n “We pray that every baptized person may be engaged in evangelization, available to the mission, by being wit- nesses of a life that has the flavor of the Gospel.” Pope Francis Few of us are called to be missioners anywhere except in our own slice of the world. Where we are, where we work, where we play, where we live and where we worship, these are the places where our love of our faith must be evi- dent and engaging. As Catholic Christians we must demonstrate the Christian life in such a way that others are attracted, encouraged, and inspired by our example. There are some simple ways to achieve this. First, and this may seem to be understood, by partici- pating during Mass. The times shut- tered in our own homes have made some of us shy at Church. Even more important than participating, be truly present. Show those who are also Franciscan Mission Associates Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10551 Missions in Guatemala - Honduras - El Salvador, Central America JUNE 2022/ VOL 55, NO 4 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 12 attending that your phone, or your watch, or even the bulletin will not take your attention from the priest and the readers and the true reason you are at Mass. Some summer Masses are out- side, depending on the facility. This adds another dimension of distraction, God’s great natural beauty, but acknowledge it after the recessional. Invite a neighbor or family member who, for whatever reason, isn’t going to Mass to join you Sunday. It will give you a time to be present also with that person and to welcome them back. In a recent address Pope Francis reminded us what a powerful force we can be when it comes to guiding others to the faith. “If Christ moves you, if you do things because Christ is guiding you, others will notice it easily. And your testimony of life will inspire admiration, and admiration inspires others to ask them- selves, ‘How is it possible for this person to be this way?’ or ‘What is the source of the love with which this person treats everyone — the kindness and good humor?’” Another way to fortify your own faith and learn more about evangelization is to look no further than the lives of some of our beloved saints, including St. Juan Diego, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus – also known as St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Little Flower, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and of course St. Francis of Assisi. These men and women of God took to heart the baptismal promise of spreading the Good News, and their stories can fortify our own faith and show us how distinct their paths were. Understanding our role and respon- sibility regarding evangelizing is sec- ond nature when we truly believe, and we spend time and energy strengthen- ing our own relationship with our Lord. This can always be achieved through prayer, contemplative and present prayer. And often when we pray, we for- get to hear God’s response. You would share a recipe, a good book, a television show, or podcast – why not think about ways you can share the faith with others, especially in these summer days. n Did You Know... You can continue to carry on your own good work for the missions and the people they serve by remembering them in your will. To do so, simply make a bequest of whatever you wish to: FRANCISCAN MISSION ASSOCIATES, Mount Vernon, NY 10551. If you wish additional informa- tion about how to do this, please feel free to contact: Father Robert, O.F.M., Franciscan Mission Associates PO Box 598, Dept 4222 Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598 FMA Focus, official organ of Franciscan Mission Associates, is published quarterly in February, June, September and November. FMA Focus is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. Please address all correspondence to Father Robert, O.F.M., at P.O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10551. Please send changes of address six weeks in advance; if possible include your mailing label, and give both old and new address. 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 23 Humility and the Spirit of God (St. Francis) VOCATIONS For further information please write Fr. Robert, O.F.M. at Franciscan Mission Associates, P.O. Box 598, Dept. 4224, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 3Wednesday the 29th of June, this year, is the Feast of the Two Great Apostles, Sts. Peter and Paul. The read- ings for this day reflect the power of faith for both men and their devotion to our Lord even when times are bleak. The First reading from Acts tells the beautiful story of how Peter’s faith saved him. He had been taken into custody and put in prison. Four guards and four soldiers were making sure he was detained. Meanwhile those outside were praying to God for Peter’s release. “Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out (Acts 12:7-9). Peter did follow the angel but was uncertain if he was in a vision. Still, he followed, and obeyed what he believed to be a messenger from God. Once the gate leading out of the city opened and they continued to walk the Angel left Peter. He con- tinued to Mary’s house and was saved. This allowed Peter to contin- ue his ministry, spreading the Word of God. In the second reading, a letter from Paul to Timothy details Paul’s love of Christ and devo- tion to the faith even in the face of imminent martyrdom. Paul in the first chapter calls Timothy “my dear child” and reminds him to “stir into a flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.” The reading is just the beginning of this important letter which holds other truths. In chapter two Paul asks Timothy to be true to God in word and deed. “Be sure to turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels. A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting oppo- nents with kindness.” (2 Tm 2:22- 24) Good advice today as well. We show our love for God and work to evangelize by loving others, not con- demning, criticizing, or ridiculing them. St. Peter and St. Paul may have had their differences but they both had unwavering faith and belief in our Lord and that His Word would lead to everlasting life. And both were willing to devote their lives to continuing the work done by Christ. Before Mass make sure to read the two readings in full to prepare. n 4 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 4 n Do you think we are a lot like the new Christians? 5 ST. ANTHONY’S BREAD Offerings in honor of St. Anthony, either in petition for a favor sought, or in thanks- giving for a favor received, are used to assist the poor. Thus, they have received the name, St. Anthony’s Bread. Such offerings are also used to help educate priests and religious. Fr. Robert will gladly send you a leaflet explaining the origin and purpose of this devout practice, now centuries old. Please write: St. Anthony’s Bread, Franciscan Mission Associates PO Box 598, Dept 4223, Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0598 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 5Everybody knows that the prac- tice of frequent confession which used to be so popular has fallen into disuse. Whether we go frequently or not, we pray, especially to St. Anthony for the revival of this pious, holy practice in the Church. In a homily celebrating the 750th anniversary of the death of St. Anthony in 1982, Saint Pope John Paul II linked the famed preaching of Anthony to his other apostolate of the confessional. According to lore St. Anthony was so devoted to the sacrament he often stayed in the confessional from sunup to sundown without realizing it. St. Anthony’s preaching brought the Word of God to so many who would not have oth- erwise received it and that meant many also learned to confess their sins. In Butler’s Lives of the Saints, it reads that “wherever he went crowds flocked to hear him; hard- ened criminals, careless folks, and heretics alike were converted and brought to confession.” While we don’t have St. Anthony to remind us in person the true ben- efits and necessity of Reconciliation, we only must turn to Pope Francis to hear words of wisdom. “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of healing. When I go to confession, it is in order to be healed, to heal my soul, to heal my heart and to be healed of some wrongdoing,” describes Pope Francis. (General Audience, Feb.19, 2014) So, what is keeping the faithful from going to confession? Sometimes, it is fear, fear of the unknown or a fear or a belief that we have gone beyond what God would forgive. And that according to Pope Francis is never the case. “God never ever tires of forgiving us! We tire, we do not want to ask, we grow weary of asking for forgive- ness. He never tires of forgiving, but at times we get tired of asking for forgiveness.” (Angelus, March 17, 2013) It is here that we can call on St. Anthony to reassure and guide us. He is the patron of lost things. We are “lost” when we do not avail our- selves of all the grace God has in our paths. Parishes make it easy for us, they have evening or early morning hours and specific days highlighted in the bulletin. If we spend time this summer reading the life of St. Anthony and praying for his help to guide us to the confessional, we can start with this prayer: Good St. Anthony I admit my weaknesses to you, my instability, and my many needs. How difficult it is for me to pray with faith and trust I should have. Please come to my aid now and secure for me the help I require to be more fre- quent, fervent and faithful in my prayers to God, our blessed Lady and all the saints. Guide me during my examina- tion of conscience and lead me to the forgiving arms of our Lord. Amen n 6 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 6Dear Friend of the Franciscans, Two liturgical seasons, Easter and Ordinary Time are a part of the month of June. At the beginning of June priests will still be wearing the white vestments of Easter representing light, joy, and purity. Easter readings are filled with the Joy of the resurrection. The remainder of the month falls in Ordinary time and the vestments are green, symbolizing hope, and the renewal of spring growth. These sentiments, joy, and hope may not be easy as we continue to battle the difficulties of the last few years. But God is asking us to move forward. To see that like the litur- gical calendar there is joy and hope to be found. Connected to these virtues is the one discussed in this issue, poverty. It is through poverty, through a less distracted life, we can get to the hope and joy God offers. St. Francis gave up his wealth to live in poverty and minister to the faithful. But his lack of material goods was only part of the vow. He also was determined to live simply, truthfully and peace- fully. And that meant sharing. Through poverty, communal bonds are strengthened as are spiritual bonds. When we share, we realize our lives are filled with riches, enough to offer to those in need. And giving, shar- ing and sustaining others fills us with joy. Remember, “It is in giving that we receive.” Enjoy the beautiful month of June, Fr. Robert, O.F.M. 7 Director’s Letter Fr. Robert, O.F.M. FRANCISCAN FRIARS/P.O. BOX 598/MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. 10551-0598 TEL. AREA CODE: 914 664-5604 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 78 alley of the Angels is a home full of love, service and fraternity, in which day after day you get to share with different children. For me, Astrid, having known Valley of the Angels has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Thanks to this place I have been able to be a more independent girl, since it made me a very responsible person. It also showed me that I can be brave, because getting away from family is a very difficult and painful challenge; I also became a dedicated person, because I have to give the best of myself. Helpful, is another adjective that was given to me after living in Valley, as Jesus was when he came to earth to save everyone of us from our sins. This place has a good educational system, which helps many children. The spiritual part is highly encouraged, since it is a religious school and they teach us a lot about God. There is even a phrase deep inside my head that I heard from the first day I entered this place and the second director of this orphanage, “Father Miguel” said it: Know, LOVE AND SERVE GOD. People from Valley are always caring about each member of the institution, and I can see that they watch over the A HOME OF LOVE By Astrid Assay – Valley of the Angels workers as well as the children who live here. They are in charge of giving us the best because as they tell us – the main thing here is us. I know that there are quite a few, but nevertheless they make sure that we do not lack anything, surely their work is difficult and I know that they knock on many doors to get what we have. I am grateful for the work they do, for giving us dedication, love, time and for giving us the opportunity to be here and change the lives of so many boys, girls and young women because there are many of us who make this place our home. I am grateful for each benefactor for their noble help and generosity, there are many that I do not know but I am sure that they are aware of us and will- ing to Support. I would like to say thanks for being present and making this place continue with the doors open, thank you for believing in the legacy of PAPA ROCCO, the angel who gave all his love to this noble cause and even though he did not possess anything material, he had everything, he had “FAITH.” I am fully grateful because without their help this place would not exist. Writing this I realize that I am a very lucky person and that for this I am too grateful, for the opportunity to be part of this great family. I have learned a lot intellectually, spiritually and morally. My life was impacted from the moment I first put a foot in here, I know it is difficult because the family is always missed but 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 89 nevertheless we risk it all for a new adventure. I never imagined that it would be so good and thanks to this I am today a very different person. I have learned so much from this place and from the people who inhabit it, and I am now determined and ready to face any adversity. I know that words fall short to express the great gratitude that is inside my heart, thanks to your great work and effort to take care of us, support us and give us the best, I know that you have created: Angels flying! n 71013 Franciscan Focus Vol 55 no 4.r1.qxp_Focus 3/24/22 8:33 AM Page 9Next >