CFF Continuing Formation in Chicago 

One of Pope Francis’ most striking expressions was addressed to priests: “Be shepherds, with the odor of sheep” (Chrism Mass, March 28, 2013). It is a beautiful and provocative call to the Gospel, emphasizing God’s solidarity with all humanity, even to the point of sharing the same conditions with the poorest. It certainly calls us to imagine the Child Jesus lying in the manger, as first announced and encountered by shepherds (cf. Luke 2), who were the only ones who perceived His scent as the Messiah, a descendant of David, the Shepherd-King.

Just like the shepherds in the Gospel, some solemnly professed friars from the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) gathered in Chicago for a spiritual retreat at the St. Bonaventure Friary on North Kenmore Avenue, where they met around the table of God’s Word during the Christmas liturgy and around the table of fraternity during some shared reflection. Together, they inhaled the fragrance of the Gospel, which never ceases to surprise and amaze.
The retreat was held December 29, 2024, to Jan. 2, 2025. It was characterized by periods of reading and prayer. A lot of time was devoted to sharing at the table during meals, so as to experientially grasp the connection between the fragrance of the Gospel and the odor of the sheep. Those attending the retreat included Friars Antonio MOUALEU, Timothy BLANCHARD, Richard ROME, Christopher Bede THIGPEN, Thomas FETZ, Simon Wahito NJOROGE, Peter Otieno ONYANGO, Christopher Douglas GARCIA, Juan ZÚÑIGA LÓPEZ, and Jamie ZARAGOZA. Given their different backgrounds, there was a lively exchange of experiences and personalities. When it came to preparing food, they shared their own recipes and sensibilities, setting the table and serving meals in a distinct manner. Thus, they were able to enjoy an experience of the Word celebrated and fraternally shared in common. They discovered how the Word can comfort, guide, and conform to every taste and palate (cf. Wis 16:20).
The discussion sessions took place in a welcoming and light atmosphere. Topics emerged that were helpful in reflecting on one’s vocation, ministry, fraternal style, and Franciscan spirit. Thanks to the hosting community, the retreatants were able to focus on some small details that shape and express each person’s ministry. However, these details risk diminishing the flavor and effectiveness of their testimony and the authenticity of their Franciscan choice. Placing particular attention on Catholic Social Teaching, the participants were mindful of the terrible problem of food waste: a social expression of a challenging relationship with material goods, consumption, and poverty, and an outward sign of a certain spiritual bulimia.
At the beginning of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis composing the Canticle of the Creatures, it seemed fitting to harness all the creativity typical of Franciscan tradition in order to a pause from the usual rhythms of the retreat and instead, reflect, from a global and pastoral perspective, on topics dealing with spiritual life service to the people of God. The friars tried to break free of stereotypes by engaging in intimate conversations around the table, a table where “those fragrant words of our Lord” (First Version of the Letter to the Faithful, chapter II, 19; FF 178/7) pass from the book to the ears, and from the mouth to the heart for the life of the world to which we are sent.

These books and articles were helpful for the retreat:

R. Alves, The Poet, the Warrior, the Prophet. (Chapter V: “Words Which Are Good to Be Eaten”) London, Scm Press, 2002.

T. Radcliffe, Affectivity and the Eucharist https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/affectivity-and-eucharist#main-content, 2024;

T. Radcliffe, The Resurrection and Breakfast Conversation(Synod Meditation, October 1, 2024) https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-retreat-meditation-radcliffe-resurrection-2-breakfast.html

A. Schmemann, For the Life of the World. St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1973.

Friar Michael LASKY
Friar Emanuel RIMOLI