June 5, 2005
Dear Friends of the Friars,
I trust that while we were "in Chapter" this past week, you have enjoyed getting an opportunity to browse through our friar photo album, thanks to Rosann, our friend and co-worker. She sweetly keeps the fire under our feet, making sure the daily reflections for "From the Friars" get on-line. There are times, however, when even the Pope would find this task impossible. Due to the various commitments which are part of our way of life, there are days we have to "play hooky". Yet, we trust that you will understand our limitations, as religious life, like your own, at times overflows with activity. How many plates can you spin on poles at one time? Our day is scheduled with set times for private and common prayer, and then there are the meals, meetings, and our apostolate of preaching and serving the needy. Now, throw into the mix some other stuff you're well familiar with - cleaning, cooking, phone calls... Yes, there are some days when even a tag team like Rosann and Pope Benedict couldn't wrestle a spiritual reflection out of us!
However, there may be one other way of culling some spiritual gems from the hearts and minds of the friars and sisters which is simple and perhaps effective - that is, by asking a question. Perhaps my simple request to the friars for instructional or inspirational reflections may indeed be either too vast or too vague. So, pitch us an interesting or intelligent question in the realm of religion, and let's see who takes a swing.
Finally, some of you may be interested in knowing the results of our week-long Chapter meeting. Well, after finishing my six years as community servant, or superior, the friars have elected Father Bernard Murphy. No, I am not unemployed; I will now be the local servant of our seminarians here in Yonkers. Father Richard Roemer, who was my vicar for three years, will continue to serve in this position, but was also chosen to be our new Novice Master. One of our newly ordained friars, Father Leo Fisher, will assume the role of Postulant Director.
This recent election marks a significant step in the history of our community, as Father Bernard is the first community servant who was not a "founding friar". Father Benedict Groeschel, Father Andrew Apostoli, and I all came from the Capuchins, the Order which gave birth to the Franciscans of the Renewal in 1987. It all began with eight friars. We now number close to ninety; and we are happy to tell you that both the friars and sisters expect a good number of candidates to enter our six-month postulancy programs this September.
So, thank you for your continued prayers and patience on our behalf. Yet, for our Lord, Praise - for all He deigns to do with us for the Church and the world.
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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