Aachen is a unique city because of its history, cultural attractions and great variety of international events: horse races and Karlspreis (Charlemagne Prize). There are also many museums and, last but not least, the largest technical university in Western Europe, with many companies devoted to research.
For us, Aachen is where on May 11, 1845 (Pentecost Day), young Frances Schervier, prompted by God’s love, founded our religious family to heal the wounds of the Crucified Christ especially in the poor and the needy, through love and service.
Fifty years after the creation of the two branches (the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor), Mother Frances found the way to give us a special gift: to gather and share together something of our lives and celebrate the Feast of Pentecost 2009. The backdrop for this event was Mother Frances’ Cause for Canonization. As we know, the First Session of the Diocesan Inquiry is taking place in Cincinnati.
Sr. Tiziana and the Council, represented by Srs. Marilyn, Anna and myself, departed on May 27 on an Alitalia flight to Frankfurt. Sr. Katharina Maria and her secretary, Sr. Dolores, came to pick us up at the airport. After more than a three-hour drive, we arrived at the Mother House. We received a very warm welcome. Here are highlights of our visit:
Meeting of the Members of our Two Congregational Councils and the Provincial Council
We were given the opportunity to give each other updates on the lives of our two Congregations. We shared especially about the difficult times in the Church and in society, our future, our commitment in working to spread hope and healing among our members and the great prospects for the Canonization.
Our visit to the Recluses in Kommern
There are three Sisters in this contemplative branch of the Congregation. They are part of a local community with which they share liturgy and other moments. We spent an afternoon in communion with them. It was great to see how much faith and serenity they have, as they say that the future of their branch is in God’s hands. What is reassuring to them is the fact that there are many members in the Congregation who are elderly and ill. Therefore, their ministry is actually one of prayer and support of the members who are still in active life. As always, they assured us of their prayers for all of us.
Pentecost Celebration
Fifty days after Easter and fifty years after our separation as daughters of Mother Frances we remembered the anniversary of our birth. After the solemn celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy (followed by the traditional exchange of good wishes), we gathered for an historical and moving moment: the reading of the Pentecost message that Srs. Katharina Maria and Tiziana wrote together to all the Sisters, Associates and Collaborators. Tears – both open and discrete – were flowing as the message was read. The Sisters thought of our 50 years of separation, though we are aware of the many steps taken to continue to feel that we are all daughters of Mother Frances. During the afternoon the Sisters from Belgium arrived as well as the Sisters from the various Communities. The solemn celebration of Vespers gave us the opportunity to listen to their heavenly voices and music. Dinner was a time of joy and sharing for all.
Moments Together
We also had some time to relax. We visited Cologne (which included a guided tour of the Cathedral), enjoyed a ferry trip on the Rhine, walked in Belvedere Park. We also visited Aachen Cathedral.
For this graced Congregational historic memory, we can only say ‘Thank you’ and assure you that we entrusted you all to Mother Frances’ heart!
Sister Laura Cantello, SFP
Congregational Councilor |
