New Franciscan Community For Men

[MithLuin]

Founded under the guidance of Bishop Kevin Rhoades, this group seeks to live out the radical poverty of St. Francis of Assisi and serve the community in evangelization while living a life of prayer. Father David Engo has a background with the Capuchin Franciscan friars as well as the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance.

[quote]Franciscan Apostolate settles in for service

By Kay Cozad

FORT WAYNE — The Franciscan Brothers Minor are settling in nicely in a Fort Wayne neighborhood that once supported St. Andrew’s Parish, before its closing in June of 2003. The group of eight men, led by Franciscan Father David Engo, now resides in the old rectory of St. Andrew Parish — now known as Our Lady of Angels Friary — and intends to renovate the church building, currently in disrepair, for future chapel services, public Mass and meetings.

The Franciscan community was newly founded in November of 2009 in Mount Carmel, Pa., by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, then bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, where they served the community in several areas. Because the community has promised to remain under Bishop Rhoades’ guidance and care, it followed him to Fort Wayne in late March.

Of the community Bishop Rhoades says, “I was happy to approve the request of Father David Engo to begin a religious community, called the Franciscan Brothers Minor, under my auspices. I believe that the Franciscan way of life is a great gift to the Church and a witness to all of us of the following of Christ and the living of His Gospel. I pray that the brothers’ life of prayer and mission of evangelization will bear much good fruit in our diocese.”

Father Dave says after narrowing down several locations in Fort Wayne, he received a call from Bishop Rhoades announcing that the site of St. Andrew Parish would be their new home. “The transition has been great,” says Father Dave, adding that the people of the area have welcomed the group with open arms.

A New York native, Father Dave joined the Franciscan Brothers at age 19, after having what he considers a “reversion of faith,” and was ordained in 1997. After several years of ministry to the youth and elderly of his area, he says, “I had a deep desire to live a good life according to the original rule of St. Francis.” Following his proposal to Bishop Rhoades, he was given full permission to establish the now flourishing community.

The eight men who form the community are postulants in their first year of discerning the Franciscan life. They each follow the rules of prayer, penitence, poverty and service. “We live the principles of St. Francis and apply it to present day,” says Father Dave.

As postulants the traditional coarse brown wool tunic is worn throughout the year. The Franciscan Brothers generally walk barefoot, unless their work demands sandals or boots.

The second year the men enter the novitiate when they prepare to profess their vows. During this year they wear a hooded woolen habit with an unknotted cord, symbolizing the cross and their bond to Christ. It is here that they are given new religious names. Following profession of temporary vows and three years of study and prayer, the brothers will profess final vows and become professed friars.

The austere life style chosen by these men consists of hand-crafted tables and benches constructed by one of the postulants who used donated unfinished wood and food donated by the community. The rooms of the friary are sparsely decorated with only crucifixes, pictures of the Blessed Mother and statues of saints. “We live a life of penance for sins and conversion of souls,” Father Dave says.

Because the members of the apostolate do not work traditional jobs or fund raise, they earn no money as they serve the community. They rely, says Father Dave, on God’s Providence and the generosity of the community. It is not unusual for a neighbor to appear at the friary door with three dozen eggs for the brothers. Father Dave says they trust that God will provide and any food donations that are in excess of their weekly needs goes to the hungry of the community.

“We are a witness of the life of poverty and show the poor they can trust in God,” says Father Dave.

The brothers, who range in age from 19 to 40-ish, all have a role to play in the community. Father Dave considers himself the guardian, general minister and servant, equal to the brothers when he is not celebrating the sacraments. Brother Gregory, who holds a degree in philosophy and politics is the porter who answers the door. Brother Michael has a gift with the elderly and the disabled and he along with Brian, Father Dave’s blood brother, who holds a philosophy degree, are sacristans. Brother Ryan holds a degree in English and is the community’s cook. Brother Eric, former punk rocker and convert to the faith is the tailor who sews the woolen tunics. Brother Anthony has vocational school skills and is the maintenance man for the community. Brother Daniel is a gardener and guitarist and Brian Patrick, the newest postulant, has a degree in social work and is acclimating to the community.

Amidst the spartan life, the driving force for these men is prayer. “This is a life of prayer,” says Father Dave, adding, “Our first priority is our prayer life.” The strict adherence to prayer is based on the life of St. Francis and includes praying the Divine Office seven times each day, two daily Eucharistic Holy Hours and communal rosary after night prayers. Prayer, he says, is where the Franciscan Brothers ministry begins.

But that’s not all that fills the brothers’ day. There is time for communal meals with Gospel and meditation readings, conversation and recreation and of course, music. The brothers’ backyard football games have already drawn youth in the neighborhood to this unique evangelical group. “We want to bring back the Catholic identity to the neighborhood,” says Father Dave.

As they become familiar with the area the brothers are mapping out their ministry plans. Bible study at the St. Andrew Center, a two-year rehabilitation program for men, door-to-door evangelization, parish missions, Confirmation and youth retreats. The brothers are open to any request for service in the area and Father Dave offers his assistance to any parish in need of a Mass celebration or help with confessions.

“This community is a fraternity of brothers living together in brotherhood, serving each other with great humility, according to the Spirit,” explains Father Dave. The community is open to new members and vocations visits are mounting by word of mouth.

Of the Fort Wayne area Father Dave confirms, “It is open and wonderful. We have welcoming neighbors. We walk everywhere, so we can witness to people you normally pass by (in cars).”

The community is called the Franciscan Brothers Minor to depict their lesser stature, says Father Dave. “We do humble work. We don’t run hospitals, parishes, soup kitchens — but we serve at these places. It’s healing with people one-on-one — we are the servant of servants.”

Posted on April 21, 2010

[url=http://www.todayscatholicnews.org/2010/04/franciscan-apostolate-settles-in-for-service/]Link[/url][/quote]

There were also a few stories about them when they were briefly in Mount Carmel:

[url=http://newsitem.com/news/a-great-gift-eight-franciscan-brothers-move-into-mt-carmel-look-to-serve-community-1.482627]A Great Gift: 8 Franciscan Brothers move into Mount Carmel[/url]

[url=http://newsitem.com/news/franciscan-brothers-leaving-mount-carmel-will-relocate-in-indiana-1.657220]Franciscan Brothers leaving Mount Carmel: will relocated in Indiana[/url]

[laetitia crucis]

May God bless them in their vocations!

P.S. -- in that second article, I found this to be an amusing typo:

[quote]The friars take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and a vow total [b]concentration [/b]to Mary.[/quote]



Hmmm... I wonder if they'll be using the de Montfort method, or that of Kolbe?

Also, I loved this bit from the first linked article:

[quote]His ultimate goal, other than to become a saint, is to stand before God and Jesus on Judgement Day and have the saint in which he follows speak for him.

"I want ... St. Francis to look at Jesus and say 'That's one of my sons. That's what I long to hear," said Engo.[/quote]

[vee]

His ultimate goal, other than to become a saint, is to stand before God and Jesus on Judgement Day and have the saint in which he follows speak for him.

"I want ... St. Francis to look at Jesus and say 'That's one of my sons. That's what I long to hear," said Engo.


Definitely what a beautiful thing to think of and meditate on. My goal is to hear Jesus say " well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the reward prepared for you" but to have saint whoever say "she is my daughter" I'd probably die again, if it were possible, of sheer joy. I also look forward to kicking St Therese in her glorified shin with my glorified foot but that's beside the point. May the Franciscans live long and prosper

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='vee8' date='06 May 2010 - 04:31 PM' timestamp='1273174283' post='2105961']
[b]I also look forward to kicking St Therese in her glorified shin with my glorified foot but that's beside the point.[/b] May the Franciscans live long and prosper
[/quote]

Now THAT is wonderful! I might want to do the same thing to a few saints as well.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='vee8' date='06 May 2010 - 02:31 PM' timestamp='1273174283' post='2105961']
I also look forward to kicking St Therese in her glorified shin with my glorified foot but that's beside the point.

[/quote]

I thought I was the only one who just doesn't "get" St. Therese. I'm not denying that she was a Godly woman, deserving to be a saint. Only, I think she and I are very different types of people. But, I wrote my feelings off to ignorance, since I've read very little of St. Therese's writings--translation: none. I've only read ABOUT her. (Heck, for me to catch up with many Phatmassers, I'd have to be reading theology 24/7 for the next year or two. And, although I am a very intelligent person in some ways, I have a hard time "getting my arms around" theology.

As for preferring one religious Order over another, I will again plead ignorance. And, for diplomatic reasons, I will continue to plead ignorance even if someday that is no longer the case.

P.S. Did St. Therese wake people up at night? Or were her ecstasies quieter?

[truthfinder]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' date='06 May 2010 - 04:01 PM' timestamp='1273183294' post='2106011']
case.

P.S. Did St. Therese wake people up at night? Or were her ecstasies quieter?
[/quote]

Wrong St. Therese. This one is the Little Flower, no ecstaties, no visions (arguably her dream about the Mother foundress of her convent, but come on, I dreamt weird stuff like that too)

Now St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) yeah, she had interesting vision, levitations, Jesus as a little child running around the monastery...

Vee8, you know you love St. Therese [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_roll.gif[/img]

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='truthfinder' date='06 May 2010 - 07:10 PM' timestamp='1273191053' post='2106051']
Wrong St. Therese. This one is the Little Flower, no ecstaties, no visions (arguably her dream about the Mother foundress of her convent, but come on, I dreamt weird stuff like that too)

Now St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) yeah, she had interesting vision, levitations, Jesus as a little child running around the monastery...

Vee8, you know you love St. Therese [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_roll.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Obviously I need to learn to get my saints straight. Good thing I'm not applying to the Carmelites (or any community, for that matter), if I don't know the difference between St. Therese and St. Teresa of Avila. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/saint.gif[/img] But, as long as they don't interrupt my sleep, a saint can have all the visions she wants.

Edited May 7, 2010 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[truthfinder]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' date='06 May 2010 - 08:53 PM' timestamp='1273200834' post='2106131']
Obviously I need to learn to get my saints straight. Good thing I'm not applying to the Carmelites (or any community, for that matter), if I don't know the difference between St. Therese and St. Teresa of Avila. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/saint.gif[/img] But, as long as they don't interrupt my sleep, a saint can have all the visions she wants.
[/quote]

[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/hijack.gif[/img] Sorry

The Carmelite saints are a nightmare sometimes. When thinking of a [size="2"]female[/size] Carmelite saint, the best thing to do is say "Theresa" there are so many! Teresa of Avila, Therese of the Child Jesus (Little Flower) Teresa of Jesus (of Los Andes) Saint Teresa Benedicta, St. Teresa Margaret, and probably some more that I've missed. (plus the first three have several different names. For example, when Carmelites write letters, they usually write Teresa of Jesus (or even our Holy Mother, for the longest time I thought they were writing about Mary!) but others write Teresa of Avila, it gets rather confusing)

end of [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/hijack.gif[/img]
YEA, more Franciscans, may their zeal spread to all!

[vee]

I do love Therese but she loved me first. In fact I really didn't want to have anything to do with her! I was determined not to like someone who initially comes across as so cutesy, and kind of annoying but she is actually tough & sneaky and got me anyway. She turned my life upside down, in a good way though, and that is one of the reasons why I look forward to a little sisterly retaliation

My Mom, on the other hand, has always been drawn to St Francis and Franciscan spirituality so try as she might she never has finished reading Story of a Soul. It's just not her cup of tea at this time. Then again Ive never finished reading anything about Francis, so I understand a particular interest or lack thereof in certain saints.

[MithLuin]

Ah well, I love both the Franciscans and the Carmelites .

Fr. David Engo is a great preacher. I agree that that's an awesome goal to have...not just to get to heaven, but to be welcomed by the saints on arrival. If you're interested, check out some of his homilies, which are up at this website: [url=http://www.penitents.org/frdavid.html]HERE[/url].

I think that I'm more inspired to read about certain saints after meeting someone who is quite enthusiastic in their devotion towards them. Without that impetus, the saint might not really stand out to me as someone I'm interested in getting to know.

[JTheresa]

Yay!! The Brothers found their way onto PM!!! They live five minutes from my house. I don't mean to brag, but I usually give them a ride to the abortion clinic to pray when they aren't out of state giving a retreat or something. They are so incredible!!!

And I can understand your confusion with the st Theresas. There are a lot of them. I was looking for more info on Therese the Little Flower "the whiney cutsey one" when I sumbled across Teresa of Avila "the deep and intelectual, levetating one". Reading about Teresa's childhood is what made me love her the most. I could totally relate. Tomboy for a long time, mom died, stuck up brat who was extremely into boys, then sent to a convent by her father as a punishment. Ha!! I love it. Plus, she says she was what we would call now a little ADD. Which I am so I could relate even more!!!

But yes, tis all very confussling.

[JTheresa]

[quote name='MithLuin' date='07 May 2010 - 11:55 PM' timestamp='1273290924' post='2106660']
Ah well, I love both the Franciscans and the Carmelites
[/quote]

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='MithLuin' date='08 May 2010 - 12:55 AM' timestamp='1273290924' post='2106660']

I think that I'm more inspired to read about certain saints after meeting someone who is quite enthusiastic in their devotion towards them. Without that impetus, the saint might not really stand out to me as someone I'm interested in getting to know.
[/quote]

Same goes for me!

[Ave Maria Totus Tuus]

I'm pretty sure I met these brothers on the Metro after the March for Life. Very legit indeed!

[MithLuin]

So, it turns out the Brothers have a website now. Don't know who is maintaining it for them, but I think it's very cool that they have newsletters up even if they don't have computers themselves.

http://www.franciscanbrothersminor.com/FBM/Home.html

And so, I have news! Their sister community (yes, you heard that right, they have a sister community living the original Capuchin rule just like them!!!) has moved to Fort Wayne, also, so now they are near each other.

[url=http://www.franciscanbrothersminor.com/FBM/Issue_5.html]newsletter article[/url]

The sisters don't have their own website at the moment, I don't think, but they may soon. [url=http://www.saintbrendansparish.org/Home/ANotefromtheFranciscanSistersMinor/tabid/109/Default.aspx]Here[/url] is their farewell letter to their old parish.