tah]. She is a complimentary heroinesque soul in membership with the Cannosian Daughters of Charity. They are an Italian congregation with a beautiful presence in our Albuquerque south valley, just a mile from my Franciscan community. The Cannosian community originally founded the site as their Provincialate and Novitiate. But the '60's, being what they were to many religious and clerical life ventures, couldn't make a go of it. So, they responded to the call of the Holy Spirit to use the facility for retirement and spiritual renewal. Since then, their beautiful property continues to develop as one of the jewels of the area. Josephine lived from 1869 to 1947. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. So, her life touches three centuries. And, even her name is an interesting story. Born in southern Sudan, her name was neither "Josephine" nor "Bakhita." It seems lost to history. As was the responsibility of women and girls, she--and her sisters--went down to the river, daily, to fetch water for the family's needs. As can be imagined, it could be quite dangerous. But, more fearful than wild animals, was the horror of being kidnapped for sale into slavery! One early morning, that's exactly what happened to her. She was only nine years old. Her other sisters escaped to tell their parents--who grieved her loss, and never saw (or heard) from her again. It was her captors who gave her the Arabic nickname "Bakhita"--"fortunate one;" But, a more contemporary translation is "Lucky." Continued on page 6 National Secular Franciscan Fraternity Theme for 2017
FEBRUARY FRANCISCAN SAINTS On February 6, we celebrate the memorial of Peter Baptist, Paul Miki and Companions. They were crucified for the faith in Nagasaki, Japan in 1597. The martyrs included Peter Baptist and five other Franciscan friars, Paul Miki and two other members of the Society of Jesus, and seventeen Franciscan Tertiaries. These latter were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, old people and children. When missionaries first returned to Japan in the 1860 s they found no sign of Christianity. But once they were established, they discovered that thousands around Nagasaki had secretly passed on the faith by reading Scripture and praying the Rosary. The martyrs were canonized in 1862. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trial, or distress, or persecution or hunger, or nakedness, or danger or the sword? Yet in all this, we are more than conquerors because of him who has loved us. Cant. Of Zechariah Antiphon for Feb 6. LET US PRAY FOR Health of all our members, especially: Nancy Bates, Consuelo, Deacon Charlie, Arturo, Barbara H, Helen, Art and Erma, Mary Lynn, Alcaria, Eva, John and Nancy, Linda, Winifred, Joann S, Carol Elliot s family, Margaret M s son, Marge, Tommie, Elizabeth and Bernadette. For the soul of Joseph T. Garcia and consolation for Rose. For the soul of Carl Dzienis and consolation for Carol Ann and Ed. Vocations to the Franciscan Orders. The safety of Immigrants and Refugees. The ability to be instruments of peace in the Church and in the world. Belated Birthday blessings to our sister, Mattie Miguel, whose birthday was on January 4. One Minute Blessing for February: Souls in Purgatory. Financial Statement for: January 2017 Beginning Balance $ 3,048.12 Income Regular Contributions $ 655.00 Endowment Interest $ 78.81 Exceptional Income - Expense Spiritual Assistant $ 50.00 Infirmarian - Council Admin. Supplies $ 24.99 Newsletter Supplies $ 15.30 Newsletter Postage $ 47.00 Poor Clares $ 75.00 Franciscan Friars $ 50.00 Contingency Fund $ 50.00 Formation - Exceptional Expenses - Ending Balance $ 3,469.64 Contingency Fund $ 1,258.70 Birthday Blessings to: Joanne G. Elfers 2/4 Lydia Wroten 2/19 Maria Vega (ES) 2/20 Antonia Maldonado (ES) 2/23 Ed Dzienis 2/24 Lorenzo Pino (ES) 2/26 Anna Benavidez 2/28 Deacon Charles Johnson 3/6 Angelina Saavedra 3/27 John Fishel 3/28 Julia Gonzales Wilson 3/28 Mary Ann Gilmore 3/31 Please email saf.ofs.newsletter@gmail.com with corrections or additions. Thank you. Assisi Trip St. Francis Pilgrimages September 30 October 9, 2017 Number of Donors 24 $1650 ground rate. Airfare to be purchased on your own. http://www.stfrancispilgrimages.com/ 1-404-418-6681 bret.thoman@gmail.com33 St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 2
Calendar Jan 27: Council Meeting, FP*, 9am Jan 28: Inquiry Class, Gina s house, 10am- Noon. Feb 11: Candidacy and Inquiry Classes, FP*, 10am-Noon Feb 25: Inquiry Class, Gina s house, 10am- Noon. Feb 26: Candidacy Class, FP*, 12:30-2pm Fraternity Gathering, FP*, 2pm Ongoing Formation: 2016 Quinquennial Congress Presentation Hospitality Group 2: Elizabeth, Ed, Carol, Jane, Abraham, Margaret M. St. Anthony Bread: St. Felix Pantry (Please bring can goods.) Mar 1: Ash Wednesday Mar 3: Council Meeting, FP*, 9am Mar 4: Retreat, FP*, 9am-4pm. RSVP by Feb 26 to Marilyn. (see p. 5) Mar 11: Candidacy and Inquiry Classes, FP* 10am-Noon Mar 25: Inquiry Class, Gina s house, 10am- Noon. Mar 26: Candidacy Class, FP*, 12:30-2pm Fraternity Gathering, FP*, 2pm Ongoing Formation: 2016 Quinquennial Congress Presentation Hospitality Group 3: Victor, Rena, Josie, Mary Lou, Consuelo, Frances St. Anthony Bread: St. Martin s Hosp. Mar 31: Council Meeting, FP*, 9am * FP = The Franciscans Place, 1350 Lakeview SW, Albuquerque, 87105 WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST GATHERING? Israela initiated the fraternity gathering with the Ritual. Our group prayer focused on the week of Christian Unity theme: Reconciliation: The Love of Christ Compels Us. The gathering was right in the middle of the week (Jan 18-25), so the Prayer Team members (Rena and Margaret) reminded us that it is always a good time and our duty to pray for unity. For the ongoing formation portion, Israela started us out with a little portion of the Rule the Prologue, Chapter One Concerning Those Who Do Penance. We are invited to reflect on the words in the prologue and put it into practice. For the bulk of the session, we watched the first video of the keynote address from the 2016 Quinquennial Congress. The first segment covered Fr. Dan Horan, OFM s introduction and the first of his three part talk which was titled: Creation and Poverty. Our brother, Dan (as he like to be called) focused on evangelical poverty. Evangelical Poverty requires a spirit of detachment from our material/immortal goods and resources, and a willingness to share these with one another in our religious community and with the poor in our communities. Israela shared the questions from the Quinquennial session small fraternity sessions. 1. What possessions get in the way of my relationship with others? 2. How am I embracing evangelical poverty in my life? What is my next step? 3. What obstacles present me from fully following Christ in terms of evangelical poverty? 4. Do I demonstrate evangelical poverty in my life? If yes, what more can I do? Our minister offered the following things we could do at home to help us master the concept. (See table below) Care for our Earthly Home: Care for Our Spirit: Recycle - educate ourselves about what is recyclable Recycle - change/recycle our thought processes Lights Out - turn off the lights Lights Out - turn off negative thoughts Compost - start a compost in your backyard Compost - re-use/re-purpose things Pick up - trash and recyclable items whenever you see it Pick up - an extra duty without being asked Purchase - only necessary material goods/products Purchase - a Mass Intention Don t purchase more food than you can eat Don t buy into gossip St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 3
Belated reporting of a letter from our sisters in Roswell. Enjoy a reminder about the joys of the Holy Season! Isn t everyday Christmas and Easter all wrapped up into one? Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe 809 E. Nineteeth Street Roswell, NM 88201-7599 Peace and blessings December 12, 2016 Our dear Brothers and Sisters in St. Francis, Blessed Advent as we prepare for our dear Lord s Nativity! This holy season turns our hearts toward heaven, where our Savior longs to lead us. In his homily for Gaudete Sunday, Fr. Paul Juniet, OFM, reminded us of the ultimate goal of our Advent journey: Advent leads us to eternity. Our long-time chaplain, Fr. Ramon Smith, OFM, hastened toward that goal with a wonderful sense of liturgical timing. He died on Dec 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, patron saint of children, and his funeral will take place tomorrow, Dec 13. In between those two dates, the friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province rejoiced over the priestly ordination of their brother, Jose Luis Peralta, OFM, on Dec 9. The Franciscan legacy continues in a new generation of young people eager to follow the Gospel path shown us by our seraphic founders. The jubilee Year of Mercy was indeed a time rich in grace and in religious vocations. This holy Year enfolded two priestly ordination ceremonies and two solemn professions for the friars of our local province. Jubilee graces extended coast to coast among our Poor Clare daughterhouses, which also celebrated three solemn professions and two ceremonies for first profession of vows. On the concluding day of the Year of Mercy, another new novice was clothed in the Franciscan habit: Sr. Mary Annunciata of our Merciful Jesus, within our Chicago monastery. Thank you for helping us to continue the ministry of prayer within our Franciscan family. As we thank the Lord for these many graces, your intentions are enfolded in the grateful prayers of the Poor Clare sisters. Blessed season of our Savior s birth! Gratefully, in our coming King, The Ministry of the Infirmarian and the Membership First of all, I would like to thank the membership for making this year a successful, happy event for our infirmed friends! The abundance distributed by our fraternity was greatly appreciated, and this is what made our event successful. My experiences have been great and rewarding having good communication with each of our infirmed friends. Lots of information was being shared about themselves and their loved ones. The good sharing and communication has been by telephone or by mail. The relationship I built with my infirmed friend was to contact her once a month. I also sent her thinking of you cards, and a birthday card. Marge Armijo made sure that every infirmed member received a birthday card last year. Margaret and Paul Martinez were of great help for our Christmas event. We thank them for all of their help and support. I would also mention that some of our members invited their infirmed friends to lunch or dinner. Some visited their friends. One member brought Holy Communion to her friend at the nursing home. These are some examples, and by all means please give us your ideas and suggestions. Beginning this month, we will share with the fraternity our experiences with our infirmed family members. Each slip with your friend s information had a number. Numbers 1, 2, and 3 (Tommie, Carol Ann and Ed) will share at the February gathering. Numbers 4, 5, and 6 will share in March. You will be reminded in the newsletter. Thanks for your cooperation, and let us all get involved with the Infirmarian Ministry, to make it another successful year by giving of ourselves. Thanks again, Tommie Page, OFS and Margaret Martinez, OFS St. Anthony Fraternity Infirmarian Ministry Mother Mary Angela, P.C.C. (abbess) St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 4
2016 Financial Statement and 2017 Budget for St. Anthony Fraternity % Spent 2016 Total 2016 Budget (2016 Total/2016 Budget) 2017 Budget Beginning Balance $2,786.53 Income Regular Contributions $7,809.00 Endowment Interest $958.65 Transfer from savings $1,000.00 Exceptional Income $1,111.60 Total Income $9,879.25 Expense Fair Share $4,200.00 $3,500.00 120% $3,800.00 Spiritual Assistant $600.00 $600.00 100% $600.00 Franciscan Friars $200.00 $600.00 Poor Clares $900.00 $900.00 100% $900.00 Council Admin. Supplies $249.27 $500.00 49% $360.00 P.O. Box $126.00 $122.04 103% $126.00 Website $180.00 $180.00 100% $180.00 Infirmarian $17.16 $120.00 14% $120.00 Formation $105.74 $600.00 18% $600.00 Newsletter Supplies $671.23 $516.00 130% $300.00 Newsletter Postage $467.60 $600.00 78% $600.00 San Felipe de Neri $300.00 $600.00 50% $0 Contingency Fund $550.00 $600.00 92% $600.00 Exceptional Expenses $2,049.78 $302.00 663% $0 Total Expenses $10,616.78 $9,140.04 116% $8,786.00 Ending Balance $3,049.00 Contingency Fund $1,208.70 Expected Interest from Endowment $900.00 Remaining Expenses Needed from Member Contributions $7,886.00 Article 25 of the Rule states: "Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sisters should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils." At the end of 2016, St. Anthony Fraternity had 59 professed members (active or excused) and 3 candidates. If the expenses (after Endowment Interest is subtracted) are equally distributed among members, the cost per member would be $127.19 per year or $10.76 per month. The Council understands that many members may not be able to contribute that level of support. That is ok. The Council asks members to support the fraternity according to your means. If you can give a little more, then you can cover for others that live on a very restricted budget. Thank you to all who contribute, whatever the level. The Council will ensure it is spending our common fund appropriately and judiciously. Lenten Retreat Day. As part of our prayer routine, we are encouraged to attend an annual retreat. The Fraternity will host such a retreat on Saturday, Mar 4, 2017 at The Franciscans Place (1350 Lakeview SW) from 9am 4pm. Complimentary continental breakfast will be served. Bring: a friend, your own lunch (Twisters is close by), Liturgy of the Hours book, notepaper, seven-decade Rosary, and meditative reading (for quiet time). RSVP to Marilyn by Feb 26, 2017. (505) 261-1555. All are welcome. St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 5
(Continued from Page 1) However, remember that there is good luck bad luck. Little Bakhita's life would be touched by both. Lucky: she survived a forced-march of eight days to the slave-sale market; there, she was auctioned off into fear, abuse, and misery for most of her life. Lucky: she survived the abuse of five masters or mistresses--one who "tattooed" young Bakhita by frequently slicing her skin, then rubbing salt into the slashes. Yet another slave woman overbrowned her master's toast. Punishment was to have her staked, face down; stripped to the waist; then have melted wax dripped onto her back. Fellow slaves attended to her as best they could, so that she would not miss preparing the master's breakfast more attentively tomorrow. Lucky: eventually, Bakhita would be sold again--being her last time. It would be to a couple from Venice, Italy. They were to be some of her kindest "owners." Purchased to be trained as a servant and, especially, a nursemaid for their baby daughter--bakhita would continue serving the daughter as she matured at a wealthy girls' boarding school run by the Cannosian Sisters. Lucky: it would be at this boarding school where Bakhita would learn of and love "the Master" (as she endeared Him) through the Sacred Scriptures. She also sought the Sister's counsel to discern her vocation to the Cannosian community. When it was time to return to Venice after the several years of education and finishing of Bakhita's owner's daughter, Bakhita told them of her resolve to remain at the Cannosian Convent to become professed in their life. But Bakhita's mistress forbid it. So, Bakhita insisted that she be able to remain behind. The mistress filed for the return of her property in an Italian court. Lucky: the court not only ruled that slavery was illegal in Italy, but that Bakhita realized she had been FREE all these years. So, Bakhita remained with her beloved Cannosian Sisters. In time, she was Baptized--taking the name "Josephine." In further time, she entered the Novitiate then Profession. Bakhita lived many years as a vowed religious, in service to the community in any way she could. And, though ordered to write her autobiography, she never spoke or wrote an unkind word about her abusers--because true forgiveness has "the Master's" will to do otherwise. Bakhita spent her last years in a wheelchair. Lucky: she passed on to the Lord, her true Master of Peace, on February 8, 1947- -at the self-giving age of 78. She is quite an example for us all on what Christian forgiveness means as we journey into the Season of Lent. In Jesus and Francis, Br. Gordon, O.F.M. Who wrote the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel? Have you ever thought about who wrote that prayer for protection? This prayer is part of the Leonine Prayers originated in 1884, when Pope Leo XIII ordered certain prayers to be said after Low Mass, in defense of the independence of the Holy See. God's help was sought for a satisfactory solution to the loss of the Pope's temporary sovereignty, which deprived him of the evident independence required for effective use of his spiritual authority. The prayer to St Michael was added to the Leonine Prayers in 1886. (Taken from Wikipedia.) What is a connection the OFS has with Pope Leo XIII? Prayers for Life Join the prayer warriors on the 1 st and 3 rd Saturdays of the month at 10:30AM to pray for life and also for healing for those who have had an abortion. Meet in front of Planned Parenthood on San Mateo Blvd north of Marquette Ave. (The Project Defending Life office is located at: 625 San Mateo Blvd NE.) Contact Marilyn for more information. 505-261-1555. NOTE: Due to retreat, we won t meet on the 1 st Sat in March. St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 6
Joys and Sorrows Several fraternity members helped Helen Slavinski celebrate her 95th B-day with rootbeer floats and cake. Israela Garcia, Rena Xuereb, Victor Xuereb, Mary Lou Narvaez, Rex Schlicher (all in photo) along with Michael O Hearn and Jane DeRose-Bamman (not in photo) were there to celebrate her day. Helen was delighted and said: I pray for the fraternity and ask that my brothers and sisters pray for me. On January 9, 2017, our dear brother, Joseph T. Garcia, OFS, met Sister Death. He is pictured above with Br. Gordon and Rose Garcia. A devoted Catholic, Joseph professed to live the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order in 1997. A few years later, he met Rose. They created a strong bond and were married. We had the opportunity to be with Rose and Joseph at the December gathering. He shared his contagious joy and love for the Lord with everyone he met. In a January 4, 2017 email, he wrote: Pray for all those who have ask me and my wife for prayer, in their families and those who know of people without anyone to pray for them. Just two weeks later, Carol Ann and Ed received word that their son, Carl, passed away. Carl served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner in the Gulf War. Most recently, he was working for the VA hospital. He touched many lives. Several St. Anthony Fraternity members met Carl in 2011 at an Isotopes base ballgame outing. Carol Ann and Ed s beautiful family is in the picture above. From left to right: Eddie, Carol Ann, Maria, Ed and Carl. Both of these deaths shocked the families. They serve as important reminders to be ready and to make sure we let our loved ones know how much we love them. Joseph and Carl were gifts from God. Now God has called them home. May God grant their souls eternal rest. Please pray for Rose, Ed, Carol Ann and their families. St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter February 2017 Page 7
Fraternity Contacts MINISTER: Israela Garcia OFS 505-450-5267 bailabaila@qwest.net VICE MINISTER: Rex Schlicher OFS 505-839-9397 rlschlicher@msn.com SECRETARY: Gerry Rohrkemper OFS 505-873-2657 gmrsfo@aol.com TREASURER: Elizabeth Chavez OFS 505-401-4007 smileysr67@gmail.com FORMATION DIRECTOR: Marilyn Migliarini OFS 505-261-1555 mmigliarini@gmail.com COUNCILOR #1: Tommie Page OFS 505-452-0915 COUNCILOR #2: Mary Lou Narvaez, OFS 505-235-5772 malunarvaez44@gmail.com SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT: Br. Gordon Boykin, OFM 505-249-5774 gordyboy45@gmail.com INFIRMARIANS: Tommie Page OFS and Margaret Martinez OFS NEWSLETTER: Jane DeRose-Bamman (interim) Email: saf.ofs.newsletter@gmail.com WEBSITE: http://franciscansalbuquerque.sfousa.org St. Anthony Fraternity Post Office Box 6881 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87197-6881 Our Mission Statement We are the Ordo Franciscanus We, the fraternity of St. Anthony, inspired by the Saecularis (The Secular Franciscan vision of St. Francis, Commit ourselves to the Order) in the United States of America. Gospel as our Way of Life: Going from Gospel to Life and Life to the Gospel. We believe that We live our vocation in Our Lady of we are called to Fraternity to Share a life of joy Guadalupe Empress of the and peace as well as to draw our inspiration from Americas Region. the cross of Jesus as Francis did. We believe we are called to be renewed Our Franciscan Community is the St. continually through the celebration of the Anthony Fraternity located Eucharist and to go forth to rebuild the Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico St. Anthony Fraternity through Newsletter our witness. February 2017 Page 8