Authentic peace begins with charity
Robert H. Mace
When I first encountered the Franciscan Friars, my life was forever changed because the lives, ministries and message of these dedicated men was profoundly compelling. I am reminded of St. Bonaventure's suggestion that authentic peace begins with charity, and the friars follow Christ in walking pathways of peace and charity all their lives. The Franciscan charism honors and venerates the incarnate Christ in his humility, poverty, compassion and forgiving, unconditional love.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 24 (Feast of St. John the Baptist) -- I forget the year -- my earliest education was provided by Sisters of Mercy and Brothers of the Sacred Heart. My mother had been taught by Franciscan Sisters in Philadelphia, and from my youngest years I had a particular devotion to St. Francis and his great affection for and emulation of the Crucified Christ. As a young man, I joined a community of Franciscan Friars, but after some time it seemed that God had other plans that I was too young to have foreseen. I left the community with a heavy heart, but with trust in the Providence of God that I had learned in community. Then I headed off for college at St. Francis University.
I learned from and studied with a great number of Franciscan Friars who mentored me in the ways of St. Francis and who exemplified the message of the Gospel in their lives of compassion, humility, love and service. They were ministers not only to the college students, but also to all those around us in any need: the impoverished, addicted, oppressed, and suffering ones. They served as true disciples of Christ in comforting the lonely and lost, the marginalized and outcast. They reached out in love and mercy to those who had never known love or mercy. With an unparalleled passion and zeal, the friars brought to life the portrait of St. Francis at the foot of the Crucified Christ, the St. Francis who humbled himself to kiss the leper.
I completed my B.A. Degree at St. Francis University, then continued on to my Master's Degree in Theology at Marquette University. I lived in Wisconsin for 25 years and later pursued post-graduate work in Contemporary Franciscan Living at St. Francis University again. Today, I live in Tampa, Florida, where our Sacred Heart Church is staffed by Franciscan Friars. My entire life has been touched by the Franciscan spirit and charism, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the Franciscan Friars. My joy and great honor now is to live out the peace which, according to St. Bonaventure, is born of charity; and to "serve, love, honor and adore the Lord God" in whatever way I am able.
Making an estate gift to the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist is my way of serving, loving, honoring and adoring the Lord God and of thanking the friars for all that they do, for the lives and ministries in which they engage in the spirit and charism of St. Francis. In this broken, divided world we are blessed to have such selfless, loving men religious among us to remind us that, yes, there is a better way and, yes, there is hope. They deserve our love and support.
Including the Franciscan Friars in my estate plans ensures that my impact will reach beyond my lifetime. Gifts to the Franciscan Friars will help them continue their educational and service ministries – enabling others to reach the fullness of their potential. Including the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist in my estate planning vehicles is a way of doing good, sustaining the noble works and ministries of the Friars, and preserving their charism and legacy well into the future.
--Robert H. Mace, Jr., Th.M
Once you have met your obligations to yourself and those you love, consider remembering The Franciscans of St. John the Baptist Province in your estate plan. Simplify your life and the lives of those you love by requesting our free Estate Planning Organizer, available in hardcopy or a computer-friendly version. To receive your organizer, contact Colleen Cushard at 513-721-4700 or at ccushard@franciscan.org or download from our website.
Posted in: Jesus, Newsletter, Prayer, Saint Francis
