The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception, through Rev. Fr. Jose M. Litigio, OFM, conducted a session on “Reclaiming Our Franciscan Identity” for its employees on July 20, 2024, at the Main AVR
Rev. Fr. Jose M. Litigio, OFM was invited to speak about reclaiming the Franciscan identity. Father Jo started the session by asking, “Who are we?” This left the employees wondering about their identity and how they lived as individuals. Father Jo emphasized in his session that being a true Franciscan means being a Christian; We cannot be Franciscans if we are not Christians as our baptismal promises serve as the foundation, give up demons in the minds and hearts.
Father mentioned in the session the three steps to reclaim the Franciscan Identity: Love your Neighbor as you Love Yourself, Love your Neighbor as you love Christ, and Love your Neighbor as Christ loves you. These are the marks of being a Franciscan that Saint Francis lived up to throughout his life. As Franciscans, we need to value the sense of belongingness and oneness as this is our Fraternal bond; One with others and to live simply – in words, deeds, and living. Above these, we have to be like Francis, always looking up to Jesus and being thankful for all we have.
Father Jo also included that our identity is our mission and our mission is to become agents of transformation and molders of mind and heart and instruments of peace. Through this, we are reminded that being a Franciscan entails a mission we have to fulfill which is to make others see in us the real essence of life, the essence of transforming ourselves so that we can transform others through us. He also shared elements that promote wholesome growth in life and he related these to the call to serve in the institution asking not for extra because we are part of this institution ̶ this is our institution.
In the session, Father Jo highlighted that Society is selfish but Christ emphasizes selflessness and that is what being a Franciscan should embody. It is the manifestation that we are thriving to be Franciscans. Be Selfless and give yourself to others without asking for something in return. Serve with humility, give with compassion and generosity.
Before the session ended, the employees shared takeaways and insights. The whole body was grouped by department. Both the College and the Junior High School shared the idea, “Once a Franciscan Always a Franciscan”. The Senior High School Department stressed, “We are on the same boat”, emphasizing that we are all on the same page, we journey with the same purpose and we are one. The Grade School Department talks about “simplicity with contentment in life”. They also shared that the “true Franciscan must embody brotherhood and sisterhood”. The NTPs, “manifest being a Franciscan by accepting weaknesses, being considerate and patient.
Sister M. Karen Lebajo, OSF, the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the President of the Board of Trustees stressed, “We are not to discriminate enrollees, we give our service to all humanity. We must be real Franciscans”.
Lastly, the updates on the School’s Strategic Plan were given by the School President, Sister Mary Michael Bacotng, OSF.
The informative and inspiring session provided the employees with valuable insights into what it truly means to embody the Franciscan spirit. Through thoughtful reflections, Rev. Fr. Jose M. Litigio, OFM successfully guided participants on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
As we move forward together, knowing and receiving by hearts, minds, and deeds our Franciscan identity, we have to always remember the truest foundation of being a Franciscan, by being a Christian.
Pax et Bonum!
