Praying, Living, & Loving the Franciscan Way
The St. Clare Center of Cardinal Stritch University welcomed Bishop Donald Hying of the Gary Indiana diocese, back to Milwaukee to address us on The Call to Holiness. We gathered at the Italian Community Center early Friday, Sept. 18 for breakfast and Bishop Hying’s address. Sisters Coletta , Justine, Lourdette and Adele attended the event. Former student and now professional photographer: Troy Freund took the pictures. Thank you, Troy! Bishop Hying’s words were a delight to listen to. He spoke of holiness as something that made people different and very attractive, as someone said of Mother Theresa. He went on to say that that difference flowed from “falling head over heels in love” with God. That explained the erratic behavior of the lover: champagne at midnight; unable to think of anyone but the beloved; wanting only the good of the beloved. Saints seemed to explode with that kind of love, of energy. Religion then becomes more than a law. It becomes a romance, it becomes discipleship. He posed the question: What was it that made Jesus so compelling that the apostles threw down their nets, their career, and followed him?? His conclusion was the wish for us all that we become over flowing fountains of God’s love and goodness, like Jesus. - Talk paraphrased by Sister Adele Thibaudeau, OSF
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By: Sr. Adele Thibaudeau, OSF Many people worked to create an evening prayer held at Clare Hall, the home of semi-retired sisters on the seminary grounds. Nearly 50 people gathered to prayer, led by Sr. Adele. Music was provided by Sr. Ann Kelley. The program was researched and written by Sr. Sue and the lovely program made by Jacquelyn, our technology assistant. The theme was Partnerships for Peace, Dignity for All. A full silent minute between sections of the prayer allowed participants to enter more deeply into the quieting mood. People's spontaneous petitions covered the visit of Pope Francis, the violence experienced in our cities and the struggles in our own hearts to become more and more people of non-violence, like Jesus. The design of the Clare Hall chapel is worth noting. The interior symbolizes the Arc, the ship with all the animals, saved in the flood. The mosaic of Jesus over the front altar depicts him standing on the rainbow, the sign of a covenant of peace with God, that floodwaters would never again engulf the earth. The tabernacle is in the form of the arc of the covenant, the holy container for the 10 commandments. This arc was considered holy and carried on poles from camp to camp by the Israelites. Doors Open, Milwaukee, an annual opportunity to explore buildings usually closed to the public took place Sept. 19th & 20th. This is the 2nd year the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Motherhouse on South Lake Drive was open for visitors. Once again 757 visitors toured our Gothic and gilded St. Francis Chapel, modeled on the Cathedral of Cologne, archives with vestments made by the sisters, a monstrance by one of the sisters, prayers that were meant to accompany putting on each item of the former religious habit; the oldest part of the building dating from the 1880’s, with the tiny bedrooms called “cells” with enough room in the closet for 2-3 habits; the 3rd floor dormitories with the foot thick walls of lath and plaster and the beds with white curtains around each for privacy. Throughout the building are beautiful works of art and depictions of St. Francis and Clare. The response of people was awe, wonder, and amazement. They called it a “little gem”. Some had seen it last year and returned bringing family and friends. Some were thrilled to know they could come and pray or attend mass or spend quiet time on the grounds or in the hermitage of prayer. Quite a few of St. Mary’s Academy alumna or children of alumna toured. Some people were interested in associateship and a few in knowing more about what it means to be a sister today. For the “crew” of sisters and associates who spent the two days or even a few hours on the effort, we were amply rewarded at the joy and peace the visitors experienced. Kudos to Sister KD and John Schmitt for their excellent organizing! Sisters Mary Lou Schramer and Helene Mertes cooked a wonderful meal of harvest bounty from our gardens. The colorful plates of hot vegetables, seasoned, and spiced to taste along with apple and squash pie made a wonderful meal! The happy faces of the long summer volunteers and daily workmen told the story of gratitude and abundance. The hoop house is used to protect new plants until they grow sturdy enough for our cold nights. It was a welcome shelter as Lake Michigan fog crept across the grounds. By Sister Adele Thibaudeau, OSF A Ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Tuesday, September 15, 2015 By Sr. Adele Thibaudeau, OSF With great pride and joy the new north side edifice of St. Ann Center/ Bucyrus Campus was opened! The Center’s mission is to provide Franciscan-inspired, intergenerational, community –based health and educational services for children, adults, the elderly and those with disabilities as well as to serve as a resource and support for caregivers. The expectant neighborhood, donors, friends, politicians, staff and clients gathered to celebrate. Planned by Diane Beckley, the Chief Operating Officer of the Bucyrus Campus, the day was a wonder of dance, song, drumming, ritual, blessing, recognition and gratitude. Mayor Barrett of Milwaukee expressed pride and appreciation for the impetus for renewal of the neighborhood ST. Ann’s Center offers. Seeing all the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi present he asked the audience to give a “21 NUN Salute”. The delighted people responded with enthused clapping. Alderman Stamper recounted his first encounter with Sister Edna, the CEO and founder. He was amazed and challenged by her faith and her invitation to be inclusive in all the planning. Today that inclusivity has proven to be most effective! “ Witness all the attendees!” Sister Diana DeBruin, OSF, the Director of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi offered gratitude for God’s care and work in this initiative and blessed the enterprise. Following these greetings, Sister Edna, Diane, Mayor Barrett and those nearby stepped forward for “The Ribbon Untying”. Amid great applause and many photos taken, the colorful African themed ribbon was undone and the crowd surged through the entrance. In the indoor park, the program of the Eagle Dance, led by a gentle native American elder: Maseline Albring, the powerful prayer of Fr. Mike Hammer and the Libation led by Tejumola Ologboni with multi-faith clergy pouring water over the roots of the new tree, all deeply moved the spectators. The African Americans described in prayer as “ kidnapped ancestors” brought here by force, and the native Americans recognized as the first people of the earth beneath us, made a connection to this land and it’s new purpose for years to come. After addresses of gratitude and welcome, tours and food with more music and great program surprises followed. (Please encourage people to visit the St. Ann Center site at www.stanncenter.org) by Sr. Adele Thibaudeau, OSF
Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi had an opportunity to hear the presentation that Sister Diana and her Buddhist friend will present in October at the Parliament of World Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah. The two women spoke from their religious perspectives and offered ways to pray for loving- kindness in our own hearts. We pray with the hope and trust this love will extend out to heal the whole world. The audience was asked to offer suggestions and ideas. It was pointed out that all major religions support loving- kindness and ways to pray it. One example was from Pope Francis in his announcement for the Year of Mercy to begin In February, 2016. He asked us to offer mercy to friends, family, and neighbors as well as enemies. This is the spirit of offering God’s loving kindness, challenging our own hearts to be as open, generous and non-judgmental as the heart of God. Those who practice this manner of prayer find that they themselves gradually become transformed, less quick to judge and more compassionate. By Sister Adele Thibaudeau, OSF 9-8-15 Contemplation. It’s a natural joy. But one we can miss in a media filled world, bombarding us with messages, quick, urgent and multiple. Contemplation is what happens when we pause and gaze. Perhaps we behold a newborn child and look with love and hope for its future and marvel at its perfect tiny fingers and nose. William McNamara, Carmelite priest, describes contemplation as a long, loving look at the real. It’s the tried and true way God catches our full attention, our presence, so God can be fully present to us. Try it! It’s also refreshing. I have had the bad habit of literally dashing through life, thinking I had to get things done, forgetting who is really in charge! Upon dealing with cancer some years ago, I was forced to slow down. No energy. Taking the place of “dashing” was gazing- at the falling snow of Wisconsin, at the beauty of color in water color classes. Fully recovered now, I think I am better at taking a long loving look at the real throughout the day. Enjoy the poem: Summer Showers!! St. Francis of Assisi Motherhouse Grounds - St. Francis, WI 9-6-15 Harvest time, abundance, beauty, joy and peace. All these descriptors come to play on a September walk through the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. Hard work and persistence of Sisters Mary Lou Schramer and Helene Mertes, together with volunteers and the employed work men have made it a mini paradise. Franciscans especially, care for the earth, recalling St. Francis’ deep union with God through creation. The Canticle of Creation, written and sung by St. Francis, calls the sun, the moon, the earth, the water, “brother and sister”. This intimacy with life on so many levels leads us to God reflected in earth’s creatures. It energizes us with love and respect for the earth. The hard work of keeping up with advocacy and legislation to protect the earth is yet another aspect of this calling. Laws can protect the earth, its water, its forests and animals. Pope Francis’ recent encyclical: Laudato Si spells all this out in a very simple manner. Suggestion: Make it your advent reading, preparing to welcome Christ to this earth. We can’t do it all. What aspect of “care for the earth” is your calling? View the grounds in these pictures and let them call your heart to care for our “sister” the earth. –by Sister Adele Thibaudeau, OSF 9-3-15 By Sr.Adele Thibaudeau, OSF Sister Kathy Kreie, OSF volunteers service to Voces DeLaFrontera, attending regular sessions for the work of the organization that educates the community on immigration and gives direct help to immigrants and their families. She led the monthly prayer at Ascension Lutheran Church and Sisters Felicia, Adele and Sue came to support her. They gathered for conversation and met Andrew, the new Capuchin Corps Volunteer who will be living in community with other Corps members. His service will be working with Voces and local churches to educate how they can help. The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi have contributed financially to make Andrew’s work possible for this year. |
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