Franciscan Retreat Notes: For Me, Life is Christ

Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF, and Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, guided retreatants focusing on the conversion stories of St. Paul, St. Francis and St. Clare at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Discernment Retreat ‘For Me, Life is Christ’ (Phil.1:21).

Some shared references:

  • Paul was a tent-maker. Francis and Clare re-built ruined churches. You and I build our lives.

  • Pope Benedict has held up the life of St. Paul as a lesson to modern Christians...in particular, the pope has cited the apostle's conversion as relevant to Christians of every age. Contemporary men and women, the pope has argued, are also open to that kind of life-changing experience, which is always based on the personal encounter with Jesus Christ. (Vatican Letter-June 27-2008)

  • John's prologue: "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth."

  • "For me to live is Christ," is central to Saint Paul's mission. It is the pivot on which turn all the teachings of Saint Paul. Besides it sums up the true aim of Saint Paul and of everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

  • This is one of the most beautiful expressions that Saint Paul ever wrote. It came from the heart. It is the expression of a lover madly in love, who never tires of ringing inexhaustible changes on this theme, with no hint of luke-warmness, superficiality or superfluity. You're my life may seem a worn-out expression, but how different is Paul's love from that of other lovers and how different the object of his love from theirs. (Patriarch Gregorious' Byzantine Church)
While providing personal prayer time to grow in one’s relationship to God, the young women joined the Franciscan Sisters in the liturgy of the hours, Eucharist, and meals. Personalized mosaic creations concretized the ‘construction’ theme.

A Saturday snow storm allowed the opportunity to walk on frozen Silver Lake and protective, evergreen-lined trails, as well as find healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Thus inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened, and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. -St. Francis

Comments

Anonymous said…
The retreat, the sisters, the lifestyle there was just so real, so simple. It was a reminder to me that we are called, as St. Francis was, to rebuild Christ's Church everyday with love, faith and hope. And we can do that in the simple things, little things. I think it is easy to be overwhelmed in trying to be holy and lead holy lives but we can do that within our real lives, through simple tasks, through just simply loving. "Do small things with great love!"-St. Therese.

Thank you, Sisters, for being an example to all of us on how to live and love simply!
Anonymous said…
The Motherhouse and the lake are so beautiful! Our walk with Sister Mary Ann and Sister Julie Ann and the young women rocked. It was contemplative and fun talking to everyone. We must do that again in May and see how God's painting has changed. What a fitting property for St. Francis. He would have loved to have walked the snowy hills and see the water lay still and ever so peaceful. The discernment weekend was lovely. Have a good week to all the FSCC. Peace and love!
Anonymous said…
It helped me focus on God's call in my life. It also helped me understand more about the Franciscan way of life.
Anonymous said…
This retreat was peaceful and restoring. I feel a great peace here and when Sunday comes I don't feel like leaving. Every retreat is its own unique blessing. It was wonderful to hear the Sisters' stories.
Anonymous said…
It was the perfect time to get away from my crazy life back @ home. The Lord used this retreat to remind me of the call He's give me to serve Him in the people around me back at home. Humility.
Anonymous said…
It was good to be able to connect with other Catholic women my age. It was something that gave me hope for the world & our future. All we hear about are bad things people do, so it's nice to be around a large community of caring individuals.
Anonymous said…
I met many other women that have similar beliefs and I got different perspectives on different subjects. It's good to know there are others out there who share these things.
Anonymous said…
It was really wonderful to be able to stay at the Motherhouse. To interact with the sisters and live and pray in this space was a really enlightening experience.
Anonymous said…
This retreat instilled great peace. Christ's love amongst all of us young women brought me joy. I loved the silence, prayer, long beautiful walk-very contemplative.
Anonymous said…
It helped me to be at peace with issues going on in my life. It gave me time to pray away from distractions. I met a great group of spiritual, Catholic, lively women on the same path of faith.