Pope Francis has declared 2015 to be dedicated to those in Consecrated Lives.
There are three themes he recommends to us to prayerfully reflect on:
- To look to our past with gratitude. Video I: Lawrence Jagdfeld’s reflection.
- To live the present with passion. Video II: Kurt Hartrich’s reflection.
- To embrace the future with hope. Video III: John Doctor’s reflection.
The office of Friar Life ad hoc committee has prepared optional materials on each of these three themes based on the survey taken at the 2014 Leadership Conference for use at a house chapter or day of recollection at a time chosen by the community.
These materials are intended for our own spiritual growth as Franciscans and are not part of the required scheduled regional meetings this year. At the same time accepting Pope Francis' invitation to reflect on our Franciscan life certainly will help us to move forward into the future.
Each of the videos for the three themes will have:
- An excerpt from Pope Francis' letter.
- The actual video.
- Questions to stimulate sharing using Pope Francis’ five expectations of religious for this Year.
We suggest that you glance at the materials provided to help make this format clear.
First: It is always helpful if all are able to read the short theme of the video beforehand or to give time at the gathering for all to read the theme page which is about a page long (5-10 minutes).
Second: Watch the video. (about 20 minutes.)
Third: Use the questions based on Pope Francis’ expectations which are provided as a catalyst to each one’s reflections (about a half hour). The individual may choose which questions appeal to him to reflect on. One possibility is to answer one of the questions from each of the five sections.
Fourth: Have a period of sharing personal reflections in the style of faith sharing (1 hour or +).
The time framework may be adjusted according to whether it is a house chapter or a day of recollection.
These materials may be found on the pages in the drop down menu under this category.
The full text of Pope Francis' letter is available as a PDF at the bottom of this page.
Friar Life Ad Hoc Planning Committee:
Bob Barko, Paul Gallagher, Jim Lause, Elric Sampson, Maury Smith.