FRANCISCANS OF OUR LADY OF THE POOR FLP MELBOURNE NEWSLETTER

The Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor FLP is a young religious order that follows in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and the Spirituality of The Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of the Poor. It has Reverend Mother Esperanza Orejola FLP as its Charismatic Founder and Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, OCD, DD Bishop emeritus of Infanta and Juridical Founder of FLP. It is due to celebrate 25 years since it was founded. For the last 14 years Mother Esperanza under the inspiration of Blessed John Paul 11 to form African Priests so that they can evangelise the whole world, travelled to Africa Kenya and Tanzania and she started the Order. However, along the way they developed financial constraints leading to loss of many vocations because they were unable to send the Seminarians to School and lack of good formation houses. But all was not lost among the pioneering group, 3 are Ordained Priests and 6 are

Ordained Deacons. Among the ones ordained we have Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP here with us in Australia as true testimony of the whole idea. It is in this light that we have decided to form a Charitable Organisation to Support and Educate FLP Seminarians and Priests in Tanzania, Kenya and Final studies to be

completed in Australia for Ordination to Priesthood. Please try to recognise Jesus in the hour of need. This picture is of Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP receiving Blessings to continue the mission in Africa from the Juridical Founder, Retired Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, OCD, DD. Deacon Simon Mutuku together with his fellow members have been in study for over 14 years in and out of the Seminary due to lack of funds to keep them in the Seminary for the normal time of Priestly Formation which is 9 years. It is in this light that moved by his story that I, Therese Hummel can testify after being in touch with the congregation for 5 years decided to call upon you individually and as a family to sacrifice, to deny ourselves and give out to help the church to form Priests. This Congregation is in our hands, they need me and you to support the Seminarians and help their foundress Rev Mother Esperanza to realise her dream to give Priests to the Church from Africa where Vocations are blooming to all over the world.

FUNDRAISING

PROGRESSIVE

DINNER

29TH November 2014

1st Place - Entree

Hummel’s Family

5.30pm – 9 Virginia

Street, Cranbourne.

2nd Place – Dinner

Gunn’s Family, 6.30

pm - 7 Elk Turn,

Cranbourne

3rd Place – Sweets

Hearn’s Family, 8.00

pm - 42 Campbell

Pde, Cranbourne

THE DISTANT VOICE OF HOPE THIRD EDITION DECEMBER 2014

Rev Mother Esperanza FLP (shown below) walked with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India in her ministry and equally inspired by John Paul 11 who frequently challenged them to begin Religious Communities who will help give Priests to the Church. After many years of Reflection and hibernating she heeded to call of the Pope Blessed John Paul 11 and started the Congregation whose Charism and Mission is geared towards the poor and family life. Quote from John Paul 11 to Mother Esperanza at a Family Life conference in Sydney Australia “Go to

Africa and evangelise so that they can evangelise the whole world”. These are the Fruits of such words from John Paul 11 to Mother Esperanza FLP. Today she has 11 Priests and 6 Deacons and many brothers who are in formation. The picture shows Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP with some of the Philippino Priests where the Congregation started 24 years ago at their said Mother House in Novaliches Diocese, Quezon City, Philippines. 14 Years ago Mother Esperanza FLP after starting the Congregation in her Mother Land travelled to Africa in line with the words of John Paul 11 where she started the Congregation in Nairobi, Kenya

with a promising number of Seminarians. They started with initial Formation Program then later went for Philosophy Studies a requirement for Priestly Studies, then later went through a rigorous novitiate program to get

to know the Vision, Mission and Charism of the Congregation as enshrined in it’s constitution. The Seminarians later took their first vows and joined Theological Studies. The picture above shows Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP and Deacon Francis Monari FLP with Archbishop Arguelles of Lipa Archdiocese and Apostolic Administrator of Infanta, Philippines, after they gave him a courtesy call. It reminds them of their happier days in Formation. Together with other brothers not present at the time. This gives you a picture of how the Congregation has developed. Note: The Congregation started with Nuns and then later the Clerics as shown in the photo (right).

Priests, Sisters, Seminarians both Filipino and African. Mother Esperanza FLP (foundress) and Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, OCD, DD at the Centre of the photo. However, the promising life as one writer puts it, “What is this Life that is so promising yet it frequently disappoints”. (Things Changed) A new dawn, lack of funding, problems in the schools leading to loss of many vocations. Only a few have persevered to the present day. Some were Ordained and others left. Those who are Ordained are serving in different places in Kenya and Tanzania and are currently under the care

of the Apostolic Administrator and Vicar General of Diocese of Shinyanga Tanzania, Rev Fr. Sospeter Shole where most of the members are working in 2 Parishes at the Cathedral. Due to lack of funding to the Congregation many students have been in and out of school as I mentioned earlier leading many years in school. One of them is Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP here present. I have known him personally for many

years I have known his superiors and moved by my desire to help Educate a Priest. Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP to the left and Seminarian Walter Mutua FLP to the Right at the Philosophy/Theology School in Nairobi Kenya, where they have been studying. These Seminarians have a noble call, they have persevered many years and suffered seeing their classmates finish school and get Ordained as Priests yet they have remained in school. Please try to recognise Jesus in these Seminarians and support them individually, as a family, direct one on one sponsorship of a Seminarian, monthly contribution, annual contribution. Mathew 25:31-46. Jesus in the needy of Society, the sick, the naked, the strangers, the prisoners etc.

1st ANNIVERSARY OF FLP IN MELBOURNE 4th DECEMBER 2014

Though still a great challenge and a call to greater reflection and contemplation, FLP presence

started as an invitation to Rev. Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP, from Kenya, Africa who by then was

studying in the Philippines with great difficulties due to seminary fees to finish his remaining priestly

courses. The invitation was discussed with his superiors and was agreed, upon reception of his

recommendation letters from his superiors.

Deacon Simon left the Philippines to Kenya to apply for a tourist visa to Australia, He was successful

and arrived in Melbourne, Australia in late September 2013. I took Deacon Simon to meet with many

different people and discussed his study life and the simple beginnings of FLP order.

We commenced our first meeting which was attended by Mr & Mrs Richard and Jacinta Gunn,

Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP and Mr Edward Hummel and myself, this was a turning point that led to

the birth of FLP lay associate group here in Melbourne.

In our early developmental stages we would like to acknowledge Mr & Mrs Vince and Therese

Ventura for their guiding help, they are our wonderful Prayer Intercessors for our Not For Profit

Organisation Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor, FLP Melbourne.

As our Journey moved along we welcome to the Core Group Mr & Mrs Peter and Dot Buckland, Mrs

Alison Hearn and Mrs Florence D’Costa.

We deliberated of the groups registration in Australian government to legalise it by having the ABN

NUMBER, a bank account and a constitution, among other things we looked at our objectives and

goals which included among others helping to educate the FLP student priests as our immediate goal

and setting up a seminary (formation house) and an orphanage in Kenya.

Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP after the expiry of his three months visa left to Kenya but before then he

had secured admission in Yarra Theological Union Constituent College of the University of Divinity,

so he went back for his student visa. His Student Visa was secured in July 2014, when he jetted in

and started his studies at the University of Divinity Yarra Theological Union, Box Hill where he just

completed his first academic semester.

He is now fully enrolled as a master’s student for two years that is 4 semesters. We pray and hope

that Deacon Simon sets the pace for other FLP seminarians to come in the future; we are, therefore,

within the limits of our aspirations.

This year also saw us attend a well thought Franciscan retreat day at Box Hill with Deacon Simon,

Jacinta Gunn and myself that had great comparison between Francis of Assisi and the current pope

Francis papacy, great themes of simplicity, humility and joy were deeply explored.

On the 14th November 2014, we were priviledged to attend the closing Eucharistic celebration of

Yarra Theological union academic year 2014.

Lastly but not the least we are happy to share with you our success in the one year since our

inception as a non charitable organization on the 4th December 2013.

President’s Report November 2014

This is the first of many newsletters for our organisation: Franciscans of our Lady of the Poor

Melbourne. This year has passed quickly. The first half year was taken up with setting up our

Organisation and our Website: http://www.flpmelbourne.org/.

This year we have had several successful fundraising events. We had an enjoyable day visiting

Wineries in the Yarra Valley, with lunch at Coldstream Brewery. We also visited the Yarra Valley

Chocolaterie where we sampled lots of chocolate. Thank you to Peter Buckland our driver.

There was also the Chef’s Toolbox Party and Intimo Clothing demonstration. Those who attended

these events had lots of fun.

Deacon Simon Mutuku arrived in July to commence studies. Therese and myself were kept busy

driving him to YTU in Box Hill, (a distance of 40km from Cranbourne). Deacon Simon has successfully

completed the first Semester of his studies. We look forward to having him back next year.

In September, Deacon Simon and myself drove Br Vincent Kamba to Woollongong. Br Vincent has

been doing pastoral work in Unaderra parish with Fr Mark O’Keefe. He will be back in Melbourne to

enjoy our Progressive Dinner with us.

I would like to thank all those who have made donations to FLP Melbourne. With special thanks to

Dot and Peter Buckland and Therese and Vince Ventura for their help this year. Thank you to those

who have attended our Fundraising events. Thank you to Therese Hummel, Florence D’Costa and

Alison Hearn for helping start this organisation.

Peace and All Good

Jacinta Gunn

PLAN OF ACTION 2015:

We are looking forward to having permanent annual and monthly contributors, more FLP volunteer

members to support this noble work of God.

We are looking forward to a full immersion into the Franciscan lay spirituality next year with a full

year program culminating into being vested and incorporated into the national lay Franciscans but

keeping in line with the vision, mission and goals of FLP.

We are looking forward to a visit to Africa; Kenya and Tanzania to see, judge and act on the FLP

vision, mission and goals as lived and practiced in these two countries, the president and secretary

are now set for the visit in January 2015.

We are looking forward to more fundraising to increase our seminarian funding, please subscribe as

our annual or monthly contributors today. Thank you! Long life FLP.

FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY: A LAY FRANCISCAN PERSPECTIVE DEACON SIMON MUTUKU, FLP

Francis of Assisi started the third order when Luchesio and Buonadonna a husband and wife from

Poggibonsi wanted to share in his charism, vision, mission and goal. The main challenge was, how

could they as a couple join him yet remain married. Francis set the order of penance, which became

the third order and approved by Pope Honorious 111 in 1221. The third Franciscans lived a vowed

life under a Rule with a set of definite components, flexible enough to accommodate people living in

widely differing circumstances. There was something common in all that was a deep commitment to

follow Jesus Christ with Francis as a guide.

This were the main pillars or the nine elements of the 3rd order lay Franciscan Rule: Holy Eucharist

great devotion and love for Eucharist, a life of prayer, Penitence, self-denial, simplicity, study, work,

retreat and above all obedience. This was coupled with four main Franciscan themes: Humility,

Chastity, Love and Joy.

For Francis, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be engaged in a lifelong love affair, swept into an

intense dance with the divine. Francis renounced worldly pleasures and possessions, so that he

might embrace the poor Christ unencumbered. He offers spirituality of delight, and of a love that

held onto that delight even in the midst of great suffering. Francis heard the call of Christ as an

invitation to the Divine Dance, the steps marked out by the very Trinity timed to the beating of the

Heart of God. He danced with joy that drew people to him during his lifetime.

Today why do we follow this man Francis of Assisi? I believe that God has chosen us to Confound,

the Nobility and the Pride and the Strength and the Beauty and Wisdom of the World, so that it

may know that every virtue and every good thing is from Him…we today must be transformed to

become a new creation, the old self must pass away (2nd Cor 5:17). We must begin to change: the

old attitudes and habits of thinking and acting, our sorrows must be displaced by joy. Its strange

dear friends that God’s Strength is made perfect in weakness (2ND Cor 12:9).

Francis spirituality has a dual emphasis The Vertical and The Horizontal like the beams of a cross

stressing both Contemplation and Social justice. Our seraphic father St Francis of Assisi was so much

attuned to the way the second great commandment is ‘like unto’ the first; love of neighbour is

implied by love for God, because our lord likes to come to us disguised as our neighbour (Heart of

Franciscan spirituality). Francis relationship with God was above all things Passionate, he had that

one good look at Jesus that leaves you weak in the knees, and ready to leave everything behind to

follow him. Francis understood that the God Who Is Love (1STJn 4:8) is also a Consuming Fire (Heb

12:29). He spent his life consumed by this love. His passion embraced the cross along with the

crucified. He longed and prayed to share in Christ’s Suffering, a prayer that was generously

answered (stigmatas).

Francis can be described as Romantic, unbalanced, immoderate, the servant of the poor and

outcasts and above all a model of a life well lived.

Today we in the Franciscans of Our Lady Of The Poor( FLP) a very young order 25 yrs now since its

beginning have continued to embrace this Franciscan Spirituality as Religious Men and Women in

line with our constitution in deep prayer and service to the poor. This young order has over 11

Ordained priests, 8 working in the Philippines and 3 in Africa, 6 deacons waiting to be ordained all in

Africa, over 40 sisters working in the Philippines, US, Italy, UK, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in East

Africa. Our lay associates who through them this order came to Africa support us in prayer and

materially. Our lay associates are all over the world in the US, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Uganda,

Tanzania and Kenya. We are humbled to also wish to express our love and support for the new rise

of our lay associates here in Melbourne, Australia. There is great hope and signs of an unstoppable

spirit of St Francis here and we can only pray to God our Father to bring it to fruition.

Lastly our Lay Franciscan group here in Melbourne, Australia is led by the presidency of Mrs Jacinta

Gunn and Mrs Therese Hummel its secretary and myself - Deacon Simon Mutuku FLP the religious

representative, but it’s in its infancy stage, we wish to follow St Francis of Assisi and support the FLP

clergy, brothers and sisters in Africa to realize this noble duty to serve the poor in their mission as

Religious. Welcome and join us in your ways and means. Please come and do something, give hope

to the hopeless, life to the dying, healing to the sick by your Presence, Love and Contribution no

matter how small it is. All are Welcomed!!

Jacinta & Richard Gunn

A brief introduction of Jacinta Gunn, The President of FLP Lay Associates Melbourne Australia.

Jacinta Gunn has been married to Richard Gunn for 22 years and blessed with two daughters; Mary (22) and Kathleen (20). And a Grandchild, a baby boy, Aiden (2). They live in Cranbourne, an outer suburb of Melbourne in the Parish of St. Agatha’s in the Catholic Diocese of Sale. She has been working as an IT Specialist but left the workforce 10 years ago to be a housewife and look after her family and respond to Gods calling in different areas of Evangelisation in the Diocese of Sale. She is currently a Prayer Group Leader and a Catechist in St. Agatha’s Catholic Parish Cranbourne and a committee member of Aglow International Australia and teacher for the Catholic School of Evangelisation Australia. She enjoys knitting and patchwork/quilting and likes body surfing in summer. Her husband Richard has been a drycleaner/presser and is now retired from work. His favourite hobbies are driving old cars (in particular a Sunbeam Talbot) and Travelling. He also loves reading and attending Prayer Group and “Cells of Evangelisation” in St. Agatha’s Catholic Parish. Jacinta’s memorable quote: “I will go Lord, if you send me I have heard you calling in the night. Go and Proclaim the Good News! Some will be called to be priests and brothers and sisters, some are called to be missionaries and

teachers. Some will be called to support with finances and prayers those who are being sent out.

Will you answer the Call God gives to you?”

FLP Associates Melbourne Love her guidance and leadership in the group and Rev Deacon Simon

Mutuku FLP in particular the FLP Cleric Representative fully appreciates and acknowledges all what

she has done for the FLP as a whole and similar words of appreciation from the African Delegate

Superior Rev Deacon Francis Monari FLP.

Therese and Edward Hummel

A brief introduction of Therese Hummel, The Secretary of FLP Lay Associates Melbourne Australia.

Therese Hummel has been married to Edward Hummel for 33 years and blessed with two daughters; Sarah (24) Mother to 2 Children Isabella (3) and William (1) and Samantha (21) engaged to Daniel Roberts and two sons Garry and Jason (19). We live in Cranbourne, an outer suburb of Melbourne in the Parish of St. Agatha’s in the Catholic Diocese of Sale. I have been working in the workforce for the past 8 years at a Taxi driver previous to that 17 years as a Stay at home Mother to raising 4 children. Have been involved in different aspects of the School of Evangelisation in the Diocese of Sale. I am also a Lector and Extra-Ordinary Eucharistic Minister (Acolyte), ran a children’s music ministry, took part in the Parish Cell Groups. My hobbies are dancing, and craft work with photos (Scrapbooking). My husband Edward currently works as a Security Guard full time and his hobbies are Amateur Radio and Relaxing when he can. He was involved for 10 years playing guitar at Mass on a Weekly basis and also in Parish Cells for a period of 2 years.

Objectives of the Core Group

There are more core members, as time goes they will be introduced with Pictures and a Biography of each Person. Each new Edition of the Newsletter will feature one person, who they are, what their qualifications are, what experiences they have had in course of their life. This Core group has come through prayer and hard work and through combined efforts we will raise funds to support Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor to help Educate their Priests, build formation Houses and Orphanage so that in the future we can look at the Franciscans Religious Group being Self Sufficient. In amongst our growing core group we have an Architect, Teacher, Business People among others, we have ideas flowing in Fundraising, Family Teachings and Blessings, Franciscan Studies for Lay Associates, Recollections and Retreats, Counselling and Welcome Houses and much to look forward to as well. Here in Victoria Australia we would like to see the fruits of great work where the Seminarians we are helping will have a FLP house to live in, grow Spiritually as a Community and be Ordained to Priesthood and have the opportunity to work here among the families in their last Formation Years. Contributions to FLP can be made monthly, 3 months, 6 months, yearly. Personal, Individual and Family and Group Contributions are greatly welcomed for such a worthy cause.

Meet our new FLP Core Group from Uganda and Kenya, Africa.

Uganda – Mr Francis Ekemu Miss Shumilla Lillian

Welcome and Join Us!

Acknowledgements: Retired Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, OCD, DD. (Juridical Founder of FLP) Reverend Mother Esperanza Villareal Orejola FLP (The Charismatic Foundress) The Late Archbishop Boniface Lele (The former Archbishop of Mombasa Catholic Diocese Kenya) Rt. Rev. Aloysius Balina (RIP. The Former Bishop of Shinyanga Diocese, Tanzania) Rt. Rev. Luduvick Minde, DD. (Bishop of Kahama diocese, Tanzania) Archbishop J.T. Ruwaichi (Archbishop of Mwanza and the Current Apostolic Administrator, Shinyanga Diocese, Tanzania) Very Reverend Fr Sospeter Shole (Vicar General and FLP Protector, Shinyanga Diocese Tanzania) Deacon Francis Monari Kerongo FLP (Regional Moderator FLP) All FLP Clerics (Priests and Deacons), Brothers and Sisters, Kenya, Tanzania and abroad.

We have formed a Core Group under registration of Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor FLP MELBOURNE. More Volunteers are

welcomed to join the Core Group. We now legally have an ABN (Australian Business Number). We are now Registered with

ACNC as a Religious Charity Organisation, Bank Account Details are now completed. Special thanks goes to the Core Group

Members who have volunteered in the process of making this happen. Thanks A Million and Be Blessed.

SUNBEAM TORQUE - 2 - NOVEMBER 2014

FRANCISCANS OF OUR LADY OF THE POOR FLP MELBOURNE

ABN NO. 90 556 810 511 WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.flpmelbourne.org REGISTERED ADDRESS: Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor, FLP Melbourne, c/- Secretary, Mrs Therese Hummel, 9 Virginia Street, Melbourne. VIC. 3977. AUSTRALIA. EMAIL ADDRESS: flpmelbourne@hotmail.com

COMMITTEE 2013-2014 PRESIDENT/PUBLIC OFFICER: Jacinta Gunn SECRETARY: Therese Hummel RELIGIOUS CO-ORDINATOR: Deacon Simon Mutuku, FLP. TREASURER: Jacinta Gunn MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Alison Hearn FUNDRAISING: Dot Buckland FUNDRAISING ASSISTANT: Florence D’Costa

BANKING DETAILS: Name: Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor, FLP MELBOURNE ACC NO: 22111718 BSB NO: 123-627 BOQ SWIFT CODE: QBANAU4B REF: Your Name