This past week I was sharing with someone that for a man who
likes security and structure it sure is interesting that I feel called to this
Franciscan way of life that does not always offer security and structure, it
does however offer changes. I believe that thought crossed my mind as we
prepare for more changes and looking ahead to the future of the Franciscans in
Canada.
This coming week I am preparing to attend my first ever
Provincial Chapter. A Provincial Chapter happens every 3 years. It is a time for
the Friars to gather for a week of discussions, presentations, discernment,
prayer and celebration. It is a time for us to look back over the last 3 years
and to look ahead to the future, our plans, our goals, our ministry. It is a
time of calling forth gifts and leadership, it is a time of trust, and it is a
time of renewal and of course change!
During Provincial Chapters we elect our Brothers into roles
of leadership. From among the solemnly professed Brothers we select a
Provincial and Vicar Provincial and the Provincial Council. Our current
Provincial and Vicar Provincial have both served in these roles the maximum
time allowed by our constitutions. No matter what, as of this coming week we
will have a new Friar at the helm of our Province. Both outgoing Friars have
done a tremendous job and have served our Province well. I know they are both
looking forward to enjoying other ministries. With new Friars in leadership
roles will come changes among the leadership of our Friaries and maybe even in
places we serve and who lives where. (I’m pretty much guaranteed to still be
living where I am because I’m a student.)
As a simply professed Friar I have what they call a Passive
Voice. This means I take part in everything, I can contribute to conversations,
voice my ideas, give suggestions and support others, but I cannot vote (there
is 1 other Brother in the same situation). You have to be solemnly professed to
vote.
This is a unique situation to be in at this particular time.
For at this Chapter we will be discussing restructuring of the Franciscans in
Canada. How will the Friars from the West, Ontario and Quebec work together and
become one? How will we be transformed? How will we continue to offer our way
of living to Canada? How will we minister? All very important questions and I
feel privileged to be able to contribute to it and look ahead to our future.
This is not our only topic we will have input on the
Religious Practices of Canadians – looking at trends, we have input on Retreat
ministries and discuss our role in that, we will also discuss formation of
Friars and at every Chapter there are resolutions and recommendations that are
presented and voted on.
It will be an interesting and exciting time. It will be good
to be with all the Brothers. It will be challenging to remember my role as a
simply professed friar (I’m grateful that I am even allowed to have a voice)
and find time to read (since I’m on my Reading Week Break). It will be a time
for renewal, restructuring and readying the way for a future rooted in Christ
and continuing to walk with St. Francis.
Our Minister General, Michael Perry (head Friar of all
Friars of the world), has challenged us to be “Friars and Minors towards the
peripheries” He has said, “We need to get to the heart of who we are as Friars
and Minors and not focus simply or exclusively on what we do! We are called to
reclaim the charismatic, itinerant nature of our Gospel life, walking by faith
and not by sight, nor by fear, nor by false sense of historical security. Let
us reclaim who we truly are: Friars and Minors called to go to the peripheries!”
With that challenge I go forth to Chapter, all I can do is
hope and pray that all the Brothers do the same. I think it is a great
challenge to have to try and take up! It will involve change, it will involve risk
taking, it will be a time of renewal and hope and it will be a time for us to
identify where the peripheries are and how we are to be there!
I humbly ask your prayers! We need your prayers, so we may
be open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the work of this Chapter! I thank
you now and look forward to sending an update on the adventure of my first Chapter
next week!
God
our Father,
As
the Franciscans of Western Canada
assemble in Chapter,
let
them gather in your name.
Give
them confidence in your presence
and
let them greet one another with love and respect.
Guide
them to make the right decisions
even
when they seem difficult.
Help
them to listen with patience
and
to speak with love,
that
they may discern your will and follow it.
We
ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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