The Maker by Daniel Lanois
Posted on March 26, 2008
Filed Under Song of the Month | 13 Comments
This 2008 Easter Season the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity recognize Daniel Lanois, native of Canada, who is known for his ability to immerse himself in the moment and create tunes that resonate with many people about facing life’s challenges. He is the recipient of ten Grammy awards and five Juno awards. In his own artistic way, he has catapulted the careers of other favored musicians including U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel,Neville Brothers, Brian Eno, Luscious Jackson, Willie Nelson,Scott 
Weiland and Robbie Robertson.
Lyrics:
I’m not a stranger in the hands of the maker…I have seen the flaming swords there over east of eden burning in the eyes of the maker…oh river rise from your sleep…. Find Daniel Lanois’ latest album and film here: www.redfloorrecords.com Watch The Maker performed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxAJHyyatUk
Victimae Paschali
Posted on March 23, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 5 Comments
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are very aware of the goodness of God present in the many people who are present in their lives here on earth and in heaven. Please know of our prayers and join us in chanting this joyous Easter Sequence for you and your intentions:
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; Bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, my Christ my hope is arisen: To Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.
Jezu Ufam Tobie by Stephen B. Whatley
Posted on March 22, 2008
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The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity feature the oil painting Jezu Ufam Tobie (2002-Polish for ‘Jesus I trust in you’) by Stephen B. Whatley as their image for the Easter Season. Stephen B Whatley is a professional artist based in London,U.K. His vibrant Expressionist oils are in private collections worldwide and in public collections including BBC Heritage & The Royal Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This painting is one of two in his collection with the theme of ‘Divine Mercy’.Visit his collection: www.stephenbwhatley.com
These paintings of the Image of The Divine Mercy were painted from my heart and soul and with deep prayer according to the instructions set to Sister Faustina (1905-1938)by Jesus Christ in his visitation to her of 1931. Her diary has been a great source of strength and inspiration to me…”
Holy Thursday: Envision World of Goodness and Peace
Posted on March 20, 2008
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The power of imagination can visualize Francis’ dramatic visit to the Sultan at Damietta and Holy Week 2008 and the 5th year of the invasion of Iraq all at the same time. Artists use these moments to create inspirational masterpieces that speak to a world yet to come. As we gather around our Holy Thursday tables of Eucharist, words from our own Catholic Social Teaching and the Third Order Regular Rule of St. Francis linger for our reflection:
“War is a scourage and is never an appropriate way to resolve problems that arise between nations…”
“As they announce peace with their lips, let them be careful to have it even more within their own hearts. No one should be roused to wrath or insult on their account, rather all should be moved to peace, goodwill and mercy because of their gentleness…”
One artist, Martin Doblmeier, created the film The Power of Forgiveness. Like the Gospels, it is a testament that forgiveness does transform lives. Panning scenes from Northern Ireland to Ground Zero to the Amish countryside, one can view a world where people believe in good and take steps for peace.
Franciscan Sisters Bless and Dedicate Renovated Chapel
Posted on March 13, 2008
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment | 8 Comments
With renovation complete, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity witnessed the blessing and dedication of St. Rita Chapel, tabernacle, ambry and San Damiano Crucifix the first Sunday of the 2008 Lenten Season.
This quiet, small chapel found in the section of the Motherhouse home to the sick and infirmed members of the community was chosen to provide an environment, in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, to reflect on the San Damiano Crucifix so dear to both St. Francis and St. Clare. Sister Mariella Erdmann, art professor and artist in residence at Silver Lake College, wrote this particular icon, a visual text recounting the Passion of Jesus according to St. John’s Gospel which historically summoned forth St. Francis’ conversion and commissioned him to “rebuild God’s Church”. St. Clare, too, daily gazed on the original crucifix in the small chapel of San Damiano in Assisi, Italy where she resided from 1212 until her death in 1253. It was later moved for greater protection to the new monastery of St. Clare within the city walls. Sister Mariella personalized the events viewed in her depiction of the image by including foundresses of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in its base.
Richard Hartman, who serves in the Motherhouse Maintenance Department, crafted the tabernacle, ambry, pedestals and prie-dieux out of lumber harvested from the woods on the Franciscan Sisters’ property. The symbol on the front of the tabernacle was also designed by Sister Mariella. ‘My God and My All’ are words attributed to St. Francis. The ambry-repository will hold the Oil of the Infirm after the new oils are blessed at the
Green Bay Diocesan Chrism Mass on March 18, 2008.
Pause and consider this memorable moment:
…A few days had passed when, while he (Francis) was walking by the church of San Damiano, he was told in the Spirit to go inside for a prayer. Once he entered, he began to pray intensely before an image of the Crucified, which spoke to him in a tender and kind voice: “Francis, don’t you see that my house is being destroyed? Go, then, and rebuild it for me.” Stunned and trembling, he said: “I will do so gladly, Lord.”
Legend of the Three Companions Chapter V, 13
Jesus Wept by Ralph McTell
Posted on March 1, 2008
Filed Under Song of the Month | 15 Comments
A world renown storyteller, Ralph McTell, is a singer, prolific-skillful songwriter, and acoustic guitar player born in Farnborough, England. Jesus Wept is a ardent narrative of Jesus Christ’s heartrending and tender journey to the cross that commences with “the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.” Listen to these lyrics from one who profoundly reflects on the passion of Jesus.
He wasn’t scared of dying, he’d made that commitment
Fulfilling the old prophecy, his bargain he had kept
He was due some satisfaction, but he was deeply troubled,
And that’s why Jesus wept…
Though Peter would betray him, he made him the rock
On which he would build his church to sort of keep him in his debt
A man about to die is allowed some confusion,
And that’s why Jesus wept…
From website http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/
Ralph made his debut in 1968 with the album ‘Eight Frames a Second’ and in 1974 the release of ‘Streets of London’ earned him an Ivor Novello Award. In 1993, Nanci Griffith recorded ‘From Clare to Here’ on her Grammy Award winning album and in 2002 he was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
See also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF92vJx4RyQ
Father Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me…? by Stephen B. Whatley
Posted on March 1, 2008
Filed Under Image of the Month | 10 Comments
Painted on Good Friday 2007, Stephen B. Whatley’s “Father, Why Has Thou Forsaken Me…?” is an oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches.
“This painting was made with great compassion and many prayers from my heart and soul…I give all credit to God, every time I create…”
- Stephen B Whatley.
Stephen B Whatley is a professional artist based in London,U.K. His vibrant Expressionist oils are in private collections worldwide and in public collections including BBC Heritage & The Royal Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For a further colorful tour of the artist’s work, please visit www.stephenbwhatley.com
Celebrating Women’s History-HER Story in the Franciscan Way
Posted on March 1, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 8 Comments
Silver Lake College sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity is commemorating the public celebration of women’s history in this country which began in 1978 as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, CA. In 1981, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the 
observance to a month, and March was declared Women’s History Month.
Who were the women who most reflected God’s goodness to you? Who were the women who most inspired you? Describe a woman whose influence most nurtured your growth as a learner. Describe a woman who instilled values you hold to this day?
Reflect on these images:”Marianna” is a watercolor done by Marie Spartali Stillman 1867-1869; “Elsie Martindale Hueffer” is a pastel and pencil by Madox Brown 1895; “Portrait of Sister Minerva” is an oil by Sofonisba Anquissola 1559.
Franciscan Sisters Serving at St. Theresa Parish, Kekaha, HI
Posted on March 1, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 26 Comments
Four Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity presently live among the people of St. Theresa Parish on the Garden Island, Kauai in the Diocese of Honolulu. Kekaha has had its share of natural disasters. There were two devastating hurricanes. Iwi in November 1982 and Iniki in September 1992. With great dedication and courage the parish rebuilt and vibrantly continues the mission of Jesus Christ.
After coming to Hawaii in 1946 when St. Theresa School began, Sister Rita Forgash, the first superior and principal wrote:
Our plane, like a graceful sea gull, bent its wings toward the beautiful village of Kekaha. From the windows we observed a delegation of vested sodalists of Our Lady flanked by many other parishioners and well-wishers. Our hearts beat fast and our eyes were moist as we were welcomed with cheers and embraces and showered with colorful, fragrant leis. Amid the singing and words of hearty welcome, our prayer was: ‘Dear God, make us worthy and able to give our very best to these, your chosen children!
Learn more about St. Theresa School from one of its graduates: http://custosfidei.blogspot.com/2007/08/st-theresa-church-in-kekaha-hawaii.html
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