1 Franciscan Way

Twenty-one women from across the country gathered at St. Francis Convent in Alton, IL to encounter the love of Jesus.  Responding to the invitation to ponder His Word, like Mary, these women entered into deepening their relationship with Christ.  The days together included time spent with the Sisters in prayer, recreation, listening to talks, meals and sacraments.  It was a joy to be with these women! Please keep them in prayer as they seek the Will of the Father for their lives. See pictures from the weekend.

Joy radiated from Sister M. Christine throughout the day as she renewed her vows and asked for the grace of a jubilee. Sisters throughout the country came together to celebrate the gift of Sister M. Christine's vocation and fidelity for 50 years. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki joined us on October 10, 2015 for the occasion of the Holy Mass. Many family and friends attended to pray and rejoice with Sister M. Christine. It was a beautiful day!  God bless you Sister M. Christine! See pictures from the Golden Jubilee

"The Universal Church" This is a saying that I have heard many times. While I have experienced the fullness of the Church many times, none of my experiences have touched me in the way my trip to Philadelphia to see the Pope did. I was asked the question by a woman while I was in Philadelphia, "How does the Pope being here affect you as a religious?" The only answer that comes to my mind is: He brings us together! And he does, at least 1-2 million of us! As head of the Universal Church he not only leads us and guides us, he reminds us that we are part of something that is much bigger than ourselves. As religious, we are daughters of the Church and the Holy Father is a member of our family, the head of our family.  Each of us has a thirst for truth whether we realize it or not. The Holy Father is known as a spiritual leader by Christians and non-Christians alike. The whole world listens to what he says. Hearing him and seeing him brings home that desire to live...