Franciscan fraternity joyfully following Jesus
By Wendy Shaw
A Secular Franciscan Order is a lay order of the Catholic Church founded by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century.
There have been fraternities in Hobart, Launceston and Smithton. The Launceston fraternity was established in the 1950s, went into recess in 2015 and has been re-established at Riverside, following the profession of two new members.
The Holy Family Franciscan Fraternity has eight active members and the fraternity minister is Margaret Cherry, who was professed in 1987.
“St Francis of Assisi is one of the best known and loved saints,” Mrs Cherry said.
“Catholics and non-Catholics alike have been drawn to his commitment to God, his compassion for man and his love for all creation.”
St Francis of Assisi joyfully followed Jesus with simplicity, service and faith.
“His followers very quickly numbered in the thousands. Francis wrote a simple rule for people who had responsibilities of families and could not join the friars but wished to live the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Mrs Cherry explained.
“They were called Brothers and Sisters of Penance which received canonical statute in 1221.
“The rule was upgraded and the name changed to Secular Franciscan Order in 1978 after the Second Vatican Council.
“The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan Order is to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the centre of his life with God.”
Members live the rule in their everyday lives in families, parishes, workplaces and the wider community.
“We are just ordinary people with no special gifts and we’re certainly no more holy than anyone else – ask our families – but we do find our faith is enriched by coming together as Franciscans,” Mrs Cherry added.
“All Christians are called by the Holy Spirit to live their life for God. So the question to ask yourself is ‘Lord, are you calling me?’ ”
Launceston members highlighted a number of aspects of the fraternity that resonated with them. They value the monthly meetings, sharing a meal and prayers with their Franciscan family; the simple way of life; inner peace; letting go of things that get in the way of loving God; feeling connected to God through prayer; enriched prayer life; evangelisation through prayer; and a sense of joy.
The Holy Family Fraternity was re-established by national minister Maria Iadanza, of Adelaide, and national spiritual assistant Fr Joseph McKay OFM, of Brisbane, following the profession of Angela Lincoln and Rozanne Neskovcin.
It meets on the second Sunday of each month at St Francis of Assisi Church, Riverside. For details, please contact Margaret Cherry OFS by phone: 0457 575 770 or email geo23f@bigpond.com.