2012 - Annual Renewal

Many Secular Franciscans are full of zeal after the Liturgically-rich days of the Christmas Season, and then back to Ordinary Time (this year on Tuesday, January 10th), the enthusiasm begins to disappear. Perhaps we have taken on bad habits, such as failing to attend daily Holy Mass frequently. In the old days, Secular Franciscans, if able, were found at daily Mass, but nowadays it seems easy to find excuses where there need not be any. I need to work on myself as well.

I began this morning by attending the Mass of the Baptism of the Lord, the last feast of the Christmas cycle, and tomorrow it is back to Ordinary Time, so we've got to keep this momentum going. Besides daily Mass, what else can we do to strive for perfection? More frequent recitation of the Rosary or Franciscan Crown would be a big help. Being kinder to spouses, strangers, and being considerate while driving - that would help all around.

The attendance of the Monthly Fraternity Meeting is crucial for keeping a fraternity together and growing. By your profession you made a commitment to the Fraternity and to God - many excuses for not attending just are too weak. A beauty parlor appointment is not the right excuse for missing a Fraternity meeting. Neither is Shuffleboard with friends. Professed SFO's who constantly use the excuse that they are being visited by family need to examine what can be done to give SFO priority. Family comes first, but not all the time. There is a time for everything. There is a time for SFO, and we make exceptions all the time, because SFO is very important in our lives.

To review:

1. Attend Daily Mass frequently.

2.

3. Be Present at all Fraternity Meetings!