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SFP VOICES JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009
Vol. V, No.1 ©
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“… and Jesus grew in age, wisdom and grace…”
Dear Sisters and Associates,
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With each new year, the liturgical season reminds us in the selected readings that Jesus moves forward in his time journey, from the precious Babe of Bethlehem into the mission driven Man of Nazareth, our Redeemer. As we begin another year, we realize time stands still for no one. The marked difference for Jesus and for each of us is that we are moved forward in our lives by wisdom and grace.
As a Congregation in this new post Chapter year, we too desire to move forward with wisdom and grace. We yearn to discover in fuller and fuller measure what it truly means to be a part of the community of life. In order to make ourselves available to the essence of the community of life, each of us needs to pause and reflectively consider these ponderings:
What does the concept community of life mean to me?
What does my concept of community of life look like? Expansive? Challenging? Confining? Consoling?
Whose life do I touch by my words, actions and attitudes?
Who impacts my life?
What is life giving for me?
How do I want my life to create or give life to others?
As we quietly sit with our thoughts and allow them to speak to us, we come to the realization of just how important is our influence for the sake of the reign of God in our midst. Perhaps in our reflections, we will come to discover the importance of embracing our “kinship” with one another and all of God’s creation. Being made in God’s image and likeness, we are invited to live into the fullness of the Divine Image through ongoing transformation.
The process of transformation is costly. True transformation demands that we recognize all the connection points God places in our lives. As we experience life as blessing, we cannot escape in being awed by our likeness to one another. As true kin to one another, we have the ongoing choice to be united in our similarities and not divided by our differences. Through the grace of God, let us strive in this new year, to reverence our kinship with one another and all creation in fuller measure.
And . . .
As a means of fostering our kinship, we will be utilizing SFP Voices for 2009 as a vehicle of sharing our lived experiences across our globe through themes that reflect the current reality of our SFP community of life. Each issue will reflect a specific theme, perhaps, through ministry, maybe an area of interest. The intent is for all of us to come to know one another better and what we are about as members of the community of life. The 2009 SFP VOICES issue themes are:
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 “Breaking Free” by Sandy Medearis |
As you read through these themes perhaps you could identify with a topic or two that personally speaks to you. Perhaps as you read, the name of another Sister or Associate surfaced. We encourage you to be attuned to the promptings of the Spirit and to contribute by writing or encouraging another to become part of the voice for our SFP community of life.
We need YOUR WISDOM so that we can all grow in the GRACE OF GOD. Please be in touch with your Area Communications Coordinator about YOUR contribution of WISDOM for the sake of our SFP community of life.
This first January/February issue of SFP Voices is fittingly devoted to Spirituality, GRACE that is at work in and through each of us. May we each desire to grow in WISDOM and GRACE as we grow in the LOVE OF GOD and LOVE OF ONE ANOTHER.
United in wisdom and grace,
Marilyn Trowbridge, sfp
First Councilor
How is the Chapter Direction Calling us to Grow Spiritually in our Senegal Area?
“So many wounds to heal in Senegal…”
We, Sisters and Associates of Senegal, are called to heal these wounds
Sister Anne Claire Kabore, SFP
If spiritual growth is the way that makes us look more and more like Jesus Christ, then the Holy Spirit has already begun the work to shape us to this image. Spiritual growth is perhaps better described in 2 Peter 1:3-8 “… make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.”
Compassion starts from there, “generating” starts from there: to cultivate brotherly and sisterly relationships between us, to be gentle one toward the other, to know how to be a presence of love that doesn't always remind of past injuries, but instead makes it right with Mercy. Finally we are called to completely give ourselves like the Trinity does, which gives itself completely without counting the good done. Only in this way will we be able to generate compassion and hope in the poor and suffering humanity.
In reading the Senegalese press a day does not go by without news about an act of violence against women and children. This situation, which is assuming worrisome proportions, challenges everyone. Where the government adopts laws to discourage and to punish those responsible for this violence, we, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor of Senegal, choose to raise individual and collective awareness.
The forum that we organized last year in Dakar permitted us to better understand the causes of these issues and the different kinds of violence to which women and the children are subjected. This year another intercongregational formation program in Mbour,“The Fight against Human Trafficking,” allowed us to get a firsthand look and to learn about this phenomenon, which is increasing in our areas.
The origin of this human trafficking – which especially affects women and children -- must be found in the people’s poverty and in a misinterpretation of the tradition that confers to the man the power to do to the woman and to the child anything he likes...
“So many wounds to heal in Senegal…” We, Sisters and Associates, are called to heal these wounds in our daily activities and to approach the women and the children - who often constitute the most vulnerable and abject layer of society - to give them back their dignity. We are called to listen to them as well as to their executioners and to help them.
Our fight against poverty could consist of proposing some kind of paid work in order to keep them busy, so that they can become more independent, responsible and happy. We hope that our drop of compassion and hope, which passes through the heart of humanity could be at the origin of the regeneration of the community of life.The Extraordinary Assembly of the Italian Area: Collaborating to Build Together the Community of Life
“We gave ourselves the gift of an extraordinary time to welcome the new callings from God and recognize the grace of a new beginning.”
The Assembly Participants
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Sister Marina Triglia, sfp
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Our January Assembly was an opportunity for our family to be together after our Chapter. As we shared what took place at the Chapter, we also looked together toward the future. The atmosphere still carried the festive Christmas spirit, the novelty of some of us moving, the desire to resume our dialogue among us as Community and extended family.
We gave ourselves the gift of an extraordinary time to welcome the new callings from God and recognize the grace of a new beginning. I had the sense that, after settling in and trying out our new structure, the time is now ready for new seeds to be planted. The updating of the contents, work method, spirit and choices at the Chapter gave us the impression that we had all been present and had seen the Holy Spirit at work.
Much to my surprise, I noticed the enthusiastic welcoming of the only direction for the whole Congregation: “Generate compassion and hope in the community of life.” Sensing this vital energy stemming from this direction for the individuals and the whole body gave me great joy. I feel it is a gift and an affirmation that what was experienced in Goiânia was coming from God’s light.
The 13th General Chapter was not a small thing for me since I attended a Chapter for the first time. It was an event that taught me how to continue to listen to the Holy Spirit, and be open to God’s will within a discernment process that has several steps and is applied not only to individuals but also to the group.
During our Assembly, we reviewed the novelty and enthusiasm of our calling, along with the work and commitment in finding an answer in harmony with the needs of the land where we live and the power of our charism. I felt that what our facilitator had suggested to us was important: to reflect about what on the surface seemed confused, our need to trust one another, to remain within the discernment process and give each other space and time to create, as Community, doable projects.
The desire to implement our Chapter direction led us to an enriching exchange that has begun and is now to be continued in our local Communities. Furthermore, with trust and generosity we welcomed all those Sisters and Associates who wish to contribute to the various Committees that are being established. This seemed to me a simple, but an engaging way to feel that we are all responsible for this new moment which is entrusted to us.
In sum, to use an image, this Assembly has been like a huge building site, where different forces and gifts converge, where the bricks are constantly being produced, and where we try not to leave unfinished projects but, with great passion and hope, collaborate to promote and build together the community of life.
Brazilian Area Assembly:
"How good it is to have our family gathered together!"
Sister Lécia José da Silva, SFP
 Sisters at prayer during the Assembly |
Our Area Assembly took place from December 27-29. The main purpose was to present our personal reports to the Brazilian government. We also had times of sharing and the experience of intense participation in our life and ministry. The Christmas season created for us a festive atmosphere for prayer and joy. On the first day we were enriched by a very meaningful morning prayer; we refreshed our spirits to continue our journey.
We recalled the General Chapter. The Delegates and one listener who participated spoke with us, enriching the whole group and giving us remarkable highlights. Together we drafted proposals to implement our Chapter Direction throughout the next five years.
We are relational beings. Within each of us there is an innate capacity to establish relationships. “We are born to relate to each other and that is our divine aspect.” And we are called to live in community as sisters and brothers. How good it is to have our family gathered together! These personal experiences are very enriching to us, above all the witnessing example transmitted by each Sister during these moments of sharing.
Prayer, like any encounter, gathers all our strengths, moving us to act and moving us to establish and build these relationships -- through which we experience welcoming, love and graciousness. Prayer is one of our essential activities, as indispensable as love is to shape a more humane universe.
We also had a time of celebration with the Associates from Goiânia, two women who are discerning their vocation, and some of the Benedictine monks. It was a very lively party! Sister Thalyta, with her good cheer, conducted this time with humor so that all those present would feel at ease, and making it even merrier. The rule of the game “Those who don’t participate will not receive a present!” Almost everyone went back home with a little gift! The joy radiated from the participants’ faces – it was contagious! I noticed our Sister Daniel Marie, with her 85 years of experience, silently moving her eyes from corner to corner, observing us. A smile would occasionally appear. Sister seemed to be following everything. With her keen timing, she told us a joke that made us all laugh heartily.
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Once it was over, Sister Daniel Marie said to me: “Wow, Sister Lécia, what a good party we had tonight!” That moved me. I found it important to hear that from a Sister with a long lived experience in Religious Life, but above all, because she comes from a different culture. Sister is thoroughly inculturated in Brazil. Through Sister Daniel Marie I perceive the openness of our Sisters to welcome the new and the different. That is very positive, in the sense that it contributes to the growth of our community.
There must be integration between the old and the new. Those with a longer journey in Religious Life are willing to open themselves to welcome the new that is appearing. And the young ones who are just arriving open themselves so that all together we may build the history of our current reality, with the purpose of becoming grounded in the charism of our foundress, Blessed Frances Schervier.
May the Spirit strengthen us always, leading us in such ways that we may radiate the love of God, sow the seeds, cultivate them and, in the future, reap the savory fruits!
These moments of reflection and experience together -- like the Assembly -- are very enriching to me. I feel like someone who goes to a fountain to drink fresh water to quench my thirst. When the family is gathered together, that moment takes priority, it is a festive one, and we live it thoroughly. These are always unique, unrepeatable moments.
WE ARE ALL ONE FAMILY:
“Most High, All powerful, Good Lord . . . Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures . . . ”
Sister Grace Frances Strauber, SFP
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Sr. Grace Frances Strauber speaks to group during Chapter discussions. Sr. Teresa Lamparelli is seated at left. |
The spirituality for compassion and hope in the Community of Life in our Franciscan tradition is revealed to us through the Canticle of the Creatures – St. Francis’ love song. The Franciscan tradition is wise, thoughtful, inspiring and a practical guide to ecological theology; and is grounded in ancient Christian tradition. This Franciscan tradition sees the Earth as our sister mother and believes in the kinship of all God’s creation -- that all creatures are uniquely loved and valued by God -- “God of boundless and overwhelming love reaching out to every human being and to every sparrow that falls to the ground.” [Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6]. We are all one family.
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Art work by Claudia Bartoli-McKinney |
The appeal of St. Francis of Assisi is his simplicity of heart, his dedication to the following of Jesus, his love of the poor, his fellowship with all creatures. Francis recognized the beauty of God in all creatures, in all of creation – sun, moon, stars, water, air and wind; flowers and trees; animals of every kind. Francis recognized and celebrated the beauty, the interdependence of human beings with one another and creation. Francis loved God for all this and for more, much more!
Francis was not a theologian, but his simple emphasis on God as good and God as love, inspired the ordinary person seeking a deeper meaning for life. Francis also inspired the great theologians of his time (and ours), Bonaventure and John Duns Scotus, who spoke of creation as the revelation of God’s overflowing love.
Francis encountered the pain of the world, as do we. This inspired him to pray, but also to act with compassion. The soul of Francis’ spirituality is love, and Franciscans interpret all in terms of love. Francis’ love of Christ “leads us not into a separation from the world and the rest of humanity, but into a renewed relationship.”
In our Constitutions (#43) we read “through our body, mind, emotion and spirit, we learn to see and praise God in all creation. . . ” This call to compassion and hope in the Community of Life is a call to realize that we are connected to a much larger (community) family; we are all mutually dependent. Our “responsibility to care for the Earth and all living creatures is empowered by the Spirit and lavished with God’s grace.”
We see hope is still possible. As we face the future; we become more real, we live in the present and abandon desires for power and control. Hope in the Community of Life finds its meaning in the ordinary, daily routine lived in the grace of each moment.
We understand spirituality is concerned with conversion. We realize the need for insights and spiritual practices that remind us of our origins and that further nourish the longing for peace. Contemplation is a long, loving look. This contemplation is actively and passionately involved, moved by the Spirit, motivated by love, to move to a new way of living.
We look to the Canticle, this new vision of praise and source of wonder, for our prayer, our resource for contemplating, for action. The Canticle deepens our meaning of “all creation” as written in our Constitutions. We experience the Community of Life in all – in every creature: “Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.”
Resources:
TOR Rule
SFP Constitutions
Care of Creation – Ilia Delio, OSF
Ecology at the Heart of Faith – Denis Edwards
Ancestral Grace: Meeting God in our Human Story – Diarmuid O’Murchu
Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation – J. Philip Newell
Copyright 2009 Franciscan Sisters of the Poor