Congregational E-News ~ Nov. 15, 2022

If we had not suffered, we would poorly see or understand others’ suffering. We would little know our gifts or recognize the hollows inside to be filled—filled by living both the hard times and the joys, by following new paths in new places, by emerging into the faith that comes from having struggled and yet survived and grown.

Psalm 2022

Part 3

I have been to the other side,

I have survived these times of difficulty

and I remain faithful and trusting in You.

I have had to feel the hurt, the pain,

to get to the other side.

I take the lessons I have learned with me,

everything else I shake the dust off my feet

to take me to another Village,

another place to make a home,

to do Your will.

My growing edges take time to smooth over.

But You are patient and merciful.

Help me to see myself as You so lovingly see me.

Make my voice stronger,

to speak your Truth,

to channel your Spirit,

to feel your Peace,

deep within me.

Sr. Maria Anna Dela Paz (Peaches)

Visit our Website

Donate Now

Philadelphia Pride - Prayers for the Phillies

Philadelphia pride was bubbling over lately with the Phillies making it to the World Series, the Union making it to the MLS Cup, and the Eagles venturing into an undefeated season. Many of our sisters are from the area and are big Philadelphia team fans. During the Phillies' play to become World Series champions, the fandom spirit was alive and well at OLA Convent in Aston. Each day our statue of St. Francis was seen wearing more and more Phillies gear. But why is this important? Is it right to pray for the Phillies to win?

The excitement around our sports teams brought the community together—together in prayer, together in spirit, and together with a common goal. Imagine if we could just keep that spirit and prayer chain going all year long in our communities—lifting each other up and being proud and supportive of our fellow human beings. Take a listen to these two clips from press we received over the love and prayers for the Phillies and see if you can find the deeper meaning. And even though the Phillies didn't win the World Series, we are very proud of our team and our city. And we still encourage you to pray every day and in all ways.

Prayers for the Phillies: Sisters of Saint Francis root for a World Series win — “Grant that we may not so much seek to win one game, as to take the series,” said Sister Kate O’Donnell, OSF, during a special prayer for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sister O’Donnell has been a Sister of Saint Francis for 57 years. In that time, she’s seen two Philadelphia World Series wins. This week, she hopes to make it three.

“I think it’s a good idea to keep praying all the time, no matter whether the Phillies are playing or not,” she said. “But particularly, I think in the next couple of days we need to really pray hard.” READ and WATCH

Neumann Nun Offers Some Prayerful Help to the Phils

The director of pastoral ministers at Neumann University is a huge Phillies fan so it’s no surprise that some of her prayers are going to them as they navigate the World Series, writes John McDevitt for KYW Radio.

“I have a baseball signed by Mike Schmidt. I have a baseball signed by Tug McGraw. Here is Tug McGraw at a very young age,” said Sr. Linda DeCero, providing a tour of her Phillies memorabilia.

During the World Series, the former chaplain for Neumann’s baseball team has set up a shrine in front of her TV with autographed baseballs, bobbleheads, religious relics, etc. READ

Meet Sr. Angela Sutera

Ever since childhood, Sr. Angela Frances Sutera has been adding beauty to the world through her creative gifts. Teaching children, creating magnificent arrangements with God’s glorious flowers, designing a Christmas crèche for Our Lady of Angels, making homemade bread and other delectable and sustaining foods, sewing for others: in all of these, Sr. Angela Frances Sutera adds to the world’s beauty and joy. As she has from childhood, she continues with generosity, dedication, and extraordinary creative gifts to bring loveliness to every day and special times for all those whose lives she touches.

Sr. Angela Frances Sutera grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Italian island of Sicily. Angela and her four brothers lived with their parents on a farm in a town near Palermo—Marineo, founded in the 16th century. In describing the experience of returning to her childhood home, Sr. Angela gives a sense of its magic: “There is no plane from Philadelphia to Palermo because the Palermo airport is small. From Rome, you take a small jet. It’s a beautiful flight because of the low altitude. But it is more romantic to go by train and ferry because the boat goes slowly. You travel all night. Up on the balcony of the boat as it approaches Sicily, you first see the statue of the Blessed Mother. At night you only see the crown. Early in the morning, you cannot miss the sun rising. From far away, your heart starts pounding if you were born there.” READ

Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving has roots in recognizing the many blessings that God has given us, as individuals and collectively as a country. More than 230 years after George Washington declared the day a holiday, millions of Americans continue to celebrate Thanksgiving with an eye toward God as the original source of all for which we have to be grateful. On behalf of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, we wish you a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving. We remember you with gratitude in prayer. As you sit down with your family for your holiday meal, We offer you one of the following prayers from our website to share in the joyous occasion as you sit down with your family for your holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Day Meal Prayer Options

Bless this food we have before us, O God. Let it provide the nourishment we need.

Bless this family and our friends gathered around this table. Let us be nourished by our love and care for one another.

Bless those who have less than we have. Let our eyes be open to their needs.

Bless us as we bless your holy name on this day of thanksgiving. Let us praise and thank you always in Jesus’ name. Amen.

_________________________

For those who choose to sing a blessing:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

_________________________

You, Most High, are the giver of all good gifts.

Thank you for the abundant blessings of food, shelter, family, and friends. From our hearts, we give you special thanks for (each person can name something for which they are grateful). For each of these blessings we are grateful and we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

_________________________

Pray with St. Francis:

“All-powerful, most holy, most high, supreme God: all good, supreme good, totally good, You Who alone are good, may we give You all praise, all glory, all thanks, all honor, all blessing, and all good. So be it! So be it! Amen.”

From Francis of Assisi - The Saint: Early Documents, Vol. 1, edited by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM Cap.; J.A. Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv.; and William J. Short, OFM (New York: New City Press, 1999, p. 162). Used with permission.

__________________________

Loving and Compassionate One, we gather on this Thanksgiving Day to share our love and friendship and the overflowing goodness of your love seen on and around this table. Bless those whose livelihood comes from toiling the earth: the farmers, growers, and pickers of this bounty. Bless us as we share from their labors. Bless all who have less than we have and help us to care for them as generously as you care for us. Bless each of us gathered at this table. Help us to grow in love for one another. As we gather we remember those who have gone before us gathered in your loving embrace. May we always remember them in love. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

_________________________

Litany of Thanksgiving:

For the gift of life, We thank you.

For the gift of family,

For the gift of this food,

For our friends,

For laughter,

For our safety,

For our shelter,

For the gift of love,

For the abundance of your love, O God,

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

STAY CONNECTED