The Way of St. Francis - Works of Justice
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SPR ING 20 23 · VO L . 2 8 , N O. 1 The Way of St. Francis Works of Justice THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS PROVINCE OF SAINT BARBARA
Prayer, Fraternity, Joy, Service
The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Saint Barbara are members
of a Roman Catholic religious order, from a diversity of backgrounds
and cultures, dedicated to serving the poor and promoting justice,
peace, care of creation, and reconciliation in the joyful and prophetic
spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
* * *
The Way of St. Francis S P RI N G 2023 · VOL. 28, NO. 1
The Way of St. Francis is a free publication, for those who provide time, treasure,
and talent to the Franciscan friars, Province of St. Barbara (OFM). We appreciate your
support, and welcome your comments. Address letters to the editor or any other
questions to The Way of St. Francis, 1500 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 or email
us at TheWay@sbofm.org.
© 2023 Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.
Publisher Editor Contributors
Very Reverend David Gaa, John Feister Daniel Barica, OFM
OFM, Minister Provincial Murray Bodo, OFM
Art Direction and Design
Maureen K. Day
Director of Development Cassie Magnotta
Greg Friedman, OFM (photo)
Joseph Schwab, OFM
Peter Jordan (photo)
Development & Dan Lackie, OFM
Communications Manager Julie Lonneman (artwork)
Joe Ledbetter Dick Tandy, OFM (photo)
Russell Testa
Bradley Tuel, OFM (photo)
Keith Douglass Warner, OFM
* * *
ON THE COVER: Brother Victor Vega is chaplain
at St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Started by Friar Hugh Noonan 50 years ago, in
2022 13 staff and hundreds of volunteers ran a
whole list of programs, with staggering impact.
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Center
www.sbfranciscans.org
inside
Works
of Justice 10
F E AT U R E S D E PA R T M E N T S
10 franciscan spirit 4 dear friends
St. Francis in Lent
Murray Bodo, OFM 5 calendar
12 common ground 6 along the way
Franciscan Roots of American
Catholic Social Justice Ministry
7 donor profile
Maureen K. Day
8 snapshot
16 on the cover 30 at last
Serving the Houseless: LA's St. Francis Center
John Feister
20
concerning care
Pursuing Justice, Peace,
and the Integrity of Creation
Russell Testa
24
among the friars
Franciscans Together: Pathways to Renewal
Keith Douglass Warner, OFM 16
20
12 24
Spring 2023 The Way 3
dear friends
Peace &
all good!
Photo: ©www.peterjordanphoto.com
“Love and truth will meet;
justice and peace will kiss.”
Those words, from Psalm 85,
can be heard both as a comfort-
ing promise, and as a challenge.
On the one hand, we hear the
promise of a reign of peace and
solidarity, a future we all long for. But wars and starvation around
the world, indeed hunger, abuse, and homelessness at our own
doors, warn us not to get too comfortable.
Yes, God promises us the incredible fullness of life: love, truth,
justice, peace. But in another sense, for love and truth to meet, we
must lovingly face the truth. For justice and peace to kiss, there must
be justice and peace. That is why St. Francis learned to embrace the
leper; that is why Franciscans, at our best, are immersed in the lives
of the poor. We are trying to witness to God’s truth, to God’s justice.
Each of us needs to be tender with the poverty within that all
of us experience, that’s for sure. We all need to be gentle with our
neighbors, rich and poor. But we each are deeply challenged to work
toward a time when justice and peace will kiss.
In this issue we’ve tried to highlight some ways that we Francis-
cans, along with our lay partners, are working for justice. Maureen
Day sets the stage with a Franciscan approach to justice and peace;
Russ Testa gives some highlights of Franciscan efforts across the
United States. Friar Murray Bodo reflects on St. Francis’ contempla-
tion that so fueled his action for the poor. Also in this issue Brother
Keith Warner gives a progress report on the coming together of
friars in the Order of Friars Minor across the United States into the
new Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. That’s been in the works for
some years; it will happen officially in October.
Fraternally,
David Gaa, OFM
Minister Provincial, Province of Saint Barbara
4 The Way sbfranciscans.org
calendar
Photo: Bradley Tuel, OFM
Franciscan Renewal Center Facilitators: Mary Dunn and 8-Day Retreat
Scottsdale, Arizona Alanna Mack St. Bonaventure's Journey
thecasa.org Whether you’ve experienced Into God
Retreats Portal: a Legacy Workshop before or May 4–12
frc.retreatportal.com this will be your first time, we Facilitators: Fr. André Cirino,
408-948-7460 warmly welcome you to join us OFM, & Josef Raischl, OFS
for our newly expanded Your Based on St. Bonaventure's
Popcorn, Pizza, Peace & Story, Your Legacy Retreat. masterpiece, “Itinerarium
Movie Night: Mission Joy Come join us for a wonderful Mentis in Deum”—his Journey
March 31 weekend of self-discovery and Into God. Each day is dedicated
Laugh out loud funny. Poignant. soulful conversation that will re- to a chapter with a balance of
Powerful. Practical. A once- new and strengthen you for the instruction, reading, personal/
in-a-generation film with a journey ahead! Fee, including community participation in
“just-in-time” message from lodging and meals: $200 per Eucharistic liturgy, morning/
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and person. Registration required. evening prayer. Fee, including
His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In meals: $1,100 single room;
what is likely their last time to- Fast Talk Theology: Pope $850 double room; $700 com-
gether, this film traces the epic Francis calls us to be muter. Pre-registration required.
life stories of these Nobel Peace missionary disciples, in the
Prize winners as they faced spirit of St. Francis Mission San Luis Rey
oppression, exile, death threats, April 16 Oceanside, California
cancer, and more—unyielding Facilitator: Br. Keith Warner, sanluisrey.org
and still laughing. OFM 760-757-3651
Pope Francis’ project for the
Weekend Retreat Church — the “Francis Option” Spring Lecture Series:
Holy Week 2023 — has now come into focus, Exodus and Easter
April 1–5—Part I and it challenges everyone 4-week series: April 11, 18, 25,
April 6–9—Part II participating in religious forma- & May 2
Facilitators: Fr. Phillip Chircop, tion and the life of the Church. Facilitator: Fr. Michael Guinan,
SJ. Please see the Franciscan Much has been written about OFM
Renewal Center Retreat Portal the “novel” social dimensions Exodus imagery forms the
for full details. of his project, expressed in background for many of the
Registration required. Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti, but readings we hear in the Easter
these can only be fully under- season. At the Transfiguration,
Weekend Retreat stood in light of the develop- Jesus speaks with Moses and
Legacy Retreat ment of his ecclesial vision over Elijah about “his exodus that
April 15–16 the past 20 years. he was going to accomplish in
continued on page 28
Spring 2023 The Way 5
along the way
Encounter
By Dan Lackie, OFM
A poem I stumbled on last week con-
tains all the tenderness, wonder, and
desire that mark our faith in the Incarna-
tion, a theme close to St. Francis’ heart:
Photo: John Feister
“An angel robed in spotless white, /
Bent down and kissed the sleeping
Night. / Night woke to blush; the sprite
was gone. / Men saw the blush and
called it Dawn.” resides at the heart of the celebration of
The author of the poem, Paul Lau- the Eucharist. It is a desire for reconcili-
rence Dunbar (1872–1906), was one ation, justice, and peace expressed by
of the first widely acclaimed African Jesus on the very night before his own
American poets in US history. I’ve been violent death (Lk 22:15). That Passover
wondering if the “sleeping Night” he meal and the “earnest desire” at its core
writes about is in any way connected is rooted in the Christian story and God’s
to the trauma of the Civil War, which desire to be with us (“Emmanuel”) in
shadowed his own life experience, along all the poverty and confusion of human
with the memory of his parents’ experi- reality. The Holy Family would live, after
ence of enslavement. In his poetic vision, all, as refugees exploited by the political
perhaps, he perceived a new dawn. machinations of Herod.
In his apostolic letter last June, Pope Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit, present at
Francis wrote of the deep desire that the dawn of creation, seeks out all shad-
owed places with the love of God, so
that our Eucharist, at the table of God’s
desire, directs us as well to the humility
of the place of God’s desire. That place
was right there in Galilee, on the edges
of the empire. And that place, today, is
everywhere. As Jesus taught us, ”The
kingdom of God is among you.”
Photo by Sylvain Brison, Courtesy of Unsplash
At the heart of the Eucharist is a desire
for reconciliation, for justice and peace,
that same peace Jesus wished for his
disciples.
6 The Way sbfranciscans.org
donor profile
Gift of Time and Talent
By Joseph Schwab, OFM
Photo courtesy of Ben Combs
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1989, Ben
Combs is now working as the Director
of St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan
Bautista, California. I asked him about
his commitment to the Franciscans.
Ben Combs brings his gifts of passion and
How did you discover Franciscans? entrepreneurship to St. Francis Retreat.
Through the Franciscan Spiritual Cen-
ter in Milwaukie, Oregon. I talked to What’s the priority for you right now?
a spiritual director. What really kind of The year ahead is about understanding.
drove it home for me was when my Being new, I have enjoyed learning what
Nana passed. Both of my grandmothers St. Francis Retreat means to the wonder-
had strong connections to Franciscan ful community of staff, neighbors, and
spirituality. They had cousins who were patrons. There are often three genera-
Franciscan friars and sisters. tions in one family that have received
spiritual nourishment here.
Why did you take a pay cut to help us? My immediate priority is ensuring a
I had a keen interest in social entrepre- viable water source that sustains the
neurship, but what I had learned was center for the next 50 years or more. We
hollow. What helped me go deeper was are making great headway and expect
a quote of Pope Francis, “To change the to have a well operating by summer.
world you help someone who can never
repay you.” I thought, This is the truth! How do people show their support?
We welcome any and all contributions,
What do you find compelling here? large and small. We’re now self-sustain-
Care and love of creation is just inher- ing after the pandemic shutdown. Peo-
ent on such a beautiful property. We are ple are helping us look at much needed
in the foothills of the Gabilan Moun- capital improvements and new program-
tains, east of Monterey Bay. The hills ming is on the horizon. We have strong
are planted with vineyards or forested volunteers who actively are helping us
with old oak and other trees, and the improve and grow. Hosting Thanksgiv-
valley below is often used for orchards ing dinner for local people who had no
or vegetables and growing flowers for place to go enlivened our relationships
seed. Care of creation is part of what with many friends who could not come
we aim to do while providing service to during the pandemic.
the poor, spiritual growth, and providing
a safe place to relate to God. I want to
help bring these out in a more vibrant Father Joseph Schwab, OFM, is Director of
way. Development for this Province.
Spring 2023 The Way 7
snapshot
Sunflowers in these United States echo the
sunflowers that cover the acres below Assisi,
Italy, home of Sts. Francis and Clare. No
matter where, they proclaim the greatness of
God, and somehow call each of us to join the
heavenly chorus of praise.
Photo by Dan Barica, OFM
franciscan spirit
St. Francis in Lent
BY MURRAY BODO, OFM
Sometime between his 29th and 31st without any material food. Though that
year St. Francis, inspired by God, spent may be true, every time I fasted and
the 40 days of Lent on an uninhabited prayed on the island with other pilgrims,
island in Lago Trasimeno, the largest I wondered if there might not be more
lake of peninsular Italy. He had spent to that fast than overcoming pride?
the night before in the nearby home of For one thing, Francis was very young
a friend whom he asked to row him to in his newly converted life in Christ, and
Lago Maggiore, the lake’s main island, I wonder if he did not undertake this
on Ash Wednesday and to not come solitary fast primarily to concentrate
for him again before Holy Thursday. St. more intensely on Christ, whose foot-
Francis took with him two small loaves steps he had begun to follow in earnest.
of bread; when his friend came for him So much had happened since Pope
at the end of Lent, Francis still had a Innocent III had approved the Broth-
loaf-and-a-half of bread. ers’ Rule of life only a few years before.
For many years I accompanied pilgrims In addition, the Brothers had grown
on a day trip to the same island in Lake in number into the thousands, and
Trasimeno to ritualize St. Francis’ Lent Francis needed to regroup and focus on
eight centuries before. The Little Flow- the work that Christ was doing in and
ers of Saint Francis, one of the medieval through all that was coming to pass.
sources of the story, maintains that The philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre
this incident reveals how St. Francis once remarked, you can’t know what to
overcame pride by eating half a loaf of do unless you know what story you are
bread, lest the saint outdo Christ who a part of. That observation summarizes
fasted for 40 days in the Judaean desert for me what I believe is the main reason
Murray Bodo photo courtesy of Franciscan Archives
Lent can be a time
of fasting, of prayer,
of almsgiving, all to
help us to clear our
heads and hearts,
so we can see who
Christ is and what
Christ wants of us.
10 The Way sbfranciscans.orgPhoto by Bouncey2k, via Wikimedia Commons
Lago Trasimeno, seen
here, is a half day’s
walk from Assisi. Here
St. Francis came for
Lent, to fast and pray.
Francis undertook this solitary retreat so What a way to look upon our own
early in the life of the Order he founded. Lent from year to year: a time to relook
He wasn’t thinking of fasting as at our true story, again. In knowing the
perfectly as possible; he was trying to story of who is Christ, we, too, know
remember and commit himself anew to what we are to do: to love others as
the story Christ had been revealing from Christ has loved us.
the very beginning of Francis’ conver- In that dynamic between looking
sion. And that story was Christ’s own again at the story and then living it,
story, a story Christ had invited Francis contemplation and action are born in
into. It was the story of the Incarna- us, a birth which in turn gives birth to
tion, the self-emptying of the Word, the what is variously called Christian charity,
second person of the blessed Trinity, in social justice, or simply justice, which St.
order to take on our human nature. Bonaventure said, makes beautiful that
Francis on Lake Trasimeno wanted to which has become deformed.
become so rapt in contemplation of the And we know what that beauty of
incarnate Christ that he would be aware justice looks like. It is in the story of
of nothing and no one else, even for- Jesus as foretold by the prophet Isaiah:
getting to eat, so rich was the spiritual
sustenance of refocusing on the story I, the Lord, have called you
that he had become part of. He would for the victory of justice,
eat only of Christ, the bread of life. I have grasped you by the hand;
As the modern mystic, Simone Weil,
says so succinctly of contemplation, I formed you, and set you
“Eternal Beatitude is a state, where to as a covenant of the people,
look is to eat.” I can’t think of a better a light for the nations,
way of understanding what St. Francis
did for those 40 days on Lake Trasime- to open the eyes of the blind,
no. He was reminding himself of who to bring prisoners
and what the story was that he was from confinement,
now part of. And in refocusing on that and from the dungeon,
story for 40 days, he knew again, even those who live in darkness.
more clearly, what he was to do, namely, —Isaiah 42:6–7 ❖
what Jesus did. He was to start again to
pour himself out in love for others, as Father Murray Bodo, poet and author, is a
did his lord, Jesus. friar of St. John the Baptist Province, OFM.
Spring 2023 The Way 11concerning care
Franciscan Roots
of American Catholic
Social Justice Ministry
BY MAUREEN K. DAY
When I first was asked to write what is United States has been deeply shaped
a Franciscan approach to social justice by Franciscan thought. I had studied
ministry, of course I said yes. I’ve been JustFaith Ministries, the experienced and
immersed in the Franciscan tradition compelling nationwide organization for
for seven years and I wrote a book on parishes, which is very Franciscan in its
Catholic civic engagement; I could do mission and values. Indeed, so are the
this upside down in my sleep! vast majority of Catholic social ministry
But then I sat down to write. Even organizations in the United States.
right side up and wide awake, I could The five characteristics of social minis-
not figure out what a distinctly Francis- try I identified in my book—transforma-
can—as opposed to generally Catho- tion, Christ-centeredness, community,
lic—approach to social justice ministry justice or outreach, and compassion—
might be. Then it hit me. Consciously are rooted in Francis’ life and the move-
or not, Catholic social ministry in the ments he inspired. Let’s unpack these.
US Catholic social
ministry is shaped by
Franciscan thought,
Photo courtesy of Maureen K. Day
says author Maureen
K. Day, seen here at
the Franciscan School
of Theology, in San
Diego.
12 The Way sbfranciscans.orgThere was more, many more,
than one embrace of lepers
for St. Francis. Crossing
over into another’s poverty
became his way of life.
Artwork by Julie Lonneman
Transformation is incredibly important to culmination of his conversion, Francis’
the Franciscan tradition. Jerald Brauer, encounter with the leper was just the
a sociologist of conversion, wrote that beginning. Francis’ transformation while
within the whole of Catholic history, showing mercy to the leper makes
Franciscans uniquely understood the social ministry an act of reciprocity and
role of the Holy Spirit and conversion in solidarity rather than a paternalistic
the life of the Christian. This is no doubt gesture marked by inequality and social
rooted in Francis’ profound conversion distance.
in his encounter with the leper. The Lord
led Francis to the lepers, a people he Christ-centeredness needs to be quali-
found abhorrent. But in Francis’ trust fied. At its heart, the Franciscan tradition
and openness, what had seemed bitter is deeply Trinitarian, and draws upon
to him “was turned into sweetness of each of the three persons of the Trinity
soul and body.” And far from being the as well as the loving relationship they
Spring 2023 The Way 13Photo courtesy of Old Mission Santa Barbara Facebook Page
A group of coworkers
gathers at Fr. Virgil
Cordano Center, a walk-in
respite in Santa Barbara,
California, started by
nearby friars.
share. Even given this, we can still talk ciscan heart. The world has a lot of suf-
about the unique contributions of Christ fering in it. If people know they are not
to the Franciscan tradition. alone in wanting to bring abundance to
Perhaps most obviously, the Franciscan places of scarcity, community can mean
tradition is animated by the Incarna- hope rather than despair, bitterness, or
tion. When the Word became flesh and apathy.
dwelt among us, not only did God love Second, one of the best ways to bring
us directly through the particularity of about social change is in community.
Jesus of Nazareth, but this was a game- Not only do we buoy one another in
changer for the entire created universe. community, but also through collabora-
God’s love was made visible in that sin- tion, our gifts come together and grow.
gular moment of Christ’s birth as well as Amazing things happen when we work
in every moment afterward that reveals together.
God’s in-breaking.
Christ offers us a window to both the Justice or outreach were the words
fully divine and the fully human, illumi- I used in my book to describe social
nating who we are as well as the beauty ministry. If an organization is focused
of our brothers and sisters. Franciscan on structural change, it leans toward
social justice ministry is incarnational. justice. If it is more about charity or im-
mediate needs, it leans toward outreach.
Community is possibly the most visible But Franciscans have their own word
characteristic of Franciscan life. Fri- that encompasses both: mercy.
ars, sisters, seculars, and the so-called The charitable work of Franciscans is
“fourth order” members (the non-pro- well-known, but showing mercy through
fessed who live lives inspired by Francis) structural change is less discussed. In
gather regularly in living arrangements, Franciscan theologian Ken Himes’ Fran-
ministries, parishes, and more to form, ciscan Urban Ministry, mercy through
challenge, and encourage one another. social reform was an important focus.
First, community matters for the Fran- As an example, in the 14th century the
14 The Way sbfranciscans.orgfriars in Siena had become more lax in was not covered in my book—is gift.
their denouncing of riches. The Obser- The Franciscan tradition recognizes a
vant Franciscan reform pushed back on total distinction between Creator and
this. They argued against the prevailing creation. When compared to an infinite
sentiment that those in poverty were God, creation—including you and me—
there because of their own doing, say- seems vastly insignificant. And yet, God
ing instead that the impoverished were sees us as wondrously significant. God is
victims of an unjust system. They also right. God delights in our joys, mourns
denounced the common practice of our suffering, and tenderly embraces us
usury and started their own nonprofit as we leave our earthly life.
pawn shops where people could borrow God loves us. And with this lavish love
money at a reasonable cost. comes abundant gifts. Everything that
Needless to say, they made both exists—including you and me—is loved
friends and enemies in these efforts, into being by God. And once we real-
standing as a prophetic witness and ize the gift of existence, it transforms
bringing good news to the poor. everything. Everything and everyone is
Mercy—structural and charitable—is a precious. We desire the good for all. Awe
hallmark of Franciscan life. and wonder abound. This lens of gift
grounds Franciscan social justice ministry.
Compassion means “to suffer with” This, then, is the Franciscan approach
another. To experience compassion— to justice: of bringing transformation,
which is different from prophetic anger Christ-centeredness, community, mercy
or pity—requires that we step into the (charity and justice), compassion, and
suffering of another and feel some piece gift to our lives, ministries, and world!
of it ourselves. It is deeply Christ-like, And our efforts in this approach are
deeply Franciscan, and deeply human. It constantly to be renewed. As St. Francis
changes both the receiver and the giver. famously said, “Let us begin again, be-
It brings beauty to an ugly situation, cause up until now, we have done little
connection to the isolated, and security or nothing.” ❖
to the vulnerable. In truth, it is one of
the most powerful human experiences. Maureen K. Day is an associate professor of
Religion and Society at the Franciscan School
A final “bonus” characteristic of Fran- of Theology. Her latest book is Catholic
ciscan social justice ministry—this one Activism Today (NYU Press).
Photo courtesy of Old Mission Santa Barbara Facebook Page
Beauty is part of
dignity, wholeness.
Here, Cordano Center
invites houseless
people to use paints
and canvas to express
themselves.
Spring 2023 The Way 15on the cover
Board member
Photos courtesy of St. Francis Center
Michael McGuinness
(l) and volunteer Vod
Alajian prepare breakfast
for guests.
Serving the Houseless
LA’s St. Francis Center
BY JOHN FEISTER
A quick Google search will tell you lots Brother Victor, a Franciscan, has been
about St. Francis Center in downtown at St. Francis Center since 2020. This
Los Angeles. It was started in 1972 by once agricultural worker, “working in the
the late Friar Hugh Noonan, OFM, with fields,” he says, was raised in La Cañada,
the help of lay Franciscans. Father Hugh Mexico, a village in Michoacan state.
and volunteers invited unhoused people, “I’m the chaplain here,” says Brother
then served basic needs as well as they Victor, taking a break to talk by phone.
could. Fast-forward 50 years and you He explains, “In mornings I welcome
have a Dining Room serving 75,000 all the people who come to the center.
meals per year, a staff of 13, and a slew After that I give out clothes, I talk with
of volunteers working with the im- them. I get counseling or pray for them,
mediate and longer term needs of the for whatever they need. Especially, I
center’s guests. listen to them. I listen to their stories
A conversation with Brother Victor of struggle, the travails of life. So I try
Vega and Jasmine Bravo will take you a to support them or try to find a job
bit deeper than that. for them.” He typically sees about 150
16 The Way sbfranciscans.orgpeople per day.
“There are some people I usually
from the inside
see, so I build a relationship with From a Guest of St. Francis Center
them. I know a lot of people!” he
says with a smile. He is the only
friar serving this location, but that I had been visiting some social program
will likely change soon. There is centers. A lot of them were too rigid or
talk of a new friary that will likely even inhuman. St. Francis Center changes
be formed after six US Franciscan my point of view. After I met Friar Victor,
provinces pool their efforts this who brought me a Catholic awakening,
fall. “The province was planning there was a big change in my life.
to build a friary house next to St. Every morning, the homeless commu-
Francis so we can have more min- nity needs a lot of clothing and food. We
istries, with more friars from other are talking about hundreds of people.
places.” I can see Friar Victor trying not to have
Those plans are connected to a any left out, including the mental people
broader expansion of St. Francis while other organizations would leave
Center, says executive director them unattended. Since I am an artist,
Jasmine Bravo, who has worked at Friar Victor told me to paint a mural on
the center these past six years. She the wall of St. Francis Center. During the
explains more of the center’s pro- process I learned a lot about St. Francis
gram, and the reason why space from Franciscan life and spirituality to
has become an issue. “We have the stories of the wolf. That gave me an
a breakfast service for those who understanding of the importance of the
are unhoused, a pantry service for virtues of St. Francis: unmaterialistic, giv-
families who are low income, and ing, ecology concern etc.
a variety of other services through Blessed from St. Francis Center and
different partnerships: a laundry Friar Victor, right now I live healthier
service, a shower program, and a physically and spiritually. Thank you, Friar
diaper program that is community- Victor. That means a lot to me. It is my
volunteer based.” She explains honor to participate in Friar Victor’s proj-
that many of these services are ects that could change lives.—David Chu
provided by volunteers, includ-
ing some of the guests who have
become a regular part of the
St. Francis Center family. “They
give back to the community that
helped them,” she says.
“There’s a lot of insecurity,” she
explains, speaking of houseless
people who couch surf from home
to home, or live in vehicles. “We
try to make sure we can get them
to a program that can help.” That
could be from short-term sup-
plies to social service programs for
long-term housing and food. The
families who receive these types
of services live with annual income
Brother Victor and painter David Chu show
less than $25,000.
off David’s magnificent portrayal of St.
Among the 13 staff and the Francis, towering outside of the center.
1,700 volunteers who serve eachDirector Jasmine
Bravo (l) helps a
young guest find
balance on a new
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Center
Christmas-present-
bike. Adopt-A-Family
links corporate
partners and families
in need.
year, Brother Victor has a big presence. “I think what makes us slightly differ-
“He’s our spiritual chaplain, but he ent than, for example, a larger non-
also runs what we call ‘Brother Victor’s profit organization, maybe doing similar
Closet.’” Clearly the staff is poking a bit services, is that we provide that one-on-
of fun at Brother Victor with that name. one. We know you by name. Folks could
“He likes to walk around, chatting with come here and can literally point out
our guests, especially those that live on every single team member and they can
our block or a couple blocks away. He say, ‘Hey, you know, I know that person
walks around with pants over his shoul- and I know that I can walk up to them
der, shirts over shoulder, a variety of and ask them for help,’ and we'll be
sizes”—imagining the sight of it makes there with them.”
her chuckle. “He wants to make sure Which gets us back to the need for
that our guests are clean or provided more room. “For many years we've
with clean clothing. He likes to carry wanted to grow our organization,” she
around hygiene kits with him to pass says. “Our space is about 7,000 square
around that have a fresh pair of socks, feet. We try to make it as multipurpose
a fresh pair of underwear, items so as we possibly can, but we are bursting
that they can get kind of cleaned up.” at the seams!” Recently the building
Her and Brother Victor’s joyful attitude next to the center became available.
makes more bearable what is surely very “We’d like to expand our common
difficult. space in the front of our building to
In a city of 13 million, where home- where we can serve more of our un-
lessness is in crisis proportion, where housed guests with a sit-down break-
the new mayor has declared homeless fast.” Right now, with only five tables,
services a priority for city government, much of the breakfast offering is to-go.
you’d think that St. Francis Center ”Our goal is maybe 15 tables, in a space
would be a tiny player. “We pack a big where we can really bring everyone in,
punch!” Jasmine asserts, with a smile. especially in the summer when it’s super
“We're trying to make a difference as hot.”
best we can. We cannot solve the prob- Jasmine and her staff would also love
lem, but by working with different part- to expand their resource department,
ners in our area, I think we can make a she says, to offer mental health services.
dent in it. And we can help folks know “That is something that I think is really
that this is a safe space that they could an issue these days. This pandemic put
come to, to receive a variety of services. everyone in a really difficult situation,”
18 The Way sbfranciscans.orgfor years to come, she says. She fore- that we care for the environment, or
sees a space for counselors and other that we care for serving others, that we
health-care practitioners to work in, treat everyone with dignity and respect.
even occasionally—a dentist, a doctor or These are things that everyone can easily
nurse, an optometrist. Her guests have do in their day-to-day.”
so many basic, unmet needs. Brother Victor can nod an easy agree-
St. Francis Center wants to meet ment to that. And he offers another
people where they are. That would be in Franciscan dimension: “I try not only
imitation of St. Francis, whose beautiful serving the people in need but being
image offers a towering welcome from with the poor, caring for them,” he says.
the wall outside the center. “We have “Serving the poor always honors God.” ❖
a term for him: ‘the chillest saint!’” she
says of Francis. “He’s so easy to get on
board with. Making sure we believe, or John Feister is editor of this publication.
first church Ever since Brother Victor came to the
United States from his village of La
Brother Victor's Other Project Cañada, Michoacan, Mexico, he dreamed
of building a church. Victor came to the
US as a farmworker before joining the
friars. “We never had a church, and I am
the only religious. So I have the respon-
sibility, and also the inspiration, to build
a church for my whole town, for my own
people.”
They charged him with making a
design and serving as principal fund-
raiser. So, using Photoshop software,
he designed a church. “I went with the
designs and started hiring contractors.
It's a big responsibility, but I feel like this
is another story of St. Francis when he
started building the churches.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe church is now
built, but not finished. A priest comes
from a nearby town to say Mass. If
Photo courtesy of Brother Victor Vega
you’re interested in helping to finish the
church—Brother Victor estimates it will
require $30,000 to add windows, a door,
flooring–you can donate through Saint
Barbara Province.—J.F.
Our Lady of Guadalupe will be the first church ever for La Cañada, Brother Victor’s
home village, in Michoacan, about halfway between Guadalajara and Mexico City.concerning care
Pursuing Justice,
Peace, and the
Integrity of Creation
BY RUSSELL TESTA
The whole is greater than its parts. But how do those parts come together? This Oc-
tober, when the six Franciscan OFM provinces become one Our Lady of Guadalupe
Province, there will be a sharing of approaches to the work of Justice, Peace, and
the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Each province’s approach is one that will be contin-
ued and adapted to our new coast-to-coast reality. So what will each be bringing?
Here’s a look at some of what exists today. A full telling of this story would require
books or a month’s worth of videos! These little paragraphs are just highlights to
give a flavor of what each province brings into Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Province
Photo courtesy of Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Province Facebook Page
(Wisconsin-based)
The Assumption Province brings a deep
commitment to forming communities of
friars that actively insert themselves into
complex systems and experiences of in-
justice. In this insertion they get to know
the people and the challenges they face.
They work closely with the local Church.
They develop strategies and actions both
spiritually and materially through aid to
support the people in working for social
change. In doing so, the relationships
that are formed become ones that can
Fr. James Gannon, on a provincial visitation
to Wisconsin friars ministering in the
bring transformation in areas such as
Philippines, spent time feeding and aiding immigration, racism, and deep economic
local children too. poverty.
20 The Way sbfranciscans.orgAuthor Russell
Photo courtesy of Holy Name Province
Testa (far right)
with participants
of the 2018 JPIC
Local Contacts
retreat during
their gathering.
Holy Name Province (New York-based)
Holy Name Province has a long history Franciscan fraternity, or lay staff depend-
of partnering in ministry with the laity in ing on the needs and resources of the
the ministries in which the friars serve. local community.
This partnership is one of shared leader- The Local Contacts work closely with
ship, mutual learning, friars taking a less Province’s JPIC Office to animate provin-
visible stance of leadership, and spiritual cial and Order JPIC priorities in a way ap-
support. Several years ago, when the propriate to the local situation while also
Province reorganized the JPIC Office, helping the Province recognize the issues
they adopted this partners in ministry and JPIC movements locally. Finally this
approach to JPIC by developing “JPIC program enables Local Contacts to learn
Local Contacts.” These Contacts are from each other’s experience and gain
appointed by local leadership and could new skills and spiritual support from the
be friars, lay volunteers, the local Secular JPIC Office.
In 2019, friars
and parishioners
Photo courtesy of Greg Friedman, OFM
gathered at St.
Michaels, Arizona,
to honor a religious
sister for her years
of service among the
Navajo People.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (New Mexico-based)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province bring forward a deep relational connec-
emerged from a profound desire to tion to historically marginalized com-
serve the Native American people of the munities. It reflects a significant desire
Southwestern United States. The long- to be present to communities, where
time insertion into these communities the friars will always be outsiders, yet
shows the missionary and evangelizing can be bridges of understanding to the
character of the work of Justice, Peace, wider world. This JPIC approach opens
and Integrity of Creation. Such an ap- our eyes and hearts to the best of what
proach has enabled the JPIC work to Franciscans are called to be.
Spring 2023 The Way 21Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Province Facebook Page
Friars are outspoken
supporters of anti-
racism in St. Louis,
a city where studies
show racial disparity
and segregation
remain entrenched.
Sacred Heart Province (Missouri-based)
Sacred Heart Province has a history of have also stressed the imperative to
actively seeking out and supporting support the lay members of these com-
ministries that serve persons who are in munities to share in the leadership and
communities of color in US society. They direction of the work of social transfor-
have done this by encouraging friars mation. The local community is able to
to develop their individual talents and blossom in difficult social and economic
direction for service to diverse commu- circumstances through shared action for
nities. That could be through the arts, tangible change in coordination with
for example, or through social change other communities of faith in their local
action, like community organizing. They domain.
St. Anthony’s
Foundation
staffer Joseph
Le works with
their Tenderloin
Photo by Dick Tandy, OFM
Technology
Tech Center, for
houseless people in
San Francisco.
Saint Barbara Province (California-based)
Saint Barbara Province set out some run, if they were more independent of
years ago to create a structure that the Franciscan Province. These “spon-
would allow some principal ministries to sored ministries” are governed inde-
carry into the future. They recognized pendently, but still in close relationship
that the complex and diverse ministries to the Province. I can say this from afar:
to serve persons who are poor or mar- What incredible insight! There are not
ginalized would do better, in the long enough friars to always provide leader-
22 The Way sbfranciscans.orgship, and furthermore, there are layper- Integration and Ministry Support. Led by
sons who share the Franciscan vision Kathleen Flanagan, they assist sponsored
with skills and talents that the friars may ministries through training, in-service,
not be able to provide. and other support to be able to live out
This insight has led to the formation and grow Franciscan values: a spirit of
of a significant number of sponsored inclusive welcome, social change, and
ministries. Saint Barbara Province took contemplation in action that is at the
a further step, the Office of Mission heart of each location.
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Seraph Ministries Facebook
St. Anthony Center,
near downtown
Cincinnati, offers a
multitude of services
from family services,
food relief, to job
training.
St. John the Baptist Province (Ohio-based)
St. John the Baptist Province has a an isolated parish committee or social
strong focus on parish ministry. This service program. Rather, it spreads to all
has shaped the friars’ JPIC efforts to corners of the relationships that the par-
recognize the unique and varied gifts of ish fosters. Further, as the neighborhood
each local community. JPIC helps them in which the parish is located changes
identify ways to address the needs of economically and demographically it
the people in their local communities. provides a continuity of presence and
That method moved JPIC beyond being relationship connectivity.
Even a brief look, such as this, shows diverse and complementary approaches and
insights to the work of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. As they officially
come together as Our Lady of Guadalupe Province this October, each of the Prov-
inces has much to learn from the others! Their work for Justice, Peace, and the
Integrity of Creation is reflecting the light of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and Fratelli
Tutti. Indeed, they offer a sense of pride and hope for the future. ❖
Russell Testa is JPIC Animator for Holy Name Province, based in New York.
Spring 2023 The Way 23among the friars
Franciscans
Together
Pathway
to Renewal
BY KEITH DOUGLASS WARNER, OFM(Opposite page)
“Rebuild my Church,”
Francis heard Jesus
say. Friars continue
to follow that call.
(Right) Franciscans
step out in faith–
and solidarity–in
Photo: Cathy Cline, courtesy of WikiCommons
an unjust world.
Six provinces of Franciscan friars in the presents reflections on how the meta-
United States are coming together to phor of pilgrimage guides our path to
form one new national province, Our renewal.
Lady of Guadalupe Province, in October
2023. In the face of diminishing num- Pilgrims step out in faith, believing that
bers and aging members, together we God will guide the journey. We began
decided in 2018 to dissolve our historical this process by wrestling with the need
provinces, pool our resources, and fash-
ion a fresh, renewed Franciscan organi-
zation that can carry forward our vision
of Gospel life in this century.
On one hand, this entails a lot of
renewal
restructuring activities, such as making We renew our Franciscan
our Province administration more efficient witness to American society by:
and designing it to incorporate best prac-
tices. But the heart of this evolution is
renewal, in multiple dimensions: among • Fostering spiritual renewal
the friars, our lay partners, the Franciscan
family and Church, and new members. • Providing inspiring Franciscan
Pilgrimage is a powerful metaphor for formation experiences
understanding Francis’ vision of Gospel
life. Francis called his followers to be • Better stewarding our resources
pilgrims and strangers, so we friars are
using this metaphor to explain this jour-
ney of transformation.
A pilgrimage is a religious journey to a to move beyond our comfort zones. We
holy place by a path not known. Francis do not want to let go of anything good,
directed his followers to identify them- anything essential about the Franciscan
selves as pilgrims, on such a journey way of living the Gospel. But many of
through the world. The text that follows our organizational structures were dated,
does not pretend to explain the count- established for larger provinces in the
less decisions we are making; rather, it pre-digital age. The proposal to create
Spring 2023 The Way 25A life rich in liturgy,
inspired by the life of
St. Francis, is at the
Photo: Provincial Archives
heart of Franciscan
community, from west
to east.
one national province was bold, but gave These serve as an inner compass that
many of us pause since friars generally orients our journey. Yet this way of life
prefer things that are small and humble. brings with it a burden of responsibility.
When we voted, we stepped out in faith We feel a holy obligation to protect and
because we wanted to renew our Fran- nurture the Franciscan way of life. We
ciscan witness, even though we did not never want to dilute our vocation or see
have any real map to follow. it weakened, even when a journey such
as this inevitably requires negotiation and
Pilgrims navigate paths uncertain. On compromise. There is little doubt that
one hand, we knew what we wanted: we Franciscans will have to continue to
a guided process of change that would relinquish ministries and religious houses
stimulate spiritual renewal among the that we have served for generations, and
friars and those who walk with us. On this prompts emotional distress. Yet we
the other hand, we really struggled to express boundless thanks to God for our
get started. We had an intuitive sense memory of sacred events, even as we
of the need to move out, but we did take leave of good places.
not have a clear sense of the direction
or path. The pandemic tangled our first Pilgrims travel an inner journey at the
steps. We have made mistakes and same time as their outer journey. We
learned from them. pray as we walk. St. Francis directed his
When no path presented itself, we followers to pray on the road, so this
bushwhacked, only to have to turn back journey of change calls us to deepen our
and seek out another way. We have pro- commitment to meditation, to contem-
posed ideas that the friars have rejected, plation. A pilgrimage is a journey on
and then had to course-correct. In the Earth, but also a movement of the Holy
process, we have gotten to know each Spirit within us. As we walk this pilgrim
other better, and are in fact coming road, we reflect together upon what the
together from different provinces by the Spirit is saying to us, to guide us.
process of making decisions. No pilgrim
path can be fully known before walking it. Pilgrims walk together. The process of
forming one new province brought us
Pilgrims carry sacred memories. We are into greater contact and communion
inspired by God’s gift of Jesus, the ex- across historical province boundaries. We
ample of our founder St. Francis, and by learn each other’s joys and hopes, fears,
the gift of our own personal vocations. and anxieties. We share our personal
26 The Way sbfranciscans.organd fraternal stories. Some friars are and a cadre of consultants to help us.
tired, some struggle to see hope for the Their professional experience gives us a
future. We want to walk alongside them, degree of confidence that the new prov-
support them, encourage them, and ince structures can serve us well.
strengthen them. We embrace the spirit
of synodality advanced by Pope Francis as Pilgrims invite others to join the journey.
a communal discernment process. We want to attract more younger men
Pope Francis wants the Church to prac- to the Franciscan way of life, to join our
tice mutual listening, with everyone shar- pilgrimage. As we come together, we
ing their experiences, and then together are preparing to invest significantly more
charting a shared path. We Franciscans in vocational outreach, using digital
have a long tradition of this kind of communication tools to connect inquir-
listening together to the Spirit, and we ers to local friars and communities. We
are renewing this practice as we journey, want to make the Franciscan vocation
inspired by the vision of Pope Francis. attractive and compelling in a fresh way.
Pilgrims encounter new people and We carry bowls of fire. In prayer I have
places on their journeys. The formation had a recurring image come to me. The
of one new province might be under- gift of our Franciscan vocation, our
stood as the coming together of dis- charism, is like a flourishing of flames
parate bands of pilgrims on a common that we carry in large open bowls through
road. We are learning to mix and mingle the night. The Spirit calls us to journey
with each band, to share stories, carry toward our ultimate union with God,
burdens, and renew our commitment even through the dark night. We are
to this way of life. This coming together called to illuminate this pathway for oth-
can indeed inspire us to renew our com- ers. May we together make this pilgrim-
mitment to the Franciscan way of life. age to God, and guide many along the
way. ❖
Pilgrims need guides. We rely heavily on
the advice of Franciscan-hearted laypeo-
ple to help us follow our path. We friars Brother Keith Douglass Warner, OFM, is
do not have all the skills, all the knowl- Director of the Franciscan Renewal Project
edge, or experience necessary to make at the Franciscan School of Theology, and
such an ambitious new venture success- Animator of Lifelong Franciscan Formation
ful. We have wonderful lay employees for the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Province.
Our Lady of the
Angels church
in Scottsdale,
Photo: ©www.peterjordanphoto.com
Arizona, is a joyous
partnership of lay
and religious, a sign
of the future.
Spring 2023 The Way 27calendar: continued from page 5
Jerusalem” (Lk 9:31). Jesus is San Damiano Retreat concludes with brunch on
referring to his coming death Danville, California Easter Sunday.
and resurrection, but the foun- sandamiano.org
dational story from the Book 925-837-9141 Your Story, Your Legacy
of Exodus is also in view. Can a Retreat: A Full Sensory
deeper look at this book help Spring Book Series - Earth Exploration
us deepen our understanding Our Original Monastery May 20–21
of the Easter season? Tuesdays, March 7–April 18 Come join us for a wonder-
(Zoom/online) ful weekend of self-discovery
A Brush with God: Facilitator: Kathy Miranda and soulful conversation that
Iconography Workshop This book is a testament to the will renew and strengthen
May 18–21 holiness of nature and a guide you for the journey ahead!
Facilitator: Peter Pearson, to meeting God in the ordinary. This day-and-a-half retreat will
Iconographer We will experience the wisdom engage you—from beginning
Iconography is one of the of the seasons, notice what and to end—in a thoughtful and
great treasures of Christian art. how you give praise, and realize inspiring look at the stories of
Rooted in the tradition of early that our original monastery is how you came to be the person
Christianity, its beauty and where we learned our most you are and the qualities of your
spiritual expression continue fundamental prayers. life that can be a true legacy to
to inspire us today. In this future generations.
workshop, guided by expert Holy Triduum Retreat
Peter Pearson, you will create April 6–9 Serra Retreat
an icon, step-by-step, entering Facilitators: Mary Price Dunn & Malibu, California
into the prayerful reflection Alanna Mack serraretreat.com
characteristic of this sacred art Experience the Holy Triduum 310-456-6631
form. Personalized instruction (Holy Thursday evening, Good
and all supplies are provided. Friday, and Saturday’s Easter Men’s Retreat
No artistic experience neces- Vigil) as one continuous jour- April 28–30
sary! ney ending in Christ’s trium- Facilitators: Sr. Carol Quinlivan,
phant resurrection. The retreat CSJ, and Fr. Charlie Smiech, OFM
begins on Holy Thursday and We invite you to deepen your
Photo at Serra Retreat by John Feister
28 The Way sbfranciscans.orgcalendar: continued from page 28
relationship with God, engaging Retreat. “Despertar la concien- St. Francis Retreat
every part of yourself: heart, cia de Cristo Interiormente,” San Juan Bautista, California
mind, breath and body, our with Fr. Martin Ibarra, OFM, and stfrancisretreat.com
wonders, and our wounds. His Ricardo Sanchez, theologian. 831-623-4234
guidance will help you live life
to the fullest, experiencing the Secular Franciscan Order Registration for programs is full
holiness of God in the ordinary. Retreat at this time; private retreats are
May 26–28 available.
Hispanic Men’s Retreat Facilitator: Mark Lesniewski
May 12–14 What is ours to do in the 21st
Facilitators: Fr. Martin Ibarra, century? Learning from the
OFM, & Ricardo Sanchez past, serving in the present, and
Serra Retreat cordially invites preparing for the future.
you to the Hispanic Men’s
Spring 2023 The Way 29at last
Let the brothers not make anything
their own, neither house, nor place,
nor anything at all.
As pilgrims and strangers in this
world, serving the Lord in poverty
and humility, let them go seeking
alms with confidence, and they
should not be ashamed because,
for our sakes, our Lord made
Himself poor in this world.
This is that sublime height of most
exalted poverty which has made
you, my most beloved brothers, heirs
and kings of the Kingdom of Heaven,
poor in temporal things
but exalted in virtue.
from The Rule of 1223, Ch. 6
Santa Maria Maggiore church,
Assisi, in whose courtyard
Francis left his old life behind.
Photo by Greg Friedman, OFMNONPROFIT ORG
Franciscan Friars
U.S. POSTAGE
Province of Saint Barbara
PA I D
1500 34th Ave.
HAYWARD CA
Oakland, CA 94601
PERMIT #3335
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