Every five years, Secular Franciscans in the United States gather for a National Congress. It is an opportunity to come together, to reflect on the life of the Order, to seek inspiration, and to reaffirm fraternal bonds. This year's Quinquennial was held in Chicago. While web surfing, I discovered that the National Fraternity has set up a weblog about the Congress. Besides news postings on the progress of the Congress, there are also photos of the activities that took place. I found the site very enjoyable to go through.
When I entered the Permanent Diaconate program, one of the requirements was to go to formation days that were held on the second Saturday of each month. As luck would have it, it is also the day that my fraternity has it's monthly meeting. So I have been away fro the fraternity for quite some time. And a Secular Franciscan needs his/her fraternity, like a fish needs water. In fraternity, we reinforce our identity as Franciscans, in fraternity; we share each others struggles in living the Gospel.
Over the summer, my fraternity does not meet - and I feel that sense of loss. I'm sorry you are going through a "separation" while in formation for the diaconate. But think of the joy of the reunion when you are ordained and you can return to your fraternity meetings! And as a deacon like Father Francis to boot!
ReplyDelete