We have been in contact with a Secular Franciscan candidate, Glorie Lichangco, of Jaffa, Israel. Jaffa is located adjacent to Tel Aviv, and since 1954 has been a part of Tel Aviv. However, Jaffa is one of the ancient towns in Israel, dating back to 7,500 years, BC. In this town, there are some Franciscans.
In December 2008, I received a message from Glorie, who wrote that the fraternity was founded by Father Malachi, OFM (who passed away some years ago), but is not connected to CIOFS, because there is no National Fraternity in Israel. She hoped I could get her on the way to this connection. I had given her some people to contact, in CIOFS, and hopefully, one day, we could do something for her and her fellow Franciscans. It isn't all that easy when there is no National Fraternity system in place, but nothing is impossible if this is done with prayer. Glorie tells me that they are praying for my fraternity (Divine Mercy Fraternity, SFO, in Vero Beach, FL) and I am praying for them, and I hope others in my fraternity will join me.
Apparently they are still wearing habits, a custom which hasn't been allowed for many years now since the Seculars are a lay order, not a religious order. Glorie also "organized a local program of the children here in Jaffa" and they were named, "The little Flowers of Saint Francis," but as the parish switched pastors, there was local opposition to that. I do not know if permission has been restored. In general, the SFO does a lot with younger people.
Glorie, originally from the Philippines, became interested in SFO on Dec. 10, 2005, here in Israel, and she is still there. There are 11 professed in Jaffa, but they had 25. Apparently, there is some problem with "immigration" (she does not indicate from where to where), and that was the cause for the drawdown in members.
Please pray for the Secular Franciscans of Jaffa, and for all that is accomplished there. Peace and Good! Pax et Bonum!
Fred Schaeffer, SFO, Webmaster (FFMR)
March 5, 2009
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Last year on Palm Sunday (March 16, 2008), pictures were taken of "The Little Flowers of Saint Francis,", and here are some of them. |
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The tall friar is Br. Pierbattista Pizzaballa ofm (Custos of Holy Land). Next to him: our Parish Priest Father Bou Merhi Toufic, O.F.M. The friar holding the palm frond (left): Father Jaisillan from India.
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