Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity took a recent road trip to Arise Milwaukee’s 10th anniversary celebration at Holy Family Parish, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. We were among families and people of all ages coming together for Eucharistic Adoration.
Talia Westerby, co-founder of Arise Milwaukee, welcomed those who came to pray and adore sharing about the journey of organization the last ten years. “In 2011, a group of young adults got together to plan an event of Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship music called “Arise.” The hope was to gather about 50 people. With Bishop Donald Hying presiding, 250+ people of all ages came and encountered Christ in a powerful way! It seemed like a good idea to plan another one, which snowballed into a full ministry providing multiple opportunities for people to encounter Christ through the sacramental life of the Church.” Today, Arise Milwaukee seeks to serve the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as non-profit (501c3) Catholic ministry devoted to helping people encounter Jesus in a powerful way. Current chaplain is Father Enrique Hernandez, pastor of St. Robert’s, Shorewood.
As the guest presider, Father Luke Strand, Vice-Rector of St. Francis De Sales Seminary, proclaimed the Scripture reading of the call of Matthew. He encouraged the congregation with the words of St. Philip Neri: “The great thing is to become saints”. In the 1600’s Philip was not alone in seeking God. God raised up other saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola and artists like Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Father Luke’s message then focused on the The Calling of Saint Matthew masterpiece by Caravaggio, depicting the moment at which Jesus Christ inspires Matthew to follow him.
Our Sisters were not the only ones present from a distance. Diocese of Green Bay Seminarian Juan Altamirano was one of the servers for the evening. He was involved in carrying the cross for the Eucharistic processions. Benediction was the formal conclusion of Eucharistic Adoration. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was available for all who desired, as well as prayer teams to pray with individuals.
