Annual sponsorship conference aims to build community, further Gospel work

Sister Jean Moore, FSPA mission integration director, introduced the 22nd Annual FSPA Sponsorship Conference as an opportunity for individuals from FSPA-sponsored institutions to “discover innovative and creative ways to build community and further the work of the Gospel.” She encouraged leaders present to share ideas and be of support to one another. “This conference,” said Sister Jean, “is intended to enhance our awareness of our role models, Saints Francis, Clare and Rose. And it is a way to show our gratitude to you all for carrying on the Franciscan mission and values.”

More than 300 attendees gathered in Viterbo University’s Fine Arts Center for the Oct. 28 conference. A social was held the evening prior and during the conference guests were invited to view displays created by each of the sponsored ministries. The 2011 Assisi pilgrims created a photo display representing their recent walk in
the footsteps of Francis and Clare.

This year’s presenter, Jean-François Godet-Calogeras, serves as professor of Franciscan Studies at the Franciscan Institute/School of Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University. There he teaches, conducts research and edits Franciscan Studies, the institute’s scholarly and international publication. He is internationally well-known for his publications on the early Franciscan documents, in particular the writings of Francis and Clare. It was while studying classical philology and medieval studies at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, that Jean-François caught what he called the Franciscan virus. “And beware,” he said, “there is no cure.”

Jean-François spent the morning covering the history of Saints Francis and Clare—the world in which they lived, their situation—and asking how their stories can inspire us today. His reflections back to the time of Francis and Clare mimicked that of today. “Francis lived in a society in crisis. The people inside Assisi were considered ‘those with’ and the people outside were ‘those without.’ It was a society dominated by greed and power.” And a young Francis, considered part of the ‘with’ society, was determined to make a radical change. “It’s a radical change that is needed today,” said Jean-François.

Francis entered into relationship with the lepers—treating them as human beings, as brothers and sisters. He realized the Gospel was a serious matter and started living it differently. It was then he discovered a happiness he had never experienced. And in Francis’ daily ways of living, people saw the possibility of a better life—a daily life in conformity with the Gospel. “You can see what is possible when people take the Gospel seriously,” said Jean-François. “The center of Fraternitas is the relationship of brother and sister and no attention is given to ‘things,’ except that we make sure everyone has what she needs.”

What does this look like in our time? Clare and Francis took a radical step in their journey. Jean-François asked, “Can we design an alternative society built on the humility and poverty of God—one that is always in a movement of non-appropriation and sharing?”

Yes, offered Jean-François. He then suggested following the “Franciscan Ten Commandments” as the Franciscan response:

• Conversion—we must turn to loving our neighbor and show love in action.
  
• Eat and drink well—we must give great importance to our physical health.
  
• Respect clergy—for Francis the clergy served the Body and Blood of Jesus, something we need.
  
• Stop being selfish and self-centered.
  
• Love our enemies and do good to them.
  
• Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and use them as a reference for daily life.
  
• Pay very close attention to one another.
  
• Be simple, humble and pure.
  
• Act as servants, useful to others.
  
• Be counter-cultural—if you take the Gospel seriously, you’ll find Jesus was counter-cultural.
  

“The early Franciscan can inspire us today,” declared Jean-François. “The forces at work are the same. One does not have to be a Christian to be inspired by what they did. We must reconnect with one another; we must work for the common good and help restore human dignity wherever we are.”

Prior to the conference representatives from FSPA-sponsored ministries were invited to offer signs of hope from their organizations. The signs were read at the conclusion of the conference and are available on www.fspalive.org.