Brother Francis, Sister Teresa
In what way was Mother Teresa, the poor nun of Calcutta
like Saint Francis, the poor friar of Assisi? Dionigi Tettamanzi,
the Archbishop of Genoa and the vice-secretary of the Italian
Bishops’ Conference has drawn an interesting parallel between the two
revered individuals. Both Francis and Teresa had a minute and gragile body,
coupled with an extraordinary strength
of character. They both shared the desire to live among the poorest
of the poor. Francis expressed this through his embracing of a leper, the
most reviled group of humans on earth in his time, and Teresa did the same
when, on the streets of Calcutta she saw a dying woman, half-eaten by maggots
and rats, and took her in her arms.
In common, they also shared the radical choice to base their
lives on the Gospel, which itself holds the love of God and charity
towards others as its highest principles. For both of them, true
solidarity meant the privilege of being able to serve their brothers and
sisters.
Both Francis and Teresa were subjected to severe criticism for
the austere and radical way
in which they lived their poverty. Their choices, however, demonstrated
a return to the essence of the Gospel.
Fr. Paul Juniet, OFM-
Spiritual Assistant
Jesus tells us in the Scriptures that “unless you turn
and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” In
the first weeks of October we see this conversion exemplified in the feasts
of the little people, Francis, Theresa and the Guardian Angels.
Francis and Theresa both left the world seeking a simple childlike
relationship with Jesus and the Father.
As children we always felt safe when we had someone with us
and caring for us. The Lord will not be outdone so he has given us Guardian
Angels. Their simple caring and directions have helped us live each day
in the Lord. They are our friends calling us to the Lord. God has given
us personal friends life.
I see in these three Feasts a call to come to God with the attitude
of a little child. First of all be excited and awed at the presence of
God all around us as Francis was. Then know that we are not alone in our
journey. We have our guardian angels as partners and friends on our journey.
And finally live all of your life in the intimacy of Love of God as Theresa
did. With this awareness in
our lives we can be free and happy as a child. We will have peace and
be able to share it. And Jesus accepting us will say, “Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called CHILDREN of God.”
“Paz y Bien” From the Infirmarian:
Paso por Aqui
MARY BATES, wife of Fred, passed away August 19, 1998. A memorial mass
was held at Queen of Angels chapel with Father Paul Juniet officiating.
Let us keep Fred and his family in our prayers during this time of their
loss.
SFO INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL Weekly News
FROM: CIOFS BULLETIN, 1998, VOL 4 N.29 Jul III
A Call To The Leaders of the World (for the end of nuclear
weapon development and the total elimination of all existing nuclear weapons).
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226 A.D.)
who wrote to his early followers that they were not to bear arms for any
reason, Franciscan men and women throughout the world have continued to
advocate peace and to challenge those caught up in the threatening arms
race. The recent nuclear weapons tests in India and Pakistan make us aware
once more how perilous are the threats to peace. A territorial war between
these two countries could lead to desperate use of atomic weapons across
the border. We are aware that other nations are attempting to develop or
purchase nuclear arms. The decrease in the control of the tens of thousands
of existing nuclear weapons makes the possibility of nuclear outbreak even
more frightening........
We genuinely believe that there is an overwhelming desire among
the people of the earth to remove the spectre of nuclear devastation from
the face of the planet. The world’s number one
agenda should be how to safely rid the world of the instruments of
evil and destruction. We urge all nations, especially the major nuclear
powers, to respond positively to the challenge for the abolition of all
nuclear weapons.
Instruments of Peace
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, we work for peace, the rights
of every human being, especially the most marginalised, as well as the
respect for all creation. In our International gatherings we have
reiterated our abhorrence of war and have especially condemned the
building, stockpiling, research and the use of nuclear weapons.
As we enter the Third Millennium, we address this letter to
you in the same spirit as St. Francis had when he addressed his “Letter
to the Rulers of the People.” He wrote out of concern, both for
the Rulers and for the people. So, too, we write to you with sincere
concern for all the nations of the world. We Franciscans urge you to abolish
all nuclear weapons and to commit our resources to the material and spiritual
needs of the world community. Unless we do this, the horrendous dangers
that threaten the human race are unthinkable.
Peace and Good!
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Calendar of Saints/Feast Days: September
1. Bl. Beatrice of Silva, virgin II Order
2. Bls. John Francis Burte,Severin Girault and comp.,martyrs,
I and III Orders
4. Rose of Viterbo,virgin,III Order
17.STIGMATA OF OUR HOLY FATHER FRANCIS FEAST
18.Joseph of Cupertino, priest, I Order
20.Francis Mary of Camporosso, regligious, I Order
23.Finding the Body of St. Clare (For II and III Order nuns)
26.Elzear of Sabran and Bl. Delphina, husband and wife, III Order (For
the III Order).
September 5
Anniversary Death of Mother Teresa who, like Francis, found the
same truth in her life. She has influenced so many people around the world
by her simple and straightforward living of the Gospel by identifying with
the poor everywhere, especially in Calcutta. She has inspired countless
individuals to follow Christ in simplicity and in faith.
STIGMATA of OUR HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
From the beginning of his conversion our Seraphic Father St.
Francis had a very great devotion and veneration for Christ crucified and
never ceased to preach this devotion till his death. In
the year 1224 as he was rapt in deep contemplation on Mt. Alverna Christ
the Lord by a stupendous miracle imprinted the marks of his passion on
the saint’s body. Pope Benedict XI
permitted the Franciscan Order to celebrate annually on this day the
memory of this extraordinary event attested by reliable witnesses.
Elzear of Sabran and Bl. Delphina, III Order
Elzear was born in France. He became Count of Ariano and
married Delphina of Glandeves. According to tradition they lived together
in virginity, and brought renown to the Third Order of St.
Francis by their remarkable virtue. They generously distributed their
great wealth to the poor and devoted their lives to good works. Elzear
died in Paris, Sept. 27, 1323. Delphina lived as a widow for some thirty-five
years till her death in 1358.
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INQUIRER’S CLASSES:
Sept. 12 at 12:30 pm and Sept. 27 at 1:30 pm at Queen of Angels. Instructor:
Joanne Elfers
CANDIDATE CLASSES:
September 27 at 1:00 pm at Queen of Angels. Instructor: Rena Xuereb.
ONGOING FORMATION:
Sept. 27 at 1:30-2:30 pm at Queen of Angels. Topic: Series on the Holy
Spirit. We will listen to tapes on the Holy Spirit from the conference
held in Glorieta, NM “The Spirit of God is upon me.” ALL PROFESSED ARE
WELCOME. Instructor: Louise Baca
FRATERNITY GATHERING:
September 27 at 2:30 pm at Queen of Angels. The 26th Sunday in
Ordinary time.. Topic: To be announced. At Queen of Angels.
COUNCIL MEETING:
Oct. 3 at 1:30 pm at Queen of Angels. PROFESSED MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED
TO ATTEND.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP:
Regional Council Meeting at Roger Bacon College in El Paso, Texas,
on Sept. 12 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Council members are to attend. The
SFO Regional picnic on Sept. 13th (following day) will also be held at
Roger Bacon. All members are encouraged to attend.
