Minister's Post for July

Bringing Goodness to the World

    How beautiful it is to enter into summer – still with Coronavirus concerns, but also with hope.  As we continue to pray for those impacted by the pandemic, especially globally – there is hope. Francis was a man of hope and could find it inn each situation, even experiencing difficult situations as perfect joy. We benefit by his example and in his way of so beautifully following in the footsteps of Christ. We feel his positive influence even today.

    At our July Zoom gathering, we'll focus on Franciscans who brought hope into the world, one of which was Julia Greeley OFS.  Julia was an enslaved person who after obtaining her freedom chose to become an angel of mercy to others in need.  Julia is fondly remembered for her acts of charity in the city of Denver. 

     Julia was an enthusiastic parishioner, a daily communicant, and became an active member of the Secular Franciscan Order starting in 1901.  Some called Julia a ‘one person St. Vincent de Paul Society" as she pulled her little red wagon full of items for the needy through Denver, CO - often visiting at night so that her recipients would not be embarrassed by being seen receiving charity, especially from an African-American woman.  Julia's story inspired Fr. Regis Scanlon, OFM,Cap. to found the Julia Greeley Home in Denver for homeless women. You can learn more about Julia’s story on the website of the Julia Greely Guild.  

    As fellow Secular Franciscans let us ask how we might serve others in and make a positive difference in our families, fraternity, Church, and the world.

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