Sister Michelle L’Allier
The 2021 Annual Franciscan Conference (AFC) was an unusual format that began with Tuesday afternoon sessions in May and culminated with intensive days June 11-14—all via Zoom. Entitled “Called to this Hour,” this gathering included prayer, presentations, panels, small groups and a virtual exhibit hall! Despite a few technological glitches, we were blessed to have 12 sisters as well as associates Rick and Geri Dietz participate in some or all of the conference.
You may remember that AFC 2020 was postponed to 2021 due to COVID restrictions. This gave an extra year for preliminary work for this year’s conference, thus deepening the quality of shared work done together last month. To illuminate the quality and content of the conference, geared towards transformation of the Federation into the future, we include reflections on the June days.
Due to postponing last year’s conference, two groups were able to meet throughout the year and contribute the fruit of their work together to this year’s AFC. One was the Executive Leaders of Franciscan Organizations (ELFO). This group included the Franciscan Federation, Franciscan Media, Franciscan Pilgrimages, Franciscan Action Network, Franciscans International, Commission on the Franciscan Intellectual-Spiritual Tradition, Association of Franciscan Universities and Colleges and Franciscan Mission Service. The second was the Emergent Group, a culturally diverse group of 27 lay and religious men and women who have energy for the future of Franciscan life and who themselves are young or work with young people.
Sister Carol Schmit wrote: I appreciate the contributions of the Emergent members. They must not be considered the future of the church, but the necessary voices in today’s church.
Sister Callista Robinson: What was most impressive for me was the gathering together vowed religious Franciscans, the secular Franciscans and other Franciscan Organizations to hear from the speakers who noted that collaboration with other organizations both Catholic and Ecumenical is vital and essential in moving the Franciscan Charism into the future. I also heard that young people have gifts and talents and that they want to be actively involved in spreading the Franciscan Charism.
Sister Char Grossman: What I kept hearing from the Franciscan Federation was that the Federation and all of us need to be more inviting of our younger sisters and brothers; to become more diverse in our thinking and ways of being; that we may all be One. Those of us who may not be considered so young anymore can be mentors, listeners and those who walk and talk with others…of all ages.
Sister Grace Skwira: I appreciated the work of the Federation in recognizing the potential at hand of young people and the call for us to empower and equip them to exercise leadership in our church and world. Young people have a passion for the very things we Franciscans are focused on.
Sister Elise Saggau: For me the highlights were the talks given by the two keynote speakers, Brian McLaren and Kerry Robinson. McLaren, a very experienced Lutheran pastor and spiritual writer, spoke movingly about how the Franciscan spiritual tradition is needed today, especially in caring for the earth and for the poor. Robinson, a dedicated young Catholic, demonstrated many ways the Catholic community can be engaged effectively in creative, earth-supportive, and society-building organizations. For me, it was good to see how Franciscan spirituality so readily becomes a resource for people “outside” the Franciscan tradition and especially for the young. It demonstrates that what Francis and Clare “began” so long ago is still an attractive and effective way of promoting the essential Christian message and mission.
Sister Clara Stang: I found the talk given by Brian McLaren, Franciscan Renaissance Needed: Costly within Reach, to be out-standing! Why? Brian articulated ways in which the dominant forms of institutional Christianity, as well as our (and most) political system(s) (judicial, legislative and administrative) to be stuck and at times dangerous. Now is the time for the good news and vision of Francis and Clare! It’s costly but within reach⸺ecologically sound, economically and globally inclusive, egalitarian, artistically expansive and always nonviolent! I heard Brian’s talk so in-tune with Laudato Si’ and Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti. (I believe Pope Francis would be smiling with us!) Yes, all keeps unfolding—so keep embracing the future. The best is yet to come!
Sister Jan Kilian: Brian McLaren reminded us how Francis faced the age of capitalism and rejected it: Francis stripped off his father’s merchandise and clothed himself only in Jesus. We must continue to turn away from capitalism and live the Gospel in radical ways.
Sister Nancy deMattos: Highlights for me: the Emergent Group panel and their insights; Brian McClaren and his thoughts and offer to help when/if needed; Kelly Robinson and her message of hope.
Sister Bea Eichten summarizes: The Federation is moving beyond trying to save the organization. The inclusion of the ELFO group and the Emergents offers a hopeful perspective and intention to spread our Franciscan message more effectively. Having Sister Margaret Carney head up the process will bring energy and focus to the evolving process.
As you have read, the conference was rich in content and in vision. In addition, a JPIC Resolution was passed on racism. Further information about the conference, including a number of videos, are on the Franciscan Federation webpage: https://franfed.org/annual-franciscan-conference-2021/. The outcome includes a restructured national Board that includes representation from ELFO and the Emergent Group. A steering committee, headed by Margaret Carney, will be charged with leading implementation of the AFC’s recommended directions.
