Engaging Franciscan Wisdom

Join Brother Paolo Nicosia as he masterfully tells stories of healing and reconciliation woven together with offering practical principles and skills to strengthen our own abilities to be peacebuilders and reconcilers today.

From Brother Paolo's interview:

A summary of Principles and Skills of Mediation and Peace Building:

--A pluralistic vision of the community, seeking unity among diversity.

--An inclusive and compassionate attitude, because the tendency often, especially nowadays is being exclusive, I'm part of this group against another group; either you are in or you're out.

--A pacific and non-violent approach. … This is the way to transform conflicts.

--At the broader level, a commitment for social justice, being charitable to others, but also on a level that can be justice for all, not just for some that want a privileged life.

--Also healing wounds and memories, because every time we have some misunderstanding or some real conflicts, there are wounds; the bad memories can be healed, talking, sharing and understanding each other, like in the restorative justice process, very famous in South Africa.

--From a spiritual point of view, … God is God, we are not. This gives a sort of relaxation, like the way of saying in Italian that I try to translate, God exists, you are not God, so relax.

--Finally, in the Atonement charism of reconciliation with God, other human beings and the self is expressed especially in two ways, two ministries. One is social and the other is ecumenical. So, ecumenically, through a dialogue seeking unity among diversity; the other, social ministry, especially for addictions.

"Being always oriented to problem solving, and if it is not possible to solve problems, accepting reality, like Francis with the Sultan. … Not to be fearful of leaving with extreme differences. Again, Francis was doing this all the time with all kinds of different people, and we can do nowadays, basing our relationship on trust, healing the past, if the case happened that this trust was threatened or misunderstood in some ways. We use non-violent communication, listening a lot and talking in a very clear and understandable way to others. These are very simple, but very useful way of living the Franciscan spirituality in our daily lives."

"This approach can be applied for every kind of conflict, either grassroots or international conflicts. The wisdom of Franciscan agents of reconciliation, it could be Christian, or it could be everybody, is that everybody can be one; in every life is a facilitator for the transformation and integration of inner and outer conflicts to reconcile with the self, the others and God. … If we follow Jesus Christ or a peace approach, first of all, be inclusive. … The vision of accomplishment of peace can be a source of hope, and a realization of this being meant to be one. That is a bit of our name: At-one-ment, but it's also the gospel of John."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Assisi, Graymoor: https://www.atonementfriars.org/our-mission-history/ … We believe in…transforming conflict by being instruments of justice and peace, honoring and embracing the dignity of all people, living "minimum for self, maximum for God," being stewards of God's Creation and, ministering to those in need of physical and spiritual healing. We partner with those who share our values.

We exist as a Catholic religious community to invite the world to join us in the quest for healing and reconciliation. We do this by living, embracing and fostering the Franciscan spirit of At-One-Ment which includes: the unity of all; and the healing of the broken and those who have lost their way. We joy in God.

Two of the friars' key ministries:

St. Christopher's Inn: See https://www.atonementfriars.org/healing-ministries/#stchristophersinn and

Ecumenical Ministries and Interfaith Dialogue: https://www.atonementfriars.org/ecumenical-interfaith-dialogue/

Stories

Francis and the Sultan al-Kamil, 1219 Crusades: A contemporary telling of the story: https://cac.org/francis-and-the-sultan-2019-10-10/ . An original source: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1

Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio: A contemporary reflection on this story: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-and-the-taming-of-the-wolf . An original source: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1

What are 'The Troubles', referenced in the Irish Cultural Center story? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Negotiation and Mediation? https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/alternative_dispute_resolution . See also the Harvard Negotiation Project: https://www.pon.harvard.edu/about/our-mission/

Tools/Resources in English by Brother Paolo:

Faith-based Peacebuilding: Insights from the Three Main Monotheisms – you can download it here: https://www.athensjournals.gr/social/2017-4-1-1-Nicosia.pdf and

Ecumenical Tools for Christian Based Reconciliation – if you would like a copy of this article, please email your request to [email protected] including the episode number and the name of this article.

Artisans of Peace, Pope Francis: see https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/pope-become-artisans-peace-your-daily-lives

Join Brother Paolo Nicosia as he masterfully tells stories of healing and reconciliation woven together with offering practical principles and skills to strengthen our own abilities to be peacebuilders and reconcilers today.

From Brother Paolo's interview:

A summary of Principles and Skills of Mediation and Peace Building:

--A pluralistic vision of the community, seeking unity among diversity.

--An inclusive and compassionate attitude, because the tendency often, especially nowadays is being exclusive, I'm part of this group against another group; either you are in or you're out.

--A pacific and non-violent approach. … This is the way to transform conflicts. 

--At the broader level, a commitment for social justice, being charitable to others, but also on a level that can be justice for all, not just for some that want a privileged life.

--Also healing wounds and memories, because every time we have some misunderstanding or some real conflicts, there are wounds; the bad memories can be healed, talking, sharing and understanding each other, like in the restorative justice process, very famous in South Africa.

--From a spiritual point of view, … God is God, we are not. This gives a sort of relaxation, like the way of saying in Italian that I try to translate, God exists, you are not God, so relax.

--Finally, in the Atonement charism of reconciliation with God, other human beings and the self is expressed especially in two ways, two ministries. One is social and the other is ecumenical. So, ecumenically, through a dialogue seeking unity among diversity; the other, social ministry, especially for addictions.

"Being always oriented to problem solving, and if it is not possible to solve problems, accepting reality, like Francis with the Sultan. … Not to be fearful of leaving with extreme differences.  Again, Francis was doing this all the time with all kinds of different people, and we can do nowadays, basing our relationship on trust, healing the past, if the case happened that this trust was threatened or misunderstood in some ways. We use non-violent communication, listening a lot and talking in a very clear and understandable way to others. These are very simple, but very useful way of living the Franciscan spirituality in our daily lives."

"This approach can be applied for every kind of conflict, either grassroots or international conflicts. The wisdom of Franciscan agents of reconciliation, it could be Christian, or it could be everybody, is that everybody can be one; in every life is a facilitator for the transformation and integration of inner and outer conflicts to reconcile with the self, the others and God. … If we follow Jesus Christ or a peace approach, first of all, be inclusive. … The vision of accomplishment of peace can be a source of hope, and a realization of this being meant to be one. That is a bit of our name: At-one-ment, but it's also the gospel of John."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Assisi, Graymoor: https://www.atonementfriars.org/our-mission-history/  … We believe in…transforming conflict by being instruments of justice and peace, honoring and embracing the dignity of all people, living "minimum for self, maximum for God," being stewards of God's Creation and, ministering to those in need of physical and spiritual healing. We partner with those who share our values.

We exist as a Catholic religious community to invite the world to join us in the quest for healing and reconciliation. We do this by living, embracing and fostering the Franciscan spirit of At-One-Ment which includes: the unity of all; and the healing of the broken and those who have lost their way. We joy in God.

Two of the friars' key ministries:

St. Christopher's Inn: See https://www.atonementfriars.org/healing-ministries/#stchristophersinn and

Ecumenical Ministries and Interfaith Dialogue: https://www.atonementfriars.org/ecumenical-interfaith-dialogue/

Stories

Francis and the Sultan al-Kamil, 1219 Crusades:  A contemporary telling of the story: https://cac.org/francis-and-the-sultan-2019-10-10/ . An original source: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1 

Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio: A contemporary reflection on this story: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-and-the-taming-of-the-wolf . An original source: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1

What are 'The Troubles', referenced in the Irish Cultural Center story? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Negotiation and Mediation? https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/alternative_dispute_resolution . See also the Harvard Negotiation Project: https://www.pon.harvard.edu/about/our-mission/

Tools/Resources in English by Brother Paolo:

Faith-based Peacebuilding: Insights from the Three Main Monotheisms – you can download it here: https://www.athensjournals.gr/social/2017-4-1-1-Nicosia.pdf and

Ecumenical Tools for Christian Based Reconciliation – if you would like a copy of this article, please email your request to [email protected] including the episode number and the name of this article.

Artisans of Peace, Pope Francis: see https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/pope-become-artisans-peace-your-daily-lives

Join Stephanie Luna as she generously shares her journey of transformation through generational trauma to freedom, joy and a life of service.

From Luna's interview:

"I am third generation Mexican American. My grandparents are the ones who immigrated to the United States. My parents assimilated to the American culture really fast. They were born and raised in Los Angeles where I also was born and raised. So there was a lot of having to learn the American culture, don't talk Spanish because we would get, or they would get made fun of."

"My only coping that I felt was necessary was to just get up and leave. So I had the opportunity to go to college—I'm the first one in my family to go to college, which is a huge deal in my family. It's big. It was a lot of... a lot of pressure to myself, but I wasn't really understanding where the pressure was coming from. And I just felt like I had to get away. … I only knew Southern California and I said, I want to go away, but not too far. So that's when I ended up in the Bay Area."

"There are moments where I sit back and I just think, wow, I did that not only for me, but I did that for my family. There was an ethnic studies class that I took while in college; we talked about generational wealth and generational trauma. And just how in this generational trauma, we're constantly passing on that trauma from person to person, generation to generation. And the same can be said for wealth."

"We were at our campus ministry center and [the campus minister] noticed that I was trying to pull away. She was asking me what was going on, what was causing me so much turmoil. And so I shared with her …. And her response was you need to tell that to the community. I did not understand that. I was like, what are you talking about? You're crazy. I don't need to share this sadness with anyone. And so she shared with me that if I were to tell the community, it would give them the opportunity to accompany me in my sadness. Now I am a 19-year-old college student, not understanding any of the words that she's saying, but I heard in that moment that I need to share."

"So I share with them and they welcome me back to the community. Talk about the prodigal son story. I left the community, and I came back and I felt a belonging. I felt wanted, needed. And in that sharing, I didn't know it until years later, but other people started sharing their traumas and their losses. From my vulnerability, I was able to help others see their vulnerability. So there was this mutual sharing of that."

"I watched the movie Brother Son, Sister Moon about St. Francis of Assisi, in the scene where St. Francis takes his clothes off and he's in the middle of the Piazza. He's telling his father, these are not mine, these are just earthly possessions. It was the moment where he gave up his name. He gave up his father's name and he said, this is not my name. This is not who I am. I am going to go live a life to go in search of who I am. And I just remember sitting back and I'm like crying my eyes out. And I'm just like, okay, God, I hear you. That's when I ended up choosing the Franciscan Community Volunteers, because of that moment of giving yourself, giving of yourself, so that you can reconnect with yourself, with your source, that I felt drawn to. ... Just the irony of giving yourself away to reconnect with yourself, your true self. …. So, I'm trying my best to live my life, to reflect that love that God has for me and for others."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Catholic Club - CSU East Bay Catholic Club: https://allsaintshayward.org/csu-east-bay-catholic-club-campus-ministry is a collaboration of Cal State East Bay with All Saints Catholic Church Campus Ministry in Hayward, CA.

Eunice Park, Campus Minister: see Episode 16 interview entitled "Gratuitous Love: transforming anxiety to freedom": https://engagingfranciscanwisdom.org/gratuitous-love-transforming-anxiety-to-freedom-episode-16

Prodigal Son story, Luke 15:11-32: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/15 is also known as the Parable of the Lost Son.

Catholic Volunteer Network: a resource for finding short and long-term volunteer opportunities, see https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org/ . Franciscan Community Volunteers, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN, closed during Covid. Here is a reference: https://www.fslf.org/pages/franciscan-community-volunteers

"Brother Sun, Sister Moon": 1972 movie directed by Rafael Zeffirelli; for further information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Sun,_Sister_Moon . This movie touches the heart of Francis' journey of conversion, turning to God and to neighbor, over the course of his life, albeit in a somewhat romanticized, not entirely historically accurate way.

Saint Francis renounces his earthly father, name and possessions: see St Bonaventure's Major Legend 2:4 - https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-founder/the-legends-and-sermons-about-saint-francis-by-bonaventure-of-bagnoregio/the-major-legend-of-saint-francis/the-life-of-blessed-francis/1627-fa-ed-2-page-538

Maryknoll, a mission movement: https://www.maryknoll.org/ . Luna is part of the Young Adult Empowerment team https://www.maryknoll.us/home/young-adult-empowerment-community/yae-team-biographies

Saint Francis meets the leper: see https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-meets-the-leper . See also the earliest biography of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano (1C 17) https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/636-fa-ed-1-page-195

Haecceitas: a Franciscan term coined by John Duns Scotus re: the unique value, dignity, 'thisness', of every person and everything; two references: https://cac.org/irreplaceable-thisness-2018-03-18/ , and https://www.ssfamericas.org/post/a-hagiography-of-blessed-john-duns-scotus

Richard Rohr, true and false self: two of many references to this key spiritual concept: https://cac.org/letting-go-of-the-false-self-2022-03-02/ and https://cac.org/trusting-our-essential-self-2022-02-27/

Join Stephanie Luna as she generously shares her journey of transformation through generational trauma to freedom, joy and a life of service.

From Luna's interview:

"I am third generation Mexican American. My grandparents are the ones who immigrated to the United States. My parents assimilated to the American culture really fast. They were born and raised in Los Angeles where I also was born and raised. So there was a lot of having to learn the American culture, don't talk Spanish because we would get, or they would get made fun of."

"My only coping that I felt was necessary was to just get up and leave. So I had the opportunity to go to college—I'm the first one in my family to go to college, which is a huge deal in my family. It's big. It was a lot of... a lot of pressure to myself, but I wasn't really understanding where the pressure was coming from. And I just felt like I had to get away. … I only knew Southern California and I said, I want to go away, but not too far. So that's when I ended up in the Bay Area."

"There are moments where I sit back and I just think, wow, I did that not only for me, but I did that for my family. There was an ethnic studies class that I took while in college; we talked about generational wealth and generational trauma. And just how in this generational trauma, we're constantly passing on that trauma from person to person, generation to generation. And the same can be said for wealth."

"We were at our campus ministry center and [the campus minister] noticed that I was trying to pull away. She was asking me what was going on, what was causing me so much turmoil. And so I shared with her …. And her response was you need to tell that to the community. I did not understand that. I was like, what are you talking about? You're crazy. I don't need to share this sadness with anyone. And so she shared with me that if I were to tell the community, it would give them the opportunity to accompany me in my sadness. Now I am a 19-year-old college student, not understanding any of the words that she's saying, but I heard in that moment that I need to share."

"So I share with them and they welcome me back to the community. Talk about the prodigal son story. I left the community, and I came back and I felt a belonging. I felt wanted, needed. And in that sharing, I didn't know it until years later, but other people started sharing their traumas and their losses. From my vulnerability, I was able to help others see their vulnerability. So there was this mutual sharing of that."

"I watched the movie Brother Son, Sister Moon about St. Francis of Assisi, in the scene where St. Francis takes his clothes off and he's in the middle of the Piazza. He's telling his father, these are not mine, these are just earthly possessions. It was the moment where he gave up his name. He gave up his father's name and he said, this is not my name. This is not who I am. I am going to go live a life to go in search of who I am. And I just remember sitting back and I'm like crying my eyes out. And I'm just like, okay, God, I hear you. That's when I ended up choosing the Franciscan Community Volunteers, because of that moment of giving yourself, giving of yourself, so that you can reconnect with yourself, with your source, that I felt drawn to. ... Just the irony of giving yourself away to reconnect with yourself, your true self. …. So, I'm trying my best to live my life, to reflect that love that God has for me and for others."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Catholic Club - CSU East Bay Catholic Club: https://allsaintshayward.org/csu-east-bay-catholic-club-campus-ministry is a collaboration of Cal State East Bay with All Saints Catholic Church Campus Ministry in Hayward, CA.

Eunice Park, Campus Minister: see Episode 16 interview entitled "Gratuitous Love: transforming anxiety to freedom": https://engagingfranciscanwisdom.org/gratuitous-love-transforming-anxiety-to-freedom-episode-16

Prodigal Son story, Luke 15:11-32: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/15 is also known as the Parable of the Lost Son.

Catholic Volunteer Network: a resource for finding short and long-term volunteer opportunities, see https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org/ . Franciscan Community Volunteers, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN, closed during Covid. Here is a reference: https://www.fslf.org/pages/franciscan-community-volunteers

"Brother Sun, Sister Moon": 1972 movie directed by Rafael Zeffirelli; for further information, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Sun,_Sister_Moon . This movie touches the heart of Francis' journey of conversion, turning to God and to neighbor, over the course of his life, albeit in a somewhat romanticized, not entirely historically accurate way.

Saint Francis renounces his earthly father, name and possessions: see St Bonaventure's Major Legend 2:4 - https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-founder/the-legends-and-sermons-about-saint-francis-by-bonaventure-of-bagnoregio/the-major-legend-of-saint-francis/the-life-of-blessed-francis/1627-fa-ed-2-page-538

Maryknoll, a mission movement: https://www.maryknoll.org/ . Luna is part of the Young Adult Empowerment team https://www.maryknoll.us/home/young-adult-empowerment-community/yae-team-biographies

Saint Francis meets the leper: see https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-meets-the-leper . See also the earliest biography of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano (1C 17) https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/636-fa-ed-1-page-195

Haecceitas: a Franciscan term coined by John Duns Scotus re: the unique value, dignity, 'thisness', of every person and everything; two references: https://cac.org/irreplaceable-thisness-2018-03-18/ , and https://www.ssfamericas.org/post/a-hagiography-of-blessed-john-duns-scotus  

Richard Rohr, true and false self: two of many references to this key spiritual concept: https://cac.org/letting-go-of-the-false-self-2022-03-02/ and https://cac.org/trusting-our-essential-self-2022-02-27/

Join guest host Carolyn Townes in an interview with Father Kevin Queally as he explores the world through stories and reflections on living open to change, and choosing to grow in being people of mercy, justice and peace.

From Father Kevin's interview:

"The point of the story is that she changed her mind. She thought one thing, and now she thinks another. Metanoia also has the implication of going in one direction and turning around and going in another, especially towards the Lord. Then I said to the person in the pew, when's the last time you or I changed our minds? … Isn't that where we're supposed to be doing, listening, learning, reading scriptures, hearing the church's teaching and changing our lives in continual conversion? "

"As we as we die with the Lord, we shall rise with the Lord. And all of us have a cross to bear and all of us have some kind of penance in our lives, not a penance imposed. I remember a friar good friend of mine who came from a very poor background and he said, you know, I don't need to go looking for penances. He would say, I have a lot of penances in my everyday life. And that in a way is very true for all of us."

"For me, it also spills over into the traditional outreach of the Third Order people. … They're running soup kitchens or helping out at soup kitchens. Or they're collecting food for the hungry or they're working to protect life or they're, there are a lot who do prison ministry. The work of mercy is, you know, visiting those in prison. I was in prison, and you came to visit me. And how inspiring it is that ... they're so in touch with the charism that they do these things without being prompted or saying, this is what you must do, because this is in our tradition. They just do it without even anyone telling them that this is in our tradition, and you must do this. We feel drawn to it automatically, with me anyway."

"Franciscans International developed in the 1980s. And I was active on the justice and peace scene in the eighties working for the Franciscan friars Conference, now defunct. I was in Washington, DC, and the idea that we would have a presence at the United Nations as a nongovernmental organization cropped up from several places around the world. … We applied to the UN, they welcomed us with open arms. … To be recognized officially as a nongovernmental organization, you had to choose three areas of the UN charter which your group would promote. And so, three areas we chose from the UN charter that Franciscans would promote were peacemaking, care for creation and concern for the poor. … We approach those three areas … with the focus of human rights."

"I know some folks think this justice and peace stuff is all left-wing drivel, but we have to listen to the gospel. We have to listen to Matthew 25, I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was in prison and you came to visit me, and those kinds of things. And as well the Beatitudes, blessed are the peacemakers and so forth. We have to listen to those things and internalize them as we can. And sometimes they call you and me and all of us to an internal conversion. … That's the bottom line with St. Francis, and that's why he wanted to be a penitent, to live the gospel more faithfully, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: https://franciscanstor.org/ , the community to which Father Kevin belongs.

Vatican II: a five-minute video about the Council by Franciscan friar Casey Cole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyVq1hnxAqg. To hear other podcast guests references as well as to see show note links (click on 'Read More'), type 'Vatican' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore.

Third Order Secular Franciscans: you can listen to our guest host, Carolyn Townes, reflections on being a Secular Franciscan, including links to further information at https://engagingfranciscanwisdom.org/walking-the-path-of-grief-and-loss-to-joy-as-a-lay-franciscan-episode-27.

Father Raniero Cantella Mesa: see http://www.cantalamessa.org/?lang=en . He is a Capuchin Franciscan priest and papal homilist addresses doing penance as being converted, practicing metanoia (Greek) and penitencia (Latin)

What is a Spiritual Assistant for Secular Franciscan Fraternities: see https://queenofpeaceregion.org/spiritual-assistance-1 and https://www.sfo.franciscans.org.au/sfo27/2spasst.htm

Franciscans International: see https://franciscansinternational.org/home/

NGO (non-governmental organizations): at the United Nations, see https://www.un.org/press/en/non-governmental-organizations

Amnesty International: work with human rights around the world; see https://www.amnesty.org/en/

Catholic Relief Services: putting faith into action to help those who are most poor to create lasting change; see https://www.crs.org/

Saint Francis met with Sultan al-Kamik: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 231. at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1. See also Episode 9 show notes.

Matthew 25:31-46: see https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25

Join guest host Carolyn Townes in an interview with Father Kevin Queally as he explores the world through stories and reflections on living open to change, and choosing to grow in being people of mercy, justice and peace.

From Father Kevin's interview:

"The point of the story is that she changed her mind. She thought one thing, and now she thinks another. Metanoia also has the implication of going in one direction and turning around and going in another, especially towards the Lord. Then I said to the person in the pew, when's the last time you or I changed our minds? … Isn't that where we're supposed to be doing, listening, learning, reading scriptures, hearing the church's teaching and changing our lives in continual conversion? "

"As we as we die with the Lord, we shall rise with the Lord. And all of us have a cross to bear and all of us have some kind of penance in our lives, not a penance imposed.  I remember a friar good friend of mine who came from a very poor background and he said, you know, I don't need to go looking for penances. He would say, I have a lot of penances in my everyday life. And that in a way is very true for all of us."

"For me, it also spills over into the traditional outreach of the Third Order people. … They're running soup kitchens or helping out at soup kitchens. Or they're collecting food for the hungry or they're working to protect life or they're, there are a lot who do prison ministry. The work of mercy is, you know, visiting those in prison. I was in prison, and you came to visit me. And how inspiring it is that ... they're so in touch with the charism that they do these things without being prompted or saying, this is what you must do, because this is in our tradition. They just do it without even anyone telling them that this is in our tradition, and you must do this. We feel drawn to it automatically, with me anyway."

"Franciscans International developed in the 1980s. And I was active on the justice and peace scene in the eighties working for the Franciscan friars Conference, now defunct. I was in Washington, DC, and the idea that we would have a presence at the United Nations as a nongovernmental organization cropped up from several places around the world. … We applied to the UN, they welcomed us with open arms. … To be recognized officially as a nongovernmental organization, you had to choose three areas of the UN charter which your group would promote. And so, three areas we chose from the UN charter that Franciscans would promote were peacemaking, care for creation and concern for the poor. … We approach those three areas …  with the focus of human rights."

"I know some folks think this justice and peace stuff is all left-wing drivel, but we have to listen to the gospel. We have to listen to Matthew 25, I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was in prison and you came to visit me, and those kinds of things. And as well the Beatitudes, blessed are the peacemakers and so forth. We have to listen to those things and internalize them as we can. And sometimes they call you and me and all of us to an internal conversion. … That's the bottom line with St. Francis, and that's why he wanted to be a penitent, to live the gospel more faithfully, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: https://franciscanstor.org/ , the community to which Father Kevin belongs.

Vatican II: a five-minute video about the Council by Franciscan friar Casey Cole:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyVq1hnxAqg. To hear other podcast guests references as well as to see show note links (click on 'Read More'), type 'Vatican' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore.

Third Order Secular Franciscans: you can listen to our guest host, Carolyn Townes, reflections on being a Secular Franciscan, including links to further information at https://engagingfranciscanwisdom.org/walking-the-path-of-grief-and-loss-to-joy-as-a-lay-franciscan-episode-27.

Father Raniero Cantella Mesa: see http://www.cantalamessa.org/?lang=en . He is a Capuchin Franciscan priest and papal homilist addresses doing penance as being converted, practicing metanoia (Greek) and penitencia (Latin)

What is a Spiritual Assistant for Secular Franciscan Fraternities: see https://queenofpeaceregion.org/spiritual-assistance-1  and https://www.sfo.franciscans.org.au/sfo27/2spasst.htm

Franciscans International: see https://franciscansinternational.org/home/

NGO (non-governmental organizations): at the United Nations, see https://www.un.org/press/en/non-governmental-organizations

Amnesty International: work with human rights around the world; see https://www.amnesty.org/en/

Catholic Relief Services: putting faith into action to help those who are most poor to create lasting change; see https://www.crs.org/

Saint Francis met with Sultan al-Kamik: The Life of Saint Francis XX:57, by Thomas of Celano. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 231. at: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/672-fa-ed-1-page-231#ges:searchword%3Dsultan%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1. See also Episode 9 show notes.

Matthew 25:31-46: see https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25

Join Sister Janice Wiechman as she shares wisdom learned from her life of prayer, relationships and service across cultures and generations.

From Sister Janice's interview:

"Conversion is one of those pillar values of our Third Order that has touched me a lot. It means to me to be always open to see things differently, to see things through God's eyes maybe, through scripture. Or see things through another person's eyes, one of my brothers or sisters or neighbors, and to be open to that and to be willing to make a change in my life if that's what's called for. And it means to me to be regularly reflecting on my life to see where I'm going, to stop and say, well, what has changed? What's happening here? And it has meant to me to share that when I can with someone else, with a spiritual director who can challenge me or invite me to go further. It's been a continual part of my journey that has been very, very important."

"What sustains me? I would name two things. One is prayer, that daily coming into a relationship with God. Paul in Acts of the Apostles says it is in God that we live, move and have our being. That speaks to me; to be able to connect to that each day is part of what sustains me on the journey. And I would say the other part is community. It's that relationship we have as sisters with each other and supporting one another and being friend to one another, and also challenging one another and walking together. I have gone places that I never would have dreamed that I would go because we did it, being in mission, together."

"Mission, I think it's something that everyone is called to share our talents and our gifts with others in some way to serve others, serve our brothers and sisters in the world, that together we can make life better for each other, that we can build the kingdom of God. Make somehow that God's presence is more keenly felt by others, and by ourselves in the process."

"Conversion happens on the journey. We rub elbows with each other and we're open to learning and sometimes we're not so open to learning, but when you rub elbows things happen. Who is my neighbor? Everyone. And beyond everyone, the creatures and the earth and the trees. And I think there are a lot of things that help us.... Francis just talked about everything being brother and sister; but sometimes we look at someone and they're so different. They believe something different. Their color of skin is different or they come from a different country. They're on the other side of that border. And somehow we forget that we're all brothers and sisters, that we're on this journey together…."

"But it's beyond that. And now with climate change, we're seeing how much we're on this journey with the earth, too. And the animals and the plants and the bugs and everybody else! That we're all neighbor, we're all brother and sister and we can help each other, sometimes we hurt each other, but that's part of the journey. And conversion is recognizing that. And how can we live in a way that we make God more present, God's love and compassion more present, to others and to ourselves?"

"The value of being brother and sister at this time in our history is very important. There is a lot of division and a lot of hurt and anger, and not recognizing that we are all together really. And so I think that value is, is very key.

Another value that I think is very important is that all is gift. What we receive, none of us, none of us earned it. Yes, we worked and yet that we were able to work, that I have the gift of sight, that I have the possibility to think and to work and to study, and it's all gift. It is all gift from a good and loving God. And that that gift is really for sharing.

These two, conversion and contemplation…bring us together to know that we can't go it alone, that we need each other."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

What is catechesis? See https://pvm.archchicago.org/lifelong-formation/what-is-lifelong-formation and https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55436/what-is-catechesis .

Spiritual Direction: Spiritual directors accompany individuals or groups in deepening their spiritual lives and their relationship with God. See interview with Teresa Blythe: https://youtu.be/b6l7UN9wxEg; for further exploration, listen to Sister Michelle at: https://40minutesoffaith.com/podcast/spiritualdirection..

Quotes:

"The un-reflected life is not worth living," Socrates.

"In him we live and move and have our being," Saint Paul, Acts of the Apostles 17:28.

Maryknoll magazine: downloadable at https://www.maryknollmagazine.org/ .

Homeless Helping Homeless (HHH), with Mary and Harry Fleegel: see article Sr Janice referred to: https://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/inspired-by-franciscan-way-of-life-retired-st-cloud-couple-embraces-renewed-call-to-help-poor/ . The website for HHH is: https://homelesshelpinghomeless.org/ .

Join Sister Janice Wiechman as she shares wisdom learned from her life of prayer, relationships and service across cultures and generations.

From Sister Janice's interview:

"Conversion is one of those pillar values of our Third Order that has touched me a lot. It means to me to be always open to see things differently, to see things through God's eyes maybe, through scripture. Or see things through another person's eyes, one of my brothers or sisters or neighbors, and to be open to that and to be willing to make a change in my life if that's what's called for. And it means to me to be regularly reflecting on my life to see where I'm going, to stop and say, well, what has changed? What's happening here? And it has meant to me to share that when I can with someone else, with a spiritual director who can challenge me or invite me to go further. It's been a continual part of my journey that has been very, very important."

"What sustains me? I would name two things. One is prayer, that daily coming into a relationship with God. Paul in Acts of the Apostles says it is in God that we live, move and have our being. That speaks to me; to be able to connect to that each day is part of what sustains me on the journey. And I would say the other part is community. It's that relationship we have as sisters with each other and supporting one another and being friend to one another, and also challenging one another and walking together. I have gone places that I never would have dreamed that I would go because we did it, being in mission, together."

"Mission, I think it's something that everyone is called to share our talents and our gifts with others in some way to serve others, serve our brothers and sisters in the world, that together we can make life better for each other, that we can build the kingdom of God. Make somehow that God's presence is more keenly felt by others, and by ourselves in the process."

"Conversion happens on the journey. We rub elbows with each other and we're open to learning and sometimes we're not so open to learning, but when you rub elbows things happen. Who is my neighbor? Everyone. And beyond everyone, the creatures and the earth and the trees. And I think there are a lot of things that help us.... Francis just talked about everything being brother and sister; but sometimes we look at someone and they're so different. They believe something different. Their color of skin is different or they come from a different country. They're on the other side of that border. And somehow we forget that we're all brothers and sisters, that we're on this journey together…."

"But it's beyond that. And now with climate change, we're seeing how much we're on this journey with the earth, too. And the animals and the plants and the bugs and everybody else! That we're all neighbor, we're all brother and sister and we can help each other, sometimes we hurt each other, but that's part of the journey. And conversion is recognizing that. And how can we live in a way that we make God more present, God's love and compassion more present, to others and to ourselves?"

"The value of being brother and sister at this time in our history is very important. There is a lot of division and a lot of hurt and anger, and not recognizing that we are all together really. And so I think that value is, is very key.

Another value that I think is very important is that all is gift.  What we receive, none of us, none of us earned it. Yes, we worked and yet that we were able to work, that I have the gift of sight, that I have the possibility to think and to work and to study, and it's all gift. It is all gift from a good and loving God. And that that gift is really for sharing.

These two, conversion and contemplation…bring us together to know that we can't go it alone, that we need each other."  

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

What is catechesis? See https://pvm.archchicago.org/lifelong-formation/what-is-lifelong-formation and https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55436/what-is-catechesis .

Spiritual Direction: Spiritual directors accompany individuals or groups in deepening their spiritual lives and their relationship with God. See interview with Teresa Blythe: https://youtu.be/b6l7UN9wxEg; for further exploration, listen to Sister Michelle at: https://40minutesoffaith.com/podcast/spiritualdirection..

Quotes:

"The un-reflected life is not worth living," Socrates.

"In him we live and move and have our being," Saint Paul, Acts of the Apostles 17:28.

Maryknoll magazine: downloadable at https://www.maryknollmagazine.org/ .

Homeless Helping Homeless (HHH), with Mary and Harry Fleegel: see article Sr Janice referred to: https://thecentralminnesotacatholic.org/inspired-by-franciscan-way-of-life-retired-st-cloud-couple-embraces-renewed-call-to-help-poor/ . The website for HHH is:  https://homelesshelpinghomeless.org/ .

Join Sister Elise Saggau as she explores Franciscan life, like the gospel from which it takes its inspiration, as offering us a meaningful way of viewing life, which in turn translates into practical daily choices.

From Sister Elise's interview:

"Conversion means a lifelong process by which each of us grows and matures into as full a human being as we can possibly be; this process involves stages or passages. … And these passages are essentially transformative in our life. When we undergo a conversion or when we undergo a new stage of personal growth, we have to leave behind what's familiar, what's comfortable, and we have to move into the unknown. I think that is often scary for people; it has been scary for me at different times of my life. ... It's only by moving into it that you find out that you not only have room for it, but it expands you and it gives you more room, more space to move about, more space to grow. And each of these stages brings you into a new stage of this greater expanded way of living."

"All human beings go through this. And we who are in a religious way of living and reflecting on our life in a religious way, we believe these transformative moments lead us into becoming the very person that God intended from the moment of our creation. God didn't make us complete at the beginning. God created us, but God created us as possibility, and those possibilities have to keep getting fulfilled. Otherwise, if we don't die physically, we die internally."

"St. Francis really understood conversion. And he understood it as an ever greater turning towards Christ and towards the gospel. He saw in the gospel...a universal formula for human growth and for the kind of growth that God intends for us. And he saw in Christ an absolute model of what human life can be. [Francis] wanted to follow Christ through the stages of life, to a greater life. He underwent this process in such a way that he was able then to provide a model for other people. They were drawn to his spirit and to his way of understanding…. They began to learn from Francis and follow him. It's very natural because it's part of our nature to be this way, to be growing people. To be growing beyond where we are into a larger and more complete form of ourselves."

"Being a Franciscan is not primarily a matter of how one serves or what ministry. To me, it's a matter of how one lives. I believe that essential to our Franciscan Third Order Regular way of life is a community life centered on the other. …. I believe that the Franciscan view is that the other, no matter who he or she is, is a brother or a sister. That is fundamental to our Franciscan understanding.… this view of being sister or brother, recognizing the other as sister or brother, extends even to the more extensive creation. This is very Franciscan too -- the earth and all that it supports, the sun, the moon, the stars, the universe is part of a vast relationship, and all are worthy of attention and respect, and all speak to us of God, the source of all good."

"This Franciscan way of life is like the gospel itself, from which it takes its inspiration. … It offers human beings a meaningful way of viewing life that translates into practical daily consequences. That's what a spirituality is; it takes a great spiritual concept and translates it into a way that we can live. And Francis and his way have been perennially, for 800 years attractive to human beings. Now I keep asking myself, how is this possible that this little guy over 800 years ago started something with so much power, it just spread around the world and it's still going. ... It gives color, it gives texture to our life in ways that are unique to the particular tradition. And we understand through our Franciscan way, our gospel way, that life is a pure gift, that every day is to be cherished and received with gratitude."

"Just like Franciscanism has endured for 800 years, Gospel values have endured for over 2000 years, and millions of human beings have found meaning for their lives in the Christian way. 800 years ago, Francis and his followers chose to live the gospel in a way that was accessible to anyone, anywhere. It crossed all social and cultural lines and it continues to do so, even up to the present moment…. What is there about it that is so appealing?"

"We call our way of life Franciscan, but that's because we have received a certain historical spiritual tradition shaped and modeled by Francis of Assisi. He was a paradigmatic figure who lived in Italy in the 13th century and shared a spirit with a large community of people. An international community. We can shift away from that idea of an identifiable religious spirituality, because I think a life lived in gratitude and generosity, a life open to the wonder of the world around us and a life oriented to the welfare of others, a humble attitude that does not take any of life's opportunities or gifts for granted can be lived by anyone, anywhere. Models of such a life are abundant and are all around us. And each of our lives matters a great deal in the circles in which we live. And each one of us -- it doesn't matter what our religious background is -- every single day, each one of us decides what kind of a life we will live today and what we decide matters. It makes a difference. That decision has to be made every single day of our life. It's not something we decide once and then that's it. There's a universalism about this and you can go anywhere in the world and you can find these values. When we systematize them and classify them under a religious category or a spiritual category, that's all very good and helpful. But it's not exclusive. This is … a call to human beings. I think that somehow in the core of the Christian way of life and the core of Franciscan way of life, there is this call and message to anyone anywhere."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Haecceitas, term coined by Franciscan friar John Duns Scotus refers the uniqueness and dignity of all that exists; here are two references: https://cac.org/irreplaceable-thisness-2018-03-18/ , and https://www.ssfamericas.org/post/a-hagiography-of-blessed-john-duns-scotus

Pope John XXIII convened the Vatican II; Council: here is a link to his opening prayer for the Council: https://www.papalartifacts.com/september-23-1959-pope-st-john-xxiiis-prayer-for-vatican-ii/ . To hear other podcast guests references to Vatican II, as well as to see show note links (click on 'Read More'), type 'Vatican' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore.

Discernment: There are many spiritual traditions of discernment; here are some Franciscan discernment resources: https://osfphila.org/discernment-franciscan-style/ , together with a practical example from the Franciscan Mission Service: https://franciscanmissionservice.org/programs/apply/discernment/ .

Metanoia: Greek word with a rich range of translations ranging from biblical penance, to change of mind, to spiritual conversion. In our Third Order Regular Rule and Life commentary on article 2, three elements of metanoia are highlighted: to acknowledge God in creation, Scripture and in Jesus Christ; to adore God with one's whole life; and to serve God in one's neighbor. (1982, p. 37)

Saint Francis meeting with Leper: one contemporary reflection on this experience of Francis is: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-meets-the-leper . For links to original texts and other resources, type 'leper' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore by listening to the cited podcasts, and/or by going to the show note links (click on 'Read More') for each indicated episode.

Join Sister Elise Saggau as she explores Franciscan life, like the gospel from which it takes its inspiration, as offering us a meaningful way of viewing life, which in turn translates into practical daily choices.

From Sister Elise's interview:

"Conversion means a lifelong process by which each of us grows and matures into as full a human being as we can possibly be; this process involves stages or passages. … And these passages are essentially transformative in our life. When we undergo a conversion or when we undergo a new stage of personal growth, we have to leave behind what's familiar, what's comfortable, and we have to move into the unknown. I think that is often scary for people; it has been scary for me at different times of my life. ... It's only by moving into it that you find out that you not only have room for it, but it expands you and it gives you more room, more space to move about, more space to grow. And each of these stages brings you into a new stage of this greater expanded way of living."

"All human beings go through this. And we who are in a religious way of living and reflecting on our life in a religious way, we believe these transformative moments lead us into becoming the very person that God intended from the moment of our creation. God didn't make us complete at the beginning. God created us, but God created us as possibility, and those possibilities have to keep getting fulfilled. Otherwise, if we don't die physically, we die internally."

"St. Francis really understood conversion. And he understood it as an ever greater turning towards Christ and towards the gospel. He saw in the gospel...a universal formula for human growth and for the kind of growth that God intends for us. And he saw in Christ an absolute model of what human life can be. [Francis] wanted to follow Christ through the stages of life, to a greater life. He underwent this process in such a way that he was able then to provide a model for other people. They were drawn to his spirit and to his way of understanding…. They began to learn from Francis and follow him. It's very natural because it's part of our nature to be this way, to be growing people. To be growing beyond where we are into a larger and more complete form of ourselves."

"Being a Franciscan is not primarily a matter of how one serves or what ministry. To me, it's a matter of how one lives. I believe that essential to our Franciscan Third Order Regular way of life is a community life centered on the other. …. I believe that the Franciscan view is that the other, no matter who he or she is, is a brother or a sister. That is fundamental to our Franciscan understanding.… this view of being sister or brother, recognizing the other as sister or brother, extends even to the more extensive creation. This is very Franciscan too -- the earth and all that it supports, the sun, the moon, the stars, the universe is part of a vast relationship, and all are worthy of attention and respect, and all speak to us of God, the source of all good."

"This Franciscan way of life is like the gospel itself, from which it takes its inspiration. … It offers human beings a meaningful way of viewing life that translates into practical daily consequences. That's what a spirituality is; it takes a great spiritual concept and translates it into a way that we can live. And Francis and his way have been perennially, for 800 years attractive to human beings. Now I keep asking myself, how is this possible that this little guy over 800 years ago started something with so much power, it just spread around the world and it's still going. ... It gives color, it gives texture to our life in ways that are unique to the particular tradition. And we understand through our Franciscan way, our gospel way, that life is a pure gift, that every day is to be cherished and received with gratitude."

"Just like Franciscanism has endured for 800 years, Gospel values have endured for over 2000 years, and millions of human beings have found meaning for their lives in the Christian way. 800 years ago, Francis and his followers chose to live the gospel in a way that was accessible to anyone, anywhere. It crossed all social and cultural lines and it continues to do so, even up to the present moment…. What is there about it that is so appealing?"

"We call our way of life Franciscan, but that's because we have received a certain historical spiritual tradition shaped and modeled by Francis of Assisi. He was a paradigmatic figure who lived in Italy in the 13th century and shared a spirit with a large community of people. An international community. We can shift away from that idea of an identifiable religious spirituality, because I think a life lived in gratitude and generosity, a life open to the wonder of the world around us and a life oriented to the welfare of others, a humble attitude that does not take any of life's opportunities or gifts for granted can be lived by anyone, anywhere. Models of such a life are abundant and are all around us. And each of our lives matters a great deal in the circles in which we live. And each one of us -- it doesn't matter what our religious background is -- every single day, each one of us decides what kind of a life we will live today and what we decide matters. It makes a difference. That decision has to be made every single day of our life. It's not something we decide once and then that's it. There's a universalism about this and you can go anywhere in the world and you can find these values. When we systematize them and classify them under a religious category or a spiritual category, that's all very good and helpful. But it's not exclusive. This is … a call to human beings. I think that somehow in the core of the Christian way of life and the core of Franciscan way of life, there is this call and message to anyone anywhere."

For a full transcript, please include episode number and email: [email protected].

References:

Haecceitas, term coined by Franciscan friar John Duns Scotus refers the uniqueness and dignity of all that exists; here are two references: https://cac.org/irreplaceable-thisness-2018-03-18/ , and https://www.ssfamericas.org/post/a-hagiography-of-blessed-john-duns-scotus  

Pope John XXIII convened the Vatican II; Council: here is a link to his opening prayer for the Council: https://www.papalartifacts.com/september-23-1959-pope-st-john-xxiiis-prayer-for-vatican-ii/ . To hear other podcast guests references to Vatican II, as well as to see show note links (click on 'Read More'), type 'Vatican' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore.

Discernment: There are many spiritual traditions of discernment; here are some Franciscan discernment resources: https://osfphila.org/discernment-franciscan-style/ , together with a practical example from the Franciscan Mission Service: https://franciscanmissionservice.org/programs/apply/discernment/ .

Metanoia: Greek word with a rich range of translations ranging from biblical penance, to change of mind, to spiritual conversion. In our Third Order Regular Rule and Life commentary on article 2, three elements of metanoia are highlighted: to acknowledge God in creation, Scripture and in Jesus Christ; to adore God with one's whole life; and to serve God in one's neighbor. (1982, p. 37)

Saint Francis meeting with Leper: one contemporary reflection on this experience of Francis is: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/st-francis-meets-the-leper . For links to original texts and other resources, type 'leper' into the search bar of this website, and several options will come up to explore by listening to the cited podcasts, and/or by going to the show note links (click on 'Read More') for each indicated episode.