March 2008

Dear Friend,

From the Franciscans – we wish you a very Blessed Easter! We hope that your preparations during Lent will bring you closer to our Lord in His Death and Resurrection. Many thanks for your Lenten gift.

A couple months ago I said that I would be sending our latest newsletter – I have decided to send it in June to include a few special events in the Province to be held during the next couple of months.

I am amazed, and thankful, at the generosity of so many people who assist us in order that we may continue our works of mercy. I read the letters and the intention cards of our friends and benefactors and I come away with thinking of the hardships that many people are experiencing in their own lives. The real sacrifices that you make to assist us! Your dedication to St. Anthony and the Franciscans will be rewarded.

I sit in my office for hours everyday of the week and just wish I had more time to do all the projects I have planned. “Time” is an interesting concept. Webster defines it as “the measure of measurable period in which an action, process or condition exists or continues…”

Most of us would basically not be able to expand on this definition – if we even know what in the world it means. One almost has to be a philosopher to figure out that definition. Some of us - being simple folk – our definition would be in terms of seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years. What we should be concerned about in terms of “time” is how we USE our time. Do we use the time on this earth wisely?

We could probably say that our time is used wisely, to a certain extent, when we choose to bring some happiness to others. When we make others happy; we make ourselves happy. Remember what our Lord told us: Whatever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters you do to me. It is this law of love and life that should occupy our time.

We must remember that each person is a child of God and that we can find a real Christian meaning in each person we know and meet. YOU know these people, either personally or through the works of the Franciscans, and you respond with your TIME, TALENT and TREASURES.

Think about it. It really is quite easy for all of us to bring some love into the loveless hearts of the sad and downcast. The worst poverty is not found in the lack of material items; but it is found in selfish, hurt, impatient and often bitter hearts. What is in your heart? Look around. You will find some heart to enrich.

I am asking you, through your prayers and financial gifts, to help us touch the lives of the people we serve. Your gifts assist us in helping the thousands of people that come into contact. You help us help the poor and needy and those who are also spiritually poor. It is difficult for us to assist others alone. TOGETHER, you and the Franciscans can help make a difference in the lives of many. Your gifts and prayers – more than you will ever realize – do bring joy and love into the world.

Have a good month and enjoy the springtime!

Your friend,