If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation
Posted on December 31, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 10 Comments
Pope Benedict XVI’s World Day of Peace Message for 2010 is: If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation. Our Holy Father pleads, “We can not remain indifferent to what is happening around us.”
This pastoral challenge is for all believers, but is clearly spoken to world leaders and to all of us who are concerned for the future of humanity. (Professional photos: Sister Mariella Erdmann, OSF and Mark Kolter.)
Some important points:
- Respect for creation is of immanent consequence.
- Economic, food-related, environmental or social crises are ultimately also moral crises and are inter-related.
- Intergenerational solidarity is needed, as well as intragenerational solidarity in relationship with developing countries and highly industrialized countries (that means us.)
- Environmental degragation challenges our lifestyle and current models of consumption and production which are often unsustainable from a social, environmental and even economic point of view.
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are vigilant in Eucharistic adoration today at the threshold of this new year keeping the Holy Father’s intention in mind. Are there any other requests for prayer at this time?
Fill Up With Snow
Posted on December 29, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month | 12 Comments
Robert Frost’s poem Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening is delightfully suited for a Franciscanized World winter reflection:
Whose woods these are I think I know
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow…
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep.
Do you have any snowy tales of yester-year or today? These  ’snow’ photos drifted in from the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serving in West Point, NE after the last praire wind blizzard. Join them in praising God for Sister Snow!
Good Tidings of Great Joy from the Franciscan Sisters
Posted on December 24, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month | 21 Comments
Peace and all good this Blessed Christmas from all the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Like St. Francis’ prayers on the night of the first Greccio Nativity enactment, our heart-felt prayers for you and your loved ones are ones of joyful exultation. Â
Finally, the day of joy has drawn near, the time of exultation has come. From many different places the Sisters have been called. As they could, the women of that land with exultant hearts prepare candles and torches to light up that night whose shining star has enlightened every day and year…our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for us with supreme and indescribable love, who lives and rules with the Father and the Holy Spirt as God, eternally glorious forever and ever. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia. (adapted from I Celano, Chapter XXX)
What words or thoughts come to mind when you contemplate the deeper meaning of Christmas?
Order the Latest in Franciscan Vocation Posters
Posted on December 21, 2009
Filed Under Image of the Month, Vocations / Discernment | 6 Comments
It’s a simple message. The world needs you. God calls you. We invite you. It’s a call for a permanent commitment of love for God and His people. It’s so totally Franciscan building the church today not using brick or mortar, but with hands made for loving service.
And we need you. Help us distribute this Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s vocation poster. It comes in 2 sizes (10 in. x 14.25 in. and 16.25 x 24 in.)to fit wall/bulletin board spaces at your Catholic parish, university, college, Neuman or campus ministry center, favorite coffee house, classroom, young adult hang outs, etc.. Operator on call to accept your order 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. CST. Free shipping and handling charges.
Contact us here or send us a message on Facebook.
How Las Posadas is Observed in a Franciscan Way
Posted on December 17, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 6 Comments
Las Posadas, a reflective reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn, originated in Mexico in 1538. Catholic Missionaries were responsible for this creative catechesis. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity adapt this joyful observance as a prayerful way of being present with their sick and suffering Sisters in preparation for Christmas. Â
Here is a short sketch on this festive Advent experience:
- Traveling for 4 nights floor-to-floor in the section of their home called St. Ritas (after the saint remembered for her devotion to the Passion of Christ in the midst of her own personal suffering), Postulants, Novices and Sisters process singing Christmas songs, and listen to scripture about Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search for shelter.Â
- The group sings the typical Las Posadas melodies alternating verses between some Sisters being pilgrims and others hosts.
- Each night statues of Mary and Joseph are carried to a different area of the Sisters’ shared living space.
- Time for Sisterly visiting concludes each evening.Â
Any comments?
Look for Our Lady of Guadalupe Mosaic
Posted on December 12, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 4 Comments
Today, December 12, 2009, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity celebrate with all the Americas the special patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1945, Pope Pius XII declared the Virgin of Guadalupe “Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas”. Pope John XXIII broadened her intercession when he invoked her as “Mother of the Americas” in 1961. (Photo: Exactmosaics blog)
Here’s what’s happening today in Mexico:
A special Holy Mass is scheduled to be held today at St. Christopher Church located in Taipei’s Little Manila on Zhongshan North Road, along with a ceremony to inaugurate a St. Damian crucifix and the mosaic of “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” which have already been set on the sidewalk outside the church.
The mosaic is made of Talavera tiles from the Mexican city of Puebla, while the crucifix is made of limestone from Mexico’s Guanajuato State.
For those of us who enjoy the fine arts and the making of mosaics, this is a day to celebrate with Mary.
Any comments?
Called to Be Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Postulants
Posted on December 8, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 15 Comments
On December 8, 2009 as a powerful, cold wind whirled snow flurries outside, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity warmly welcomed Marie Wilhelm and Kara Martin as postulants at a 7:15 p.m. evening celebration.
Sister Louise Hembrecht, OSF, Community Director, greeted Marie and Kara with these words:
The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to His every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family.
We, in the name of the Church, are full of joy and happiness that you are personally aware of a calling from God. As the Spirit of Jesus speaks to you in the unfolding of your life, He says, “Come, live my life and accomplish the mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
So we invite you, Marie and Kara, to express your ardent love for Jesus by imitating Mary’s complete self-giving.
Marie and Kara received the insignia of St. Francis, a tau cross with the hand of Jesus covering that of Francis, to remind them of their call to follow Jesus. Sister Patricia Sevcik, OSF, Postulant Directress, is responsible for guiding the postulants in their preparations for the Novitiate.Â
Any comments?
Name a 2009 Christmas Concert that Gives Glory to God
Posted on December 5, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 2 Comments
Certainly,  internet radio offers many a nostalgic Christmas classic calling to mind many a memory. Seasonal youtube specials also mix image and sound to produce new heart-warming moments that stir souls. Nevertheless, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are well aware that it is often ‘live’ Christmas concerts that truly ‘give glory to God’ and unite listeners in a spirit of peace and joy.
You are invited to share some comments about a favorite vocal or instrumental music performance. Feel free to send a photo or give a brief description of a 2009 Christmas concert that moved you to Gospel joy.
e.g. Silver Lake College Department of Music presents Christmas at Silver Lake, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Saturday, December 5, 2009, 7:30 p.m., Chapel.
e.g. Immaculate Conception Eucharistic Liturgy with Father Patrick Beno and St. Anthony School students and other parish members, Oconto Falls, WIÂ (not exactly a concert, but the singing was full and heartfelt.)
Here’s a Way Youth and Professionals Interact for Tomorrow’s Future
Posted on December 1, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 7 Comments
On December 1, 2009, the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce invited over 100 professionals including the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to interact with 4,000 area high school sophomores at the 16th annual Career Expo entitled 2 Days Pathways, 2morrows Future. The expo is one opportunity for adults to meet young people and encourage them as they look to their future. And students learn about the education and the necessary skills required to succeed.
In preparing for the day, exhibit booths were organized under 16 categories. Here are some of the listings.  Can you guess in which category the Franciscan Sisters were placed?
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- Human Services
- Art, A/V Technology & Communications
- Information Technology
- Business, Management & Administration
- Finance
- Marketing, Sales & Service
- Government & Public Administration
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Education & Training
- Health Science
Although life as a religious sister doesn’t exactly fit any career category, the Franciscan Sisters feel blessed to accept invitations to spend time with both young people and other adults who also desire to make a difference in the world using their own gifts and talents.
Note: Day organizers placed the Sisters under these categories: Human Services, Business, Management & Administration, Education & Training and Health Science.
Any comments?
Ponder ‘O Come Emmanuel’ a Franciscan Sisters’ Advent Podcast
Posted on December 1, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month, Podcasts, Song of the Month | 79 Comments
In this month of liturgical seasons that anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus, rejoice and enjoy O Come Emmanuel, a podcast featuring the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s rendition of the medieval 
Catholic hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Veni Emmanuel) with its beautiful, haunting melody and collection of titles ascribed to the Savior from Scripture. Reflect on stunning Incarnational stained glass windows found in one of the Franciscan Sisters’ Motherhouse chapels and other Northeastern Wisconsin churches. Made from the most ordinary materials, this stained glass is sand transformed by fire into a jeweled beauty that stirs souls and moves them closer to God.
Sisters Caritas Strodthoff,OSF (xylophone and vocals), Sister Chiara LaValley, OSF (flute), Sister Myra Jean Sweigart, OSF (vocals)Â and Sister Winifred Crevier, OSF (organ)Â blend their musical gifts to perform this traditional hymn translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866).
How does this podcast move your heart?
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