My Adventures in Advent

Happy Advent to you Reader,

This year we were fortunate to have four full weeks of Advent to reflect on the grandeur of the Father's plan to send His Word to us as a human being named Jesus.  Lord Jesus is truly Emmanuel "God with us."

I think that every week this Advent Season, the Lord has given me little events to show a particular aspect of my Franciscan heritage that I am studying for.  It started with reading a new publication "To the Stable" by Brother Richard Contino, OSF.  In his talk the following week, I saw how this Advent's journey is to the emptiness of my open heart waiting for the Blessed Babe to come and reside.  I have kept my stable (conscious) clear to be able to receive Him worthily.

The next important event was the attendance at Christ the King Church (Commack) "Advent Lessons and Carols" where I received my Peace Light from Bethlehem.  This light has been lit in my house since then and when the pressures of my Christmas preparation get to me, I place myself in the Grotto church in Bethlehem with Divine Peace.  Also, I seem to be really into learning about our Blessed Mother and so when Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast day (Dec 12) came around, I will really paying attention.

I received a statue at my Fraternity's Gathering to meditate upon, as it is of a penitent monk.  It's very solemn and sober looking but I feel I haven't really been paying attention to it.  I am hoping to keep it one more month so I can really start 2012 in the right spirit.  Finally this whole month I have doing little acts of good as inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Prayers, reflections, good book reading and the list seems to go on.  Every once in a while I ask myself "Self, why are you doing this any way?"  The answer always seems to be that I want to be in His presence.  I want Him to be born in me and in my world.  Even the Winter Solstice seems less important since I have Jesus' Light in my life.  How truly grateful I am.

God bless you!  And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sylvia
Candidate for SFO

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you!

Hi Folks,

I cooked this year and that made me very JOYFUL!  I worked on my recipes and menu but it was just my immediate family.

I wanted to write though that November's formation was all about Mary.  My relationship with Mary can be very sweet and gentle.  I see her getting stronger in my life everyday and I can thank St. Francis for that.  He loved that Sweet Lady and Mother so much.

I will write about my Advent Adventures in the next post.  I keep remembering that hopefully in December of 2012, I will be professed.

Yours in Christ,

Sylvia

October is almost done...

Hello Dear Reader,

Where has the month gone?  I have been busy with my office work but my Franciscan formation is going well under the direction of my Formator Mark.

Did you celebrate the Transitus of St. Francis?  After experiencing St. Clare's Transitus, there was no way I was going to miss Francis' celebration.  It was held the day after our Fraternity Gathering which happily celebrated a new profession to the Order.  Congrats Frances!  A lot of the gathered professed SFOs kept telling me, "You're next, Sylvia.  Next year right?? When, December? GREAT!"

Because of all the excitement, I didn't have any formation classes but I was grateful because the subject matter of the lesson was Grace.  "Grace, Grace and more Grace" is a catchy phrase from a Christian speaker I think.  I read and re-read the material and it bothered me how much I struggled to understand.  But I'm starting to see the benefit of using the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a resource because once I read the passage in Chapter 3 on Grace, I really understood more.  Who CAN understand Grace anyway?  It is defined as the unmerited gift from God, something we can never earn but a special gift from the Lord.

At any rate, I did my session and the next area of study is the effect of the Holy Spirit on the Church.  I actually understood this better and so I'm grateful Lord to You for all Your benefits.

Pax, et bonum,
Sylvia

Hurricane/Tropical Storm IRENE

Hi folks,

I was wondering what happened that would put such an interruption in my blogging and the dizzying answer is IRENE!!

As a member of my county's Emergency Management Team I really had to work during the days prior, during and afterwards to help my community.  My connection to the Lord Jesus was still there because I found a prayer buddy that I would pray and share with.  But all of my prayerful moments had gone by the wayside.  I checked with my Secular Franciscan Formator and he assured me that whatever I can do (i.e. Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet in transit) was going to be good.  Just don't give up because life had thrown me a curve.

We had scheduled a Day of Recollection at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island in Eastport on the Saturday Sept. 27 the day of the major prep for the landfall of Hurricane IRENE.  At this point, IRENE had decreased in strength to a Tropical Storm but in her wake, there were tornadoes as well.  Our DOR was truncated as we prayerfully prepared for the upcoming storm and then rushed home to finish preparations.

St. Lawrence of Brandisi Fraternity doesn't usually meet in September and I was grateful for that since I was still working thru debris management issues at the job.  But I really miss my Fraternity's Gathering.  Luckily we are scheduled to meet this upcoming Sunday in anticipation to St. Francis' Transitus Celebration.  I can't wait (again!!!!)

Pax, et bonum,
Sylvia

Back from SFO Retreat: FLIC

Hello Dear Reader,

What a wonderful time we had at FLIC (Franciscans Living in Community) up at Wappingers Falls, NY.  I took my time to do this Blogging since I wanted to give you a real insight to the knowledge I obtained at the hands (and hearts) of many good Secular Franciscans.

A former Franciscan Seminary, the Mount Alvernia Retreat House in Wappingers Falls is placid in its setting.  Whether I was walking (yet again) the Portico to get to the Main Chapel, or climbing stairs to my room, dining room or conference room, I felt such a sense of peace that only comes in the presence of the Lord Jesus.

I have to say I learned so much too.  Francis was part of the Penitential Movement of the Middle Ages.  I learned that when Francis wrote his letter "Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance" to us as the Third Order, he was directing our efforts for we are called to "produce worthy fruits of penance."  I am thinking (hopefully it's correct) that I as an individual and collectively as a SFO I am called to produce worthy fruits of penance for the sanctification of my world.

Part of the gift of going that particular week was the invitation to participate in the Transitus of Saint Clare.  Included in the prayer time was the Anointing.  My hands were anointed by one of the Poor Clare sisters that are cloistered on the property of Mount Alvernia.  It was a heady moment to see all three Orders gathered together.  Father Matt, our Spiritual Assistant, as First Order, Brothers also, the Sisters hosting of course and us, the Brothers & Sisters of Penance (aka Secular Franciscans.)


Me & Jeanne



I wanted to mention that I really love the people I met at FLIC.  Jeanne and I are in the same fraternity and what a great rapport we have.  Sincerely we love each other as we love other people who are part of this Greater Fraternity.  I want to thank everybody that help me get there, including Alicea (who carpooled us), Teresa Baker (Main Speaker), Deacon Bob Campbell, my St. Lawrence of Brandisi Fraternity.  My family got a big hug and kiss for letting me go too.

God bless you all,

Until next time!  Sylvia

Portiuncula Celebration

Hello there :)

I can't believe how time flies when one is busy doing God's work.  My department is gearing towards the beginning of Long Island's Hurricane Season.  But I didn't want too many days to pass to post about this past Saturday, July 30.  My fraternity (and many other fraternities in Suffolk County) was invited to the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn Portiuncula Celebration.  There was a nice turnout for the event.

Mass is special because it is a Catholic's "Source and Summit."  This Mass had a Franciscan flavor (of course) and so we sang a lot of songs that are particular favorities of Francis' Family.  The Chapel at St. Anthony HS in South Huntington has great acoustics so while there was 1/3 Brothers and 2/3  Secular Franciscans, together we made a "joyful noise unto the Lord!"  It was followed by a reception that had some good food.  Our Spiritual Assistant Father Matt Wesnofske, OFM, CAP was the presider.

It was nice to spend time with the Franciscan Brothers and I personally hope that this encounter between Brothers and Seculars bears much fruit.

I also wanted to let you know that I'm going to FLIC (Franciscans Living in Community) for some overdue R&R.  I have a ride, my supplies, and my desire to see how Franciscan's can live in community.  Hopefully I will remember to take a picture here and there.  It is being held in Mount Alvernia Retreat Center and is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the N.Y. Province of the Immaculate Conception. I'm leaving Monday.

Sunday though is the first Sunday of the month and so off to Formation I go.  I'm ready!  I have read, studied and reflected my lessons.  Deo Gratia.  Which also reminds me to relate that I'm reading a really good biography on Blessed Solanus Casey.  I promise to share some thoughts on this thought provoking book in my next entry.

Pax, et bonum,
Sylvia

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Lawrence of Brandisi

Hello Reader,

As you may remember, I belong to the Fraternity of St. Lawrence of Brandisi in Patchogue, NY.  As today was his Memorial, I was especially moved to pray for this SFO Fraternity as a whole and for its individual members.  I especially pray for an increase to our vocations and the communal resolve to live truly Franciscan lives.

I just did a little research on St. Lawrence.  I never heard of this saint before coming to the Fraternity but I'm impressed by the biography as posted on http://www.americancatholic.org/.  St. Lawrence was a genius at languages, very scholarly.  But he was sensitive to the needs of others.  According to Doctors of the Catholic Church, St. Lawrence can be considered an advocate/patron saint of patriots, diplomats and peacemakers, as well as linguists.

Since today is Thursday, I spent a little time before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration and submission.  My prayer before the Blessed Sacrament today was for my country.  It is my prayer and sincere hope that my beloved United States returns to our traditional values.  Those values of home and family, country and God are inspired by our Judeo-Christian faith.  I personally think that many are returning to the Holy Catholic Church because she hasn't lost the vision of her Spouse Jesus Christ.

We are in a lull with the formation process as I continue to read, study and reflect.   But I'll be writing about all the Franciscan doings happening the last weekend of July.  Truly God has greatly blessed me in finding the Secular Franciscan Order.

Faithfully,
Sylvia

At Last...Candidate to the Secular Franciscan Order

First off, I want to thank You Blessed Trinity for the Grace You have given me.  I receive Your gifts as humbly as possible.

My day started off with serving as a Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist (EME) at my Deacon's 40th Wedding Anniversary.  He was assisting at the Mass where he renewed his vows to his beautiful wife.  Deeply moved by their love, I am happy that my Frankie and I can aspire to that blessed number.

Later on that day, I began my candidacy formation with my new Formator.  I approach the tasks at hand in as much faith as possible but also with some trepidation because it seems a lot.  But I have a lot of faith in my Formator as he is led by the Holy Spirit who is the Source of my vocation.  I am to pray twice a day, read my lessons as outlined in my course and pray using those themes.  The lessons themselves encourage me to write whether it is answers to the questions or journal my growth in the Franciscan path.



Candidacy!



Then the ceremony!  After the Liturgy of the Hours, I was asked to join the Minister Bob to my left and the Formation Director Tony who's on the right.  At that point, I formally asked to become a Candidate.  And then I got the SFO Rules to carry with me so I can begin to make them prominent in my life.  And then the TAU.  My joy is complete.  I carry Francis' TAU which is shared with thousands (if not millions) of others.

Francis' TAU Shared





Waiting...Waiting...for July's Fraternity Meeting

Happily I have been busy at work and at the end of my children's school year.  I have been antsy because July 3rd is my Fraternity's Monthly Gathering and to boot I'm getting my TAU.  I have so waited for this meeting.  I will also start my Candidacy formation with my Formator.  And (note to self) don't forget some kind of cake or cookies for the Social time.

Also, I'm sending my donation in for the "Franciscan Living in Community" Experience and so I'm looking forward to being in the Catskill Monastery in Wappinger Falls in early August!

I also received my EME schedule for the parish and I'm serving at the 11am Mass.  What a day of GRACE!  I so trust in You my Lord.  I need and want You in my life.  Grant me these little requests because of the Love You have for me and the little love I have for YOU, oh my Jesus!

Your child, Sylvia

Happy Belated Pentecost to you!

Well, yes it's been a full week since I posted last.  So much has happened and now it's Wednesday afternoon.  Well, of course, I love the Feast of Pentecost.  Pentecost is a real celebration for me even if I don't totally grasp the Spirit theology.  I only know for certain that the Father & Son's Love brings the Holy Spirit and the effect is electrifying if the person is open to it.

The effect of the Holy Spirit on the Bride of Christ is everlasting.  I personally think that the Holy Spirit has "driven" me to seek the Lord more.  I surrender to His influence and I am reaping the awesome harvest.  One of the interesting things that happened to me on Pentecost Sunday is to visit a small group of teenagers who are trying to band together to worship God.  They are my parish's Youth Council and they were recapping next year's schedule.  One of the activities they are definitely going to is the Diocesan Holy Hour that I wrote about in another blog.  It's not always easy to start and sustain a new group but I think that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of a lot young people and we will grow.

During the Homily, my Deacon admitted that he didn't always "hear" the Spirit when he was a young father.  He has grown in his faith enough that he recognizes the Signs by the side of the road.  "Take this road" and "Come follow Me" are messages that we have heard and that I pray the whole world will listen to.  Rest assured that the Spirit is always speaking to you.  Say YES to Him always.

God bless you Reader,
Love and Peace, Sylvia

Soon I'll be a Candidate

Hello Dear Reader,

Sunday was my monthly Fraternity meeting at St. Lawrence of Brandisi in Patchogue.  I felt moved in some sentimentality because my lessons with the Fraternity Formation Director have come to a close.  We will be part of this Fraternity, striving to be as Franciscan as possible but I have a new instructor as I move into Candidacy.  Candidacy is the stage prior to Profession and it could take up to 2 years.  However, I am sure that my profession will happen in 18 months.

I have to tell you that my Formation Director is a sweet little Italian man who probably would have been a Franciscan priest but fell in love with a sweet little Italian girl.  Maria is also a professed SFO and I see her as such a light for Tony as well as our Fraternity.  They deeply love their family and the SFO.

I am making plans to attend "FLIC: Franciscans Living In Community" that is happening in August in Wappingers Falls, NY.  I am probably going to need a vacation by that time.  Until next time...

Peace and all good,
Sylvia

Our Lady of Guadalupe came to see us today

I was so looking forward to today because the Missionary copy of the image on San Diego's tilda, Our Lady of Guadalupe came to Daily Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Patchogue.  Coupled with the Feast of the Visitation, it was truly an extraordinary moment to reflect on our Blessed Mother Mary's love for Jesus and His Church.

Speaking of the Visitation Feast Day, which is the day the Roman Catholic Church honors that Our Lady went to stay with her cousin St. Elizabeth while she was pregnant with St. John the Baptist, forerunner of Jesus Christ.  What a picture of LIFE seeing these two "ordinary" women experiencing God's Favor and Love towards them and humanity.  In my reflection I can imagine the Holy Spirit filling all with His Grace.  Also of importance is Mary's Magnificat which she utters here.  I am a lover of sacred music and John Michael Talbot's hymn "Holy is His Name" makes anybody feel very close to Mary.  I also read in one writing that the Feast was begun by the Franciscan St. Bonaventure in 1263.  Giving St. Francis' love for Mother Mary, it seems appropriate that this would be an important Franciscan feast.

I am looking forward to later today when I'm to go with my Fraternity to a local soup kitchen to serve the poor of our community.  Truly Grace is abounding today!  Hail Mary! Glory and Praise to You Blessed Trinity!

Wednesday is SFO Prayer Day

Every Wednesday I make a special effort to pray for the Secular Franciscan Order and in particular the intentions of my St. Lawrence of Brandisi Fraternity located in Patchogue NY.  I dedicate the intentions of my Rosary, Mass, LOTH and Divine Mercy Chaplet for the needs of our Franciscan sisters and brothers.

I really enjoy the people in my fraternity.  They are slightly older than me but I'm glad to tell you that we have been getting new people that are a little closer to my age.  I think the fraternity shows the demographics I find in well established groups such as SFO and say the Catholic Daughters.  We have widows and widowers, employed and unemployed, men and women of various ages.  Some people are grandparents and some are single folk who never had children.  Then I find I'm in company with people who have young children and teenagers like me.  Also, we are a nice size group who attend the monthly Fraternity meetings.  We pray for lots of people who can't attend because they are home-bound or in nursing homes.  But what is important to me is that we are growing.  Stagnation is not a good thing for any group.

I take formation classes as an Inquirer the way I did as I began this profession process when I was in Orientation.  I read a book-binder that is helping me to learn how to be a Franciscan.  One of the passages I read last night was a vision that Holy Father Francis had of how many brothers and sisters he would have in his Orders.  As long as someone comes through our doors and becomes one of us, Francis' vision continues to expand and be fruitful.

Anyway, I wanted to share this "National Prayer for SFO Vocations" that I pray occasionally:

O good and gracious God,

God of mercy, compassion, generosity, and love,

As we live our lives today in the model of St. Francis,

          choosing daily to live the Gospel life,

Help us to help others hear your call.

Help us to help others recognize their vocation

          as a Secular Franciscan

that You have already planted in their heart.

Help us, so that together we all may work

to bring the Gospel to life.  

                                                Amen!

(Composed by Marian R. Crosby, SFO, at the 2010 NAFRA gathering in Scottsdale, AZ)

Please see http://www.nafraformation.org/ for the source of the above prayer.

Adoration in my Life

Every Thursday Our Lady of Mount Carmel has Adoration.  I haven’t been able to stay all day but my understanding is that Jesus is exposed in the Blessed Sacrament until later into the evening.  Then the benediction is celebrated with a prayer for the Sacredness of Life.  I cannot stay long because of work, but I will stay for about two decades of the Rosary and then leave.

Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament has truly been my refuge.  As I experienced all the pain of 2010, I would come and just speak to Jesus in my mind and heart.  Whether it was imploring for Divine assistance or special blessings on the day’s work ahead, it was a comfort to know I can speak to Jesus in this special way.  I truly believe with all my heart that the Host in the monstrance is Jesus in His Precious Body & Blood, Soul & Divinity.  I used to take Him for granted in this form.  Of course, I would show my special attention to Jesus when I came upon Him.  Now Jesus has created in me a desire to seek Him.

One of the blessings of 2011 has been my going with my son and our good friends to attend a youth rally at our Seminary in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.  There are two main parts to this rally: The Holy Hour for the Adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ in the magnificent chapel with songs of worship and praise for Jesus.  We have had over 200 teenagers and young adults from colleges in the area coming to sing and worship.  It is a powerful session.  It is then followed by a Dodge Ball Game with about two or three rounds.  Amazing but of course, the blessing is the Adoration.  There is such Power in that moment in the lives of all attending, but especially in our young.  This is the last session for the school year but it will resume in September on the second Friday of every month.  Would you consider coming?  Click here for a great article on the event from our diocesan paper.

The Rosary: Insights into the Life of Christ thru Mary

One of the first devotions I turned to last year was the recitation of the Rosary.  A little resistent at first (I guess it was the discipline) I now say it daily.  At a Scouting Retreat held this past February, I said all four mysteries in one day.

It has really helped me see Jesus thru the eyes of Mother Mary.  I can envision His early life, ministry, passion and triumph over death.  The Luminous Mysteries I think threw everybody else off their schedule but since I resisted for a long time, it was easier to incorporate it into my meditations.  I am especially open to the Transfiguration and Institution of the Eucharist.  I think it's because I see my own transformation into a better person through Mass and the Rosary.

I decided to write today because I have the Rosary in my hand and I'm finding hard to concentrate, being it's Saturday and all.  But enough of this computer, I am going to say my Rosary and hope to get my Evening Office before going out for dinner.

God bless you!
Sylvia

How I found the SFO (Part 2)

I ended my last entry with a reminder the crucifix the “guy” had was of interest to me.  Of course, the “interesting” crucifix was Holy Father Francis’ TAU, the habit of the Secular Franciscan Order of which I am an Inquirer.

I would like to explain why the crucifix was of interest.  I have had the privilege of sponsoring a young person for Confirmation the month before.  I have known James and his mother Michelle since they entered Scouting in 2002 and the two families have gotten close.  My son Robert chose Michelle as his sponsor and I was delighted when her James asked me.  The boy took the name of Francis since he loves animals and I think he’s hoping for a career as a veterinarian (or a fighter!)  Since James took Francis as his Confirmation Name, it was easy to find a gift.



Who would have known (except for the Lord) that the TAO I purchased for James would be the pointer towards my journey to the Secular Franciscan Order.  

A few years ago, James was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder “Hypereosinophilic Syndrome” which is even rarer in young kids.  Current treatment is taking medicines to prevent damage to the internal organs and a bone marrow transplant.  We have prayed for a donor to present themselves for James and other children who are suffering from Hypereosinophilic Syndrome as well as victims of Leukemia.

I will end with a request that if you are a healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 55, not weigh over 300 pounds and are cancer free, please consider giving the gift of life.  You need to swab your cheeks using a cotton-tipped swab to collect cheek cells which will identify your HLA tissue-type.  There are many reputable non-profits that help maintain a national database.  James & his family work with DKMS America.  Click here for more information.

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Sylvia

How I found the SFO

How did I even find this group.  I've been a cradle Catholic and really don't understand about Third Orders but when I started driving my son to his Catholic High School, I was getting to work way too early.  Spoke to the Lord (which I seem to do pretty regularly) and I asked "What should I do between 7:45am and 9, Lord?"  MASS came to mind.  That's different, I mused.

My son goes to High School in West Islip so I tried St. Patrick's in Bay Shore.  Absolutely gorgeous and Mass starts there at 8am promptly.  They really have great liturgy but I would leave Bay Shore at about 8:40am and would be late to work.

So the next possibility was Our Lady of Mount Carmel in North Patchogue.  The Daily Mass is celebrated at 8am in their Chapel to the rear of the property.  Very intimate and very satisfying.  I would leave Church around 8:30 and no problem getting to work.

Okay, Mass became a regular routine.  One day, I noticed one of the regular attendees had some kind of crucifix that was a little different.  I gave him my business card and asked him if he would call me, that I had a question.  That was my intro to the SFO.

I would like to end here.  I'm placing a reminder that the crucifix the "guy" had was of interest to me.  I'm hoping to "blog" tomorrow.  Pax et Bonum.

And so it starts...

I went to a SFO Day of Recollection and explained to a former writer that she needs to express herself.  "Get the kid off your computer and create!"  Now here I am, because I need to express myself as well.  This is my journey to become a Professed Secular Franciscan through the daily Call of my Beloved, through my home and family, and the One Holy Catholic Church.