When the Sisters at St. Francis convent Greenwood received the invitation to join with others across the nation in celebrating and praying for those dedicated to the Consecrated Life, we began to plan how we might carry this out. Sunday September 13 was already the gathering day for our Secular Franciscans who surely wanted to be a part of this event. As thoughts came together the day took shape.
All is in readiness in our convent chapel awaiting the arrival of the Lord and His people.
The 11:00 mass was the starting point. Following mass Father led us in a Eucharistic procession to the chapel in the convent.
The convent door stood open for all to freely come and pray with the Sisters.
The Blessed Sacrament rested on our altar as the congregation entered.
As the people gathered the Sisters quietly made room in the hall and
entryway for the generous response to our invitation to pray with us.
The Sisters hearts and eyes filled with pride and tears of joy as our Black, White and Hispanic parish members filled our Convent home.
Soon the Secular Franciscans left with Sister Annette to go to the school cafeteria for their monthly gathering. After their sharing they would return to join with the Sisters in prayer and petition for vocations to the Consecrated Life and to the Third Order Secular.
“O, saving Victim, open wide; the gate of heaven to us below… to your great name be endless praise…”
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- Sister Kathleen ever attentive to the needs of the day and the Lord.
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- Sister Mary Ann sent up many prayers not only for vocations to the Consecrated Life, but for the needs of St. Francis school, it’s teachers, students and families.
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- Dear Lord, in Your will is our peace.
The Blessed Sacrament remained on the altar in the convent until after the Spanish mass.
Sister Elena welcomed some of our Hispanic youth who announced the end of their mass and the time of procession with the Blessed Sacrament back to St. Francis church.
True to the Hispanic people’s deep devotion and religious background, we again had a full chapel.
Fr. John, a Redemptorist, joined Fr. Greg in leading the people in prayer and procession with the Blessed Sacrament.
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- Dear Lord be with us and our people here at St. Francis.
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- Lead us, guide us, on our way to you.
Now, back in St. Francis church, we sing; “Pan de vida, cuerpo del Senor…” It is a time of quiet prayer and song; “Lord, prepare me, to be a sanctuary” was in our hearts. The Secular Franciscans pray together St. Francis’ Vocation Prayer.
“Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our minds. Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity, so that we may always and in all things act according to Your most Holy will.”
After quiet prayer and reflection a Prayer for the Year of the Consecrated Life was then recited by all gathered in church. Father then led us in celebrating the Benediction of the Lord.
“Let my prayer rise like incense before you, O, Lord.”
The blessings of God lay upon us as we concluded this special and memorable day of “Praying with the Sisters”.