Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
Summer 2005
Published biannually
 
RENEWAL IS RENEWED!
 

by Fr. Bernard Murphy, CFR
 

As the holiest week of the year unfolded, the eyes of the world were fixed on the upper window of the papal palace in Vatican City. Crowds below stood in hushed reverence as they watched the Vicar of Christ gracefully struggle through his own passion. As the days passed and the pontiff's health failed, the Church and the world experienced the waning of a clarion voice of renewal. The man who had called for a new evangelization, who had traveled the world insisting on the dignity of all human beings, born and unborn, the man who called for repentance and renewal in the Church and society was now confined to his bed, unable to utter a word. Yet even in his dying as in his living, our great Holy Father John Paul "heralded" the great dignity of the human person as created in the image and likeness of the Almighty.
 

  The founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal pictured here are (l-r): Fr. Robert Stanion, Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Fr. Glenn Sudano, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Stan Fortuna, and Fr. Bob Lombardo. Read Fr. Bernard's article to see how the friars' recent General Chapter began a second era in the history of the Community.
 

Thousands of dignitaries from every land and religious background gathered in the piazza before the Major Basilica of St. Peter to pay their final tribute to perhaps the greatest moral leader of the twentieth century. Millions more-- believers and non-believers-- huddled around radios and televisions to witness the final farewells as the Servant of the Servants of God passed the final threshold to glory. Sustained applause and shouts for immediate canonization, "Santo Subito", carried the fallen warrior of faith to his final reward.
Within a few weeks the cardinals began to gather in conclave to consider who would be called upon to take up the standard of the Church. Subtle speculation suggested a man from the growing Church in Africa. Others felt the cardinals might revert to an Italian. Still others wondered out loud if the next leader of over a billion Catholics might take a morally open stance concerning the demands of the secular society. Once again the world was fixed on the Eternal City, but now gazed with discerning wonder at the smokestack above the Sistine Chapel.
 

  The Lord Jesus speaks of a hundredfold gift of brothers and sisters for those who follow Him, and it looks like the Friars and Sisters of the Renewal have just surpassed that number! As both communities continue to grow, by Divine grace, it is a rare occasion to be able to get us all (or nearly all) together for a photo like this. The setting is Kellenberg High School near Mineola, Long Island, where the General Chapter of 2005 took place. This excellent Catholic high school is run by the Marianist Brothers of the Meriba Province, whom the friars are greatly indebted to for their hospitality and friendship.
 

It was the evening of April 19, about 6:00 pm., the second day of the conclave. Smoke began to billow from the stack for the third time. Twice before, the crowds were disappointed to find no pope had been selected. Confusion had been caused earlier when the definitive sign of a selection, the ringing of bells, was thought to be heard: however, it was only the tolling of the midday angelus. But this time the election was certain. The smoke was white. The bells began to sound. People began to shout. And massive crowds began to sprint to the colonnade, as if into the arms of the Church, to hear the announcement.

Within thirty minutes the curtains on the balcony of St. Peter's were slowly drawn back. The cardinals began to fill the side balconies. Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, the senior deacon of the College of Cardinals, approached the microphone. In a slight change from protocol but expressive of the pontificate of the late John Paul II, the spokesman of the cardinals greeted the assembled multitude and all who were listening by mass communication in several languages. Next came the greatly anticipated proclamation. "Habemus papam!" Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, cardinal prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dean of the College of Cardinals, close collaborator of the former pontiff, was introduced as Benedict XVI. Renewal is renewed!
 
 

  The gift and mystery of the ministerial priesthood was received with great joy by Fr. Leo Joseph Fisher (pictured here), as well as Fr. John Anthony Boughton, and Fr. Anthony Marie Baetzold. Edward Cardinal Egan ordained these men along with their diocesan classmates at St. Patrick's Cathedral on May 14th. These three "baby priests" won't be looking for work. They have already received assignments for Harlem, Honduras, and the Bronx, respectively, and are immediately putting this gift at the service of the People of God.
  The Friars and Sisters of the Renewal offer their prayers particularly on Wednesdays for an increase of vocations to religious life and the priesthood. Perhaps you could join us in this practice, since we know well that "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few".

  

  Eastern Christians are familiar with the sight of the crown of flowers on a bride and groom in their marriage ritual. The crowns symbolize Christ the King and His holy bride, the Church. These two brides of Christ, Sr. Miriam Thérèse Johnson (l-center) and Sr. Jacinta Maria Pollard are radiant on the day of their First Profession of Vows.

  There is a great complementarity and mutual encouragement among married couples who are faithful to their wedding vows and consecrated religious who are faithful to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It is appropriate that these two sisters are pictured with their mothers, who have been witnesses for them of generous fidelity. Generosity was indeed required for these two sisters to leave their homeland of England to join the CFR Sisters in the Bronx.
 

Many understood clearly that the Holy Spirit, through the guidance of the Church Fathers gathered in conclave, was continuing the call for renewal in the Church. For almost twenty-four years Cardinal Ratzinger had been one of the closest aides to Pope John Paul II. Now as Pope Benedict XVI, he could continue to foster the new evangelization, articulate the dignity of all human beings, and bring theological clarity to a highly secularized society. Renewal is renewed!

In 1987 a small group of Capuchin friars under the inspiration of another Benedict, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, began a little renewal of the Capuchin Franciscan way of life. Wanting to live a more intentional life of poverty, chastity and obedience following the inspiration of our Holy Father St. Francis, this little band of eight set off to the South Bronx to attempt reform. With the encouragement of the late Archbishop of New York, John Cardinal O'Connor, the friars sought a ministry of non-parochial service to the poorest of the poor. Hands-on work with those in need, a concerted effort to foster the new evangelization, especially Eucharistic devotion, and a burning desire to assist those in crisis pregnancies became the hallmark of this little reform. Now eighteen years later, this "rag tag group of friars" (as Cardinal O'Connor fondly referred to us) numbers over a hundred Friars and Sisters of the Renewal, serving in seven dioceses in three countries on two continents.
 

  These friars and lay volunteers are not standing among ancient Roman ruins. Rather, they are on the site of the future Casa Guadalupe across from the friary in Comayagua, Honduras. This central fountain is located in front of what will be a simple but noble chapel in the middle of the complex. Besides the chapel, plans for the Casa Guadalupe include accommodations for volunteers, a homeless shelter, and a variety of spaces for meetings and storage.
   The friars have been greatly assisted by the faithful and generous help of volunteers from the Missioners of Christ. The zeal of these volunteers for evangelization and care of the destitute is a perfect match for the friars' mission in Honduras.
 

On May 30 the finally professed members of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal gathered in solemn assembly to choose a new Community Servant (General Superior). Until now the respective Servants have all been chosen from the original founding friars. Fr. Benedict Groeschel guided the community through its initial stage of establishment. Fr. Andrew Apostoli pastored the friars into stability. Fr. Glenn Sudano led the community into its expansion beyond the borders of New York. Now the community leadership has been entrusted to me, Fr. Bernard Murphy.

I am not one of the original friars. I was never a Capuchin Franciscan. I came to the community several years after its inception, inspired by the life of simplicity and its work with our less fortunate brothers and sisters. I perceived a vision of renewal in the original brothers that stirred my heart to desire a life of dedication and fervent religious reform. Now I have been entrusted with the awesome privilege of being servant to my brothers. Renewal is renewed!
 
  Fr. Bernard Murphy (far right), the friars' new Community Servant, is shown here with his council (r-l) Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Luke Fletcher, Fr. Glenn Sudano (former Community Servant), Fr. Andrew Apostoli, and Fr. Richard Roemer (Community Vicar).
 

I believe that when a community effectively passes on its vision to the next generation, a significant threshold has been crossed. The inspiration of the Lord and the guidance of His Spirit have been manifested. Despite trials and errors, our original brothers, none of whom would claim the title Founder, worked tirelessly to formulate what the Lord was asking of them. For years they wrestled with personal and communal renewal, which reflects the mind of God and the heart of his late vicar, John Paul II, and they continue to strive for this renewal. Now this vision is also handed on to those who follow, assuring hope for a future. Renewal is renewed!

As the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI begins to take shape and the new leadership in our little reform unfolds, let us pray that the Spirit of genuine renewal will be manifest. Let us be mindful of the words of our former Holy Father, who told us, "Do not be afraid!" Let us rally around our new Shepherd, who describes himself as a "simple, humble worker in the Lord's vineyard." Let us pray for a generous spirit and a willingness to serve so that the Church and our world may be renewed in Christ. Let us commit ourselves to on-going conversion and a life of sacrificial service to those most in need. For then, truly, RENEWAL IS RENEWED!
 
 

  Br. Francis Edkins is captured with his nieces and nephew, and is almost dwarfed by a picture of Mother Teresa that he painted. Br. Francis is an "East-Ender", from an area of London not too distant from St. Fidelis Friary. He was the first Englishman to join the friars in New York. There are currently seven CFR friars and two CFR sisters from England, with more on the way this Fall. By September, the friars plan to open "St. Pio Friary" north of London in Bradford, near Leeds.
   "Grayfriars" were sent to England by Saint Francis in 1224, a couple of years before his death. The Friars of the Renewal hope that their little missions will contribute to the renewal of faith in this land that contains somewhat faded signs of a rich Christian heritage.

  

  What gift would generate more excitement for a group of friars than a blessing from the Holy Father? This papal blessing by Pope John Paul II was given to the friars who made their First Profession of Vows in March. It is difficult to express the depth of gratitude that the friars and sisters have for Pope John Paul II, who is mentioned by name in our Constitutions, and the degree to which he inspired all of us. We are also very grateful for the election of Pope Benedict XVI and trust his ability to shepherd the universal Church.
   These recently professed friars are (l-r) Br. Paul Raniero Donnelly, Br. Paschal Maria Coby, Br. Sebastian Maria Kajko, Br. Antonio Maria Diez de Medina, Br. Tobias Joseph Holtz, Br. Joachim Joseph Bellavance, and Br. David Mary Valenzuela.

 
 

  Are these eleven Apostles with the twelfth taking the picture? These are eleven friar-pilgrims at the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal. All of these friars are lay-brothers, who visited the tomb of the saintly Brother André located at the Oratory. They walked the next 26 kilometers of their pilgrimage to the shrine church of Bl. Kateri Tekawitha and visited other holy places in that region.
   The identity and role of the lay-brother is not always understood by some who might expect that all friars are called to be priests. Saint Francis and the majority of canonized saints of the Franciscan Order were in fact lay-brothers rather than ordained priests. Will these CFR brothers become saints? They have at least set out on that road!

     Renewal comes from adoration. This Corpus Christi procession in the South Bronx is an annual event meant to remind our neighbors that Jesus remains with us always in the Blessed Sacrament. The Friars and Sisters of the Renewal are united with Jesus' desire to bring the Good News to the poor. Material assistance to the destitute is gently linked with spiritual assistance, knowing that ultimately it is only the Bread of Life that truly satisfies the heart and brings new life within. Holy Mass and a daily Eucharistic Holy Hour are the primary source for renewal and strength in the friars' and sisters' own spiritual lives. Whether they are on the streets of the Bronx, at a Youth 2000 Retreat, or at the World Youth Day in Cologne, they extend that same invitation to the power of His presence -
"Come, let us adore Him!"