P H I L I P  F A B I A N O , O . F . M . C A P .

Earlier this summer the community of St. John the Baptist on 31st Street honored Our Mother of Perpetual Help with a gathering liturgy and an outdoor procession.

Surprisingly this ministry was indeed, the work of the people. LITURGIA! Although retired Bishop Daily was presiding and the friars were present in various forms of dress and hierarchical presence. The people did the leading, the animated praying, singing and evangelization. The Bishop and the friars were led by the people.

Too often, I believe, we friars neglect the service of the poor in preference for some intellectual movement of the moment, a fad rather than people. Capuchins in my experience [since 1945] have chosen the option for the poor. Since then many friars have lived and learned from the poor people of their ministries. Provided, of course, you were willing to listen and be truly present.

Often when I hear discussions about where we should be, it sounds like the option for the poor is going to be a very special place; when, in fact, we have been living among the poor for many a year.

My small experience took me back to a time and place and power: The streets of 112th and 113th Streets when we honored another title of the Mother of Jesus, who was herself poor in spirit, La Maddona del Carmine. Seems like that kind of power has been around for some time! What are we friars missing? Is it not the real picture? The poor are speaking! Are we listening?

St. Michael and Our Lady Queen of Angels were never "typical parishes". As we humbly walked with those whom we were called to serve, we were sometimes enlightened about the option for the poor, even though leadership decisions may have not. Brother Ladislaus [Zielecki], of Polish birth, spoke little English and spent his time walking the streets and visiting homes and inspiring me to become a friar. One does not plan this ministry; it is the work of the Spirit. Our option for the poor is the work of the Spirit.

Here in mid-town Manhattan; epicenter of the world; the simple friars of Francis live, serve and seek the response to the poor. Who leads us, intellectuals? Is it not some profoundly sincere devotion that is alive, enthusiastic, and full of the human spirit with a touch of the divine as well? Is it not the simplicity of faith of a people challenged by the oppressive burdens placed on their shoulders? Those who come are seeking the intervention of Mary, herself a simple woman, who knew intuitively the meaning of the word - power. She describes it in her prayer of her heart: "My Soul Proclaims Magnifies the Lord..." She did not say: My mind glorifies the Lord.

Discussions regarding the charism of our Order must continue. Egos must be put aside while we allow the poor to teach us, lead us and make us their servants. Do we want to share power with them and let them lead and teach us and keep our egos tamed?

On the 30th of June, we friars were with the poor; they led us, taught us and exercised their power. We friars, like the Bishop present, were powerless. All we could do was to follow. All we could do was to be in awe of these members crying out to the Mother of Perpetual Help. Singing, as though Mary was actually walking with us on her homemade "sedia gestatoria" a la Angelo and Lester (our maintenance crew). Flowers everywhere; singing with raised voices; pedestrians seeing this crowd stopped, signed themselves and respectfully gazed on the processing people. Is this not power? Can we learn from this?

Just as the processions of the past in my life on 112th and 113th Streets, here I am an older man reliving the experience of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. This is power that lasts. It will not be suppressed. It is the same power Mary spoke! Shall we learn?