Congregational E-News ~ Aug. 1, 2020
We tend to think of the varied seasons in specific images—spring with the birth of new life, summer with days of carefree relaxation, autumn with its display of brilliant color, and winter with its snowy grandeur. But this year’s “seasons” have taken on new images: family and friends fighting and dying from a formerly unknown illness, political discontent, rioting spurred on by longtime injustices. But signs of hope are also emerging—indications of a greater awareness of both past and present pandemics of injustice—an awareness that we pray will birth a new and lasting peace. 
  I/Eye Witness

Summer is at hand
the mighty oak tree
a mile high and wide
heavily burdened with
leaves of vibrant beauty
now images:
each leaf an experience of
pain and brutality
of lives lost to
violence and virus.

Pain and suffering for hundreds of years
now a volcanic eruption of burning ash
spewing flames of change
searing our hearts to awaken us
to cultivating,
                creating,
                             being,
                                       “LOVE”
For all . . .
who have suffered and
those who continue to suffer the pain of
blackness, brownness, redness, etc.
caused by the whitewash of white supremacy.

Now the time has come for grieving, healing, and unity
fostering new growth with unbounded love for all.

Healing will come when
we wrap our loving arms around the
marginalized and oppressed of this world,
allowing their dignity to shine so that
all God’s children can live in harmony and peace.

Our common thread of hope is our
         Wholeheartedness,
our DNA spiraling life as Human BEings.

The gift of life is US
sharing our uniqueness and honoring
the blessings we are for one another
with gratitude and praise to God.

Our Creator would be “AWED”!!

Kathleen Parisi, OSF (written June 15, 2020)

Archbishop Nelson J. Perez Visits OLA

On Wednesday, July 22, Archbishop Nelson J. Perez celebrated Mass at Our Lady of Angels Chapel. Because he is new to Philadelphia, he wanted to visit and to meet those in the archdiocese. He said Mass at 10 A.M. with a wonderful homily bringing out the life and love of St. Mary Magdalen, then greeted the sisters after in the Magnolia Room. Sr. Kathy Parisi gave him a tour of the motherhouse. Later he joined the leadership team for a delicious lunch prepared by our food service staff. Fr. Cyprian Rosen, Fr. Francis Sariego, and Monsignor John Savinski were with us as well.

The archbishop shared the following post on his Facebook page:

"On this Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalen, I was blessed to celebrate Mass and visit the  Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia  at the beautiful Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston  #DelawareCounty . I was humbled by their kindness and warm hospitality, including the prayer they offered over me at the conclusion of Mass following the final blessing.

May the Lord continue to bless this prayerful and wonderful community who do so much good in our region in service to God and His people. Thank you, Sisters!

Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Saint Mary Magdalen, pray for us!"

See additional photos from the event here.
Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit
Are you aware that there is more than one style of discernment?

In our Franciscan theology and discernment, we see the whole situation and begin from a place of beauty, love, and a desire to return to balance and harmony. Life is not a puzzle to be figured out piece by piece but a practice of following the heart as lead by the Spirit. Other styles of discernment work for some of us, but not all and they have a different focus.

If you are interested in learning more about Franciscan Discernment, we have two different workshops/retreats that may interest you.
Join us for a Franciscan Discernment Workshop! We are offering a Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit workshop for those who may be interested. This virtual workshop can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you or your organization. We look forward to hearing from you.   Click here to learn more!
This virtual six-hour retreat will include group prayer; several short presentations; a booklet with the information and process; lots of time for personal reflection; and, an opportunity for sharing with a small group. An email will be sent to those who request participation with additional information. Space is limited.

Date: August 15, 2020; 12-6 P.M. (EDT); 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. (PDT)

Cost: Free
A Warm Goodbye

Sr. Anne Patrice Hefner is leaving Asylee Women Enterprise after six years of committed dedication and service to women and children making a new home and life in Baltimore, Maryland. She received an award certificate as a token of gratitude. Asylee Women Enterprise helps those seeking asylum to rebuild their lives and their spirits by providing transitional housing, community, and other supportive services. Asylum seekers, by definition, are fleeing persecution in their home countries and are left with nowhere to go. Despite the fact that asylum seekers are in the United States legally, they can’t receive any government benefits until their asylum has been decided—a process that can take two to three years. That means no food stamps, no Medicaid, no job placement, no case management services. In fact, asylees must wait 150 days from the time they file their asylum applications just to apply for a work permit. Due to backlogs, it is often months after applying that a work permit is actually received. “During that time they really have nothing,” Anne said. During her years with Ayslee, she worked closely with the women at the center to offer hope and support. In addition, she developed the volunteer program and helped wherever needed. They are sure to miss her at the center!


Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org