Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity agree that Milwaukee can boast of Catholic Crown Jewel St. Josephat Basilica. On Sunday October 21, 2012, after having our own experience in this historic south-side Conventual Franciscan parish, we drove back to Manitowoc, WI, with precious memories of meeting vibrant young people. Our new-found companions on our latest road trip are part of the richness of this historic place of pilgrimage and why this space is a grace during this Year of Faith.
Talia Fehrenbach, a sensitive servant leader, invited our Vocation Team and Postulants to attend Sunday evening religious education in a building across the basilica through the parking lot in an upper room. Talia as youth and young adult leader (and she also assists in the coordination of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee ARISE) answered a desire from those who typically gather at night on the Lord’s day of wanting to actually meet religious.
Our lesson plan was quite simple. We shared a bit about ourselves, extended an invitation through one of our called to be Franciscan Sisters youtube podcasts to our 2013 Camp Franciscan April weekend (which is still in the planning stages) and/or to a November Discernment Retreat. The opportunity for a date for evening prayer and a meal at our Motherhouse was also another follow-up option.
In small group discussions about prayer and vocation, we found out that one of the young people’s own favorite places to pray is a sacred, hometown, Renaissance-wonder, 1929 minor basilica . No surprise, eh? You, too, may want to check out St. Josephat Basilica as a Year of Faith pilgrimage with those you love .
