March 14, 2007

 “Gratitude is the wellspring of joy.” This spiritual maxim is as pithy as it is profound, and certainly seen in the lives of holy men and women throughout the centuries. Despite the various trials and tribulations which many people of faith endure, it doesn’t appear to deeply disturb their sense of inner security and even outward joy. Yes, gratitude is the “secret ingredient” in the lives of the saints, and the reason why they were able to stand strong and possess peace in the face of misfortune.

The Franciscans of the Renewal are happy to offer to you, the friends of the friars, this slide presentation which captured the joy of our novices professing their first vows. Please join the friars in thanking Rosann Mucciolo for her continued dedication and hard work which keeps “From the Friars” online. Rosann is also the keen eye behind the camera which allows you, our faithful readers, to share in our many events and festivities.

The song which accompanies the photos was written and performed by the novice class. It was a special gift to their parents presented at a celebration dinner held the evening before the first profession of vows. The photos follow the profession ceremony from the entrance procession in the Church of Saint Adalbert and through the Mass and rite of profession including the removal of the novice “caperone,” (short scapular) and the “embratio,” the official welcoming of the newly professed by both communities of friars and sisters.

Fr. Bernard Marie Murphy, the Community Servant and principle celebrant of the solemn liturgy, received the vows of each novice as they placed their hands in his—a medieval ritual of fidelity still practiced by Franciscans today. The profession homily was given by Fr. Richard Roemer, the community’s novice master, under whose able direction the newly professed were formed. After spending two weeks on a home visit, these ten newly professed friars will continue their religious formation in various friaries located in New York.

We have provided below the words to the song written and performed by the newly professed. Please pray for these young men as they continue their journey of faith and religious formation. No doubt, the new recently invested class of twelve novices would want you to pray for them as well as they begin their year of novitiate formation! One year from now, it will be their turn to celebrate!

We have much to be grateful for—not only the quantity, but more importantly, the quality of men and women who are coming to renew the Church. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of life, our gratitude brings us great joy. So, let us be grateful and never cease saying “Thank you, Lord!” throughout the day. Would you not agree, the blessings we have are “overabundant and undeserved?” So, even when everything falls apart, even our health, we can still possess joy because we can say, “Thank You, thank You, thank You for giving us life”—eternal life in Jesus, our joy.

Please join us in our evangelization efforts by sharing “From the Friars” with family members, friends, and coworkers. We hear many of you are regularly posting the reflections on office bulletin boards, e-mailing them far and wide, or including some special reflections in your parish bulletins. Just yesterday I received a phone call from an enthusiastic and grateful reader in France! Certainly you know someone who would appreciate this special reflection, which we will keep posted for two or three days. Thank you for your continued interest, and don’t forget to encourage our writers by dropping them a note of thanks—it will keep them reflecting and writing! God bless you all!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR

Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, Newark, NJ

__________________________________________________

click here for slide presentation

__________________________________________________

THANK YOU

The seed of love sown and grown in Mama’s womb.

By the sweat of your brow and the pain I’ve put you through.

Soil of home tilled by sacrifices of’t presumed.

In due season the Lord caused your labors to bear fruit.

Refrain:   Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

                 for giving us life. (3x)

Your faithful marriage over the years, inspires me.

An example to take confidence in my vows to the Trinity.

Love is a sacrifice, gives birth to life, and renews

You’ve taught me to say, “This is my Body, given up for you!”

Refrain

Your consoling presence a guiding light to pray:

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, look after me this day.”

And those who’ve gone ahead praying for this sheep astray,

Never losing faith that He’d lead me here to say:

Refrain

In the morning days of life, you brought me to the precious font.

Letting all our dreams be given to the One who dreams for us.

Did you ever think I’d come today

And make this holy prayer:

“Jesus take this consecration in thanks for that day!”

Refrain

_________________________________________________