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Beloved National Family,
At the last International Chapter in October in Brazil, The Official Name of our Order document was introduced, voted upon and approved.
You will see in the official document the words "Secular Franciscan Order" are still used when referring to our Order in English, and "Secular Franciscans" is still used when referring to us. I also give you these exact words in an email from Doug Clorey, who many of us know from previous (CIOFS) visitations:
"Document on the 'Name of the Order' should be released shortly in a circular from our Minister General. This document was presented to the General Chapter in Brazil, voted and approved. Doug Clorey, ofs, Vice-Minister General, Secular Franciscan Order Note that Doug, our Order's Vice-Minister General, is still a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. When we use English, we are still the Secular Franciscan Order, not the Order of
Franciscan Seculars or whatever. We remain Secular Franciscans, not Franciscan Seculars, when we use English. What has changed is that Doug is now, in English, when he uses the initials after his name, is Doug Clorey, OFS not SFO.
Again, I am absolutely certain that OFS or SFO does not make me or you or Doug any more or less Franciscan. We are still permanently professed. Our Order is still, in English, the Secular Franciscan Order.
Peace and Love in this New Year with our new language changes! The substance remains.
Tom Bello, OFS
National Minister
At the last International Chapter in October in Brazil, The Official Name of our Order document was introduced, voted upon and approved.
You will see in the official document the words "Secular Franciscan Order" are still used when referring to our Order in English, and "Secular Franciscans" is still used when referring to us. I also give you these exact words in an email from Doug Clorey, who many of us know from previous (CIOFS) visitations:
"Document on the 'Name of the Order' should be released shortly in a circular from our Minister General. This document was presented to the General Chapter in Brazil, voted and approved. Doug Clorey, ofs, Vice-Minister General, Secular Franciscan Order Note that Doug, our Order's Vice-Minister General, is still a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. When we use English, we are still the Secular Franciscan Order, not the Order of
Franciscan Seculars or whatever. We remain Secular Franciscans, not Franciscan Seculars, when we use English. What has changed is that Doug is now, in English, when he uses the initials after his name, is Doug Clorey, OFS not SFO.
Again, I am absolutely certain that OFS or SFO does not make me or you or Doug any more or less Franciscan. We are still permanently professed. Our Order is still, in English, the Secular Franciscan Order.
Peace and Love in this New Year with our new language changes! The substance remains.
Tom Bello, OFS
National Minister
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
I received the following message from our National Minister, Deacon Tom Bello, this morning.
It is the clarification of the name of our Order and the post-nomial designation which we are all to use, henceforth.
The discussion came up at our National Chapter as a result of the information received from
the recent General Chapter meeting. There was some confusion and a need for clarification
which apparently has been received.
The bottom line is we, in English are still called the Secular Franciscan Order. However, the
post-nomial "SFO", can no longer be used. Instead, we must all defer to the Latin usage,
OFS.
So, henceforth, we must all refer to ourselves in writing our names, as John Smith, OFS or
Mary Smith, OFS. "SFO" is no longer to be used.
Fraternally,
Ron Pihokker, OFS
Regional Minister
The History of the San Damiano Crucifix
An unknown Umbrian artist painted the Crucifix Icon in the 12th Century. There is strong Syrian influence, and history tells us that there had been some Syrian monks in the area.
It is painted on wood (walnut) to which cloth had been glued. It is about 190 cm high, 120 cms wide and 12 cms thick. It is more than likely it was painted for San Damiano to hang over the Altar as the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved in non Parish Churches of those times and especially those that had been abandoned and neglected as we know San Damiano had been. In 1257 the Poor Clares left San Damiano for San Giorgio and took the Crucifix with them. They carefully kept the Cross for 700 years.
In Holy Week of 1957, it was placed on public view for the first time over the new Altar in San Giorgio's Chapel in the Basilica of St Clare of Assisi.
The Icon of the Transfigured Christ
For Eastern Christians the Icon is a representation of the living God, and by coming into its presence it becomes a personal encounter with the sacred, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The San Damiano Icon is then a personal encounter with the transfigured Christ - God made man. The Crucifix contains the story of the death, resurrection and ascension into glory. It expresses the total and universal Paschal Mystery of Christ. It invites us all to take part in it with a lively and lived faith, just as St Francis did. Christ's saving death is shown in John's Gospel in its serene majesty, and this Crucifix portrays this in picture form. It is not surprising that Saint Francis was attracted to this Icon and that the inspiration for his life came from this Christ who spoke to him "Go repair my Church ... ".
The Figure of the Christ
The central figure of the icon is Christ, not only because of the relative size, but because Christ is a figure of light dominating the scene and giving light to the other figures "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. " (John 8:12). Christ stands upright, not nailed. The eyes of Jesus are open: He looks out to the world, which He has saved. He is alive, the one who is eternal. Jesus' vestment is a simple loin cloth - a symbol of both High Priest and Victim. The chest, throat and neck are very strong, Jesus gives power of re-creation to His Disciples (John 22:23). He breathed on His Disciples (John 20:22), the Greek word used recalls the moment of Creation (Gen 2:7). The shadow over the face of Jesus is increased by the fact the halo and face are tilted forward on the original Icon. The humanity of Christ veils the true glory of the Word who lives in the super illuminous darkness of the Godhead. Behind the outstretched arms of Christ is His empty tomb, shown as a black rectangle.
The Ascension is portrayed within this circle of red: Christ is breaking out of the circle, holding a golden cross which is now His Royal Scepter. His garments are gold - a symbol of royalty and victory. His red scarf is a sign of His Dominion and Kingship; exercised in love. Angels welcome Him into Heaven. IHS are the first three letters of the name of Jesus. The little bracket above indicates it is shorthand. NAZARE is the Nazarene; REX is' king' and IUDEORUM is 'of the Jews', which is reported in St John's Gospel "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews"
The Hand of the Father
From within the semi-circle at the very top of the Icon, He whom no eye has seen reveals Himself in a benediction. This blessing is given by the right hand of God with the finger extended - the Holy Spirit. The Father gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all because of the merits of the Christ's Passion.
The Mystical Vine
Around the Cross are various calligraphic scrolls which may signify the mystical vine "I am the vine, you are the branches... " (John 15), which also contain the words "Greater love has no one than this, that one lays down one 's life for one friends ". At the base of the cross there seems to be a section that looks like a rock - the symbol of the Church. The seashells are symbols of eternity - a mystery hidden in the vast and timeless sea of eternity is revealed.
Mary and John
As in John's Gospel, Mary and John are placed side by side. Mary's mantle is white meaning victory (Rev 3:5), purification (Rev 7:14); and good deeds (Rev 19:8). The gems on the mantle refer to the graces of the Holy Spirit.
The dark red worn under the mantic indicate intense love, while the inner dress is purple - the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 26: 1-4).
Mary's left hand is raised to her cheek - her acceptance and love of John, and her right hand points to John while her eyes proclaim acceptance of Christ's words "Woman, behold your son... " (John 19:26). The blood drips on to John at this moment. John's mantle is rose color indicating eternal wisdom, while his tunic is white - purity. His position is between Jesus and Mary as is fitting for the disciple loved by both of them. He looks at Mary "Son, behold your Mother", but points to Christ.
Numbers
There are 33 figures in the Icon - Two Christ figures, 1 Hand of the Father, 5 major figures, 2 smaller figures, 14 angels, 2 unknown at His hands, 1 small boy, 6 unknown at the bottom of the Cross and one rooster. There are 33 nail heads along the frame just inside the shells and seven around the halo.
The Other Major Figures:
Mary Magdalene.
Mary Magdalene is next to Christ making her very special; her hand is on her chin indicating a confided secret "He is risen ". She wears scarlet, which is a symbol of love; her mantle of blue deepens this.
Mary Clopas.
Some authorities make her the mother of James. She wears garments of an earthen color a symbol of humility, and her light green mantle - hope. Her admiration of Jesus is indicated by the gesture of her hand.
The Centurion of Capernaum.
He holds a piece of wood in his left hand, indicating his building of the Synagogue (Luke 7: 1 - 10). The little boy beyond his shoulder is his son healed by Jesus. The three heads behind the boy show "he and his whole household believed" (John 4: 45 - 54). He has extended his thumb and two fingers, a symbol of the Trinity, while his two closed fingers symbolize the hidden mystery of the two natures of Jesus the Christ. "Truly He is the Son of God" (Mark 15:39).
The Lesser Figures:
Longinus.
The Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side with a lance.
Stephen.
Tradition gives this name to the soldier who offered Jesus a sponge soaked in vinegar wine after Jesus cried out "I thirst" (John 19: 28 -30).
The Unknown Saints.
At the bottom of the Icon are six unknown saints whom Scholars postulate are SSTs Damian, Rufinus, Michael John the Baptist, Peter and Paul, all patrons of Churches in the Assisi area. St Damian was the Patron of the Church that housed the Cross and St Rufinus was the Patron Saint of Assisi. There is too much damage of that area to make a proper identification.
The Astonished Angels.
There sat two groups of angels - animatedly discussing the scene unfolded before them.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not die but have life everlasting"(John 3:16).
The Tomb.
As mentioned before behind Christ is the open tomb; Christ is alive and standing over the tomb. The red of love overcomes the black of death. The gestures of the unknown saints at His hands indicate faith. Could these be Peter and John at the empty tomb? (John 20: 3 - 9).
The Rooster
Firstly, the inclusion of the rooster recalls the denial of Peter who wept bitterly. Secondly, the rooster proclaims the new dawn of the Risen Christ 1 the true light (1 John 2:8). "But for you who revere my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2 or 3:20 depending on your translation).
The Shape of the Cross.
The shape of the Cross has changed to enable the artist to include all who participated in the drama of the Passion. Note that the arms of the cross lift to Christ's right indicating that the Good Thief (traditionally called Dismas) went to Heaven; while the left hand dips - the other thief did not.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
How can we prepare ourselves in simplicity and humility to live more fully the life that Jesus has given to us?
St Francis, one day of the Carnival, was near the Lake of Perugia, in the house of one of his devout children, with whom he had spent the night, when he was inspired by God to go and pass the time of Lent in an island on the lake. Wherefore St Francis begged his friend, for the love of God, to convey him in his boat to an island uninhabited by man: the which he should do during the night of Ash-Wednesday, so that none might know where he was; and the friend, because of the great devotion he bore to St Francis, agreed to his request, and conveyed him to the said island, St Francis taking with him naught but two small loaves. When they had reached the island, his friend left him and returned home; the saint earnestly entreating him to reveal to no one where he was, and not to come and fetch him before Holy Thursday; to which he consented.
St Francis being left alone, and there being no dwelling in the island in which he could take shelter, entered into a thick part of the wood all overgrown with brambles and other creeping plants, and forming as it were a kind of hut, there he began to pray and enter into the contemplation of divine things. And there he passed the whole of Lent without drinking or eating save half of one of the small loaves he had taken with him, as we learned from his friend who, going to fetch him on Holy Thursday, found one of the loaves untouched and the other only half consumed. It is believed that St Francis ate this half out of reverence for our Blessed Lord, who fasted forty days and forty nights without taking any material food; for by eating this bit of bread he put aside the temptation to vainglory, and yet fasted forty days and forty nights in imitation of the Savior.
In later times God worked many miracles, through the merits of the saint, on the spot where St Francis had fasted so wonderfully, on which account people began to build houses and dwell there, and little by little a town rose up, with a convent called the Convent of the Isle; and to this day the inhabitants of that town hold in great respect and great devotion the spot in which St Francis passed the time of Lent. from Little Flowers
Lent is a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves and experience Christ’s Paschal mystery. We cannot all be like St. Francis and escape to an island but we can set time aside to refresh our spirit.. This year RECLAIM Lent! Find a quiet place and be with God; in going through this time intentionally with Jesus, as we witness his suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. We have an opportunity to seek new life and a new spirit within ourselves as we journey, knowing that Jesus suffers with us and redeems us by his salvation. So go for it! Find a place for prayer and reflection, allowing you to intentionally break away from daily life. Make a date with God. Happy Lent!
Frances
St Francis being left alone, and there being no dwelling in the island in which he could take shelter, entered into a thick part of the wood all overgrown with brambles and other creeping plants, and forming as it were a kind of hut, there he began to pray and enter into the contemplation of divine things. And there he passed the whole of Lent without drinking or eating save half of one of the small loaves he had taken with him, as we learned from his friend who, going to fetch him on Holy Thursday, found one of the loaves untouched and the other only half consumed. It is believed that St Francis ate this half out of reverence for our Blessed Lord, who fasted forty days and forty nights without taking any material food; for by eating this bit of bread he put aside the temptation to vainglory, and yet fasted forty days and forty nights in imitation of the Savior.
In later times God worked many miracles, through the merits of the saint, on the spot where St Francis had fasted so wonderfully, on which account people began to build houses and dwell there, and little by little a town rose up, with a convent called the Convent of the Isle; and to this day the inhabitants of that town hold in great respect and great devotion the spot in which St Francis passed the time of Lent. from Little Flowers
Lent is a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves and experience Christ’s Paschal mystery. We cannot all be like St. Francis and escape to an island but we can set time aside to refresh our spirit.. This year RECLAIM Lent! Find a quiet place and be with God; in going through this time intentionally with Jesus, as we witness his suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. We have an opportunity to seek new life and a new spirit within ourselves as we journey, knowing that Jesus suffers with us and redeems us by his salvation. So go for it! Find a place for prayer and reflection, allowing you to intentionally break away from daily life. Make a date with God. Happy Lent!
Frances
THE FUN FORMATION WORKSHOP
Held this past January 20-22 at Mt. Alvernia, Wappinger Falls, NY, was very successful. A number of participants said that they were "on fire" to get started using the new manual.
Although most fraternities were represented at the workshop, those who did not make it should contact the OLTAR Executive Council (OEC) regarding the manual.
Future workshops are planned within the Regional Clusters; and they will need the manual.
Formation Directors should make every effort to obtain a copy from OEC as soon as possible.
Please also note that the presentations on the website will be better understood by those who attended the workshop. Of course, the council members are always available to answer questions.
For Formation workshop pictures and Formation manual resources and presentations given at the workshop go to our region website at:
http://www.ourladyoftheangelsregion.org/formation.html Read more...
