“My soul finds rest in
God alone; my salvation comes from him.”
— Psalm 62:1
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
These flowers were a gift to Sister Francesca Parana on her 90th birthday in May. Sister Roselyn Kuzma transplanted them to St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place, where they have found new life during a stretch of beautiful early autumn days.
What If ... We Simply Rested?
With so much happening all around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, especially emotionally. But what if that’s okay? What if we gave ourselves the permission to rest?

Recommended by Gena Tallarico, executive director of our St. Francis Center for Renewal, this passage recently published by U.S. Catholic may very well include the words we need to hear right now:

“Give us the courage to rest. The holy audacity to do absolutely nothing at all. And as we do, allow us to hold vigil for the tombs of this world while honoring that we are neither savior or slave. Grant us a slowness that allows us to feel what hurts and makes healing possible. Let our rest be our liberation.”

And so we say to our friends in faith, “Go easy on yourselves.”
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Its Solitude, Stillness
In stillness and peace, God speaks to the soul. Our St. Francis Center for Renewal welcomes you to “come away for awhile” to experience the peace, tranquility and inspiration of the grounds at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
We crave reassurance and guidance from God, especially during these stressful times. Treat yourself to an overnight or two in solitude. Take time to pray, to listen, to feel His presence. Our clean and sanitized San Damiano Hermitage apartment is open, and a select number of single rooms are available in the Center itself. Overnight stays are feasible for individuals or small groups of up to five.

Patrons are expected to follow COVID-19 safety protocols and are responsible for their own meals. The Hermitage is equipped with it’s own kitchenette. Those who choose to stay in the Renewal Center have access to a kitchenette in which to prepare and eat their meals. For information or to book a stay, please call 610-867-8890 or email [email protected]. 
One-on-One with Our Sisters
September transports us into fall foliage and all the trappings of autumn.

What do you treasure most about the autumn season?: “We have nature favoring us with its changing foliage. We have such a perfect location and landscape here at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. In bygone days, it was the anticipation of a new school year with various challenges.”
— Sister Irene Novak

Praise Be, My Lord, for Mother Earth
Join our own Sister Marguerite Stewart at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, to explore God's beauty through the eyes of St. Francis of Assisi, all with praise and gratitude for our Mother Earth.

This virtual retreat is offered as part of St. Francis Center for Renewal’s Beyond Bricks & Mortar program, which provides opportunities for spiritual enrichment from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access. Downloading the free application Zoom ahead of time is recommended.

Register by clicking the button at right. Prefer to register by phone? Simply call 610-867-8890.
“I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains”
 Psalm 121
Sister Georgette Dublino soaks in God’s handiwork while visiting New Jersey’s Bear Mountains.
The Magnificance of the Mountains
How magnificent and beautiful is autumn in the mountains as the trees change into spectacular color! One’s heart cannot help but be uplifted and renewed in the presence of the Divine Artist. While missioned in New Jersey, the Bear Mountains were a favorite place to plan spiritual events for the parish with another staff member, as we were surrounded in God’s beauty.
— Sister Georgette Dublino

“Mountains are forever old ... yet always new
to those who find in them refreshment for the soul.”
A Feast for Your Eyes & Ears
This visually rich video blends the stirring song Autumn Leaves,
performed here by the late Eva Cassidy, with vibrant seasonal scenes of nature.
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