Our Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Constitutions state,“Our life is rooted in Jesus in the Eucharist and our relationship with Jesus impels us to be his love in the world.” Sister Mary Ann Spanjers recounts her experiences with young adults in recent travels to Pennsylvania and Ohio while presenting ‘The Eucharist Adoration to Action’ with the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This was a strong emphasis in the young adult presentations I was blessed to share during the month of September along with Br. Shamus McGrenra, TOR. We made connections with six different young adult groups in Pennsylvania and Ohio. These included, Saint Aidan Young Adults Wexford, PA, Newman Catholic Grad & Young Adult Group Pittsburgh, PA, St. Joseph Emmaus Young Adults Hanover, PA, Franciscan University Steubenville, OH and St. Francis University Campus Ministry and junior theology class Loretto, PA. We were able to share the presentation, “The Eucharist, From Adoration to Action–Franciscan Spirituality” with four of the groups. There were some scheduling conflicts with the first two groups, who have requested that we share the presentation in the future.
We were warmly welcomed at each place with openness, gratitude and wonderful times of sharing questions and insights. We received many positive responses, below are a few of the responses from each group.
St. Joseph, Hanover, PA
“I loved that we had the opportunity to reflect on what the Eucharist means in our lives”
“I appreciated that you spoke about the heart and highlighted it so much. I appreciated that you looked at all of us with your eyes (it was like Jesus would teach). I really appreciated the reflection questions because we rarely reflect in this busy world. I appreciated that you emphasized that the Spirit led you here.”
“I appreciated the different perspective of our relationship with God through the Eucharist. Sharing your experiences makes you think of your own experience.”
Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH
“I appreciated how grounded it was in the Franciscan tradition. The parts about God not wanting to change us into a different person but to use the desires he has placed in our hearts particularly spoke to me.”
“It felt extremely heartfelt and was inviting to people at all levels in their faith.”
“I appreciated how to the point everything was. This was easy to understand while also profound. The videos and photos kept me engaged and the handout was also appreciated. Thank You!”
St Francis University Campus Ministry Group, Loretto, PA
“I appreciated hearing others’ experience about adoration and how it has changed them, also seeing how Christ made known to us in the holy sacrament can help bring us closer to him to be more like him.”
“I appreciate your sharing your own reflections with us. I think that the times for our own reflection made it flow well.”
“I loved the encouragement that you do not have to change who you are or your passions, but that God will work through them.”
Junior theology class, St Francis University, Loretto, PA
“Hearing the personal stories of how Sister Mary Ann and Brother Shamus have encountered God throughout their lives, and the message that God is in love with us.”
“I really loved learning more about the Franciscan Spirituality. I loved the focus on love and the call to live in a way that is more fully yourself, deeply centered on Jesus in the Eucharist.”
“I appreciated the idea that God knows our true selves and sees the deepest parts of our hearts.”
There are six young women who filled out the form desiring more information about the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Please keep them and all who are seeking God’s will in your prayers. We closed with St. Francis’s Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament,
We adore You,O Lord Jesus Christ, in [our] church and all the churches of the world, And we bless You,
Because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. Amen
For information about the presentation or to plan a date, call or text Sister Mary Ann at 920-3230-1627.
Article Comments:
Fr. Placid Stroik, OFM 10/17/2024 @ 9:53 pm
Very inviting …a line from the comments:
“sharing your experience makes you think of your own”
took me to a moment in Eucharistic Adoration:
an invite to serve others as He served others.
and
“We adore you, O Lord and we bless you, here and in all the churches throughout the whole world
because with you speaking to the Father on our behalf in the CRIB on the CROSS at the TABLE,
we have an absolute way of accepting ACCEPTANCE. “