Some Thoughts and Then Some Links


It's Official
Well, as of last weekend, I am now a Candidate of the Secular Franciscan Order. I have to say that this last year of my life has been an eye opener and has opened incredible spiritual vistas. I have a long way to go (I have two years to work on it), and I have a definite need for self discipline in terms of my personal prayer life. But that is what Inquiry is all about--that time of discernment, asking oneself, "Is this right for me?" Candidacy is the acknowledgement of the attraction of the Franciscan charism, and taking on the responsibility of that internal "conversion" as addressed in the Gospel--or as the Rule says "Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel."

Which leads me to...
Today's Morning of Recollection with one of the Friars from The Casa.

In our last Meeting, my Fraternity spoke of the Franciscan Family--not just the SFO, but all of the Family of St Francis: the First, Second, and Third Orders. The First Order includes the Order of Friars Minor ("OFM"), OFM-Conventuals, and OFM-Capuchins); second Order is regarding the Poor Clares; the Third Order, which started out as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, then later split into the Third Order Secular and Third Order Regular. The Third Order Secular is the SFO today. The Third Order Regular (TOR) is distinct from the SFO in that while they are in the secular world, they live a communal life, dedicating themselves to works of mercy; others live in remote places as hermits. A good capsule of history can be found here.

But all of these encapsulate the Franciscan Family within the Church. Unfortunately, the Seculars are kind of the "stepchildren" of the gang, and sometimes the First and Second Orders have treated the Seculars as... how do I say it? Not as important, I suppose. Fortunately for us, Fr. Larry Dolan, OFM, gladly came to speak to us today. He walked in as we were doing the Liturgy of the Hours--this after we had completed the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He smiled broadly, and said he was happy and encouraged that we were doing such prayer.

Instead of a pat speech, this former teacher, onetime pastor, and current director of The Casa read the SFO Rule, plucked out parts, and began a discussion, and highlighting the differences in the Friars' Rule opposed to the SFO Rule. He also had some remarks that made for hard chewing, and then some encouraging things to say about Catholicism as a whole.

Speaking About Catholicism:
On the flights to and from North Carolina, I read a book by The Pope Formerly Known As Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger™ called "Salt of the Earth." Definitely put it on your must-read list. It's worth putting aside the considerable time to read and digest what Papa Ratzi said in this interview with a journalist, including Papa's rebuttal, "I understood your question." I love that man.

Prayer Corner--Add to Your Prayer List
For Deacon Phil Simeone (recovering from successful knee replacement surgery) and Father Alonso de Blas, OFM (who stayed a week at St Joe's due to lymph problems), these two wonderful dedicated servants of God are home and recovering nicely, but can always use a good word or two with God from all;

For the happy repose of the soul of Monsignor Tom, who we know is cradled in His palm;

For the joy and gratitude for FIFTY years of service of Father Evan Howard, OFM; a lovely man and a dedicated Franciscan servant of Christ, and the former (retired) pastor of St Mary's;

For vocations, and for the Diocese's two newly ordained priests, John Greb and John Lankeit (CONGRATULATIONS!), for the new seminarians beginning their studies (two coming from my parish!), and for those who continue their studies, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide and protect them, and have the courage to overcome the increasing secularism in the world;

For all those serving in our Armed Forces; for those who serve in our goverment and all governments throughout the world;

For the renewal of the family;

and for the protection of His Church.

We adore Thee, Our Most Holy Lord, Jesus Christ, in all Thy churches which are in the world, and we bless Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

If you would like your intentions posted, email me.

For Your Catholic Browsing Pleasure!
For folks such as Barbara, Mark, and Jennifer, I think it'd be nice to show where I wander off to on the Internet when I'm not dawdling and procrastinating entering into my own blog, paying bills, or spending way too much time playing World of Warcraft.

Some Blogs I Read:

The Curt Jester
Shrine of the Holy Whapping - oh, that I were so clever and witty! Or an ND alum!! <>
Dappled Things
Canticle of Chiara
Whispers in the Loggia

And many many more.

In terms of actual websites, of course there's www.vatican.va, and here we have www.diocesephoenix.org, but tonight I will list some saved to my personal favorites list. I'm a linkaholic, so I won't list every single site... although many I that I have I found through various blogs or wandering for brain food.

Some Websites to Browse:

USCCB - a must have
Catholic Online - and they have a very good forum as well, very informational
The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (USA)
St Clare Emerging Fraternity
Five Franciscan Martyrs SFO Region --an excellent resource
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (Black Canyon City, AZ--YAY)
Inside the Vatican
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (Thank you, Mark!)
National Cursillo Center - (I highly recommend making your Cursillo to take Catholic spirituality to the next level- De Colores!)
The Franciscan Experience - a great read

Again, there are many many more, enough to make my hard drive groan because of sheer number. But it's a glimpse of where I go and what I read.

~~

It's getting late, and I serve at early Mass tomorrow. The Lord give you His peace.