Congregational E-News ~ Oct. 15, 2020
We know that St. Francis’ receiving the stigmata on Mount LaVerna was, indeed, an exceptional event. Only a very limited number of people have actually carried the imprint of Jesus’ wounds on their bodies. But yet, in myriad ways unique to each of us, we do “carry” the “imprint” of Jesus to others. Think about it! Then ask yourself, “How do others see Jesus in me?”
La Verna Encounter

You fascinate my heart,
My God,
My being held in awe by all
You are,
Held in awe by god-love
So intense
And yet so tender,
Love
Embracing all my being without bruising,
Love that captivates my soul,
That captures what I am
And what I still can be
And holds it all within those godly arms
That love without control
And raise me up to see
The god-in-me
That’s mirrored in your face,
To know at last the wonder of your gaze
And read within the deep wells of your eyes
The utter fascination of your
Love
For me.


Ann Marie Slavin, OSF
Celebrating our 2021 Jubilarians!

Each year we celebrate our sisters who have reached milestones in religious life. Beginning in October 2020 and through September 2021, these sisters who have reached 50 and 70 years of religious will share the joy and gifts they give each other in and through jubilee. As our deceased sister, Sr. Rosemary Napolitano, once said in her 2011 jubilee reflection, "Celebrate well and often all that the good God enables in each of us. What do we have to celebrate? Life...life eternal, begun here and now and into time everlasting. Celebrate the journey and the God whose extravagant love leads us into unexpected surprise! "

All the celebrations and joy will culminate in our congregational jubilee celebration that will take place in June. This year, due to Covid-19, our 2021 jubilarians will be celebrate in June with our 2020 jubilarians who missed out on their celebration this past June. Please hold them all in your prayers and join us in praying for and congratulating our 2021 jubilarians.
Brewing Faith Podcast - Episode 8: St. Francis - The Transformation
Join Sr. Marian Leaf, a sister of St Francis of Philadelphia, as she follows Sara Marks, in bringing you these Brewing Faith podcasts. Learn about St. Francis and his life of transformation. Did you know that the young Francis dreamed of being a knight–a warrior going off to fight on the battlefields? Instead he became a peacemaker who lived in right relationship with others and all of creation! Let’s see how that happened.
Brewing Faith Episode 8: St. Francis, The Transformation

It would be hard to miss the growing tensions in our country today, not only in violent rhetoric but acts against persons and property as well. As I looked around, it seemed appropriate to choose as our first topic together, St. Francis of Assisi.

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Praying and Loving our Way Through Covid
Sr. Kathleen Carroll exits the Covid 19 Unit.
As for all of us, the pandemic has turned life upside down here at Assisi House. From October until the end of February, sisters were engaged in many spiritual programs, fun-filled activities, volunteering, visiting, and just basically enjoying the life they so well deserve.

When the pandemic hit, our mantra became “Pray as if everything depended on God; work as though everything depended on us.” (Paraphrase of St. Augustine) I am so edified by the work of the staff, the cooperation of the sisters, and the overall willingness to do whatever it took to keep the sisters safe and happy. We had five sisters who contracted the virus. Four have returned to us and our dear Sr. Pat Kidd went home to God. As a sister was released from the Covid Unit, staff lined the corridors, the sister was given flowers, and everyone along the hall sang and applauded her return.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our sisters and our friends for the many kindnesses shown to us during this time. So many of you sent masks, cards, and donations. You are written on our hearts as we know you made a difference. I pray you know that as well. We need to continue being careful and many restrictions are still in place. In addition to the universal testing done by the National Guard, we have been doing a series of testing for employees, staff, and volunteers to ensure that the virus does not visit again. Employees have been wonderfully cooperative with this and so supportive of one another.

Our rule of thumb now is that no one can enter Assisi House unless they have been tested and can provide the documentation. We have allowed sisters to visit with family and friends but only outside with masks. We are hoping to reduce some additional restrictions in the coming months before the next surge is predicted. However, as we continue to rely on our mantra: “Pray as if everything depended on God; work as though everything depended on us,” we need to do all in our power to keep the sisters and staff safe.
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org