Franciscan Footprints

This past Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. We were blessed by the opportunity to participate in a beautiful Liturgy in our hospital chapel. During the homily Msgr. Bliss explained the Feast of Divine Mercy, a little about St. Faustina Kowalska, and then invited those who wished to avail themselves of confession to do so immediately following the Mass. What a generous soul. Later in the afternoon we went out to the Motherhouse for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a communal Holy Hour, communal recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, Evening Prayer, Supper, and Night Prayer. It was such a grace-filled afternoon to spend in the company of Our Lord and our Sisters. God is SO good!

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins, and for those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world.

St. Faustina Kowalska, 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!

Thursday, April 16th marked 800 years since the approval of the Franciscan Rule by Pope Innocent III. The professed Sisters made a two day retreat prior to renewing their vows during Holy Mass that morning. I regret we don’t have any pictures of it. Needless to say it was a very special and grace-filled day for all of us.

Well, I meant to post something on Palm Sunday, but couldn’t find the time.

 

Yesterday we (Sister Agnes Joseph, Sister Magdalene, Sister Rose Therese, myself, and Sister Mary Jane) went to the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass. We arrived in time to pray the Rosary with the congregation before the Liturgy began. As you may know, also at the Chrism Mass all the priests of the diocese renew their priestly vows.  It is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude and support for their vocation and ministry.  It is always a joy to gather at the Cathedral with all the faithful of the diocese with our good Bishop to celebrate the liturgy. It is a beautiful reminder of the unity of the Church here in Peoria, across the country and throughout the world with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.

 

May God continue to enrich and bless those He has called to Holy Orders.