Franciscan Sisters Meet With Young Catholic Women “At The Foot of The Cross”

 The Franciscan Sisters at St. Francis of Assisi Convent invited young Catholic women to join them for a  time of reflecting during this Lenten season with the theme; “At the Foot of the Cross”.

 

Sister Kathleen with the help of Sister Judy gave a visual image of God’s wiping away our sins. The young women were guided in making red water symbolizing anger, green for envy, yellow for moral cowardice, and blue for self-centeredness and negativity.  Then, combining all the colors, they created a black liquid. This led the group to reflect on the darkness that we experience in our own sinfulness.   But as God forgives us our sins our hearts are again made pure. Voila!  This was accomplishd today with the help of a bleach solution!

Next, each young women chose a paper cross and a copy of St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crucifix and a sheet of sample “doodles”. The cross and prayer were glued to a black sheet of paper. The cross was then to be decorated with the “doodles” of their choice. This activity continued later as each person waited their turn to recieve the sacrament of Reconciliation.

“Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge, Lord, that I may know your holy and true command.”  St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crusifix

 

With God’s cleansing love in mind all gathered at the foot of the cross in the sanctuary of our church for a reconciliation service with an examination of conscience based on the Stations of the Cross.

 

In the meantime the grill had been lit and the coals were ready for some favorite foods. A picnic lunch in the backyard of the convent featuring s’mores was in order.

 

 

Soon it was time for a group picture with everyone’s cross included to add to our photo album.

One last group gathering at the foot of the cross in our convent chapel.

Notice what happened with the craft project each young women had earlier recieved.

 

 

A closing prayer of petition and gratiude concluded our day.

 

 

 

“God calls you. We invite you.