St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity Bulletin
Vol. 13 No. 4   April 2008

Franciscan column
by Tammy

On Saturday April 5, 2008 the Spring Gathering for the Secular Franciscans took place at the St. Francis Center in Little Falls. The central theme for the day was "Franciscans and Muslims in Dialogue: Sharing the Message and the Mission." The presenter was Sister Elise Saggau, OSF, a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls. Sister shared with us portions of talks given in Colorado Springs last year. The basic idea presented was how Francis’ meeting with the Sultan can establish a foundation for Franciscans to continue to engage in meaningful inter-religious conversations.

When Francis met with the Sultan, they spent 3 weeks in discussions. While there is no complete writing on what was actually exchanged, stories have been passed down on the basic idea of what was said between the two. What we can take from this meeting as food for thought for our Fraternity and for us as Secular Franciscans is that it is possible for two persons who are polar opposites in the areas of religion to come together and have a meaningful discussion about their faith lives. While Francis was not able to convert the Sultan, at the least he earned the Sultan’s respect. And by the Sultan respecting Francis, he in essence respected the God that Francis lived for.

While there are few differences between the Muslim and Christian faith, we learned that the differences are significant. It takes much understanding and acceptance on both sides to be able to live in peace and harmony with one another. Is there a reason that we need to be able to accept the Muslim faith? Of course, Catholics are now a minority in the world compared to the number of people who practice the various sects of Islam. We must be able to understand where they come from, what God they serve, and how they live to serve him which must be balanced against the requirement that Jesus and Francis have placed on us to bring the Gospel to the whole world. We must believe that we worship the One True God. We live what we believe and we share it with those who do not believe as we do. Tolerance is not enough. It is easier to make enemies through ignorance. Mohammed said, "No one human being is above another." Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." If we can keep things on a level that shares love for one another and does not place the practice above the life, we should be able to live in harmony and peace with one another. But there are radicals in the world, on both sides. There are those who want to kill us, just as they killed the martyrs and saints that went before us. We must be true to our faith, and true to our God. How can we live that truth in today’s world amongst those of a more radical religion than ours is where we really need God and St. Francis’ help.

Jim Hein also gave a brief report. Elections for regional council will take place in June. There currently is a slate officers that have already been nominated. However, we still have the ability to make nominations from our fraternities. He spoke briefly about Franciscan Action Network (FAN) saying that it would be one solid voice from all of the orders with about 430,000 professed seculars and 150,000 priests and sisters. They will be asking that each professed member donate $1.00 which will help them with start-up costs and to establish FAN. Our dues will not go up. Each fraternity will receive a questionnaire which will be shared with the region and then at an international level.

A historical reference: There were a total of 8 crusades beginning about 100 years before Francis birth and continuing until 50 years after his death. Francis met the sultan during the 5th Crusade.

1 Celano 55 - Francis makes a failed attempt to sail to Syria to preach the Christian faith.

Early Rule 22: 1-4 - "Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you." Jesus called his betrayer "Friend."

1 Celano 57 - Francis goes to Syria during the 5th Crusade and meets the sultan.

2 Celano 30 - Francis prophesies the defeat of the Christian army, but his warning is ignored.

Major Legend 9: 7-8 - Francis meets the sultan.

Major Legend 11: 3 - Francis warns the crusaders of defeat.

Early Rule 16: 5-7 - How the brothers are to present themselves among the Saracens and unbelievers.