First of all, thank you for your prayers for the Franciscans
as we gathered in Chapter. Your prayers indeed blended with ours and Chapter
was a life-giving and hope-filled experience.
It is always a blessing to gather with the Brothers. Our
fraternal bond is a gift, and it allows for us to interact with Brothers we
don’t get to see often enough. Our time of prayer together is also nourishing
and powerful. All our voices raised in song, prayer and praise to God is indeed
a powerful gift. Our time of discussion and presentations were full of energy
and vision.
As a ‘guest’ to this Chapter (remember passive voice –
non-voter) it was a privilege to see my Brothers at work. They shared with each
other, they affirmed each other, they listened to each other and they even let
us passive voice Brothers contribute with a sense of equality and fraternal
respect.
I had the privilege of being a spokesperson for my
discussion group. I was able to address the whole group several times and ask
questions for clarification. I had the privilege of sitting next to Br. Joe
(the other simply professed Friar) as he recorded the election results for
official publication (as in will be sent to Rome). I had the privilege to work with
my Brothers to help lead and coordinate some of the liturgies and Eucharistic
celebrations. For me working in and for liturgy is truly life-giving so this
was holy ground. I had the privilege of time for quiet, time for walks (and
enjoying the view of the mountains), time for personal conversations and time
for prayer. And yes, I even found some time to read for class.
This was my first Chapter and it was indeed a good first
one. I look ahead with hope and promise. I look ahead with a deepening discernment
and a greater awareness of my journey as a Friar. I look ahead with gratitude
and openness as God continues to work in me. I look ahead with enthusiasm of good works of our new Provincial Council unfolds and embraces each of us in our life as Friars.
Each Friar was asked to submit a short reflection for the
new council to consider as they look ahead. In mine I wrote, “I am growing more
in the understanding of the we of fraternity and that I am a vessel open to God
at work in me. My future is not my own” and to that I would now add “it is not
my own, but I know it is in God’s hands and I have brothers who will be there to
support me.”
As the Friars return to our Friaries and our regular
routines, as we face challenges and obstacles, as we face down days, good days
and more blessings I pray that the hope and vision we experienced this week
will be at our core and remind us that God is at work and God’s mercy is
boundless.
Chapter also meant elections for Provincial Council. In a
very short and efficient manner the Friars elected Robert Mokry, OFM as
Provincial. Fr. Bob has just returned from missionary work in Morocco. They
also elected Pierre Ducharme, OFM as Vicar Provincial. Fr. Pierre is associate
pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Sherwood Park, AB. These two
Brothers will work with the newly elected council consisting of Paul Smith,
OFM, Daniel Gurnick, OFM, Kevin Lynch, OFM, and Manoj Xalxo, OFM.
(L-R: Brothers Kevin, Paul, Ambrose,
Manoj, Pierre, Robert, Daniel, Caoimhín)
Chapter concluded with all the Friars walking through the
Jubilee of Mercy Holy Door and the celebration of Eucharist. This was a beautiful
reminder that God is indeed showering bountiful mercy and graces upon the work
of the Friars.
Peace and
All Good!
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!
May all of us, you, me and everyone continue
to be transformed into the true Children of God that we are!
May light continue to be cast on our Lenten Journey!
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