A Fraternal Letter from Wimbledon

A Fraternal Letter from Wimbledon,

Over a week ago, I saw myself running through the underground’s platform (metro transport) to try to get the train to attend my fraternal weekly meeting, but no luck. Behind me, there were a young girl with her mum and when she saw me she said “look mummy a medieval monk” the mother blinked an eye to me and said: “he is not a medieval monk, he is a Franciscan friar” “franchise what?” replied the girl “a Franciscan friar”.

While I was waiting for the next train I started to check my “look alike smartphone” which is not smart at all, I was trying to send a message to my Franciscan brother saying that probably I will be a little late for the zoom meeting with the Guardian of our Community, but luckily enough it was not necessary because the train just arrived and I jumped into it.

When I arrived to my meeting, my brother was online in the evening parish prayer group waiting for me and then we went to connect into our zoom meeting, by internet, with our Guardian Brother who was located 6.349 kilometres from us. On my way home I was thinking about the way how the girl in the platform, earlier on, described myself “a medieval monk or as her mum tried to clarify that I was not a medieval monk but a Franciscan friar”. Actually, I was a man dressing his brown friar habit, checking through his mobile phone, by Wi-Fi, on the way to a zoom meeting. Maybe I am dressing like a medieval friar but making use of modern technology to move around, contact people, work, meeting people located far away and so on that makes me a friar living in a modern world.

I have to confess that I am not clever enough regarding to all this technology terms and gadgets that surrounds my life like – internet, zoom meeting, online, smartphones, Big Data, Chatbot, software, Fine-Tuning, Generative A.I., Natural Language Processing L.N.P., etc. etc. So by curiosity I started to read about something related to Artificial Intelligence and how deep all these new technologies are in our daily life without noticing the impact in positive and negative ways. One of the member of my parish is blind and once he asked me to send some information related to Saint Francis by email, I was intrigued how to send the information and he explained to me that he uses “Chatbot”… and what is that? I asked him and he taught me that Chatbot is a software application designed to conduct online conversations either through text or text-to-speech, simulating human-like interaction. The first notable example was “Eliza,” created in 1966 by Joseph Weizenbaum. Eliza functioned by analysing sentence patterns from user inputs and employing keyword substitution and word order rearrangement to craft responses, creating an illusion of understanding. In simple’s words “a machine can say, what I am writing to a “friend”. It is really a good and positive thing. We’ve all seen the headlines about Artificial Intelligence - A.I. - , both the good and bad. Regardless of what you think of risk of using A.I., no one can dispute that it’s here to stay.

Businesses of all sizes have found great benefits from utilizing A.I., and consumers across the globe use it in their daily lives. But even people who are excited about A.I. can ask the question: What, exactly, are the advantages and disadvantages of using it?

The advantages range from stream lining, saving time, eliminating biases, in medicine,

education and automating repetitive tasks, just to name a few. The disadvantages are thing like costly implementation, potential human job loss, and lack of emotion and creativity. Reduced jobs for humans. This is a serious disadvantage that many people know immediately, thanks to many headlines over the years. As A.I. becomes more common place at companies, it may decrease available jobs, since A.I. can easily handle repetitive tasks that were previously done by workers. The President of Italy’s Government Commission for Artificial Intelligence is Franciscan friar - Paolo Benanti – an expert in A.I. who, during a colloquium organized by the Paul VI Foundation in Madrid, warned of its ethical risks, point out that “the people who control this type of technology can control reality”, “We have to have an ethical approach to technology”.

And also the Franciscan friar noted: “if we do not regulate the impact that A.I. can have on the labour market, we could destroy society as we now know it”.

Dear brothers and sisters, something for you to think, learn and pray.

Pax et bonum.

Fraternally yours,

Fray Cristian Alexis

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

by Br Walt

As December unfolds and the days grow shorter, darkness settles over the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not just a shift in light but something that seems to seep into our bones.

I feel it deeply, personally. Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, I know well the weight of the long, dark winter nights and the effect of losing sunlight’s simple warmth. The recent election, too, has cast a shadow over our collective spirit, leaving a lingering sense of division, uncertainty, and weariness.

Darkness has become an unwelcome yet familiar companion, always present, always hovering.

And yet, here we are entering Advent, a season that beckons us to hold on, to look for light precisely in the darkness. Advent doesn’t deny the shadows that surround us; it acknowledges them. We are, after all, preparing to welcome Christ, the Light of the World, born into a world that was—and still is—full of darkness.

The Prophet Isaiah speaks to this very tension. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2).

These words were spoken to a people familiar with hardship and uncertainty, not so different from us. They knew what it meant to wait, to yearn, to hope. Isaiah’s words are a reminder that in every generation, no matter how long the night may seem, light has and will find us.

But we don’t rush to that light; we meet it by embracing the darkness as part of our journey.

So how do we, in these dark days, embrace the shadows? One way might be to shift how we think about darkness itself. Too often, we see it as something to fear or avoid. But darkness has its own sacred purpose. Just as seeds take root in the dark soil and new life stirs in the womb's quiet, hidden spaces, so, too, our souls are nurtured in darkness.

Advent is a season that whispers, “There is no shame in the night; there is no need to rush to morning. Sit a while. Linger here. There is something for you to learn.”

In the dark, we encounter our vulnerability, our limits. We are reminded that, as much as we’d like to, we cannot control or predict everything. This acknowledgment of our smallness, our dependence, is one of Advent’s gifts. We are, as the Psalmist writes, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), but we are also fragile, in need of care, connection, and rest.

In embracing the darkness, we also learn something about hope.

Hope is not about denying reality or pretending everything is fine. True hope is forged in the fires of reality. It’s the kind of hope Isaiah spoke of—hope that emerges not in spite of the darkness, but because of it. The kind of hope that grows in the awareness that this world, with all its turmoil and tension, is still God’s world, and we are not abandoned.

As I look around in this season, I see many who are weary and hurting, longing for something more. Perhaps you are one of them. If you are, I want you to know this: you are not alone.

In the quiet of these winter nights, the God who is Love is drawing near. In the words of Isaiah, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). This child, this Emmanuel, comes not just to the light but to the shadows, to the places of grief, uncertainty, and weariness. In those places, a holy invitation waits for us—to let Love find us where we are, not where we wish we were.

The Advent season invites us to light candles not to erase the darkness but to mark it, to remember that light shines brightest when all around is dim. Each flickering flame represents a different part of the Advent journey—hope, peace, joy, love. These are not fleeting emotions or quick fixes; they are practices, ways of being that draw us deeper into the mystery of this season.

So as the nights grow longer, I invite you to sit with the darkness. Light a candle if you can, but let it remind you not only of the coming light but of the beauty found in the shadows. Let it remind you that in this quiet season, God is at work, preparing something new. Just as the earth rests in winter to ready itself for spring, so too our spirits find renewal in this waiting, in this darkness.

May we be brave enough to lean into this season, to embrace the darkness and the lessons it has for us. And may we be reminded that even here, perhaps especially here, we are not alone.

Darkness may be a familiar companion, but it is not our final one. For unto us a Child is born, a light in the night, a promise that even the deepest shadows cannot overcome.

This Advent, let us walk together through the darkness, holding our candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.

May we carry these lights, not only for ourselves but for each other, knowing that even in the longest night, the dawn is promised. And as we move toward Christmas, may we find ourselves, like those shepherds long ago, awestruck at the gift of Love born into our world—into our lives, our waiting, and yes, even our darkness.

May it be so.

A Visit with Danny “The Marine”

I had a delightful visit with a few of the young children at St Paul’s Episcopal Church last night to chat about our siblings who are homeless here in New Orleans and we also prepared blessing bags for those individuals. Our discussion initially centered on how St Francis of Assisi was drawn with deep compassion to serve the poor. Our little group was asked to pray for our siblings who are homeless and pray that their hearts would be filled with compassion to serve those who are less fortunate in this world. 

Early this morning I met several new people who are homeless on Rampart Street. I explained that children prepared the blessing bags for them last night. One particular man who was so grateful for the blessing bag shared his story with me. He told me his name is Danny and he is known on the streets as “The Marine”.  Danny explained that he worked hard for over thirty years or so and also served in the Marine Corps. All of sudden his life changed and he ended up homeless. Danny was so excited to explain that the most important thing that happened since he became homeless is that he has never been so close God as he is now. His new life of simplicity has drawn him closer to God. He said he has been transformed into a better person. 

I thanked Danny for all that he shared with me as tears welled up in my eyes. Today once again I encountered the face of Jesus not only in Danny but also with the children I met last night at St Paul’s. They all listened intently about what I sharing with them.

I pray that all who read this little accounting of transformation would consider praying not only for Danny “The Marine” but for all the Children who are our future. 

Br Donald

(photo of packing blessing bags)

It's Definitely Political

By Br. Walt

As we approach the upcoming presidential election, tensions are high, and the noise from all sides seems impossible to escape. Candidates, parties, and pundits clamor for attention, each claiming to hold the key to our nation’s future. Many people feel pressure to choose sides, to align their faith with a particular platform or candidate. And there is so much fear. But as we move into this season, it’s important to remember something crucial: while the Gospels speak profoundly to issues of power and justice, they are not partisan. The teachings of Jesus don't point us toward a political party or candidate. But they are, undeniably, political.

 By “political,” I don’t mean that Jesus took sides in the way we often think of politics. In fact, he famously said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus never endorsed candidates or policies, but he did challenge systems of power, both spiritual and temporal, and called his followers to a radically different way of thinking about authority, justice, and the common good.

The Context of Empire

To understand the political nature of the Gospels, we have to remember the context in which Jesus lived and taught. The entire Jesus movement arose in the shadow of the Roman Empire, an oppressive regime that maintained order through violence, intimidation, and economic exploitation. The people of Judea were subject to Roman rule, paying taxes to a foreign empire that did not have their well-being at heart. The empire was the ultimate symbol of worldly power: it demanded loyalty, and in return, it offered wealth and security—at least to those who were on the right side of the system.

But Jesus offered a counter-narrative to this system of power. He preached about the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that stood in direct contrast to the Roman Empire. In this upside-down kingdom, the last would be first, the poor would be blessed, and the meek would inherit the earth. In the world of Rome, might made right, and the greatest was the one who had the most wealth and influence. But Jesus flipped that entirely on its head: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). 

This is what made Jesus’ message so radical, and in many ways, so political. He wasn’t telling people to overthrow the empire by force, but he was subverting the very values that underpinned it. Jesus called his followers to a new kind of power—one grounded not in domination but in service, not in wealth but in generosity, not in coercion but in love. And it’s a message that remains just as relevant today as it was then.

The Temptation of Partisanship

Today, it’s easy to feel the pull of partisanship, to think that one party or candidate will fix what’s wrong with our world. It’s tempting to align our faith too closely with a political platform. But the truth is, the Gospel transcends these divisions. Jesus wasn’t a Republican or a Democrat. He didn’t advocate for policies that would fit neatly into our current political boxes. Instead, he called us to a way of life that transcends those categories—a way rooted in love, humility, and justice.

That doesn’t mean the Gospel is irrelevant to our political choices. Quite the opposite. As Christians, we are called to engage in the world, to care for the marginalized, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our faith must inform the way we vote, the way we advocate, and the way we participate in our communities. But that doesn’t mean we give our ultimate fealty to any political figure or party.

A Practical Call

So, as we move toward November, I want to offer a few practical ways to think about this election season:

1.   Remember Who You Serve. As followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not to any earthly power. We are called to be witnesses to God’s love and justice in the world, no matter who holds political office. 

2.   Stay Grounded in Love. Political discussions can get heated, and it’s easy to lose sight of our call to love our neighbors—especially those who think differently from us. As we engage in conversations and debates, let’s do so with grace, humility, and love.

3.   Consider the Marginalized. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently sided with the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized. As we cast our votes and advocate for policies, we must ask ourselves: How will this decision impact the least among us?

4.   Pray for Wisdom. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” In this season, let’s make prayer a priority—asking for the wisdom to discern how we can best live out our faith in the political sphere.

5.   Trust in God’s Plan. At the end of the day, our hope is not in political leaders or systems. Our hope is in God’s unfolding plan of redemption and renewal for the world. No matter what happens in November, God is at work, and we are called to be part of that work in whatever ways we can.

It’s About Power—But Not the Kind You Think

The Gospels remind us that the Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world. Jesus showed us a different way to think about power: one that lifts up the lowly, challenges the powerful, and invites us to serve rather than be served. As we head into this election, let’s be mindful of where we place our trust, and let’s keep our eyes fixed on the One who holds all true power, both now and forever. Amen.

A Winter Pilgrimage to Assisi (2024)

Assisi Pilgrimage 2024 - Br Fred

In January, Marian and I went to Assisi and stayed in the center of the city for a week.  We were part of a group of 12 pilgrims and blessed to be shepherded by Brother Peter who guided us, helping us keep our time as both pilgrimage and retreat.  Our group had breakfast and Morning prayer together each day and then went to one or a few places together.  Then we were encouraged and assisted in going our own way in the afternoon to have our own experiences as the Spirit would lead.  Each opportunity to meet or interact with the people of Assisi, the many religious, other pilgrims, artists, shop keepers, taxi drivers, chefs, area residents, all provided me as many spiritual insights and as much joy as did the many amazing places which document or venerate our beloved Francis and Clare.  I hope that all my CFC brothers and sisters know that I brought you with me, I thought of you, I prayed for you, both individually and collectively.  You were part of both preplanned and spontaneous intercessions in front of the San Damiano Cross and during our Sunday Eucharist.

It was very enriching each time I was in the side chapel at the Basilica of St. Clare, one time praying, another time for worship, and a third time which I will later describe, always in awe of viewing the actual cross that spoke to Francis. Yet, I must admit that it was the church and monastery of San Damiano which was the most powerful and inspiring place for me. Our group was blessed to have this place, for the most part, all to ourselves.  It is a place that you should let quietly sink into yourself. Seeing the poor walls, the wild additions and evidence of many renovations, there is an unexpected and fascinating beauty to this place. It is of course, where Francis received his call to rebuild our Lord's church. And I could feel the presence of God as I imagined the Poor Ladies living out the Gospel life.  It is described by some as a deep well. "Blessed is the one who takes the time and gets to draw from it, "Sister Water, humble, precious and pure."  St. Clare's Dormitory over the vault of the church is austere and yet the space is filled heavily by the Spirit of God.  Here the sisters lined up together on straw mattresses and here was where Clare died. I was so captivated. When everyone else had moved on, I stood alone in the empty dormitory which was so full of presence of God, I seemed nearly frozen in place; I found it hard to leave.  In the Basilica of St. Francis, I thought about the closeness of the earliest Franciscans.  Before descending to the crypt, we passed the burial marker for noblewoman, Blessed Jacopa, who Francis called Brother Jacopa.  We slowly walked around the tomb of the Poverello and paused to see the markers of four followers entombed at the corners of his crypt, Brothers:  Masseo, Rufino, Angelo, and Leone (Leo).  The Gothic Upper Church is full of frescos.  The book, Illustrated Guide of Assisi, translated by Benedict Fagone, which Brother David recommended was a treasure of information.  I used it to find a few ceiling and transept frescos that I really wanted to see and study in person, and both Marian and I read the book’s descriptions as we gazed at the 28 frescoes by Giotto on the lower section of the walls which depict scenes from the life of Francis.  If you go, take that book with you, I will even offer you my copy, please do not go without it.     

Our group also had Evening Prayer and Dinner together and I was struck by the realization that with all this history and all the veneration of Francis and Clare, I felt called to focus somewhat more on “what they taught” - the Franciscan way of life.  So, I was grateful that Peter suggested that we do a Saturday evening group discussion on Franciscan Spirituality.   Three in our group have a Franciscan vocation and we happily shared our views and experience in living out the Gospel life.  Everyone seemed enriched by the discussion.  I benefited greatly before we held this discussion because spent the entire Saturday morning dwelling with the Incarnational part of our Spirituality – so easy with Nativity scenes in front of Crucifixion paintings, with the many Eucharistic adoration chapels, you see Cup and Crib, and Cross and Creation along every path you take in Assisi and you even hear the bells calling out when Mass is going to begin.  By midday I was emersed in thought and trying to log examples in my mind of the “Relational” layer of Franciscan Spirituality, that is how we relate to those we travel with and how we engage with others in humility, all people, and all creatures. And when returning to Casa Papa Giovanni that day – I thought about Vocation, how we all have “what is ours to do” but also how there is continual discernment and adjustment especially between (contemplation/adoration) time and (ministry/service) time.   I was viewing our spirituality though a specific lens, that gives it three cords or layers, woven together, the Incarnational, Relational, and Vocational elements of Franciscan Spirituality. 

Some other highlights of our pilgrimage would be:  From arrival, I would greet every person wearing a Franciscan habit with “Pace e bene!” and in every case the greeting came back to me, usually with big smiles and eyes lit up!  It was the off-season in Assisi and there were no crowds, no lines, no sea of tourists.  So, my greeting was a very simple and really easy way to share my joy with others.   And certainly, getting to read the lessons for the Sunday Eucharist at St. Leonard’s Anglican parish was an unexpected joy.  And hearing the Poor Clares sing at a Prayers for Christian Unity worship was like a soundtrack from heaven.  Also, when a Franciscan Friar sitting at a small desk in the Eremo Hermitage gift shop ask me about my Franciscan Community, we had to work past our language barrier.  So, I gave him the CFC webpage and as he looked it up on his laptop, which automatically translated in into Italian. He read over the pages, sometimes commenting aloud in a mix of English and Italian. Then he stopped and looked at me in surprise and said, “Men and Women!  Clero ah… ordinato and Laici (Ordained and Laity) and with a gesture of amazement- his hands making an explosive gesture above his head.  He shouted out… “Wow! … one big happy Family.”    And I smiled and repeated it back “Yes, one big happy family.” 

During our added time in Tuscany, Marian and I were enjoying a winery tour when to our surprise, Alberto, our excursion driver, finding out I was a Franciscan, insisted on taking us (no additional charge) to the Le Celle Franciscan Hermitage/Monastery near Cortona.  It is an impressive place of silence and mysticism. After spending time in all the public areas, I think that both Alberto and I were for a moment tempted to pull the rope that rings the bell to the hermitage because all the locals rejoice in telling everyone how these very secluded Friars will always come and answer that bell and provide help or provision to anyone who rings it.  But alas, we did not feel we needed any help or provision. 

These are just some of the highlights of our trip, but I want to add that both Marian and I adored Brother Samuel, SSF from London, England. We were captivated by his presence and we were blessed to hear his amazing preaching two times during the week.  Br. Peter has mentioned how much he appreciated his time and discussions with Friar Sam.  I found it a joy to later learn that Brother Cristian also knows him.  Now to end my blog entry – I will describe a final treasured experience in Assisi.    In the early hours of the morning, we were leaving Assisi, I went to the Piazza of S. Chiara to withdraw some Euros at the ATM for our travel to Cortona. Since I was so close to the Basilica of St. Clare - I decided to enter one last time for prayer in front of the San Damiano cross. I saw no one in the main Sanctuary and as I entered the side chapel, I saw only two people. It was a Poor Clare and a Friar Minor sitting on a pew up front. I entered quietly and sat down a few rows behind them. Although they spoke softly and in Italian, I could tell they were discussing the cross. Each one made a few comments - sometimes pointing to the cross and always glancing at the other and then gazing back. The other would respond. At some point our Sister looked back and notice me and nodded and our Brother then did the same. They sat for a moment silently looking at each other. I said "Pace e bene" and they replied with the same. Then they turned back to gaze at the cross and resumed their softly spoken commentary with each other.  I offered a few short silent prayer petitions and then quietly moved to the back, mesmerized by this chance witnessing of the cross that spoke to Francis. still "speaking" today. At a column in the back, I discretely took a picture before exiting.  An amazing end to a pilgrimage in Assisi.   

A Discussion about the Franciscan Charism

In this informative video, Br Peter and Br Will have a discussion with Fr Joseph Diele about his insights into various Franciscan communities and how they live into the Franciscan charism. Fr Joseph also discusses Franciscan religious life in light of its ancient predecessor, Benedictine monasticism. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

The Spirit’s Call to Ministry through Relationships ~ by Br. Fred Jaxheimer

Isn’t it amazing how sometimes our lives appear to be a random hodgepodge of loosely connected events?  Yet, it is not the case at all.  Sure, life gets a little crazy and we always hope for “All good craziness.”   But on a journey of formation, and supported by Franciscan siblings, we are likely reminded to reflect on all the nudges (great and small) of the Holy Spirit.  This pulling or pushing by the Spirit sometimes comes to us through the lives and words of others - getting us where God wants us to be.   

And so, here is a story of the Holy Spirit steering me.

In 2021, the Willow Foundation was formed with a vision to bring New Roots, an organization providing recovery programs, and dovetail it within a structure and location to also serve the needs of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Hazleton, PA.  This effort quickly exceeded the initial space and when the Foundation purchased a larger and well-known building in the heart of downtown Hazleton in 2022, their vision, story, and the public’s interest started spreading like wildfire.  

I was joyfilled when I heard that the Heartwood center was installing a laundry onsite for the homeless.  I promptly asked my congregation to collect laundry soap, dryer sheets…   Their response was amazing.  And soon several other local churches and ours were donating winter clothing, hygiene items, leftovers from our community meals, and the over- abundance from a food pantry.   Now who do you call to deliver collected donations to a new site in downtown Hazleton?  Seems like a local Franciscan with a small pickup truck was a popular choice.  So, I became a delivery guy to the Heartwood Center for my church and several other ministries.  I remember this time period as one of contributing to the effort from the outside but it was also a time of developing relationships.    

Each time I delivered something to the Heartwood Center, I got to know the staff and members better (those utilizing this Day Shelter are called members).  I took an instant liking to Tamear, who was hired as a Housing specialist but soon became the Manager of the Center. 

One morning, I had some time to offer and Tamear told me that it would be a great thing if I would spend time interacting with the members.  I could tell that he really wanted to spend time interacting but he was caught up in leadership matters.  Wow, was that a great experience!  I quickly realized how great it was to be “on the inside” of this place - sharing God’s love.  After that, the more visits to the center, the more inspired (or maybe Spirit-empowered) I became.  I watched as members were able to get their mail, and how they were offered breakfast and lunch every day.  I was continually inspired by all the programs attended by those in recovery and/or with housing needs.  There were nutrition classes, group meditation sessions, life skill classes, and other activities just for the fellowship and fun of it.  Two bible studies also sprung up, led by two local pastors.

In early May, I was talking with a staff person and they asked me if I had a Bible.  Someone attending a Bible study group wanted one of their own.  I happened to have a brand-new Bible in my truck and I was overjoyed to go quickly retrieve it and offer it to them.  How often do you get that request?  The next day I went to my church and our secretary helped me find 15 new and like-new Bibles to offer the center.  The Spirit moved and our Willing Workers church group agreed to pay for any Bibles needed in the future.  Witnessing how many of the homeless and those in recovery begin to seek God or seek out spiritual experiences once they no longer struggled to get through each day, has affected me deeply.  

I have been challenged at times in answering spontaneous questions about God and faith when those asking know very little or nothing of Bible stories – even less than the grade school kids I recently taught in Sunday School… but the Gospel seems to shine through.  I also slip now and then with a churchy word or religious terminology.  Yet, there is a real insight in all this. I am humbled and yet comforted by how the Spirit always helps where I faulter or struggle and I see the love and light of Christ shining through the barriers, certainly through little things like accidently using a churchy word or in some cases even my embarrassing complete lack of conversational Spanish.    

Okay, let me tell you about jumping into the deep end.  A few weeks before traveling to CFC Chapter, Tamear put out a desperate plea for help on Saturday July 1st.  There was a serious lack of staff and volunteers to run the center.   I asked my wife, Marian, and she agreed to join me to help.  We both heard the Spirit calling.  So, on the first Saturday after Chapter, Marian worked the Front Desk of the Heartwood Center and I washed the dishes following both meals and supervised the use of the laundry.  We had one experienced staff member, Shawn Nicole, who did an amazing job creating the meals and showing the two of us how to best help her and the members.  Twenty-four people signed in utilizing the Café for meals and snacks, the common area with games and reading materials, the computer stations, phone charging stations, and the bathroom.  Several members also utilized the laundry facility to wash and dry their clothes.  But beyond all that, they all had access to the other members and three additional caring people.  They have a home, as temporary and communal as it may be, and they have relationships, and resources that they would not have if they spent the day on the street.   Yes, sometimes each of us had to be the adult in the room, but for most part, we were available to listen to someone’s gratitude, frustration, or joys…  It was a Holy experience.

Marian and I will volunteer again and I am prayerfully discerning how I might be able to add more lighting, and dignity to the new laundry facility, and I may offer to lead a guided Loving-Kindness Meditation.  Yet, these are just specific ways I can start carrying out my real call from the Spirit, which is to spend more time in this place, a call to be present and available for holy interruptions.  I want to be an easily approachable brother who is sometimes “at their home” ready to greet those who come in and bless those who go out.  For it is through deepening relationships that we sense what is best for our community and I believe more than ever that God speaks to us most boldly and loudly through those who most need us to share His great love with them.  

An Anglican Franciscan Friar Listening for God’s Calling

Living in a city like New Orleans as an Anglican Franciscan Friar and continuing to discern God’s calling for you never comes as a direct laid out plan. It is never really clear how you are supposed to fit in with your local faith community and the larger community around you that present challenges of people living in poverty and filth on the streets. There is one guideline that I have kept close to my heart and that is from scripture, Matthew 25 where Jesus calls us to feed those who are hungry. How we can help feed those who are hungry comes in many forms of ministry. There is actual hunger for food and then there hunger from a lack of spiritual, medical and mental nourishment that so many of our siblings are experiencing. I have learned over the last several years, since I became a member of St Anna’s Episcopal Faith Community Saint Anna's Episcopal Church of New Orleans, Louisiana (stannanola.org) and a Friar in the Anglican Franciscan Community of Francis and Clare Community of Francis and Clare (cfcfranciscans.org), to observe, listen and allow myself to make mistakes and rejoice and give thanks when our “Holy One” gifts me with an opportunity to unselfishly serve others in ministry.

 I pray that sharing current gifts of ministry is not meant to receive accolades but I hope it might empower others to discern how they can serve individuals (our siblings) who are in need of experiencing the light of God through the love we freely receive from our Loving God.

A typical week of living the vowed life as a dispersed Franciscan Friar and as a member of St Anna’s Faith Community and being married includes many activities.  As a Friar and a Member of the Community of Francis and Clare we promise to pray often throughout the day either privately or with others. We are committed to praying for others who have requested our prayers Prayer Requests — Community of Francis and Clare (cfcfranciscans.org) .The Eucharist is a central part of our lives as well and we are called to joyfully participate in this sacrament. As my day begins with prayer, I prepare myself to hit the streets by putting on my Franciscan tunic and Profession Cross and placing the Consecrated Bread (Holy Communion) in a small container called a Pyx in my pocket. Whether I am at University Medical Center New Orleans visiting and praying with and for the sick or at the local library in the early morning hours handing out socks, underwear and snacks to our siblings who are homeless, many times they will ask to receive Holy Communion. The same thing happens when I have the opportunity to visit the border to welcome Asylum Seekers with Team Brownsville Home | Team Brownsville .

One other ministry that St Anna’s Faith Community has been blessed with is a collaborative relationship with DePaul USA of New Orleans New Orleans - Depaul (depaulusa.org) who assists our homeless siblings to transition into permanent housing. St Anna’s Food Pantry offers a start-up offering of food for each individual when they are moved into their new home.

 It is my prayer that those who read this might keep the eyes and ears of their hearts open for the calling to become a servant to others. You may be surprised to know that our “Holy One” is always listening and waiting for us with open arms to become more deeply involved in our lives.

 Pace e Bene

(“Peace and all Good”. It is a blessing, a hope, and a way of acknowledging the sacredness of those who we encounter.)

Your brother,

Donald

Brother Alberto's thoughts on Contemplative Prayer

Brother Alberto Varona shares his thoughts on contemplative prayer. “Three things are necessary for quiet, recollected contemplation…The first is the place, which is to be proper, fitting, detached, healthy, devotional, suited for reverence, and quiet…The second thing that effectively aids spiritual life is virtuous company, for it is written that it is not good for man to be alone, without companions to help him achieve his noble purpose. The third requisite for contemplation is the preparation and disposition of the will that is to be ready for the Lord’s grace like the wax for the seal.”

Francisco de Osuna was a 16th century Spanish Franciscan friar who is considered a major contributor to mystical theology and practice. In fact, this excerpt is from his Third Alphabet, a book that was immensely influential on the spiritual life and writing of St. Teresa of Avila. Here he shares with us a few requisites for recollected contemplation; by which he means the ability to draw one’s mind internally and focus it on God’s presence. **[CLICK HERE](https://cfcfranciscans.org/blog)** to finish reading the article on the Blog page of the website.

The first of these requisites is having an appropriate place. Now, we know that God is not restricted to certain places to make contact with us but –on the other hand– the skill of drawing oneself within and directing our heart & mind to God does require some support. So choosing a space that is quiet and detached –meaning not adjacent to frenetic energy and sound– would be helpful. If that space is also clean and decorated in a manner that inspires us to God, that would be even better. For example, trying to sit silently in prayer in a room that is in need of cleaning or is cluttered, with people walking and working outside your door, or within eye or ear-shot of a busy street will make the ability to recollect oneself more difficult. Having some sensory aids to a divine atmosphere such as a candle, an icon of Lord Jesus or some incense burning, may be very supportive. God does not require these, but they help our own mind during the cultivation of this skill.

The second of these requisites is good companionship. This does not necessarily mean that every time we sit in practice we must have a good prayer companion sitting with us –although this can certainly be supportive. He is suggesting that our contemplation is supported when we generally keep the company of those who are like-minded in the aspiration to achieve intimacy with God, dedicate time to its cultivation and live a life that is conducive to accomplishing this. For example, keeping the company of those who would rather stay up late watching television or partying when you have a prayer schedule, will not be supportive. Keeping the company of someone who thinks prayer is useless and that God is not real, will not be supportive. However, keeping the company of someone who thinks a patterned spiritual practice is meaningful, that prayer is crucial and helpful and who also values quiet moments of peaceful recollection will be most supportive.

The third of these requisites is having the disposition or readiness to be affected by God’s grace. He says, “like the wax for the seal”. What a beautiful image he uses. In this image, the wax is and remains what it is, wax. This is our soul, our own spiritual substance. But in being disposed to God’s grace, anticipating that God’s grace will come and being ready to perceive it and be shaped by it, is crucial. In this way we are like warmed wax, ready to be sealed by the Lord’s very being, presence & power. In this manner, we can make ourselves available to be shaped by God in the specific way God wants us to be shaped and marked. This is a way of talking about theosis or becoming more Christ-like. Allowing oneself to be shaped and imprinted by God does not turn us into God but rather conforms us to God so fully that the unity between us is able to reach its highest potential of similarity & intimacy. In this we can hear the spirituality of our own St. Francis who was so conformed to Jesus Christ that he identified near perfectly with him, even to the point of bearing his wounds. Br Alberto V

Del seguimiento de Jesús en la Vida Consagrada

Francisco, quien es mas importante, el amo o el sirviente?  El amo, respondió el joven. Por que entonces pues dejas al amo para servir al sirviente?

Hace mas de ocho siglos esta pregunta resonó en lo mas profundo del corazón de un joven que lo tenia todo. Un joven que había puesto sus esperanzas en alcanzar la nobleza y asegurar de esta manera la aprobación y el aplauso de la sociedad importante de su tiempo. Quien es mas importante, el amo o el sirviente?  Una pregunta como esta puede casi siempre servir como punto de partida para un proceso de re evaluación de prioridades.  Es esta misma pregunta la que sacudió profundamente a Francisco, de tal manera que lo llevo a re plantearse súbita y drásticamente su pasado, su presente y su futuro.  El joven trovador y exitoso enamorado, que pasaba las noches en fiestas y banquetes  de la nobleza de Asís, ahora se encontraba frente a un cuestionamiento que le daba un vuelco a su vida para ponerlo frente una nueva realidad. Cuando Dios habla al corazón, Dios siempre inquieta, intriga y enamora.  El llamado a la consagración en la vida religiosa es precisamente un inquietante murmurar, que nace en las entrañas del  discípulo al haber escuchado la voz del Maestro.  Surge una turbación  sana en el alma del discípulo, que le lleva a replantearse toda su vida y a formularse nuevas preguntas existenciales, que como consecuencia, van  poner en tela de juicio previos conceptos, valores y hasta ideales.  Es en medio de este proceso que la vocación comienza a formarse así como un bebe en las entrañas de una madre.  Comienzan a surgir en el alma del discípulo grandes inquietudes que lo envuelven en una intriga hechizante y  enamoradora . Se comienza a descubrir el rostro del Maestro y este rostro no solamente fascina y deslumbra, sino que también conquista el corazón del que es llamado.  Por mucho tiempo se ha tenido la idea de que los consagrados son una especie de superhombres con innumerables dones y capaces de elevarse en espíritu a unos niveles realmente altruistas de  Fe.  Durante siglos, la iglesia y los creyentes han desvirtuado y muchas veces olvidado el verdadero sentido de la vida consagrada. No es menos cierto que en la consagración de el alma a Cristo, así como en el altar el pan y el vino se transforman en cuerpo y sangre de Cristo, también el consagrado se expone a una transformación profunda y autentica, pero esta transformación requiere de una respuesta seria de aquel que es llamado.  Al consagrar la vida a Cristo, el religioso comienza a replantearse sus prioridades y se pone en la presencia del Espíritu con una apertura a la fuerza renovadora de Dios en su vida.  No hay grandes poderes en la vida de un religioso, pero si hay ciertamente grandes opciones. La oración es una de ellas. El consagrado, en una relación personal y profunda con el Maestro, comenzara un camino de comunicación diaria al que llamamos oración. Para el religioso, la oración es el sustento y el motor de su diario caminar, sin embargo, para el franciscano, la meta es hacer de la vida misma una oración. En los inicios, la liturgia de las horas diaria propone una disciplina en la vida del consagrado. Así como para Francisco, para el hermano franciscano, la vida se va convirtiendo en una constante oración y cada evento de cotidiano caminar va siendo vivido en la presencia de Dios y va siendo ofrecido  como una constante oración. Para muchos la oración es un momento preparado y reservado del día. Para el franciscano , la oración esta sucediendo sin cesar y es una bendición descubrirla viva y latente en nuestro alrededor y entonces formar parte de ella. Mas que un detenimiento para orar, es una vivencia  al hacernos presentes y hacernos conscientes de tanta oración que constantemente se sucede a nuestro alrededor. Dios , que ha llamado a una entrega mas profunda al religioso, va no solo cautivando su corazón, sino que también presentándole a un nuevo mundo de realidades quizá antes nunca vistas. Quien es mas importante, Francisco, el amo o el sirviente? El franciscano  al consagrar su vida , ha de hacer un espacio diario para que esta misma pregunta le interpele y despierte cada día. Redefinir nuestros amos y nuestros sirvientes requiere no solamente mucha valentía, sino también una autenticidad en nuestro dialogo diario con el Maestro.  Puede resultarnos extremadamente fácil confundir  al amo y al sirviente.  Para Francisco fue un constante esfuerzo el redefinir cada día la diferencia entre ambos. Para el religioso, este continua siendo un reto. Nuestra sociedad no solamente se ha especializado en disfrazar a los sirvientes de amos, sino que también nos ha creado la necesidad de estos.  Hay un solo amo, y es un Padre Bueno.  La apropiación es uno de los males de nuestro tiempo.  Nos hace dependientes y nos termina esclavizando. Francisco en muchos de sus escritos nos advirtió de los peligros que trae consigo el apropiar bienes temporales. Para el consagrado en la vocación franciscana, es un reto y un desafío el vivir renunciando a la apropiación. A veces , no se trata de bienes materiales. En nuestra fragilidad humana podemos llegar a querer apropiarnos también de títulos, de dones recibidos, de experiencias espirituales, y de hasta de la idea de Dios que nos hemos creado.  La desapropiación es una experiencia liberadora , que nos desata de todo lo que puede limitarnos en seguir construyendo el reino de Dios.  La pobreza de espíritu, de la cual nos habla San Francisco en sus escritos, no tiene necesariamente una conexión directa con la pobreza material, la cual  no es un don de Dios sino el fruto de la injusticia y el egoísmo de los seres humanos. El religioso franciscano, mas que sentirse llamado a permanecer en la pobreza material, debe sentirse profundamente comprometido con la causa de los pobres, pero siempre con el objetivo de dignificarlos y acompañarlos en un camino hacia la erradicación de dicha pobreza. La pobreza espiritual, en cambio, ha de ser  el valor fundamental con el que el franciscano sintoniza su espíritu.  Todo es un don de Dios y todo es gracia.  Nunca hemos sido merecedores de tanta gracia y nuestro espíritu se regocija en el Señor y solo en  El alcanza la felicidad plena.  MI alma esta sedienta de ti Señor y mi carne tiene ansia de ti. Este es el grito de los pobres de espíritu. En la admonición veinte, Francisco nos recuerda : “ Lo que es el hombre ante los ojos de Dios, eso es , y nada mas. 

Como ser obedientes en un mundo donde la obediencia tiende a ser interpretada como sumisión o falta de personalidad? Como permanecer fieles a nuestra promesa de obediencia como consagrados en medio de una sociedad en la que los obedientes sufren las consecuencias de ser tildados de flojos, tibios y en la mayoría de los casos llegan también a ser explotados. De que obediencia entonces estamos hablando? Para Francisco, claramente la obediencia parte de un valor fundamental en la vida de toda persona humana, pero mas aun en  la vida de un religioso: El Respeto.  Es en el ejercicio del respeto que el franciscano encuentra nuevos caminos donde vivir auténticamente la obediencia. El dialogo, forma parte fundamental de este proceso, y es a través del dialogo, que  el franciscano va a desarrollar nuevos canales donde poder permanecer obediente sin renunciar a la libertad de expresión y a la vivencia de aquello que su conciencia le dicta. La humildad es la mejor amiga del religioso en el diario caminar hacia la obediencia. El franciscano, ha de reconocerse el menor entre todos y el menor de todos. A imitación del Maestro, el religioso ha de buscar constantemente la voluntad de Dios y estar abierto a los nuevos retos que esto conlleva. Ser obediente es también abrirnos a la acción del Espíritu Santo en nuestra vida y reconocer que solo en la fuerza del Espíritu somos capaces de consagrar nuestra vida a El. Para el consagrado es esencial reconocer el don de la llamada como un gran tesoro que llevamos en vasijas de barro. Reconocernos limitados e indignos de la llamada es nuestro primer entrenamiento hacia la practica de la obediencia.

Uno de los dones mas malinterpretados en el mundo del catolicismo y del cristianismo en general es la castidad. Por muchos siglos, el puritanismo que heredamos de nuestras pasadas generaciones y  consecuencia de periodos históricos, nos ha hecho creer que  la castidad  se limita a la renuncia a la fecundidad o a las relaciones sexuales. La castidad, en cambio , es un don mucho mas profundo y mas complejo de abordar. Mas que limitar la castidad a una campo puramente fisiológico, debemos en cambio observarla desde su componente mas esencial y trascendente: La capacidad de establecer relaciones transparentes y puras  con nuestros hermanos y hermanas y la gracia de vivir el amor en nuestras relaciones personales  tanto de amistades como de vida conyugal y matrimonial.  El llamado a la castidad que recibe un religioso, no necesariamente debe implicar una mutilación de esta capacidad, sino que debe considerarse como una herramienta en la que el consagrado encuentra elementos que lo ponen cerca de los que sufren pero de una manera liberadora. Al vivir la castidad como un amor transparente y limpio, el consagrado se acerca a los mas necesitados, no para mendigar un abrazo o un gesto de cariño, sino para ofrecer un amor desinteresado que surge de un compromiso profundo con los valores evangélicos.  El consagrado esta llamado a un constante reevaluar de sus propios motivos para la entrega y aun trabajo serio de autoconocimiento del campo afectivo, de manera que pueda establecer solidas relaciones afectivas y profundas conexiones espirituales donde la transparencia y la pureza de espíritu sean elementos fundamentales al amar. Para francisco, la afectividad en vez de limitarlo, lo conectaba con el mundo a su alrededor.  En el beso y el abrazo al leproso, Francisco encuentra una nueva dimensión a su llamada a estar cerca de los que sufren y descubre que es el leproso quien lo salva y lo rescata transformando toda su realidad desde ese momento en lo adelante.  El sabe que es imposible desechar o reprimir la afectividad, por eso incorpora los gestos de afecto en su diario vivir , sabiendo que son herramientas esenciales para mostrar el amor del Padre a aquellos que no conocen el don de ser amados. En este mismo sentido, el franciscano, ha de aferrarse a la afectividad como un puente para establecer profundas relaciones interpersonales con los hermanos, porque  sabe que sino, estaría viviendo un proceso puramente intelectual. Para Francisco, la conexión entre la fe y la vivencia es esencial. El hermano menor sabe que solo a través del abrazo sincero y caluroso es posible mostrar el rostro de Dios a los hombres. Nuestro llamado es a vivir entre los hermanos como un hermano mas y muchas veces el gesto de un plato de sopa caliente en las manos de el hermano enfermo y un beso en la frente son mas efectivos que un estudio bíblico. Es en este sentido que los consagrados encontramos en la vivencia de la castidad un proceso liberador y purificador que nos permite ser seres profundamente afectivos desde la dimensión del amor cristiano.  Una vez mas vuelve a resonar la misma pregunta: A quien entregamos nuestro corazón? A quien hacemos el Amo de nuestra vida?

Una vestidura del siglo trece. Una de las preguntas que surgen ante la experiencia de ser envestido con el habito franciscano esta relacionada a la importancia del signo en nuestro mundo actual.  Por que vestir con una vestidura del siglo trece? El habito franciscano al cruzar ochocientos anos de historia, ha sufrido los efectos de cargar en si mismo el significado que para algunos recuerda épocas de religión impuesta, de conquista de nuevos mundos y matanza de indios y esclavos, para otros lucha por los derechos de los marginados, para la mayoría de nosotros representa ocho siglos de tradición franciscana y de una espiritualidad que se renueva, y para otros también un recordatorio de los horres de abusos sexuales cometidos por sacerdotes en la iglesia.  Ya sean connotaciones positivas o negativas, el habito franciscano trae consigo el signo mas fundamental y cautivador: simboliza una cruz y grita a la sociedad de nuestro tiempo que Jesucristo esta vivo y sigue caminando entre nosotros.  La sociedad en que vivimos nos ha infundido el miedo a identificarnos, nos ha hecho creer que es mejor pasar desapercibidos, nos ha ido encerrando en nuestros micro mundos y desconectando a los unos de los otros.  El habito franciscano como un signo de Cristo entre los hombres ha de ser para nosotros un instrumento para conectar con la gente, para entablar diálogos interesante y para permitirnos escuchar y acompañar el dolor de muchos. Al vernos , algunos nos ignoran a las fuerza, te ven delante y hacen como que no te ven, otros se burlan y otros quieren ofrecernos privilegios. Lo mas importante para nosotros es cada día, al hacer la opción de usar nuestro habito, reconsiderar cuales son nuestras expectativas.  Espero el respeto de todos? Espero la aprobación de todos? Espero una sonrisa de todos? Espero que se me trate como un cura? O espero simplemente representar un hombro donde la gente pueda recostar su cabeza y encontrar abrigo y comprensión? Nuestro reto es a buscar siempre el significado que tiene para nosotros y la importancia que tiene como herramienta en la evangelización, recordando siempre que llevamos puesto sobre nosotros ochocientos anos de historia y tradición y de una riqueza espiritual que mucha gente esta necesitando encontrar. 

Que nuestra madre La Santísima Virgen María,  bendiga nuestro caminar . Que el ejemplo de San Francisco y Santa Clara nos mantenga firmes en la fe y en el seguimiento de Jesús y que Dios que es Padre Hijo y Espíritu Santo bendiga nuestro esfuerzo  en la construcción del Reino ahora y siempre.  Amen