Franciscan Footprints

Hello Everyone.

Just wanted to let you know that our blog will be moving to a new address.

The new address is http://franciscansisterspeoria.wordpress.com

It looks a bit different, but most everything should be there. 

God bless.

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts go out to those in Haiti affected by this tragedy as well as those who have family and friends who have been affected. Know that you are in our hearts and our prayers and will continue to be. May Our Lord strengthen, sustain, and console you. Please join us in prayerful support and monetary support, if able. May we each be given by the Lord the sight to see in our neighbor, Christ himself. Godspeed and safety to all who are travelling to Haiti to assist or are in Haiti assisting in the relief and recovery efforts. Our prayers are with you as well.

 

Join us in praying for unity in the Church and in our world. This afternoon we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and holy hour in the convent chapel for the intention of Church unity.

May our Lord grant us His peace.  Sister M. Veronica, OSF

*** On the Vatican website there is a wonderful explanation of the Church Unity Octave and suggested prayers and meditations. ***

Please join us in prayer for National Healthcare reform that protects the dignity and sacredness of life at all stages. Below you will find a video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

 St Margaret Mary was a nun of the Visitation Order who had visions/revelations from Jesus about His mercy and devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Saint Hedwig was born in Andechs(Bavaria), Germany in the year 1174 to the Duke of Croatia and Dalmatia. Her aunt was St. Elisabeth of Hungary. When she was twelve a she married Duke Henry of Silesia. (the ruler of the Polish royal family) They had 7 children and had a happy marriage. Following his death she entered and professed vows at the Cistercian Convent of Trebnitz. (the convent her husband had founded) She died on October 15, 1243. She was canonized in 1266.

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Prayer:
All powerful God,
may the prayers of St. Hedwig bring us your help
and may her life of remarkable humility
be an example to us all. We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.

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Quote:
Upon the death of her husband, all mourned him. But her widow’s eyes were dry.
“Would you oppose the will of God?” she asked.
Our lives are his. Our will is whatever he is pleased to ordain,
whether our death, or that of our friends.
-St. Hedwig

Saint Hedwig, pray for us!

Chinese Martyrs

**Image of Chinese Martyrs courtesy of Wikipedia.**

 

Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, a Chinese soldier, was martyred in 1815 when he accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse(Parish Foreign MIssion Society) to Beijing. Before his martyrdom he was baptized and then ordained a diocesan priest. He is among 87 Chinese-born martyrs, including the foreign-born martyrs there were 120. The Chinese Martyrs were canonized on October 1, 2000.

Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and companions, pray for us!
All you holy martyrs, pray for us!

Today is the optional memorial of St. Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He entered the Benedictine monastery at Bec, France at the age of 27. He was unanimously elected Abbot and later, against his will, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He is said to be gentle and mild mannered, yet when pressed on moral matters, he did not back down.

St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us!

On Sunday the 15th we attended the Diocesan White Mass(for healthcare workers) at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.  As usual Bishop Jenky’s homily was inspiring and instructive. 

It also was a special day for me personally because on that day one year ago I entered as a Postulant. Praise God!

 

Postulant Jaimie

And here I am now:

Reception Day

God is good!

More to post in coming days about the various projects that I’ve helped with, for now, enjoy the pictures.

Sr. Veronica

Sr. Veronica lights candles in preparation for Mass

So, for the last two weeks or so I have been learning how to be the Sacristan for our hospital chapel and the convent chapel. There was a lot to learn, and I’m still learning! As both of our Sister Sacristans will be on retreat starting this coming Wednesday, it was time for me to learn. What a blessing and honor to be entrusted with this sacred work. God is good!

Sr. Veronica lights candles in preparation for Mass