Encompassing the dioceses of Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford in Illinois, the Mother Cabrini Regional Fraternity is one of 30 regional fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) in the USA. Formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, the SFO is an official Order within the Catholic Church for lay men and women and was established by St. Francis of Assisi in 1221. Married or single women and men who are faithful, practicing Catholics are able to join the SFO, as are diocesan priests and deacons. Learn more …

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Regional Gathering on August 7

July 13, 2010

The Region’s annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula will be Saturday, August 7, at Mayslake Village, 1801 35th St., Oak Brook. Lunch is $15 per person; however, attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches. In the morning, Br. Joe Middleton, OFM, Regional Spiritual Assistant, will speak on “The Franciscan Experience of the Portiuncula: Its Influence Then and Now”, and the film, Assisi: Home of St. Francis, will be shown in the afternoon.

To RSVP

Secular Franciscans: It would be helpful if each fraternity minister (or a delegate) would send one email for the entire fraternity, as replies from individual attendees can become quite overwhelming. Therefore, we ask that fraternity ministers email Lorna Miressi, SFO, at viceminister @ ilsfo.org (remove spaces) with the total number of attendees from their fraternities by July 26 (Monday).
Guests and Others: Email Lorna Miressi, SFO, at viceminister @ ilsfo.org (remove spaces) by July 26 (Monday).

Agenda (times are approximate)

NOTE: After Mass in the Chapel, all remaining activities will be in the Senior Center.

8:30 a.m.: Registration (outside of Chapel)
9 a.m.: Mass
9:45 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
10:15 a.m.: Br. Joe Middleton, OFM
11:45 a.m.: Lunch
1 p.m.: Film, Assisi: Home of St. Francis
2 p.m.: Evening Prayer

About Br. Middleton, OFM

Br. Joe Middleton, OFM is the Regional Spiritual Assistant, and is also the local spiritual assistant for St. Francis-St. Louis Fraternity (Chicago). Previously, he served as the Spiritual Assistant for the St. Clare Regional Fraternity. Br. Middleton entered the Order of Friars Minor in 1991 and has traveled several times to Assisi.

About the Film

In Assisi: Home of St. Francis, St. Francis (Christopher Jones) takes viewers on a tour of Assisi by visiting sites that played a significant role in his life. Assisi’s spiritual and mystical dimension, and its artistic and cultural heritage are explored, including its winding medieval streets, its squares, and its festivals.

Transitus of St. Clare Available

May 28, 2010

The Father Solanus Casey Regional Fraternity has created and shared with us a Transitus of St. Clare of Assisi, which we’ve added to the Documents page. Compiled by their Regional Formation Director, Maureen Haege, SFO, the Transitus is composed of several ceremonies and related readings.

Feel free to make copies for use in your local fraternities, and if you have any questions, please contact Sally Haddad, SFO, Father Solanus Casey Regional Minister.

Files:

Transitus of St. Clare: Program
Transitus of St. Clare: Readings