Franciscans
Franciscans
Beginnings of the OFR
Written by Fr. Fred Ball, ofr |
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The vision for what was to become the Franciscans of Reconciliation (OFR) began in October 2008, at a retreat for the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) House of Pastors, held at Eden Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. By the end of the first day of the retreat, we realized that there were a significant number of Franciscans present. Some were active in the two small ECC Franciscan orders, some were part of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans (OEF), and others were former members of various Roman Catholic orders. After a number of conversations with these retreat participants, it seemed that there was a great deal of interest in some kind of coordination among the ECC Franciscans.
Formation: an ongoing conversion | |
The concept of formation is not strictly restricted to the Religious Life. One goes through a formation when entering a fraternity as a pledge, or enters into a new profession as an intern, or goes through an orientation to a new job. Formation is that period when one is introduced into any new way of life.
The ecumenical saint | |
Everyone loves St. Francis! Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in late summer or fall, 1181, in Assisi, Italy, he was called Francesco by his father. By his radical commitment to following the Gospel, his exuberance in his relationships to everyone and everything, and the grace of God, Francis became one of the most beloved of the saints of the Church.
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Milestones to profession | |
This article is a listing of general expectations we have of inquirers, postulants, and novices, as well as what they can expect of us on the formation journey toward solemn profession as Franciscans of Reconciliation. Please bear in mind, however, that to enter into formation with a religious order is to enter into a relationship. These expectations may be renegotiated along the way, according to the particular needs of the candidate and his or her relationship with the Order.
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