True Stars of Our Life

Posted on December 24, 2007
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 2 Comments

On this Christmas Eve 2007 the words of Pope Benedict’s Encyclical Letter Spe Salvi  (on Christian hope) are cause for attention:

“The true stars of our life are the people who have lived good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly, Jesus Christ is the true light, the sun that has risen above all the shadows of history. But to reach him we also need lights close by-people who shine with His light and so guide us along our way. Who more than Mary could be a star of hope for us? With her “yes” she opened the door to our world to God himself; she became the living Ark of the Covenant, in whom God took flesh, became one of us and pitched his tent among us.”

The Lord bless you on this Feast of the Incarnation. We, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, remember you as our shining lights as we stand before the crib in our St. Mary Chapel. Who do you remember this night?

St. Clement&Holy Name: People are Precious

Posted on December 23, 2007
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 1 Comment

The windows are spectacular in this Sheboygan downtown place of prayer. However, when praying with this faith community, one discovers that the people who gather together Sunday after Sunday are the works of art that make this church truly precious and impressive. What a welcoming spirit! The active participation of all ages is clearly visible in spoken and sung words, and in tiny feet Word processions.  Do wander to St. Clements and find there the beauty of stain glass and the loveliness of good people.

 

Postulants’ Ceremony of Public Witness

Posted on December 9, 2007
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 9 Comments

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity witnessed the Reception of the Insignia of St. Francis (the tau cross with Jesus hand covering that of St. Francis) for postulants Sarah Gardner and Angela LaValley on the evening of December 8. This exhortation taken from the Letter to the Ephesians and Chapter 24 from The Earlier Rule of St. Francis was read: 

“Live life then with a sense of responsibility not as a person who does not know the meaning and purpose of life but as one who does. With Francis I ask that you learn and frequently call to mind the tenor and sense of what has been written in this life for the salvation of souls…I implore everyone to love, keep, and treasure them greatly….”

 Join us in praying that Sarah, Angela and our whole Community may respond with generous hearts to whatever God may ask.

I Really Like Advent!

Posted on December 1, 2007
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment | 13 Comments

Advent is a celebration of time for me. I look forward to many readings, symbols, and the reaching out to others that confidently point to Jesus.  Clearly, Advent initiates the reliving of the Jesus – event within the Liturgical year. Advent is genuine, more real than all the shopping, foods, gatherings, that celebrate Santa, elves, reindeer and my many wants.

 Come Lord  Jesus,

 help me to read the signs of the Advent season.

Let me be a sign of hope in you.

I Wonder As I Wander

Posted on December 1, 2007
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month, Podcasts, Song of the Month | 30 Comments


Performed by Sister Marsaia Kaster and Sarah Gardner, Postulant. Recorded at St. Clement Parish, Sheboygan WI. The lyrics of this beloved hymn are well illustrated by the stunning windows of St. Clement. The windows came from the Meyer of Munich studios, installed after the dedication (1917).

“I Wonder As I Wander” will produce a variety of images and moods to the listener.  Jesus came for everyone and especially “onry (ordinary) people.”  In humility He was born in a stable and yet worshipped by poor shepherds as well as wealthy wise men.

The minor key and simple accompaniment can move us to question our response to Jesus, our Savior and King. In this rendition the Church setting with stained glass windows sets a mood that will be unique to each of us.

The words and music of this haunting Christmas song are attributed to John Jacob Niles.  He claimed he composed this plaintive carol after hearing a young  girl in Appalachia sing a folk song in a similar mood.
I Wonder As I Wander through each day…

Sister Mary Carol

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