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