Congregational E-News ~ Apr. 1, 2020
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As we approach Holy Week and reflect more deeply on the Passion, we try to relate in some way to the physical sufferings of Jesus. True—most of us are not going to be nailed to a cross. But is it possible that some of us find ourselves “nailed” to a difficult situation and might need advice or counseling to help us relieve the ongoing stress? We might not stumble through our daily routines with “bloodied arms” and “matted bloodied hair.” But what about the “bloodied” hearts of those who deal daily with the terminal illness of a loved one. Although we wear no crown of thorns pressing painfully on our heads, some of us might
—
day and night—bear the crushing pain and worry of a child who suffers from addiction. And the sharpened pain from whips and lash? Remember those who bear the daily pain of verbal—and, at times—physical abuse. Your passion and suffering, Jesus, continues in our world today and we hold within our hearts those who live your pain today.
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Thoughts Before the Crucifix
If only I could pry the nails
And set Your body free,
So You could wrap Your bloodied arms
‘Round someone poor as me.
If only I were able to
Take off Your crown of thorns,
And smooth the matted bloodied hair
And lay my head near Yours.
If only I could make amends
For all my sinful ways
And hide myself deep in Your heart,
And bask in its warm rays.
I kneel before my crucifix,
I want to set You free.
Come down, dear Lord, I love you.
Don’t linger on that “tree.”
O Jesus, let me bind Your wounds, with every prayer I say.
Come Jesus Lord abide with me, and never go away.
Helen Kline Paulus (Franciscan Companion in Mission)
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Celebrating Easter in Quarantine
This Easter is going to be one for the record books and not in a good way. Pope Francis has put out the following message based on the current situation as published in Cruxnow.com. "
The Prefecture of the Pontifical Household announces that, because of the current global public health emergency, all the Liturgical Celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful,” reads the statement that was originally posted only in Italian but later also in English. This means that the Palm Sunday Mass; the Chrism Mass on Thursday; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday, which Pope Francis has always held in detention centers or with asylum seekers; Good Friday’s commemoration of the Lord’s Passion; and the Easter Vigil on Saturday, will all be celebrated without the faithful."
Holy Week marks one of the high points of the most important liturgical seasons for Catholics around the world. However, due to the global threat of the coronavirus, many countries have announced dramatic measures to curve the spread of this disease. This includes cancellation of Catholic Mass services throughout the world.
We, too, at Our Lady of Angels Convent, have aired on the side of caution and canceled all our Easter services/vigils. This deeply saddens us but we will be watching Masses and praying together in our convents/homes. We hope this time of crisis allows families to strengthen their bonds with each other and their faith in the Lord. We plan to broadcast a Holy Week series of reflections out of the Office of Young Adults. This will include Gospel readings and reflections posted on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
You can watch them on our social media pages or on our website. We have posted our Easter calendar with 50 days of daily reflections from Pope Francis
created in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th Anniversary of
Laudato Si: Our Common Home.
Visit our website to download or print it, here:
https://osfphila.org/spiritualityprayer/service_easter/
.
Another great resource is a blog entitled "How to Celebrate Holy Week During Quarantine." The article gives 16 creative ways families can celebrate Holy Week from home.
Click here
to learn more.
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Meet Sr. Deborah Krist
Like many of our sisters, Sr. Deborah Krist’s first encounter with the Sisters of St. Francis was during her secondary school years. Little Flower High School in Philadelphia was, like many diocesan high schools, staffed by various congregations of sisters. So…what led Debbie to the Franciscans? “I experienced a joyful spirit in our sisters that could not be contained—and I resonated with it, she explained. “I researched other congregations and visited their motherhouses but the Glen felt like ‘home’ to me.”
During her early years in the congregation, Debbie ministered in elementary education. In a 2005 article by Pete Kennedy in the
Bridesburg Star
, she reflected on what she saw as the focus of education. “The thing that was really important to me was to have the children feel good about themselves, to really develop their self-image.”
Read more.
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Brewing Faith Episode 5: Our Good Friday Moment
We are resurrection people living in a Good Friday moment. Jesus met many kind faces on the way to the cross. Who are the people in our lives helping, loving, supporting, and witnessing to goodness during these difficult days? Join us for a...
Read more
www.podbean.com
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The Chester Community Coalition
The Chester Community Coalition needs your support. In 2018, Sister Jean Rupertus, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, helped to form the Chester Community Coalition (CCC), which offers services to those impacted by violence in the city of Chester, Pennsylvania. The mission of this organization is “to heal the psychological and emotional impact of homicides and reduce trauma-related violence in the City of Chester.” The CCC is committed to working toward a solution to reduce violence in the city but the organization needs your help.
By contributing to the CCC, you will be a part of the movement to stop the murders of young men and women in the city. Your donation will go to support the work done each day at the CCC. There are therapy groups that meet in the evenings and for young children, there are art therapy sessions to help them deal with the emotional overload of losing a loved one or witnessing violence. This organization is committed to helping those who have experienced violence to overcome the powerful impact this experience has on their lives.
The CCC is more than just a resource for the community; it is a refuge for those from a city where, according to the data from the CCC, the average 15-year-old boy has a 7% chance of being murdered before age 35.
Consider giving to this nonprofit to help decrease the devastating impact violence has on individuals, families, and communities. Please donate to support this organization as it battles against violence and provides a new path for survivors.
Donate here!
Read more in the latest edition of the
Good News
!
Click here
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Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org
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