FRANCISCAN GATHERING Sister Rose Margaret Delaney, SFP
This year was different! As we arrived we were hearing one story after another about the difficulties in traveling there. On February 13 and 14 there had been severe ice and snow storms through much of the country, especially the Northeast and Midwest. So, just arriving was an accomplishment! Each day the temperature continued to drop in Tampa, so much that on Sunday morning, the day we were leaving, there was frost on the grass in the morning. Nevertheless, it was still better than where we came from. The Theme of the Conference was: “Who are You, Lord, and Who am I: Images of God and Self.” These words of St. Francis indicate that he saw a close relationship between his understanding of God and his personal identity. The presenters were Jane Kopas (a Franciscan Associate and teacher of theology and women studies at Scranton University, in Pennsylvania); and Father Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, a Franciscan Friar of the Holy Name Province in New York. Father Anthony has served as a retreat and spiritual director for many years. Unfortunately, because of weather, Father Anthony never made it to Tampa. So, Jane, assisted by the staff of the Center, courageously led the reflections throughout the days. One of the attractive features of this annual program is that the schedule is leisurely with adequate time for reflection. Based on the readings assigned before the Gathering, it was noted that to explore our images of God and self, we must “listen, listen, listen…” Time was spent on considering how we listen, ways of listening and obstacles to listening. For those of us who are devoted to a constant deepening of our ability to listen to God present in God's word, Jesus' presence among us, the Spirit speaking within ourselves and through one another, as well as God revealed in all of creation, we realized how helpful insights about listening can be. Listening deeply frees us to think through the various dimensions of our faith and life, and leaves room for healthy doubt. This does not mean opening ourselves to skepticism and relativism, but to bring together grace and nature in a more grounded way. And we know, no matter how well we listen, we are always dealing with mystery in self, others and God.
Studying and reflecting on our Franciscan Sources help us not only to keep deepening our understanding of our tradition, but enable us to allow our lives to be constantly enriched and invigorated. This year Sisters Dorothy Ann Bolser, Mary Madonna Hoying, Arlene McGowan, Mary Maloney and I were among the thirty-five plus participants. © Franciscan Sisters of the Poor |
This year the annual gathering of Franciscans in Tampa, Florida was held from February 15 – 18. For those of us from the “North” this time of year is a real break from the winter weather. We look forward to the program as well as to a few days of warm weather. 
