Friday, November 17, 2023 | |
Opening Prayer / Reflection | |
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One Day by Matisyahu
On February 14th, 2018, Koolulam (a social-musical initiative meant to bring people together) invited 3000 people who had never met before in Haifa, Israel to sing "One Day" in three languages - English, Hebrew, and Arabic - sharing their vision of hope and peace.
What follows is a powerful and beautiful rendition of a call for peace, and a reminder that despite the constant drumbeat toward war, there are those who continue to sing and call out for peace. To watch the video click here. This was shared by affiliate Gail Schultz.
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One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
Sometimes I lay under the moon
And thank God I'm breathin'
Then I pray, "Don't take me soon
'Cause I am here for a reason"
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know someday, it'll all turn around because
All my life, I've been waitin' for
I've been prayin' for, for the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There'll be no more wars, and our children will play
One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
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One day, this all will change, treat people the same
Stop with the violence, down with the hate
One day, we'll all be free and proud to be
Under the same sun, singin' songs of freedom like
Wah-yo (one day, one day), wah-yo, oh, oh (oh-oh-oh)
Wah-yo (one day, one day), wah-yo, oh, oh (oh-oh-oh)
All my life, I've been waitin' for
I've been prayin' for, for the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There'll be no more wars, and our children will play
One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
One day (one day), one day (one day)
One day (oh-oh-oh)
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A few weeks ago I watched the documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor." Released in 2018, the film details the life of Fred Rogers and his namesake show "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." Although I was already familiar with the show from my own childhood, and years later as an adult through Clara's and Isaac's experience of watching "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood," I was struck by Fred Roger's understanding of who his audience was - children. He treated the program as a ministry, and created each episode with a sense of intentionality, but also respect for those children who would be watching the show - knowing that the darkness, trauma, and violence of the world was also experienced by children, who needed a place to understand and process their emotions.
Over this last year, two wars have again brought to center stage how the violence of adults spills over to affect children - the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing war in Palestine and Israel. Even in such darkness though, there are moments of creative opposition - whether through song (as shared above), art, or prayer. I'd like to briefly share three of these examples:
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Artwork
Affiliate Kate Bausch was profiled in the most recent Perspective magazine for her "little mission" of inspiring prayer and peace for Ukraine through her artwork. On Kate's Facebook page you can see her peace doodles, which she shares daily. Each doodle combines the traditional peace sign, the word "peace," and at least one bird. As Kate shares in the article, "This little mission calls me to share my artistic talent and to encourage others to pray for peace. I pray that my little mission can help in some small way to begin to transform our world."
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Sculpture
In Russia, an artist who goes by the Instagram name "malenkiy piket" or "little picket" creates miniature figures holding signs that call for peace or call out injustice. The figures are then placed in public locations - protesting against the war. He has invited others to do the same. This type of action can lead to 10 years in prison. I find it to be an inspiring example of creative non-violence when faced with limited options to voice opposition. You can read more about this story from the BBC here.
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Prayer
Affiliate Rose Blank shared with me this invitation from her companion community People of the Earth:
"In light of all that is happening in the world, we wonder what it is we can do. We felt it was important for us to each commit to a moment of sacred pause/prayer at the time of our midday meal to pray for peace. We would like to invite all Companion Communities to join us as we pray for these situations, as well as all other places in the world where there is unrest. May the Spirit of Peace radiate from each of us into the world."
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In peace and goodness,
Michael Krueger
Please feel free to reach out to me at mkrueger@fspa.org or 608-668-2588 (ext. 652) with any questions. Office Hours can be found at end of newsletter.
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In this week's Franciscan Journey, a reminder about the upcoming events for the Franciscan Centenary, an invitation to share photos of your creche/manager, and at the end of the newsletter, in honor of Black Catholic History month, more information on the vision/legacy of Sister Thea Bowman. On 11/22 through 12/1 a special Thea exhibit will open in the Assisi Room, and will feature items from the FSPA Heritage area as well as special displays. | |
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Advent Adoration Hour - 12/4 at 2:00 PM: All sisters, affiliates, and prayer partners are invited to join us for an hour of Advent Adoration as a part of the 800th anniversary celebration of the creche. You can attend in-person in Mary of the Angels Chapel or join virtually.
Advent candlelight hike on FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge
12/5 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Franciscan Night at Rotary Lights - 12/10 at 5:00 PM
If you would like to volunteer at Rotary Lights during the Franciscan Night, there are still open positions that you can sign up for here.
You can learn more about the Franciscan Centenary Events here.
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Invitation to share Creches
To continue with this year's celebration of the Franciscan Centenary (this year's focus is on Greccio) the Affiliation Office would like to invite all affiliates to share a photo of their family's creche or manager. If you could send me a photo by December 11th, along with a brief description, I will create a display for the sisters at St. Rose and also share all of the photos with the wider affiliation community.
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Invitation to new virtual Companion Community
In January we will be starting a new companion community that meets virtually. If you are interested in participating or would be curious to learn more let me know.
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Affiliate Darleen Pryds (Oceanside, CA) was recently published in the November/December issue of St. Anthony Messenger. You can read her article, "Greccio and the First Live Nativity: 800 Years of Tradition" here.
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Affiliate Marjorie Schultes (Carroll, IA) died on October 13th. Marjorie was active for many years with the affiliate community in Carroll, IA. To read more about Marjorie's life you can view her obituary here.
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FSPA has partnered with Robertson Ryan Insurance, Borton Construction, Inc. and Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. to make a difference on this year’s global day of giving. On GivingTuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, these generous partners will MATCH donations gifted to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Ministry Grant Fund, up to $7,000!
Support Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (Maywood, Illinois), Bethany House of Hospitality (Chicago, Illinois), WAFER Food Pantry (La Crosse, Wisconsin) and many other FSPA ministry grants by visiting fspa.org/donate or calling 608-791-5282 on Nov. 28!
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As a reminder, if you would like to read the recipe make sure to click on the title. | | |
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Reducing Food Waste at Thanksgiving
By wasting less as we plan, prepare, and enjoy the holiday meals, we’ll reduce the 40% of food that gets wasted between farm and kitchen in our country. This post on "Food Waste and Thanksgiving" offers tips from the authors of “Perfectly Good Food”. Wasting less is part of giving thanks as we also look at Part II of the Healing Secrets of Food: Gratitude.
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Mulled Apple Cider
To “mull,” apple cider or red wine means “to heat, sweeten, and flavor it with whole spices”. Mulled cider is a cozy drink during fall apple season. Infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves, it will lift your spirits and make your kitchen smell like fall. Smells can hold memories, so as hands are clasped around warm mugs, memories can be shared and made.
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Servant of God Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Thea Bowman (1937-90) was a teacher, a singer, a dancer and a lecturer who spread the Good News to all people and tirelessly promoted pride in Black culture. We’re featuring Sister Thea’s vision throughout November, Black Catholic History Month. You can see some highlights on the FSPA public website as well as visit the Assisi Room for a display from 11/22 through 12/1.
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