Minister's Note for January

Epiphany - Light & Hope

     Our theme for January is 'Epiphany - Light & Hope.’ Although in a time of darkness, the light is increasing. I feel full of hope. I am humbled by the work of the Holy Spirit in the selection of our new Council. I'm painfully aware that we likely still have many pandemic potholes ahead of us yet, but this new Council has such beautiful optimism going forward! Our new Council is comprised of Sam DeSantis, Jan DeSpain, Connie Collins, Corinne Helena, Pam Pert, and Marta Kassai, myself, and of course, Sr. Madeline Fitzgerald, OSC. Please see our current wonderful Council and Fraternity Support team on our website, and as always, keep us in your prayers.

     During our January Zoom gathering, we’ll be participating in the Epiphany Rite of Extraction. This was entirely new to me, so please read the article in the January Cord to get a feel for what this means. Our Franciscan tradition is so full of spiritual treasures!

This image is ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ by Giovanni di Paolo (1460). I love the representation of age and wisdom in this image! The young king, congratulates the elder Joseph. The middle-aged king, doffs his crown with a little salute. The wise old king, is on both knees and kissing the feet of baby Jesus. WOW. In this case, with age comes wisdom.

May we all be so blessed!
May God bless us all as we journey into this new year.

Laura Chun, OFS
Minister, San Luis Rey Fraternity