“As a Franciscan, I am called to live out our charism — living in intimate union with Christ in the midst of apostolic work. It is a continuous conversion. It is the work of a lifetime.”
Francis All Around Us
On the Feast of St. Francis and everyday,
our sisters find him in their everyday lives
The beauty of Creation all around us is simply awesome! The changing leaves, the whispering of the wind, the changing temperatures, and the donning of Autumn apparel are all signs that put me in the mind of the joy that St. Francis experienced after his conversion.
He loved all of creation and lovingly called all creatures “brother” and “sister,” even the sun and the moon! Franciscan spirituality also is manifested in the “letting go” of the leaves as they gently begin loosening and fluttering from the limbs of the lush greenery, especially here at Mt. Assisi Place! Wow! We are so very blessed to be surrounded by such beauty and blanketed by foliage of absolute elegance.
Francis’ conversion was not easy but, after much suffering and discernment, then accepting God's grace and God’s holy will to put aside worldly goods and pleasures, he found true joy in embracing Holy Lady Poverty, in body mind and spirit. Truly, the dramatic and transitional life of St. Francis of Assisi — though one of extreme poverty, lowlines, humility and true joy — is a powerful and life-giving example of our Franciscan heritage and tradition as School Sisters of St. Francis.
Our foundresses embraced the gift of letting go and letting God guide and direct all that they did, thought and said each day. Now, intimate union with God in the midst of all we do each day is our gift to embrace and practice and share with all we come in contact with on a daily basis. Even a gentle smile or a kind word can work wonders.
— Sister Lorita Kristufek
Sister Marie Therese greets Max, a parishioner's 11-year-old pup, during Blessing of the Animals at The Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J. on October 2, 2022.
All the Simple Things
Since reading and reflecting upon Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’, I have been carrying St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures in my heart and spirit. I am especially mindful of the wonders of God’s creation during my three-mile hikes along the walking path parallel to JFK Boulevard in Somerset, N.J., where we live and minister. “Praise be...” flows from my lips as I gaze upon flowers, chipmunks, squirrels, trees, clouds, passersby and, now, the changing colors of the leaves and foliage. St. Francis understood that our life is intimately connected with God’s creation. God’s artistry is in everything and everywhere, reflecting His love and care for us. Praised be you, my Lord, through our sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us …”
— Sister Marie Therese Sherwood
A Gift of Gratitude
One day a small chicken greeted me at the front door as I was leaving for Mass. I gave it some water and seeds. The next day, I found an egg in the backyard. Even creatures can show gratitude. The Canticle of the Sun, written by St. Francis, expresses gratitude for all created things.
— Sister Jo Goolish
The precious gift of an egg is discovered along the Sisters' fence line in San Antonio, Texas.
God’s Love in Giving and Receiving Compassion
Early in his conversion, Francis came to know the love of God and, through the many ups and downs of his life, he came to believe in God’s enduring love for him and all of Creation. It was this love that empowered him.
Time spent in the hospital has once again made me realize the overwhelming love of God surrounding me. From the doctors, nurses, aides, techs, transporters, kitchen crew, housekeeping and security, loving care is felt and appreciated. Looking out my hospital window across to the mountain top and lush green hillsides, God’s creation speaks to me. An unusually long branch of a tree waving, a brightly lit triangle in the midst of dark clouds had me tearfully thanking God for being with me. The children on the playground under the careful eyes of their teachers, the landscapers working together all speak of solicitude and care.
So many manifestations of love! Where there is love, there is God — all encompassing, enduring, inclusive love. God is with us. May we be love for each other and all our sisters and brothers throughout the world.
— Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger
Being able to spend time with Sister Francesca Parana almost daily for months before she died put me in the mind of Francis. She was a mentor to me for years and, at the end, I was able to be with her right up to the moment that God took her home. She was a true Franciscan and taught and helped me so much. One of her final prayers she said out loud was printed in her Funeral booklet: “God be with all those who helped me on my journey.”
— Sister Roselyn Kuzma
All praise be yours, O Lord, for Sister Water …
“Experiencing the magnificence of God’s creation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains this summer, my eyes were opened to the beauty that surrounds us every day. All creation is a gift to us to treasure and care for.”
the face of francis
in the People We Meet
In the mind of Francis, all of creation is part of an everlasting relationship rooted in God’s relationship with us. Jesus came to clarify that relationship. Francis captured the meaning of “Our Father” and, therefore, called us and all creatures “brother” and “sister.” To look into the eyes of all who we encounter as brother and sister is not always easy, but it is always a sacred moment.
— Sister Anece Salay
I became a School Sister of St. Francis because I witnessed the spirituality of Francis in the Sisters who taught me — gentleness, love of nature, kindness.
— Sister Rosalia Giba
When Francis embraced the leper, he did so with tenderness and love. When my needs are attended to by our nurses and aides, I feel the compassionate love of Francis.
— Sister Barbara Ann Webster