Archive for the ‘Celebrations’ Category

While the children of various ages and stages in their Catholic Christian life were busy with their teachers, the adults came together in their large chapel to learn about and practice centering prayer.

On the day after the Kings came to see the Child that was born in Bethlehem, we had the Westendorp extended family visit us. We shared in the Holy Mass and gathered in the large dining room at Assisi Heights for dinner followed by a tour of the rooms decorated for the season. We wrapped up our time together finding a room where we shared stories and fond memories.

October 4th, its the feast of St Francis, richly important for Franciscans of all ilk over the whole planet.  There are 3rd order Franciscans including women, men, and young people called Franciscan Tertiaries.  There are 3rd order regular sisters and brothers who carry on missionary activities and service to the poor including working in hospitals, schools and serving parishes.

2nd order are the Franciscan Poor Clares, or the Sisters of St Clare who live the Franciscan and Clare charism in community in their monasteries. 

The 1st order are the Friar’s minor, the little brothers.  And there are many versions.  In the United States, the Friars minor have just consolidated 6 of their provinces into one in order to served the people in a more effective manner.

St. Francis has inspired all of these people to offer their lives in service in many ways.  Born in Assisi (Italy) in 1181 or 1182; died nearby on 3 October 1226. The carefree son of a wealthy merchant who gave up his inheritance to embrace utter poverty. Under a simple gospel rule, he and his Friars Minor were authorized to be mendicant preachers. His “Canticle of the Sun” captures his lyrical spirit and sense of oneness with all creatures. An outstanding example of the beatitude “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” At the end of his life he bore in his flesh the marks of Christ’s suffering. 

Before the summer season ended, our lovely sisters from Bloomington, known by all of us as the PES Sisters, came to spend the day.  We joined in Community prayer and together shared  our main meal in the large dining room.  In that venue we could remove our masks!  Our Sisters came bearing gifts.

This wooden plaque and the carved words brought us back to the time of our handing over the monastery in Bloomington to these beautiful women. They had made booklets for all who attended our “going away” party at the Church of St. Bonaventure.  The words on the plaque remind us of their wish for us as we moved to southern Minnesota.

These two pieces of God’s work of art speak out on these last days of summer.  They pull out all the levers to make a marvelous tapestry for us to enjoy as we move toward fall.

In contrast, we see the beauty of the gifts of human investment in the building of a house that welcomes all to remember the little man of Assisi, and God’s call to each of us to follow our special path in a life to add beauty and love in our world.

How beautiful the summer days when our third order Franciscan friends come to visit.

As Assisi Heights motherhouse opened up after the pandemic we were able to receive our dear friend Mike Joncas. Father Mike celebrated a beautiful liturgy in our large chapel, followed by lunch in the large dining hall. 

Trees, water and sky meet at night to show off their complementary beauty.

The Poor Clare Sisters for their annual retreat left their home on the 3th Floor of Assisi Heights to pray together at the Franciscan retreat center in Prior Lake, MN.  Father Joseph Chinnici, a dear friend to our community over the years, guided us with daily reflections on our lives now as we move into the uncharted waters of our latter years.  The reflections were both soothing to the spirit and powerful, the surroundings were exquisitely beautiful and our Community retreat this year was the best ever.

https://franciscanretreats.net/

We used this beautiful room for both prayer and conferences. 

One of the many stunning spots on on the retreat property.

Sister Fran enjoying the many and diverse flowers and plants on this gorgeous property.

Jo arrives to the surprise of a most colorful birthday celebration!  Sister Catherine is putting on the last touches to what will be a lovely evening for all of us.

Sister Jo settles in for a lovely evening celebrating her birthday.  Everyone enjoyed the songs and memories highlighting her beautiful life story.