Archive for the ‘Celebrations’ Category

Who would have thought that a young boy named Robert Francis Prevost, growing up in the neighborhoods of Chicago, would one day become our Holy Father? God writes the most beautiful and unexpected stories — and in His providence, He has called this humble son of the Midwest to shepherd the universal Church.

The whole world has been touched by the story of “Bob,” the youngest of the Prevost brothers. How blessed we are to live in an age where we can see the photos, hear the stories, and glimpse the humble beginnings of the man now called to lead the Catholic Church.

We eagerly look forward to the many good works he will do, touching the lives of all God’s people with kindness, wisdom, and grace.

 

Moving into spring with the beautiful painting by our brother Vincent Peterson dancing to the inspiring music of our brother Dan Schutte.

 

River of Glory by Dan Schutte

River of glory, springs of our birth

flood of God’s riches poured on the Earth

We are born from the darkness

and clothed in the light!

We are bathed in the glory of God!

Fountain of mercy

grace flowing free

streams of salvation,

spilling with love from a tree!

Here there is haven,

healing, and health,

joy for the asking,

love in abundance of wealth!

Bread for our journey

God will provide,

Hope for all ages,

Jesus, companion and guide!

Darkness is banished,

night turned away.

Christ is our sunlight

lifting and leading our way!

He was shepherd of all the sheep.

Consoler to those in need.

and to the curious.

He will continue to intercede for us in his heavenly home.

 

Friar Vincent Peterson

Friar Vincent Peterson

 

 

 

Green is the first color to break the winter blanket which covers all the world in earthen solitude.

Green is the color of Hope.  Here at Assisi Heights we Clares are “Pilgrims of Hope” singing with the pilgrims throughout our needy world.

Pope Francis has declared a jubilee year of Hope

at this very time of great global unrest.

We are fearful for our future.  Hope gives us a cushion, a sense of serenity, a feeling of anticipatory joy. Thus we celebrate on this wondrous feast of Easter: The Risen Christ here, among us,

as our source of Hope.

Three guitarists and three singers gathered with the Sisters at the Assisi Heights motherhouse for a lively Hootenanny, filling the air with vibrant music and harmonious voices. The gathering felt like a spontaneous celebration of community, with the music uniting everyone in a shared, heartfelt experience. Laughter and song blended seamlessly, and the day unfolded in a delightful flow of melodies, making it an unforgettable event of connection and pure joy.

Songs like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “If I Had a Hammer,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “We Shall Overcome,” and “Kumbaya” echoed through the space, evoking a time of social upheaval in our country. These timeless songs serve as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made toward inclusivity and the ongoing call to care for all God’s people.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)  have been a part of the United States position from early efforts like preferential hiring for veterans after the Civil War to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. DEI has evolved to address systemic inequalities across race, gender, disability, and more. These initiatives have fostered equal opportunities for many and at the same time making our country a better place to live in for all of us.

Today, as political and social climates shift, the need for DEI remains critical. Current efforts by the new governing body in Washington DC to dismantle DEI initiatives threaten to reverse crucial protections for marginalized groups, undermining decades of progress. This rollback would not only harm these persons and communities so affected but also limits innovation, diversity of thought, and social cohesion.

 We must continue to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that all people, regardless of background, are treated with fairness and respect, aligning with the fundamental principle of care for all God’s people.  DEI is essential for fostering an inclusive society where everyone can contribute and thrive. Without it, we risk losing the diversity that drives progress and benefits all God’s people.

Praise be to you my Lord with all Your creatures.

Especially sir brother sun, Who is the day through whom you give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor.

Of You Most High, he bear the likeness.

St Francis of Assisi

This is the sacred place where we come together five times a day, lifting our hearts in prayer for our country in this challenging moment, for our world facing immense trials, and for the pressing struggles that weigh on us in this pivotal time in history.