In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI told his rowdy American flock in his homily in New York’s Yankee Stadium that “obedience” wasn’t a bad word. Rather, it is the surrender of one’s will to God in service to him and the church. That’s the spirit of Hawaii’s Secular Franciscans, an order of lay men and women committed to following the Franciscan way.
On April 13, the Hawaii Ohana O Ke Anuenue regional order of the Secular Franciscans met with visitators Elaine Hedtke and Franciscan Brother Bob Brady of the national commission of the Secular Franciscans to discuss the state of the Hawaii region and its fraternities and to hold elections.
The fraternal get-together ensured that the local members of the order, and those considering membership, are being cared for properly.
In addition, every three years the region elects a new leadership council, a process monitored by the visitators. In the spirit of obedience, members are encouraged to accept a nomination when possible and to serve if elected.
Hawaii’s regional council helps its local fraternities throughout the islands keep proper records and finances, and provide their members with proper formation in the Franciscan life. To that end, the region has a formation director, as does each fraternity. Annual regional gatherings bring members together for formation, prayer, social interaction and business.
Elected to the 2013-2016 regional council were minister Jim Doyle, vice minister Peter Callahan, formation director Liz Ishimitsu, secretary Linda Cacpal and treasurer Dianne Jackow.
Capuchin Franciscan Father Gordon Combs remains as the region’s spiritual advisor.
For information about the Hawaii Secular Franciscan Order, contact regional minister Jim Doyle, at playwrtr@msn.com.
