A New Begining

     When Pat first began this blog, I was in formation.  Shortly after sh, her husband became seriously ill.  For the next year her attention rightfully turned to her husbands side as he traveled his personal "Via Dolorosa" until he succumbed to "Sister Death" in July of 2011.  She was the first of my formators and  had a great impact on me as a Secular Franciscan.  Her example of "Perfect Joy"  during her trials and sufferings will be forever ingrained in my memory.  It seemed that no matter what God presented her in the present moment, she was at peace because it was His Will.  I thank God for the gift of my dear friend.  Pat has since left us to be with our Lord.  I will miss her greatly. 

     God never shows us the end, He only expects us to begin.  Pat was first inspired to begin
this blog as a place for dialog for those who were beginning their formation as Secular Franciscans.  When the suggestion was made to collect our on going formation talks for further reflection,  I thought of this blog.  Although I have the ability to post on this blog, I am not the owner and with Pat gone I have no way of reworking this blog to fit the new purpose.  I have begun a new blog with the same name Franciscan Wonderings as a continuation of what our dear Sister Pat began but with a new twist. 

The purpose of the new blog will be to share the monthly formation talks given by the professed members of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina OFS Fraternity with our fellow Franciscans and those who love Saint Francis of Assisi.  Whether you are a professed Franciscan, in the process of formation, or simply someone who loves Saint Francis, I pray that you will find in the words that are contained in the pages of Franciscan Wonderings  inspiration and encouragement to continue your walk in the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the spirit Saint Francis of Assisi.

Pax et Bonum

Maggie Wright, OFS

Welcome to Franciscan-Wonderings

This month, July 2010, we will be talking about "Through the Secular Franciscan Order," which is found in section 04-01 in Fonck's Fully Mature with the Fullness of Christ.
Before we go into the new section, we need to review the activity from last month, which was ask another person or two in the fraternity what impresses him/her the most about the personalities and characteristics of St. Francis and St. Clare, and what traits of Francis and Clare that person would like to imitate. If you would like, we could use this blog as a vehicle for share this activity. Please write back, and let me know what you found out.
Some things to consider while reviewing this unit:

• The last part of Article 21 actually states the purpose of fraternities: "In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the Gospel in the manner of St. Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church."


• Please read pages 04-4 to 04-6 multiple times, and very carefully. Take notes. There is a lot in these 3 pages to consider and reflect upon.


• Besides the required readings, I would recommend you look at the Papal Quotations, which start on 04-9.


• I really love G. K. Chesterson's quote on 04-14 -- awesome thought beautifully expressed.


• Group sharing question to consider: #8 (04-17): We will share on Saturday.


• Individual Study -- Continue reading biography of St. Francis/St. Clare.

That's it for now!! Please write me with your impressions. Bye for now.

PAX ET BONUM!!