FMA€¦ · FMA Focus, official organ of Franciscan Mission Associates, is published quarterly in February, June, September and November. FMA Focus is a member of the Catholic Press

Virtue: Inner PeaceImitation is the sincerest form of

flattery. For children it is a way to learn.Something we all need to remember,and then imitate more in this fast-paced world is the grace and savingbalm known as the inner peace of OurLady. In her litany it is the final crown-ing title “Queen of Peace.” We tend tothink of peace as something the worldneeds and that is certainly true, everyday the world is filled with strife andpain. The best way to bring peace tothe world is to practice it in our ownlives. Pray, during Lent this year to beable to imitate the inner peace of OurLady which will bring us and others tohappiness and joy. n

God invites us to bepeacemakers, everyday, and in all circum-stances. The simplestway to show we believe and willfollow this invitation is to enthusi-astically offer the Kiss of Peace toour neighbor at Mass. Of course, wedon’t actually kiss – except some-times for family members, but asmile and gentle handshake are nottoo much to show we live and offerour peace to the world. This familiargesture has been a part of the Masssince its beginning according to the-ologians. In the Gospel of Matthew,Jesus gives this command:“Therefore if you are presentingyour offering at the altar, and thereremember that your brother hassomething against you, leave youroffering there before the altar andgo; first be reconciled to your broth-er, and then come and present your

Giving theKiss of Peace

Franciscan Mission AssociatesMt. Vernon, N.Y. 10551

Missions in Guatemala - Honduras - El Salvador, Central America

FMA

FEB

2020

/ VOL

53, N

O 3

69850 Focus Newsletter_Focus 12/6/19 9:45 AM Page 1

2

offering” (Matthew 5:23-24). Thecurrent General Instruction of theRoman Missal explains that thegesture is to be performed directlybefore communion:

“The Rite of Peace follows, bywhich the Church asks for peaceand unity for herself and for thewhole human family, and thefaithful express to each othertheir ecclesial communion andmutual charity before communi-cating in the Sacrament.” (GIRM82) The Kiss of Peace, or Sign of

Peace as it is now known, has hadmany forms. While it is typicallygiven only to those standing next toeach other, at some points in historyand in other rites priests would kissthe altar and then pass that toattendants, or even come from thealtar to kiss or embrace worship-pers. According to publishedresearch in the 17th century, onlythe Roman Rite was practicing thisgesture during Mass and it wasrestricted to the priest and those inthe sanctuary. This changed againwith Vatican II, when the ancientcustom was again moved into thepews to be used by the faithful inattendance.

FMA Focus, official organ of Franciscan MissionAssociates, is published quarterly in February, June,September and November.

FMA Focus is a member of the Catholic Press Association,the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and of theAssociation of National Advertisers.

Please address all correspondence to Father Robert,O.F.M., at P.O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10551. Pleasesend changes of address six weeks in advance; if possibleinclude your mailing label, and give both old and new address.

Whatever its incarnation, thegesture is always a reminder to usthat we must make peace in our ownhearts to clear the way to receiveJesus in the Eucharist. Additionally,it allows us to embrace the idea ofpeace and find ways to bring thePeace of Christ to our family, ourtown, our world. The practice ofpeace requires self-discipline andLent is an excellent time to practicediscipline for all our desires evengood ones. n

RemembranceYou can continue to carry on the

work of the Missions and thepeople they serve by rememberingthem in your estate plans. Theselegacies of love can be made inmany different ways to fit yourindividual circumstances.

Consider making a bequest ofwhatever you wish to: FranciscanMission Associates, Mount Vernon,NY 10551-0598. Or, if you wishadditional information aboutmaking a will, please feel free tocontact:

Franciscan Mission AssociatesP.O. Box 598, Dept. 3202

Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598


3

the road. Jesus is stripped of hisgarments, nailed to the cross and dies,a slow and agonizing death. It is herewe see the humanity of Jesus, he criesout to the Father asking if he is alone.This is all of us so many times in ourlives, feeling alone, fearful, unsure ofour relationships. This pit of despair iswhere we need to reach out, open oureyes and see that our Lord is waitingfor us always. Turn to Him in our hourof need and he will be there. Lastlythe two final stations, Jesus is takendown from the cross and laid in thetomb. Jesus has died for our sins. Hehas been laid to rest only to rise inglory on the third day. As faithful fol-lowers, we must embrace these daysbetween the gravity of the death ofChrist and the unblinding joy of theResurrection. This Lent, as we praythe stations in a group, or alone, let usdeepen our beliefs and love of Christand grow in our faith. n

Although the devotions of theStations of the Cross (also called theWay of the Cross) are conducted year-round, we pay special attention tothem during Lent since we associatethem with the Passion and Death ofChrist which we celebrate in a specialway at this time. The sacred passionand death of our Savior is a sign of Hisgreat love. It shows us the way tofollow since there is no other path toGod except by sacrifice which showsour love. The Stations are also ourway to salvation. They move so manyof us to tears from the very start withthe condemnation to death. Jesusaccepts his sentence and takes up hiscross, knowing he is doing God’s will.How often do we dismiss God’s will asnot our own? In the next few stations– Jesus begins his last journey – fallsfor the first time and meets his motherand Simon and Veronica. There is somuch pain for Mary and his followersas they watch the man they reverebeing persecuted. Veronica’s mercifulact of pity reminds us that we, too,need to hear the cries of those in needand in pain. Jesus then falls for asecond and third time and speaks tothe women who are weeping and fol-lowing him. In his hours of need hestill offers comfort to those aroundhim. Now we are nearing the end of

Following Christ’s Way

VOCATIONSPlease pray for the young people at home and in the missions who are ready and eager to

dedicate their lives to God and the spiritual welfare of His people.Often all they really need is the special courage to hear God’s call and to answer Him. Please

join us in daily prayer for God’s grace in providing devoted brothers, sisters, priests, and religiousfor Christ’s work in today’s world.

For further information please write Fr. Robert, O.F.M. atFranciscan Mission Associates, P.O. Box 598, Dept. 3203, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598


St. Francis knew and lovedintensely the Christ of faith, theJesus he met in the Gospels espe-cially. The marks of Christ’s wounds– the stigmata – impressed onFrancis’s body in 1224 were strikingproof of this. And the world, eventhose with no connection to ourfaith, know Francis well. Largelydue to his legacy as the Prince ofPeace. His Peace Prayer is knownworldwide and practiced by childrenand adults.

Lord make me an instrument ofyour peace.

Where there is hatred let me sowlove;

Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is doubt, faith;Where there is despair, hope;Where there is darkness, light;And where there is sadness, joy.The tenets are simple in word but

challenging in deed. Being aninstrument of peace is not just a pas-sive supporter. St. Francis is askingus to actively promote peace in ourlives and in the lives of all we meet.In the current climate hate seemslike the default emotion. Sometimesit is easier to turn our backs onsomeone who hurt us rather thanturning toward them to forgive. But

forgiveness is at the root of all ofthese simple, yet complex actions. Ifwe forgive those who trespassedagainst us we will deliver pardon,faith, hope, light, joy and love. Oneof the ways also to look at this is tolook internally. Can we forgive our-selves? When we doubt or despaircan we turn to Christ and to thesaints, especially Francis for faithand hope? Then once we havereceived the grace it is our greatprivilege to bring that peace, faithand hope out into the world. A suit-able penitential practice or Lentenexercise would be to examine thisprayer and for each of the six weeksconcentrate on each of the six peti-tions of St. Francis. If we canachieve positive results with onlyone, we will have made our Lentworthwhile. n

4

ST. FRANCIS AND PEACE

HAPPY BIRTHDAYFather Robert includes a special remembrance for all Franciscan Mission Associates on

their birthday if he knows when it is. To be remembered at his Mass on your birthday pleasesend him the filled in form below at any time.

My name is ____________________________________________________________________My Birthday is: Month and Day __________________________________________________My address is __________________________________________________________________City__________________________________ State_______ Zip ________________________

Fr. Robert, O.F.M., Dept. 3205,Franciscan Mission Associates, PO Box 598, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598


Again, reminding us to live eachmoment in peace, it is a choice ofours to allow God to take up ourcrosses. We can work with eachother to create a peaceful bubblein the discord that is our exis-tence right now. God is here,with us, at all times. He is wait-ing for us to turn off the phone orthe laptop and turn to Him. Thishymn has been recorded by manydifferent artists over the years.And they do speak to the Lententheme of peace, walking with ourbrothers in perfect harmony.

The world today is in greatneed of peace and also of takingresponsibility for promotingpeace. Let us ponder how best wecan let peace begin with us, “thepeace that was meant to be,”during this solemn season. n

All the hymns and songs wesing in Church have one purpose:to increase our devotion byadding another dimension to ourprayers. One who sings praystwice, it is said. In fact, manysay the prayer of praise, one ofthe many kinds of prayer, isoften best accomplished in song.

Some of the hymns we hear inChurch now are truly prayers insong, “Let there be peace onearth and let it begin with me” isone worth pondering during Lentsince it directs our attention toreforming ourselves as a step topeace. Mrs. Jill Jackson, afteryears of self-doubt and depths ofdespair recorded this song in1955 in response to an epiphany.

In an interview, Mrs. Jacksonsaid she had “an eternal momentof truth.” She said she trulyknew for the first time God’sunconditional love, and under-stood that He loved her as shewas, flaws and all. The songitself has become a rallying cryfor the peace movement and thelyrics are filled with love andawareness. They ask us to “letpeace begin with me, let this bethe moment now.” Mrs. Jacksonis encouraging us to not wait, tonot assume someone else willchampion peace for us in ourlives, or in others. We must bethe conduit, we must be the onewho heeds the clarion call andgathers others. The lyrics contin-ue, “Let this be my solemn vow,to take each moment and liveeach moment in peace eternally.”

5

Music can be prayer too

Like Us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/

FranciscanMissionAssoc


St. Anthony of the wonderfulmemory, winning countenance andprofound learning also had a prob-lem. He was too popular. When hefirst began his life of prayer outsidehis home town of Lisbon, so manypeople came to visit him (friends,neighbors, relatives, etc.) that hecouldn’t find time for prayer. Hesolved the problem by moving awayto Coimbra (100 miles north). It maynot be necessary, or possible, for usto physically move away, but wemust find time in our daily lives forGod. And to complicate things, wecan’t do it at the expense of our ownresponsibilities. Since technology isomnipresent in our lives, why notlean into it instead of just letting itdistract us. One of the best ways toshut out the world and focus on ourLord is to pray a Rosary. On ourphones or laptops or other devices,there are many apps or videos thatwalk the faithful through the mys-teries and the recitation of theprayers. The Rosary reminds us tothink about the suffering of Christand it also reminds us to turn to ourBlessed Mother to guide us. The rep-etition of the well-worn prayers

done alone or with agroup after Mass,can put us in astate of gracewhere we canblock out our per-sonal suffering orchallenges.

Speaking of Mass,that is another way topush out the noise of the world andfocus on all God has given us. If youcan fit in a daily Mass that would bethe best. Technology can also comein handy here. Often parishes recordtheir Masses, make a point of check-ing so you can pray with others athome. Do you have a long commute?Try some praise and worship musicor a Christian station that will fillyou with the Good News and pre-pare you for your day, whatever thatmight entail. And last, but certainlynot least, all of us can carve outsome time to simply pray yourfavorite prayer, the St. Michaelprayer, or Memorare for example.Perhaps rising a bit earlier, stayingup a bit later, perhaps take time outof your lunch time. Lent is a goodtime to start a new way of life. n

6

Solving the Problems of Distraction(St. Anthony)

Visit us on the web franciscanmissionassoc.orgor on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/FranMissAssoc


Dear Friends of the Franciscans,

Many articles contained in this issue discuss peace. So many understand itis never up to someone else to promote peace, it is our obligation and privilege.As the song proclaims “Let peace begin with me.”

By practicing acts of mercy, by truly forgiving those who have trespassed us,we are creating ripples of peace.

Easier said than done, absolutely. Forgiving means humbling ourselves,realizing and admitting our own faults. During the season of Lent there are somany reminders of the Lord’s mercy. Many parishes offer more opportunitesfor confession and many schools recite the Stations of the Cross. Additionally,the Triduum reminds us of how our Lord suffered for us and forgave our sins.

If Jesus can live among us, die for us and forgive us endlessly when we trulyrepent, how is it that we don’t willingly forgive slights and perceived wrong-doings against us.

By walking toward Christ and our brother, “in perfect harmony,” we addpeace to our beautiful, complicated and chaotic world. It is our duty and ourhonor to create a better world on earth as we prepare for everlasting life withJesus our Lord.

Know you are all in our prayers during this Solemn season,

Fr. Robert, O.F.M.

7

Director’s LetterFr. Robert, O.F.M.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS/P.O. BOX 598/MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. 10551-0598TEL. AREA CODE: 914 664-5604


8

FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GODJesuit High School students from Florida serve the needy in Guatemala

Max Gonzalez ’21 – Jesuit High School of TampaI had already been on my first mission tripwith Jesuit High School, to South Carolina,so generally speaking I thought I knew whatto expect from our trip to Guatemala in June.I was very wrong.

My previous mission had a large focus onmanual labor. We built houses and got toknow a very small amount of people closely.At the Valley of the Angels school inGuatemala, just a 20-minute bus ride out-side of Guatemala City, it was the opposite.There was a little manual work and morethan 200 people to engage with. However,one thing remained the same. I got a chanceto know almost all of those people just asclosely as on the last mission.

We arrived at the school very late andwere exhausted from traveling. We didn’tsleep too well that first night, but we had tobe ready to go in the morning. What aidedour transition was the wonderful hospitalityfrom Fr. Michael and the rest of the staffthere. Anything that made us feel more athome was granted. After some introductoryactivities, we took a tour of the expansivecampus. The campus was largely self-suffi-cient, with its own animals, such as chickensand turkeys, and crops including bananas,carrots and coffee, to name a few. The oldergirls at the mission were tasked with helpingout in these places.

Later, we had Mass, and the youngerchildren were very distracted – very similarto how I was as a child. There in thatmoment I realized we weren’t really differ-ent. Mass also drew many families from out-side communities, demonstrating how muchof a uniting force the school is for them.

After Mass was recess. The kids at Valleyof the Angels never stop playing with incred-ible energy. The boys ran circles around mewhile playing soccer, and I had thought I wasin good shape coming off of spring football

practice. One thing that struck me is that thechildren never complained, about the rulesor anything. They were simply happy forGod to have given them the opportunity to play.

Every day followed a similar pattern ofworking – typically packing food or cookingfor the kids –eating, playing and prayer. Thesecond day, though, we had an opportunityto go into the village outside of the schooland visit another school called Mano Amiga.It wasn’t a boarding school like Valley of theAngels, but it also provided education forpoor families. After visiting the school, wedelivered bags of corn flour, sugar, andcracker sticks to the families of the studentsof Mano Amiga. Carrying these heavy bagsthrough the hilly streets was hard work, butmeeting the grateful families was veryrewarding. One such family had a paraplegicson who, despite his disability, had a never-give-up positive attitude. This encounter par-


9

AGAPE LENDS ASSISTANCEFr. Jack, O.F.M.

Many of our donors are very interested inseeing their contributions in action, knowingthat their sacrifices are rendering positiveresults in lands beyond their reach. WeFranciscan missionaries want our faithfulcontributors to know that their treasures pro-duce fruit abundantly. Tirelessly organiza-tions in prosperous nations, like our ownUnited States and especially the FranciscanMission Associates office of our FranciscanProvince, serve as liaison to the very needyand destitute in our neighboring countries ofGuatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

As a contributor to our FOCUS maga-zine, I have firsthand knowledge which thepower and the influence of your prayers anddonations have on the poor in the country ofEl Salvador, where I work as the GeneralDirector of the Association AGAPE of ElSalvador, bringing the presence of Christ to

ticularly resonated with me and inspired me.My experience in Guatemala gave me a

completely different perspective on the situ-ation of people in Central America, at leastthose in the area of the Valley of the Angels.The way that they adjust their way of life totheir poverty is amazing. It is also interestingto see that, while many of the people areimpoverished, all of them are so happy.They welcomed us with hospitality and warmhearts. I hope and pray God gives the beau-tiful children at The Valley of the Angelsmany blessings and opportunities, and I amgrateful for the many meaningful experi-ences from our mission trip there.nn


10

God’s little ones through His Word and Lovein all of our programs, from Healthcare toEducation, from Evangelization toHospitality and even through the Media(Radio and Television, Facebook andYouTube). With that, I would like to shareanother brief narrative.

During our rainy season (especially theend of September and all of October), theAssociation AGAPE of El Salvador, besidesbeing a beneficiary of donations fromabroad, has recently become a channel ofassistance during a designated moment ofnational emergency. The governmentagency known as FONAES (in Spanish:Fondo Ambiental de El Salvador), which hasas its responsibility the “Environmental con-ditions and situations of the country.” So,FONAES sought the aid of AGAPE in orderto reach out to a number of rural communi-ties affected by the harsh and heavy rainswe have been experiencing. The considera-tion on the part of FONAES to approachAGAPE speaks volumes of our transparen-cy and capabilities in offering added assis-tance in a time of crisis. Due to the impact ofthe inclement weather conditions, FONAEScalled upon AGAPE’s help in providing thenecessary staples (food, tooth brushes andpaste, soap, juices and other essentials likebeans and cans of sauce). With AGAPE’sassistance, FONAES was able to provideattention to some two thousand families infour specific areas affected by the storms:Isla de Mendez, Santo Tomas, San JuanOpico and Rosario de Mora.

The assistance that AGAPE was able toprovide during this critical period for thethousands of families could only havehappened with the contribution made by youour loyal and loving donors. Many haveexpressed thanks and continue to look upon

the Association AGAPE of El Salvador as anally in time of need. We in turn, thank youour donors for all of your prayers and giftsthat reap an abundance of peace andgoodness to the many who are suffering.

The founder and president of theAssociation, Fr. Flavian, some 41 years ago,wanted to share his Christmas meal withsome of the street people in the town ofSonsonate, where he was parochial vicar inthe parish of Santisima Trinidad. Little did herealize then that such a simple gesturewould blossom into a greater source of lovefor the entire country. And, with your contin-ued generosity AGAPE will reach immeasur-able heights of solidarity with the mostvulnerable of this land.

Thank you from the bottom of our heartsand as you pray for us, know that you, too,are in our prayers. n


11

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind. Albert Einstein

Love to be real must be empty of self. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. Flannery O’Conner

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.G.K. Chesterton

Love is like fog, there is no mountain on which it does not rest. Hawaiian proverb

Have the courage to be truly happy. Pope Francis

Love all, trust few, but do wrong to none.William Shakespeare

When the debate is over, slander becomes the tool of the loser.Socrates

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. St. Augustine

Words Worth Noting


12

Our Readers gladly write…FRANCISCAN MISSION ASSOCIATES

P.O. BOX 598

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. 10551

Dear Father,Let this be a note of public thanks

to our Father, Son and Holy Spiritalong with Our Blessed Motherunder her title, “Our Lady of theMiraculous Medal.” I ask these andall the saints to intercede for me toOur God, Father, Son and HolySpirit, St. Jude, St. Ann, St.Anthony, St. Paul and St. Dymphnafor favors, graces, healing and help.I am grateful for the help of all ofthose God placed in my journey tohelp me. I thank God and give himgratitude, honor and love.

Sincerely, R.S.Madison Heights, MI

Dear Father Robert,Please publish my thanks to St.

Anthony for blessings receivedregarding employment for mydaughter. Our prayers wereanswered. God bless.

Sincerely, M.E.M.Bridgeport, OH

Dear Father,Please accept this donation in

thanksgiving for a very special favorI received from our Heavenly Fatherthrough the miraculous intercessionof the Blessed Virgin Mary, St.Anthony, St. Jude, St. Theresa, St. Monica, St. Anne, St. Joseph andSt. Dymphna. With overwhelminggratitude, my prayers wereanswered in what seemed like ahopeless situation. This is mypersonal testament to the power ofprayer, believe and trust.

Sincerely,S. McC.Cincinnati, OH

Dear Father Robert,Thank you so much for remem-

bering my 80th birthday and includ-ing me in your prayers. Our LordGod Jesus is really so powerful,merciful, loving and helpful. As Ihave told you I’m in remission afterhaving been diagnosed with cancerin 2002.

Father Robert, I really believe inmy heart that Jesus, the shepherd,really healed me. Since then Ialways pray to him to keep me welland I also don’t forget our Mother ofPerpetual Help, with Little Jesus.

You take care Fr. Robert, I’llremember you always. God blessyou and everyone in the missions.

Sincerely, R.M. San Francisco, CA


13

During Lent our eyes often turnto the Sacrament of Reconciliation,sometimes called Confession orPenance. While we do confess oursins and work through our penance,that is not what we, especially thosereceiving the Sacrament ofReconciliation for the firsttime, should focus on. Thetrue heart of the sacrament isnot the divulging of the sin,nor is it the penance,although they are key compo-nents. The most critical com-ponent it is, in fact, the reconciling.Throughout the New Testament,Jesus gave the apostles authority tohear sins and to be a spiritualconduit. “Receive the Holy Spirit:whose sins you forgive are forgiventhem, and whose sins you retain areretained.” (John 20:22-23)

All of us need this sacrament, nomatter what we think of ourselves.Pope Francis in a recent Massreminded those who are behind thecurtain of their role as well. He saidPriests must be aware that the con-fessional is a place where peoplefind forgiveness and mercy, not ter-ror and condemnation. “When wepriests – in the Lord’s place – hearconfessions, we must also have anattitude of goodness like the Lord.”

Reconciliation should be a place ofpeace not fear. It should be wheresinners, and that means all of us, goto reconcile our relationships. TheCatechism of the Catholic Churchmakes it clear we are not just recon-

ciling with the Lord when weconfess our sins, but with allof our brothers and sisters.“Those who approach thesacrament of Penance obtainpardon from God’s mercy forthe offense committedagainst Him and are at the

same time reconciled with theChurch which they have woundedby their sins and which by charity,by example, and by prayer, laborsfor their conversion.”

Simply by going to confession andoffering a true penance, we are notjust receiving the beauty and graceourselves, but extending that graceto the entire faithful community.God’s mercy insures we arewelcomed back with open arms.

During Lent, many parishes offeradditional slots for us to receive theSacrament, many evenings are setaside as well as Saturdays. ThisLent, let us humbly understand thatthis beautiful act of grace strength-ens us and gives us a clearer pathforward. n

Remembering it is reconciliation not just confession

ST. ANTHONY’S BREADOfferings in honor of St. Anthony, either in petition for a favor sought, or in thanks-

giving for a favor received, are used to assist the poor. Thus, they have received thename, St. Anthony’s Bread. Such offerings are also used to help educate priests andreligious.

Fr. Robert will gladly send you a leaflet explaining the origin and purpose of thisdevout practice, now centuries old. Please write:

St. Anthony’s Bread, Franciscan Mission AssociatesPO Box 598, Dept 3204, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598


This year the three most holydays of the year are early in April.The Triduum will be Thursday, April9 – Sunday, April 12. Families maybe together during these dayspreparing for the end of Lent andthe glorious Easter Mass andcelebrations. On its website, theUnited States Conference ofCatholic Bishops has a number ofquestions on the Paschal Triduum.Here are some of the highlights.

When does the Triduum begin andend?

The Triduum begins with theevening Mass of the Lord’s Supperon Holy Thursday and ends withEvening Prayer on Easter Sunday.Deacons may not officiate at theCelebration of the Lord’s Passionwhich takes place Good Friday,usually in the afternoon.

The Adoration of the Holy Cross?The Adoration of the Holy Cross

begins on Good Friday with one oftwo forms of showing. In the first

form, a deacon or “suitable minister”obtains the veiled Cross which isbrought to the center of the sanctu-ary. The priest uncovers the cross inthree distinct parts, first the upperpart, then the right arm, then theentire Cross. Each time he does this,the priest sings “Behold the wood ofthe Cross.” The second variation issimilar and the priest sings “Beholdthe wood of the Cross” at each stepof the unveiling as well.

What considerations should begiven for the Paschal Candle used atthe Easter Vigil?

The candle should be made of“wax, never be artificial, be replacedevery year, be only one in numberand be of sufficiently large size thatit may convey the truth that Christis the light of the world.” Those whochoose the size and color shouldhave it reflect the sanctuary’s archi-tecture and size.

How many readings should beproclaimed at the Easter Vigil?

Be prepared for a long and inter-esting evening if you attend theEaster Vigil. There are seven OldTestament readings and two NewTestament readings, which chroniclethe “outstanding deed and history ofsalvation.” Between each is aresponsorial psalm. The solemnevening reminds those in atten-dance the glory of our faith and itslong true history. n

14

Visit us on the webfranciscanmissionassoc.org

Refresher on the Triduum


Five new saints were declared by PopeFrancis in 2019, four women and one manwho dedicated their lives to Christ andservice.

Brazilian Sister, Dulce Lopes Pontes, wasborn Maria Rita, in Salvador de Bahia, in1914. At age 13, after the death of her moth-er, Maria Rita decided to dedicate herself tothe poor and became particularly devoted toSt. Therese of the Child Jesus. Known as theMother Theresa of Brazil, she foundedhomes, libraries, clinics and schools for thepoor. Her dedication to the poor resulted in aNobel Peace Prize nomination. After a life ofservice, she died at the age of 77.

Sr. Giuseppina was born Guiditta, inRome, in 1859. After the death of both par-ents, a young Giuseppina and her two sib-lings were sent to Daughters of Charity ofSt. Vincent de Paul orphanage. She workedwith a Camillian Father, Luigi Tezza, torestore the Camillian Tertiaries. Newlyvowed Sr. Giuseppina became SuperiorGeneral of the new religious Congregationknown as the Daughters of Saint Camillus,which finally received official approval in1909 after twice being refused by Pope LeoXIII. She died in 1911, but her order hadgrown to 156 professed religious with 16houses between Europe and America.

Mariam Thresia Mankidiyan spent herlife assisting the poor and elderly in India.She was born in 1876, in Kerala, India andcredited her mother with her love of Christand the saints. Thresia was 10 when it issaid, she made a private vow of virginity andshe began her life of service by caring forlepers and orphaned children. In her hometown, Thresia bore the stigmata in secretand had a series of mystical experiences.After joining the Poor Clares and then aCarmelite Order, she decided on a differentpath and struck out on her own. She createda small community with two friends thateventually became the Congregation of the

Holy Family, which she headed until herdeath in 1926. The Congregation grew andestablished new convents, schools, boardingschools and orphanages.

Marguerite Bays, born in 1815, grew upin a large family and knew from a young agethat her calling was to care for them. Sheattended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary reg-ularly and gently catechized through heractions and dedication to our Lord. Shejoined the Franciscan Third Order, now theSecular Franciscan Order, knowing a reli-gious life was not her calling. Instead, shecared for her extended family including adifficult sister-in-law, a discarded nephewand a brother who ended up in prison. In herthirties, she developed painful cancer andalso bore the stigmata, which she also triedto keep secret. It is said she became desper-ately ill on Fridays and during Holy Week –illustrating her connection to Christ. Shedied in 1879 after years of silently suffering.

Cardinal John Henry Newman, born inEngland, converted midway through hisministry as an Anglican priest toCatholicism. His continual desire for truthled him to Catholicism and began his con-version journey in 1843 asking to be admit-ted fully in 1845, and then two years laterwas ordained a priest, founding an Oratory,dedicated to St. Philip Neri. From there Fr.Newman founded schools, continued hiswriting, including a new translation of theBible to English. His name is linked to faithcenters and bastions of Catholicism at publicand private colleges in the United States. Hebecame a Cardinal in 1870 and died 11 yearslater.

“The Christian has a deep, silent, hiddenpeace, which the world sees not… TheChristian is cheerful, easy, kind, gentle,courteous, candid, unassuming, has no pre-tense… with so little that is unusual orstriking in his bearing, that he may easily betaken at first sight for an ordinary man.” n

15

NEW SAINTS FOR NEW TIMES


Special Novena Schedule Lent-Easter 2020For the petitions and special intentions of all our benefactors, Franciscan Mission

Associates will conduct this series of spiritual exercises during the Lenten and Easter season.You are cordially invited to join us in prayer for your own needs and petitions, for those

of our Franciscan Missionary Friars and their people, and for all who cooperate by prayerand sacrifice for the spread of the faith.

During the Lenten-Easter Season these Novenas of Masses have been arranged:January 1-9 ......................................................................Holy Family NovenaFebruary 2-19 ..................................................................Our Lady of LourdesFebruary 26 - April 5 ..........................................................Lenten Masses (40)March 31 - April 8 ......................................................................Feast of EasterApril 12-20 ..............................................In Thanksgiving for the Risen ChristApril 14 - June 9 ......................................................9 Tuesdays to St. Anthony

Holy Mass is offered each day for all Franciscan Mission Associates benefactors and thespecial intentions they request. Kindly forward your petitions for the Novenas scheduled to:

Father Robert, O.F.M., Franciscan Mission AssociatesPO Box 598, Dept 3131, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598

May 12-23, 2021Krakow • Czestochowa

Wadowice • Prague • ViennaThe homeland of Pope John Paul II has a spirit and character all its own. In

addition to exploring Krakow, one of the country’s largest cities, you will alsoexperience the spirituality of Czestochowa and visit Wadowice, the birthplace ofthe Holy Father. Immerse yourself in these fascinating cultures as you traveland worship in Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Dear Father, Please send information on this Pilgrimage to Easter Europe

NAME __________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS________________________________________________________________

CITY___________________________________STATE_______ ZIP ________________

Pilgrimage Office, Dept. F, P.O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598

Tel: 914-664-1747 or 914-664-5604


Documents

FMA€¦ · FMA Focus, official organ of Franciscan Mission Associates, is published quarterly in February, June, September and November. FMA Focus is a member of the Catholic Press