Fostering the Franciscan Charism as a Franciscan Mission Fellow

Editor’s Note: Following this year’s Sending Forth Mass, Franciscan Mission Fellow Joe Costa shares a reflection on how he grew in the Franciscan charism during his program year with Franciscan Mission Service.

I was truly blessed to participate in this program, especially blessed being in it together with my spouse, Loraine Cortese-Costa. When I started my journey with the FMF program back in August 2023, I had a very basic understanding of what a lifelong commitment to service in the Franciscan way might mean for me. Through monthly in-person gatherings in DC, I gained a rich understanding of the Franciscan charism and how I could apply it to my daily life. I realized that my baptismal call to mission could be answered in simple, daily acts of love and prayer with God and neighbor (living the Gospel).  It helped me gain a clearer vision and deeper understanding of how I might reconcile my earthly presence with God’s plan for me in his kingdom here on earth.

Our spiritual leader for this program was Meghan Meros, FMS Director of Mission Integration. She did a truly amazing job! Meghan is a great leader and very humble. She led us in a graceful and effective way.  I love how Meghan always included songs and music in our communal evening prayers. The time spent at Casa San Salvador during prayer in the chapel, potluck dinners in the kitchen area, presentations/discussions at our meeting table and staying overnight, will always remind me of Franciscan simplicity and accompaniment.

We covered many topics such as Franciscan Beginnings and the Path of Minority, Care for Creation, Gratitude and Simplicity, Discernment and Vocation, Franciscan Understanding of the Incarnation, Inter-religious Dialogue, Saint Clare and Women in the World, Commitment to Spiritual Boldness, Sending Forth in Spirit, Franciscan Hospitality, the Anthropological and Biblical Foundations of Dialogue in a Franciscan Approach, just to name a few. 

I was truly honored to have had the opportunity to meet, interact with, and pray with the other members of my Fellows cohort, the Oversees Lay Missioners, DC Service Corps volunteers, Lifelong Missioners, Secular Franciscans, FMS staff and, of course, the Franciscan Friars and Sisters who educated us and prayed with us. What an amazing group of people! Their inspirations and blessings will forever stay close to my heart. As I take what I have learned, during my year in this program, I will strive to maintain a lifestyle through faith in the Franciscan way and continue being a witness to the living Gospel.

We Fellows plan to continue with the following ministries: Peace Corps, Prison Ministry, Grief and Bereavement Ministry, Child and Foster Care Family Advocacy, and Overseas Lay Mission. Please pray for us.

Peace and All Good,
Joe Costa

Question for Reflection: What are a few simple ways that you can incorporate the Franciscan charism in your day-to-day life?