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.

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.”

Years of praying and formation are paying off as the St. Francis of Assisi “Newly Forming” Secular Franciscans approach the day of Profession.

…all go into final preparation for the Profession Retreat days and the Profession ceremony and celebration after.

And let’s not forget practice in church for the big day!

Pray with us as we prepare. Retreat days are Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30. Profession will be May 1, 2016 for 9 members of this “Newly Forming” Secular group.

After a quick business meeting, the St. Francis of Assisi Secular Franciscans gathered with the Franciscan Sisters and Friars for an Advent prayer service which focused on the role of St. Joseph. An excerpt from the writings of Richard Rohr reflected on the fact that St. Joseph had faith before the angel spoke to him explaining Mary’s miraculous conception.  He had faith! Do we have that kind of faith?

 A delicious meal followed the Advent prayer service.

The Seculars presented a donation to Sister Mary Ann for use in St. Francis of Assisi School, the alma mater of many of these seculars.

Soon it was time for a fun game of “Dirty Santa”. Game rules were given.

Each person may select one present from the table, or they may “steal” a present from another person.

It is important to remember that any gift may  be “stolen” only two times!

And so the fun began!

A beautiful Christmas Cactus among so many other choices!

It is always a great time when Franciscans can gather together and enjoy prayer, sharing and simple fun!

The “Newly Forming” Secular Franciscans at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Greenwood, MS gathered for their annual Retreat which began with, “In the beginning was the Word…”. This reflection was followed by; “The Mystery of the Incarnation/John Duns Scotus” a favorite topic of theirs.

The Franciscan Sisters joined the Seculars for Morning and Evening Prayer in St. Francis Church.

Laudato Si, Franciscan Lectio Divina, and From Gospel to Life…were the remaining topics for reflection.

Some members of Our Lady’s Little Portion Fraternity joined us for the day.

One of our members now comes to meetings with her new friend. And a loyal friend she is!

There was plenty of time for sharing, laughter and Fraternity building…

private prayer, pondering and sharing not only the vocation to the married life, but also to the Franciscan life.

A delicious lunch was enjoyed by the Secular Franciscan group and in the evening we had our annual Franciscan family meal with the Friars and Franciscan Sisters joining the Secular Franciscans.

The Gathering was a celebration of God’s love for us and the love we have for each other.

The St. Francis Secular Franciscans on the road again with Sister Annette to St. Joan of Arc Regional National Visitation Gathering.

Fraternities of the St. Joan of Arc Region gathered in Baton Rouge, LA for its official visit from the National level of the Order.  

 For the St. Francis “Newly Forming” group this was another Formation experience. What is Visitation ? One or more persons from the National level of the Order visit each Region every 3 years to share with and assist the Region and it’s Fraternities in what ever way they can. It is a way of staying in touch with the Fraternities of the entire Order and ensuring the Fraternities and its members growth in holiness and fraternity. In turn each Local Fraternity likewise has Visitation from the Regional level for the same purpose.

The days were filled with sharing and getting to know other Secular Franciscans, how other Fraternities conduct their gatherings and what materials they use for On-going Formation.

Time to pack up and be on the road toward home came quickly!

The Franciscan sisters of Greenwood joined St. Francis of Assisi “Newly forming” Secular Franciscans who gathered Sunday for an Advent prayer service, food and fun.

A delicious potluck followed the Prayer Service with laughter and fun. 

Then came “Dirty Santa” and more fun!

After the “taking of gifts” that comes in the Dirty Santa fun there remained one gift to open.

A gift to the Fraternity of a small statue of the Secular Franciscans patrons; St. Louis and St. Elizabeth on either side of St. Francis.

Members of the St. Francis of Assisi Greenwood “Newly Forming” Secular Franciscans along with Sister Annette travel several times a year to Baton Rouge, LA to attend the St. Joan of Arc Regional meeting.

With a sunny and clear sky the three of us enjoyed the 5 hour trip.

 Approaching destination…!

Good conversation made the trip pass by quickly.

The Regional meeting the following day began with Mass, sharing of latest happenings, and settling into the work at hand.  The Formation portion of the meeting included;

• What is the privileged place called Fraternity?

• What’s National Visitation?

• What are some of the best practices for vocation promotion?

This was followed in the afternoon by the usual reports of the Regional council and clarification of any business at hand. We all felt that the time was nourishing to our spirits and development of the “Newly Forming” Secular Franciscans here at St. Francis. By mid afternoon we were eager to get back on the road  and retrace our path up north 55 toward home.

Our next local Fraternity gathering will include a session for our entire group on;

• “What is Fraternity”? This will be a great Formation lesson.

Or for those of us who are Third Order Regular we might ask;

• “What is Community”? or
• “What is the privileged place called Community”?