Francis and his brothers were dedicated to prayer and contemplation and stayed frequently at hermitages where the brothers would care and support each other in their physical and spiritual needs.  In 1223, Francis had spent weeks in prayer at the hermitage in Greccio spiritually preparing for Christmas. In the 1200’s most of the local lay people had joined his order of penitents (they were likely some of the first Secular Franciscans!) and were engaged in the local fields as farmers and shepherds.

     As Christmas of 1223 approached, and after Francis had spent such time in prayer preparing for this very special feast of the Incarnation, he arranged for a living nativity scene in order to give emphasis on to the birth of Christ. Thomas of Celano, an early biographer of Francis, says that it is here, in the birth of Jesus, that the intimate link between creation and Incarnation become 'visible.'  Francis saw the most profound revelation of God’s love for humanity in the Incarnation. Through the Christmas scene he created at Greccio with the participation of the local people, Francis wanted to show everyone how God entered into our everyday world of creation through the Incarnation. The Incarnation made all of creation holy.

At midnight Mass, Francis put on the vestments of the Deacon, for he was one, and preached on the humility of God's entrance into time, and on the poverty of Jesus.

     Thomas of Celano tells of Francis speaking ‘charming words’ overflowing love. Unlike most medieval preaching which tended to be harsh, Francis spoke so tenderly that is ‘mouth was filled more with sweet affection than with words.’ Francis stood by the manger, overcome with love, and filled with a wonderful happiness. Thomas describes a ‘wonderful vision’ seen by a virtuous man present that night: he saw Francis rousing the Child, as if from a deep sleep. To Thomas, this image was entirely fitting as it illustrated how Francis awoke the love of the Holy Child in the hearts of the people in a way that would make an indelible mark on their hearts and memories.

During this holy Advent and Christmas season, may our own hearts be awakened to the love of our sweet Lord and be indelibly marked with that love. May we, as Secular Franciscans, be emboldened to take that wonderful Love out into the world.

Pace e bene +
Laura Chun, OFS
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity

     Article 53 admonishes that ‘The Fraternity must offer to its members opportunities for coming together and collaborating through meetings to be held with as great a frequency as allowed by the situation and, with the involvement of all its members.’ And also that ‘The fraternity should come together periodically, also as a Church community to celebrate the Eucharist in a climate which strengthens the fraternal bond and characterizes the identity of the Franciscan family. Where, for whatever reason, this particular celebration may not be possible, they should participate in the celebration of the larger Church community.
     I am so proud of us as a Fraternity!  Despite the pandemic and many of us being new to technology, so many of us have made that effort to come together each month over the past year and a half, even with online meetings rather than face-to-face. Others of us stayed connected to our community through the Cord. And now… finally – the option to meet face-to-face again. It’s been a long road – and with all such spiritual journeys, it’s not over; it’s a long journey together and we’re are all on the Way.

     Years ago, our Gathering Day was ‘expanded’ to better reflect the direction of our Constitutions and to enable us to have the option to attend Mass together, have lunch together, and to more deeply pray together. (Hint: that the part of our day that begins before 1pm). I invite each of us… with understanding and respect to everyone’s concern for being out-and-about with others in a still-ongoing pandemic, to consider joining us for a fuller experience of community. For joining us before 1pm.

    Consider joining together with your Secular Franciscan community, potentially at Mass together at 10am in the Serra Center, for lunch together at 11:30, and please – at least this – for prayer together at 12:30pm. Please at least start there – commit to arriving 30 minutes early… for dedicated time to pray together. It’s a small step, but all journeys do start with that first small step.

Peace and Goodness to you!
Laura Chun, OFS
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity
Secular Franciscan Order