Section:
vocations
Discernment Weekend on Franciscan Life
Who are you, O God, and who am I?"
Do you ever wonder what God is asking you to do with your life?
Do you want to make a difference?
St. Francis had the same questions when he asked,
"Who are you, O God, and who am I?"
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Four young women visited our motherhouse recently for a discernment weekend retreat. They brought with them a lot of energy and enthusiasm—and were met with the spirit of welcome and hospitality that is so much a part of our charism.
It was great to be able to share an informal meal of pizza and wings, as well as, great conversation with some of our sisters who joined us for dinner. Our dear retired sisters were very much a part of the gathering. At the same time the young women were gathering Friday evening, our dear sisters at Assisi House, our retirement residence, also gathered in the chapel to pray for God’s blessing on the weekend. On Saturday, the women visited the sisters at Assisi House to introduce themselves and also to thank them for their continued prayers and support. What a touching moment in the dining room when our sisters sang the Blessing of St. Francis for these young women, blessing them on their journey. This is our Franciscan charism of sisterhood in action!
On Saturday, Sr. Kathy Dougherty did a wonderful job sharing her wealth of knowledge on the vows within the context of our Franciscan charism. The session began with prayer based on Tanner’s painting of the Annunciation and Mary’s special call from God. Much of the conversation revolved around the lived experiences of the vowed life and the virtues that they call forth in us to be bearers of the Gospel message in our world, particularly as Franciscan women within the Church and within society.
In the evening we celebrated the Sunday liturgy in our chapel with our chaplain, Fr. Cyprian, and the sisters at our motherhouse.
Saturday evening, Sr. Rose Monica shared her own vocation story and the story of her faith journey and vocation, especially her time as a missionary in both Africa and Alaska. The women were most appreciative to hear Sr. Rose’s lived experience of vowed Franciscan life.
Saturday evening was also celebrated in true Franciscan joy when once again some of our sisters joined us for an evening of fun, conversation and desserts. No Franciscan gathering is complete without some kind of celebration!
Sunday morning, we began with Morning prayer with the sisters in chapel. Afterwards, Sr. Esther Anderson, our congregational minister joined us for some good conversation and breakfast. The weekend ended with a beautiful prayer service and anointing, including a sharing on the idea of “call” in each of our lives.
It is always a graced time when we come together to share the goodness of God’s love in each of our lives. I am most grateful to the women who participated. Our values of hospitality and sisterhood were so evident!
If you are interested in future Weekends of Discernment, call 610-558-6789 or e-mail vocations@osfphila.org.
