On September 25, 2016, seven Secular Franciscans and Sister Annette traveled to Columbia, MS to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the canonical establishment of two Fraternities in St. Joan of Arc Region; Our Lady’s Little Portion, Columbia, MS. and St. Marianne Cope, Gautier, MS.
The drive down, although early, was filled with plenty of sharing, laughter, bonding and prayer. The sun came up full and bright for this special day.
The celebration started with the parish mass at Holy Trinity Church, Columbia. Then continued in the parish hall with a delicious meal and catching up on life’s happenings.
The Ministers of both celebrating Fraternities shared the history of their beginnings and God’s movement in their Fraternities.
It seems Secular Franciscans have a good time in whatever gathering they have. Their lives reflect the simplicity and the littleness which St. Francis enjoyed and encouraged all his followers to imitate.
The St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity of Greenwood brought along a gift for each of the celebrating fraternities.
St. Joan of Arc was presented to Our Lady’s Little Portion, our neighboring Fraternity. This statue was chosen as it is the patron of our region.
St. Marianne Cope is the patron of the Second Fraternity, who is also our Sponsoring Fraternity in our journey toward becoming canonically established.
As the day came to a close there was yet time for some pictures and memory making.
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- OFS friends from Our Lady’s Little Portion.
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- Ms. Pat sharing how they were able to get the picture of St. Marianne Cope on their banner.
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- St. Joan of Arc Regional Servants.
Pictured above are; St. Joan of Arc Regional Minister, Cherryle Fruge. The two celebrating Fraternity Ministers are Carolyn Seal and Patricia Houghton. The St. Joan of Arc Region Spiritual Assistant isBrother Juniper Crouch OFM.
The San Damiano Cross is ever-present where Secular Franciscans gather.
“Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command.”