MISSION STATEMENTThe Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States is the organic union of all Secular Franciscan fraternities in the State of Florida, South Georgia, and Lower Alabama. We desire to promote in the world a deeper presence of the Catholic Faith and the Franciscan tradition; and we seek to bring the Gospel Beatitudes of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, as personified by St. Francis of Assisi, to all our secular, daily lives. We foster a spirit of prayer, conversion, reconciliation, justice and service, especially to the marginalized in our society. We invoke the intercession, honor the memory, and advance the Cause of the patrons of our Region, the Five Franciscan Martyrs of La Florida, who, in A.D. 1597, freely gave their lives in testimony to the dignity of Christian marriage and family life. (Rewritten from original 1991 version and approved in February 1999, updated February 20.)

Spring 2016

THE MINISTER’S CORNER By Marie Thomas, OFS, Regional Minister

How to Judge Our Prayer Life

The upcoming Annual Meeting will focus entirely on our prayer life as Franciscans. There will be an inspirational speaker and there will be different styles of prayer given in various areas at San Pedro so that attendees may choose one or two and spend time practicing that style. Some of our members are very proficient in centering prayer, others prefer Lectio Divina and still others favor the Liturgy of the Hours. Our main objective, of course, is not to petition God for things we want or need but to grow into a more intimate relationship with God but one question remains. Which one method is the best and how do I know if my prayers are fruitful? Christ gave us the answer when He said, “By their fruits, you shall know them.” (Matt 7:16)

“Eachpersonisdrawntoadifferentstyleorformof prayingsotheanswerdoesnotlieinthestylewithwhich wearethemostcomfortable.Itdoesnotlieintheamount oftimespentinprayereither.”

Although both, some prayer and some time spent in prayer are necessary to achieve anything.

The “fruit” begins to show itself in our attitudes, our inner selves. What we see and the way we see people or things should cause us to act in a new way. Our prayer should foster a spiritual vision which creates brotherhood and sisterhood because as we see, so we love. If we recognize that we are integrally related to one another, we will see that we are integrally related to God. Prayer should lead us to see the goodness of God in the other person and should bind us to the other in compassionate love.

To reduce Christ merely to a personal Savior of just “God and me”, will surely make Christ increasing irrelevant. Neither Franciscanism nor Christianity, in fact, not even salvation itself is a private, individual matter. To be a Franciscan person alive in God is based not on what we are or what we do but who we are in relation to God, self, and others. It means to be in relationship with another.

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILMarie Thomas, OFS Regional Minister

Jeane Swaynos Regional Vice Minister

Patricia Gagnon, OFS Regional Treasurer

Carole Bertrand, OFS Regional Secretary

Rosemarie Ingersoll, OFS Regional Formation Minister

James Grant, OFS West Central Councilor

Bonnie Barlow, OFS East Central Councilor

Maureen O’Hare, OFS Southeast Councilor

Barbara Carroll, OFS Southwest Councilor

Mark Banschbach, OFS Northern Councilor

Fr. Kevin Queally, T.O.R. Regional Spiritual Assistant

Janice Novello, Ph.D., OFS Regional Chair for Franciscan Young Adults

Fred Schaeffer, OFS Regional Webmaster

Theresa Zesiewicz, MD, OFS Regional Newsletter Editor

The only way to become fully like Christ is through union with others. Therefore, even if we spend two hours or entire days or weeks in some sort of prayer but then judge others or speak unkind words to another, our prayer produced NO fruit! One of the most significant lessons in the life of Francis is his value of poverty – not material poverty but the poverty of being, the poverty that recognizes everything we have is gift. Poverty, for Francis, is related to love. In his view, we fail in love because we live in the spirit of possessiveness, grabbing for ourselves what belongs to others. Only relationships of poverty and humility, in Francis’ view, can undo the injustices of the self-centered person. Are we willing to let go? Can we see and accept God’s goodness in our neighbor (our Franciscan Brother or Sister) who thinks differently from us? This is the measure of true, fruitful prayer.

INTRODUCING... There are a couple new faces on the Regional Executive Council.

Mark Banschbach, OFS, Northern Area Councilor

In keeping with our main goal, which is to keep our eyes focused on spirituality and growing into an ever more intimate relationship with God, the Regional Executive Council decided to appoint a Certified Spiritual Assistant who has completed all the instructions but does not yet have a fraternity to serve.

Carlos Calderon, OFS, Councilor-at-Large

Because of changing circumstances and increased responsibilities, it became necessary to solicit more help. Since Carlos was a Regional Minister for 6 years from 2001 to 2007, he needs no introduction. You will see him wherever his expertise is needed.

At this time, I would also like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that no one on the Regional Executive Council knows all the answers or has the entire Constitution memorized. We are still learning, and ... we even make mistakes. I bring this up simply to remind everyone that we are in one order and we are here to help each other! Most of the answers can be found in our Rule and our General Constitutions but if a question arises as to the interpretation, the answer will be found only in dialogue! Let’s work together lovingly, joyfully and always keep our eye on our ultimate goal!

AnnualMeeting

Apr29-May1,2016atSanPedro

HostingNAFRANationalConference Oct.30thtoNov.6thSanPedroCenter

REGIONAL FORMATION TEAM

Regional formation team was introduced by a letter from the Regional Minister. The team will be in constant contact with all the Formation Directors.

CERTIFICATES OF ESTABLISHMENT

Certificates of establishment are still missing from our files. Ministers will be asked to be sure to send copies to the Regional Secretary.

FORMS

All forms are on the Regional Website for your convenience. http://www.ffmr-ofs.org/

QUINQUENNIAL

Quinquennial will be attended by at least five Regional Executive Council Members.

NEWSLETTER

Extra edition of the Newsletter will be distributed and only contain information on the Annual Meeting.

Hosting the NAFRA Conference will be explained during the Annual Meeting. Each fraternity is asked to take part in this momentous event by either providing some small gift for each participant to remember us by (Area Council can give details) or by being actually present to help one day with the liturgy, the transportation, the socials, provide entertainment, etc. All are invited to volunteer or sing/dance one evening and/or visit Mary, Queen of the Universe and enjoy a free lunch. Naturally, all volunteers will be provided with free lodging.

HIGHLIGHT OF ACTION ITEMSfrom Carole Bertrand, Regional Secretary

The Regional Executive Council discussed many items at their February, 2016 meeting, but to keep this article interesting, I will only highlight the ACTION ITEMS that involve the fraternities:

NEW AREA COUNCILOR

Mark Banschbach, OFS, was approved as the new Area Council for the North.

ANNUAL MEETING

On APRIL 29 TO MAY 1, 2016 and will primarily be a retreat facilitated by Fr. that Fr. Christopher Panagoplos,TOR, will be the leader of the weekend retreat at our Annual Regional Meeting! Fr. Christopher is the Provincial Spiritual Assistant for the Immaculate Conception Province of the Third Order Regular, which has several fraternities in our region. Additionally, he is the current TOR representative on the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants to the Secular Franciscan Order.

DINNER

Dinner will be served Friday at San Pedro the Annual Meeting weekend. Ministers are asked to sit with their Area at one table.

SERVICE

Service for the Deceased will take place Friday evening and MASS for the Jubilarians will be on Saturday morning.

FUNDRAISER

Fundraiser will be “Surprise Bags” containing a used item worth, at least, $5 in a brown grocery bag. Be sure to put a card inside with your fraternity name. Fraternities are

encouraged to bring many bags because ALL the proceeds will be used to house those who volunteer to help at the NAFRA Conference November 1 to 6, 2016 in San Pedro.

BUDGETS

Two Budgets will be approved by the Regional Fraternity: 2016 and 2017 so all the fraternities will know the Fair Share and the Budgets for this year and the upcoming year.

FRANCISCAN DONOR FUND

Franciscan donor fund will be introduced and voted upon.

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REGION

1) A trip to Assisi from September 11 to 21, 2017 and

2) Certificates of Establishment (copies of which were given to the Region) will be framed and returned to the respective fraternity during a special service at the Annual Meeting of April 28-30, 2017.

TWO SAINTS

The month of March was notable for the passing of two beloved members of our Franciscan family, Deacon Tom Bello OFS and Fr. Angelus Migliore, TOR. Both men ardently loved the Lord, and were gifted orators, scholars, and charismatic leaders in the Franciscan community. Each took a vow to devote his life to Jesus by emulating the example of St. Francis. Sister Death visited them exactly one day apart, from cancer (Fr. Angelus on March 28th, 2016 and Deacon Tom on March 29th 2016). For those of us left behind, our sadness is lessened by the comforting thought of the heavenly welcome they received. Heaven is indeed two saints richer.

The TAU, the Nametag and the Tombstone

Our brother Tom passed from this life to the next on March 29, but he is still speaking to us in ways that go beyond words. I was honored to be at his wake and funeral, and privileged to share some precious moments with Tom’s wife, Judy, and their family.Some of what I saw and heard those two days I want to share with you.

Tom was buried wearing his deacon’s alb, and in his hands was a light green plastic rosary, one he prayed with daily this past year. Tom also chose to wear two distinct signs of his membership in the Secular Franciscan Order.

First, a TAU cross. The TAU cross he wore was prominent, very similar to the one pictured here, reflecting Tom’s Franciscan heart and his thirty-three years as a professed Secular

Franciscan. Tom lived the Gospel life fully. He greatly valued the privileged place of fraternity as he journeyed with us, daily embracing the call to ongoing conversion and bringing joy and hope

to all.

The red stole, draped across the TAU, certainly symbolizes Tom’s ordination to the diaconate, four years after his profession. Tom truly was among us as “one who serves” – a deacon of the Church, a wonderful proclaimer of the Gospel and a dedicated servant leader - but I could not help but see the color red and immediately think of God’s mercy and love, which was shown by Tom to all, and think, too, of the Holy Spirit, so active in Tom’s life.

Secondly, just below the TAU Cross, Tom wore his nametag from our 2015 NAFRA Chapter, bearing our theme, “Be the Joyful Face of Christ to All”. There it was, just as he had worn it when we last gathered with him in October. I looked at his nametag and then Tom’s face, which even in death seemedjoyful, and then of course I thought of his laugh. What great times we all have shared with Tom! How easily we can picture him with us, as he was so often. Tom loved being a member of our national Franciscan family, and he had

no problem showing this by being buried with his NAFRA nametag. Are you as struck by this as I am? I love it.

Then, the day of the wake, I heard about Tom’s tombstone. As Tom’s daughter Jackie shared on her Facebook page: “The burial coordinator said never in her 17 years of experience had someone requested a tombstone without a name on it,

Celebrating the life of Deacon Tom Bello, O.F.S.

September 17, 1949 – March 29, 2016

but that was my dad’s wish. He wanted just one verse on his tombstone: “Sin has increased, but grace has far surpassed it.” (Romans 5:20). I think it represents his humility and his belief in God’s mercy and love.”

How I marveled at this! Tom’s name is written in the Book of Life, it doesn’t need to be on his tombstone. His priority was to proclaim the Good News of God’s mercy and love. Tom rejoiced in the grace shown to him, a sinner. How often he encouraged us to rejoice, as well, at how God “mercies us”, and to “be the merciful presence of God” to all we meet. That his tombstone should proclaim God’s mercy, and say nothing about Tom, is perfect.

Yes, Tom continues to speak to us, and I don’t think he’s done yet. Maybe there’s a message for us in the Scriptures or in the songs he chose for his funeral? The Scriptures: Wisdom 3:1-6, Psalm 27, Colossians 3:12-17 and Matthew 5:1-12a. The songs: O God, Beyond All Praising; Here I Am, Lord; Amazing Grace; On Eagle’s Wings; Quietly Peacefully (Going Home); and Sing With All the Saints in Glory. As to the message, I’m listening carefully - Tom was always a teacher of second languages.

When Tom and I last visited on March 3, he asked me to speak at his funeral Mass. He whispered to me, “Do the Franciscan part.” On the day of the funeral I did the best I could, but for those of us who knew and loved him, it was Tom who “did the Franciscan part”. Tom was a Franciscan all the way to the end, but he would be the first to remind me, “There is no end”. He’s right. It’s not over. Love endures forever.

“DearFranciscanbrothersandsisters,aseach ofusremembershowTomtouchedourliveslet usresolveto“beginagain”tolivelivesworthy ofourcall.MaytheloveofGod,andourlove forourbrotherTom,impelus.”

Peace, love and every blessing!

Your sister,

JanParker,O.F.S.,Minister SecularFranciscanOrder,U.S.A April7,2016

A page from Tom’s funeral program follows:

What A Life He Shared!

Afteralifetimeofcommunityandreligiousservice,DeaconTomBellodiedpeacefullyfrommelanomainhisMcLean,VAhome,surroundedbyhisfamily,attheageof66.

BorninRaleigh,NC,TommovedtonorthernVirginiawithhiswifein1975afterdiscontinuinghisstudiesatYaleLawSchool.Hepursuedinsteadbothwritingandteachingtohelpunderservedcommunities.For34years,hetaughtadultrefugeesand

immigrantsEnglishasasecondlanguage,enablingthemtoimprovetheirlivesthroughbettercommunicationskills.

Equallydevotedtospirituallife,TombecameaRomanCatholicdeaconin1987.ServingintheArlingtonDiocese,primarilyatSt.James,TomproclaimedtheGospel,offerhomilies,baptizedchildren,ledScripturestudygroups,presidedatfuneralsandmarriages,helpeddistributefoodforneedyfamilies,andministeredespeciallytothoseconfinedinhospitals,nursinghomes,orprisons.

AlifelongadmirerofSt.Francis,TomjoinedtheSecularFranciscanOrder(OFS)tobetterpursuepeace,prayer,and activeservicetoothers.HeservedasNationalMinisterforallNorthAmericanSecularFranciscansforthelast6years.

Tomearnedmanyhonors(eg,RhodesandMoreheadScholarshipsandteachingawards),buthemostvaluedhelpingothers.Althoughimperfectlikeusall,Tommadeservicetoothersthespineofhislife.

HeissurvivedbyhiswifeJudy;sonsYeatsandPierceanddaughterJackie;daughters-in-lawAlyssaandJustine;grandchildrenJulian,Cadance,RowanandParker;andextendedfamilyMelissaHippler;John,Dylan,andHannahButler;KirstinKrudwig;NathanWilliams;andMarkSchoofs.

TocelebrateTom’slife,youcouldvolunteertohelpimmigrants,needyfamilies,yourfaithcommunity,prisoners,patients,orsoupkitchens.YoucouldcontributetoyourfavoritecharityoroneofTom’s:CatholicCharities,St.JamesCatholicChurchSocialOutreachCommittee,OFS,andtheCysticFibrosisFoundation.

BE STILL AND LISTENBy Theresa Zesiewicz MD, OFS

Deacon Tom was indeed a gifted individual with faith that was ON FIRE. Meeting him left an indelible impression. I’d like to share a brief story, if you don’t mind.

I attended my first Regional Meeting two years ago, and Deacon Tom was the featured speaker as the National Minister. Everyone was bustling about on that sunny Saturday morning at San Pedro----eating breakfast, talking to friends, finding their rooms, and taking pictures. The clanking of the dishes, noisy stream

of people in and out, and laughter are the sounds I remember. The attendees were taking their seats in the conference room, and purchasing raffle tickets. I literally ran down to the chapel to set up our “Fraternity banner”, which should have been done the night before. I was late, and I was breathless as I hoisted up the heavy pole and banner in the Chapel.

As I turned around in the seemingly empty chapel, I saw Deacon Tom----the keynote speaker----sitting all alone, directly in front the sanctuary. He was calm and peaceful, deep

in meditation, motionless. He sat there for a long time, probably an hour. The world may have been bustling outside around him, but he was very still. My designated job at the meeting was to take pictures, but the sight of someone so deep in communion with Jesus made it impossible to pick up a camera. I didn’t dare make a sound. If my faith was as deep and profound as that of Deacon Tom, talking to Jesus should have been the FIRST thing I did……………….

I’ve often thought of Deacon on that day as we heard news of his illness during the past year. He was a teacher of languages, but great lessons are often taught without words

“ForGodalone,Omysoul,waitinsilence, formyhopeisfromhim”(Psalm62:5).

NEWS FROM THE REGIONAL TREASURERPat Gagnon, OFS

REPORT OF THE FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYRS REGION TREASURER

CALENDAR YEAR 2015

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I wish peace and joy to all of you in this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

It is my privilege to present to you the Calendar Year 2015 General Fund financial report for the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region.

I believe that the report is self-explanatory. In an effort toward greater transparency from the FFMR council, I have included the Budget Assumptions that describe each line item. This gives a better understanding of our expenses. We didn’t have any unexpected expenses, so that we remained within budget and at the same time were able to accrue $14,057 towards our requirement of having one year’s expenses in reserve.

We began the year with a balance in the checkbook on January 1, 2015 of $27,771. Our balance in the checkbook at year end December 31, 2015 was $42,685.

The Regional Executive Committee, along with all of you, works diligently to keep expenses within budget. Assuming that we do not encounter unexpected expenses, we do not anticipate an increase in Fair Share for 2017.

Please examine the report, should you have any questions I am available to answer any questions you might have.

Sincerely,

Patricia Gagnon, OFS

WHAT ARE “SURPRISE BAGS”? Pat Gagnon, OFS

Find something nice in your home that you no longer want or use or go to a Thrift Store. It may be a nice vase, books, salt & pepper shakers, etc. whether Franciscan or not, whether holy or not. Once you decide, place that item or items into a paper bag (the kind you get from Publix). If the items rattle or are breakable, fill the bag with newspaper to protect them. Place the name of your fraternity and city on a card or paper and put it INSIDE the bag. Fold the top over a little and staple it shut! Done! Bring as many as you wish to the Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting, there will be a jar where you may deposit your $5 donation and take any bag you wish and open it immediately to find the “surprise” inside.!! There will be no drawing!

ALL the MONEY you donate will go toward housing the volunteers who come to help out at the NAFRA Conference Nov 1 to 6. Since ALL the Regional Ministers from Alaska to Hawaii and a couple International Ministers will be coming.... we know there will be no room for you at San Pedro so we negotiated with a nearby hotel to accommodate you at the Region’s expense (using the money from the Surprise Bags and any other donations we get) but ... you will need a car to get there. Jeane will give you details at the Annual Meeting!

Peace & joy,

Marie Thomas, OFS

Dear brothers and sisters,

Tom Bello, OFS, our prior National Minister recently spoke at a NAFRA gathering asking that we consider a few changes in our Initial Formation Plan. One change he suggested is to add “The Franciscan Journey” by Fr. Lester Bach, OFM to our basic FUN Manual Formation

Plan. If you are using this plan, which is required for new people, you will already know this book is often mentioned as a resource for use by Formators in many of the FUN Manual lesson plans. The FUN Manual will continue to be used with the addition of the Franciscan Journey book. As a reminder, please remember the resources available on the Formation Director CD from the FUN Manual and the CD that comes with the FUN Manual for additional resources and forms. In addition, you can use the NAFRA Formation website http://www.nafraformation.org for information. Whether you are or are not using the Franciscan Journey book you will need to begin as soon as possible. You will find this material a welcome, spiritual addition to the Franciscan formation.

Those beginning Initial Formation may use the FUN Manual but each new person must purchase their own copy of the Franciscan Journey book, as it will be used throughout formation. The cost of the book can be managed as each fraternity wishes. One fraternity purchases several copies available at a reduced price for new people at the beginning of formation.

Please remember that your regional formation team is working together to help you as you make this change. Please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us if you have questions. The team contact information is attached. Let’s work together, to provide the best Franciscan Formation possible as we welcome those who join us on our Franciscan Journey following Jesus and St. Francis.

Peace,

Rosemary Ingersoll, OFS FFMR Formation Director & Formation Team Cc: Formation Team Members Resources

I have recently been able to participate in regional formation after being away for several months. I am now recovering from surgery to repair a fractured hip. During my absence, Marie Thomas, FFMR Minister, had appointed a 5-member regional formation team to take care of formation matters. This team has been working together to implement a change in formation for our region as was suggested by our former National Minister, Tom Bello.

A letter has been sent to all Minister/Formation Directors to explain the change and how it is to be added to Initial Formation. Linda Bertino, OFS, was appointed as chair of this team, and has been very helpful with getting that letter out for distribution. She and the entire team will be at our Annual Meeting and available to answer any of your questions.

A few more changes that will need to be taking place soon so we expect to be in touch with all the Formation Directors on a regular basis so that all are kept updated as necessary.

We welcome any ideas or comments from you, so please feel free to be in touch!

Thank you to all who have been helping along the way during my absence. I look forward to being home to Florida in April and getting back to my fraternity that I’ve missed so much these past months.

Rosemary Ingersoll, OFS FFMR Formation Director and Formation Team

NEWS FROM THE REGIONAL FORMATION DIRECTOR

FORMATION PRINTED RESOURCES:NAFRA Formation Website: http://www.nafraformation.org

For Up to Now (FUN) Manual: http://iqfastprint.com/sfo/for-up-to-now.html

Cost is $12.75/manual

(636) 281-2129 • Open Weekdays from 9am to 5pm

The Franciscan Journey – Lester Bach , OFM Cap:

Smoky Valley Printing (found at back of TAU Magazine #501)

Phone: 785-227-2364 FAX: 785-227-3360

Email: lindabce@kans.com

501 A - 1-9 copies $18.00 ea. + S/H 501 A - 10 or more $14.00 ea. + S/H 501 – B CD-ROM (PDF) $11.00 ea. + S/H

Shipping/handling:

Items #105-A, #105-B, #221-A, #231, #308, #501:

1st copy add $6.00, each additional add $2.00;

Item #410: 1st copy add $7 00, each additional add $2.50;

Items #200-A, #302: 1st copy add $5.50, each additional

add $1.50;

All other items: 1st copy add $5.00, each additional add $1.00

FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYR REGIONAL FORMATION TEAMRosemary “Mary Lou” Ingersoll, OFS, Regional Formation Director

Linda M. Bertino, OFS Minister & Regional Formation Coordinator St. Bonaventure Fraternity

Margaret “Peg” Brady, OFS V. Minister & on Formation Team Portiuncula Fraternity

Marie Fiscina, OFS Formation Director Portiuncula Fraternity

Dan Hardester, OFS Formation Director Our Lady Poverty Fraternity

Leslie Armas, OFS St Bonaventure Fraternity

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCISLord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

IN MEMORIAM(Died in 2015 to be remembered at Transitus and NAFRA 2016 Conference:)

• Mary Alice Roche –9/9/15 St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Apopka

• Ethyle K. Fackler – 12/31/14 Sts Francis & Clare, Lakeland

• Marie E. Kessler – 7/18/15 Sts Francis & Clare, Lakeland

• Bernard Dondiego – 7/7/15 Sts Francis & Clare, Lakeland

• Clarence E. Yates – 9/7/15 Sts Francis & Clare, Lakeland

• Joanne Palm – 12/22/15 Our Lady of the Angels, Melbourne

• Theresa Lessieur – 12/14/15 San Damiano, Summerfield

• Dorothy Sileo, OFS – 1/19/2015 St. Anthony, St. Petersburg

• Rosemary Fumea, OFS – 2/22/2015 St. Anthony, St. Petersburg

• Richard Gladd, OFS – 6/18/2015 St. Anthony, St. Petersburg

• Joanne Greenslade, OFS –11/26/2015 St. Anthony, St. Petersburg

• Michael G. Albano, OFS – 12/13/2015 St. Anthony, St. Petersburg

• Jose Antonio Areces, OFS - 06-10-15 St. Francis of Assisi/Espejo de Cristo, Hialeah

• Magaly Mendez - 4/18/2015 Stella Maris, Key West

• Don Stoeckle - 1/22/2015 San Damiano, Sun City

• Lydia Vinsky - 2/ 2015 Little Flower, Daytona Beach

• Edward Safford - 7/8/ 2015 Little Flower, Daytona Beach

• Mary Ann Fitzpatrick - 12/17/2014 St. Michael the Archangel, Tampa

• Sarah Hardy - 3/17/2015 Divine Mercy, Vero Beach

• Sarah Fuentes - 2/14/2015 In the Footsteps, Kissimmee

• Alice C. McDonald - 7/06/2015 Family of St. Francis, Gainesville

The above names were reported on the Annual Reports which were submitted this year from the various fraternities in our Five Franciscan Martyrs Region. Please remember to keep them in your prayers!

(Also please remember to contact Bonnie so she can remove their names from the database so NAFRA does not send them a TAU.)

FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYRS REGION

DATABASE INFORMATION FORM

FRATERNITY NAME:

PREFIX (MR., MRS., ETC.)

FIRST NAME

MIDDLE NAME

LAST NAME

MEMBER TYPE (CIRCLE ONE) PROFESSED CANDIDATE INQUIRER

CLERGY LAY PERSON

WELCOME DATE RECEPTION DATE

FRATERNITY WHERE RECEIVED

PERMANENT PROFESSION DATE

FRATERNITY NAME WHERE PROFESSED

DO YOU RECEIVE TAU NEWSLETTER? YES NO

CHURCH APOSTOLATES:

CCD

EM OF HOLY COMMUNION

LECTOR

PRISON MINISTRY

ADDRESS #1

SUMMER ADDRESS?

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE #1 PHONE #2

MOBILE FAX

EMAIL #1 EMAIL #2

WEBSITE URL

ADD ANY NOTES YOU WISH ON REVERSE

PLEASE MAKE COPIES OF THIS BLANK FORM AND KEEP ON HAND FOR FUTURE USE. THANK YOU

PRAYER FROM ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLALord, teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labor and not to ask for reward,

save that of knowing that I do your will.

TIME TO PREPARE FOR OUR REGION’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY!To celebrate the Five Franciscan Martyr’s Region’s 25th Anniversary on September 23, 2017, the Regional Executive Council is sponsoring a 10 day trip to Assisi and Rome. The potential trip is scheduled for sometime in the middle of September, 2017. We will spend 7 days in Assisi and 3 days in Rome. Our tour guide will be none other than our Regional Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR, who has acted as a tour guide 3 or more times and knows his way around. However, he warns that there will be a great deal of walking so start your fitness program now and bring out the piggy bank so you can start saving. Watch for more details in the future.

NEWS FROM THE FRATERNITIESSOUTHWEST AREA

Portiuncula Fraternity, Bradenton

“It is with heavy heart” began the message from Dan Friedrich , our new Minister of our Portiuncula fraternity

In his notification note to us that Christina Books OFS our former Minister had gone to her heavenly home on 3/21/16.

Christina had faithfully led our fraternity from 2013 until 2016 making a positive impact on all. She had a strong,’ old school’ Catholic Christian faith that never wavered. Christina had been ill just a few weeks before her passing. She will be sadly missed but our Lord in his wisdom and mercy called her to Himself. We keep her, her family and Franciscan brothers and sisters and friends in our prayers.

Respectfully,

Rosemary Ingersoll , OFS Portiuncula Fraternity

Elections for the Portiuncua Fraternity

Elections for the Portiuncua Fraternity was held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish on March 13, 2016. New Officers are Elaine Goetz, OFS (Counselor-At-Large), Marie Fiscina, OFS (Formation Director), Dan Friedrich, OFS (Minister), Elizabeth Densmore, OFS(Secretary), Mike Novello, OFS (Counselor-At-Large), and Janice Mary Novello, OFS (Vice Minister). Barbara Carroll, OFS (Southwest Area Counselor) officiated and Pastor Rev. Joseph F. Connolly, T.O.R. was the Ecclesiastical Witness.

EAST CENTRAL AREA

by Karen Szczesniak, OFS

St. Maximillian Kolbe Fraternity

The Lord has shined His Light again on our fraternity. Seven were Welcomed into the fraternity in February. From the left: Ruth Robinson, Margaret Steskla (Minister, Carmen Thompson, ofs), Carol Freed, Elaine McDermott, Joyce Kenney, Anita Johnson, Dena Moir, kneeling; and Ben Parojino, ofs, Formation Director. This group of Inquirers joins the Blue Class, of four who, with continued guidance, will be professed later this year and the Red Class of three who are half way through their Candidacy Phase. We are so grateful to our God for bringing us sisters and one brother.

This is one way that St. Maximilian Kolbe 51-13401 from Debary, remembers their deceased brothers and sisters. At each monthly gathering they put together the ‘Table of Remembrance’ - How they miss those who are no longer with them. The table is forever set showing their absence and looking forward to reuniting with them in Heaven

WEST CENTRAL AREA

Holy Spirit Fraternity, SpringHill held their Chapter of Elections Saturday March 5, 2016 at St. Theresa Church Parish Hall.The presider was James Grant, OFS, representing Regional Minister Marie Thomas and the Ecclessial Witness was Bro. Mark Brown, OFM representing the Regional Spiritual Assistant Rev. Kevin Queally, TOR. Assisting the presider were: secretary Jeannette Grant, OFS (visiting from St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Clearwater), tellers Phyllis Westphall, Affiliate and Carole Chrosniak, Candidate, and tally board recorder Mary Jo Arturo, OFS. Following the installation of officers, a luncheon buffet wasenjoyed by all. The elected officers are as follows: Minister: Annetta Graziano, OFS Vice-Minister: Mary Lee Askenback,OFS Secretary: Anita Jo Behan, OFS Treasurer: Diane Champion, OFS Councilor-at-Large: Marilene Desantis, OFS

Photo above L-R: Marilene Desantis, Anita Jo Behan, Mary Lee Askenback, Annetta Graziano, Diane Champion

St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Clearwater will hold their Chapter of Elections Saturday April 9, 2016 at St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Chapel.

The presider will be Mark Banschbach, OFS and the ecclesial witness will be Bro. Mark Brown, OFM.

St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity, St. Petersburg will hold their Chapter of Elections Sunday June 19, 2016 in their meeting room at St. Anthony Hospital.

St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity, Tampa lost their Spiritual Assistant Monday March 28, 2016 to Sister Death. Rev. Angelus Migliore, TOR, who was the Pastor at St. Patrick’s in Tampa, passed away after being ill for the past year.

NEWS for Regional Newsletter from ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, #51-13401, DEBARY WELCOMING CEREMONY

The Lord has shined His Light again on our fraternity. Seven were Welcomed into the fraternity in February. From the left: Ruth Robinson, Margaret Steskla (Minister, Carmen Thompson, ofs), Carol Freed, Elaine McDermott, Joyce Kenney, Anita Johnson, Dena Moir, kneeling; and Ben Parojino, ofs, Formation Director. This group of Inquirers joins the Blue Class, of four who, with continued guidance, will be professed later this year and the Red Class of three who are half

way through their Candidacy Phase. We are so grateful to our God for bringing us sisters and one brother. FRANCISCAN PENANCE SERVICE, CHAPTER OF FAULTS Fr. Blasé Romano, TOR, honored our fraternity during the Lenten Season with a special service which included the “Chapter of Faults”, a term borrowed from our friars of First Order. It does not take the place of the Sacrament of Penance, but rather, enhances the Sacrament by expressing sorrow for any offenses that may have taken place during the past year within the fraternity. There were 32 in attendance. Our TABLE of REMEMBRANCE was set up, which certainly did enhance our special chapter.

FR ANGELUS (“FR. ANGE”) SALVADORE MIGLIORE, TORFr Angelus (“Fr. Ange”) Salvadore Migliore, TOR (Pastor Emeritus, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Spiritual Assistant St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity)

(July 17, 1937-March 28, 2016)

Fr. Angelus Migliore, TOR of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart

of Jesus, met our Lord on Monday, March 28, 2016 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fr. Angelus was born on July 16, 1937 in New York City and attended St. Francis College, Loretto, PA. He joined the TOR Community in January 1957 at Mt. Assisi Friary, Loretto, PA, and professed solemn vows on July 1, 1961. Fr. Ange, as he was known, received a BA degree in Philosophy in 1961 from St. Francis College, was ordained to the priesthood by the late J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Altoona, PA on May 23, 1964.

Fr. Ange taught at St. Thomas More High School in Philadelphia and Bishop Egan High School in Fairless Hills, PA. He also was stationed in Brazil from 1966-1974, preaching the Word of God while traversing the Amazon River. He then spent an additional 21 years on staff of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, from 1974-1995. Fr. Ange was a parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tampa, FL from 1995-2003, and was named Pastor of St. Patrick’s and continued in that role until he retired in 2012. He found a brave battle with cancer, passing away peacefully into the arms of Our Lord and His Mother on March 28, 2016.

Fr. Ange loved Christ, devoting his life to Him by emulating St. Francis of Assisi. He adored his parishioners, his friends, and his Franciscan family. Fr. Ange was known for his legendary keen intellect, dry wit, eloquent sermons, and love of good Italian food! He was a phenomenal spiritual assistant who supported the Secular Franciscan community with his presence, guidance, and wisdom. While we love and miss him, we are comforted by the knowledge that he has been united with Christ.

The San Damiano Fraternity in Sun City Center held the “Rite of Admission” for four eager and joyful Franciscans-to-Be. We welcome them with open arms and pray for their Candidacy period as they are guided by Sandi Gautreau, Formation Director.”