Praying, Living, & Loving the Franciscan Way
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)
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