A Trinity of Summer Suggestions and a Top Five for the Great Four

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

The summer months of July and August often allow for time to unwind a bit, linger a bit longer or at least have a change of scenery; if only for a few hours. Sometimes the heat just gets to us and we need a recharge. Sometimes the beauty of summer captures of us and we try to capture it. Sometimes we need a break from the gatherings and BBQs to focus on our own journey. With that in mind I would like to offer to you a trio of summer goods – books, songs and movies for you to consider in the mix of your summer plans. There is something beautiful about sitting outside and reading. There is something enticing about a good song for a road trip and there is something wonderful about getting cozy on a super hot day (or a rainy one) with a movie. These suggestions come from my recent eclectic findings, maybe they will be an encounter of the living God for you too!

There is more notably the great gift of creation all around us and we are called to appreciate it with fresh eyes during the summer. Creator God continues to work in amazing ways showing forth beauty and inviting us to be aware. Below are some ways to honour the four elements of creation this summer. Let us be attentive to the handiwork of God!

Three Reads for Summer 2021:

Painkiller: A Memoir of Big League Addiction – Brantt Myhers

If you want an insight into the world of addiction to alcohol and drugs and the illusion of making it big in the world of NHL hockey – this read is for you. Warning: reading this book is like sitting in a locker room. Brantt holds nothing back. It is a story of perseverance, redemption and transformation.

Nourishing Love: A Franciscan Celebration of Mary – Murray Bodo, OFM

This small book is filled with stories, poetry and teachings. Bodo invites you to use your imagination, to listen with your heart and to think more broadly as he recounts the life of Mary – Mother of Jesus. Bodo’s creative take is alluring and he also offers a collection of Marian prayers at the conclusion.

Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family’s Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada – John Tattrie

The first time I heard of Peace by Chocolate was when my parents ordered boxes of this chocolate goodness into their store for Christmas (It is good chocolate). I was intrigued by the story of this refugee family. This book recounts the trials of leaving Syria but also the gift of new beginnings in Canada. It is a story of hospitality and hope. It will soon be released as a major movie.

Three Bonus Reads:

Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations – Richard Wagamese

An inspiring book from a wise First Nations Canadian storyteller which will encourage broader vision. Wagamese is the author of Indian Horse (which is also a must-see movie).

To the Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati – Brian Kennelly

A delightful book capturing the magnitude of the heart and generosity of one of the young and inspiring saints of the church.

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter – David Chariandy

A personal gift to his daughter, Chariandy invites us into the reality of having to address race in Canada while encouraging a hope-filled future.

 

 

Three Songs for Pondering during Summer 2021:

The Spark – William Prince

Prince is a Winnipeg songwriter. A song about the challenge of relationships but the light which bonds us whether lovers, friends or family. The video version with fellow Canadian Serena Ryder from the 2021 Junos is worth a listen.

Shoreline – Corey Hart with Dante Hart

Corey Hart has been a favorite singer of mine since I bought my first cassette – Boy in the Box. This new song with his daughter is about the value of forging ahead in the journey remembering we are not alone.

Fighting – Tyler Joe Miller

A powerful song about the challenges of addictions and mental health, it serves as a reminder that we are supports for each other. The video happens to feature my cousin Thomas.

Three Bonus Songs:

Anyone – Justin Bieber, One Voice Children’s Choir

Imagine – Ben Platt

Great You Are– Jordan Smith

 

Three Movies for Summer 2021:

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

A powerful documentary about the environmental crisis we face but also the hope we carry and the challenge to rise up for the good of our sister Mother Earth.

Fatima

A beautiful telling of the story of the three children who saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917. A story of faith and trust.

In the Heights

An upbeat musical which speaks of the value of relationships, the strength of community and the importance of adjusting our dreams.

Three Bonus Movies:

Penguin Bloom

What They Had

I Still Believe

Top Five for the Great Four

Not into reading or movies this summer? Have a good playlist already? Looking to connect more with creation? I suggest these great ideas built upon suggestions from W.I.S.E. and The Pilgrims Companion.

Unplug from technology, connect with Creator God and celebrate the four elements during the summer with these top five activities.

Water:

Swim in a lake

Dance in the rain

Walk along a river

Water the flowers slowly

Enjoy a glass of cold water in the middle of sunny spot

Earth:

Work in the garden

Build a sandcastle

Paint with mud

Make and enjoy a garden salad or fruit salad

Sit on the grass to pray

Fire:

Gaze at the night sky

Have a bonfire – sing and pray there

Enjoy a meal by candlelight

Watch the sunrise or sunset

Hunt for fireflies

Air:

Fly a kite

Blow bubbles

Sing in the wind

Make pinwheels

Write a prayer in praise of the gift of air

May Summer 2021 be blessed, be healthy,

be filled with time for

good reads, good tunes, good shows

and lots of good, good, good summer days just to be!

 

The heavens, the earth, and all of creation are telling the glory of God

and we get to delight in this glory. We give thanks and praise to Creator God!

 

God bless you and your summer!

 

Please note this will be the last post for several weeks. Look for fresh reflections in later summer.

 

Photo Credits:

Garreth Paul

Tom Hermans

Adrian Korte

Denise Jans

Tegan Mierle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litany of St. Joseph for Father’s Day

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

Litany of St. Joseph for Father’s Day

 

On this Father’s Day, let us be mindful of St. Joseph the patron saint of fathers along with so many other areas and causes in life. Let us be mindful of his trust in God, his faithful witness to love, his awareness of God’s divine plan for love and how he witnessed to respect and honour. St. Joseph pray for all fathers, grandfathers and those who are like fathers in our world today. St. Joseph pray for all of us that we too may trust with abandon, witness to love and be bearers of good news.

 

 

 

St. Joseph,

faithful guardian of Christ,

we ask your prayers for all guardians:

for guardians of our families and communities,

for guardians of our stories and languages,

for guardians of countries and peoples.

 

We also ask your prayers for those who have no faithful guardian:

for children without parents,

for children separated from their parents,

for children who long for a faithful guardian.

 

St. Joseph,

model of workers,

we ask your prayers for all workers:

for workers working two jobs to make ends meet,

for workers going above and beyond,

for workers seeking work and those struggling with their job.

 

St. Joseph,

example to parents,

we ask your prayers for all parents:

for parents who parent in amazing ways,

for parents who struggle to be a parent,

for parents who feel caught in between.

 

We also ask your prayers for those who don’t know their parents:

for foster children who feel isolated,

for children abandoned by their parents,

for children who live in homes where they are not seen by their parents.

 

St. Joseph,

pillar of family life,

we ask your prayers for families:

for families hurting and broken,

for families united and strong,

for families yearning for life.

 

St. Joseph,

hope of the sick,

we ask your prayers for all those who are sick:

for the sick who are alone,

for the sick trapped in terror,

for the sick waiting for diagnosis.

 

We also pray for those who offer hope to the sick:

for hope-bearers who are nurses, care aides and doctors,

for hope-bearers who work in research and community development,

for hope-bearers who are simply present to hold a hand and listen.

 

St. Joseph,

patron of the dying,

we ask your prayers for all those who will die this day:

for the dying who are at peace,

for the dying who are afraid,

for the dying who seek God.

 

St. Joseph,

foster father of the Son of God,

we ask your prayer for all fathers:

for fathers who love freely,

for fathers who are guarded,

for fathers who struggle with this role.

 

We also ask your prayers for all who are like fathers:

for the uncle and grandfather who takes us under his wings,

for the teacher and coach who guides us to deeper truths,

for the community member who encourages our gifts.

 

St. Joseph,

patron of Canada,

we ask your prayers for our nation:

for respect and dignity of all people to be upheld,

for inspired ways to tear down walls and build community,

for creativity in the ways we care for this land we call home.

 

Good St. Joseph,

you are our patron and guide,

we ask you to bring our prayers to the heart of God,

the very God who trusted you with his only Son

as you cradled in him in your hands,

showed him how to create,

and taught him how to listen.

We trust that you companion with us this life journey.

We ask these prayers in the name of the one

who you were guardian for here on earth,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Father’s Day Blessings to All Dads!

Photo: St. Joseph and Child Jesus – Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane, AB

Artists: John C. Nugent and Al Gerritsen

 

 

 

 

In the Midst

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

In the Midst

In the midst…

listen

sing

cook

pray

struggle

weep

when it doesn’t make sense

overwhelmed and burdened

of community

alone

carrying

working

sitting

being

listen

we are always

in the midst

of something

and in

these somethings

we are

in the midst

of God.

 

 

God,

your light

fills me each day

for it is greater

than my shadows

and the world’s darkness.

Your light

awakens me

to living in you,

with you, for you.

Your light

a lamp unto my feet

a guide for my path

a consistent presence

calling me

to truth,

to life,

to fullness

to beauty,

to see you.

God,

you are always

here with me

in the midst.

Amen.

Photo Credits:

Ryoji Iwata

Hasan Albari

 

 

Do you need a retreat this summer?

/in /by

Do you need a retreat this summer?

Mount St. Francis is offering:

 

Brother Sun – Sister Moon Pilgrimage Retreat – July 17 Saturday

A full-day outdoor retreat beginning at 9:00 am. This retreat includes a walking-pilgrimage, an outdoor Mass, eco-friendly reflections, and evening bonfire. Please dress and prepare for the weather and terrain. Bring a water bottle and small day pack.

$60.00, includes packed picnic lunch and BBQ dinner. Registration is limited.

 

My Soul Thirsts for You – 7-Day Silent Directed Retreat – July 18-25
Psalm 63 reminds us that our whole being thirsts for God. Throughout this retreat in the stillness and quiet, and through scripture and prayer the retreatant will be refreshed.

Suggested contribution: $650.00. Registration is limited.

 

Seeking Wholeness and Holiness: Our Spiritual Journey – Women’s Silent Retreat

August 6-8

As we continue our spiritual journey, we reflect on what brings us wholeness; how are we invited to a greater depth of character and purpose. We journey following Jesus as our model.

$195.00

 

Soul Care – Women’s Retreat with Guest Presenter: Cathy AJ Hardy

August 24-26

This retreat for women includes both group time and space for the individual.

Come as you are and receive an invitation into soul rest, grace, mercy, and love.

$395.00

 

Servant Leadership in Gospel Living – Young Adult Retreat (Ages 18-30)

August 27-29

A unique retreat for young adults. Includes bonfire, adoration and small group discussions.

$200.00

 

As summer draws to a close help us launch the Season of Creation

Laudato Si’ – World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
Wednesday – September 1, 9 am – 1 pm

Pope Francis declared September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

This half-day prayer retreat includes stations of prayer, eco-friendly reflections, Mass and a hardy lunch. Please dress and prepare for the weather. Bring a water bottle and small day pack.

Cost: $20

 

For more information or to register – mtfrancis@shaw.ca  403-932-2012

 

The Body of Christ

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

The Body of Christ

broken and shared

for you, for me and for all.

 

The Body of Christ

broken and fragmented

hurting and grieving.

 

The Body of Christ

215 names we don’t know

families left broken.

 

The Body of Christ

bombed out again

broken hearts and pieces.

 

The Body of Christ

tired and broken

pandemic stricken.

 

The Body of Christ

left alone because I’m different

broken in my inflicted shame.

 

The Body of Christ

two sides of a country

broken by false promises.

 

The Body of Christ

stolen and held captive

broken homes left in tatters.

 

The Body of Christ

on foot across many miles

broken in the search of freedom.

 

The Body of Christ

discriminated because of color

dignity robbed, broken by force.

 

The Body of Christ

deforested and polluted

our sister Earth so broken.

 

The Body of Christ

you and me

us and them.

 

The Body of Christ

gift for all people

healing and remedy.

 

The Body of Christ

hope never ceases

rising up from the ashes.

 

The Body of Christ

stronger than our despair

feast for the hungry.

 

The Body of Christ

source of all goodness

holy and worthy.

 

The Body of Christ

balm for our heartaches

ointment for our wounds.

 

The Body of Christ

many shades of holy diversity

a refuge and a shelter.

 

The Body of Christ

here and now

back then, in steps ahead.

 

The Body of Christ

love is present

even if unseen.

 

The Body of Christ

our brother and savior

with us in our brokenness.

 

The Body of Christ

broken and shared

for you, for me and for all.

 

 

 

Photo Credits:

McKenna Phillips

Jon Tyson

Rui Silva

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actions of Solidarity: Where is Your Voice?

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

Ethan Bear is a defenseman on the Edmonton Oilers who happens to be from Ochapowace First Nation in Saskatchewan. I don’t personally know Ethan; I have never met him and probably never will and yet something that happened to him this past week continues to echo in my mind. He was the subject of racist behaviour as the Oilers lost their first round of the NHL playoffs. When I first heard this news, I was disgusted. I still am disgusted. It amazes me how we seek shelter behind our phones and screens to make ignorant comments about someone and their race. It is never okay to do this, it is even worse to think we have a privilege to this because of the power of technology we hold in our hands. Our phones can become loaded weapons which seek to destroy another person. A person who more often than not we have no sense of their life.

Ethan along with his partner Lenasia responded to the racists remarks in a video statement. They responded with grace and dignity. They challenged us again to consider what it means to be part of community and how love and kindness are our core actions which lead to healthy relationships and tearing down walls of racism. Ethan and Lenasia ask us to be a part of the change and are rooted in the hope that we can get to place where racism does not exist. Something he said which really struck me is that he is not doing this for himself, but for others. I can imagine that the sports world can easily have an athlete turn in on themselves only thinking about themselves. Ethan could have stayed in his own world and become bitter about it all and let it destroy him and his future. Instead, he is taking this moment to again draw our attention to the big issue of racism and how it remains prevalent in society as it impacts many lives. Ethan is challenging us to face this reality and do something about it. What can we do? It’s too big of an issue, we say. Yes, it is a big issue but there is something each of us can do. Each one of us has a voice and each one of us can use that voice for the good – for love and kindness. Using our voice on social media platforms, in our circle of family and friends, at community events and supporting those who deal with racism every day. We have to ask ourselves how are we doing this in our communities and in building relationships with First Nations communities, Peoples of Colour and all people? The other question we must ask ourselves is: Why does another generation have to endure the immaturity of not seeing the value of each human being?

As I read about Ethan and this latest stint of racist remarks he has faced, I was taken back to a year ago when much of the world was horrified by the death of George Floyd in the US. A year later with race related deaths on both sides of the border we clearly still have a long way to go. George Floyd’s death sent shock waves and called for change. Small steps have begun. We however must ask ourselves have we continued to raise our voices for justice with love and kindness as we strive for a world where the God-given dignity of each person is respected (no matter their life journey)? Through the racist remarks that Ethan faced this past week, which do indeed kill part of a person, Ethan is again calling to our attention the reality which First Nations and Peoples of Colour face. Yet he is calling us to move forward with hope. I choose to stand with Ethan and be a person of hope, using my voice to condemn hatred. I choose to use my voice to expand the circle of love and kindness our world desperately needs. How about you?

In the Catholic world this past Sunday (May 30) was Trinity Sunday, where we celebrate God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Here is a perfect community where love is the dominate feature, kindness is an outpouring of this love and a collective self-emptying (as in not doing it for self) is the norm. Seems to me that if we remember that we are made in the image and likeness of God, who is love and functions in a community of love then we could tackle the ugliness of racism and move towards eliminating it. Together we can stand along side Ethan and Lenasia with hope for a future where love and kindness are the norm because we have done our work and raised our voices for the common good. That time is now, the future is this very next minute, and then the next hour and so on. We have a choice to make. As St. Francis would say: let us begin again.

 

Photo credits:

Jon Tyson

Andrew Thornebrooke

Priscilla Du Preez

Sharon Santema

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pentecost: The Dwelling of the Holy Spirit

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

Pentecost brings to a close the great festival of Easter, reminding us we are sent forth as witnesses of hope, love and the good news entrusted to us. The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all people and as the text from Romans reminds us the Spirit dwells within us. This has always amazed me – our God that close – dwelling within us, in our every breath. We often pray “Come Holy Spirit” and yet the Spirit is already here. May we become more attuned and attentive to how the Spirit is living and moving in us. It need not be in grandiose moments but rather in the steps forward each day.

 

 

Holy Spirit

you who enkindles

in me the fire

of your love,

you who awakens

in me the depth

of your love

you who stirs

in me the joy

of your love

I welcome you here

you are here

with each breath.

Holy Spirit

you who are

so close to me

like a breath

you who are

so near to me

like the air

you who are

so entwined in me

like my blood

I welcome you here

you are here

my life-line.

Holy Spirit

you who moves

in and through me

dance with me

you who delights

in dreams and ideas

inspire me

you who rises up

in me and my living

guide me

I welcome you here

you are here

my companion.

Holy Spirit

you who are

the ultimate gift-giver

showing me how to give

you who are

the life-force of all

direct my living

you who are

God the source of love

my very all

I welcome you here

you are here

today, tomorrow and always.

My heart is your

dwelling place, tabernacle, home

you are always welcome here

you are always here.

Welcome Holy Spirit – the door is open.

Support of our Retreat Captains and BenefactorsHoly Spirit Province Saint-Esprit

 

Pentecost is the Feast Day for the Franciscans of Canada.

The Holy Spirit is our patron as we continue to preach the gospel in Canada.

We humbly ask for your continued prayers and support.

Peace and All Good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits:

Mateus Campos Felipe

Valdemaras D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proclaim Good News – Ascension 2021

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

There is a line in the gospel for Ascension Sunday which catches my eye. In the gospel of Mark we read: “They went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them” (Mark 16.20). In ages past I’m sure this would have been used as a conquering and propagation tactic. Christians would have used it as a means to rob truths from other cultures and try and be dominate – claiming Jesus was in their strong crusading arm. Sadly, this fails the message of the good news and the Lord at work with us.

I believe the proclaiming of the good news is proclaiming how much God is in love with us. How much this love is God’s mercy given to us time and again restoring, renewing and refreshing us when the filth of life tries to rob us from our inherent goodness and dignity. Proclaiming the good news is about seeing Christ at work in each other, trusting that his work is being fulfilled when we share who we are in life-giving ways. When we do this, we are working from the holiness which each of our lives possess. The good news is about a message of hope, new life and paths which lead to a greater awareness of wonder and awe.

               The Lord working with us is about our openness. Open hearts stirred by the gospel see the truth of the conviction of the first shall be last, the blessed will see God, the hungry and thirsty eat and drink in abundance, and our lives magnifying the goodness of our God. Each and every day the Lord works with us in our ordinary and extraordinary lives. Yet we doubt this, we seem to think this is not possible that only saints have this gift of the Lord working with them. We must stop believing this lie, for we too are saints and the Lord desires nothing more than to work in amazing ways in our life. Whether that is carrying for a child, listening to an elder, praying a litany of prayers for the world, volunteering at a food bank, cutting our neighbour’s grass, sending a card or leading a group of people in a mission project – the Lord is at work with us.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn’t abandon us saying: “Good Luck – see you all in heaven!” No, he entrusted us with the gift of his Spirit – which empowers us to proclaim the good news and see the good news in our lives. This same Spirit reminds us that the Lord works with us in our given life here in this time and place. God will not abandon us – children loved so dearly. What God does ask of us is to see how God is uniquely at work in each person, culture, nation and church. We are not all identical cookie cutters rather we are infused uniquely with God’s very life. When we can see this then we will truly see how the good news is being proclaimed and how the Lord works with us always.

The time is now. The time is ours. The Lord is working with us.

How are you called to proclaim the good news?

Photo Credits:

Adrien Olichon

Rod Long

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abiding in Love: The Vocation of Motherhood

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

One of my favorite things to do when I get to spend time with my mom is to rest my head on her shoulder. This means we need to be seated for our heights do not match. It often happens at the end of a day full of whatever may have come our way as we reflect on what was and consider what is in store. It is a graced moment; a moment where time seems to sit still.

Head on her shoulder moments seem to hold every moment in which she has held me, comforted me, encouraged me and sheltered me. Through a lifetime these can number a lot moments with each one providing a snapshot into her vocation of mother. As I consider my mom’s vocation of motherhood and that of the many mothers of the world, I can’t help but reflect on the words of Christ: “Abide in my love…love one another as I have loved you… go and bear fruit that will last”

(John 15.9-7).

To abide in love is to remain stable in love. Christ’s love is stable and continuous – is ever encompassing and it never falters. God doesn’t show us love in hard to grasp scenarios or philosophies instead God shows abiding love in simple concrete moments, like resting on a mother’s shoulder. My mom’s shoulder to rest on and cry on is a witness of Christ’s abiding love in my life. I am also aware that not every child has this encounter of love and witness of Divine Love. There are times when I rest my head on her shoulder that I think of the children who do not know their mother or those who have broken relationships with their mom. My heart aches for these children as we should all be able to know the abiding gift of love. May our prayers be for these children and for their mothers, for hope and for reconciliation.

Love one another as I have loved you is a call to action. It is not stagnant but life-giving. It means sacrifice and dedication. God invites us into this command by the endless gift of love poured into our lives and then simply asks that we share this love with others. Mothers have a way of showing love as real and tangible. Not only in tasks done where they lay down their lives over and over again for their children but in tender moments where an adult son can rest his head on his mother’s shoulder and breathe in the gift of God’s love that close. There are other times when I rest my head on my mom’s shoulder that I think of this gift of love and how it has infused my life because she has lived into her vocation of motherhood. I am always grateful for this. I also think of the mothers who struggle to share this love and to be present because of traumas and hardships in their lives. May our prayers be for these mothers from all walks of life that healing may touch their lives and they may know the gift of Divine Love.

Bearing fruit is a natural part of motherhood – we the offspring would be that fruit. We are in a sense a legacy of our parents and how we bear fruit gives testimony to hope and new life. We sometimes don’t nurture the fruit which is ours to grow and at other times we may even neglect. Still mothers choose to bear fruit and instill lasting values, qualities and opportunities. As a child who will never have his own children, I can see how bearing fruit is not simply about being a parent but is in how we nurture others and are present to others. This can be a bearing of fruit which will help transform someone’s life and set them free to love with the heart of Christ. There are still other times when my head rests on my mother’s shoulder that I give thanks for her nurturing and encouragement. How she has shown me ways to bear fruit that will last by fostering my relationship with Christ and by helping me to see the ways my life is bearing fruit. I also then become aware of those who struggle with being loved, struggle with their value and the gifts they offer; whether that is a mother, father or child. May our prayers be for those who struggle to see the fruitfulness of their life, may they have continual glimpses of God’s love for them and may we be heralds of their dignity.

My plan for this Mother’s Day was to show up at home and surprise my Mom. Although this pandemic has changed those plans again, I give thanks for the moments I have had to rest my head on her shoulder in the past and look forward to the next time I can share in this graced moment. Until then I am grateful for her vocation of motherhood and how I have encountered the abiding love of God as close as my mother’s shoulder.

Let us offer our prayers for all the mothers of our world, from all walks of life who bear love so to help our world love better.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom and to all Moms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fullness of Being Brother: Religious Brothers Day 2021

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

 

A common question asked to a religious brother is:

Why didn’t you go all the way?

To which a Brother will often respond with:

Pardon me?

 

To which the questioner expands:

Why didn’t you become a priest? Why did you stop at Brother?

 

To which a Brother will respond with all kindness:

This is not a stepping stone to priesthood or a lesser than vocation.

I didn’t stop at Brother; this is the fullness to which I am called.

 

To which the questioner will stare blankly or change the subject:

How about those rosary beads?

These questions really do get directed to us Religious Brothers or so as I’m also learning to other members of the fraternity. It can easily leave a Brother feeling frustrated or misunderstood. I like to take it with a grain of salt and as an opportunity to celebrate the vocation of being a Religious Brother.

 

Life as a Religious Brother is indeed a full life. I have never been made to feel lesser than or that my vocation is not as worthy as that of my Brothers who are priests. I may not have the same functions as a priest but that does not mean that I don’t contribute to the life of the church, fraternity or society. I have other opportunities that priests do not have and can contribute to the life of the church not simply in a sacramental way.

 

The fullness of my life as a religious Brother comes with ever changing roles and responsibilities. Some days I may be in full service to my fraternity, other days I may be serving the greater community and still on other days I may be journeying with an individual. Whether I’m cleaning the toilets (which is not a favorite task) or preparing the chapel I try to serve with a joy-filled heart. Whether I’m preparing a retreat or presenting one I approach it with an awareness of who I am in relationship with those on the retreat. Whether I’m companioning someone in spiritual direction or praying with an individual the dignity of that person is my focus.

 

The fullness of my life includes the privilege of praying for so many people and also creating space to listen for God’s voice not only in my life but what God is calling us to do here and now. My prayer life is woven into the relationships I have with so many people whether that is family and friends, or those I journey with on retreats or through spiritual direction or those who simply stop me and ask for prayers for themselves or loved ones.

 

As you can see the fullness of life as Religious Brother comes with variety. This would be true for any Religious Brother you meet. Our charisms and ministries impact the way we serve the church and the world, but at the heart of any Religious Brother is a heart of fraternity, service and hospitality. Every religious male or female, ordained or not claim these characteristics which is worthy and good and they should. I would like to think you can see them specifically exhibited and lived out with a fullness in the life of a Religious Brother. I believe it is what makes us approachable and relatable to so many people from all walks of life.

When I began my studies in Spiritual Direction, once the fascination of me wearing a habit wore off, it was the fact that I understood the stories and welcomed my colleagues from all walks of life. This is the reality of my vocation as Brother something real as fraternity, service and hospitality was not exclusive rather it was inclusive. Brother is not just a title; it is an embodiment of who I am and how I live my life. It is an embodiment of what a Brother is as one who strengthens connections between people and of being a companion, of being present and serving others. As a Brother, the value of relationships is so important for they foster a fraternity beyond the walls of our friaries bringing fraternity to the community, to creation and the whole world. Hopefully a compassionate, strengthening and healing bond of God among us.

 

I am I called to be a priest? The answer is no. Do I have some skills that I could use as a priest? You bet. Many people do (both men and women), but we do not all become ordained priests. In discernment I listen and pay attention to what is stirring in me. This was true when I began my journey to the Friars and continued through my formation years to my Solemn Vows and continues today. In the listening, in the quiet, in the sitting with God the word Brother continues to surface. I believe I continue to learn new ways of being a Brother for our fraternity, ministry and for our world. A world in desperate need of Brothers and Sisters who will listen and will encourage others to also build a more fraternal world.

 

To go back to that question:

Why didn’t you go all the way?

 

I respond with:

I did go all the way and every time I put on my habit, it’s not about being acknowledge or standing out, it is about humbly living out my vocation as Brother. Each time I put on my habit I am reminded that I put on Christ. I am also reminded that Christ is a brother to all and calls me to do the same in the specific vocation of Religious Brother.

And it’s not how about those Rosary beads? It’s do you know where I hide my rosary beads? haha!

May 1 is St. Joseph the Worker Feast Day and Religious Brothers Day. St. Joseph serves as a witness of working for the kingdom of God in hidden and even unknown ways. In this year dedicated to St. Joseph, I humbly ask for your continued prayers for Religious Brothers from all walks of life.

Much peace and all good!

 

Top photo credit: Emily Morter