2009 Annual Retreat Day
 

East Coast Companions Retreat Day

Presenter: Kathleen Ganiel, OSF

“Re-building, Re-pairing, and Spring House Cleaning”

March 14, 2009

Aston, PA

For years I have tried to sit back and experience the retreat presentations I have attended. It has always been a challenge. I tell myself—Pat—put down your pen—forget the notes—just listen and enter deeply into the spirit of what is being shared—hear the message that has been prepared for you! And so I did as Sr. Kathy began her reflection. Imagine my surprise when I was asked some time later to write this article. Probably the first time in my life I have no notes—only the lingering sweetness of Sr. Kathy’s reflection on God as the “Builder of Houses.” As I prepared to write this article, I searched for a way to approach it. I finally realized that my thoughts and feelings about Sr. Kathy’s presentation are very personal. I eventually came to the realization that the only way I could write this piece is in the form of a letter. So I share with you.

An Open Letter to Sr. Kathy Ganiel, OSF

I remember my excitement when I heard you would be the presenter at our 2009 East Coast Companions Retreat Day. It had been so long since we had the opportunity to be with you for any length of time and even longer since we had the gift of a retreat presentation. It didn’t really matter what the topic was—we, the Trenton area companions, just knew we needed to be present. And so we came. We are proud and happy to call you sister, friend, and mentor.  The notice of your presentation brought back a flood of memories of the many retreats you lovingly prepared for the women of our parish and of how you taught us—with great care—to use our own gifts for the good of the larger community. As pastoral associate at Holy Angels, Trenton, you gave of yourself daily. We shared your joys and your trials and took any opportunity to be in your presence. But your retreats were the best and we were thrilled to be gathered for this one. And best of all, you had your guitar with you. 

You have always had the gift of speaking from your heart and bringing us closer to our God in the process. Never was that more apparent than in your reflection at this year’s Gathering Day. The joy is even greater knowing that you are a companion and that you hold each of us close to your heart. 

And so…in the beginning was the Triune God, depicted for us as the Three Graces seated around a table—in relationship with one another—in perfect harmony. Their love for each other was so great that it had to be shared and so God built the house of creation—overflowing with God’s abundance and perfect in every way. All through history God wanted to share this abundance and be in relationship with all creation. Our God dwells in those relationships. God’s vision was that all would live in harmony and would be in “right relationship.” You carefully lead us through all the houses God built. But you did it with a twist. In this day and age of expansion—in the “bigger-is-better” secular world we live in, you traced salvation history through scriptures, poetry and song and showed us how God has “downsized” in every generation. From all of creation to the nation of Israel to the prophets; from the house of David to the Holy Family to the person of Jesus in relationship with his disciples; from the Last Supper to the new and everlasting covenant—the Eucharist—Jesus present—body, blood, soul and divinity. Given your great love of the Eucharist, it was no surprise that your final focus was on God’s love “downsized” to a simple piece of bread—staple  of life—nourishment of all people. When we partake of this Eucharist we become part of the Body of Christ. “Dayenu”—it would have been enough—had you stopped there. But you continued 

Our God yearns for intimacy--wants to be present to us, wants to be invited into our lives. Throughout salvation history God has made covenants with God’s people.  Covenants with God’s people? Those of us from Trenton flashed stunned glances at each other. How could you have known that the theme of our annual women’s retreat –then only two weeks away-- was entitled “Called to a Covenant of Love” and would trace these very same covenants through the Bible? How amazing is that? But then again, it is the kind of Spirit action we came to rely on when you formed us in our retreat ministry. 

God is with me always and all I have to do is make a space and invite God in. Our ongoing journey of conversion as members of the Body of Christ and as companions to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia is the process of putting ourselves—restoring ourselves—to right relationship with our God, with ourselves, with our brothers and sisters, with our Church, and with all of creation. 

Somewhere along the way I became keenly aware of the Franciscan theological tradition in which you have become so immersed. I heard echoes of our Chapter 2008 directives, the sweet melody of your deep-rooted Franciscan charism, and an ample portion of your great love and devotion to the Eucharist. I was awe-struck and humbled at how wonderfully and beautifully it was all woven together—lovingly researched and bound together with your gifts of music, song, and humor. This reflection was truly a gift drawn from the depths of your spiritual being. 

I was startled by the similarity between the book of Daniel and Francis—side by side, as if written with the same pen. Thank you for sharing your delight! In the short time you were with us, you shared snipits of so many masters, old and new: Merton, Bonaventure, Ilia Delio, Francis, Theresa of Avila. Drawing from these masters, you brought to life for me the truth that God is love and highlighted the thread of love that weaves them and us together. You gave flesh to the Chapter 2008 Directive “to claim your identity as a prophetic Franciscan woman.” And all I could do was stand back and delight in the journey you have taken since you left us in Trenton. Gracias! Via con Dios, hermana, amiga, companion. All is gift—you are gift to us all. 

With love, Pat on behalf of all your Franciscan Companions.

PS. We have a great group photo of many of our sisters from Area Chapter 33 who came to be with us that day—giving flesh to yet another Chapter 2008 Directive. What a magnificent day!

Be conscious, o [wo]man of the wondrous state in which the LORD God has placed you, for he created you and formed you to the image of His beloved Son, according to the Body and to His likeness according to the Spirit. (Genesis 1:20)