Thoughts from a Franciscan Sister

[Guest]

Thank you, Sister, for the little introduction to your post followed by the link: Read More.

[sr.christinaosf]

This evening after Vespers, I prayed the "Prayer for our Deceased Sister" with the other Sisters and visitors in our Chapel for the first time in quite a while. We will be doing this for the rest of the week since one of our German Sisters died recently. This prayer is offered in conjunction with Psalm 130: "Out of the Depths." One phrase of this psalm was particularly striking to me this evening: "For with the Lord their is mercy..." [ 53 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

This morning, my fingers delighted in playing the chords and melody of a hymn which had been chosen by Sr. Rebecca, whose week it is to lead Office, lector at Mass, and select the music. In other words, it’s “her week for liturgy.” She had picked “Crown Him With Many Crowns” for Friday’s Mass, and it is my turn to provide accompaniment on the keyboard in our chapel. [ 176 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

This morning, we again heard the beautiful story of the beginnings of St. Peter's discipleship in the gospel reading. To be accurate, this probably wasn't the very beginning; he obviously had some familiarity with Jesus before he let him use his boat. There is so much in this passage; so much for reflection and meditation. I was glad to have had the chance to pray with this text this morning before Mass during my mediation. [ 250 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

This morning, when I woke up, I surely did not anticipate all that this day would hold! We had been out to the farm of Sr. Rebecca's niece yesterday, and she had given us potatoes, tomatoes, onions, tomato sauces (salsa and pasta), and plums - lots of them! It was nice to get out of town, despite the fact that we had trouble finding the farm. [ 271 more words ]

[Guest]

Wow, Sister, you sure pack it in daily.   "What do they do all day?" is a question that religious have a giggle about.  How did you go with plum stains, they are a delight aren't they!

[sr.christinaosf]

I didn't really get stains - just a mess to clean up on the counter, stove and floor.

This afternoon, we did up about 15 pints of plum jam, with a couple of gallons of plum puree still in the fridge.

[sr.christinaosf]

In preparation for reading at this morning's Mass, I used the texts from the reactionary for my meditation. In reflecting on the "alleluia verse," I was struck by the relationship between love and sorrow. I realized that Mary, who is now invoked as "Our Lady of Sorrows," probably loved more than any other human person ever had, more than any of us. [https://ourfranciscanfiat.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/great-love-great-suffering/

 

[sr.christinaosf]

About a week ago, I got an email from my sister asking if I was up for company over the weekend. After checking things out here, I informed her that I certainly was. Soon after, I could be heard sharing the exciting news with a co-worker: "My little sister's coming!" Angie has come with my parents before when they've driven the 330 mile trek. [ 126 more words ]

https://ourfranciscanfiat.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/my-little-sisters-coming/

[sr.christinaosf]

It has been a busy week! I am looking forward to a quiet evening and the chance to catch up on a bit of reading after all that's been going on. Having made many gallons of apple sauce yesterday afternoon and planning ahead for Sunday's fall/harvest-themed "reminisce" program that we'll be having with our residents, I had "oatmeal applesauce cookies" on my mind earlier. [ 249 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

We just made an apple cake and I made an apple crisp with some of the remaining apples. Smells good

[sr.christinaosf]

The season of summer vacationing, during which many people “get away” and relax at lake resorts or property, is winding down. The days of fun on the water, swimming boating, and fishing have all but vanished...
https://ourfranciscanfiat.wordpress.com/…/…/27/gone-fishing/

[sr.christinaosf]

This morning, as I was going over the readings for Mass, it struck me that “We’re on the winning side.”

There are actually two options for the first reading on this feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  The first option is from the book of Daniel and the second is from Revelation...

Read more...

[sr.christinaosf]

“…Save in the Cross”

This evening, before praying "first vespers" for our solemnity of St. Francis (our patron and founder), we concluded our annual preparatory novena leading...read more

[sr.christinaosf]

This morning, as I sit at the reception desk embroidering, I have tomorrow's responsorial psalm playing the background; this will help prepare me for leading the singing at Mass. The words of this psalm are touching for me, especially after just having completed a study with our residents on the Exodus. We're been reviewing how God brought His people out of Egypt and gave them a land to inhabit. [ 105 more words ]

https://ourfranciscanfiat.wordpress.com/2017/10/07/the-vineyard-of-the-lord/

[sr.christinaosf]

No, I don't think that I'm the greatest writer out there, but I do look for opportunities to get the word out about our blog as a means of possibly fostering awareness and vocations. I received this email and thought I would forward it to you in case you might consider nominating Our Franciscan Fiat for one of their awards. Nominations are open. [ 148 more words ]

https://ourfranciscanfiat.wordpress.com/2017/10/10/attention-readers-of-our-franciscan-fiat/

[sr.christinaosf]

Fun Pictures

I’ve carried a family tradition with me “to the convent,” namely making a scarecrow in the beginning of October.  “Henry,” now an annual visitor made by myself and a few residents, sits outside our facility. Enjoy a few …

[sr.christinaosf]

I work a few evenings a week here at the front desk. Sometimes, when I see someone heading toward our chapel (if I know them well enough to be comfortable), I'll encourage them: "Put in a good word for me." (There is one individual who I am especially prone to exhort in this way.) I figure that I need all the prayers I can get, and what better place to find them than with someone who is on the way to visit Christ, present in our chapel? [ 110 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

After our annual "Fire Safety In-Service" (not my favorite pastime), I stopped home for a couple of things. While there, I received a phone call that was truly a blessing. I have been facing a couple of challenging situations and this conversation was a cherished opportunity to share and discuss it with a caring confidant. I was so grateful. After hanging up the phone, I walked toward our little convent chapel, meaning to quickly genuflect (as I customarily do) before leaving to return to my workplace. [ 141 more words ]

 

[sr.christinaosf]

FEEDBACK PLEASE: (Regarding Our Franciscan Fiat) I would appreciate your thoughts/feedback: Is it worth keeping up this blog? Do you find it interesting? Do you have any other thoughts to share? Thanks.

Edited October 18, 2017 by sr.christinaosf