THE 2010 FRANCISCAN FEDERATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE: "PASSIONATELY EMBRACING GOSPEL LIVING"*
Before the sun rose on July 28, 2010 Franciscan Sisters and Brothers were heading out from North, South, East and West to the city of Buffalo, New York to attend the Annual Conference of the Franciscan Federation. When the NY/NJ/OH contingent of 14 SFPs arrived, the halls were filled with laughter, greetings, hotel registration, conference registration, etc.
The Conference officially started with an Opening Ritual that placed us in the heart beat of God and God’s creation. It was solemn and inspiring. Bishop of Buffalo Edward Kmiec welcomed us in his warm, friendly manner. He spoke words of gratitude and encouragement, affirming the great ministries of all those present. He gave a special welcome to his sisters serving in the Diocese of Buffalo.
Spirituality in Our Time: It is the Time of the Sign
Thursday began with a healthy continental breakfast provided by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Then Sister Claire Andre Gagliardi, OSC and Brother Bill Short, OFM were seated on the stage in arm chairs, “living room” style. They spoke to one another and therefore to us. They began with an exchange of experience, beliefs, the challenges of Gospel living. Sr. Claire spoke of praying with the Gospels each day until we are confronted with the gospel. Pray with it, and trust God to help. The Claire and Bill’s interchange of experiences indicated that we should not be afraid of the Gospel, but it is going to change us. Claire and Bill addressed spirituality in our time. In the past we spoke of the “signs of the time”. Well, now is the “time of the sign”! The ‘signs’ are the struggles face to be witnesses in our time and culture. Prayer changes us... Our culture change us, too! We are reframed by our God experience – the time of the sign.
After each of the conversations, Claire and Bill gave us questions to reflect upon and share. The questions (one after each conversation) were:
1. Can you tell us of an experience (either personally or community) in which you were able to be challenged by putting the Gospel into effect?
2. Can you name an experience, a richness that came through an experience of minority?
3. Can you talk of an experience when in an expression of reconciliation you were inspired by the Gospel?
With each new question, the discussion grew and seemed to engage everyone at each table.
 Sr. Rita K. Kerr receives the Peacemaker Certificate from Sr. Tiziana |
Sister Rita K. Kerr is Honored
During these days, the three Commissions met to report and exchange ideas from the membership at large. Friday was a high-light moment. Every Franciscan Congregation presented one of their members whose ministry demonstrated “Passionately Embracing Gospel Living”. Our Sr. Rita K. Kerr, SFP was honored for her ministry with women in prison. We were delighted that Sr. Tiziana was able to join us for the celebration. Sr. Rita looked lovely -- and was beaming – we all gave her a rousing applause.
On the last day, we approved the annual Report as well as a Resolution on Immigration (you will hear more on this from Sr. Karen). After the President’s Address and Prayer and the Commissioning of Officers, the Board closed the 2010 Conference. It was a remarkable few days!
Sister Graces Frances Strauber, SFP
[Photos of Sisters by Sr. Arlene McGowan; presenter photos and Conference logo art (by Sr. Anne Therese Kelly) used with permission of Franciscan Federation.]
*Note: For anyone interested, Sr. Grace Frances has ordered the two CDs of the Conference and has them available to share.