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Women’s Spirituality Morning of Reflection held at St. Joseph Center

Sister Nancy talks with participants

On Saturday October 23rd, 95 women gathered at St. Joseph Center in Milwaukee for a Women’s Spirituality Morning of Reflection, organized by Sister Nancy Sell, Director of Spirituality and Formation. The theme of the morning was “Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace.” The presentations shared by Sister Nancy focused on the life of Francis and Clare and intertwined reflections on "envy" as an obstacle to inner peace and the role of the “shadow” in our lives. The overall invitation in the presentations is found in the Franciscan Rule # 32: “Let the sisters and brothers always be mindful that they should desire one thing alone, namely, the Spirit of God at work within them.” Interspersed throughout the morning was time for quiet personal reflection and small and large group sharing. 

Sister Nancy introduces the day

Sixty-three women stayed for lunch and a large number participated in a tour of the chapel led by Sister Rosalia Zachman. Many visited Alfons Gallery. The day presented opportunities to learn about Associate Relationship, Tau Volunteers and Interns and Becoming a Sister, including a “Come and See” type opportunity for women interested in religious life. Two women met in the afternoon with our Vocation Ministers, Sister Lee Agnes Hodapp and Sister Patricia Throener learning more about what it means to be a School Sister of St. Francis.

The 95 women who participated in the day were from various parts of Wisconsin and included School Sisters of St. Francis and associates. From responses received there is a desire for further Spirituality opportunities like the Women’s Spirituality Morning of Reflection. For many, it was their first time visiting St. Joseph Center….and they desire to return.

Sister Lee Agnes and Sister Pat with vocation display

The following are reflections from some of the women who attended the day in response to the question: “What did you find most enriching about the “Women’s Spirituality Morning of Reflection?”

•  “The two perspectives of envy—envier and envied—was new to me and very helpful.  Followed with a look at graciousness provided a useful “action.”
• “Hearing about the lives of Francis and Clare, and their struggles with the times they lived in. I felt they found peace which gives me hope I will also find peace.”
• “To truly reach deep within myself and seek the shadow within me to find inner peace. To recognize envy within myself and to continually remain on the spiritual journey.”