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June 29, 2006
The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
This past weekend, at my brother's ordination, I had the privilege of meeting two members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The two religious brothers are personal friends of my brother, Fr. Justin. What a witness these men are in our modern age! Seeing them there reminded me that I've been wanting to write articles about different religious orders that are really trying to imitate Christ and remain true to the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Throughout my life, some of my most spiritual and unlifting moments have been thanks to these Friars. As a teen I attended a Youth 2000 retreat given by three of the Friars (Fr. Robert, Fr. Andrew, and Fr. Stan). It was incredible! These simple friars showed us teenagers how powerful Christ's presence in the Eucharist is and how the Eucharist truly is the "source and summit" of our lives. It was also the first time I decided to discern a vocation to the priesthood. Of course, I eventually married, but that time of discernment was invaluable. I learned a lot about myself and really grew more in love with God. That willingness to discern was awaken by the example of the friars. Their habits, sandals, beards, and, most importantly, their holiness all testified to the fact that they had left all behind for Christ. Again, a powerful witness! Over the years, I have continued to run into different friars here and there. It is always a joy.
If you are looking for a good Catholic group to support financially, please consider them...they do a lot of good work.
For any of you men and/or women (they have sisters as well) who might be interested in discerning a vocation, check them out. The following links will take you to their sites.
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal
Please keep these holy men and women in your prayers. Also, keep praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
In Christ,
Joe
Posted by jay at June 29, 2006 11:06 PM
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Comments
I've visited those guys. It's true, they're hardcore. They're living the faith radically, embracing poverty the way St. Francis intended.
Posted by: Dave at June 30, 2006 10:01 AM
A dear friend of ours is a Friar of the Renewal. You don't get any more Franciscan than they are. It's always a blessing to be in their company.
Posted by: Barb Szyszkiewicz, sfo at July 4, 2006 7:36 AM
As a parent of a CFR Friar I would like to tell parents of discerning men and women, Be Not Afraid. When our son told us he was going to enter this order I became afraid. I was happy for his vocation but why couldn't he pick a more traditional parish priest role? My vision of a priest and brother was formed by the wise and noble Bing Crosby. I had to learn to trust in God. Now after three years with the Friars I can promise anyone who is involved with them a life of joy and a life of christian activity. No one can know the joy, peace, and pride that we now possess because of our son's decision. Close friends whose daughter entered the Sisters of Life also share this special gift. The CFR are an amazing collection of talents, skills and personalities. Our son has become our teacher. His brothers and sisters have become our children. I thank the Lord daily for his gift of my son's vocation to the CFR. The work the Friars and Nuns do goes well past the charity of helping the poor. It is a daily witness to what CHrist is asking us to do. Don't let those robes, haircuts and beards scare you. They are an awesome bunch. After having six boys God blessed us with our new daughters the Sisters of the renewal. We love you.
God Bless
Michael
Posted by: Michael Demma at August 24, 2007 6:54 PM
I ran across a book today at our local Catholic bookstore about these Gray Friars. Really intriguing. I have a huge interest in monastic life and am glad to see an order whose numbers are growing! Thanks for sharing.
Pax.
Posted by: Bryan at February 9, 2008 2:27 PM
