Secular Franciscan Order - National Fraternity of Canada

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Autumn rains are falling, and rain is how God blesses the earth, filling each organic cell with necessary water, and as in baptism God marks us for life in Him, so our sister water at the command of God, animates all organic life and purifies it along with non-organic creation.

And yet the forces of water and nature can be overwhelming, as in Pakistan where floods have created great tribulation for its peoples. Consider the people of Pakistan and Haiti when making donations this year. Haiti has begun some reconstruction in certain parts of the country. They still need food and financial support, as does Pakistan, who is greatly in need of water, food and shelter.

The National Conference will be welcoming members on October 22 to 23, 2010 at Maison de la Providence in Orléans, Ontario. The main topic is Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation: living Rule 15, with animators Andrew Conradi, ofs, National JPIC Animator, and Danielle Julien, ffm, who works with SIAF, is deeply implicated with JPIC issues and also with Youth, and through whom so much information from Franciscans International is handed on to us.

Br. Gerry Clyne, OFM Cap, will be leading us in a special Franciscan Way of the Cross on Friday evening and sharing his beautiful music with us. Mme Suzanne Giuseppe Testut, a Secular Franciscan from France will be present to share some of the content of her new book La Déposition. Kendal Freeman, a student of Ottawa University, will be with us on Sunday to talk about Youfra in Canada, along with Colleen McAlister, ofs, National Youth Animator also sharing her musical talent! And so much more! Hope to see many of you there!

On behalf of the National Council, we pray that the Feast of St. Francis, the work you do for the SFO, and the liturgies that you celebrate bring God’s abundant blessings upon you as you strive to walk in the footsteps of Christ as did St. Francis. I will be praying for you all in Rome, by the grace of God, as I attend the canonization of Br. André and Sr. Camilla of Verano, a Poor Clare who has been adopted as the patroness of the SFO National Council of Canada following Br. Gerry’s visit to the Poor Clares in Italy. See you at the conference!

Debbie Tessier, ofs
National Minister

The new OFS National Council of Canada 2009 - 2012

The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Canada is the organic union of all the local fraternities across the country grouped into regional Fraternities.

The purpose of the National Fraternity is :

To foster communion and cooperation among the fraternities in Canada.
To be a link between the Regional Fraternities and the International Fraternity.
To nurture growth in the Franciscan and ecclesial life of the members.
To make present in the life and mission of the Church the charism of our Seraphic Father.
To provide a forum for discussion of common goals and problems.
To represent Secular Franciscans, at the National level, in their associations with church or civil organizations and to promote mutual relationships with other such organizations where appropriate.

For more information contact the
National fraternity of Canada

information@ofsnational.ca

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