Passion!

In the course of Sr. Colette's leading us more deeply into reflection on our Chapter theme, Witnessing Our Passion For Christ to All Creation, we have heard from one another of the profound meaning this theme holds for us. We have reflected on the fire in the souls of Francis and Clare going out to the world of their time, and the persistent passion of Mother Magdalen burning in her time and place in history. We were invited to find our own fire, our own passion. An image presented was of each of us being a flame of the Spirit's life in the world, culminating in the entire flame of the Spirit witnessing to the Presence of Love being offered to a broken world. Sr. Colette said: For Franciscans, to live the gospel is to love a God of reckless and scandalous Love. We were asked: What is the holy fire in your souls? Engaging in Sacred Conversations has rustled the Spirit's presence among the Chapter body and assisted in the forming of this unique Chapter community. Day by day, tensions are easing, anxieties relaxing, and uncomfortabilities fading. Animated conversations are evident in the various gathering places in the Chapter house such as the dining room, Chapter room, and hallways. Our languages of Dutch, German, Indonesian, English, Polish, and Portuguese mingle with beautiful resonance. Our shared roots and heritage unite us in our common life as Franciscans, one and all. As the days unfold, we experience this Chapter gathering as a treasure being discovered and savoured with each day. We continue to invite your posts and look forward to reading more of your comments. Please keep them coming! In the meantime, we send our greetings of Pace e bene from the Eternal City. Know that we are very mindful of the needs of the world and those which you have asked us to carry. We are praying as a Chapter each day for all! Ciao! from your Sisters from Holy Name, Sacred Heart, and St. Francis Provinces.