|
 Clara
Condon
What do I do?
My desire to serve God in the religious life, my attraction to St Francis
and the apparent simplicity of the Franciscan way of life led me to the
Missionary Franciscan Sisters.
After spending most of my early years in teaching here in Australia
I was elected to leadership in Australia and to the General
Council of the Institute. The latter period of service saw me living
in Rome and visiting all the sisters in the Institute in the many countries
where they carry out the work of their ministries. This was
a special time in my life which gave me the opportunity to travel and not
only to come to know all our sisters and their cultures but also to see
our charism lived out in their lives.
After returning to Australia I began a new ministry of visiting the
sick and elderly in hospital, retirement homes and in their own homes.
I take Holy Communion to a retirement home. I also assist
with the Secular Franciscan Order here in South East Queensland, attending
meetings and contributing to the formation of members.
Where do I carry out my ministry?
I live on the Gold Coast in South East Queensland and work mainly in
Burleigh Heads Parish, but take Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in
parishioners in the Surfers’ Paradise Parish also. I am involved
in the “Care and Concern” Group at Burleigh.
What Franciscan values underpin how I minister?
One could say that all ministries are Franciscan since Francis, like
Jesus in the Gospel, reached out in a loving and compassionate way to
all persons. However, Francis had a special concern for the sick
and those in need. I also realise that it is not a particular
activity that makes my ministry Franciscan but the degree to which I
act with compassion and try to make my life and all I do Christ-centred.
“Blessed
are those who love another who is sick and seemingly useless,
as much as when that person is well and of service to them.”
Third Order Regular Rule of St Francis
Ch VII #23
Return to main Membership
page
|
