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Communications
Spiritual Resources – Seasonal Reflections – Archive
NOVEMBER 2010
Go and tell all the world
Dear friend of the missions,
As the days get shorter, we know that the year is winding down. The Church begins this month with the Solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1. We remember our beloved deceased on All Souls Day on Nov. 2. Nov. 9 is the Dedication of St. John Lateran. It is a good time to pray for the Church. Nov. 17 is the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a patron of the Secular Franciscans. Nov. 21 is the Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Church year. Nov. 29 is the feast of All Saints of the Franciscan Order. It celebrates the holiness of the men and women who have followed the way of St. Francis.
Election Day is Nov. 2; take part in the voting process no matter what side you support.
Nov. 25 is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. We can never be thankful enough! Pray especially for those families that will not be able to be together on Thanksgiving Day, especially because their loved ones are serving in combat.
Pray for peace! Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, another good day to pray for peace and for those who are serving and have served in our armed forces. All of us are grateful to you for your kindness to the missions, and we pray for you every day. Especially during November, we will also remember your loved ones who are deceased. Advent begins on Nov. 28.
Enjoy the blessings of the month.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
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November2010.pdf (PDF) |
SEPTEMBER 2010
(Blessed) John Cardinal Newman
Dear friend of the missions!
This is the month that brings back a lot of activity. I hope that you all got some down time during the summer. Labor Day is Sept. 6. With unemployment high, we should pray that all people can find meaningful work.
There are many feasts in this month that support and sustain our faith and our ministry. Sept. 8 is feast of the Nativity of Mary; Sept. 14 is the Triumph of the Cross; Sept. 15 is Our Lady of Sorrows; Sept. 17 is the Stigmata of St. Francis, and Sept. 29 is the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. The calendar also includes Sept. 12 as the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary. St. Peter Claver (Sept. 9), the Korean Martyrs (Sept. 20) and St. Lawrence Ruiz and companions (Sept. 28) remind us of the missions and all the men and women who minister as missionaries. Please keep them in your prayers.
Besides praying for our missionaries, offer a prayer for those students, teachers and administrators who will begin a new school year. This September is the ninth anniversary of 9/11. The event still has a profound affect on us all. Pray also for peace and good will among all peoples.
Thank you so much for all your support. Your prayers also make a big difference. Be assured that we are always praying for you and your intentions. Enjoy this and every time of the year!
May the Lord give you peace!
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
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September2010.pdf (PDF) |
AUGUST 2010
St. Edith Stein
Dear friend of the missions!
August can go very quickly. Before you know it, it will be September and things will get more serious and intense for most everybody. So, take it easy! Do restful things and prayerful things. It will help renew you.
This month has some wonderful feasts. The feast of the Transfiguration is on Aug. 6. For the Franciscans, there are four feasts that we observe in a special way: Aug. 2 is the feast of Our Lady of the Angels and the Portiuncola pardon; St. Dominic on Aug. 8; St. Clare on Aug. 11, and Aug. 15 is the birthday of St. Anthony.
The solemnity of the Assumption is Aug. 15. The solemnity is celebrated even though it is Sunday. There is a wonderful tradition on this feast of Mary: blessing flowers, herbs and spices on that day. This custom was a way of celebrating that Mary is the first fruits of the harvest of salvation. The octave of the Assumption (Aug. 22) is the feast of the Queenship of Mary, though this year it is not observed because it is a Sunday.
Perhaps, on Aug. 23, the feast of St. Rose of Lima, you could pray especially for our mission in Peru. Please continue to pray for peace and the victims of war and violence, especially in this month that we remember the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
All the friars are very grateful for your generosity and prayers. You really do have a profound influence on the lives of many people. We always remember you and your intentions.
God bless you!
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
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August2010.pdf (PDF) |
JULY 2010
Thomas and Martha
The month of July has two feasts of people who are very interesting and who are often used as bad examples when we are discussing how we should be as disciples.
• July 3: The feast of St. Thomas the Apostle
• July 29: The feast of St. Martha, who in the tradition is called one of the “equals of the apostles”
For the most part, when we hear their names we think of Thomas’s great doubting and Martha’s being “busy about many things.”
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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July2010.pdf (PDF) |
JUNE 2010
Sacred Heart
Dear Friend of the Franciscan Missions!
On June 21, I hope that the beginning of summer will also be the beginning of a more restful time.
There are a lot of special feasts in the month of June. June 6 is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is June 11, followed on June 12 by the Immaculate Heart of Mary. St. Anthony’s feast is June 13 (it is on a Sunday this year so many places will celebrate it the next day. We all pray for you in a special way on all the days they set aside for St. Anthony: Saturday, Sunday and Monday! The Solemnity of St. John the Baptist is June 24, and the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the Church of Rome, is on June 29. Pray especially for Pope Benedict during this month and for the entire Church. June 20 is Fathers’ Day. Pray for all our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and stepfathers, also those who have served in fatherly capacities – those who are living and those that have died.
The Year for Priests ends on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Still, keep priests in your prayers and pray for more vocations for clergy, religious and lay ministry in the Church.
As we keep St. Anthony’s feast, pray for those who are hungry, that bread and other food may come to the poor. Thank you for your generous support of our missions, your prayers and generosity make a big difference. Be assured of our prayers.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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June2010.pdf (PDF) |
MAY 2010
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
During the Paschal Triduum and the Easter Season, there are numerous references to the blood of the Lamb.
Reading the Book of Revelation, the following passage appears, and is also a part of the Liturgy of the Word for the Solemnity of All Saints: "Then one of the elders asked me, 'Who are these people dressed in white? And where have they come from?' I said to him, 'Sir, you should know better than I.' He then told me, 'These are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7: 13, 14)
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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May2010.pdf (PDF) |
APRIL 2010
Proclaiming the Joy of the Resurrection
The celebration of the Resurrection is the center of the Christian life. Each Christian tradition celebrates in a different — yet similar — way.
Often, the Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on a different Sunday than the Roman Church because they follow a different calendar. This year is one of the times when we both celebrate Easter on the same day.
The Orthodox celebration of Easter is a wonderful way for us to look at the Mystery of Easter from a little bit different perspective and get some deeper insight into the Mystery.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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April2010.pdf (PDF) |
MARCH 2010
The Annunciation of the Lord
Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery: the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of grace.
Together, with him, let us cry to the One who bore God: "Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!" (Byzantine Hymn for the Feast)
March 25 celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This is one of the great festivals associated with the Incarnation Cycle. As the liturgical year unfolds, there are many celebrations that keep the mystery of the Incarnation before us (Christmas, Presentation of the Lord, Birth of John the Baptist, many feasts of Mary, but the first and foremost festival of the Incarnation cycle is the Annunciation).
These are celebrations of God keeping faith with humanity. This faithfulness always restores hope to us even in the most hopeless of times. (We always need a little Christmas!)
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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March2010.pdf (PDF) |
FEBRUARY 2010
Lest Lent be a scary thing!
For many people, Lent is a little terrifying. We set out on Ash Wednesday to take a really good long look at ourselves and try to see ourselves as we really are — not as we do when we are prepared to take a look and we come up with good excuses for our mistakes and learn to pass over or ignore our failures.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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February2010.pdf (PDF) |
JANUARY 2010
What's in a Name?
After Vatican II and the renewal of Biblical studies, many translations decided to use the name Yahweh to refer to God in the biblical texts where the word appeared, so that readers would understand the text was using the name God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). In the Hebrew Bible, the word never had any vowels with it just the consonants: YHWH.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Secretary for Missionary Evangelization
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January2010.pdf (PDF) |
AUGUST 2009
Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels: The Portiuncola
Dear Friend of the missions!
I hope and pray that you are having some time to rest and regain energy during the summer.
There are some important feasts to remember this month: August 6 is the Transfiguration of the Lord; August 8 is the feast of St. Dominic; August 11 is the feast of St. Clare. The Solemnity of the Assumption is August 15. There is a wonderful tradition of blessing flowers on that day. The octave of the Assumption (Aug 22) is the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Perhaps, on August 23, the feast of St. Rose of Lima, you could pray especially for our mission in Peru.
Please continue to pray for peace and the victims of war and violence. All the friars are very grateful for your generosity and prayers. Even though it is a Sunday this year, August 2 is a special day for the Franciscans: the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (patron of the Portiuncola), a day to pray for pardon and the deceased.
You make a big difference in the lives of many people. We always remember you and your intentions.
God bless you!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
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64meditation--PortiuncolaAugust2009.pdf (PDF) |
JULY 2009
Summer of John 6
Dear Friend of the Missions!
I hope that summer is shaping up to be a time of rest. There are some feasts in July worth remembering and using as days of prayer for special intentions.
July 1st is the feast of Blessed Junipero Serra, a great day to pray for the missions. July 3rd is the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, a great day to pray for those who have doubts in faith. July 15th is the feast of St. Bonaventure, a good day to pray for the Franciscan family. On July 22, the Church remembers St. Mary Magdalene, one of the Lord’s women disciples. July 26th is the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Please pray for all grandparents, living and deceased.
There are also civil holidays that are important to observe: July 1st is Canada Day and July 4th is Independence Day. Pray for the people of Canada and the United States, that God may bless them and give them peace, prosperity and a spirit of generosity.
Always be assured of our prayers for you, your loved ones and your intentions. There would be no missions, if it were not for all of you and people like you who believe in helping to share the gift of the Gospel.
May God keep you in his love.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
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63meditation--Summer of John 6.July2009.pdf (PDF) |
JUNE 2009
Reflecting on the Year of Paul
Dear Friend of the Franciscan Missions!
On June 21 (Father’s Day), we come to the beginning of summer. June 1 returns us to the season called Ordinary Time. June 7 is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and June 14 is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. St. Anthony’s feast is June 13. We all pray for you in a special way on that day.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is June 19, followed on June 20 by the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Solemnity of St. John the Baptist is June 24, and the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the Church of Rome, is on June 29. Pray especially for Pope Benedict during this month, for all our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and stepfathers — those who are living and those that have died.
The Year of Paul comes to an end on June 29. Pope Benedict has declared the Year of Priests which will begin on June 19 and follow through to the next year.
As we keep St Anthony’s feast, pray for those who are hungry, that bread and other food may come to the poor. Thank you for your generous support of our missions, your prayers and generosity make a big difference. Be assured of our prayers.
Enjoy the summer!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
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62meditation--Reflecting on the Year of Paul.June 2009.pdf (PDF) |
MAY 2009
Damien (Kamiano) of Moloka`i: Servant of God, Servant of Humanity
BEGINNING THE SIXTH YEAR!
This is meditation 61. If you would like to receive them by email rather that snail mail, just let me know. I hope that they have proved useful.
The Easter Season continues to May 31, the Solemnity of Pentecost. The Solemnity of the Ascension is on May 21 in the Northeast and on May 24 in most other places in the United States and Canada. May the blessings of Easter continue to touch your life. This month is filled with special celebrations. May 4 is Good Shepherd Sunday. Please pray for vocations to ministry in the Church.
Of course, Mothers Day is May 10. We will remember all our living and deceased mothers all in a special way. May 10 is also the feast of Blessed Damien of Moloka`i. He will be canonized on October 11. May 13 is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. May 15 is the feast of St. Isidore the farmer and his wife, Maria de la Cabeza. They are two wonderful and generous people who achieved sainthood as husband and wife raising a large family. May 20 is the feast of St. Bernardine of Siena, a Franciscan writer who encouraged devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Memorial Day is observed on May 25. Please pray for all who have died in war. In this month, we especially remember Mary.
Thank you for your constant support. Be assured of our prayers!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
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61Meditation--Damien of Moloka`i, May 2009.pdf (PDF) |
MARCH 2008
Holy Thursday: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper
March, 2008
Dear Friend of the Missions!
It’s hard to believe that Easter is so early in March, that it is right around the corner. I hope that you will be able to join in the Holy Week celebrations, especially the Easter Triduum.
Pray particularly for those who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, they bring new life to the Church. As you renew your own baptismal promises, remember how we are always afforded a fresh start in the Easter Mysteries. Because of Easter being early this year, some feasts get shifted around. St. Joseph’s feast day is celebrated this year on March 15. In many places, St. Patrick’s feast will be on March 14.
The Annunciation will be moved from March 25 to March 31. The 13 Tuesdays to prepare for the Feast of St. Anthony begin on March 18.
Hopefully, spring will come in time to brighten the celebration of Easter.
Be assured of the prayers of all our missionaries for you and your loved ones for your Easter intentions. Thank you so much for all you do for the missions.
Blessed and Glorious Easter!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_March_2008.pdf (PDF) |
FEBRUARY 2008
The Way of the Cross
February 2008
Dear Friend of the Missions,
Happy Leap Year! February is the shortest month of the year, but there are still a lot of things happening. February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. It is the day that the Church blesses candles and honors Jesus as the Light whom the darkness can not overcome. February 3 is the Feast of St. Blaise. On this day the Church blesses throats.
Lent is very early this year: Ash Wednesday is February 6. It is a day of strict fast and abstinence. Perhaps as you make some sacrifice, you can use the money you save ro help feed people who have no food. February 22 is the Feast of the Chair of Peter, a good day to pray for Pope Benedict XVI. On February 10, the Church celebrates the Rite of Election usually at the Cathedral with the bishop. On this day, those who are catechumens (not baptized) are called as candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil. (Please keep them in your prayers.) Each February, the Church has a day set aside to remember those in religious life (Feb 3), those who are sick (Feb 11) and those who are married (Feb 10).
Please join the Church in prayer for those groups. Be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions, especially that this Lent will be a time of personal renewal for you and your loved ones. God bless you all for your generosity to the missions!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_Feb_2008.pdf (PDF) |
JANUARY 2008
The Octave of Christmas
January 2008
Dear Friend of the Missions,
Hard to believe that it is another New Year! I hope that the Christmas season still keeps you filled with wonder and joy. This month January I celebrates everything you will read about below.
Jan 3 is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, the patronal title of our Franciscan province. Please keep us all in your prayers. Jan 6 is the Solemnity of the Epiphany and Jan 13 is the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Martin Luther King Day is Jan 21 and Jan 22 is a day of penance and prayer for life. The 100th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25. Please join in some of the gatherings during the week to pray for Church Unity. There are only a few weeks to the beginning of Lent (Feb 6) so be ready because it will come up very quickly. Thank you for you support for our missions. We all hope that this New Year will peaceful and healthy.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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January_2008.pdf (PDF) |
DECEMBER 2007
The Image Restored
Christmas is coming, always sooner than we think. I hope that you will be able in the midst of everything to use the advent time to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas.
There are a lot of feasts: Dec. 8 is the Immaculate Conception of Mary (this the patronal feast of the United States); Dec. 12 is Our Lady of Guadalupe; Dec. 3 is St. Francis Xavier, a great missionary in Asia; Dec. 6 is St. Nicholas of Myra, a patron of many of the Eastern Churches; Dec. 26 is the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, and Dec. 27 is the feast of St. John, the apostle and evangelist.
Thank you for all you do for the missions, you are all truly the best gift that God has given to us. We are truly grateful and pray for you every day. May your Christmas be filled with joy and peace and happiness.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_DEC_2007.pdf (PDF) |
NOVEMBER 2007
Who is God?
Dear friend of the missions,
Fall is in full force and perhaps all that is left of the summer are the leaves that many of us are raking up. November begins with the Festival of the Saints on the 1st. We remember our beloved deceased on All Souls Day the 2nd. November 9th is the Dedication of St. John Lateran. It is a good time to pray for the Church. November 17th is the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a patron of the Secular Franciscans.
On November 21st, we celebrate the Presentation of Mary in the Temple and November 22nd is Thanksgiving Day. The Solemnity of Christ the King is on November 25th. WE have much to be grateful
for, God watches over us with care. Pray especially for those families that will not be able to be together on Thanksgiving Day, especially because their loved ones are serving in combat.
Pray for peace! All of us are grateful to you for your kindness to the missions, we pray for you every day.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_November_2007.pdf (PDF) |
OCTOBER 2007
Blame God
The beginning of October is the time when all the Franciscan family celebrates St. Francis of Assisi. On October 3 we remember his passing and on October 4 we celebrate his feast day.
We pray in a very special way for all our family, friends and benefactors who support us so generously. On October 11 the Church remembers Blessed John XXIII. His feast day is assigned to the day that he opened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. Keep the Church inyour prayers. October 15 is the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, the Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church. October is also the month of the rosary. When you pray, keep in mind the October intentions of the Church in the United States: we are encouraged to pray for better respect of life and for vocations. Thank you for all your help and support.
Please continue to pray for the missions and trust that all of us pray for you. May the Lord bless you and those you love.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_Oct_07.pdf (PDF) |
SEPTEMBER 2007
The Stigmata of St. Francis
It is hard to imagine how time goes by so quickly! September is here and now most of us have a feeling that we have to get serious again. The most unfortunate thing is that many of us did not get to take advantage of the summer and were already too serious. Maybe that is why September begins with Labor Day–a day off.
The Church Year provides us with some wonderful feasts to help us continue to celebrate God’s love and provident care: September 8 is the Nativity of Mary; September 14 is the Triumph of the Cross; September 15 is Our Lady of Sorrows; September 17 is the Stigmata of St. Francis, and September 29 is the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
The calendar also includes September 12 as the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary. Besides praying for our missionaries, remember those who are unemployed and seek work, all those who will begin a new school year. Continue to pray for peace. We have to figure a way to embrace God’s way and stop fighting wars and resorting to violence to solve problems. Thank you so much for all your support. Your prayers make a big difference. Be assured that we are always praying for you and your intentions.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. You are truly special to us.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_Sep_2007.pdf (PDF) |
AUGUST 2007
THE SEVEN JOYS OF MARY
August 2007
Dear Friend of the missions!
Blessed Summer! I hope and pray that you have had some time to rest and regain energy during the summer.
There are some important feasts to remember this month: August 6 is the Transfiguration of the Lord; August 8 is the feast of St. Dominic; August 11 is the feast of St. Clare. The Solemnity of the Assumption is August 15. There is a wonderful tradition of blessing flowers on that day. On the website, we will include that blessing. The octave of the Assumption (Aug 22) is the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Perhaps, on August 23, the feast of St. Rose of Lima, you could pray especially for our mission in Peru. Please pray for peace, it seems so elusive; pray also for all the victims of war and that a way to peace will be found for our world.
All the friars are very grateful for your generosity and prayers. August 2 is a special day for the Franciscans: the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (patron of the Portiuncola), a day to pray for pardon and the deceased. You make a big difference in the lives of many people.
We always remember you and your intentions. God bless you!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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ACF70BB.pdf (PDF) |
JULY 2007
No Way for a Son of God to Act
Dear Friend of the Missions!
Summer has arrived, I hope that it is a time for rest and renewal. There are some feasts in July worth remembering and using as days of prayer for special intentions.
July 1st is the feast of Blessed Junipero Serra, a great day to pray for the missions. July 3rd is the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, a great day to pray for those who have doubts in faith. July 15th is the feast of St. Bonaventure, a good day to pray for the Franciscan family. July 26th is the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Please pray for all grandparents, living and deceased.
There are also civil holidays that are important to observe: July 1st is Canada Day and July 4th is Independence Day. Pray for the people of the Canada and the United States, that God may bless them and give them peace, prosperity and a spirit of generosity.
As you pray for all these intentions remember that we are praying for yours. All of our missionaries and those who work in the office are so grateful for all you do for to help the missions.
God bless you and keep you safe and filled with peace.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary union
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Meditation_July_2007.pdf (PDF) |
JUNE 2007
St. Anthony of Padua: Worker of Wonders in Word and Deed
Dear Friend of the Missions!
The Easter Season has come to a close with Pentecost, but continues from Sunday to Sunday.
In June we celebrate the many Solemnities. It would be good to try to get to Church those days and pray for peace and the missions and the needs of all people. June 3 is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity; June 10 is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On June 13 is St. Anthony of Padua. June 15 is the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heat of Jesus and June 16 is the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. June 24 is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and June 29 is the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul. (They are the patrons of the Roman Church, a good day to pray for Pope Benedict.) June 17 is Fathers Day; let us pray for all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, stepfathers and all who serve in a fatherly capacity.
Thank you so much for your continued support of the missions. Be assured of our prayers and gratitude.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M
Director of the Franciscan missionary Union
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Meditation_June_2007.pdf (PDF) |
MAY 2007
Right Up to Pentecost and Sunday after Sunday
Dear Friend of the missions,
This meditation begins the fourth year of the monthly meditations. I want to thank you for reading them, sharing them with others and praying for our missionaries each month. That prayer makes a big difference. The Solemnity of the Ascension and Pentecost are celebrated this month. The Ascension is on Thursday, May 17 in much of the North East, but in most other places it is moved to Sunday, May 20. Pentecost is on May 27. The Easter season ends with the celebration of Pentecost. There are two feasts I would recommend to you: May 10 is the feast of Blessed Damien of Moloka’i and May 31 is the feast of the Visitation. This month is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. We also pray for all mothers, living and deceased on Mothers’ Day, May 13. Thank you for your continued support of our missions, we are always grateful for your generosity and concern. Be assured of our prayers for you. Continue to remember that we are Easter people and we celebrate Easter for these full fifty days up to Pentecost and then every Sunday of the year.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_May_200.pdf (PDF) |
APRIL 2007
The new heaven and the new earth
Hopefully, April is bringing some of the beauty of Spring to your lives. Of course, April 8 is Easter Sunday and begins the 50 day feast that continues to Pentecost. All of us pray that this Easter will be joyous and a great source of blessing for you and your loved ones. Join the Church in rejoicing as it welcomes all the new members through the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. We also have cause to rejoice because each Easter we celebrate the remembrance of our own baptisms and get a fresh start as we renew our baptismal promises. Remember Earth Day, April 22, being followers of St. Francis we should be specially concerned about creation. April 29 is Good Shepherd Sunday, take some time and pray for vocations. Your help to us is truly a wonder of the Easter Mystery. All of our missionaries are grateful and we keep you all in our prayers. Thank you so much for your care and generosity.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_April_07.pdf (PDF) |
MARCH 2007
The Call to Conversion
Dear Friend of the Missions,
Lent has started, we who are baptized are trying to answer the call to conversion. Those who are preparing for Baptism are in the midst of a 40 day retreat. Please keep them in your prayers, they are our future. The community prays that they are free from the power of sin, and will present them with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. These they will need to learn for the time when they participate in the entire Mass after Baptism.
I would like to invite you to continue the traditional practices of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church has always found these to be very helpful for embracing the spirit of Lent. It is a good time to make sacrifices that will help those who are less fortunate. There are two Solemnities during the month of March: St. Joseph on March 19, and the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25. Let us pray for one another that this Lent will be beneficial to us all!. Your kindness and generosity to our missions is so supportive of the Gospel. Thank you so much. You will all be in our prayers as this season brings us to Easter.
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Please clik on the PDF file to see the Meditation for March
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March_meditation-Layout 1.pdf (PDF) |
FEBRUARY 2007
Ash Wednesday
February is the shortest month of the year, but there are still a lot of things happening. February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. It is the day that the Church blesses candles and honors Jesus as the Light whom the darkness can not overcome. February 3 is the Feast of St. Blaise. On this day the Church blesses throats. February 22 is the Feast of the Chair of Peter. February 21 is Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. On February 25, the Church celebrates the Rite of Election usually at the Cathedral with the bishop. On this day those who are not baptized are called as candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil. (Please keep them in your prayers.) Each February the Church has a day set aside to remember those in religious life (Feb 4), those who are sick (Feb 11) and those who are married (Feb 11 also). Please join the Church in prayer for those groups. Be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions, especially that this Lent will be a time of personal renewal for you and your loved ones. God bless you all for your generosity to the missions!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Feb_2007_Meditation.pdf (PDF) |
JANUARY 2007
Martin Luther King: A National Day
Happy New Year! May 2007 be a year of grace, peace and blessing for you and your loved ones. As January begins the Christmas Mystery is still celebrated: January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Of course, it is the beginning of the new year and it is a day of prayer for world peace. January 7 is the Solemnity of the Epiphany, and January 8 brings the Christmas season to a close with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer from Church Unity. January 22 is designated a day of prayer and penance to seek an end to sins against life. The third Monday in January (this year, January 15) is Martin Luther King Day. In many parts of the world where our missionaries work there is no peace, peoples are divided because of racism and religious differences, and life is not appreciated. Keep these places in your prayer this month. Thank you for your generosity to the missions.
God bless and keep you all!
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
Please click on the PDF to see the January 2007 Meditation.
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January-Meditation.pdf (PDF) |
DECEMBER 2006
THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS
Advent is a time to prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
I know this is difficult because society has us overwhelmed with Christmas images, music and even parties. For the Church, the Christmas celebration begins with Vigil of Christmas and ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. Many people think that Christmas Day is the end of the celebration and not the beginning. I hope that you will be able to get some quiet, some prayer, some reflection as a way to appreciate the Christmas Mystery, and how it changes our lives. December 6 is the Feast of St. Nicholas.
December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Patronal Feast of the United States) and December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary teaches us how to wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord. I hope that you are enjoying these meditations and that they nurture and support your faith (at least a little bit).
May your Christmas be filled with blessings, joy, peace andwonderful memories! God bless you all for your generosity to the missions!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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December_2006_Meditation.pdf (PDF) |
NOVEMBER 2006
FOR ALL THE SAINTS
In November, the Church remembers those who have died in a special way. I am sure that you are praying for your loved ones. We are praying for them too. The month will be busy with Thanksgiving and the serious beginning of all the preparations we go through for Christmas. Keep some time for prayer and reflection. It will help you through all of the distractions. The month begins with All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Thanksgiving is November 22. The Solemnity of Christ the King is celebrated on November 26. To make things better or worse depending on how you feel about it all, the general elections will take place on
November 7. Pray for our government, for all our service men and women who are overseas in dangerous situations, and pray for peace. Thank you for all you do for our missionaries, we are most grateful and keep you all in our prayers.
Fr. Russell Backer
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Nov_MED.pdf (PDF) |
OCTOBER 2006
I didn’t write that! But, thank you!
The beginning of October is the time when all the Franciscan family celebrates St. Francis of Assisi. On October 3 we remember his passing and on October 4 we celebrate his feast day. We pray in a very special way for all our family, friends and benefactors who support us so generously. On October 11 the Church remembers Blessed John XXIII. His feast day is assigned to the day that he opened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. Keep the Church in your prayers. October 15 is the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, the Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church. October is also the month of the rosary. When you pray keep in mind the intentions of the Church in the United States. We are encouraged to pray for better respect of life and for vocations. Thank you for all your help and support. May the Lord bless you and those you love. Check out our website: www.hnp.org and click on FMU.
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October_meditation.pdf (PDF) |
SEPTEMBER 2006
Our Lady of Sorrows
Dear Friend of the missions!
For many people, September begins the time of serious work after the summer. Schools are in session, and we begin again to take work more seriously. There are the feasts that are important for the month: September 8 is the Nativity of Mary; September 14 is the Triumph of the Cross; September 15 is Our Lady of Sorrows; September 17 is the Stigmata of St. Francis, and September 29 is the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. The calendar also includes September 12 as the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary. This year is the fifth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11. As we can all see, the world still needs a lot of prayer. Peace seems so far away, and still more people are dying from war, violence, lack of food and sickness. Check out the website and you will see the meditation and the appeal letter laid out with pictures. We hope to begin including some devotions and prayers on the website that you will be able to use to support your prayer life. Keep our missions in your prayers and be assured of ours. God bless you for your kindness to the missions.
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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SEP.pdf (PDF) |
AUGUST 2006
The Transfiguration
Dear Friend of the Missions,
I hope that summer has been a peaceful time so far, and that August will provide you with a lot of rest. There are some important feasts to remember this month: August 6 is the Transfiguration of the Lord; August 8 is the feast of St. Dominic; August 11 is the feast of St. Clare. The Solemnity of the Assumption is August 15. There is a wonderful tradition of blessing flowers on that day. Along with the meditation you will find the blessing of the flowers. The octave of the Assumption (Aug 22) is the feast of the Queenship of Mary. Perhaps on August 23, the feast of St. Rose of Lima, you could pray especially for our mission in Peru. Please pray for peace, it seems so elusive; pray also for all the victims of war as we remember the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Thank you again for all your generosity and prayers. You make a big difference in the lives of many people. God bless you!
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RDMeditation_Aug2006.pdf (PDF) |
JULY 2006
Apostle to the Apostles
Summer is finally upon us. I hope that you all have some time to rest relax. July 1st is Canada Day and July 4th is Independence Day. Pray for the people of the Canada and the United States, that God may bless them and give them peace, prosperity and a spirit of generosity. Keep our missions in your prayers. We are so grateful for all you do for them. God bless you and keep you safe and filled with peace.
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Meditation_july2006.pdf (PDF) |
JUNE 2006
Pentecost:inflamed with intense love
With June we come to the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The Church Year is filled with feasts and festivals: Pentecost Sunday is June 5. The Feast of the Holy Trinity is June 12, and the Solemnity of the Body and Blood fo the Lord is June 19 (which is also FathersÕ Day). Friday, June 24, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is June 25. We, Franciscans, celebrate the Solemnity of St. Anthony on June 13. The Solemnity of St. John the Baptist is June 24 and the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the Church of Rome, is on June 29. Pray especially for Pope Benedict during this month, for all our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and stepfathers--those who are living and those that have died. We continue to pray for peace in our world, and, as we keep St AnthonyÕs Feast, pray for those who are hungry, that bread and other food may come to the poor. Thank you for your generous support of our missions, your prayers and generosity make a big difference. Be assured of our prayers. If you can, you might want to check out the monthly meditation on line; Brother Octavio lays them out with beautiful pictures. Enjoy the summer!
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June_meditation.pdf (PDF) |
MAY 2006
The Ascension: Why do you look up?
I hope that Easter continues to be a blessing to you! This month is filled with special celebrations. Of course, Mothers Day is the May 14th. We will remember them all in a special way. May 10 is the feast of Blessed Damien of Moloka`i, the heroic person who cared for poor people with leprosy. May 15 is the feast of St. Isidore the farmer and his wife, Maria de la Cabeza. They are two wonderful and generous people who achieved sainthood as husband and wife raising a large family. Memorial day is observed on May 29. Please pray for all who have died in war. The Visitation of Mary is on May 31. In this month we especially remember Mary, and the Easter Season continues with the Solemnity of the Ascension on May 25 in the North East and, in many places, on May 28. Thank you for your constant support. Be assured of our prayers!
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.
Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union
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Meditation_May2006.pdf (PDF) |
