Jesus said
I am the Good
and the good shepherd lays down his These words of our Lord refer ©The Southern Cross
to the Paschal Mystery which we celebrate at Easter.
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A thoughtful Pope Francis with a Good Shepherd crosier
t is most appropriate then that the Christ the King Group are making this the theme of their Retreat, to be held next month, there is more information about that event on page five.
The image of the Good Shepherd is one of the most
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primitive, the most enduring and the most endearing images of our Lord. It is found first of all in the Old Testament. “For thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after my sheep ... As a shepherd tends his flock, so will I tend my sheep ... the lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal.” (Ezk. 34:11) It is also one of the most beloved Psalms, “The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I will want.” (Ps. 23) In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, fulfilling God’s oath to his people. His mission is to the lost sheep of Israel. He will leave the ninety nine in the flock in search of the one lost stray. He will lay down his life for his sheep. He will be the
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shepherd at the last judgment who will separate the sheep from the goats. We saw last week how Jesus commissioned Peter to be his successor as Shepherd of the flock. (Jn. 21:15) Today the symbol of the shepherd, the shepherd’s crook, the crosier, is used by Pope and Bishops, successors of Peter and the Apostles, at Liturgical functions. The symbol of the shepherd is also present on the Parish level in the Pastor, which in Latin means shepherd. The people of Israel and the early Christian community cherished this image of the Good Shepherd. In Biblical times sheep were very important. They provided both food and clothing. The pastures available were such that they
Shepherd
A parable for Lent
life for his sheep
we really want to understand the Scriptures and to know our true relationship with God we must understand the image of the Shepherd and his sheep. Unfortunately, shepherds and sheep are not very common or relevant in our high tech, computerized world. And we do not like to think of ourselves as dumb, submissive animals. We are sophisticated human beings. We have an intellect and a free will, we go where we will and do what we want. And we don’t like sheep dogs yapping and snapping at our feet. But perhaps we are more like sheep than we care to admit. Just like sheep we seem to be oblivious of everything except the plot of grass that surrounds us here and now. We spend all of our time feathering this little nest here as if it will go on forever. Just like sheep, we are not conscious of the ravenous wolves that surround us in the counterculture in which we live. To say nothing of the wolves that come to us in sheep’s clothing. And just like sheep we always think that the grass is greener on the other side, so we stray from the flock. Whether we appreciate it or not, the image of the Good Shepherd and his sheep is enshrined forever in the Bible and in Christianity. And in reality and truth it fits every generation, even our own. “My sheep hear my voice;
I know them and they follow me.” (Jn. 10:27) We should have a quiet time each day. Turn off the mobile phone, all those devices, the TV and radio put everything on the back burner and learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd. What a great blessing it is to be able to recognize the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and to follow him with great joy and confidence wherever he may lead us.
“The Lord is my Shepherd there is nothing I shall want.” Edited from an article by Fr. Rodney Kissinger, first published on frksj.org
SACRED HEART CHURCH
Novena in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes
3rd - 11th
Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi. Production Editor: A. Sargent: angela@europeaxess.com. Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project. For Advertisers: This magazine is handdelivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: +350 200 79335 email: angela@europeaxess.com. Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of these parties is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration. The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi. Cover Artwork: The Flight into Egypt -1500 Vittore Carpaccio
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imposed on the shepherd the nomadic life. He had to travel with his sheep from one region to another as the seasons changed. This created a close rapport between the shepherd and his sheep. The Shepherd cares for his sheep, calls them by name, leads them to pasture and water, finds shelter for them in inclement weather, defends them against bandits and wolves, and willingly lays down his life for them. The sheep have great confidence in the shepherd. They recognize his voice, obey his commands, and they follow wherever he leads them. The people of Israel and the early Christian community understood the rapport between the shepherd and his sheep. This image of the Good Shepherd does not move us as it did the people of Israel, and the early Christians. But if
Feb 2018 at 6.30pm Torchlight Procession on 11th
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Joanna Lett invites you to a very special seminar
Prayer Group
The Good Shepherd present
Seminar
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t is that time of the year when I put pen to paper and invite readers to attend the annual Life In The Spirit Seminar.
This year we are very fortunate to have Fr. Conrad Osterhout, a Capuchin Friar of the Renewal (CFR). This Order of Friars was begun by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and six other Capuchin friars 30 years ago. (More info on page 14) Fr. Conrad lives in the CFR friary in Bradford, Yorkshire, where they work with the poor and homeless as well as evangelise in schools and parishes and minister to groups like Youth 2000. The BBC made a documentary about the friars in Bradford called “From Bronx to Bradford” which is on YouTube. Fr. Conrad has himself had a life-changing encounter with the Risen Jesus so he knows personally the difference between just knowing information about his faith and actually experiencing the new life in the Spirit which was
foretold by John the Baptist and promised by Jesus when we are baptised with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5; Lk. 3:16; Mk. 1:8.) It is this joyful reality Fr. Conrad loves to share with others. I strongly encourage you to attend. If you have already attended a seminar please encourage family and friends to come along as it’s a wonderful opportunity to take time out of our busy lives and have a peaceful and life changing weekend...
The
GOOD SHEPHERD Seminar with
Seminar format
The Seminar starts on Friday 2nd March and finishes Sunday lunchtime.. All meals are provided and although the weekend is ‘non residential’, if there is a need to stay overnight, accommodation and transport can be provided. It is a very relaxed weekend where Father will give talks and questions of Faith can be aired in a safe environment.. Please take the step in Faith as Jesus the Good Shepherd will be there looking out for each one of us and extending his hand to show us how much he loves us and that there is much more to life... Please don’t hesitate to call me Joanna or Jeannine if you have any questions and would like to register for the seminar
God Bless you all.
Fr. Conrad Osterhout CFR EUROPA RETREAT CENTRE, LATHBURY FRIDAY 2nd MARCH 2018 @ 8pm SATURDAY 3rd MARCH 2018 all day SUNDAY 4th MARCH 2018 till 2pm ALL MEALS INCLUDED NOT RESIDENTIAL CALL JOANNA ON 58008446 OR JEANNINE ON 54014042
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Bamong l e swomen sed Anne Mesilio writes
“And Mary rising up in those days went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah”. (Lk. 1:39).
Our Lady is depicted here surrounded by protective angels, with angels flying overhead. Ein Kerem, Jerusalem; The Church of the Visitation, Mosaic 1955. Wikimedia Commons
What sent a very young and very unexpectedly pregnant Mary hurrying into the hills?
situation, as indeed many women pregnant today would do, and it must be said, rightly so by our standards. Any woman who has travelled whilst pregnant can testify that it is not fun and this is despite all available modern conveniences. Mary set off in complete trust that all would be well and indeed it seemed that way for when she greeted her cousin, at the sound of her voice John quickened in his mothers womb and leapt for joy! It was, just like her reaction at the Annunciation; “thy will be done” and she went with joy and trust. She was compelled by her love and joy for Elizabeth who called her “Blessed among women”. At the end of the visit Mary sang the sublime Magnificat; (Mary’s Song of Praise) “My soul doth magnify the Lord”, which has become part of the official prayer of the church. Praying this second Joyful mystery of the Rosary my thoughts often wander to that journey of Mary’s through
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hat journey was at least one hundred miles from Nazareth, through hill country in the far off first century, where the ease of transport as we know it today was unknown. The way was long and arduous. Nazareth was nothing more than a dot on the ancient map with not much going for it and Judea lay among mountainous country. It was a world startlingly different from ours. There existed an acrimonious relationship between the inhabitants of Judea and their Roman conquerors adding to the tensions of travel. We are told she went alone with the little donkey to carry her. It was an impulsive act of love and concern for her aged cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child, so this is really a story of two women. There was no way to alert her cousin to the visit, it would be a surprise for Elizabeth and Mary was aware how delighted her cousin would be at this pregnancy after many barren years, so she set off ‘with haste’ to share Elizabeth’s joy and impart her own. She did not consider her own delicate
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countryside vast and perhaps silent. Well, there was no traffic like cars, trains and planes as we know today. In fact the place was scantily inhabited as the poor hill farmers lived far apart. I would admit that a feeling of envy sneaks in as I lament the great value of silence lacking in modern living. I imagine Mary travelling under a milky violet sky along those lone pathways. The sounds and smells, birds calling, flowers blooming, it would have been Spring when new life was stirring. Leaves would have been budding on trees who had been locked in silent sleep during winter. Here A couple of lines from Joyce Kilmer written in 1913; “A tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray”. It is not unusual these days to see a group of teenagers and indeed adults out together but all focused on their mobile devices speaking to someone else, texting, but not speaking to each other! Now the desire to feel needed, even relevant is a very strong one, we want to be heard, seen, to be ‘somebody’ in the eyes of others. To do
this, that inner voice which cries out for silence is ignored, submerged even by the blaring television, the radio, the pings from ceaseless social media that herald messages on our phones which of course cannot be ignored. It seems we are afraid of silence, its value is being lost, this has to be because in silence, the kind that excludes constant meaningless chatter, we get to confront ourselves. What happens then, are we confronted with emptiness, fear, panic? Civilised man may admit to a loneliness and alienation despite the frenetic pace of living. “Be still and know that I am God”, and in that silence connect with the soul which must be craving solitude. “Speech is silver, but silence is golden.” “The value placed upon saying less, rather than more, as reflected in this proverb, can be traced as far back as the early Egyptians. It must have taken Mary several days to complete her journey travelling this land of hills and valleys giving her ample time to reflect on what her unexpected pregnancy meant.
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The Visitation- Rosary Basilica, Lourdes. Photo: Lawrence OP
We too can walk with Mary in peace and solitude, sharing the miles with her in meditation and thanksgiving as we follow in her footsteps among the many hills of Judea. Of course the pace of
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modern life means it is not easy to escape into the hills but we can make time. Ten minutes a day! Sit back in silence, become aware of the present moment only. Silence is healing. Try it.
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Where faith and science meet
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cience and, as importantly, scientific method, are huge blessings for humanity. Imagine life today without all that science has brought us, particularly in the 20th century. It’s almost inconceivable. Without it, we’d be back in the stone age. But some people think that putting the words “scientists say” or “science teaches” in front of anything immediately confers the legitimacy of truth on whatever is being proposed. Most media channels and news outlets today are archproponents of this. That they are often wrong brings good science into disrepute. The truth is that scientific ‘discoveries’ simply build upon or even eclipse what was hitherto held correct. Science is as gradual a revelation of the material truths of our universe as it is a renunciation of what was previously thought true. A simple example: Newton, the father of modern physics, described a theory of gravity that held ‘true’ for nearly three hundred years. Along came Albert Einstein whose theory of general relativity superseded Newton’s. If Einstein is right, Newton was wrong. Perhaps,
Pinwheel Galaxy Rainbow Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ESA/STScI/CXC
one day, Einstein’s theory, too, will be superseded (that’s why it’s still a theory). Somehow and at some point, it became a ‘truth’ of our Western culture that science and Christianity are antithetical to each other, that what science offers must be either in contradiction to or renders irrelevant what Jesus Christ proposed 2000 years ago, namely, that He is the way, the truth and the life. Each media-propounded scientific ‘revelation’ seems designed to further distance reason from faith, science from Jesus. This is strangely self-interested, propagandistic nonsense. Pope Benedict, when he was still Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, expressed beautifully in 1995 the reality of the intersection of science and the Christian faith in “In the Beginning” when writing about Darwin’s theory of evolution: “We cannot say: creation or evolution inasmuch as these two things respond to different realities ... The story of the dust of the earth and the breath of God does not explain how humans come to be but, rather, what they are ... The theory of evolution seeks to understand and describe
biological developments but it cannot explain where human persons come from, nor their inner origin ... We are faced with two complementary – rather than
mutually exclusive - realities”. Science and Christian faith, says Benedict, simply reveal different aspects of the truth of the universe in which we live. They are two compatible but distinct realities which do not exclude each other. It’s not for me to judge why any scientist would seek deliberately to exclude the divine from the revelation of scientific “truth” or, conversely, why any Christian would seek to
deny the relevance of scientific revelation to our faith. But, science and faith can together powerfully help to reveal the truth - which will set us free (John 8:32) - of who God is, namely, that He is love (1 John 4:8): together they witness that He created the universe for us to enjoy in freedom what He has made. I would contend that it certainly suits the interests of the powers of spiritual darkness that these truths about who we are and our place in God’s universe do not come into the light. Thus, when God says “Let there be light” in Genesis 1:3, His enlightenment of our universe is both physical and spiritual and it is a light that the darkness, despite its best efforts to muddle science and truth, reason and faith, could not overcome (John 1:5). But let’s get to Galileo because most people who want to rubbish the contribution of the Catholic Church to science over the centuries will typically cite Galileo as the worst example of the way that the Church treats science and scientists. Galileo, born in 1564, was the pre-eminent scientist of his
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Chris Pitaluga correctly proved”. This was a world wholly alien to us in the 21st century. Christendom and politics were one and the same thing: Christian practice and the faith underpinning it, were another. In fact, Galileo’s biggest error was not the propagation of Copernican theory, which many of his religious contemporaries were content to accept, but rather to have criticised Pope Urban VIII in his publication “Dialogue Concerning The Two Chief World Systems” thereby alienating both the Pope and the Jesuits who had supported him until then. Galileo was tried by the Inquisition and found guilty of heresy. His punishment? He was placed under house arrest at the age of 70 in his extensive villa in Florence where he lived out the remaining seven years of his life, tended by his favourite daughter, a nun. With the Church’s agreement, she undertook to accept his
sentence on his behalf: the reading of seven psalms once a week for three years! It’s fair to say that aspects of the Inquisition were not the greatest moments of the Catholic Church’s 2000-year history; but neither is it correct to postulate the simplistic notion that here was an illuminated and sophisticated scientist being persecuted by a medieval, outdated and barbaric institution. The facts are that Galileo was not treated harshly and that he remained a devout Catholic after his trial; but also that
the Catholic Church made a big mistake in not seeing this particular writing on the wall. Neither fact should be the basis of any argument for incompatibility between science and faith. Since then, Pope John Paul II, in 1992, has apologised for the way the Church treated Galileo and his views which were proven correct. Until Newton came along... The Galileo affair highlights an obvious reality: all those involved were human beings; all human beings, theologians and scientists included, are capable of error, and sometimes serious ones. Science and theology, which is another way of saying, Reason and Faith, as different aspects of compatible realities, can – indeed, should – together illuminate our understanding of the universe around us. God gave us both: why should they not be in harmony and show the Way to the Truth that leads to Life for us all?
Images Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
day at the height of the Italian Renaissance. He was a deeply religious man - he considered the priesthood as a young man and kept company with cardinals and Popes in later life. Since the 2nd century, the Ptolemaic geocentric view of the universe had prevailed: the earth was at the centre of everything and the stars, the planets and the sun all revolved around it. In the first half of the 16th century, Nicolaus Copernicus, a doctor in canon law by the way, had theorised (yes, yet another scientific theory proposed by an ordained Roman Catholic) that the universe was heliocentric; the planets, the stars and, most
Next time: HOW GOD INVENTED PHYSICS (AND MAYBE WHY).
importantly, the earth revolved around the sun. Galileo neither came up with heliocentric theory nor did he invent the telescope (that was Hans Lippershey in 1608) but he did build his own. He observed that Jupiter had four moons, which proved that not everything revolved around the earth. Mars and Venus varied in apparent size: they, too, revolved around the sun, not the earth. The tides suggested that the earth was not a fixed centrepoint of everything but, rather, that it rotated on its own axis – Copernicus was right! The Roman Inquisition concluded, wrongly, in 1615 that heliocentrism was “foolish and absurd in philosophy, and formally heretical since it explicitly contradicts in many places the sense of Holy Scripture.” What is probably not so well known is that Galileo himself said “The motion of the earth could never be against scripture if this proposition were
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Angela Sargent meets the Winners of Gibraltar Annual Diocesan Crib Competition ‘Clubs/Place of Work Category’
Crib Competition Club/place of work Winner: Elderly Day Centre
W
henever Gilda Fa, Manager of the Day Centre looks at a new project she has a definite aim in mind.
“We always want to involve our elderly with meaningful activities that will stimulated them, as well as showcasing the existing and wonderful life time skills each individual brings to the centre. We take into consideration their abilities and consider how each person can take part and feel involved. In order to ensure everyone is included we must identify adequate activities throughout the year.” The Elderly Day Centre consists of 4 full time staff members from the Adult Team at Social Services and a group of volunteers that help with the day-to–day running of the service. The crib competition is something they all look forward to taking part in on a yearly basis. When staff member Dionne Williams walks down Main
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Street, she always finds herself looking into the entrance of the patio of the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned. The idea for this Nativity Scene came together between Dionne Williams and the volunteers from the Mother Theresa Group. The theme was “Come All Ye Faithful” and Dionne visualised it set in a scale model of the courtyard outside the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes. Baby Jesus’ manger would be placed directly where the entrance to the Chapel is. Dionne takes up the story, “We decided the model should be precise in detail, for example paying attention to the mosaic tiles decorating the walls and have it complete with real live plants in mini pots fashioned to resemble those in the courtyard. The Chapel and courtyard are very recognisable features for it’s beauty and location.” Dionne explained “I can imagine as it is with me this place is special to many Gibraltarians. We said we would like to represent members of the local community in the scene and
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we did so by adding figurines of various professionals with a police p e r s o n , fire fighter, labourer, nurse and regular people of different ages, ethnicity and sex. These figurines are placed so they appear to be ‘passing by’ on Main Street and then spot the nativity scene and flood into the courtyard, gathering round Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the three wise men.” Gilda saw that with the calibre of clients and volunteers there would be something for everyone to do, in contributing to this project. The volunteers do a bit of everything too, making food, working on a one-to-one buddy system, and helping with exercises that the clients enjoy to keep them supple, sometimes the clients break into spontaneous dancing during keep fit sessions! Various activities are catered for, knitting, crochet, writing and
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poetry, as well as woodwork under supervision. But of course the Crib project was particularly popular with those who enjoy arts and crafts. With her project manager hat on, Dionne broke the construction process into many tasks and the clients were invited to take on a part of the building works. A few names should be mentioned, Adalaide Rodriguez, Clemence Lockyer Danino, Irma Casciaro and Domingo Martinez took on key roles, while Joseph Fa was entirely responsible for painting the figurines. Gilda Fa particularly wanted to add that she would like to take this opportunity to thank anyone working for the Adult Social Service Team for their support and contribution towards making this project a success.
Details of results in Family and House Patio categories overleaf
2017
Elderly Care Agency Day Centre Waterport Terraces
OPEN DAY
See the award winning Crib & meet the people!
WED 7th Feb 10.30 - 3.30
If you would like to see the finished Crib, The Elderly Care Agency Day Centre is holding an Open Day on Wednesday the 7th February,
between 10.30 and 3.30pm and the Crib model will be on view especially for the occasion. You’re sure to get a warm welcome.
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Annual Anne Mesilio Diocesan Crib Competition - some would say crib building is a year long activity
House Crib Winner: Jason Garcia
Winner of BEST HOUSE CRIB: Mr Jason Garcia, Rosemary Court
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Runner Up: Mrs Susan Benitez, Montagu Gardens Runner Up: 1st & 4th Scouts Pack, Wellington Front
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A Member of the ‘Cathedral Mop Brigade’ writes
Clearing the COBWEBS... How difficult do you find it to set time aside for prayer?
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used to find all sorts of excuses for myself; too busy, too tired, too full of my own problems. Easy to petition Him for help at all sorts of times during the day or night, but giving thanks or just time for quiet contemplation – almost impossible, it seemed. One day some seven or eight years ago, a friend asked whether I could help out at the Cathedral by joining the ‘Ladies who clean’ once a week. I found it difficult to say “NO!” but I approached the whole experience with some trepidation and irritation for having agreed. Over the years, this has become MY SPECIAL TIME WITH THE LORD. I know one doesn’t make bargains with God, it is not a question of wanting reward, but I started out thinking that I could HOPE that the Lord would cleanse me as I was cleaning our Cathedral! It has proved to be a time of renewal, healing and calm contemplation with the Lord. I don’t have to say anything, or
think anything whilst I sweep or mop the floors – I just am. As a busy person with a very active life, it is very difficult to just “be” - this has become my “active” prayer. The mop and bucket just props in a time of contemplation and personal time with the Lord. We now attend 7.30 am Mass, but it is not essential, it has just evolved that way. We need help now, some of us are growing older, less physically able, or with newer family commitments such as the joy of looking after a new grandchild. Come and join us on a Wednesday morning for active prayer – it only takes half an hour, we are finished by 8.30 am. You would be part of a rota and not necessarily committed on a weekly basis. Oh nearly forgot! Men are welcome too. Yours in Jesus, a Member of the Mop Brigade! For more info Tel: 54024912
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More about the FRANCISCAN The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, (C.F.R.) is a religious institute in the Latin Church of the Catholic Church.
I
t follows the Capuchin Franciscan tradition. Originally formed as a mendicant congregation in the Archdiocese of New York, it has been recognized as a religious institute of pontifical right under the governance of the Holy See since 2016.
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Foundation
The congregation was founded in 1987 by eight Capuchin priest friars, including Benedict Groeschel, Stan Fortuna, Robert Stanion, Glenn Sudano, Bob Lombardo, and Andrew Apostoli. The purpose of the community is to strive for a return to the authentic Capuchin way of life and the renewal of the Catholic Church. In addition, the friars are known for their fidelity to the pope. The Community characterizes itself as Catholic, Franciscan, Capuchin, contemplative, prophetic, apostolic, fraternal and pro-life. Sudano told a reporter about the motive behind forming the community “We were concerned about the effects of secularism on religious life [among the Capuchins] and a lack of clear and explicit fidelity to the Church. That secularism is less prevalent today, thank God, but was very much the case in the 1970s and 80s. What we
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were observing then were not so much sins of commission, but omission. A pastor, for example, [might] not speak out against the Holy Father, but neither would he speak in support of him. He [wouldn’t] condemn adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or the Rosary, but he [wouldn’t] promote them either. We worried that many of the traditional expressions of the Faith were not appreciated or practiced.”* Sudano said it was their feeling that “Because of this secularism, men weren’t attracted to life in religious communities. ... [Potential candidates] wanted to participate in the traditional forms of religious life, and wanted traditional signs, such as wearing the habit.”* Initially it had not been their desire to break away from the Capuchins. Sudano related, “We recognized that things were not going well. Our desire was to stay in the Capuchin community, but to be a renewal community. We wanted to bring back adoration and traditional
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devotions and practices, such as wearing the habit. Our superior in Rome was interested in our idea, but the provincials in the United States were not. We were allowed to begin in New York, but after three years of fraternal discussions, it was clear that our order was not interested in our style. So, we decided to continue our work under the archbishop of New York. Leaving our community was not easy. We didn’t leave our confreres because we thought they were evil, but because we had a difference of opinion. Some of our confreres were upset with us, but leaving was something that had to be done.”*
Apostolate
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal always operate in harmony with the local bishop and serve according to the needs of each diocese. Their website states that the mission is twofold: First “... is to serve the materially poor, most especially
Reference wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscan_Friars_of_the_Renewal
FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL and
sacramental
ministry.
Fr. Conrad Osterhout (CFR)
the destitute and homeless. Friaries not primarily focused on formation should have one or more facilities to provide for the needs of the poor, for example, a shelter, soup kitchen, food pantry and/or clothing room. Each of these works must be directed by a friar to preserve the Catholic and Franciscan character. Every member of the community is to be personally and directly involved in “hands on” work with the poor. All service to the poor is given completely free of charge.”* Second is evangelisation “... through preaching and teaching the Holy Gospel, and by sharing the rich treasures of our Catholic faith with all. This can take many forms so that every friar may assist in his own way. Some expressions of this apostolate are: providing missionary centers for the poor, street evangelisation, parish missions, retreats, days of recollection, pilgrimages, spiritual direction, pastoral counselling, religious education
Religious habit and training
The friars wear a grey religious habit with a hood, a cord, and sandals. Beards are also characteristic for members of the congregation. The rope worn as a belt around the waist symbolises being girded with Christ and is tied in the three characteristic Franciscan knots which signify the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which are taken upon becoming a member of the community. Those interested in becoming members of the community go through various stages: postulancy lasting ten months, followed by a year-long novitiate after which simple vows are taken. The newly professed members then spend a year or more living in one of the friaries. Final vows (life-time) are not made until a person has been a member of the community for at least five years. Those who
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feel called to the ministerial priesthood pursue their studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers; during this time, the students live in a nearby friary.*
Official Papal Recognition
On June 13, 2016, João Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and his Archbishop Secretary, José Rodríguez Carballo, OFM, signed a decree of recognition.* On December 8, 2016, the group announced that Pope Francis officially recognized
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the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal as a religious institute of pontifical right, meaning that it will now depend immediately and exclusively on the Vatican in the matters of internal governance and discipline.*
Gibraltar
We are very fortunate to have Fr. Conrad Osterhout (CFR) from New York visit Gibraltar next month for a Seminar at the invitation of Christ the King Prayer Group. See details on page 5.
References
* wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscan_Friars_of_the_Renewal
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