Franciscan Stories - Words and Pictures

Forty-fifth World Day of Prayer for Vocations | The North Side Project | World Day for Consecrated Life | Poverello Health Center Where the Franciscan Spirit Lives | A Century of Prayer | The Conventual Franciscans Celebrate 100 Years Since Their Return to the British Isles | Renewal iin the Sacro Convento Experience | Franciscan Northside Ministries | Celebrating Clare of Assisi and the Poor Ladies

Forty-fifth World Day of Prayer for Vocations

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI released a message

for the 2008 Word Day of Prayer for Vocations

The Vatican - April 13, 2008 is the 45th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Commenced by Pope Paul VI, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations brings focus to the fact that each one of us has a special vocation iin life. We are called to be the best people we can be in whatever role we fulfill. For some of us that role is religious life. The World Day of Prayer for Vocations encourages us to explore religious life as our vocation. To become a priest or a nun, a friar or a monk is to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Religious life is a life devoted to God and service to the poor, a life that many would not think about if a loved one had not brought it up. All it takes is a few words to light the fire of religious vocation and to help set a young person on his or her intended path.

Here you may read The Holy Father’s message for the 2008 World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

The North Side Mosaic Project

Syracuse, New York - February 2008 -The North Side Mosaic Project will be displaying works collected through 2007 at the Assisi Center starting this April. The North Side Mosaic project collected audio stories, paintings, essays, and other forms of artistic expression from locals about life in Syracuse's North Side. These various forms of expression reveal an intricate and fascinating tapestry of a deeply complex community. They encourage a conversation about the North Side and to help instill a sense of pride and accomplishment into the hearts and minds of community members.

World Day for Consecrated Life

The Vatican - February 2, 2008 - This Sunday is World Day for Consecrated Life. The occasion was instituted by Pope John Paul II as a celebration of those individuals who pattern their lives after the life of Jesus. Consecrated individuals take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and work in service to God and the Church.

Consecrated individuals live the life of a religious. They might be a sister, a brother, or a priest. Their ministries and ways of life can noticeably vary. Some religious live a contemplative life, which requires isolation for nearly constant prayer. Interaction with the world is highly limited; and time outside of prayer is usually spent doing manual labor. Apostolic religious also devote a large part of their day to prayer. Their lives however are more closely connected with society and working for the Church.

Pope John Paul II released a message for the first World Day for Consecrated Life in 1997 from which you can learn more about the occasion itself. If you have ever felt a calling to or were interested in religious life, please get in touch with our friars who will gladly answer any questions you might have.

Poverello Health Center
Where the Franciscan Spirit Lives

Syracuse, New York - January, 23 2008 – Exactly one year ago the Poverello Health Center in the North Side of Syracuse received the Martin Luther King Jr. Unsung Heroes Award from Syracuse University. The award recognizes groups or individuals who live up to the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. without seeking wider recognition.

Perhaps unintentionally, Syracuse University acknowledged one of the key tenets of Franciscan life, to see where there is a need in the community and work to eradicate it.

Everything started in 2000 when Sister Dolores Bush spoke with visitors to the public food pantry in the Assumption Parish Center and discovered their deep worry about not having health insurance. Moved by this need Sister Dolores, Sister James Peter Ridgeo, OSF, and Suzanne Lamanna, OSF, M.D. started the Poverello Health Center in the Franciscan Northside Ministries.

For the first three weeks of its existence the health center failed to attract any patients. Eventually local Syracuse residents began to trickle in for various health problems and spread the word about the health center’s services. Today the center serves up to 20 people per session (Sessions are on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.). It is staffed by 10 doctors and 25 nurses and is located next door to its original location. With a medical lab and three exam rooms, the Poverello Health Center is a lively example of how the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi lives amongst us today.

A Century of Prayer

St. Francis Chapel, Garrison, New York

Garrison, New York - January 18, 2008 - Exactly one hundred years ago, in this small town not far from West Point and the shores of the Hudson River, the Rev. Paul Wattson, Mother Lurana White and their Franciscan Sisters and Friars of the Atonement celebrated the Church Unity Octave – eight days of prayer for the communion of all Christian denominations. There had been proposals of unity octaves in the past, but Rev. Paul and Mother Lurana were the initiators of the effort.

Following 1908, the Franciscans of the Atonement popularized the idea of the octave throughout the United States. Pope Pius X blessed the occasion. In the 1920s, Fr. Paul Couturier spread the idea of the Church Unity Octave throughout France. It resounded with many people; in 1967, the Orthodox, Protestant, and Roman Catholic Churches began to officially observe this period of time, which they called Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Curious to find out more? Visit the Week of Prayer website.

Greyfriars Celebrate in Canterbury 100 Years Since Returning to the UK and Ireland

Canterbury Cathedral at night

Canterbury, England - November 25, 2007 - The General Delegation arrived in Canterbury this week for its annual assembly and to celebrate the centennial of the Greyfriars' return to England and Ireland. The delegation stayed in the Canterbury Lodge which stands next to the august Canterbury Cathedral. The cathedral and its surrounding area are of enormous significance to the Franciscan family. In September 1224, Blessed Agnellus of Pisa along with eight of his brothers arrived here and first initiated the OFM Conv. in England. This event took place just a few days before Francis of Assisi received the Sacred Stigmata.

The Greyfriars thrived in England for about 300 years. From 1538 to 1539 however, King Henry VIII suppressed all religious orders residing in England. Persecution of Catholics was rampant at the time and only much later in the 19th century when Catholics were emancipated did religious orders return to Britain. The Greyfriars firmly reestablished themselves in England and Ireland exactly one hundred years ago this year.

The General Delegation

Friar Justin Biase visited Canterbury from the United States

Mealtime in Canterbury

Renewal in the Sacro Convento Experience

Sacro Convento Experience coordinator

Friar David Stachurski, OFM Conv.

St. Louis, Missouri - On November 5th, 2007, 47 Conventual Franciscan Friars from the five North American provinces descended upon St. Louis for a two-week long spiritual renewal program known as the Sacro Convento Experience. The program was coordinated by Friar David Stachurski in St. Louis’ pastoral Mercy Center and divided into three phases.

In the first phase, Friar Tom Speier led the participants in a vocation reflection, which spun into a deeper discussion on how best the friars can share their lives with others. During phase II, Friar Tim Kulbicki preached on the spiritual nature of the Order’s Constitutions. The friars meditated on how the Constitutions and the Order of Friars Minor Conventual itself are relevant to the world today. In the concluding third phase of the Sacro Convento Experience, Dr. David LeNoir summarized the developments of the program’s first two phases and posited the different ways through which the Order of Friars Minor Conventual can support the Church.

Prayer, fraternity, and a sense of achievement throughout the experience’s various discussions refreshed the friars’ spiritual cores. As they departed St. Louis for their various locations across North America, they did so with the firm belief that they and the Order are strong and will work to make the world a better place for all.

Franciscan Northside Ministries
Syracuse, NY

Answering God's Call (January 13-19 2005) - by By Eileen Jevis, photo(s) Paul Finch Reprinted with permission of the Catholic Sun - the weekly newspaper for the Diocese of Syracuse New York.

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." These words of St. Francis of Assisi are put into practice by the men and women who serve in the Franciscan Northside Ministries (FNM) -- an evangelization and outreach program based in Syracuse's Northside community.

David G. Allen, ministry director for giving for FNM, explained their mission: "The Franciscans are committed to revitalizing the neighborhood in an effort to serve the people and bring them peace and reconciliation." He talked about the Franciscans' re-purchase and plans for the former Assumption School. Currently, the building is subsidized housing for low-income families.

The Franciscans will continue that use, but their goal is to create a safe environment that will stabilize the neighborhood. The Assisi Center, a few doors down from Assumption Church, provides educational programs and social opportunities for the Sudanese community and general population.The first floor community room is used for meetings, classrooms and social activities while the second floor houses the Lost Boys Association. "Friar Phil Kelly has attended educational summits to see what gaps we can fill as opposed to duplicating services," explained Allen. "He's met with city school personnel and BOCES about the refugee resettlement program. The whole thing about collaborative ministry is the strength of collaborating -- to focus on the needs of the people."

One of those most basic needs is being met at the Assumption Church food pantry, which provides food for up to 280 people monthly. The sandwich program also provides close to 8,000 sandwiches each month. Sister Stella Maris Zuccolillo, OSF, director of the Assumption food pantry, has seen a tremendous increase in the number of people she serves. "Many people who come for a sandwich ask for extra food," said Sister Stella Maris. "They ask for a meal to bring home to their children." Through the help of area businesses and Assumption parishioners, Sister Stella Maris is able to run the programs without asking for parish funding. "Grant funding and large monetary and food donations enable us to meet the needs of the people," she said.

Sister Stella Maris has worked as pantry director for nine years. "My desire as a Franciscan was to work with the poor," said Sister Stella Maris. "This was my home parish. When the job opened up, I called the pastor at the time, Father Ray Yudin, and asked for the job. He said, 'The clouds have opened up and you've come down from them.' He couldn't believe it.

He was very happy to get me." The FNM also offers legal services and free medical services for the uninsured. More than 13 attorneys provide free legal services once each week. The clinic is open two nights per week and run by eight volunteer doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners. The clinic also offers chiropractic and optometrical services and a monthly pulmonary clinic. Social programs such as "Soup and Scripture" on Wednesday afternoons and a Peace Camp, where children learn peace-making activities, are also offered.

Sister Dolly Bush, OSF, works with Sister Stella Maris. Like Sister Stella Maris, she is right where she wants to be. "This seemed like an opportunity to be creative and to work with the other sisters and friars. We had no idea when we started this, what it would turn into." Sister Dolly, director of the FNM, joked that her degree in restaurant management has served her well at the food pantry. "Religious life has given me a lot of opportunity to see what I can do -- to grow," said Sister Dolly. But she credits the success of the food program to the volunteers and contributors. "The only way the Northside Ministry is sustained is through donations. The generosity of people is amazing."

Both women agree that entering religious life has brought opportunities they could only have dreamed about. "I would not have had the education I have had I not entered religious life," said Sister Stella Maris. "I've had the grace to enjoy every ministry I've been involved in." "It's not about what you do," added Sister Dolly. "It's about what you are as a sister. What you do flows from that."

Former FrancisCorp volunteer Michelle Bernier couldn't agree more. Since the August completion of her year of service in FrancisCorp -- a faith-based volunteer program for post-graduate men and women -- Michelle has been working as an administrative assistant at the Assisi Center. Michelle's work with the Franciscans has guided her down a new path of understanding and growth. "I've come to understand lay ministry from working with Brother Jim Moore and Brother Tom Purcell," said Michelle.

"It has helped shape my understanding of the various forms vocations can take." Michelle is a 2003 graduate of Fairfield University, a Jesuit school in Connecticut. In addition to her duties as administrative assistant, Michelle helps out at the food pantry, medical clinic and social programs. "I love what I do," she said. "I had a hard time deciding what to do when my year at FrancisCorp was up. I was drawn here because everything is rooted in mission. Being here has been a great time of reflection and discernment for a life of vocation. We all have a vocation, whether or not it's religious."

Michelle said her parents have encouraged her to work in ministry. "The people who have been real role models to me have guided me not so much through verbal dialogue but by the way they live their lives," she said.

One of those guiding forces is Sister Jeanne Karp, OSF, vocation director for the Sisters of St. Francis. "That's what I do," said Sister Jeanne. "I let people in a consumer-oriented society know that it's okay to choose a greater good than what society dictates." Sister Jeanne's mission is to reach out to as many groups as possible to talk about St. Francis. "I feel in my situation, women are being called to religious life just as they have been over the centuries. So part of what I do is open them up to hearing that call." Sister Jeanne said she talks about how St. Francis listened to God, how he was called by God to be a peacemaker. "That's what I've been called to do, even though I may fall short. As a sister, the way I live my life is not because God has a higher place in heaven for me or not because of the intensity of my prayer. We are all called to pray. It's because I chose to journey in my life with other like-minded women -- in prayer, support and service."

Sister Jeanne said that when people begin to look at religious life, choices are not always clear. "I encourage women not to fear making a step toward discernment because it's not a permanent long-time commitment but rather a time to check it out, to see if the shoe fits. If they find it's not for them, they are free to leave. Leaving is not a failure. It's being open to how God is leading you in life."

As a Franciscan, vocation minister Brother Tom Purcell, OFM Conv., is very aware of the missions of St. Francis. "It's hard to preach about the poor unless you've worked with them," he said. Brother Tom worked with young people at Covenant House in New York City for four years. "I learned more about life in those four years than at any other time in my life," said Brother Tom. "I also learned more about God and His unconditional love."

With a bachelor's degree in theology and law and a licentiate and doctorate in canon law, Brother Tom spent many years teaching -- both at a high school and seminary. For the past nine years, Brother Tom has worked in formation for Franciscan Life Ministry. He was also Vicar for Religious for the diocese. "Through the entire experience, there is a common thread," said Brother Tom. "That thread is that I've learned how to help people rebuild the church in many different ways -- through education, working with the street kids and working with formation candidates. This has helped me and them understand how to build the church today. It's a continuum."

"Collaboration is the key word," added Brother Jim Moore, OFM Conv. "Vocation is not just about priests. It's about inclusivity. It's about lay people, sisters, brothers and priests carrying out the mission. What we are trying to model here is church. Today, more than ever, it's a collaborative effort to bring peace and reconciliation to our city, the world, the men and women we serve and to reconcile in our own hearts."

"The Franciscan Northside Ministry is an evolving event," said Ed Grabowski, a member of the ministry's advisory council and a long-time parishioner of Assumption Parish. "A lot of seeds have been planted and a lot of good has happened as a result of this ministry. As we go forward with our visions, we hope to expand and to do things that generate income to perpetuate the programs. We want to break the cycle of poverty and afford people a sense of dignity."

Celebrating Clare of Assisi and the Poor Ladies
By Sister Clare André

Within each of us is the potential to be a light focusing attention on God's presence in our world. Clare of Assisi's life reveals how much light she shed.

As a friend and co-founder of the Franciscan movement, she supported Francis as he discerned God's message for himself for his brothers and sisters. She, like Francis, lived the Gospel simply and radically. Together with her sisters, she wrote the First Rule (way of life) written for religious women by a woman. She modeled how the authority or power of a group could be held by the entire community.

Living simply helps one develop an attitude or willingness to be emptied. One learns what is important. They begin to live with open hands; to appreciate what is given but to be equally willing to let go, when letting go is what is needed.

Contemplative living was Clare's reason for living simply. One needs to be poor to have the space to meet God. Clare, by her way of life, witnessed to others the one thing necessary and in this, found herself united with all people in her need for and reliance on God. Clare's life and charism live on in the lives of the Poor Clares who adopt her spirit faithfully in their monasteries today. I would like to share what I see as their message to the world:

Unlimited Potential: Although these sisters live in a small & rather confined space, they touch the world and the world touches them. Not many people get to travel or affect large populations. The life of a Clare speaks of the countless areas of potential and creativity that emerge within a limited space. The contemplative stance opens eyes, ears and heart, and invites the individual to hear the "more".

Ministry of Prayer: Prayer enables us to minister to millions, most of whom we will never meet, but for whom we genuinely care. Limited space can either make a world very small and closed in on itself or it challenges one to develop even keener perceptions and deeper insights.

Commitment to the common life: Our commitment to Sisterhood speaks of our belief in humanity and the gift we are to one another. We teach that focus on the good unifies. We know the potential for goodness and grace lies within each person, but that it takes work, encouragement and support. Living in relationship is hard, but the Clare life models and encourages the forgiveness, the honesty and the patience that can make it happen. Healing happens: The Clare life is not a way of ignorance or avoidance of reality. It is a way of faith. It is a way of knowing that God is bigger than we are! It is a way of believing that God always comes through. circumstances do not always change. Cures do not always happen, but faith, hope and love change people. Inherent in the Poor Clare vocation is the call to be healers. Helping others to be whole is to show them the way to holiness!!