 Associate Pilgrimage to Campbellsport
On Saturday, September 24, sixteen associates and their contact sisters plus two prospective associates gathered at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, Wisconsin.
In the morning, there was time to reconnect with each other, meet new people, and visit with the sisters in the convent. Then everyone went to the dining room for lunch with the sisters.
After lunch, several sisters from the convent joined the group to hear Sister Phyllis Wirtz’s reflections on “God’s Extravagant Love,” which was based on Franciscan spirituality. Following her presentation, Sister Phyllis invited those present to put on a sheet of paper a drawing or word that reminded them of God’s love. Then each person in each row was asked to share what they wrote or drew, and after everyone in a row had shared, the whole group sang the refrain “God’s love is everlasting.” A feeling of gratitude filled the room.
The associates then went to the front of the room and introduced themselves. It was very impressive to see them standing there and to recognize their dedication and their care for the community. All joined together in extending the blessing of St. Francis to each other.
A visit to Campbellsport is not complete without the traditional root beer float and social. It was such a special day for everyone who attended.
Top
Associate Relationship Advisory Council has its first meeting
 |
| From left: Associate Ken Reno, Associate Nancy Rupp and Sister Maureen McCarthy |
On April 2, the first meeting of the Associate Relationship Advisory Council was held at St. Joseph Center in Milwaukee and was facilitated by Rosemary Huddleston, OP. The members of the council represent
Wisconsin, Illinois, the Southwest and Nebraska/Iowa, and the purpose of the
council is:
- to serve in an advisory capacity to the directors of Associate Relationship
- to provide background and input on needs of specific regions of the country
- to generate ideas for implementing the Associate Relationship Visioning Committee’s priorities
- to review and advise the Directors on questions or concerns relating to process, procedures and membership of Associate Relationship
- to look for ways to facilitate a broader ownership of Associate Relationship by both associates and vowed members
During the meeting, the group talked about what’s going well with associate relationship in their areas, looked at the priorities put forth by the Visioning Committee in 2009 and evaluated how well they’re being carried out, brought up issues of concern and questions for the future, and made personal commitments to actions for the coming year.
It was a day of ritual, discussion and getting to know each other. Many thanks to Sister Nancy Hansen, Ken Reno, Nancy Rupp, Mary Flies, Sister Bernice Gall, Judy Fregetto, Sister Pat McCarthy, Kathleen Flanagan, Lisa Bentzler, Rosaura Solano, and Sister Sylvia Leonardi for their willingness to serve on this council, and for the gifts and enthusiasm they bring to the work.
Top
Franciscan Heritage Tour
By Associate Beverly Oliveri
In June of 2010, 23 School Sisters, associates, former community members and friends travelled to Italy as part of a Franciscan heritage tour. Unlike many tours we did not have to spend time making new friends. We were all Franciscans bound by our love and devotion to St. Francis.
 As we walked the streets of Assisi, we couldn’t help but reflect on what life must have been like in this medieval town. We went to the Basilica to see the beautiful frescos. We visited the lower church where Francis’ body rests. A distinct feeling of peace seemed to surround this sacred spot.
We stayed near Santa Maria de Angelis. Within this beautiful church was the smaller Portiuncula. It was amazing to see this beautiful, tiny church within the larger Santa Maria de Angelis.
Visiting San Damiano, we saw the convent where St. Clare began her order following the example of her friend Francis. After attending Mass at the Church of St. Clare, we entered a side chapel and stood before the Crucifix which spoke to Francis.
Continuing on our journey we traveled to the rugged hill top of La Verna where Francis often went to pray. We were fortunate to see the daily procession from the large chapel to the site where Francis received the stigmata.
Our last three days were spent in Rome. We visited St. John Lateran Church where Francis received the approval for his order from Pope Innocent III. This was the final Franciscan site.
On the last day of our pilgrimage we attended an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. This too was a very special event as we were with 4,000 visitors from many different countries.
As we boarded the plane for home, we knew that our lives as Franciscans had been enriched by the gift of time spent in Assisi.
Top
|
