SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ACTUALIZATION

On his deathbed, St. Francis freed his Brothers by saying, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do.” Why did he say this? So that his Brothers would not try to become him. God created each of Francis’ Brothers to be who they were, not who St. Francis was. The key for them finding out what was theirs to do was discovering whom God intended them to be.

Now, 800 years later, self-awareness for our students is just - if not - more important. A Franciscan view of career suggests each of our students needs to know who they are so that they can see the Good inside themselves, and share that Good to maximize their contribution to transform a world desperately in need of their Good.

Sadly, for most college students, self-awareness is in short supply. On my radio show Thank God For Monday, guests advise that today’s college graduates are not self-aware. Sure, they know accounting and biology and information technology, but are hopelessly clueless about who they are.

When reflecting on my life, I discovered it was not until I was in my mid-40s before starting to understand myself. I had no idea of the importance of self-awareness. As a result, I spent a majority of my 29 years in big pharmaceuticals unfulfilled, frustrated, undernourished and angry - even worse, my contribution was a fraction of what it could have been. Since becoming a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn, my self-awareness and, therefore, contribution have greatly enhanced.

As we concentrate on getting our students “career-ready”, we need to remember the importance of creating opportunities so they can learn about themselves, especially their Core Values, Life Purpose, Personality Type and Strengths. This enhanced awareness will provide them significant competitive advantage not only in the workplace, but in life. Most importantly, at the end of their earthly journey they will be able to say, “I have done what was mine to do.”

Brother Gregory Cellini, OSF
Director, Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue
St. Francis College

Comments

BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE!

Be where your feet are! The first time I remember hearing this phrase, I was juggling many responsibilities and was struggling to keep my head above water. I immediately cringed as I realized that I was not being mindful. I was not recognizing the beauty of every moment or appreciating the reality that I/we are always in the presence of our God. Be where your feet are has become a mantra for me … a call to presence and prayer. This phrase leads me back to Saint Clare’s method of prayer and contemplation. In her second letter to Agnes of Prague, Clare suggests that one should “Gaze upon Christ, Consider Christ, Contemplate Christ, as you desire to Imitate Christ.” What a powerful and challenging message this is! Be where your feet are! When I gaze, I am called to be mindful of the people and events that are happening around me. As I slow down to gaze, does that change my perception of what is important? Does gazing challenge how I spend my time, talent and treasure? Be where...

THREE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES

There are three experiences that profoundly shaped St. Francis of Assis’s life. Two were early: one year spent as a prisoner-of-war (from 1202-1203), and subsequent homelessness living among lepers outside Assisi’s walls (likely 1205). The third, Francis’ journey to Egypt (in 1219), occurred seven years before his death in 1226. Each unfolded differently than Francis anticipated. Seeking fame, Francis joined Assisi’s ongoing fight with its neighbor Perugia. The son of a wealthy cloth merchant went off to war well equipped with horse and armor. When the battle turned against Assisi, Francis’s life was spared because his equipment revealed he came from a family capable of paying a ransom. His poorer, fellow soldiers who survived the battle were likely executed or if wounded “dispatched” on the battlefield. Strangely, Francis wrote nothing about his year-long imprisonment. Released from captivity, he was shell of his former self. Having witnessed men killed in battle, others executed as...

WITH FRANCISCAN GRATITUDE!

It is hard to believe we have already come to the end of October. And what an incredible Reflection Series it has been for Franciscan Month! We cannot thank enough everyone who contributed to this Series. We are also grateful to those who subscribed, and anyone who commented on the wonderful depth and breath of the reflections. Special thanks go to Timothy Nagy of our Office. Without his outstanding coordination, the Series would not have been possible. This Series has greatly assisted in moving forward the dream of October being designated as Franciscan Month. Our vision includes national and local events in 2024, with global recognition in Assisi in 2026 for the commemoration of the 800 th anniversary of Francis' reunion with God! Looking forward to continue walking the Franciscan journey with you. May you do so in God's Peace and Love! Deus Meus et Omnia, St. Francis College Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue

Franciscan Month Reflection Series

Search This Blog