The Secular Franciscan Order is made up of international, national, regional, and local fraternities. The SFO in the United States is composed of various regional fraternities, each containing a number of local fraternities. In the northern New England area, the local SFO fraternities are gathered into Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Regional Fraternity.
During April 26 through to April 28, 2009, representatives from the fraternities met at the Franciscan Center in Andover, MA, for the triennial Regional Chapter of Elections. As Minister for my fraternity (St. Anthony, Boston, MA), I attended the Chapter. For the first time, I decided to stay overnight, rather than commute to the meetings from my home, which is near by. The Franciscan Center is housed in buildings that used be the minor seminary for the Franciscan Friars (OFM) of Immaculate Conception Province. The Center was recently renovated, and is very nice, with beautiful grounds.
A Chapter meeting has both the mundane and the spiritual, there were business meetings; reports and budgets to review and approve. But there was also times when we gathered together in prayer, and for sharing.
The main piece of business was the elections, which went very smoothly. The new Regional Executive Council for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Regional Fraternity are: Jacquelyn Walsh, SFO – Minister; Miriam Kennedy, SFO – Vice Minister; Sue Ronan, SFO – Secretary; Pat Gagnon, SFO – Treasurer; District Councilors: Sarah Anderson, SFO; Joe Makely, SFO; Roselle Neely, SFO; David Amara, SFO; John Sheridan, SFO; Ray Raboin, SFO.
May the Holy Spirit be with them and inspire them.
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