The following symbols were given for offertory:
The Icon of St. Francis and St. Clare which symbolizes the
Franciscan Spirituality through whose examples Franciscans
remain instruments of peace in the world; the Bible -, which is
the word of God from where the Franciscans receive wisdom
and courage to spread the Gospel; the Candle, as a source of
Christ’s light which Franciscans should use always to brighten
the path of those in darkness.
It was remarkable to note that the Franciscan Family
Association (F.F.A) has developed several programs which are
quite educative to its members. These include:
St. Antony of Padua Institute of Africa (SAPIA) - which teaches
mainly the Franciscan studies and equips it’s members with
Franciscan intellectual and spiritual traditions.
Mother Earth Network (ME NET) – Which deals mainly with
environmental issues, planting of trees and general care of the
environment.
Justice and Peace Integrity of Creation Franciscans of Africa
(JPICFA) - Which promotes human rights, justice and peace
with its core values being prayer, simplicity, respect and
transparency.
Order of Franciscan Secular (OFS) – Which is a group of the
Lay people devoted to following after Christ in the spirit of St.
“Without the spirit of St. Francis and being rooted in Christ
while remaining faithful to Him, we may do very little hence
the restoration of the world as our mission may never bear
much fruit.”
The humorous Nuncio pointed out that Franciscans are happy
people, and are expected to reflect this in their daily interaction
with those they serve in the vineyard of the Lord.
He stressed that Franciscans should never let the intention of
their founder St. Francis, who was a lover of creation, and who
cared for the environment and for peace, fade away.
Francis of Assisi.
Damietta Peace Initiative (DPI) - They sow the seed of peace
everywhere through seminars and workshops as they promote
peace in the world with their core values being nonviolence,
reconciliation and respect for creation.
Comprehensive Course on Franciscan Mission Charism - They
offer workshops on Franciscan spiritually.
It was a reflective day for the Franciscan family; the several
questions which lingered the mind of God’s servants as we
walked back home were: If Francis comes back today would
The Nuncio encouraged the “beautiful flowers of the saint”
he find the spiritually being carried out as he left? How do
to join the Pope who has spoken to the entire world in his
Franciscans embrace the different cultures in communities?
encyclical letter Laudato Si on care for our common home.
Are Franciscans preachers of peace and care takers of the
The choir which was led by maungano Franciscan novices was
heart lifting and so warm that one could feel the spirit of St.
Francis fully alive.
The responsorial psalm Laudato si, o mi Signore (Praise be to
you, my Lord) crowned it all with mixed voices sinking deep in
the hearts of the faithful as all joined to praise the creator of the
universe.
environment? Is the enthusiasm of Christ’s call still burning in
the hearts of His followers?
May the Lord continue to fulfill the good work he began in the
Franciscans and through Mary our Mother, may he pour his
spirit in their hearts so that from their faithless state, Franciscans
may be made faithful servants of God forever.
The writer is a Franciscan Sister of St. Anna-(F.S.S.A)
THE SEED - VOL 27, No. 10 OCTOBER 2015
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