Faces of Joy: Sisters and Associates in Jatai at the celebration
On November 13 at the Santa Isabel Convent in Jataí, there was a Welcome Celebration for the five Associate candidates, who made Covenants for a period of two years:
Sr. Maria Helena Carvalho, Brazil Area Councilor, Sr. Tânia Maria Ribeiro Machado, Brazil Area Director of Associates, along with Sisters and guests were present. We concluded the celebration with the St. Francis Prayer “The Praises of God” and the The Blessing of St. Clare.
 Beautiful table display featuring our Foundress |
 Convento Santa Isabel Chapel |
 Welcoming new candidates to the SFP Associate Relationship |
 Dramatic reading during the celebration |
TEXT OF THE DRAMATIC READING
The 1st Reader
 Associates Beatriz Alves and her daughter, Ana Beatriz. Their shirts have the picture of Mother Frances an our on it Chapter Call is printed: "Generating Compassion and Hope in the Community of Life" |
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
Born in a balanced and well structured family, within the faith context of her time, Frances Schervier did not limit herself to that. Having everything, she did not close her eyes to a world marked by the poverty surrounding her. The danger of incurable, contagious illnesses did not lead her to ignore the many outcasts of her day. The pain suffered by brothers and sisters was her own. She certainly put into practice what Jesus said to the rich young man: “Go, sell all you have and give it to the poor... then, come and follow me.” (Mark, 10:21).
The 2nd Reader:
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
When facing the basic needs of the outcast of her time, she did not hesitate to sell her own dowry to help them. And the gifts she received, she transformed into gifts for the poor.
The 3rd Reader:
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
She taught her Sisters -- a great number since the beginning of the Congregation -- that they should actively trust in God’s Providence, expecting from God all that was needed. And that they should not keep anything for themselves besides what was sufficient for their mission of service -- so that their caring for the poor and sick would be adequate. Everything was to be simple and to be given to the poor and the sick. And so it was.
The 4th Reader:
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
In this world with so many sick and poor people, many with incurable illness, with sickness of body and soul, without hope and not loved, abused and victimized by violence and abandoned, the Charism which God gave to Frances Schervier is very current today. In reality, everything that is God-inspired is always current.
The 5th Reader:
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
May the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, present today in the United States, Italy, Brazil,
Africa and the Philippines, teach us to become the voice of those who have been silenced
by greed in this heartless and soul-less world!
FRANCES SCHERVIER!
A girl who grew up in the faith,
Coming from a rich family,
Decided to face with determination her vocation.
At thirteen years of age, she became motherless
And the first socks she was able to knit were made so that she could donate them,
so that her lifelong work for the sick and for the poor could begin.
Much courage is needed for the struggle.
She welcomed prostitutes and taught them to work.
And, at the time of the revolution, she even thought her work might have been in vain!
But as time went by, she noticed that God was speaking with her.
And with courage and determination, she decided to continue so that the wounds of Christ could be healed in the poor and suffering humanity.
At the tolling of bells the Sister just went to rest,
because her vocation was transformed into action,
and her desire was made a reality by her Congregation,
that today goes on caring for all brothers and sisters:
the elderly, the destitute, those afflicted with AIDS, the homeless people and others.
Today her Congregation has branches in the United States, Italy, Senegal, Brazil, and in the Philippines. Mother Frances Schervier was beatified in Rome in 1974.
Sister Helena Paula Carvalho, SFP