Musings of a Discerning Woman

UK Bound

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:18:00 +0000

Tomorrow evening I head to the UK to spend some time with my CSJP Sisters across the pond. I haven't been there since my wonderful three month sojourn as an apostolic novice. I will only be there this time for two weeks, but I am so looking forward to seeing our Sisters and Associates in the UK. I'll also see some of my US CSJP friends as well who are also making the trip.

My first stop will be our regional center, Sacred Heart Convent in Rearsby, Leicestershire. Our house there (pictured to the right) is located in the countryside on the outskirts of a quaint village. It is such a lovely spot, and the women who live there are just as lovely.

After a few days at Rearsby, I will join 40 other CSJP Sisters and Associates for a contemplative retreat experience. Our CSJP Congregation has made the commitment this year that every Sister and Associate who is able will attend one of three congregation retreats. The other two retreats in the States took place during my spring Semester, which is why I have the wonderful opportunity to head to the UK to join the last retreat there. From everything I've heard, I am sure it will be a transformative experience.

After the retreat, I am heading down to London to spend a few days with our Congregation Novitiate. This also happens to be the same house where I lived for my three months as a novice so it will be like coming home in a way. I'm really looking forward to visiting with Sister Alexine, who I lived with as a novice and who is now the novice director, and also getting to know the three women who have joined our Congregation as novices. I'll also be doing a technology workshop of sorts with them, but I'm most excited to just be spending some time with them.

My two weeks will be over before I know it! I might blog from the UK, depending on how technology and timing work out. If not, rest assured I will share all about it when I get back.

(Almost) 41 year old me to 20 year old me

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:16:00 +0000

My nephew (the baby in this 1992 family photo) turns 22 today. I was 20 when this photo was taken (I'm the one with the glasses). This crazy realization got me thinking about my 20 year old self verses my (almost) 41 year old self.

Yes I have more grey hairs, wrinkles, scars, and some extra pounds. Yet I also have much less anxiety which weighs you down more than you'd ever know unless you have had anxiety as a travelling companion in life on a regular basis.

When this photo was taken I was finishing up my sophomore year in college, studying political science. I had no idea what I would be doing with my life when I graduated. I ended up of course with an 11 year stint as a bureaucrat before making the unexpected leap and entering religious life. Now I'm studying Theology and Ethics. I have no idea what I'll be doing with my life "career" wise. What I do know is that I am a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace and my life and community will be rooted and grounded in that reality for the rest of my life. That my friends is a wonderful feeling, even if there are many unkowns up ahead.

I'm wearing my first pair of eye glasses in this photo. I've had many prescriptions since as my eye sight has shifted and worsened. Truth be told I now need a reading prescription in addition to corrective lenses. But in many ways, I see the world much clearer now. My lived experience to date, the things I've learned and the people I've been honored to meet have given me a much better understanding of the world, systems, etc... Yet, I also know and accept that really I do not know much of anything.

The me in this photo wasn't so sure about God or that Jesus guy. She'd given up on organized religion as unable to answer her questions and complicit in much of the suffering in the world. The me writing these words today still has questions, more probably, and still has problems with suffering in the world. But I also realize that for me at least it makes more sense to bring my questions to community, to share and hold that messy tension with others and to open my heart to God and God's people. Do I have all the answers? By no means. But the life of faith is less about knowing or believing in my experience and more about risking and vulnerability and joy and wonder and awe.

20 year old me would probably fall on the floor laughing or snort her exacerbation at 41 year old me. Yet here I am, wondering what 60 year old me will think about (almost) 41 year old me in a few more decades. Time certainly does pass quickly!

End of the Semester ... Summer Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:21:00 +0000

Well folks, believe it or not the semester is finished, and along with it my first year of study at Catholic Theological Union! It's been a great year and time has really flown by. I've been able to study and research incredible and important topics from human rights abuse to racism, climate change to reconciliation. I've really appreciated being a little bit older as a 40 year old grad student with some life experience to bring into the academic mix (even if the 40 year old state of my little grey cells makes studying a little challenging!)

It's officially summer now in terms of the academic calendar, however, which means a little break! I'm staying based in Chicago this summer but have a variety of exciting things on the horizon, mostly all religious life related.

Next week I head to spend a couple of weeks in the UK with my religious community, first for a community retreat and then to spend some time with our novitiate community which is now in London.

In July I head west for our National Giving Voice Gathering of sisters in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. I'm on the planning team for this 4 day conference, so there will be lots to do between now and then! It should be an amazing time to gather with peers and ponder mission and ministry in the 21st century.

Afterwards I'm headed north to spend time with my groovy sisters in Seattle and friends in Portland. It will be nice to visit the Pacific Northwest for a while.

August holds another nun meeting. I'm also planning some quality family time with my big sis and her family, my niece who will be coming to Chicago, and with my Dad over Father's Day weekend.

Community, religious life peers, family. I've also got some work to throw into the mix, and some relaxation and prayer time. It should be a good summer and renew and reset my brain for another year of courses come the fall!

For now, I'm celebrating the end of the first year tonight by taking advantage of student discounts to the Opera to see a production of Oklahoma! Can't wait! :)

Peaceful Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that my Mom passed away almost ten years ago. In addition to being an awesome Mom and a great friend, she inspired me by her love and concern for all God's creatures. In her honor, today I continue my bloggy tradition with this re-post.

How many of you know about the original pre-hallmark meaning of the day? Read Julia Ward Howe's Original Mother's Day Proclamation from 1870. Here's a teaser:

"Arise, then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts, whether our baptism be that of water or of fears! ... We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says "Disarm, Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."

You can also listen to the entire proclamation in this video:

Somehow that meaning has gotten lost over the years. But it is so very important and needed today in a world where so many families are torn apart by violence. Domestic Violence. Street Violence. Violence of war, poverty and oppression.

So, in the midst of final paper writing, I will be spending some time in prayer this Mother's Day in thanksgiving for my own mother who rests in eternal peace, but also in solidarity and love with mothers in war torn countries and the mothers of those serving in the military. This continues to seem to be the most appropriate way to mark the day.

Happy Birthday Margaret Anna!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:27:00 +0000

Today is the birthday of Margaret Anna Cusack, known in religious as Mother Francis Clare, the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She was born on this day in 1829. Next month we will celebrate Founders Day on June 5, the day she died. But today is her birthday. I like to think that her attention is intensely focused on us these days, as we go about the mission she founded us to serve. As she wrote in our original 1884 Constitutions: "The very name, Sisters of Peace, will, it is hoped, inspire a desire for peace and a love for it."

When I was a novice, my class created a video that tells the story of Margaret Anna Cuscak, the founding story of the Sister of St. Joseph of Peace, the courageous response of our Sisters to the Second Vatican Council, and the ways we live out our founding mission today. It was a labor of love. Enjoy!

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Charism Video from Margaret Anna Cusack onVimeo.

Happy Birthday Margaret Anna!

Happy St Joseph the Worker Feast Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:34:00 +0000

From time to time, someone will ask me who who St. Joseph of Peace was (the patron of my religious community). I usually explain that the "of Peace" was more of an attribute than a place, and that the title refers to the St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. The carpenter man.

Our founder Margaret Anna Cusack chose Joseph as our patron because she believed he was a model of peace:

"No doubt we may point to St. Joseph as the great model of every virtue, but it would seem as if peace was his crowning grace. In peace he fulfills all the Divine commands, many of which required from him the exercise of the greatest self-sacrifice; and in peace he submitted to the cruel injustice of Herod."

Or, as our CSJP Constitutions say: "“His courage to live a life of faith inspires us to trust in God's abiding love,especially in times of struggle and uncertainty.”

Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. And yes, this Joseph is the same one as well. But as tradition tells us that he was a carpenter, hence the title worker.

Pope Pius XII instituted the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st in 1955. This was in the midst of the cold war, and was no doubt in response to the observance of May 1st in most of the world, and especially cold war era communist countries, as May Day, International Worker's Day.

While this Feast Day is a relative late comer to the liturgical calendar, it is nonetheless an important one in the Catholic Tradition. Catholic Social Teaching has a strong respect for the dignity of work and rights of workers.

Yet the workers' rights cannot be doomed to be the mere result of economic systems aimed at maximum profits. The thing that must shape the whole economy is respect for the workers' rights within each country and all through the world's economy. ...

Created in God's image, we were given the mandate to transform the earth. By their work people share in God's creating activity....Awareness that our work is a sharing in God's work ought to permeate even the most ordinary daily activities.

By our labor we are unfolding the Creator's work and contributing to the realization of God's plan on earth. (On Human Work, John Paul II)

To each of us who shares in God's creating activity through work .... Happy Feast Day!

To all of those who are living through times of struggle and uncertainty, let's pray for the intercession of Joseph. May we too be inspired by his courage to love.

Catherine of Siena on Love

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:54:00 +0000

Many years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Siena, Italy. It was just for a day, on an excursion from Florence. I was on a whirlwind trip to Europe with my friend Diane--two weeks, four countries, in true American fashion. Most of my time on that trip was spent either taking photographs (with an old fashioned film camera so alas, no digital photos to share) and visiting churches. In retrospect it's interesting to me that I spent so much time sitting in churches since at the time I was still considering myself an ex-Catholic and wouldn't return to the church until about six months later. I wonder if a seed wasn't germinating even then.

Given my official agnostic status at the time, I didn't quite realize how cool it was that we were able to visit Siena. It was a beautiful city. The black and white marble Cathedral was incredible. You could taste the history. What was lost on me was that this was the home of Catherine of Siena, mystic, peacemaker, and Doctor of the Church. Today of course is her Feast Day, and so I thought I would share some of her thoughts on love.

"In your nature, eternal Godhead, I shall come to know my nature. And what is my nature, boundless Love? It is fire, because you are nothing but a fire of love. And you have given humankind a share in this nature for by the fire of love you created us."

"O God eternal, Oh boundless Love! Your creatures have been wholly kneaded into you and you into us--through creation, through the will's strength, through the fire with which you created us, and through the natural life you gave us."

"The soul cannot live without love. She always wants to love something because love is the stuff she is made of, and through love I created her."

"You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love."

"Love transforms one into what one loves."

Happy Feast Day of St. Catherine!

(quotations from http://www.drawnbylove.com/Quotes.htm)

Graduate School's Detrimental Effect on Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:03:00 +0000

It's been quiet here on the blog front. Mary Is My Homegirl has an animated explanation for why that is which I'd like to borrow:

EVERYONE OF MY FINAL PAPERS

Next weekend I'm going to have an opportunity to gather with two of my CSJP Sisters to talk about the transformation of religious life at a conference in St. Louis, in the company of lots of other women religious committed to the future of Roman Catholic religious life. That is awesome. What is not so awesome is that my 15, 20, and 25 page papers are do shortly thereafter and as this gif illustrates, they are a bit of a mess and far from completion. The conference is 3 days plus travel, hence less time to work on said papers.

A wise Sister friend recently reminded me that I know what I want to say and research is the tool. I'm working on taking her advice. So far, so good even if it sometimes feel the way Rachel is so dramatically expressing things. Really, limited time is the only real issue. But it will get done!

Blogging may be light. Send good vibes!

Vocations Prayer - Sowing the Seeds of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Today is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

On this day, I pray in deep awe, wonder and gratitude to my good, gracious, and creative God who managed to break through and lead me to finding my heart and mission in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.

On this day, I pray in love, friendship and appreciation for the amazing women (pictured below) who have entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace either with me or in the years since. While I may not know what the future will hold for our world, Church or religious community, I know that I will be walking in the way of peace with these women.

On this day, I pray in hope and solidarity with and for young women who are considering that maybe, just maybe, God might be calling them to religious life. As I ponder the future of religious life and my congregation, I return again and again to these words from Margaret Anna Cusack, known in religious life as Mother Francis Clare, the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She said: "We are beginning a new order. We want brave, noble, large-minded, courageous souls." Indeed. These words are just as true today as when she first wrote them.

I also find myself reflecting on the words of Bishop Edward Bagshawe at the first profession of Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in Nottingham England in 1884: "You will hope, if God blesses your work, to sow the seeds of peace in modern society."

Please join me in praying for our three Novices (Sisters Juliana, Katrina, and Sheena) and our two temporary professed Sisters (Dorothy and Sukyi) as they continue to put down roots and nourish their connections to this mission of peace. Please pray too for new vocations to help us continue to sow the seeds of peace in a post-modern society that is deeply in need of peace.

God of peace, thank you for your gift of peace and the mission entrusted to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace to promote peace in family life, in the church and in society. We humbly pray that you nurture the seeds of this charism in the hearts of young women who might be called to vowed membership in our congregation. May we grow together in love to embody these words from our original Constitutions. "The very name Sisters of Peace will, it is hoped, inspire the desire of peace and a love for it." Amen.

The Holy Spirit as a Honking Goose

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:34:00 +0000

The other day Pope Francis referred in a homily to the way the Spirit sometimes moves us by annoying us. This is often my experience. Today in spiritual direction I shared a bit about my experience of the Spirit as a honking goose. Then I remembered that I wrote about this in the early days of my blog when I was a candidate. So here is my post from New Year's Eve 2005, courtesy of the way back machine that is this blog. Enjoy!

During my quiet reflection time on Christmas Eve, I spent some time with a reflection on the spirituality of CSJP founder Margaret Anna Cusack by Fr. Terry Moran. Margaret Anna was born in Ireland and was deeply nourished by Celtic spirituality. This tidbit in Fr. Moran’s reflection particularly struck me:

“The Celtic symbol for the Holy Spirit is not the gentle breeze, the mild dove but the wild goose! Is that not how God often is made known in our lives, honking and annoying us into fuller life, out of our comfort zones and into risk and relationship?”

I was immediately reminded of a solitary walk I took several years ago, right before my return to the church. It was an unsettled time in my life, and I was struggling to find my way. I do not recall what I was thinking about or contemplating that day, but I vividly remember my encounter with the goose. I was at a City park with beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas, windy paths, quiet benches, and an assortment of water fowl. There was a lake and a beautiful wooden footbridge across it. I started across, got 2/3 of the way, and was confronted by a goose. Honking and charging towards me. Protecting a baby goose no doubt, but determined that I would not make it across. I turned around. But then I noticed that others were making it across the bridge no problem. So I tried again. Got about 3/4 of the way across, and was again confronted by the honking charging goose. I was reminded of the 3 Billy Goats Gruff. I had no intention of tempting the goose a 3rd time. I found another part of the park in which to meander.

I’ve never forgotten that day. I’ve been back to the park since, but have only attempted to cross that particular footbridge when accompanied by friends. Otherwise I stay clear of the bridge of the Billy Goose Gruff.

This New Year’s Eve morning I went to a different park for a morning walk. Lots of good reflection and consolation from God’s wonderful gift of creation. The Pacific Northwest is so beautiful this time of year. Lush and green. On my drive home, however, I remembered my reflection last week and that walk years ago. I found myself driving by the park of the Billy Goose Gruff. And so I parked. And I walked. And I came to the footbridge. Sure enough there were many waterfowl resting and playing in the lake, including an assortment of geese. And at one end of the bridge there was a goose standing guard, observing all that went on. Dare I cross the bridge?

There was not a repeat of the Billy Goose Gruff incident. The goose looked me over, and apparently deemed me no threat. I crossed the bridge, walked around the island, and crossed back with no minor or major incidents.

But by thinking of the goose as a symbol for the Holy Spirit, what does this story tell me? On that Saturday morning many years ago I was not on the right path. I was searching and looking and to be honest ignoring the soft gentle signs. So maybe I needed a loud and honking goose to turn me around and annoy me to finding my way to a fuller life. And now? Risks taken, comfort zones breached, I find myself more at peace and open to where my loving God is calling me. Even if I sometimes find my feathers ruffled.

Interesting to reflect on this last day of the year.

Pacem in Terris - On Refugees

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

This week, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Pacem in Terris, this Sister of Peace is going to offer some of John XXIII's words and prayers for peace here on the blog. Please join me in praying for peace in our troubled and wounded world.

It is not irrelevant to draw the attention of the world to the fact that refugees are persons and that all their rights as persons must be recognized. Refugees cannot lose these rights simply because they are deprived of citizenship of their own States. (PT 105)

Pacem in Terris - Common Good of the Entire Human Family

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:56:00 +0000

In his landmark encyclical on peace, Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII gave special attention to the "characteristics of the present day" and "signs of the times." Almost 20 years after the end of World War II, Pope John witnessed the after effects of centuries of European colonialism. Newly independent nation states in Asia and Africa were taking initial steps toward economic development and prosperity. As he observed, "soon no nation will rule over another and none will be subjected to alien power" (PT 42).

Drawing upon the teaching of his predecessor Pope Piux XII that "smaller States have the right of assuring their own economic development," (PT 124) John exhorts wealthier states to provide assistance to poorer states while respecting their national characteristics and repudiating "any policy of domination" (PT 125).

Since relationships between States must be regulated in accordance with the principles of truth and justice, States must further these relationships by taking positive steps to pool their material and spiritual resources. In many cases this can be achieved by all kinds of mutual collaboration; and this is already happening in our own day in the economic, social, political, educational, health and athletic spheres—and with beneficial results. We must bear in mind that of its very nature civil authority exists, not to confine men within the frontiers of their own nations, but primarily to protect the common good of the State, which certainly cannot be divorced from the common good of the entire human family. (PT 98)

Pacem in Terris: Nuclear Weapons

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:49:00 +0000

This week marks 50 years since the publication of Pacem in Terris, the landmark encyclical by Pope John XXIII that many consider to be his "last will and testament." He wrote this major document on peace shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, when we came very close to mutually assured destruction. While we do not commonly dwell on the threat of nuclear war today in the same way we did then, the threat is still very much real and we have the ability to destroy all of God's creation many times over.

This week, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Pacem in Terris, this Sister of Peace is going to offer some of John XXIII's words and prayers for peace here on the blog. Please join me in praying for peace in our troubled and wounded world.

Justice, right reason, and the recognition of human dignity cry out insistently for a cessation to the arms race. The stock-piles of armaments which have been built up in various countries must be reduced all around and simultaneously by the parties concerned. Nuclear weapons must be banned. (PT #112)

Pacem in Terris - On Refugees

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

It is not irrelevant to draw the attention of the world to the fact that refugees are persons and that all their rights as persons must be recognized. Refugees cannot lose these rights simply because they are deprived of citizenship of their own States. (PT 105)

John XXIII's Last Will & Testament - Peace on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:44:00 +0000

This week marks 50 years since the publication of Pacem in Terris, the landmark encyclical by Pope John XXIII that many consider to be his "last will and testament." He wrote this major document on peace shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, when we came very close to mutually assured destruction. In fact, he had acted as a sort of "middle man" between Khruschev and Kennedy during the crisis so he had time to reflect on the urgent need to promote and seek peace. Pacem in Terris is also the first papal encyclical addressed to all people of good will, rather than just to the Bishops and clergy or people of the Catholic Church. This strikes me as very significant and again I suspect comes from his own experience. After all, this is the man who called the Second Vatican Council and opened wide the windows of the Church on the modern world.

“The consequence is clear; people are living in the grip of constant fear. They are afraid that at any moment the impending storm may break upon them with horrific violence. And they have good reasons for their fear, for there is certainly no lack of such weapons.” (PT 111)

Breaking Through ... or more thoughts on Jesus as a superhero

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:27:00 +0000

Here's a golden oldie repost, courtesy of the way back machine that is this blog. It comes from my canonical novitiate days. Even if I find myself in a different space these days, it's fitting given today's Gospel reading is the same!

Most Sunday mornings I gather with a group that shares our reflections on the readings. I didn't share anything this morning, but I was really struck per usual by the depth of people's insights. One gentleman shared that the story of Thomas in today's Gospel always speaks to him, as for him doubt is part of faith. Part of his doubts, he said, are in God's unconditional love and the ever presence of God. I must admit that this is something I've been known to struggle with as well - at those hard moments, when loved ones are suffering, when my world seems to be falling apart or I seem to be falling apart, or even when everything seems to be going along ok. For me too, I suppose, doubt is linked to faith. The doubts lead to questions, which as someone else pointed out, lead to clarity.

This same gentleman also pointed out something that I'd almost forgotten ...Jesus breaks through the locked door to bring peace to the apostles who are gathered in fear.

On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

If Jesus can break through the literal locked door, Jesus can break through my internal locked doors. One thing I've been discovering this year - and it's been one of my major unbloggables - is my own persistent resistance to God, to Jesus, to love. But yet I believe, and so I ask my brother, my friend, my savior to help my unbelief. Break through those barriers.

This thought process in turn reminded me of a slightly sacriligeous post I wrote this time last year. I'll include part of it below, along with the cartoon character Jesus I created to go along with it:

Who can walk on water and into locked rooms? It's Super Jesus!He can walk on water.He can heal the sick and bring the dead back from life.He can walk through walls and into locked rooms.He can bring peace where there is none, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. ‘Cause he’s Super Jesus.

2013 ADDENDUM
I have to add two images to this post.

The first is a painting here at CTU:

The second is from our CSJP Constitutions, courtesy of our Facebook page:

(don't both look like a Jesus who could walk through walls?!)

My Life as A Grad Student ... in animated gif form

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:04:00 +0000

We are approaching the home stretch of the Spring Semester, which translates in my life into a realization that I only have five weeks or so to get four rather large papers from concept to finished product, plus a few presentations, other assignments and readings. Here's a pictoral representation of what I like to call "grad school problems," from Mary is My Homegirl. Sometimes pictures (or animated pictures!) speak larger than words.

After I scheduled the next four weeks to include writing one paper each weekend or "When I Plan To Write An Entire Paper in One Weekend"

While trying to get the rest of my regular homework done or "The Semester is Winding Down & The Assigned Readings Has Nothing To Do With My Final Paper. Do I Do The Reading?"

And what I'm really trying to avoid or "When I Get Behind on Prepping for My Final Papers"

Blessings of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:53:00 +0000

I am blessed to be able to spend this Holy Week with my CSJP sisters at the sacred space that is our western regional center, St Mary on the Lake. My spirit is refreshed with the smiles, laughter, conversation, and prayer.

After my first Chicago winter (which is not yet finished despite the calendar), I am also enjoying a visit to spring. Here are a few photos from my morning stroll.

Blessings of Peace as we anticipate the Joy of Easter!

Romero on What God Demands

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Today is the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. This week, I'm sharing some of his words on the blog, courtesy of this online version of some of Oscar Romero's writings.

'God's reign is already present on our earth in mystery.
When the Lord comes, it will be brought to perfection' (Vatican Council II, The Church in the Modern World)

That is the hope that inspires Christians.
We know that every effort to better society,
especially when injustice and sin are so ingrained,
is an effort that God blesses,
that God wants,
that God demands.

These were the words spoken by Oscar Romero minutes before his death, as he concluded his homily during mass at Divine Providence Hospital where he lived. He was killed by an assasin who entered the chapel from the back door and shot him, as he stood at the altar.

The picture is from my trip to El Salvador in 2007. The letters engraved on the wall say: "At this altar Monseñor Romero offered his life to God for his people. "

Telling Stories & Jokes in Heaven - Sisters Joan and Mildred

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 23:26:00 +0000

I heard news this week that two of my CSJP Sisters passed away, Sister Joan Tresch, CSJP in New Jersey and Sister Mildred Morrissey, CSJP in Seattle. Both had celebrated more than 60 years as Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and will be dearly missed. I never got a chance to get especially close to either one, yet they both welcomed me in their own special way to the community when I first entered and helped to make dark days lighter and lighter days even more enjoyable through their gift of story telling.

I first met Sister Joan when I was a candidate. Long-time readers of the blog might remember that I went on a spy mission to get the lay of the land of our New Jersey community before I entered the novitiate. Joan was one of those who first introduced me to our CSJP tradition of gracious hospitality on that trip. Tea, cake, and stories were on the menu. Later when I had entered the novitiate and was having a hard time, on more than one occasion a funny story from Joan about days gone by would lift my spirits.

The funniest Joan story ever, which I know I cannot do justice to, was on the topic of swim suits in the first years after the Vatican Council. As I recall the story, the Sisters were still wearing ancient swim costumes when they spent their week of vacation at our retreat house on the Jersey shore. They were old and cumbersome, with sleeves and skirt-like contraptions. One day after nearly drowning in the ocean when the skirt flipped over her head, the young Sister Joan went to the superior and asked if they could get modest modern swim suits for safety reasons. After some consideration, the superior agreed, provided they wear long sleeve black t-shirts with the modern swim suits. Now, it was up to the local superior of each house to buy the long sleeve black t-shirts. The superior of Joan's house couldn't find them, so she bought short sleeve t-shirts thinking they would suffice. Flash forward to the next summer. Joan is swimming in her modest modern suit with short sleeve black t-shirt. The same Sister who she had spoken to the last year (the head superior not of her house) summons her from the ocean with crooked finger. She asks about the t-shirt. Joan explains. The next thing Joan knows she is told to go up to the attic, fish out some black stockings, and sew them to the arms of her suit. Crazy, but she does it. All she really wants is to get back in the water. The next thing she knows, the salt water turns the stockings that are now sleeves greeen!

It's been many years since I heard that story. I'm sure I have the details wrong, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that when I remember that story, I remember the dark day when I needed to laugh and she told me that story as we looked out at the same ocean where the story took place. She lightened my heart and my load that day.

Sister Mildred, or Millie as we called her, was also known for her stories and quirky jokes. I got to know Millie pretty well the year after the novitiate when I was living at groovy sister hq. I had many of my meals with Millie. We bonded because I'd come from Portland, Oregon and she'd grown up in Sheridan, Oregon. More times than I could count, she'd look at me with a conspiratorial grin and launch into one of her many stories. Even if I'd come to know the story, it was always a joy to hear her tell it. What was most enjoyable was seeing how much she enjoyed making people laugh.

In recent years, both Sister Joan and Sister Mildred have had health issues which no doubt have made their lives less enjoyable than in years past. I am comforted to think that they are both now in heaven with their loving God, telling stories and jokes to pass the time.

As for me, I am grateful for the chance to get to know both of these wonderful women. They modeled for me the importance of laughter and sharing on the path of peace.

Eternal rest grant to them O God, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace for ever. Amen

Romero on Life

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Sunday will mark the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. This week, I'm sharing some of his words on the blog, courtesy of this online version of some of Oscar Romero's writings.

The great need today
is for Christians who are active and critical,
who don't accept situations without analyzing them
inwardly and deeply.
We no longer want masses of people
like those who have been trifled with for so long.
We want persons like fruitful fig trees,
who can say yest to justice and no to injustice
and can make use of the precious gift of life,
regardless of the circumstances.

The picture is from my trip to El Salvador in 2007. This graffiti "Romero Lives" was on the walls outside the Divine Providence Chapel where he was killed. Painted no doubt by someone who was born after his death. Romero lives indeed, in the heart of the people.

Romero on Why We Must Speak

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Sunday will be the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. This week, I'm sharing some of his words on the blog, courtesy of this online version of some of Oscar Romero's writings.

To try to reveal Christ
is our great pastoral task.
If I speak of earthly matters or political questions,
it is to guide our reflection towards Christ.
I would like you to understand me well
so as not to have a wrong idea of these Masses.
Far from being political gatherings,
they mean to draw the people toward Christ,
toward God.
Thus they are understood in many testimonials I receive.
It gives me great comfort to know
that people come to church on Sunday to look for Christ.
Even in the criminal realities of our land
Christ is present,
rejecting all that crime.
This is why we must speak of it here.

The picture is from my trip to El Salvador in 2007. This is the crypt of Monsenor Romero, in the basement of the cathedral in El Salvador. In front of the tomb is an altar, where (quite fittingly) a lively and boisterous mass is celebrated each Sunday. We visited his tomb, and then participated in the Sunday liturgy. It was an amazing end to our pilgrimage.

Romero on the call of the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Sunday marks the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. This week, I'm sharing some of his words on the blog, courtesy of this online version of some of Oscar Romero's writings.

The church is calling to sanity,
to understanding,
to love.
It does not believe in violent situation.
The church believes in only one violence,
that of Christ,
who was nailed to the cross.
This is how today's gospel reading shows him,
taking upon himself all the violence
of hatred and misunderstanding,
so that we humans might forgive one another,
love one another,
feel ourselves brothers and sisters.

The picture is from my trip to El Salvador in 2007. This "San Romero" sign is on the grounds of the library in El Sitio Cencinero, a village where many former refugees from the civil war have resettled.

Praying With Romero

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:29:00 +0000

Sunday will mark the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. During my novitiate, I was able to make a pilgrimage of sorts to El Salvador. We visited the places where our CSJP Sisters ministered during the civil war, and where they serve the people of El Salvador today. I was so incredibly touched by my ten days in El Salvador - you can read some of my reflections here courtesy of the way back machine that is this blog.

A while back I discovered a free e-book of some of Oscar Romero's writings. This week, I'd like to share some of the wisdom of this 20th Century holy man on the blog. Today's installment:

Let us not tire of preaching love;
it is the force that will overcome the world.
Let us not tire of preaching love.
Though we see that waves of violence succeed in drowning the fire of Christian love,
love must win out; it is the only thing that can.

The picture is from my trip to El Salvador in 2007. This one is a banner hanging at a retreat center in El Despertar, a poor neighborhood of El Salvador where our Sisters lived for a time during the war and where Fr. Octavio Ortiz and four young men attending a youth retreat had been killed in that same house by government troops who claimed it was a guerrilla training camp.

Praying with St. Joseph

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Rose Francois, CSJP) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:06:00 +0000

Today is St. Joseph's Day, a special Feast Day for my religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. I've been praying a lot with Joseph the past few months. As our CSJP Constitutions say:

From the beginning of the congregation
Joseph was chosen as our patron
because he is a model of peace.
His courage to live a life of faith
inspires us to trust in God's abiding love
especially in times of struggle and uncertainty.

As I reflected on this blog a few months ago: "We certainly live in times of struggle and uncertainty on a grand scale, and each of us in our own lives may also face certain struggles and weariness from time to time. And so did Joseph. I'm spending some special time walking with Joseph these days, and invite you to do the same."

When Margaret Anna Cusack, known in religion as Mother Francis Clare, founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1884, she chose Joseph as our patron because he is a model of peace. In her words: "No doubt we may point to St. Joseph as the great model of every virtue, but it would seem as if peace was his crowning grace."

I made this ideo prayer reflection a while back, set to "Joseph, Better You than Me" by the Killers (featuring Elton John and Neil Tennant). Enjoy ... and remember to "Go to Joseph."