Franciscan Sisters of the Poor meet on Pentecost Sunday 2009: A Day of Beauty, Communion and Joy

Sister Grace Frances Strauber, SFP

On Sunday May 31st every Franciscan Sister of the Poor and several Associates on the East Coast gathered at St. Francis Convent, Warwick, NY.  There was great joy as we arrived -- coming in through different doors, along with lots of laughter, kisses and hugs.  At 4 o’clock we met in the Convent Chapel.

Sr. Pauline Sweeney prepares the altar

In advance of our gathering, Sr. Pauline covered the altar with a bright red cloth. Flames of fire with the names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit were pinned on the cloth. On top there was a bust of Mother Frances made years ago by Sr. Betty Igo. Surrounding Mother Frances were lighted candles and a beautiful bouquet of two dozen white roses.

All of us formed a semicircle around the altar. The prayer service began with a hymn calling upon the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. We prayed together an appropriate Psalm, a reading from scripture and an excerpt from the Annals of Pentecost Sunday 1845. Sr. Jeanne led us in a beautiful prayer for all of our Sisters, Associates, and friends from all over the world.  We sang the beautiful rendition of Veni Sancte Spiritus, the prayer our Mother Frances prayed during her time spent in the USA.

A beautiful and meaningful ritual followed: breads from all the countries where we serve were placed on the altar. As the Sister or Associate called forth the bread with a prayer for that country, another brought the bread forward. She faced the gathering, held the bread high and then placed it on the altar. The new mission in the Philippines was included as were the Sisters of the Poor of St Francis.

Offering of Breads . . . Srs. Rita K. Kerr, Jeanne M. Glisky, Teresita Samson, Margie Ferri, Kathleen Reynolds, Mary Maloney, Frances Delaney

Sr. Joanne anoints Sr. Betty

The prayer that was memorable was the one said for the United States Area: “We bring to mind our Sisters in the US and who represent all the elderly of the world the ‘salty ones,’ those seasoned by the experience of their lives. We remember those who have preceded us in life, especially all our Sisters and Associates who gave us their wisdom.” At the end of each reading, prayer or ritual there was time for silent reflection.

While music played the Sisters and Associates processed in pairs to the altar. Each person anointed the hands and head of the other with the words: “Let your hands be strong in the service of God’s reign.” We then gathered around the altar in one large circle, singing “Peace Is Flowing like a River” and then exchanged the Kiss of Peace.

It was a great pleasure to have Sister Joanne join us for this great celebration. Sister Margie arranged for a delicious festive dinner; the tables were beautifully decorated. The atmosphere was simply delightful! What a wonderful time we all had at table, sharing, loving, and being sisters on this beautiful day of the founding of our Congregation.

For the climax of the day, the film “Ladies in Lavender” was shown in the TV room. To our joy many Sisters were able to stay, giving us additional time to enjoy one another.

[In gratitude: photos by Sr. Kathleen Reynolds]

© Franciscan Sisters of the Poor

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