The Testament of Francis: A Review of His Commitment - Sister Joanne Schatzlein, OSF - Saturday, August 24, 2024
By Mary Mosser, FSC Associate
At the beginning of our group day, Sr. Joanne polled the Associates in Marian Hall to find out how long each person had been an Associate and why they joined the program. I have been an Associate since 2011. I joined the program because I wanted a deeper connection with the Sisters, and I wanted to learn and grow in my faith.
After the introduction, Sr. Joanne gave us some background on St. Francis of Assisi’s Testament. Francis died in October of 1226. In that same year, Francis wrote his Testament with the assistance of Brother Leo. The Testament was not another rule for the Brothers but was to serve as a guideline for their way of life.
Sr. Joanne read about half of Francis’ Testament, making comments and asking questions as she read. When Sister finished, she posed a question to the Associates which was: What in Francis’ Testament inspires your renewal today? Our August group day is commonly used for reflection on our commitment as Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Following Sister’s question to the group, we were given time for personal reflection on Francis’ Testament and how it related to our own commitment. Since we had about half an hour before regrouping, I went outside for my reflection and reread Francis’ Testament. The very beginning talked about Francis’ encounter with the lepers. In this way did the Lord give me, Brother Francis, the grace to begin doing penance; when I was in sin, it seemed too bitter for me to see lepers. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was changed into sweetness of soul and body. And afterwards I delayed a little and left the world.
Saint Francis
by Peter Paul Rubens (1615)
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In today’s world, it is challenging to have faith in the church and in priests. In Francis’ time, there were issues with the church as well. Regardless of the issues, Francis included references to priests in his Testament to emphasize his respect for them and their role in the Eucharist. To me, this says that Francis put everyday problems aside to focus on Mass and on the Eucharist. This was a good reminder to me to keep my focus on God as well.
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Without the Associate program, I would not have made time to learn about St. Francis of Assisi beyond what I learned in school. Because of Sr. Joanne’s presentation on Francis’ Testament, I found a connection to my own faith journey as well as a timely reminder about keeping my focus on God. I was inspired by Sr. Joanne’s presentation and with all the speaker presentations given to the Associate group this year and will be continuing my journey as an Associate of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
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This year is the 800th anniversary of Francis’ visit to Mount La Verna. Francis and a few of his close companions went up Mount La Verna so Francis could spend time praying and fasting. While he was on Mount La Vera, Francis received the stigmata; the wounds of the crucified Christ appeared on his hands, feet and side. After receiving the stigmata, Francis shared this divine encounter with others.
Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata by Jan van Eyck (1432)
Francis recalled his past when it nauseated him to see lepers. With God’s help, he was able to grow from there. Being reminded that Francis was able to grow and change from his past was and still is helpful to me. When I joined the Associates, I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do in learning about my faith. In the past 13 years, I feel like I have learned and grown in my faith, but there’s always more to learn.
Another part of Francis’ Testament that caught my attention was when he talked about priests. Afterwards the Lord gave me, and gives me still, such faith in priests who live according to the rite of the holy Roman Church because of their orders that, were they to persecute me, I would still want to have recourse to them. And if I had as much wisdom as Solomon and found priests of this world impoverished, I would not preach in their parishes against their will. And I desire to respect, love and honour them and all others as my lords. And I do not want to consider any sin in them because I discern the Son of God in them and they are my lords.
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San Francesco by Guercino (1646)