tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26857464823794166822024-03-12T20:46:28.886-04:00Secular Franciscan Order's Quinquennial CongressR Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-53576617286947298312022-08-07T15:36:00.001-04:002022-08-07T15:36:15.329-04:00Rebuilding the Church<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXnCCOYXf_RG8vjsMPwwXD6ASeI9tyNA_q-LqJ6mOuhIltGPjipD9GWSPLQKVpHszSejchDKbkKj2emZ3_6g60eSRcklSyH70ytyGwKd3ZpI88uhOUyDa8ybe1G55pMjgqQ8s38Gn7G9ut6JbvnXc64ovv1EAaWRXb2Ifsxoiz1QaIRPMQcExh-Vm/s1440/IMG_1768-6x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bishop John Stowe" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1440" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXnCCOYXf_RG8vjsMPwwXD6ASeI9tyNA_q-LqJ6mOuhIltGPjipD9GWSPLQKVpHszSejchDKbkKj2emZ3_6g60eSRcklSyH70ytyGwKd3ZpI88uhOUyDa8ybe1G55pMjgqQ8s38Gn7G9ut6JbvnXc64ovv1EAaWRXb2Ifsxoiz1QaIRPMQcExh-Vm/w400-h171/IMG_1768-6x3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, KY., sees a parallel theme in the ministries of St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis with a focus on rebuilding and re-evangelizing the church.</p><p>His keynote presentation on the third day of the Q pointed to a combination of living the Gospel and being evangelizing missioners.</p><p>Both St. Francis and Pope Francis believed that "living the Gospel is more important than talking about it," he said, later adding:</p><p>"No Franciscan can be exempt from being a missioner."</p><p>His talk drew a standing ovation.</p><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ofsusa/albums" target="_blank">See Photos.</a><br /></p><br />R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-81431364443001351252022-08-04T18:28:00.006-04:002022-09-26T17:47:33.589-04:00'Build a More Fraternal World'<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_jbNmvI-tXHYwJHJgEkrtpSXzyCxZQFcVQ9j6C_2cDVie2yEWdB6CEyOY_M-bRMX8wC2HwIb9-ZWgMVW5FqiGdUTC1GuQCFxCkGxLOR4OSA60kYeh07SXuTy-s1yEsEkTc0AOI_6q26T3H52G1JIWEu1dHl3FJSCK810DUmcn9La6VP1GxDT_U2c/s900/1IMG_1344-6x4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. David addresses "Q" attendees" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_jbNmvI-tXHYwJHJgEkrtpSXzyCxZQFcVQ9j6C_2cDVie2yEWdB6CEyOY_M-bRMX8wC2HwIb9-ZWgMVW5FqiGdUTC1GuQCFxCkGxLOR4OSA60kYeh07SXuTy-s1yEsEkTc0AOI_6q26T3H52G1JIWEu1dHl3FJSCK810DUmcn9La6VP1GxDT_U2c/w400-h266/1IMG_1344-6x4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Father David addresses over 600 attendees.<br /></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Keynote speaker <span style="font-size: medium;">Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap., drew a standing ovation Aug. 4 after deliverimg a speech centered around an important element of the Secular Franciscan Rule -- to build a more fraternal world.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Describing it as a "divine charter to build a fraternal world," Father David noted: "Yours is a call to build communities of caring encounters."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The second day of the Quinquennial Congress also featured small group discussions ("little fraternities") and nearly a score of break-out sessions on a variety of Franciscan and spiritual topics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ofsusa/albums" target="_blank">See Photos</a>. </span> </p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-77378834464380465022022-08-04T10:46:00.001-04:002022-08-04T10:46:31.740-04:00Over 600 Converge on Phoenix<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4s0GEpQmw_EJP9-4_MqFucL8s9lG6ZTafdPJt4HoyRdEK5pXTvqhneR_QZUvJc6SoQQ0-utcsZNblN6jM9YvYzAp9kcvZJzml8mrpQ01-ebLR9kcygj5VRnHt-sd2WM-GvUibj80eE3hRl2YWDKHhEZ2Ai1DOo6XI0RtNEh6tVTdtpKWUKWdVu06/s900/1IMG_9847-6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy to be in Phoenix" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4s0GEpQmw_EJP9-4_MqFucL8s9lG6ZTafdPJt4HoyRdEK5pXTvqhneR_QZUvJc6SoQQ0-utcsZNblN6jM9YvYzAp9kcvZJzml8mrpQ01-ebLR9kcygj5VRnHt-sd2WM-GvUibj80eE3hRl2YWDKHhEZ2Ai1DOo6XI0RtNEh6tVTdtpKWUKWdVu06/w400-h266/1IMG_9847-6x4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Well over 600 Secular Franciscans and other members of the Franciscan Family arrived in Phoenix Aug. 2 and 3 for the 20th Quinquennial Congress.<p></p><p>The congress kicked off with a celebratory dinner Aug. 3 at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown, followed by Mass at St. Mary's Basilica (kitty-corner from the hotel).</p><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ofsusa/albums" target="_blank">See photos</a><br /></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-57030489143014825062022-01-22T11:30:00.000-05:002022-01-22T11:34:45.630-05:00Consider Experiencing the 'Q' in 2022<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvYIJnfdy2U/YWCXzhKCrRI/AAAAAAAAJmw/E5YX04ElsrYQncyqiic3bGKPn6Ra-ozggCPcBGAYYCw/s750/1StMarysBasilicaPhoenix_2195a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="750" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvYIJnfdy2U/YWCXzhKCrRI/AAAAAAAAJmw/E5YX04ElsrYQncyqiic3bGKPn6Ra-ozggCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h148/1StMarysBasilicaPhoenix_2195a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">By Robert
Stronach, OFS</span></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i>I was in Phoenix, Arizona in August for The
American Legion Convention and had a chance to visit the site of the upcoming
Quinquennial Congress (nicknamed the 'Q').</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The 20th Quinquennial takes place Aug. 3-7,
2022 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, kitty-corner from the Franciscan St.
Mary's Basilica.</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br /><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The hotel is spacious and offers many
amenities. Up to four individuals may share a room to split the cost. <p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvYIJnfdy2U/YWCXzhKCrRI/AAAAAAAAJms/mJl2Qikx3rQGZE7IuRTkELD0nT6tF1jbACLcBGAsYHQ/s750/1StMarysBasilicaPhoenix_2195a.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="750" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvYIJnfdy2U/YWCXzhKCrRI/AAAAAAAAJms/mJl2Qikx3rQGZE7IuRTkELD0nT6tF1jbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h295/1StMarysBasilicaPhoenix_2195a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St. Maty's Basilica with Sheraton Hotel in background.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The Q is a unique experience for Secular and
other Franciscans, occurring every five years (except for this one, which was
postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic). It allows Secular Franciscans from
across the U.S. and elsewhere to come together and share the Franciscan
charism. It is also open to family and friends. The 'Q' boasts inspirational
and spiritual experiences, with small group breakouts, daily uplifting
liturgies, and Franciscan speakers headlining the general sessions. <br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visiting St. Mary's Basilica and its adjacent
park will add to the Franciscan flavor of the 'Q'. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, the
Sheraton Hotel was chosen for the Quinquennial in large part due to its
proximity to St. Mary's, where 'Q' attendees will gather for mass each day.
(The 'Q' Committee is grateful to be able to offer this opportunity for daily
celebrations of the Eucharist and has plans to assist those who may have
difficulty with the short walk to the basilica.)</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The "Mission
Revival" style church, which seats 800, replaced the original 1881 adobe structure in two
phases (1903 and 1913). Pope Saint John Paul II elevated the church to a minor
basilica in 1985, two years before visiting the basilica himself during his
American tour.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The Franciscan friars (OFM) have served the
parish since 1896. In addition to serving the downtown community, including a
poor and homeless outreach, the basilica welcomes hundreds of thousands of
convention-goers each year as it is located across the street from the Phoenix
Convention Center.</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoPlainText"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhpoOyFQyAQ/YWCYeCQS3rI/AAAAAAAAJm0/RsMYL9JCHisnmFKLqXR-rr_TRi9cLQAJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/1Circle-of-Peace_2188a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PhpoOyFQyAQ/YWCYeCQS3rI/AAAAAAAAJm0/RsMYL9JCHisnmFKLqXR-rr_TRi9cLQAJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/1Circle-of-Peace_2188a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Circle of Peace sculpture.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />The adjacent park, known as the Virginia G.
Piper Plaza, sports an encircling path under a canopy of trees as well as
statues of Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Mother Teresa, and Saint Francis of
Assisi (people leave coins in his open hands). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite sculpture there
portrays a group of children playing and holding hands. It is called the Circle
of Peace (by artist Gary Lee Price). In a way, that symbolizes the 'Q' as well
– bringing together diverse people in a circle of peace and friendship.</span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></style></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-1441348224919228522021-06-25T12:34:00.009-04:002021-10-08T11:00:42.524-04:00'Q' Congress Set for August 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAXyR1_ZDGc/YNXX0xHM7FI/AAAAAAAAJjE/8Fgh0WvLZPE-SFSKnhn8guJGuE7w2O_zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s391/QLogo2022.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="391" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAXyR1_ZDGc/YNXX0xHM7FI/AAAAAAAAJjE/8Fgh0WvLZPE-SFSKnhn8guJGuE7w2O_zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h195/QLogo2022.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The 20th Quinquennial Congress is set for Aug. 3-7, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Registration opens Aug. 1, 2021.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> The keynote speakers are:</span><ul style="margin-left: 80px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Doug and Marion Clorey, OFS</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Tim and Kathy Taormina, OFS</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Lori Hinker, OFS</span></li></ul><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPTkeo-zuGw/YNdNRaQUtVI/AAAAAAAAJjc/J_ktyrxfUxoeOLV6vp5R2wFN0AqMQnyFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s240/BishopStowe240x240.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bishop Stowe" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPTkeo-zuGw/YNdNRaQUtVI/AAAAAAAAJjc/J_ktyrxfUxoeOLV6vp5R2wFN0AqMQnyFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/BishopStowe240x240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Bishop Stowe</b></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M30iO1mz4eA/YNdNbADHjXI/AAAAAAAAJjg/KhBFGjqMjWoX7NdtgMZ4_-OckW6Wt2ZFACLcBGAsYHQ/s240/fr-david-couturier-240x240.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. David" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M30iO1mz4eA/YNdNbADHjXI/AAAAAAAAJjg/KhBFGjqMjWoX7NdtgMZ4_-OckW6Wt2ZFACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/fr-david-couturier-240x240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Fr. David</i></b></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJdFfbUTooE/YNdPBFHHwYI/AAAAAAAAJjo/1X849rwViNcHYTkJ-gLNa7tlaGC6HOIZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/1Marion-and-Doug-Clorey.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="500" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJdFfbUTooE/YNdPBFHHwYI/AAAAAAAAJjo/1X849rwViNcHYTkJ-gLNa7tlaGC6HOIZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/1Marion-and-Doug-Clorey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Marion and Doug Clorey, OFS</b></i></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvsXRLWN0OY/YNdPtK74r8I/AAAAAAAAJjw/C_-h0H0lFognk6150SZbEYYJNBJ1bau_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s500/1Taorminas-Hinker.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tim and Kathy Taormina, and Lori Hink" border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="500" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvsXRLWN0OY/YNdPtK74r8I/AAAAAAAAJjw/C_-h0H0lFognk6150SZbEYYJNBJ1bau_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h285/1Taorminas-Hinker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Tim Taormina, OFS; <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lori Hink</span>er, OFS; Kathy
Taormina, OFS</b></i></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></td></tr></tbody></table><i><b><br /></b></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wE7MbXI9f44qCGXxk4VZD27oXzmR_LN-/view?usp=sharing">General Information</a> (including how to register)</div><p></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KqIs9nz65vjDSJ8X1UE0YwjRexgGPW63/view?usp=sharing">'Q' Flyer (to download and print)</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15gc_7tADCXrgmoujAl6Yf7BHors_ffl1/view?usp=sharing">'Q' Prayer (to download and print)</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q-Y_6NHUblvXbNF58uNgf9NFkaEyHn4g/view?usp=sharing">Schedule of Events (draft)</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vDhAavlZ0KMzzyQFRbJRLrD8c8irgHfm/view?usp=sharing">Keynote Speakers</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1foqGuIOSbyZC8wyldaW5vebymydazGW3/view?usp=sharing">Breakout Sessions</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wc65V9T4pv3UfejaLhOMYI-p2tLBJg3C/view?usp=sharing">Service Project </a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18AZFOlGqIvuNUKkH9jgEMBcrs7aftVuL/view?usp=sharing">Commuters' Parking Map</a></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9_FzhA9G1LfZLIDOB5QnRJ35Gw85044/view?usp=sharing">Emergency Medical Form </a>(fillable)<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-81994387188118100872020-09-29T14:59:00.000-04:002020-09-29T14:59:16.431-04:0020th 'Q' Postponed Due to Covid-19 Concerns <p> <span style="font-size: medium;">The 20th Quinquennial Congress, scheduled to be held in Phoenix in August 2021, is now postponed due to pandemic-related concerns. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>This past August the 40-plus members of the National Fraternity Council gathered via Zoom to deliberate on this difficult decision. There were important factors to consider, including the safety of members, the financial impact, and the desire for a successful Q. <p></p><p>There were no easy answers. In the end, a strong majority voted to cancel the current contract and rebook for a later date. The new date for the 20th Quinquennial Congress has not yet been established, but the committee is negotiating for the summer of 2023. </p><p>Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.</p>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-82008512815912451732019-11-26T12:35:00.000-05:002020-02-21T20:24:34.902-05:00First 2 Keynoters: Bishop Stowe, Fr. Couturier<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1m7YG4eKOo/Xd1hbgs5UDI/AAAAAAAAAC0/t1UXhG6whx0fFi5DGfdVAOHThkHZr8aZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BishopStowe240x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bishop John Stowe" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1m7YG4eKOo/Xd1hbgs5UDI/AAAAAAAAAC0/t1UXhG6whx0fFi5DGfdVAOHThkHZr8aZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/BishopStowe240x240.jpg" title="" width="175" /></a></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bishop Stowe</i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wdaz4U6zlc/Xd1huOflGiI/AAAAAAAAAC8/cO98nmZPISc0kygd84nfi8QLnMAUHYh6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fr-david-couturier-240x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. David Couturier" border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Wdaz4U6zlc/Xd1huOflGiI/AAAAAAAAAC8/cO98nmZPISc0kygd84nfi8QLnMAUHYh6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/fr-david-couturier-240x240.jpg" title="" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fr. David</i></td></tr>
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The Q Committee announced the first two keynote speakers for the 2021 Congress.<br />
<br />
They are <b>Fr. David Couturier</b>, OFM Cap, dean of the School of Franciscan Studies at Saint Bonaventure University, and <b>Bishop John Stowe</b>, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, KY.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Father David will address the topic, <i>“The Four Conversions: A Spirituality of Transformation,”</i> which is the title of one of his books.<br />
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“His familiarity with and expertise in how we are called to conversion and the stages we experience in conversion will bring deep discussions in our Little Fraternity groups, as well as insights in our personal reflection,” said Q Committee Chair Susan Simeone, OFS. <br />
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Bishop Stowe joined the Pax Christi USA Board as its Episcopal President in 2018. Noted Sue: “His keen awareness of and active participation in today’s opportunities to follow the Gospel by living our Franciscan lives of mercy and forgiveness will stir us to consider how we can improve our involvement in our individual communities -- to hear the marginalized and address their needs and to be their voices when they cannot be heard.”<br />
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Father David is a 1975 summa cum laude graduate of St. Anselm College. He earned a Master’s in Divinity from Maryknoll School of Theology in 1978, a Licentiate in Psychology from the Gregorian University in 1984, and his PhD in Pastoral Psychology (Organization Studies) from the Graduate Theological Foundation in 2005. <br />
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Bishop Stowe is the third bishop of Lexington and was consecrated as bishop in 2015. He professed his solemn vows in 1992 after completing his studies in history and philosophy at Saint Louis University in Missouri. He received his degree of Master of Divinity and Licentiate of Sacred Theology with an emphasis on Church history. He was ordained a priest in 1995 and served in El Paso, Texas, parishes. <br />
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<br />Robert Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00767564176735395909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-80414955924024334052019-11-26T11:45:00.000-05:002020-02-21T15:37:39.807-05:00'An Experience of a Lifetime'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqNyQPw8O_4/XlA_bweMvoI/AAAAAAAAJKg/-Gf448jzs6YRv9cAE4EiJ16f6my5uHVQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/QLogoColor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqNyQPw8O_4/XlA_bweMvoI/AAAAAAAAJKg/-Gf448jzs6YRv9cAE4EiJ16f6my5uHVQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/QLogoColor.png" width="121" /></a></div>
Boasting a “Jubilee” theme, the 20th Quinquennial Congress in August 2021 celebrates the JUBILEE of the eighth centenary of the OFS and the 100th anniversary of the National Quinquennial Congresses, reported Q Committee Chair Susan Simeone, OFS.<br />
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“The ‘Q’ is an experience of a lifetime” for “our OFS brothers and sisters,” she noted.<br />
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<b>She announced the official Q 2021 prayer:</b><br />
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<i></i>
<a name='more'></a><i>Lord God, Heavenly Father, we come before you in awe of your love for us. </i><br />
<i>We acknowledge Your divine seed in everyone. </i><br />
<i>Through your merciful compassion, help us to see our need for conversion. </i><br />
<i>In our service to each other let us experience this time of JUBILEE! </i><br />
<i>We walk the path before us upon foundations laid by our brothers and sisters. </i><br />
<i>We are thankful for our present and excited for our future, always believing that You, O Lord, guide our journey. AMEN</i>Robert Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00767564176735395909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-48235575396425569812016-07-05T17:54:00.005-04:002016-07-07T16:51:03.120-04:00Q concludes in a burst of joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 19th Q concluded with a burst of Franciscan joy, as National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, left the audience cheering and laughing as she belted out a special rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s “I will survive” – except that her lyrics changed it to “We’ve been revived.”<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The outburst of song preceded the congress’ concluding mass (Sunday evening, July 3), which left celebrant Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, wondering how he was supposed to follow that act. Nevertheless, the national spiritual assistant made a few quips himself that resulted in laughter rippling through the crowd.<br />
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“We had such joy these past few days,” Father Chris noted in his homily. “When we gather, it bubbles forth. We took a journey with Dan (Horan) and now we’re back to the beginning – penance.” He said St. Francis had identified himself with Secular Franciscans – the original brother and sisters of penance.<br />
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He noted that “prayer, poverty, humility, conversion” were the four values that Francis stood for, and that characterize Franciscan life today. In fact, the “charism of the order is conversion of life,” he said, and asked: How does this ongoing conversion have expression today?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR</b></i></td></tr>
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The answer is “to act justly,” to have a “simple and uncluttered life,” “to help the poor, the homeless, the abused, the unemployed, the neglected, homosexuals, refugees – the list goes on and on.”<br />
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He added: “The pope tells us to get our feet dirty… Let us start walking in their shoes to feel what they experience.”<br />
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In other words, responding to others’ needs “means we are humble and attentive.”<br />
After all, “in God’s plan there is room for everyone.”<br />
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<h3>
Outpouring stuns Sister Caritas</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XeL8EHGYrE/V3wsBWZH_PI/AAAAAAAAFqE/fEHdjELRIEokg5NBKH2fNdbAwuxg6l85gCLcB/s1600/SrCaritas_8806a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XeL8EHGYrE/V3wsBWZH_PI/AAAAAAAAFqE/fEHdjELRIEokg5NBKH2fNdbAwuxg6l85gCLcB/s320/SrCaritas_8806a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Sister Caritas, LSOSF</b></i></td></tr>
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Following mass, before the throng of Franciscans could depart, Sister Caritas Barajingitwa of the Little Sisters of St. Francis (LSOSF) stepped up to the podium to express her heartfelt gratitude for the spontaneous outpouring of donations for her orphanage in Uganda. Earlier in the day, NAFRA PR co-chair Bob Stronach, OFS, stepped to the podium himself to tell everyone that someone was in their midst who responded to the AIDS epidemic that devastated families in Africa and opened a vocational orphanage, and that she was laying the groundwork to build a primary school. In fact, her work on behalf of children was brought to the attention of the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order, which honored her last fall with its Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Award.<br />
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Bob took out a $20 bill to give to Sister Caritas and invited Q attendees to do the same. In a matter of seconds, seculars and friars were lining up, handing over cash and checks, and hugging the nun. Donations continued throughout the day – which prompted Q Chair Susan Simeone to announce that a stunned Sister Caritas received a total of $6,556.95.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-57704144004095808212016-07-05T08:45:00.005-04:002016-07-05T09:05:34.178-04:00OFS testimonials at the Q<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhE4onMKaf4/V3uqBrsYfkI/AAAAAAAAFow/QIHNR4y1bxMrTAPC0nIDrSwKzxYQlfEGQCLcB/s1600/JaneDeRoseBamman_8303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhE4onMKaf4/V3uqBrsYfkI/AAAAAAAAFow/QIHNR4y1bxMrTAPC0nIDrSwKzxYQlfEGQCLcB/s200/JaneDeRoseBamman_8303.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
Using a smartphone videocam, National Vocation Committee Chair Jane DeRose-Bamman recorded testimonials about the Franciscan vocation.<br />
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Some 50 Quinquennial Congress attendees participated!<br />
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See the testimonials at <a href="http://youtube.com/secularfranciscans" target="_blank">YouTube.com/secularfranciscans</a>.<br />
<br />R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-10154333967766492422016-07-04T13:39:00.001-04:002016-07-05T19:29:10.171-04:00Fear not in joy and love (day 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqojYORhR4/V3qfFLqBcBI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/21HGEvuJZnMFJkbT1vsKGCg6g9mMFhoAQCLcB/s1600/Carolyn%2BTownes_8647a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Carolyn Townes" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqojYORhR4/V3qfFLqBcBI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/21HGEvuJZnMFJkbT1vsKGCg6g9mMFhoAQCLcB/s200/Carolyn%2BTownes_8647a1.jpg" title="" width="119" /></a></div>
Overcoming fear and recognizing the love of God within us. Those two things can fuel something greater in the Franciscan vocation, suggests National JPIC Chair Carolyn Townes, OFS, a featured speaker on the final day of the Quinquennial Congress on Sunday, July 3.<br />
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She asked the “Q” attendees – now up to 620 – what Christ’s greatest comandment was.<br />
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“Love God and love your neighbor as yourself,” the audience echoed in several variations.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission chair pointed to fear as being real, “but our God is bigger.”<br />
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“God has given us power – not ego, not pride, not false self… but the power of the Spirit of the One who is in you.”<br />
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She added: “God has not given you a spirit of mediocrity. Why do we play small when our God is so big?”<br />
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Carolyn suggested using “one attribute about yourself that you love.”<br />
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“Go do and be that with everyone you come in contact with. Do it with Franciscan joy. Times can get hard, and if you’re going through hell, keep going and you’ll come out on fire!”<br />
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She added: “Everywhere you go, be the Gospel, be the face of it, be the stoke. Stoke a fire in someone’s flame.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrxgY-ctenc/V3qeklspDOI/AAAAAAAAFXM/M5xTCSschxAixhc0L781vJqqRkmH-tZlQCKgB/s1600/Carolyn%2BTownes_8643a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Carolyn Townes" border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrxgY-ctenc/V3qeklspDOI/AAAAAAAAFXM/M5xTCSschxAixhc0L781vJqqRkmH-tZlQCKgB/s320/Carolyn%2BTownes_8643a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Carolyn Townes, OFS</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She shouted: “Franciscan joy. How many of you got it? Franciscan peace. How many of you got it?” The audience roared its response to each question.<br />
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“Don’t forget it. Keep stoking the flame of the fire every moment.”<br />
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And do not settle for mediocrity, she noted. “We are above average. Be that. Be that… You have the power of prayer; you have the power of love.”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-86335599875979262282016-07-04T01:27:00.001-04:002016-07-04T01:27:14.107-04:00'Good News' should prod us (day 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mz4PqyOpOhY/V3nyFhRlpwI/AAAAAAAAFW8/62ONMXsqNts8yHcCfPCjE4JBgEtwKKmHwCKgB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_8576a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mz4PqyOpOhY/V3nyFhRlpwI/AAAAAAAAFW8/62ONMXsqNts8yHcCfPCjE4JBgEtwKKmHwCKgB/s200/Dan%2BHoran_8576a1.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
The Gospel is the good news. But for whom?<br />
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It can comfort the afflicted. But it can also afflict the comfortable – those who need to be nudged out of their comfort zone in order to better respond to the call of the Gospel.<br />
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That’s how Franciscan Father Dan Horan introduced his final and third keynote presentation Sunday, July 3, at the Quinquennial Congress.<br />
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He noted that his topic of Racism and Xenophobia may surely make some uncomfortable.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In fact, the “Good News should make us uncomfortable. We need to be awoken.”<br />
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He pointed to the fact that the site of the Q is just 3.8 miles from Ferguson (which became a symbol and hotbed of racial unrest). People may not realize that social status and institutional structures may foster racial attitudes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEmq7xnUJI/V3nyU6YncrI/AAAAAAAAFW4/KETG_SbFMXAGmZVU_yrO7IW24lS1j0WMgCKgB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_8573a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEmq7xnUJI/V3nyU6YncrI/AAAAAAAAFW4/KETG_SbFMXAGmZVU_yrO7IW24lS1j0WMgCKgB/s320/Dan%2BHoran_8573a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Dan Horan, OFM</b></i></td></tr>
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Friar Dan said St. Francis renounced the power structure of his time, quitting his social status, embracing evangelical poverty, and acting on the notion that he was no better than anyone else – he and his brothers were, in fact, lesser or minor. For example, he went against church and civil practices and social customs to embrace lepers. Like leprosy of that bygone era, racism is a loaded word, Father Dan suggested. Understanding racism goes beyond just seeing individual acts of meanness. It recognizes a more complex condition involving attitudes and biases perpetuated by cultural, institutional and class experiences. Perhaps there are indicators of systemic injustice and ingrained bias, such as: more inmates of color are on death row, and some bandages are marketed as “flesh” toned.<br />
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As Franciscans “we have to open our hearts” and “listen to each other’s experiences.” With the Franciscan vocation, “we’re called to stand up against injustice.”<br />
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To counter Xenophobia (fear of that which is different, foreign, strange), one needs to embrace the other. Just like people today, Francis found himself raised in the context of a discriminatory world view. For example, there were civil and ecclesiastical rules affecting lepers. They were required to ring bells announcing their approach. Francis, however, didn’t let fear stop him from breaking from such traditions; and he instructed his brothers “to serve those that are different from you” and “acknowledge you are Christian.”<br />
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He felt a solidarity with Muslim sisters and brothers. How could he do it? “No one had to fear Francis... (He had) no lust for power or control.”<br />
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He saw common ground in faith and humanity.<br />
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Friar Dan categorized several types of xenophobia – religion, sexual orientation, and nationality.<br />
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And Franciscans are challenged to stand up, to speak out.<br />
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As witnesses to the Gospel, he concluded, “it calls us” to take risks.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-35618874180767004732016-07-03T15:18:00.001-04:002016-07-05T19:31:07.368-04:00Br. Keith shouts Franciscan gems (day 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czHB47X50oc/V3ljWYQFuSI/AAAAAAAAFWk/cYUe_mAS0BE3wAhgA0fPZ3M6vhDqLlkFQCKgB/s1600/Keith%2BWarner_8333a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Br. Keith Warner" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czHB47X50oc/V3ljWYQFuSI/AAAAAAAAFWk/cYUe_mAS0BE3wAhgA0fPZ3M6vhDqLlkFQCKgB/s200/Keith%2BWarner_8333a.jpg" title="" width="155" /></a></div>
Keith Warner, OFM, stood at the podium and proclaimed: “‘Laudato Si’ is the most Franciscan papal encyclical ever!”<br />
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“Yeah!” the Quinquennial Congress audience murmured in reply.<br />
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Brother Keith raised his voice and repeated that statement. “Yeah!” the crowd exclaimed. Then the friar shouted: “ ‘Laudato Si’ is the most Franciscan papal encyclical EVER!” “YEAH!” the audience shouted back.<br />
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Thus began Brother Keith’s featured presentation on an encyclical riddled with Franciscan gems.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>“We are in a Franciscan moment in the church,” he said, noting: “St. Francis is featured prominently in this encyclical, more so than any encyclical ever. He is promoted as an example for Christian living today, in the 21st Century.”<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S33F-2kVXE/V3ljiWuB3BI/AAAAAAAAFWk/kBxxqOzjRNYmrmJpHoMqPbRtF1fljBIBQCKgB/s1600/Keith%2BWarner_8325a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Br. Keith Warner" border="0" height="171" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S33F-2kVXE/V3ljiWuB3BI/AAAAAAAAFWk/kBxxqOzjRNYmrmJpHoMqPbRtF1fljBIBQCKgB/s320/Keith%2BWarner_8325a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Br. Keith Warner, OFM</b></i></td></tr>
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St. Francis is cited as an example of “integral ecology” – the relational and holistic connection of nature, God and humanity.<br />
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Brother Keith pointed to another connectedness – “the cry of the poor” and “the cry of the earth.” Care for the poor and care for the earth are together, always. Pope Francis is engaging in a dialogue that one cannot protect the earth without protecting the poor, and vice versa.<br />
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A third item he pointed to was how the encyclical uses the Franciscan approach to ethics – that nature has dignity and value, and that “Laudato Si” helps shift the conversation to an ethics of care that sees the world in a loving relationship. It incorporates a sense of global consciousness and the common good.<br />
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He encouraged the crowd to look for six Franciscan gems in the encyclical:<br />
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1. Direct experience of God in nature is good. “Laudato Si” speaks about ecological spirituality.<br />
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2. Humanity’s relationship with the Earth should be characterized by praise of God and appreciation of beauty. “Many of our conventional environmentalist friends don’t approach creation with these attitudes.”<br />
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3. The common good is global, in need of collaborative approaches and dialogue.<br />
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4. Economic justice and environmental protection need to work hand in hand.<br />
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5. Recognizing beauty as a path to God, and love of beauty as a spiritual practice. “Beauty is another name for God in our tradition.”<br />
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6. We are called to ecological conversion. He quoted: “An ecological conversion can inspire us to greater creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems and in offering ourselves to God ‘as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable’.”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-5420671670492268292016-07-03T10:50:00.001-04:002016-07-03T10:50:27.544-04:00Fr. Dan on violence, peacemaking (day 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e931aVN0waU/V3kk2FqLmmI/AAAAAAAAFVs/WjQzBfcTAy07DCj60hNNLR9NgBy3KrUhQCLcB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_8251a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e931aVN0waU/V3kk2FqLmmI/AAAAAAAAFVs/WjQzBfcTAy07DCj60hNNLR9NgBy3KrUhQCLcB/s200/Dan%2BHoran_8251a1.jpg" title="" width="141" /></a></div>
Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, began his second Quinquennial Congress presentation Saturday, July 2, by pointing to the Canticle of the Sun. It perhaps was a culminating expression of Francis’ journey from violence to peacemaking.<br />
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Francis dreamed of being a warrior knight, but was slapped with the reality of becoming a prisoner of war. His life changed, and eventually he started on a path of discovering and living the Gospel, and becoming a peacemaker.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The canticle recognized how the sun, the noon, all of nature were being true to themselves and therefore naturally giving praise to God.<br />
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The question, Father Dan noted, is how can humans be true to themselves – in other words, how to get beyond the “original sin” of not being what God wants us to be? He suggests that non-violence and peacemaking is at the heart of the Franciscan tradition. In fact, the Secular Franciscan rule calls us “to be instruments of peace.”<br />
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Being Franciscan means being “contrary to the logic of the world,” he said. To be a peacemaker is a “foundational call,” he said. “How are we living our vocation?”<br />
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The friar pointed to three types of violence toubling the U.S.<br />
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1. Gun violence. “33, 626 people were killed by firearms” in the U.S. in 2013. Many of these acts of violence occurred in the home, he noted, pointing to instances of children coming across a weapon and accidentally killing themselves or family members.<br />
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2. Capital punishment. Recent popes proclaimed that killing others for crimes was not acceptable.<br />
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3. Violence in our hearts. It’s where we dehumanize others. Look at what “we hold in our hearts” – judgements and prejudices. <br />
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The Franciscan tradition of being lesser, minor – couple with Gospel love – can overcome such violence.<br />
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“The Gospel is so beautiful.”<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-624iEDMeiz4/V3klCOOOQPI/AAAAAAAAFVw/RTJBjE-YOeE3IKnPFMYEe6-XZBs7t7xcgCKgB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_8254a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-624iEDMeiz4/V3klCOOOQPI/AAAAAAAAFVw/RTJBjE-YOeE3IKnPFMYEe6-XZBs7t7xcgCKgB/s640/Dan%2BHoran_8254a1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Friar Dan Horan addresses the Quinquennial Congress crowd in St. Louis, MO.</b></i></td></tr>
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R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-91935035043997398832016-07-02T19:40:00.000-04:002016-07-02T19:40:21.007-04:00Blessing Bags for homeless, families (day 2)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJNANsW5RZU/V3hPEDpiwcI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/jmmRAlg_A3wMU9jrEMNBgN7Amemjfy2lgCKgB/s1600/Sr%2BConnie_8191a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJNANsW5RZU/V3hPEDpiwcI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/jmmRAlg_A3wMU9jrEMNBgN7Amemjfy2lgCKgB/s200/Sr%2BConnie_8191a1.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>A stunned Sr. Connie</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hundreds of homeless and struggling families in St. Louis are getting a special “blessing”, thanks to the 19th Quinquennial Congress’ Blessing Bag Project. Franciscan Sister Connie Probst, St. Anthony Food Pantry director, was shocked at the size of the donation.<br />
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Q Co-Chair Kate Kleinart put it this way:<br />
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“We’re leaving St. Louis a little better than we found it.”<br />
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Attendees prepared bags of goodies and personal care items to give to the homeless and struggling families. The products were donated by Secular Franciscans across the country as well as by a few companies.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In fact, Friday afternoon saw an endless line of Franciscans stuffing “Blessing Bags” with various snacks, other goodies, socks and personal hygiene products. They filled 61 boxes with the bags, and then another 40 boxes with larger goodies, bars of soap and large containers of shampoo. The 101 boxes were to be handed over to St. Anthony Food Pantry, which serves over 800 families, including the homeless, in St. Louis.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XFBugC2VXI/V3hPcK_8MmI/AAAAAAAAFHU/m56yiBvu0G8BzdpJG-8lNNoWxRsFFY0lACKgB/s1600/Sr%2BConnie_8214a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sr. Connie" border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XFBugC2VXI/V3hPcK_8MmI/AAAAAAAAFHU/m56yiBvu0G8BzdpJG-8lNNoWxRsFFY0lACKgB/s320/Sr%2BConnie_8214a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Sr. Connie with her van.</b></i></td></tr>
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A stunned food pantry director, Franciscan Sister Connie Probst, asked to address the congress later in the day. She related how she was delighted to hear that Secular Franciscans were donating goodie bags, and showed up with her car. It wasn’t big enough. She had to return with the food pantry’s large van.<br />
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“We see the face of the incarnate Christ everyday” in the people they serve, she said, adding: “We see Christ here in all of you.”<br />
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While watching the last of the boxes literally being squeezed into the van, Sister Connie estimated that she and food pantry volunteer Janie Barton were hauling away about 4,000 pounds in donated goods – and well over 1,000 Blessing Bags.<br />
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Kleinart noted that the bags included holy cards bearing the message, “Filling this Blessing Bag for you has been a blessing for me! I will keep you in my prayers and ask St. Francis to keep you in his care.”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-15548341610794769332016-07-02T17:54:00.003-04:002016-07-02T17:54:37.441-04:00Fr. Lester: You need to have impact (Day 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrQ4uGz2tNg/V3g3ccgYvvI/AAAAAAAAFG4/-9x8W2KIiBQIj0A7ViwAW8bEMc7NKn6ZACLcB/s1600/Lester%2BBach_8034a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fr. Lester Bach" border="0" height="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrQ4uGz2tNg/V3g3ccgYvvI/AAAAAAAAFG4/-9x8W2KIiBQIj0A7ViwAW8bEMc7NKn6ZACLcB/s200/Lester%2BBach_8034a1.jpg" title="" width="168" /></a></div>
When it comes to serving others – such as in a soup kitchen – “it’s not so much what you do, but how you do it.”<br />
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In other words, it’s about building relationships, noted Capuchin Friar Lester Bach, a featured presenter on Day 2 of the Quinquennial Congress.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It starts with Secular Franciscan fraternities, with a spirituality steeped in the love of the Trinity, and a call to love one another.<br />
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“The more you can relate to the people you serve, the better.”<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKdT4p6vuiA/V3g35GJC5lI/AAAAAAAAFG8/Z_K1ZUKYfdIPCZMjTi4ZZAORox_jgBj9ACLcB/s1600/Lester%2BBach_8049a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr Lester Bach" border="0" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKdT4p6vuiA/V3g35GJC5lI/AAAAAAAAFG8/Z_K1ZUKYfdIPCZMjTi4ZZAORox_jgBj9ACLcB/s320/Lester%2BBach_8049a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Lester Bach, OFM Cap</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Indeed, he said, “there should be a change in you when you are helping others.”<br />
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Father Lester said he wasn’t going to heap praise on Secular Franciscans, as other presenters had. Instead, he wanted to remind Seculars to recognize the need for conversion, and to prod fraternities to move beyond a devotional mindset to one of expressing God’s love in action, in relationships.<br />
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“Fraternities should have some sort of impact.”<br />
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Remember, he said, “the Franciscan vocation leaves no one out of your concern and compassion.”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-75558412615112525962016-07-01T23:34:00.000-04:002016-07-01T23:34:03.069-04:00Fr. Dan focuses on creation, poverty (Day 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I67DgRR8BfE/V3c0VT7nVsI/AAAAAAAAErA/ztTH8cx41tEglpVA9cUs-3MtgoLFAXOigCLcB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_7908a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I67DgRR8BfE/V3c0VT7nVsI/AAAAAAAAErA/ztTH8cx41tEglpVA9cUs-3MtgoLFAXOigCLcB/s200/Dan%2BHoran_7908a1.jpg" title="" width="110" /></a></div>
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Keynoter Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, took the Quinquennial Congress throng – now up to 595 attendees – on a journey of “mercy and minority” in the Franciscan tradition Friday, July 1. He delved into “creation and poverty” – recognizing, as all Franciscans are called to do, a universal kinship with all of creation, and coming to understand the reality of Franciscan poverty as something more, as something holding richer depth than the simple phrase of “being poor in spirit.”<br />
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<a name='more'></a>“We have to take seriously what it means to be Franciscan.”<br />
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He also wanted to set a tone of a Franciscan familial relationship encompassing friars, sisters and Secular Franciscans.<br />
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“I invite you to call me Dan… We are either a family or we’re not. I want to be your brother, Dan.”<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JauTQdeL5QM/V3c0msXd8BI/AAAAAAAAErM/m3547bpkm04-SCcFfkbA_BcEPtlqZufJgCKgB/s1600/Dan%2BHoran_7911a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fr. Dan Horan" border="0" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JauTQdeL5QM/V3c0msXd8BI/AAAAAAAAErM/m3547bpkm04-SCcFfkbA_BcEPtlqZufJgCKgB/s320/Dan%2BHoran_7911a1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Dan Horan, OFM</b></i></td></tr>
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He referred to the “joy and challenge of our Gospel call,” and noted that Francis was not only called to live the Gospel, but also to be minor, to be lesser, to not place himself above others.<br />
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“It begins with poverty.” Being in kinship with the poor, the troubled, the hurting – and recognizing the dignity of all creation.<br />
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He noted: “This is the challenge before us” while “reviving, renewing our spirit, our vocation.”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-45056298343720413612016-07-01T09:49:00.000-04:002016-07-01T09:57:36.760-04:00Priest author shares his dream (Day 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, was in the midst of a personal crisis when St. Anthony Messenger Press asked him to write a book about St. Francis of Assisi. He couldn’t, he thought. Besides, he was extremely busy teaching and carrying out other duties. Then the editor told him he would be taking time off and going to Assisi.<br />
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A sound of awe murmured through the audience at the Quinquennial Congress Thursday evening (June 30).<br />
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“That’s the same thing I said,” he responded to the crowd. Of course, he told the editor, “yes!”<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM</b></i></td></tr>
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Once he was in Assisi, the book seemed to write itself. “I wrote almost every day in the morning. The words just came. I thought someone was writing it for me… I felt I was a channel.”<br />
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That book, <i>Francis: the Journey and the Dream,</i> sold 300,000 copies. That was 1972 – and it launched a 31-book writing career.<br />
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He appeared at the Q to thank Secular Franciscans for being among his most avid readers – and to share a few words from his latest work, his autobiography, <i>Gathering Shards: A Franciscan Life.</i>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-8039165045860647662016-06-30T22:41:00.002-04:002016-07-01T09:51:46.694-04:00’My heart came to life’ (Day 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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ST. LOUIS, MO -- “As soon as I hit the door, my heart came to life.”<br />
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That comment by Fr. Pio Jackson, OFM, perhaps summed up best what the opening of the Quinquennial Congress meant to a throng of Secular Franciscans, friars and religious sisters.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Celebrating the opening mass June 30 in a packed grand ballroom at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, Father Pio pointed the theme of “Reviving Our Spirit” as timely and appropriate – especially when it’s the Secular Franciscan Order that often inspires and lifts his spirit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Friar Pio</b></i></td></tr>
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Joy and hospitality characterize the Secular Franciscan charism, he said.<br />
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“Out of the side of Christ flowed blood, water – and Secular Franciscans,” he said to laughter and applause. “As long as there is one Secular Franciscan in the world, there will be joy.”<br />
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He added: “You are at the heart of the church” -- that “dynamism we need to revive our hearts… (where) one act of charity can change the world.”<br />
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Noting that the Quinquennial coincides with the jubilee year of mercy, Friar Pio urged the crowd of over 550 Franciscans to work at knowing “how to read hearts,” to avoid anything condemnatory, and to meet the challenge “to give a transfusion to the rest of the word” – “to set it on fire.”<br />
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In other words, “revive yourself so you can revive others.”<br />
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Following mass and dinner, National Minister <b>Jan Parker,</b> OFS, introduced General Minister<b> Tibor Kauser,</b> OFS, who struck a similar tone, urging everyone to spend time at the congress experiencing and spreading joy.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-20747554718281352532016-05-03T16:18:00.001-04:002016-05-03T16:18:29.781-04:00The Q Boasts 5 Featured Speakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_91546142"></span><span id="goog_91546143"></span>The main presenters at the 2016 Quinquennial Congress include three well known friars and two Secular Franciscans immersed in JPIC (Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation) and YouFra (Franciscan Youth).<br />
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-- Father <b>Dan Horan</b>, OFM. A young priest (ordained in 2012) who already has become a prolific author and sought-after speaker, Friar Dan studied theology and journalism at St. Bonaventure University before joining the Order of Friars Minor Holy Name Province. Among his books: Dating God, Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith, The Last Words of Jesus, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton.<br />
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-- Father <b>Lester Bach</b>, OFM Cap. A long-time traveler with Secular Franciscans, Father Lester is well known to U.S. Secular Franciscans. He is a former national spiritual assistant and prolific author of spiritual and formation books. Among them: Franciscan Family Connections, Capturing the Spirit of Francis and Clare, Seeking a Gospel Life, Take Time for Sunsets, Called to Rebuild the Church, Catch Me a Rainbow, Catch Me a Rainbow Too, Come and See.<br />
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-- Brother <b>Keith Warner,</b> OFM. He is a practical social ethicist in the Franciscan tradition. Friar Keith holds an MA in Franciscan Spirituality from the Franciscan School of Theology and a PhD in environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz. He is director of education and action research at the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University, where he directs a fellowship in social entrepreneurship.<br />
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-- <b>Carolyn Townes</b>, OFS. The JPIC Commission chair since October 2013, Carolyn has been immersed in Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation since working with Holy Name Province friars in 2003 when she became JPIC animator for St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manhattan. A spiritual life coach and grief counselor, Carolyn is now based in South Carolina.<br />
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-- <b>Ana Fruk,</b> OFS. She brings a youth/young adult perspective to the Q as Ana is the former international YouFra coordinator. She currently serves on the order’s international executive council as a CIOFS Presidency councilor. She hails from Croatia and is active in the CIOFS YouFra and Communications commissions.<br />
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<br />R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-67071566648795813052016-04-24T14:59:00.002-04:002016-04-24T15:02:40.395-04:00Extra Hotel Rooms Now AvailableThere are hotel rooms for everyone! A contract has been signed with the Pear Tree Hotel - which is minutes from the Renaissance hotel. The room rate is $89.99 per night and that same rate will hold for a few days before and a few days after the events of the Q.<br />
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The toll free number is 1-800-378-7946. Booking CODE is NAFRA Q2016 OR give them this number: 2276454 <br />
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Shuttle service between the hotels is in the works.R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-76997684488371323692016-03-01T19:26:00.000-05:002016-03-01T19:31:06.561-05:00Q Tip: Put Your Blessings in Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the ways to live the Quinquennial’s “Reviving Our Spirit” theme is by taking part in Operation Blessing Bag. <br />
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Gallon-size ziplock bags will be filled with travel-size toiletries, snacks, socks, etc. and, at the end of the Q, donated to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, which provides food and clothing to those in need in St. Louis.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>To make it more personal, a holy card in each bag will sport the words, “Filling this bag for you has been a blessing for me! I will keep you in my prayers.” The person filling the bag can sign her/his name.<br />
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Operation Blessing Bag sessions will take place throughout the Q where attendees can stop by and help fill some bags.<br />
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“A wonderful project for each fraternity and/or region will be to collect these types of items so that everyone will be taking part,” notes Kate Kleinart of the Q Planning Committee.<br />
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Q participants may bring donated items to the Congress or have them shipped in June to the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.<br />
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For ideas on what to collect, see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OgxA5ffyVgMDlGVHJvRlBBQVE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Blessing Bag checklist.</a>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-67681665067550660162016-02-01T10:52:00.000-05:002016-02-01T10:56:25.177-05:00Q Tip: How to Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>Be a pray-er.</b></i> Pray for the success of the “Q” and for all those working behind the scenes to make it “great”. <br />
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<i><b>Be an encourager. </b></i>If members of your fraternity would like to come to the Q but are hesitant, let them know what a wonderful family reunion it will be. If they need financial assistance, encourage them to apply for a scholarship<i> (at right).</i> <br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><i>Be a thinker.</i> </b>Think of ways your local or regional fraternity can help a professed member or candidate get to the Q. <br />
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<i><b>Be a helper.</b></i> Our Rule and General Constitutions give us guidance, of course, but most importantly, we recognize that we’re family … and, when possible, family helps family. The scholarship fund is one way; sponsorship of a sister or brother from your local or regional fraternity is another. There may be countless other ways only YOU can think of. Of course, individual contributions to enhance the scholarship fund would be most welcome and can be sent to our National Treasurer, Jerry Rouseau, OFS, 82 Kim Street, Blairsville, GA 30512, who will provide a very specific and detailed accounting of all funds received and used for this purpose. R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-29639147467952825802016-01-31T23:30:00.000-05:002016-01-31T23:30:05.887-05:00Don't let finances keep you awayInterested in attending the 2016 Quinquennial Congress, but unable to because of financial circumstances? A 2016 Q Scholarship Fund may make attendance possible.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The fund provides full and partial scholarships to the 2016 Quinquennial for professed and candidate members of a fraternity who would otherwise be unable to attend<br />
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To apply, read the scholarship <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OgxA5ffyVgdVZvR0I5SVNpR28/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">instructions</a>, fill out the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OgxA5ffyVgbmVQOWRMYXUtT2s/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">application</a> and send it to National Treasurer Jerry Rousseau, OFS. <i>(See both at right.)</i>R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685746482379416682.post-13882362940535198872015-12-10T16:01:00.003-05:002015-12-10T16:01:55.705-05:00Q Tip: Register Early to Win Q Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“The first 300 folks to register for the 2016 Q will be entered in the drawing to win the Quinquennial Quilt that is being stitched by our sister, Cindy Wesley, OFS,” reports Q Committee member Kate Kleinert, OFS. “Chances will also be sold at the Q, but for your free entry to the drawing, get those registrations in!”R Stronachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105103062240404904noreply@blogger.com