Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity share experiences of the SLS20 Phoenix FOCUS Conference. Thanks to the generosity of Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, our Sisters were able to not only attend the conference, but enjoy housing closer to the convention center. Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola traveled with the St. Albert the Great Catholic Campus Ministry students from Houghton, Michigan to be present. Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel and Sister Elena Gonzales drove from St. Peter Indian Mission, Bapchule, Arizona. Sister Carol Seidl (St. Anthony of Padua Convent, Casa Grande, Arizona), Sister Hannah Johnecheck and Sister Mary Teresa Bettag, (Immaculate Conception Convent, Yuma, Arizona) and Sister Mary Ann Spanjers (San Xavier Mission Convent, Tucson, Arizona) were also in attendance from the Diocese of Tucson. Novices, Sister Concepcion and Sister Maria Guadalupe. flew from Wisconsin beginning a longer visit with the Sisters in the Dioceses of Phoenix and Tucson after the 5 day conference. Watch for more comments in the days ahead.
I experienced my first Focus Experience. Leaving there I have much hope for the Catholic Church in the generation coming up. These college students- men and women- are very much faith filled, reverent, proud to be Catholic and not afraid to let others know “they go to church”. I found everyone friendly and outgoing and willing to talk and share. In the Adoration Chapel, there were many college students there on their own time, alone praying and sincerely praying. You could feel their faith.
It was amazing to see so many priests in the cassock and in their clerics and religious Sisters in a uniform habit. There was a lot of young priests and religious at the Focus sharing and enjoying the experience. It was very encouraging to be a part of it. – Sister Carol Seidl, OSF
…attended with over 8000+ college students, about 500 priests, about 15 bishops, archbishops and a Cardinal attended. Yes, the Papal Nuncio was there. What a powerful experience! We are in Phoenix, Arizona. -Facebook comment Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF
