2005 Franciscan Federation Return to the Mission:
by Maureen Fullam
At the July 12 - 15 40th Anniversary Franciscan Federation Annual Conference in San Diego, California, three Franciscan Sisters of the Poor were honored: Sister Arlene McGowan, Sister Mary Maloney, and Sister Rose Margaret Delaney. Seventeen Franciscan Sisters of the Poor attended the conference: Sister Tiziana Merletti, Sister Ann Cecile Albers, Sister Joanne Schuster, Sister Therese Martin Hessler, Sister Mary Louise Sahm, Sister Bonnie Steinlage, Sister Norma Meyer, Sister Karen Furr, Sister Marcia Dahlinghaus, Sister Karen Hartman, Sister June Casterton, Sister Mary Madonna Hoying, Sister Mary Maloney, Sister Rose Margaret Delaney, Sister Rita K. Kerr, Sister Pauline Sweeney, and Sister Grace Miriam Pleiman. Two keynote speakers: Sister Ramona Miller, OSF and Miguel Diaz, Ph.D., developed the theme of the conference, giving historical and current information on the mission of the Franciscans, emphasizing inclusion, multiculturalism, and working with the poor and marginalized. Evening networking sessions allowed members the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Christian Peacemaking Teams; view the video "Freeing the Fire of the Third Order Regular" with Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF; dialogue with the Franciscan Community Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation Coordinators, and Franciscans International; and explore the work of Pace e Bene. Five resolutions were presented, discussed, and accepted at the 2005 Conference. To read more about these resolutions, click here: http://www.franfed.org/Resolutions.htm In keeping with the theme and in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Franciscan Federation a Peacemakers Banquet was held. The Banquet honored 14 former presidents and executive directors. Also honored at the banquet were 43 women and men who enhance the mission of their congregation by witnessing with their lives.
Sister Arlene McGowan, SFP, was honored by her fellow Franciscans with the "Peacemaker Award." This award is given to Sisters and Brothers who witness in a significant and prophetic way to peace and reconciliation in their congregation and in their ministry/mission as Franciscan women and men. This year there was an emphasis on honoring people who have furthered and safeguarded the Franciscan mission, which is so deeply connected to the Church's mission of evangelization. Sister Arlene has tremendous abilities and gifts in promoting and safeguarding the mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. In talking about her ministry as a Franciscan Sister of the Poor, Sister Arlene says: "I believe the vision of the Church for Evangelization is connected with our mission. In safeguarding and promoting the mission of healing and peacemaking we as Franciscans are responding to the call for a New Evangelization -- new in fervor, new in methods, and new in expression. I am happy that I have had and continue to have a small part to play on this exciting journey."
Sister Rose Margaret Delaney, SFP, was honored for her role as past President of the Franciscan Federation. Here is what she says about her responsibilities with the Federation: "At the time I was Vice President and President of the Federation, we were engaged in the revision of the Rule and as a result we were able to initiate a process for the membership to reflect together on our understanding of ourselves following Vatican II. Work toward the new Rule was a major undertaking of that period. The Research Group of the Federation made available a variety of resources (articles, books and programs) which enabled us to deepen our intellectual tradition. Since then I have always remained active in the Federation and was instrumental in helping initiate the Eastern Franciscan Common Novitiate and the Franciscan Prayer Project."
Sister Mary Maloney, SFP was honored for her role as the past Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation (1974-1978). In discussing her experience with the Franciscan Federation, Sister Mary says: "As Executive Director, I had occasion to familiarize myself with many of the Franciscan congregations across the U.S. and to appreciate the devotion of their commitment. The Franciscan Federation has been a resource for my Franciscan Life and has supported me in my work with the poor as well as in coordinating the Franciscan Internovitiate Program in the Northeast U.S. and also in my work with the Eastern Franciscan Common Novitiate." The Franciscan Federation promotes the exploration and study of Franciscan Evangelical Life and its implications in today’s world. The Federation provides opportunities to collaborate, gather and celebrate so that the brothers and sisters can better live the Franciscan call to conversion, contemplation, poverty and humility. * * * * *
Franciscan Sisters of the Poor
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