1 Franciscan Way

            As I am coming to the end of my first semester at St. Louis University, I am, as a co-Sister put it, “eye-brow deep” in studying for finals. In the midst of my studying, one of my favorite ways to take a “brain break” from trying to cram all the information I’ve learned this past semester into my brain, is to pull out my dictionary and look up new words or to go online and find etymologies to words. Call me a nerd, but I just find words and their root meanings or how to came to be fascinating.             Seeing as to how we are right smack in the middle of Advent, I thought it fitting to look up the etymology to the word advent. It turns out that advent comes from the Latin word adventus and has quite a range of meanings. It can mean a coming, arrival, or appearance—all fitting for the way we understand Advent and our waiting for the coming of Jesus on Christmas. However, I came ac...

While most people recognize Lent as a season to make resolutions for spiritual growth, Advent is likewise a privileged time to dig deeper in the spiritual life.  Check out this video from The Living Person community that explains how to create SMART goals for this season of preparation. Come, Lord Jesus.

(From Left to Right) Sr. Maris Stella, Sr. M. Pieta, Sr. M. Alexandra, Sr. Maria Consuela & Anna pose in front of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse During week two of the Psalter, one encounters an antiphon that reads: “When will I come to the end of my pilgrimage and enter the presence of God”?  Yes, life is a pilgrimage, and there are many moments along the way where one can enter into the presence of God.  There is one thing that is certain about pilgrimages; no one embarks on one by accident.  So we must ask ourselves, what journey am I on?  What pilgrimage am I on?  Where is my destination?  Recently the Novitiate set out on a pilgrimage to the many holy shrines in Wisconsin.  It was a beautiful journey filled with much love and joy!  From the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Holy Hill, and from the apparition site of Our Lady of Good Help to the St. Joseph Shrine, our hearts were set apart and in...

Sr. M. Margaret reflects on her 25 years of Religious Life. I am grateful to God for 25 years of Religious Life.  It is hard to believe it has been that long.  As I look back, I thank God for everything I have experienced, for the joys and sorrows, the challenges and many blessings.  When I reflect on my many experiences in my apostolate as a teacher, I think about the numerous spiritual children that God has blessed me with.  I have a multitude of memories and stories I could tell of my teaching experience as well as my community experiences.  I know that god has been present through it all.  In the beginning, he said to me, "Veni Si Amas," "Come if you love."  I am grateful for that first call and the grace to respond to that call.  I pray that my life has been a joyful surrender, a sacrifice of praise to God through my service, through my vows and the gift of self.  I look back and I look forward with joy and gratitude.  Each day ...

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From Left: Sr. M. Margaret, Sr. M. Seraphica, Sr. Marie-Therese, Sr. Marietta Four sisters celebrated 25 years of religious life (4 x 25 = 100) in a community celebration on September 17, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis.   Click her e to view some photos from the celebration and be sure to read their reflections on the blog.

Sister Marie-Therese shares her gratitude and joy as she celebrated her Silver Jubilee  on September 17. On Saturday, September 17, 2016 Sister Marietta, Sister M. Margaret, Sister M. Seraphica and I had a grace-filled Silver Jubilee celebration at St. Francis Convent in Alton. It was a great joy to celebrate together since in recent years, members of our group were in faraway Cuba and Oklahoma! My fellow jubilarians came to the Friday evening faculty recital at the college where I teach to support me as I  performed with our piano trio. When we returned, our doors were decorated with silver balloons and silver “25’s!” We were blessed to celebrate our Silver Jubilee on the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis, reflecting that the wounds of Christ should always remain imprinted on the hearts of Franciscans.  Many Sisters came from other convents to join us for the special Mass Saturday morning. My favorite hymn was the chant Ave Verum, which asks “sweet Jesus” to “...