On November 27, 2012 Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province leaders met in Manitowoc, WI for a Spirited-conversation on shared ministry.
Given the strong Mary thrust of the Friars, the gathering began with a Marian prayer focused on a section of Assumption BVM Friar Roch Niemier’s book In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare. Here is the exerpt:
We learn from the example of Mary, our Blessed Mother. Mary did only one thing in her life; she conceived her son. Everything else was simply an unfolding of this single theme of her life. She did not merely say ‘yes’ once, in some great moment; she sustained that yes patiently, silently, constantly, in the serene assurance of the true believer, in a mature simplicity that brought greatness, without regret. Francis and Clare reflect this single heartedness and steadfastness by which they lived out their original yes and inspiration over a lifetime, even in the face of opposition from brothers or family members or the church…what makes it possible to remain faithful? Primarily it is a grace and the experience of God’s fidelity to us…We must believe it.
Already responding “yes’ together as Franciscan brothers and sisters to the needs of the people of God in Greenwood, MS at both St. Francis of Assisi and Immaculate Heart Parishes, as well as St. Thomas Parish,Lexington and Sacred Heart Parish, Winona, all present were full of gratitude for the mutual commitment to the furthering of the Gospel in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
Our Community of Franciscan Sisters also expressed thankfulness for the faith-filled presence of the Assumption Province friars who serve and have served as our Motherhouse Chaplain. We look forward to future collaboration together built on grace and the experience of God’s fidelity.
