Religious Sightings Franciscans bring hope to the Bronx
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iving amid the urban ills of the South Bronx can be tough, yet it is the intentional home for the more than 20 members of the Franciscans of the Renewal—a religious community with both men’s and women’s branches. The two groups, the Franciscan Friars
Brother Frantisek Chloupek, C.F.R.
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of the Renewal, founded in 1987, and the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, established in 1988, follow a strict lifestyle of about four hours of prayer per day. In between—from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—the friars and sisters, sometimes separately and at other times together—are immersed in programs meant to help their neighbors spiritually and physically. The Franciscans of the Renewal recognize that their no-frills lifestyle is rigorous—for example, no internet, rare meals out, no personal cars—but they also point out its joy. Says Father Luke Mary Fletcher, C.F.R.: “Joy is the fruit of living God’s purpose for your life and giving everything for Jesus.” The men’s and women’s branches have communities in other New York locations, New Jersey, New Mexico, Central America, Ireland, and England. Sister Kelly Francis, C.F.R. (center), Brother David, C.F.R. (right) and other Franciscans of the Renewal at a Palm Sunday procession.
Brazil: This land is their land
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early a decade after Sister Dorothy Stang, S.N.D.deN. was martyred in Brazil for upholding poor people’s land rights in opposition to wealthy landowners, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur carry on
in her spirit. The mostly native-born community, now numbering 18 in northern Brazil, works in the areas of land rights, education, community organizing, legal aid, and other social justice and pastoral concerns. “We celebrate the strong faith of the Brazilian people which helps them to survive today,” said Sister Anne Stevenson, S.N.D.deN. in an article for her community newsletter. In the communities where the sisters minister, concerns about land use continue. For example, Sister Sandra Araújo dos Santos, S.N.D.deN., a lawyer, works with Justice on the Rails, a group that supports people in Pará state who live along the rail line of a multinational iron ore company. The people are working to reduce noise, improve track-crossing safety, and protect the environment around the rail line.
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Two Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur transport water on Brazil’s Marajó Island. The sisters are aiding islanders in their efforts to obtain a healthy running-water supply.
