Leadership: He gives me strength

Hugh, our new Provincial Minister, and Cletus at Chapter

After several full days gathered together our Chapter drew to a close on Friday.  At the end of the concluding Eucharist the Book of the Gospels and the Rule of St Francis were placed on the altar. 

Each of the nearly 90 friars present approached and placed his hands on the sacred texts, silently rededicating himself to live the Franciscan life and mission that is our calling. Then he received a Tau Cross, so beloved of St Francis,  from Hugh McKenna, our new  Provincial Minister. It was a simple moment of grace for each of us.

Hugh was chosen by the friars with a resounding majority. He begins with a great deal of prayerful good will. Many friars commented on the heavy burden this cheerful, outgoing man now takes on. Leadership is never easy and in the Church today has its own particular challenges.

But speaking to his brothers Hugh was clear that while aware it would not always be smooth sailing ahead he was not fearful. He told us that during a particular dark period of his life he was sustained by repeating the promise of  Scripture: 'I can do all things in the power of him who gives me strength.'  With that trust in God's goodness and grace at work in our lives and Church he  takes up his task.

St Francis prayed often that the grace of  the Spirit of the Lord be especially active in the 'ministers and servants' chosen by the brothers. May Hugh experience the reality of that empowering presence.

Gathering for Chapter

On Sunday 3 July over 90 Irish Franciscan friars will gather in Gormanston College, Co Meath, for our Provincial Chapter. This week-long gathering takes place every three years.  On Monday we elect the person who will lead us as Minister Provincial. Then we choose a Vicar Provincial and  Definitors, men who will assist the Provincial in his role.

During our time together we will reflect on the past three years, discuss the reality of the Church and society in Ireland today and, in light of that reality, plan for the future. It will be a full week. I am hoping the rain stays away so that we can get some fresh air between sessions walking the wonderful grounds.

The most positive part of the week  for me, I expect, will come from just being together. When we gather in such numbers there is a real sense of brotherhood - in the common prayer beautifully celebrated, and in the good craic,  lots of chat and banter.

We simply enjoy being together. Francis would be happy about that. He said the friars should love each other more than a mother loves her child since our bond is formed by our unity in the Spirit - we are brothers in the Lord. Looking back on his life the saint wrote: 'The Lord gave me brothers.'

So when the friars start gathering tomorrow from all over the country I know in faith these men are the brothers God's providence has chosen for me. It is God's call on our lives that unites us.

May the Spirit of the Lord be our light and encouragement during the coming days.