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Mass on the Border/Misa en la Frontera in Naco, AZ/Naco, Mexico

From the earliest days of the Franciscan Or-der, the followers of St. Francis have gathered on the anniversary of his death, October 3rd, to celebrate his Transitus, that is, his passage from earthly life into everlasting life.

At the Motherhouse the story was told with the aide of living silhouettes. Candles and readings were used to celebrate his spirited presence within our Franciscan family.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 Sisters Carla Riach, Monica Martin, Joellen Kohl-mann, Doris Jurgenson, Mary Ann Spanjers, and Leonette Kochan, at-tended a very moving bilingual Mass that was concelebrated by Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez-Gonzalez of Diócesis de Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Dio-cese of Tucson, Arizona. Bishop Gon-zalez concelebrated Mass on the Unit-ed States side while Bishop Kicanas was on the Mexico side.

There were over 400 people who par-ticipated on both sides of the border, a beautiful Mexican choir played the mu-sic and led the singing. The two Bish-ops prayed for all migrants and refu-

gees in our countries and around the world, quoting Pope Francis that "this is a time for conversion, a time for sal-vation, the time for mercy. And so, let us say together in response to the suf-fering of so many faces," of Lazarus in our midst.

After Mass, Sister Doris had the idea of greeting the people on the other side of the fence. We were able to touch our fingers together and wish each other well. It was very moving and also a lit-tle sad. It felt unnerving to have a bar-rier between us as members of the same family of the Church, yet we know with God there are no borders, Jesus is with us and we are one body.

Submitted by Sister Mary Ann Spanjers

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Volume 50 Issue 8

October 2016

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“Should I pursue a media career, or seriously discern religious life?”

This was a question that plagued my high school senior brain. I could remember my seven year old self telling a Sister at my Catholic school “I think I’ve been called!” Her words “keep listening” resounded. I had con-sidered religious life every few years since then. Now, a deci-sion needed to be made. Videog-

raphy or vows? What was I going to do?

I decided to apply to Madison Media Institute because I believed I could serve God more through media. Now, I have entered an order that embraces the vide-ography skills as I take steps towards making vows.

If we do not follow God’s Plan A, He sure can work wonders out of God’s Plan B.

In all seriousness though, I grew up on a dairy farm in Shawano, Wisconsin. Mass, Bible stories, and the ro-sary deeply influenced my childhood. I remained active in my faith throughout adolescence and my education in Madison. While being a freelance videographer, I met a devout Catholic man and we dated for little more than two years. I believed God was calling me to marriage, but as it turns out, Jesus was just showing me His love through my boyfriend until I was ready for a deeper relationship with Him. The break-up caused me to wonder if Jesus was calling me to reli-gious life again.

I had worked on some video projects with Elizabeth Ministry, which is headquartered in what used to be St. Mary’s Convent in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (thank you to all of the Sisters who prayed for vocations there…God heard them). I decided to contact Sister Julie Ann [Sheahan] after checking out the FSCC website. To make a long story short, it would be another year be-fore I made a discernment retreat. Though, Jesus truly transformed me within that year. I was ready to give my yes with an open heart and a surrendered spirit. Another visit to the Motherhouse, a novena to St.

Clare, and many grace-filled experiences in between led me to ask to apply shortly before last Thanksgiv-ing. All praise be to God!

There have been so many moments of prayerful grati-tude and joy since entering the FSCC this August. I truly feel comfortable being myself among the various personalities. There are older Sisters to gain wisdom from, younger Sisters to have recreation with, and laughs around every convent corner. Opportunities to learn, grow, and serve abound.

The question used to be “what was I going to do?” Now, I do not even have to make a choice. I just need to pray for the grace to listen, and respond with a lov-ing heart.

—Megan Kugel

Hello, my name is Tricia Os-wald. I grew up around Cambridge Ohio. I went to Catholic school from grade school through high school. I was a vey active member of my parish, St. Benedicts. I taught CCD parish school of religion for five or six years to third and fourth graders. I was a choir member, E-team (evangelization team), Eu-

charistic Minister as well as a youth group leader. I graduated from Dover St. Joseph Elementary and form Tuscarawas Central Catholic high school. I was a night manager at a Wendy's for six years and was pro-moted before I quit to work at a factory. At the same time I was working on my college degree to become a teacher. During these years I had a spiritual advisor who really led me closer to God and the Church.

I have felt a call to religious life since 6th grade but looking back on some things maybe even before that. I have always wanted to be a teacher and was familiar with the Sister’s who taught at St. Benedicts. It took me a long time for one reason or anther to really say “this is what God is calling me to do”. I just knew I

Megan

Meet two of our Postulants

Tricia

Continue on page 3.

Silver Lake College student Tyler Heyduk of Mani-towoc, left, was recently awarded the Sister Marion Gillis Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Education during the college’s dedication of the Debriefing Conference Room, a gift from Sister Marion Gillis in memory of her brother, Father Ralph Gillis. Pic-tured with Tyler are Sister Marion Gillis, center, and Dr. Chris E. Domes, president of Silver Lake Col-lege. Photo by Suzanne Weiss/Silver Lake College Director of Public Relations

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Silver Lake College dedicates nursing conference room, a gift from Sister Marion Gillis

Manitowoc, Wisconsin―Silver Lake College on Sept. 19 dedicated its Nursing Debriefing Conference Room, a gift from Sister Marion Gillis in memory of her broth-er, Father Ralph Gillis.

Faculty, staff, students and members of the Gillis fam-ily joined in the celebration of the new conference room, ideal for meetings and training.

Through the estate of Father Ralph Gillis, an endowed scholarship for Silver Lake College nursing students also has been established in Sister Marion’s name. It is designed to provide financial support to Silver Lake College full-time undergraduate students.

The Sister Marion Gillis Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Education was presented to Silver Lake Col-lege student Tyler Heyduk of Manitowoc at the dedi-cation.

Dr Chris Domes, president of Silver Lake College, and Brianna Neuser, director of the nursing program, spoke. Marc. R. Barbeau, vice president for Advance-ment and External Relations, welcomed guests and introduced speakers. Sister Lorita Gaffney gave the invocation and Father Hilary Brzezinski blessed the conference room and the plaque.

Father Hilary Brzezinski blesses the nursing department’s new Debriefing Conference Room as Sister Marion Gillis looks on.

Photo and press release by Suzanne Weiss

Silver Lake College Director of Public Relations

Postulants (Continued from page 2)

was happiest in doing what I thought was helping others even if it was a simple smile when shaking someone's hand at the sign of peace. I loved teaching religion to those third and fourth graders, watching them grow, and to hear their favorite part of the year was taking them to the church and explaining what everything meant. I was simply happy in church help-ing out anyway I could. I knew that becoming a Sister would deepen that happiness. It would also take me into a deeper relationship with God. I always had a feeling about the Franciscan Sisters of Charity and when I felt the time was right I applied and here I am today.

Tyler Heyduk receives Sister Marion Gillis Endowed Scholarship

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Reflections on WYD Experiences

Blessings upon Blessings! Gratitude upon Gratitude!

Joy upon Joy! Krakow, Poland,

WYD

Millions of youth, youth of all AGES, Coming together for one purpose, JESUS!

THIS was an experience never to forget!! Poland is a beautiful country with beautiful people who were so welcoming to all of us. Our pilgrimage was filled with several unseen adventures and many many blessings. As I reflect upon our journey, I can’t help but think about the faith, the joy, and the unity of millions of people all on fire for the Lord. We would literally break out into songs about Jesus on busses, trains, in the streets during adoration. The songs were sung in one’s own language all at the same time. All you could do was SMILE inside and out!! Gathering on the Field of Mercy the night before the Mass with Pope Francis, we looked out at a sea of light as millions held out their candles and ADORED the Lord in adoration. Millions of people from all over the world united in Christ! This truly was a graced experience, to partake in World Youth Day during the Year of Mercy in the city of Mercy!! Many thanks to the Community for allowing us to attend this blessed event from which many graces continue to flow!

Blessings upon Blessings! Gratitude upon Gratitude!

Joy upon Joy! Krakow, Poland,

WYD

Millions of youth, youth of all AGES, Coming together for one purpose, JESUS!

By Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel

I have thought long and hard about how I could write about our experience at World Youth Day 2016. I thought that, with time, I would be able to form a uni-fied reflection. After pondering the source of my writ-er’s block, I realized that my difficulty comes from having received a kaleidoscope of blessings from God. I think I am simply grateful.

I am grateful for the wild flowers that grew above the field that we danced on for two hours with our new friends from Poland. I am grateful for the good health that enabled us to “go upon the heights” and ascend the mountain with these friends. I am grateful for the joyful presence of Saint John Paul II as he undoubted-

ly smiled while watching the youth of his homeland sharing their traditional dances with visitors to the country, all gathered for the events that he founded.

I am grateful for the wonderful, warm people of Myslenice. Even though we were far away from the main World Youth Day events during the week, and

Our World Youth Day pilgrims from l to r, Sisters: Pamela Catherine Peasel, Monica Martin, Mary Teresa Bettag, and Regina Rose Pearson share their reflections on the experience.

Adoration on the Field of Mercy

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Reflections on WYD Experiences

spent a great deal of time commuting, I felt like we were the lucky ones, the blessed ones. As nice as Kra-kow was, there was something extra special about Myslenice, a town with a population of 20,000.

I am grateful for the opportunity to pray in such in-credible churches, from the airport chapel to the mon-astery where St. Faustina lived and prayed. Certainly, we brought all of your intentions with us and prayed with and for you, whether you remembered to write them down or not. I am grateful for the moments where God made Himself known, in a variety of ways.

I am grateful for the military and police force that were present everywhere we looked, and in places we would not have expected. I enjoyed catching moments of gid-diness from these otherwise stoic gentlemen as they, too, were enraptured by the jubilant energy of the crowds. I am grateful for the witness of three million Catholics as we gathered together to pray, walk, dance, visit, walk, cheer, and walk. I am grateful for the pro-found moments when we would go from being loud and youthful to being incredibly silent and reverent, and then back again!

I am grateful for all the delicious Polish food. We did not always know what we were eating, but it was al-ways delicious. I especially enjoyed the ice cream! It was similar to gelato.

I am grateful for the opportunity to kneel and pray before the final resting place of those who were killed at Auschwitz. I had always wondered what became of

their remains, and I was so glad that the pond their ashes were poured into became a dignified burial place with tombstones honoring them.

I am grateful for a deeper understanding of God’s abundant mercy. How much I wish the whole world could know that He waits for us with such longing and love! If only we all knew of his willingness to forgive each and every sin! The challenge for us is to forgive ourselves and each other.

I am grateful for everyone who made this trip possible. I am grateful to the administration for allowing us to go on this pilgrimage, and the entire community for supporting us in every way, but most of all for your prayers. I am grateful to the leadership of our pilgrim-age, for helping us to “roll with the punches” and find ways to turn our misfortunes into positive experiences, like turning a delayed flight into an awesome visit to Germany. I am grateful to my fellow Sister pilgrims for being great companions. We laughed a lot together and grew closer during the pilgrimage.

I am grateful that some of the spiritual graces that be-gan in Poland have continued to grow and blossom in my life back home. I am so grateful to God for the grace of an extended sense of being on pilgrimage. Truly, our whole life is a pilgrimage to heaven, but somehow it has greater meaning for me today than it did a few months ago.

By Sister Monica Martin

It’s hard to fully articulate the experience that is World Youth Day. In truth, I have not yet had the time to reflect on all that we did and saw there. The days were a whirlwind, with us leaving early in the morning to go into Krakow and arriving back to our host site outside the city late in the evening. It was hot, many were ex-hausted most days, our bodies hurt, and the days were packed with walking and sightseeing. It would take hours, I am sure, to relay all of the stories we accumu-lated!

But despite the certain hardships of pilgrimage, it’s impossible not to talk about the beauty, too. With so many different encounters and happenings, so many

The quarry St. John Paul II worked at before the war. It is now a lake with

wonderful hiking trails.

Reflections on WYD Experiences

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places of prayer and faith packed into that small amount of time, I am choosing just a few that that struck me along our journey.

The History: A few times we made it into Krakow’s town square. As I stood in the center of the square, the history of that city was so alive and real to me. I couldn’t help but picture the atrocities that happened there. But, at the same time, I was struck by the unbelievable resilience of the Polish nation. Despite thousands of years of persecution and varying attempts to infiltrate this country, the Polish people have risen up and overcome. They have maintained such a strong and beautiful faith, such a welcoming and hospitable heart. We experienced nothing but joy and acceptance from all of those welcoming us to their city. It was truly a testament to the spirit of World Youth Day and to the spirit of the Polish people.

The Communication between millions: There is no real way to describe the energy of millions gath-ered to share and celebrate faith. People of all lan-guages came together and, in the light of faith, lan-guage ceased to be a barrier. Often with only unso-phisticated hand motions to communicate, full con-versations were had and lives were shared from all around the world. Even without words, true listening was accomplished. National disputes were forgotten and a spirit of unity and acceptance was undeniable! It struck me how often we make barriers where there are none and how eager so many are to converse and listen to one another if only we’d take the time.

The Silence: For ten days, we walked from place to place, always in the midst of an overwhelming energy and unshakeable vitality. It surrounded us almost from the second we landed in Krakow. The buzz of excitement was everywhere we went, many times bursting into a cacophony of song, dance, and chant-ing. But upon the start of our prayer vigil at Campus Misericordiae (aka “The field of mercy” - where we spent the night in prayer and adoration with Pope Francis), the crush and clamor of 2 million people was brought to an abrupt halt in the face of prayer. A

sea of tiny flames lit up the sky as candles were lit and millions went to their knees. The silence was a relief but it also created a stunning sense of peace and hope. The desire of so many to be quiet and be be-fore the Lord in prayer was a profound moment for me.

The Volunteers: The people of Krakow planned and worked for two years to pre-pare for our coming. Their joy in cele-brating this event in their home country

was palpable. I never ceased to be amazed at the gen-erosity, the humility, and the hospitality of the many, many volunteers we encountered. From providing us food to directions to taxis to stamps to every other little thing we needed, they were exemplary in their care of us. They abandoned their sleep and their homes in order to be available to us at any moment. What love they showed us!

The Homily: Under the scorching sun, millions stopped to listen to a word of mercy and hope from Pope Francis. He reminded us that our presence at WYD was a direct call from the Lord, that we were there for a reason! We were a message to a world in chaos. He said, “Our response to a world at war has a name: its name is fraternity, its name is brotherhood, its name is communion, and its name is family.”

He went on to warn us that true happiness is not found where we are comfortable, where we are free from pain and worry. This is an illusion! “We didn’t come into this world to “vegetate”, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark. The times we live in do not call for young couch potatoes but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced!” Though his message was directed at youth, it was really a message for the whole world, any age, and I couldn’t help but hope that we can all find the courage to “get up off the couch,” to go out and seek communion.

A heartfelt gratitude is all I can express to the Francis-can Sisters of Christian Charity for making this trip possible. I never expected such a thing to happen and

Reflections on WYD Experiences

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I know I have experienced things that will remain with me for the rest of my life! I hope that the things we young sisters have learned will continue to build up and inspire our Franciscan community for years to come.

By Sister Regina Rose Pearson

Words cannot even describe how incredible World Youth Day was - so I won't even try.

Just kidding - I'm too excited for that! From beginning to end it was one adventure after another - a cancelled flight stranded us in Frankfurt for a full day (but meant we were able explore the city), mix-up with busing meant we almost got to pull an all-nighter the first night, a trip to Czestochowa, stum-bling upon the quarry that JPII worked at, a tour of Krakow, a day with our host town of Myślenice hik-ing and dancing Polish dances in the mountains (I love the mountains), a pilgrimage of mercy to the Di-vine Mercy Shrine, being locked out of an arena (but getting everyone else locked out to do the wave), missing the midnight tram (but benefiting from the hospitality of Poles who still picked us up even though we were late), two showers for 45 girls, one working bathroom, the hospitality of all of Poland but especially of our hosts at the school we stayed at, welcoming the holy Father amid a crowd of one mil-lion (like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics but crazier - though not as fancy), catechesis, God taking care of us by answering so many little prayers, the Via Crucis with Pope Francis, late nights and early morn-ings, a hike to the vigil site where we camped out (with 2-3 million of our closest friends), the organiz-ers running out of food for us after we waited in line for three hours (it was hilarious), the beauty of the Church experienced, Mass with the Pope, trading with other pilgrims, a long walk back - getting soaked by rain at the end of the walk just before the buses came, daily Mass, visits to Auschwitz (this was hard) and Wadowice (my favorite place in Poland is the ad-oration chapel in JPII's parish church), and even meeting two Olympic athletes on the way home!

It was incredible from start to finish - every moment I felt fully alive and absolutely present to the moment - loving every second of it (especially our hilarious mis-haps and adventures)! But two things really stand out to me - first is the sense of community. We were made for community and to experience it so strongly was incredible. I've experienced it amid my family,

which is a real blessing, but on such a large scale - the communion of the Church - was awe-inspiring. But I especially appreciated the sense of community that was forged among us four Sisters who went - I absolutely loved getting to know and spend time with them! We had a blast and a half!

But the other thing that really stands out to me from WYD was

this: I'd often heard how the Church is young, the Church is growing, the Church is beautiful, the Church is universal - but to experience it was mind-blowing and totally unforgettable. This was especially clear at the vigil with the Pope and nearly 3 million people - flags from every country I'd ever heard of and many I'd never heard of - people in every direc-tion as far as you could see and beyond - some as much as a mile or more away from the main stage! All of them falling dead silent for adoration, cheering with a deafening roar at the mention of Pope John Paul II and at Pope Francis's challenges to young people (among them was that we are not called to the sofa, or to "vegetate" but to be fully engaged and alive, awake to the world, to our brothers and sisters, and to our faith). Then when all of us had candles and it grew dark it looked like the sky full of stars had come to the ground - so beautiful!

We all prayed so hard for each one of you while there - we brought the book of intentions and carried it with us throughout Poland, leaving it at the Divine Mercy Shrine. You were and are prayed for daily - please pray for me too, and thank you for your pray-ers, I have no doubt that they made the experience all that it was!

By Sister Mary Teresa Bettag

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Franciscan VALUES

St. Francis of Assisi School Invite First Responders

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Newton, Wisconsin―The St. Thomas the Apostle staff each year in the fall has a staff retreat together to give a spiritual thrust to the year, and to take time to grow in our ministry to God's people. We have gone to Gener-ose Center, Holy Resurrection Monastery at St Nazi-anz, to The Bridge Between in Denmark, and to St Norbert Spirituality Center in De Pere in the past. This year on Sept. 9 we met at our Motherhouse and spent a lovely day reflecting on "Four Values of St. Francis," presented by Sister Anne Marie Lom, and "Praying for the Living and the Dead," presented by Sister Julie Ann Sheahan. We joined the Sisters at the 10:30 Mass, and had dinner in the cafeteria afterwards. A visit to the Craft Room was also included, especially since Sis-ter Linda is a volunteer in the office at St. Thomas once a week, and we wanted to check out all the beau-tiful projects she oversees. The day was a refreshing respite, and gave us much food for thought. It was also

wonderful to share our home with our co-workers. We only regretted that a few of our part-time individuals were not able to attend.

Submitted by Sister Marlita Henseler

Greenwood, Mississippi―On Wednesday, September 21, the students, faculty and staff of St. Francis of Assisi School showed their support and appreciation to the First Responders at a school Mass. The celebration included special blessings for the group of public serv-ants. Mrs. Lewis, the principal had invited State Troopers, the Greenwood Police Department, the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department, the Greenwood Fire Department and Medstat. She said the intention was to counteract the sometimes negative perception of law enforcement. The student body was eager to

extend their support, respect and gratitude to the men and women who were able to at-tend.

Following Mass and the blessing a light lunch was provided for those First Respond-ers who were able to stay. The Greenwood Fire Chief, Marcus Banks said, “Prayer is always important, regardless of your profes-sion. I’m elated about this.” The Greenwood Police Chief, Ray Moore said that the salute

to the First Responders is a wonderful show of sup-port. “It really makes us feel good. You have no idea what it means. It really touches our hearts.”

Other First Responders echoed the same sentiments. We were told that many other men and women would have come, but were unable because they were on du-ty.

The gesture turned out to be a blessing not only for the First Responders of our area, but also to our Fac-ulty, Staff and Student Body here at St. Francis.

By Sister Annette Kurey

Sister Kathleen’s kindergarteners had checked out the shiny red fire engine.

First Responders from the area accepted an invitation to attend a school Mass.

Pictures l to r: Sister Anne Marie Lom, Sister Linda Brandes, Sis-ter Julie Ann Sheahan, Pam Fischer, Sister Patricia Touhey, Kryssa Luckow, Mary Chizek, Julie Koenig, and Sister Marlita Henseler.

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Greetings from Hawaii Kekaha, Hawaii―Sister Michael Ann O’Donnell, Sister Janet Rose, and Sister Mary Ann Tupy “enjoyed” extra time in the Chicago airport July 20 when their flight was delayed due to bad weather. We finally arrived July 21 and were picked up from the airport by Gerry Mararagan a member of St. Theresa Parish. We spent the next couple days unpacking, stocking the pantry, and working at St. Theresa’s in our respective ministries.

School started August 1 with the students but we were able to enjoy the beauty of Kukiolona Park in Kakieho, August 19―Statehood Day. We were greeted by the many free range roosters and chickens and then treated to the beauty of this Island Park. Sister Janet and Sister Michael Ann were able to answer Sister Mary Ann’s many questions about plants, trees, location etc.

Submitted by Sister Mary Ann Tupy

Each morning of this month we are asked to pray, that journalists, in carrying out their work, may always be motivated by respect for truth and a strong sense of ethics.

The Society of Profes-sional Journalists state in the Preamble to their Code of Ethics: (We) be-lieve that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive ac-count of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibil-ity. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice. The journalist is to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable.

As we approach our nation’s election day, the need for stellar reporting by journalists is more and more imperative. It is also a good time for us to do a “consumers’ examen”. As consumers of the news in its various forms, do we call our journalists to the

ethical high ground? Do we select the sources we de-pend on with care? Do we offer feedback to our me-dia sources via letter or email? Do we inform broadcast organizations of our opinions and our ap-praisal of their journalists and broadcasts? The mar-

ket drives what we see, hear and read. If we, as con-sumers express our like or dislike for a certain level of reporting, then we might expect to see our opin-ions reflected in future offerings in our papers, on our TVs, computer screens and radios.

As Franciscans we need to keep in mind Francis’ awareness of the social and political milieu around him. Though often lost in prayer, he still saw God’s call in the current events around him. It is in this public arena that he sought peace. Clare, though en-closed, had an unquenchable thirst for truth. She saw the cross as her source, but was also aware of the need for peace and justice in her surroundings. Was it not Clare who saved the city of Assisi when the enemy threatened at its walls? So, let us be informed. Let us seek the ultimate truths in prayer. Let us insist on honesty and transparency from those who keep us informed. Let us pray for courage among all jour-nalists!

By Sister Kathleen Murphy Social Justice Commission

http://www.azquotes.com/quote/845537

Sister Janet (seated). L to r: Sister Mary Ann and Sister Michael Ann.

Page 10

Professor Sears publishes article about African-American poet’s stay at Silver Lake College during Civil Rights era

NaProEthics Goes to University of Oxford

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Manitowoc, Wisconsin — Shortly after he joined Silver Lake College 14 years ago, Dr. Albert Sears heard the story about Gwendolyn Brooks. It wasn’t until recently that the professor of English decided to write down the story.

His article was published in the 2016 edition of The AF-CU Journal: A Franciscan Perspective on Higher Educa-tion, a publication of the Association of Franciscan Col-leges and Universities.

Silver Lake College of the Holy Family was founded by and continues to be sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

“I wanted to explore the story in the context of Francis-can hospitality,” Sears said. “I always thought the story of Gwendolyn Brooks is a story of who we are.”

Brooks won a Pulitzer Prize in 1950 for the book of po-etry, “Annie Allen,” making her the first African-American to receive the prestigious literary prize.

Last February, the International Commission on Legal and Religion Studies (ICLARS) put out a call for pa-pers on various aspects of Religious Liberty in prepa-ration for a conference on that subject at the Universi-ty of Oxford, St. Hugh’s College. Representing the Center for NaProEthics, I submitted an abstract on threats to healthcare rights of conscience in the U.S. and it was accepted. The conference began on Septem-ber 8th and I presented (with Jesus at my side) on Sep-tember 9th. Much to my surprise—and to my relief—my lecture was accepted by persons on the right and the left. I attribute that acceptance, once again, to the Lord’s help. Participants and speakers came from all over the world; I made many new friends, and I re-turned safe and sound to the U.S.A. on September 12th ―thrilled to be back on American soil.

The conference was intense, so not much time for pic-ture taking, but I include here a picture of St. Hugh’s

College, Oxford (one of six or seven colleges that comprise the University of Oxford), so you could see what things look like in this corner of the world. Medi-eval buildings, many dating back to the 13th century, abound everywhere. Special thanks to the Community for their sponsorship of the trip and the conference.

Submitted by Sister Renée Mirkes

Dr. Albert Sears, Silver Lake College English professor, left, recently published an article about Pulitzer Prize-winning, African-American poet Gwendolyn Brooks in the 2016 edition of The AFCU Journal: A Franciscan Perspective on Higher Education, a publication of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. He chronicled how Brooks was given a place to stay on campus during the Civil Rights Era when Manitowoc was a “sundown town,” which wouldn’t allow an African-American to stay overnight. Sister Ritarose Stahl, right, was instrumental in extending the invitation to Brooks, and shared research materials and recollections with Dr. Sears. Continued on page 11.

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Sisters Invited to Fr. Tom Mullally’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

African-American poet’s stay at SLC in 1968 (Continued from page 10)

Mound Bayou, Mississippi―The Sisters in Mound Bayou were privileged to be among those invited to celebrate Fr. Tom Mullally’s 50th Anniversary of his profession in the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). This is a world wide mis-sionary society whose mandate in-cludes service to the local church where the people of God cannot grow without the help of missionaries. How true this is of the Mississippi Delta! There was an equal blend of Diocesan and Divine Word priests at the celebra-tion.

It is interesting to note that the Divine Word Mission-aries opened the first United States seminary for Afri-can American men in 1920 at the Greenville parish where Fr. Tom now serves. The Seminary and the Headquarters of the Southern Province of the Society of the Divine Word are now located in Bay St. Louis, MS.

The parishes of Sacred Heart, Greenville and St. Francis of Assisi, Shaw planned the celebration with Mass, dinner and entertainment. It was a mixed cultural event with Mass readings being read in English and Spanish; the Black Gospel Choir from Sacred Heart provided the music.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Jackson Diocese and Father Paul Papa Kahan, the Provincial were special guest who both spoke words of commendation after Holy Communion. Father Tom’s personal message was especially to the

young people to consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

We, Sisters at St. Gabriel Mercy Center attend the Wednesday evening Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Shaw where Father Tom and his associate, Father Peter, serve.

By Sister Emy Beth Furrer

Fr. Tom Mullally and Bishop Joseph Kopacz shared the head table. Stand-ing are Sisters Emy Beth Furrer, Monica Mary DeQuardo, and Mary Beth Kornely

The University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc invited her to give a reading in 1968, a time when Manitowoc had little racial diversity. It was a very forward-thinking invitation during this time of social unrest, Sears said.

One glitch: Her poetry reading was in the evening, it was learned she didn’t drive, and Manitowoc was a “sundown town,” one of many in the Midwest that did not allow African-Americans to stay overnight.

Two Franciscan Sisters from what was then called Ho-ly Family College attended Brooks’ reading: Sister Cari-na Schisel, an English faculty member, and Sister Ri-tarose Stahl, her student, who is now the college’s ar-chivist. Stahl shared research materials and recollec-tions with Sears. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” she said. “I can see myself at the University of Wiscon-sin talking with her.”

It was while waiting in line to get some punch that Stahl overheard Brooks asking where she was to stay overnight. When there was some question as to her accommodations, the sisters decided to invite her to spend the night at the college, then considered outside of the city limits. She stayed on the second floor of the main building in a guest room, which is now office space.

During his research, Sears was moved by the notes and books from Brooks that are filed in the college’s ar-chives. “The biggest story is the hospitality of the sis-ters, the legacies of those notes and autographed books,” Sears said. A note, which he included in his article, perhaps best sums up the story. It reads, in part: “I shall never forget your gentle kindness, your deep humanity; I shall always gratefully return, in memory to the hours of strange peace I experienced during my little stay with you.” SLC Press Release

Recently, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity joined Roncalli High School students, St. Francis of Assisi Mid-dle School volunteers and Friends of the Manitowoc River Watershed for the Alliance of the Great Lakes Sep-tember Adopt-a-beach. It was a glorious day!

Adopt-a-Beach touches all five Great Lakes with volun-teers from all eight Great Lakes states. Our group rec-orded and collected over 48 pounds of trash. Our pur-pose is to keep Sister Water safe, clean and beautiful.

News Bits and Pieces

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Therapy Dog Departs for Florida in October

On September 23, the Sisters from St. Rita’s visited with Reagan for the last time this year. He and his owner Don move to Naples, Florida for the winter. Reagan is part of a program in Florida called Paws with a Cause, which works primarily with war veterans. Reagan and Don will be back to visit the Sisters at St. Rita’s sometime in May of 2017.

Submitted by Lisa, St. Rita’s Activity Department