A simple prayer and reflection for everyone on this very stormy day. Thanks to my blogger and facebook friend, Sita, for directing me to this video. Visit http.sitahenderson.blogspot.com.
Franciscan Life
My blog describes my life as a Sister of St. Francis, talks about some of my interests, and shares views on justice issues.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Jubilee 2013: Celebrating Our Life, Our Sisterhood, and Our Mission
On Sunday we had our annual congregational celebration for our 23 jubilarians (17 celebrating 50 years of religious profession, two celebrating 70 years, and four celebrating 75 years). Most of the jubilarians spent the weekend at the motherhouse and as usual they spent time simply sharing memories and enjoying one another's company. Our sisters do love being together!
On Saturday evening the jubilarians gathered for a festive dinner--joined by members of our leadership team and served by our wonderful food service staff. The dining area was beautifully arranged and everything was delicious--from the appetizers to the main entrees, to dessert.
Sunday morning was, of course, the high point of the celebration--the Eucharistic in our motherhouse chapel. Prior to the liturgy the jubilarians gathered to receive their corsages and to have group photos taken.
And then the bells began to ring and the procession was underway. Led by cross and candle bearers, the jubilarians processed out a side door, along the front path of the motherhouse, and entered the side door near the chapel. As the procession drew closer, the sisters already gathered in chapel--led by the choir--began to sing--over and over--the beautiful melody of Rufino Zaragoza's "Praise and Glory."
Once the jubilarians were in chapel, the entrance procession began. The hymn, "Gathered in the Love of Christ" by Marty Haugen, set the theme for the entire liturgy as the jubilarians processed up the middle aisle and took their seats in the sanctuary.
Following the homily, the jubilarians--as is always our custom--stood and, holding lighted candles, renewed their vows, the same vows they professed for the first time 50, 70, or 75 years ago.
One of our congregational traditions for our jubilee celebration is the hymn "Benedicam Domino" which we sing as the hymn of thanksgiving after Communion. Roughly translated, the word are "I will bless you, Lord, at all times--your praise always on my lips." As the liturgy drew to a close, this same idea was reiterated when the organ struck the first notes of the recessional, Dan Schutte's "Give Thanks to the Lord"--definitely one of my favorites. As they processed out of chapel (or more correctly, I guess, recessed out of chapel), the jubilarians swirled colorful streamers over their heads and many of the sisters accented the music by lively clapping.
Of course, no celebration ends at the chapel door. All of the jubilarians and the sisters who came to share the celebration with them headed to one of three dining areas for a delicious lunch and still another opportunity to socialize.
As I've so often said, we do love being together! I think these gatherings are our way of celebrating our life, our work, our sisterhood, and our mission. And trust me--that is, indeed, something to celebrate!
On Saturday evening the jubilarians gathered for a festive dinner--joined by members of our leadership team and served by our wonderful food service staff. The dining area was beautifully arranged and everything was delicious--from the appetizers to the main entrees, to dessert.
Sunday morning was, of course, the high point of the celebration--the Eucharistic in our motherhouse chapel. Prior to the liturgy the jubilarians gathered to receive their corsages and to have group photos taken.
Once the jubilarians were in chapel, the entrance procession began. The hymn, "Gathered in the Love of Christ" by Marty Haugen, set the theme for the entire liturgy as the jubilarians processed up the middle aisle and took their seats in the sanctuary.
Following the homily, the jubilarians--as is always our custom--stood and, holding lighted candles, renewed their vows, the same vows they professed for the first time 50, 70, or 75 years ago.
One of our congregational traditions for our jubilee celebration is the hymn "Benedicam Domino" which we sing as the hymn of thanksgiving after Communion. Roughly translated, the word are "I will bless you, Lord, at all times--your praise always on my lips." As the liturgy drew to a close, this same idea was reiterated when the organ struck the first notes of the recessional, Dan Schutte's "Give Thanks to the Lord"--definitely one of my favorites. As they processed out of chapel (or more correctly, I guess, recessed out of chapel), the jubilarians swirled colorful streamers over their heads and many of the sisters accented the music by lively clapping.
Of course, no celebration ends at the chapel door. All of the jubilarians and the sisters who came to share the celebration with them headed to one of three dining areas for a delicious lunch and still another opportunity to socialize.
As I've so often said, we do love being together! I think these gatherings are our way of celebrating our life, our work, our sisterhood, and our mission. And trust me--that is, indeed, something to celebrate!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Update on Haiti
Sr. Vicky actually left Haiti in May and is staying here at the motherhouse until she and the two Sylvania Franciscans return in late July. However, she sent this "tidbit" right before she left. Stay tuned for more updates--and more photos--when she returns to Haiti!
May 13,
2013
St. Joseph ’s is
located in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince . On Saturday we went shopping at the Caribbean
Market. It was really nice. It even had
a bakery with a few tables and air conditioning! We bought lots of canned fruits and
vegetables in bulk which we can’t get in Ferrier during the year. When we
checked out, several guys helped us carry the stuff to the van and an armed
guard stood by the van the whole time—even though we had a Haitian driver and
our own security guard (a Haitian friend) with us. Afterwards we went back
inside the bakery, sat down, and had a sandwich, a drink, and a pastry. It was really a treat! When we came out of the market, the security
guard was still keeping watch at the van until we were safely on our way.
Last Thursday we left Ferrier and traveled to Port-au-Prince . We left for Port-au-Prince
early because we had several different
errands to run and people to visit before leaving for the states. Of course, there’s never a dull moment, so
the evening before leaving, while trying to pack, we were invaded by a hoard
of what the Haitians call “wing bugs.” Apparently they pass through Ferrier every so
often. All of a sudden they were everywhere!
Jo and I were going crazy with the “Baygon” and a broom. We had to close all the windows and
lights. Have you ever tried to pack in
the dark? It’s quite a challenge!
The next morning we left for Port-au-Prince by
van. We couldn’t take the local
airlines, Tortuga ,
because they are having financial problems and are temporarily, or maybe
permanently, out of business. We stopped
to eat at an outdoor place and took a walk on the beach of the Caribbean
Sea —a nice opportunity because we live on the Atlantic
Ocean side of the island. A lot of flies came for
lunch so I must admit that I didn’t enjoy the food too much but Sr. Jo and I
shared our leftovers with a very skinny, very hungry, and very appreciative
dog. We finally arrived at St.
Joseph ’s Home for Boys—which also houses
visitors—at around 7:30
P.M. It was a
long day!
St. Joseph's Home for Boys
Just a few of the many wonderful food treats available at the Caribbean Market!
Yesterday, Sunday, we went to the First Holy Communion of
Wilgens’ daughter (the Haitian man who works for us). We got the time wrong and ended up staying
for two Masses instead of one so we arrived at the Church at around 9:30 A.M.and left at almost 2 P.M. . It was a huge, very lovely church, and there
were 200 children receiving their First Holy Communion. Four and a half hours was a very long time
and we were all tired but what really
helped was the music. It was
beautiful!They have an excellent choir.
The children read with so much enthusiasm. They were precious. You could barely see their
heads when they were reading but you could hear these loud, enthusiastic
voices. They also sang their own song after Holy Communion with such a full
voice that they could have taken the roof off!
Their teachers and parents must have been very proud.
Tonight Wilgens came to pick up all the canned goods which
we purchased. Tomorrow he will take a
big boat to Pestel. Then he has to
arrange for someone to help him bring them all up the mountain to Ferrier. Thank God we have Wilgens. He does so much for us.
The last two times I stayed here at St.
Joseph ’s Home I only stayed overnight and I was
the only visitor at the time. This time
there were six of us most of the week and we really enjoyed each others’
company at dinnertime. Tonight two more
groups of visitors returned—about 25 in all. We had a full house!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Meet Sr. Bernadette Brazil
Mid-morning—a car pulls up to the door of St. Ann Convent in
Tacoma and Sr. Bernadette Brazil
hurries out just in time to greet the sister waiting at the front door. Driving
sisters to doctors’ appointments, to run errands at nearby stores, or
occasionally to an outing at the beach house at Gig
Harbor are just a few of the many
ways in which Sr. Bernadette ministers with our sisters.
(Above) Sr. Bernadette relaxes in the community room at St. Ann Convent. (Left) Sr. Bernadette offers assistance to Sr. Anne Charles getting into the car.
Sr. Bernadette’s journey to her present ministry as social
work coordinator at St. Ann ’s is
both interesting and varied. She was born in Ireland .
Although she was educated by the Sisters of Mercy, when she felt called to
religious life, she did not feel that God was calling her to that congregation.
When a relative, a Carmelite priest, came for a visit, Bernie shared her thoughts
about her vocation with him. Fr. Jerome had served as a spiritual director to
our sisters in California and he
proceeded to tell her about the congregation. A short time later, Sr. Francis
Regis Collins, a former classmate of Bernie’s dad, also came to visit. “She was
so vibrant, alive, and full of fun,” Sr. Bernadette recalled. “She told me
about the different ministries in her congregation and I was immediately
hooked.” Bernie made a retreat with our sisters in Mallow—an experience that
confirmed her decision to become a Franciscan.
Sr. Bernadette’s initial desire—to work with children and
with those who are poor—found fulfillment in many areas. “I have had the
privilege of working with all age groups from womb to tomb in many different
settings,” she explained. “I ministered in all three of our children’s
homes—one of which included girls who were pregnant, babies waiting for
adoption, and children with disabilities.” Over the years Sr. Bernadette’s
ministries have ranged from working as a receptionist at a drug and alcohol
treatment center to serving in parish ministry with the homebound, folks in
nursing homes, and low-income families. She also coordinated volunteers to
minister at a hospital within the parish boundaries. She served as spiritual
director for members of the Legion of Mary and worked alongside members of the
St. Vincent DePaul Society in helping folks who are poor.
Sr. Bernadette also served for 13 years with the Clackamas
County Social Services in Wilsonville , Oregon ,
where she brought needed services—and the joy of her presence—to senior
citizens. When lack of funding ended that position, Bernie went on a
sabbatical. One of the highlights of that year was the opportunity of traveling
to China with a
friend who was adopting a baby. The sabbatical also brought word of a position
available at St. Ann Convent, leading Sr. Bernadette to her present ministry.
Sr. Bernadette brings to St. Ann ’s
and to the sisters who live there the same enthusiasm and creativity that
graced and nourished her earlier ministries. In addition to team meetings and
transporting sisters to various events, she does shopping for the sisters who
are unable to get out. She also serves as part of the on-call rotation for the
nursing staff. St. Ann ’s is a busy
place and like all of our sisters, the sisters there enjoy celebrations. Sr.
Bernadette’s creativity is a real gift in helping to organize those
celebration—whether it be jubilees, birthdays, holidays, staff recognitions, or
parties. She also assists with prayer services for feast days, special events,
and liturgies. And all of these activities and events are recorded in St.
Ann ’s House History—thanks to Sr. Bernadette!
Sr. Bernadette Brazil (far right) is part of a weekly team
meeting with (l-r) Julie Jacobs, office manager; Sr. Jude Connelly,
administrator; and Karen Thomas RN, to discuss pertinent issues, plan fire drills,
and discuss safety issues and disaster planning.
Sr. Bernadette cooks breakfast twice a week for the sisters
at St. Ann ’s. When the regular cook
is out, Sr. Bernadette—along with other staff—fills in.
Sr. Bernadette oversees a visit from the children of St.
Charles School who
came to entertain the sisters and to give them rosaries.
Sr. Bernadette takes time to enjoy the beautiful
weather outside St.
Ann ’s and to chat with
Sr. Ann Cahill (left) and Sr. Anne Charles (right)
Part of Sr. Bernadette’s role as social work coordinator is
to meet with each sister who comes to St. Ann ’s,
helping them to complete forms outlining their wishes for their funeral.
Although this might seem a very difficult situation, Sr. Bernadette’s gentle
nature and concern for each sister makes a necessary task a bit easier. That
same concern and loving care is evident when Sr. Bernadette sometimes helps to
feed a sister who is not well or sits with another during the night when the
sister is experiencing some distress.
Sr. Bernadette described herself as “jack of all trades and
master of none.” It would seem, however, that she is, indeed, master—or perhaps
mistress—of a compassionate heart and a loving spirit who shares her gifts
generously to any individual or any group that is in need of them. Most
assuredly our sisters at St. Ann Convent would support
that assessment!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
What's Happening With Our Sisters?
Our sisters are always busy with ministry whether it be teaching, caring the the sick, advocating for those who are poor or marginalized, praying, or a host of other ways of serving. I like to share some of their stories with you as well as celebrate their many gifts. I've learned recently of two of our sisters who have been given special recognition.
Then there was Sr. Francis Christi DeMarchi who was one of four women inducted
into the Hallahan High School Hall of Fame and acknowledged for her
contributions in academia and technology.
The first is Sr. Marie Lucey. The Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) publishes a reflection book each year. This year's is called Navigating the Shifts. The book focuses on the fact that, while we live in a “world of flux,” we don’t have to fear “the
cataclysmic movements of change swirling around us.” Navigating the Shifts
offers reflection and suggestions for prayer and journaling on “tools” might
help us to live amid the flux. Sr. Marie’s poem, "Holy Truth," is one of those
reflections. We are also using some of Sr. Marie's poetry in our own enewsletter this year.
Sr. Francis is in the first row, second from the left.
More
than 200 guests—including former students and friends of the inductees—were
present at the celebratory dinner held at the Philadelphia high school. Sr. Francis has been
teaching in the business and technology department at Hallahan since 1970 and
also served as department chair for 15 of those years. She is particularly
noted for having started the Work Experience Program—a program that places and
provides oversight of young women in professional business positions. Since its
inception in 1986, the program has become well known among the Philadelphia
business community. For Sr. Francis, the evening of celebration was an opportunity
to reconnect with former students and business associates. “It was a beautiful
evening and the whole ceremony was very moving,” she said. “It was a happy
time—so many good people were present!”
Friday, May 17, 2013
Happy Feast of Pentecost!
Sunday is the beautiful feast of Pentecost. I love this feast because it is a day to truly celebrate the presence of God's Spirit of Love living among us always and all days! Sometimes I tend to forget that--the promise that Jesus made that even though he would not be physically present among his people any more, he would send the Spirit who would never leave.
One of my favorite Pentecost hymns is "Sing A New Church." I only became familiar with it a few years ago. I think one of the main reasons I love it so much is that it reminds me that WE ARE the Church--each of us!
One of my favorite Pentecost hymns is "Sing A New Church." I only became familiar with it a few years ago. I think one of the main reasons I love it so much is that it reminds me that WE ARE the Church--each of us!
As such, each of us has our own unique presence and gifts that we are to use for the sake of others--for the Church.
Monday, May 13, 2013
St. Mary Medical Center: Celebrating 40 Years of Service!
This video give a wonderful account of our sisters history at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne and shows how their efforts and accomplishments are being carried out by the present administration and staff. The expansion over those 40 years is amazing and the many and varied services that are connected with the hospital are truly impressive! I hope you enjoy it!
The sister who was the first administrator, Sr. Clare Naughton, died in April. She can truly rejoice in the success of the ministry to which she showed such devotion. The sisters who remember her as being administrator and building director there all share stories of Sr. Clare --in a hard hat--helping to oversee and check on the progress of the building.
The sister who was the first administrator, Sr. Clare Naughton, died in April. She can truly rejoice in the success of the ministry to which she showed such devotion. The sisters who remember her as being administrator and building director there all share stories of Sr. Clare --in a hard hat--helping to oversee and check on the progress of the building.
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