Fort Wayne, Santa and One Man's Dream

I am always amazed at the impact one person can have. We have seen election in the recent past where every single vote counted and had to be recounted. One person refusing to go to the back of the bus changed history. Well, it is not just the huge elections or the bigger than life movements that highlight the power of one.

I am doing my sabbatical at Emmaus Ministries in Chicago. This is an urban ministry for homeless men who participate in prostitution. This fall Emmaus Ministries celebrated their 20th year of service. Emmaus is the result of one man’s dream.


Emmaus Ministries 2010

John Green was a graduate student at Wheaton College when he began working with male prostitutes. He had worked with Covenant House in New York where he became aware of the need for services for male hustlers. When he returned to Chicago to complete his education he also began his ministry. Twenty years later that ministry includes administrative staff, outreach staff and ministry center staff. It includes a prison ministry and an extensive educational component. This is all because of the dream of one man.

At about the same time John was beginning to work with homeless males Lisa Nigro, a retired Chicago cop was reacting to how the homeless of Chicago were being treated. She was angered at how they were over-looked at best and often people were rude to them. She responded by taking a red wagon, filling it with donuts and coffee and then going out on the streets to feed the hungry. Once she was noticed by future supporters things quickly changed. She got an office, then more space, staff and then the cafe.


TrueNorth - Inspiration Cafe :60

Inspiration Café is a unique job skills training program for the homeless. He gives them real skills, it provides the neighborhood with two great restaurants and it treats the homeless with dignity. Today the Inspiration Café corporation has job training programs, case management, and housing services. All this is because of the dream of one woman.

Well, it is Thanksgiving weekend and I am thinking of home, Fort Wayne. In Fort Wayne the legacy of one man is felt during the holiday season. It is not the story of helping the forgotten, it si the story of one man remembering what was forgotten by a city. The result has been a generation of family memories.

Thomas J. Linnemeier recently died at age 73. While most of us in Fort Wayne and north east Indiana did not know him, we had all been touched by Thomas. When Thomas was a child the old Wolf & Dessauer Department store had a display of Santa on the side of the building that light up. It was spectacular. With the coming of malls the department store closed and Santa was lost.

Thomas grew up and became a banker. However, he always remembered that Santa. Then the Santa was rediscovered. Thomas searched all over downtown Fort Wayne for an appropriate place to display it. Eventually it was hung on the Fort Wayne national Bank building.

Thomas knew what he was dong. This was not some childhood exaggerated memory. The lighting of this display had impact, it brought a city together.


The Lighting of Santa

The lighting of the Santa and sleigh display became a Thanksgiving eve community event. This included carols, a visit from Santa and a countdown. The streets would be crowded and the magic of Christmas in downtown began to spread.


Christmas in Fort Wayne

The entire time my daughters were in school the lighting played a role in their lives. Their school choirs and bands played at on of the many lightings, they met friends for the event. They knew the ice skating ring would be officially opened. It was the beginning of the holidays.


More Lights and People

After the Santa display is lit the crowd walks down the street, past he decorated courthouse, to the lighting of the Wells Fargo Holiday Tree at Wells Fargo Building on Calhoun Street. That is followed by the lighting of the Indiana Michigan Power Christmas Wreath at One Summit Square on Wayne Street. And then the city become a wonderland.

There are holiday concerts in the theaters, churches and schools.

Getting Ready for Christmas in Fort Wayne

Museums are open for free and all have holiday themes. There are horse carriage rides, carolers, hot coca and candy canes, all on the busy streets. The Embassy Theater hosts Fantasy of Trees. The History Center has the Festival of Gingerbread. The Botanical Gardens host the Festival of Wreaths and they have live reindeers. Further north Franke Park hosts the Festival of Lights.


60,000 LED Christmas Lights

This is the ripple of effect of one man. There is no doubt that Fort Wayners like Christmas. There is no doubt that they would have decorated and celebrated had Thomas Linnemeier not reestablished the lighting of the Santa. However, because of his dream the night before Thanksgiving is a moving, pageantry of civic pride and participation. Because of Thomas stranger come together, families form memories and a City of Churches unites its past glory with future dreams and celebrate the holiday season in a glorious way. The city celebrates in a unique style. All because of the dream of one man.


And More Lights

Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2010

So it is that time of year again when I try to put into words what I am thankful for without being boring or maudlin. Neither is easy. Quite simply there are times it is difficult just to be thankful.

We live in a world of great injustices and violations. We live in a world of genocide, rape and murder. We live in a world where the powerful trample the weak. However, it has always been that way. So I am so grateful for all those who defend human rights, even as theirs are violated. I am thankful for Jimmy Carter and Dalai Lama but I am especially thankful for the gifts of Rigoberta Menchu, Aung San Suu Kyi, for Peace Bridges International, for workers of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that are increasingly targets of violence. I am thankful for all of the unnamed defenders of democracy, civil rights and peace in so many troubled areas of the world.

We live in a world in which creation is violated and life as we know it on this planet is threatened. So I am so grateful for all of the Davids who never acknowledge that they are not supposed to have a chance against all of the Goliaths of the world. I am grateful for Restoring Eden, for Franciscan Action Network, to Pope Benedict XVI and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as well as secular and other faith initiatives that work to heal a hurting planet.

I am thankful for groups and individuals that have touched me on a personal level. I am especially grateful for Emmaus Ministries and the Kaio Community. For 20 years they have tirelessly served the “lepers” of the streets of Chicago. They have worked with homeless men who participate in prostitution. These servants have worked outreach from 10 PM until 3:30 AM six nights a week. They have staffed a Ministry Center (read hospitality center) six days a week. They work with the incarcerated, the mentally ill, families and the sick. I am even more grateful to the men we serve. They have shown me that a service without love is hollow and that we are all the reflection and creation of a loving God. They have taught me in a way I never knew before that we truly are all brothers and sisters.

Since I have lived in Uptown there has been a minimum of 12 shootings with three deaths and numerous injuries, one attempted rape, and an assault on a woman (in front of me.) all of this was within four blocks of our residence. I have walked around the blood stained sidewalks. I have been with folks who have seen and heard too much. All of my exposure has been superficial and yet enough to demand my attention. There was an attempted bombing of a concert, a synagogue I attended was a target of terrorist in Yemen and our block had the bomb squad called three times. So, I am so thankful that the majority of people here are folks who get along with one another. I am grateful for the folks who respect one another and are friendly. In this year of violence I have felt safe, I am grateful for the meek and especially for the peacemakers.

I am grateful to the University of Saint Francis that granted my sabbatical. I am thankful for their continued commitment to service to others, to peacemaking and sharing the Franciscan spiritual and intellectual traditions. I am thankful for my Alma mater, the Adler School of Professional Psychology. I am so proud of their continued and growing commitment to social responsibility. This is a commitment that is local as well as national and global.

In Fort Wayne I am Thankful for the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, the Ava Maria House, Matthew 25, St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen and the Dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend. I am thankful for all of the food pantries, the resale shops and the volunteers who work to help the poor and hungry.

I am thankful for friends old and new. I am thankful for fellow Franciscans of all walks. However, I am particularly thankful for the continued support and fellowship of the Holy Family fraternity.

I am thankful for Kerri, a beautiful woman who is learning about perspective and long-term commitment. I thankful for her lived values, her humor and her keen mind. I am especially thankful for her laughter and because she is my daughter.

I am thankful for a loving family and I am particularly thankful for Cathi who shares me with others. The past four months would not be possible without the knowledge that Cathi truly want us to be in the world making an impact. It is a miracle and a gift that as I was far from her I never felt closer.

This has been a difficult year for so many people. I pray you find more than enough reasons to give thanks as you gather with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving.

Faithing in Chicago: Holy Name Cathedral

So I have been visiting so many different churches since I have been in Chicago. I have been to Assyrian Apostolic Catholic Church of the East, a Coptic Church, Polish and Spanish Catholic churches, Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and Chinese Catholic Mission churches. I have to local churches and churches that were the center of their neighborhood. Well, finally I went to Holy Name Cathedral. I live in Chicago 36 years and never saw it. I was here two years ago and it was in repair. I had been warned by friends I would probably not like how it looked. I have waited too long, my friends are wrong and this is a magnificent church.

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Holy Name Cathedral

When I walked up to the church I immediately noticed their new doors. They are huge and inviting. I got excited just walking up the stairs. Once I stepped in side I had to catch my breath. It was incredible.


Holy Name Cathedral (my visit)

The ceiling was remarkable. It struck me as a very masculine church. I could not believe how huge it was. Finally, the organ was an unusual sight. It looked like something out of a fairytale. It was big, imposing and sounded great. In fact the church takes music very seriously.


Holy Name Cathedral II

The Mass was beautiful. The parishioners were friendly. The music was simply fantastic. I cannot wait to return again.

Faithing in Chicago: A Visit to the Baha'i Temple

Last weekend tow of my Kaio Community members, Emily and Bethany and I drove out to Wilmete to visit the Baha’i Temple. There are only seven of these temples in the world. This is the only temple in North America.

Even the drive there was nice. First we drove along the lakefront from Chicago into Evanston. We drove past Loyola University. A number of our community members have spiritual directors on this campus. Then we entered Evanston. The houses along Sheridan Road are huge and regal. We drove past Northwestern University Campus. I did a practicum at the school’s Family Institute of Chicago and I love this school.As soon as we turned into Wilmete the temple was visible as it glowed in the night.


Baha'i Temple (Wilmette, IL)

I love seeing folks who are visiting the temple for the first time. The temple is made of a white stone material. It contains symbols from all of the world religions. It appears to be something out of the Middle East or India. That is appropriate for a faith that began in Persia.Today that very faith is persecuted in its land of origin, Iran.


Baha'i Temple of Chicago

The shape of the temple is designed to emphasize its “Simple Truths” which are the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion. All Baha’i temples are round and surrounded by gardens. Many visitors are surprised how comfortable they feel here. This is because the faith recognizes and honors all of the other world religions. Many of the prayers and readings here are from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism.


Baha'i Temple of Chicago From One of the Gardens

The Baha’i faith believes in the equality of men and women. They believe faith and science should not be in conflict. They believe we are all one people.

Baha'i Temple of Chicago : Bethany and Emily

So we walked the gardens. We sat quietly in the temple and prayed. We gazed up toward the domed ceiling in awe. It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful setting I suspect Bethany and Emily will want to visit the temple again. I suspect they will want to see in during the day, in the spring, during autumn and the changing of the4 seasons and in the snow. Set just off the lake it is beautiful to behold, anytime of the year.


Baha'i Temple of Chicago from the Street

Walking Along the Chicago River

I teach at the Adler School of Professional Psychology on Mondays. I love the cityscape views from my classroom windows. I love the walk to the Daley Plaza or to Lake Michigan. I am a brief walk to the Harold Washington Library or the Chicago Cultural Center. Across the street from there is the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. The walks after teaching are wonderful.

Recently I just walked by the river. I love all the bridges. I remember being part of a sailboat flotilla as 22 bridges opened up for us on our way to the lake.


Chicago River Walk Downtown Chicago

I love all the buildings. Some beckon back to the beginning of last century. Some are all slick and modern. I don’t know which I prefer, the ornate stone buildings or the tall steel and glass towers.


Chicago River Walk Downtown Chicago II

The riverfront is always full of activity. There are boats leaving and entering the lake. There are riverfront restaurants. There are people, all over the place thee are people. The Chicago River is a major transportation line. It connects the lake to the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River. It is important to industry and to tourism. And, as everyone knows, thanks to ingenuity it flows backwards! Chicagoans do not take their river for granted. They dye it green every March 17th. They have numerous boat tours on it daily. They pollute and then try valiantly to clean it up! I love this river and it is a great place to take a stroll!


Chicago River Walk Downtown Chicago III

Halloween on Halsted Street 2010

I had been looking forward to the Halloween Parade on Halsted Street since I arrived in Chicago. I was told it was an exciting, almost carnival like experience. Kaio was all set to attend. I did not dress up and I did not go with my community members. I wanted to get there in time to have a good spot for taking video. I would have enjoyed their company but I made the right decision. Once I saw guys in dresses wearing rolls of toilet paper in their hair I knew I would be busy with my camera.


Halloween on Halsted: Ladies of the House

The crowds were very friendly. There were parents and children. There were people with their pets and there were just folks in customs who were happy and wanted to talk. Lucky for me one of them was a Viking!


Halloween on Halsted: Viking

You name the theme or custom and it was there. There were parking ticket machines, condiments, and movie and TV characters. However, my favorites were the old standbys. I especially like the beautiful vampire. She was able to be attractive and frightening at the same time!


Halloween on Halsted: Vampire on the Corner

Once the parade started all eyes were on the street. I liked the marching bands, the spirit team and the floats. This was not a huge parade. It was not slick. Instead it was a very impressive neighborhood parade.


Halloween on Halsted: Marching Band

The parade was not overly decadent. It was not adult themed. There was an acknowledgment that this was a neighborhood parade and that children would be there. Any adult content occurred after the parade. Compared to other similar parades I would say it was pretty tame. To highlight the family nature of the parade at the beginning of the evening the parade started with a pet parade. Adults and children in custom proudly walked their dogs, who were often also in custom.


Halloween on Halsted: Pets on Parade


Halloween on Halsted: Spider Dog

There were lots of creative customs. Still, the one that I really enjoyed, that channeled my inner 12-year-old boy, was Iron Man.


Halloween on Halsted: Iron Man

Little Shop of Horrors was the overriding theme for the parade this year. The float was pretty cool, even enjoyed the music.


Halloween on Halsted: "Feed Me" float

The Spirit Team had a lot of energy and they again demonstrated this energy during the “After Party.”


Halloween on Halsted: Spirit Team

I like the Tree Man because he reminded me of myself!


Halloween on Halsted: Tree man

Captain Jack Sparrow really got into character and knew how to interact with the crowd.


Halloween on Halsted: Captain Jack

Just some fun characters.

Halloween on Halsted: Blinky girl and Friend

The “characters” were not just in the parade. They were not just on the sidewalks. They were even in the balconies!


Halloween on Halsted: Egyptians in the Window

After the Parade families went home. Most of the participants in the parade along with the audience gathered for an after party. There was music, dancing and conversation. It felt like a scene from the Catina in Star Wars. This first clip is when the crowd is beginning to gather.


Halloween on Halsted: After Party

I like this scene because there are so many different characters. I also enjoy the dancing lady mouse, boy she has energy!


Halloween on Halsted: After Party II

The music and the stage acts kept changing. I of course liked the fire dancers and the music.


Halloween on Halsted: After Party III

It was a fun evening. It felt exotic but safe. People were friendly and engaging. I never felt imposed upon and I certainly knew I was not in Fort Wayne! It is a little late but Happy Halloween.

Secular Franciscan?

I have just assumed that everyone who knows me knows what a Secular Franciscan is. I assumed that until a friend asked, “hey, what is a secular Franciscan?” So let me see if I can briefly describe an Order with an 800 year history.

Francis of Assisi founded three religious orders. The First Order consisted of the Friar Minors, the brothers. Today the First Order consists of Friar Minors, Friars Minor Conventuals, and Friar Minors Capuchin. The Second Order consisted of women, the Poor Clares. The Orders grew quickly. People were drawn to the simple gospel-living message. You live humbly, you are a servant, you care for the poor, you take a vow of poverty, you recognize your connection to all of Creation and you work for peace and build bridges instead of tearing them down.

This new movement caught on quickly and soon married men and women tried to join. Francis did not want his movement to be a source of pain and conflict within the family. His solution was the creation of the Third Order. Originally the married men and women who joined were referred to as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. They were given their own Order. The creation and founding of the Order was assisted by Bishop Ugolino who later became Pope Gregory IX. The Order became known as the Third Order.

Over the years that have been many changes and transformation for all of the Orders. Today the Third Order subdivided among the Seculars and the religious. Secular Franciscans make public professions of their faith, they do not make vows. Secular clergy are those clergy that are not members of the first two Orders but they do take vows and they seek to live a Franciscan life. Clergy who are not associated with the First Order, such as a diocesan priest, but who follow the charism of Francis can join the Third Order. Religious Third Order members also include the Third Order Regulars. Our very own Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration are members of the Third Order. They do take vows, they do live in community but unlike their sisters the Poor Clares, our sisters live and work in the world.
It may sound confusing but in fact this large Franciscan family is made up of people who follow the example of Francis and attempt to life “Gospel to life and life to Gospel.”

So, back to the Secular Franciscans. We have had a number of modifications of the Rule in the last 800 years. The first Rule was written in 1215. The first Rule or the “Primitive Rule” was approved by Pope Honorius III in 1221. The Rule was modified in 1289, 1883 and most recently by Pope Paul VI in 1978.
As Secular Franciscans we meet regularly with our local fraternity. We have a structured program of formation that consists of Orientation, Inquiry, Candidacy , and finally Final Profession. Meetings consist of on-going formation and study, communal prayer, service and fun. Issues that concern Secular Franciscans include environmental issues or being good stewards, social justice, peace-making, and helping and advocating for the poor and marginalized.

Each fraternity has a spiritual adviser who is a clergy or religious Franciscan. The fraternity interacts with the regional body and the regional body interacts with the National Fraternity.

So, in short, the Secular Franciscans are members of a Catholic, Franciscan Order established by Francis of Assisi and recognized by the pope. Hope this was helpful.