Galway Fraternity Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) December 2017 & January 2018 Newsletter Office and Mass on 1st Thursday in Abbey Church starting at 10.10 am. Meeting and Ongoing Formation on 1st Thursday at 7.30 pm in Abbey Meeting Room “To follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis” Website: ofsgalway.com St. Francis and God’s Gift of Life St. Francis had a deep reverence for all creation because it had its origin in God the Creator, the Father of all. This spirituality has in recent times been associated with his love for our sister, mother-earth. If St. Francis had such respect for the physical world, then we can only imagine his veneration for life created in the image of a loving God from the moment of conception. Our National President, Philomena Rooney, has written to us regarding a spiritual movement for the defence of the 8th amendment. She said “I feel it is important that we Secular Franciscans pray, and if possible, fast for the protection of life from conception to natural death”. Philomena has also requested that we consider taking part in the 33 Day programme being promoted by Fr. Michael E. Gately in preparation for Marian consecration. Perhaps we should consider consecrating our Fraternity to Our Lady on Sunday March 25th 2018. Let us know your views. Professions Four new members were welcomed into the Order on Thursday November 2nd Anne Connolly, Newcastle, Mary Kelly, Whitestrand, Nora McDonagh, Crestwood, Caroline Nolan, Barna. This is a cause of great joy for us. They will bring great blessings to the fraternity. St. Francis gave the world the tradition of the Christmas Crib He re-created the event near the little town of Greccio in the third year before his glorious death. He wished that this this event should be devoutly celebrated and reverently remembered each year. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhlian Faoi Mhaise Daoibh At Christmas time there is a special visitation to the sick, housebound and nursing home members. If possible, please give a little extra to the fraternity collection to cover the cost of gifts for these important members. If you know of anyone that should be included, please give the name to any of the Council members. Thank you for your generosity in 2017 May God reward you for your annual subscription and monthly secret bag donations to the treasurer in order to cover fraternity expenses. These include: our levy of €200 for the regional council, €200 for the national council and €170 to have the fraternity accounts audited. Other expenses include regular printing and postage. New Poor Clare Foundation in Nigeria The Poor Clares have founded a new convent in Nigeria. It is located in a very poor area on the banks of the Niger river in the Delta State. A former Abbess of the present Nigerian community, Sr. Francesca Federici has been chosen to assist in establishing the new foundation. Sr. Bonaventure of the Galway Poor Clares spent 10 years in Nigeria helping to set up the first monastery there. One of our fraternity gave the Council a generous donation for charitable purposes and it was decided to give it to the new community. It is indeed a privilege for us to be part of this wonderful project of our Poor Clare sisters. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception One of the towering Franciscan figures of the 20th century was St. Maximillian Kolbe. His devotion to Our Lady was legendary. He consecrated his life and his work to her under the title she gave to St. Bernadette in Lourdes “I am the Immaculate Conception”. Our Abbey Church in Galway is reputed to be the first in Ireland to have been dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Let us make this a special feast day for the fraternity.