Franciscan Footprints

Well, this past Friday and Saturday(21st & 22nd) was our annual Bazaar at the Motherhouse. As usual Monsignor Oberch did a wonderful job decorating the Multi-Purpose Room and hallways leading to it. It looked like a winter wonderland. Sister Mary Jane did a wonderful job in the coordinating and setting up of all the things to be sold/assigning us jobs. And what a job that was! Sister Theresa Ann was in the Baked Goods/Donut Shop this year again and I congratulate her on keeping her sanity amid the long lines of people waiting for our home-made donuts, breads, and cookies. Sister Agnes Joseph and Sister Rose Therese were stationed at the cash registers, and again there the lines could get pretty backed up. Everyone was in the holiday spirit and were excited to see what we had for sale. As for me, I helped out near the baby clothes/knitted items. On Saturday Sister Patricia taught me how to crochet. It’s not as easy as it looks! She was such a patient teacher. Thanks Sister Patricia! Well, just thought I’d update everyone as to how the Bazaar turned out. The following pictures are from this years Bazaar.

God bless, Sister Veronica

Well, it’s that time of year again when the weather starts turning colder, the leaves start falling and we continue gearing up for our annual Fall Bazaar. It is a lot of fun. There are home-made items such as a baby blanket, scarf, various crafts, etc. It’s basically a huge rummage sale. Also, there are baked goods for sale. Namely home-made donuts, bread, and cookies. This year Sister Magdalene has been busy in the kitchen perfecting several apple recipes in order to contribute to the Bazaar. She tests them out on us :-)  All proceeds are donated to the Mission Fund.

Last year our Chaplain Monsignor Oberch decorated the multi-purpose room(where we hold the bazaar) in a Christmas theme. He even built a fake fireplace.(We hung stockings on it) This year Monsignor’s theme is “The North Pole”. I can’t wait to see what he has created.

So, if you are in the area, stop by the Motherhouse on November 21-22nd. More information here!

See you there!

Sister Veronica

On Sunday October 26th we all gathered at the Motherhouse to celebrate two very special events. The death anniversary of Mother M. Frances Krasse our foundress and our Major Superior’s(Sister Judith Ann’s) feast day. It was a special day of liturgy, community, and fun. After Mass we gathered in the multi-purpose room for a festive meal. Later in the day we had a special guest perform for us. Steve Shafer- a supervisor in the EKG/EEG dept. of OSF St. Francis Medical Center(one of the hospitals in our healthcare system) writes his own music and accompanies his vocals with the guitar. It was so much fun to listen to him sing and play. We (Steve, Sr. Mary Stephanie, myself, Sr. Faustina, and Sr. Mary John) got up and sung a song for Sr. Judith Ann as part of the entertainment. It was a lot of fun. We ended the day with Rosary, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer. Then those of us at the House of Formation headed back. It was a beautiful and enjoyable day for all.

Sister Veronica

 Sr. Rose Therese and I left on Oct. 23rd and returned to Peoria on Oct. 25th for a Vocation Fair. Franciscan Univ. of Steubenville was a beautiful place. One evening we made our way to the adoration chapel(a replica of The Portiuncula) to do our Rosary, meditation, and Divine Office. It was such a special experience. I can understand why it was a treasured place to St. Francis.

 We met so many priests and religious. My first thought was: “I’ve never seen so many priests and religious in one place!” Kind of a curious statement, I know, but growing up in the South I had never seen a Sister except on TV.

So, Sister Rose Therese and I took turns staying at the booth so that we’d also have a chance to walk around. It was a wonderful experience for me as well as for the young people who attended. We met so many young people who are on fire for the faith and very serious about seeking His will. It was a wonderful encouragement. Our neighbors during the fair were the Sisters of Life and the Sisters of St. Basil the Great(Byzentine). We enjoyed conversation during lulls in activity. It was a busy and fun couple of days but we are grateful to be back home.

Well, that’s all for now.

God bless, Sister Veronica