The Annual Conference of the Franciscan Federation of the Brothers and Sisters of the United States met July 26 to July 31, 2006 in Rochester, New York. The first days were devoted to meetings of the Leadership Group (all those presently serving in leadership). The meetings were facilitated by Sister Gertrude Foley, SC, who also served as facilitator for the Conference. The Leaders addressed the present situation of the Federation as it enters its 41st year; they agreed to establish a Task Force to study the situation and prepare for needed changes as we move into our future. This group will report to the National Board and subsequently to the 2007 Conference.
Between the Leadership meeting and the arrival of the members at large approximately one hundred participants made the tour to Niagara Falls. Although there were some “ups and downs,” all seemed awed by the natural beauty. The theme of the conference was “Drinking Deeply of the Spirit” with its focus on Prayer. It was hoped that the Franciscan Prayer Book, the result of a five year project, would be ready for presentation. However, the printed form will only be ready in September. A small sample copy was presented to all present and was used during some of the sessions. The members of the Task Group were recognized following a brief history of the project given by Sr. Rose Margaret Delaney, SFP. The two input sessions were given by Father Edward Foley, OFM Cap. and Sister Clara D'Auria, OSF. Father Ed's presentation focused on the contribution that Franciscan Prayer can make to the church and the world. Sister Clare urged us, like Clare of Assisi, to listen for the stirrings of the Spirit in our living and our praying. The presentations can be accessed at www.franfed.org . The web site also includes much interesting information including a link to your respective Franciscan Federation Region. Various breakout and prayer sessions helped us to deepen the input we had received, as well as to participate in using the sample of the Prayer Book. Several Resolutions were passed. An immediate call for a Cease Fire between Lebanon and Israel was issued. Members were asked for increased prayerful support, education and advocacy to prevent Trafficking of Human Beings, the protection of Victims, and prosecution of the perpetrators. A resolution addressed Water Scarcity and Water Quality as we try to protect “sister” water. In connection with this last resolution all participated in an action of sending postcards to Coca Cola, questioning the quality of the water in this popular drink.
There were two resolutions, one presented by Sisters Bernadette Sullivan and Karen Hartman to stop the genocide in Darfur, Africa. The other resolution was to call for an immediate cease fire in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon . Both resolutions were passed. During the Federation Conference the International Third Order Leadership had a breakfast meeting. Sister Tiziana Merletti, as the Councilor for the United States, reported on the meeting held in Germany.
Since the Conference was hosted by Region I of the Federation, many of our Sisters participated in the planning and serving during the conference. Sisters Maris Stella Footen and Pauline Sweeney serve on the Steering Committee. They also were part of the Liturgy Committee. Sr. Pauline served as Conductor of the Choir and Sr. Maris Stella and Sr. Armi Sison sang. Sr. Armi also participated in some of the rituals and dancing. Sisters Mary Maloney and Rose Margaret were part of the Registration Committee. Sisters Mary Veronica Donohue and Maris Stella offered the petitions on each of two days during the Eucharistic Liturgies. The Eucharistic Prayers as well as other prayer times were thoughtfully planned and inspiring. The 2007 Annual Conference will be held in Minneapolis, MN from July 9-12, 2007. The theme will be Care of Creation; Care of Each Other. The principal speakers will be Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ and Marya Grathwhol, OSF. Since it is also the 25th Anniversary of the Third Order Rule, Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF and Brother Thomas Grady will lead the group through reflections on the Rule throughout the Conference.
We had 24 Franciscan Sisters of the Poor present for the meeting and we all enjoyed celebrating with Sister Mary Madonna Hoying and all the others who received the Peacemaker Award during the banquet on Sunday evening. Sister Rose Margaret Delaney, SFP © Franciscan Sisters of the Poor |
