“Soon we will back to the ordinary routines of our life. But if we have celebrated the feast
of the incarnation well, our lives will be changed. We don’t know what the new year will hold for us, for our families, for the world. But we know that God will continue to be with us. As we look back at the significant events of the past year, both the joys and the sorrows, the highs and the lows, we can see how God has shaped us and strengthened us for what lies ahead…perhaps we discover that something has changed in us because of an encounter, a gift, a new insight into the meaning of the incarnation. We can keep a little bit of that with us through the coming year and let it bring light and peace to our everyday lives. Our journey with God doesn’t end with the Christmas season. Jesus is forever, not just for Christmas.” —from The Peace of Christmas: Quiet Reflections with Pope Francis
Exploring Lent through the New Cosmology: We are Stardust! Saturday, March 9th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more information and inspiration for our
Lenten Day of Reflection
with Sister Ade Kroll from California
In next month’s The A ssociate, you will find suggestions on how you can participate in the total Franciscan Community (sisters and associates) study: Deal with Racism: Y es we can! You are invited to start exploring this subject more intently by reading the U.S. Bishop’s November Pastoral Letter, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. You can read and download this enlightening letter for free by going to the following site: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/openwide-our-hearts.pdf
The Franciscan Life Center invites you to a special retreat… Following Jesus: The Path of Holiness—Joyful and Challenging Monday-Friday, January 14-18 St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Father David Knight, retreat director, will help participants focus on their call to holiness—where they have been, where they are going and the challenges ahead. The Gospels, the sacrament of Baptism, Saint Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis, will serve as the outline for this retreat. Contact Christi Hartwell to register by January 8: (320)632-0680, or email
[email protected] Photo: ©Karen Pulmer Focht 2018 ·
AS Geri Dietz, St. Cloud, Minn.
Joel Donnell, an associate for over five years, shares how the stories of Saint Francis have impacted his life. One of Joel’s favorite stories is when the crucifix spoke to Francis as he was waiting and waiting for direction from God. “I know what that’s like,” Joel said, “to wait for direction from God and what it’s like to not be sure what to do next.” He read from The Journey and the Dream, by Murray Bodo, OFM: “Francis lifted his head from the stone floor and looked searchingly into the eyes of the crucifix…a voice clear and resonant pierced Francis’ soul. ‘Francis, go now and repair my church which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’ He waited for more and he searched and searched the face of the crucifix, but there was no movement, no more sign that more would come…[he] thanked Jesus for this clear request Jesus had made of him. He would start rebuilding the church immediately.” This story resonated with Joel because he knows what it’s like to take something literally, like Francis literally begging for stones to rebuild three churches. Later, all would come to realize Francis would rebuild the church in a new way – a deeper way that touched people’s hearts and minds. Joel said that we are still rebuilding the church, the body of Christ. “We are still building, with the grace of God, who we are and how we are to love, be compassionate and understanding, and being peace to others on this journey together. Every step is a journey to becoming closer to God. That is
how, together, we are rebuilding the church.” How has Joel been rebuilding the church? Joel and his wife Mary started off by being models of faith to school children. At Saint Francis School in Sartell, Minn., they are “Prayer Buddies” for a class of students. They pray with and for the class and show their care by celebrating events with the students. Mary and Joel have knitted the children hats and scarves. (Joel learned how to knit so he could do this for the children!) They then bless these gifts. They stay with the class until they graduate from sixth grade; some of their students have graduated from high school and stay in touch to this day! Joel also makes rosaries for the missions in Latin America. On another note, Joel’s face lit up as he talked about a ministry he believes is rebuilding the church: Koinonia. Koinonia is a spiritual experience designed for adults and is sponsored by the St. Cloud Diocese. It’s a time and place that provides an experience of what Christian community, fellowship and sharing are about. It is based on the pascal mystery – the death and resurrection of Jesus—and how this central mystery is fundamental to faith and applicable to our daily lives. Joel’s story doesn’t stop there. He continues to be on the journey and, like Francis, listens for what God is asking him to do next. I am grateful for associates like Joel who express their Franciscan spirit among children and adults, both those far away and those next door. God bless you, Joel, and thank you for sharing your story with us! ·
AS Verónica Rivadeneira, Ecuador
Where there is a will, there is a way. Someone said, “Come to my house.” The positive response was from the majority. One group arrived in one family’s car, the second group in another family’s car. It was not an address easily accessible by public bus. Rather, it was distant from other homes. But we made an appointment and we arrived with overflowing joy! This is how we celebrated Christmas with associates from the Sierra of Ecuador: we shared a delicious lunch followed by long conversation. The first topic of conversation was, “How many grandchildren or greatgrandchildren do you have?” There were associates that had more than a dozen grandchildren and some with more than six great-grandchildren, yet they look so young and grateful! But how we laughed when the answers came from the single associates! Then we got into a more serious reflection: “What is your biggest dream?” And we concluded with, “We Dream for a Franciscan Life,” that lives permanently under the action of the Spirit, capable of exploring new paths, that is more contemplative, where brothers and sisters move with passion , ·
that advances, light of luggage, toward the future, that is prophetic, that feels anointed to announce fraternity, reconciliation, peace, and solidarity, that is full of imagination and courage, capable of searching for alternative ways of living, that is a Samaritan life, generating a culture of life and civilization of love. With all this encouragement, we said goodbye until January 20th, when we will go to Cumbayá for the Pase del Niño* Mass. * The Pase del Niño (Child Jesus festivity) is a very old tradition in which we worship the Child God. There are parades with people dressed as the holy family, angels, shepherds and kings, and almost always this short pilgrimage is accompanied by a band playing popular Christmas carols. The procession leads us to church for the Mass.
Christi Hartwell, Little Falls, Minn.
Sister Michelle L’Allier—“just Michelle,” she’ll tell you—is a busy woman. She lives and works at the Welcoming House in St. Cloud, Minn., which houses the young adult Franciscan Community Volunteer program; she also works with retreats, presentations and spiritual direction through the Franciscan Life Center, as well as with Companioning/Vocation ministry for the religious community. But it is easy to see that she does it all out of love: a love for God and a love for others. So is it any wonder that when she was asked to tell her most beloved Franciscan story, she immediately turned to St. Clare? Especially as Michelle spent so much time studying St. Clare’s life as she worked toward a Certificate in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure’s University. It is St. Clare’s embodiment of Gospel values that so appeals to Michelle, particularly the way she used them to create a new model for leadership. “She didn’t want to be abbess,” Michelle told me, explaining how she was pressured to take on the title. It was only after a visit from St. Francis, when he told her she could do it on her own terms, that she accepted. “She transformed the understanding of leadership for women,” said Michelle, who finds St. Clare’s model particularly useful in her own work. Based on Christ’s own example, who “came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:28a), St. Clare took on this radical form of servant leadership, writing
that the abbess “should be the handmaid [servant] of all the sisters.” (Clare of Assisi, Form of Life, X:5). St. Clare showed great courage and determination when she insisted on writing the rule for her own community. This was a another radical departure from the norms of that time. It took much persistence over a number of years before the pope approved the rule just days before St. Clare’s death in 1253. This rule affirmed her vision of servanthood and shared leadership. It requires humility and love, something not often seen in today’s world, much less during Clare’s time. In working with young adults—older ones, too—Michelle finds this form of collaborative leadership both necessary and challenging. When I commented that surely even Franciscans can have control issues, Sister Michelle laughed. She said the collaborative process requires “trust in God, trust in the Other, and a trust in the process.” From the paper she submitted for her certification, Sister Michelle wrote, “I have been called to face my tendencies to collapse or seek control, and to claim anew my commitment to courage and integrity in word and action.” She says it is St. Clare’s model that helps her with this. To that I would add: with great success.
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Since 2013, we have featured a column entitled, My Favorite Franciscan Story, highlighting stories from our sisters. Now this column will feature stories from associates, too! I hope you were inspired by the story AS Joel Donnell shared. But wait! The cherished stories don’t stop there! Starting this month we are inviting sisters to share their story in a column entitled, Francis, Clare and a Story to Share. I hope you enjoyed our first featured column with Sister Michelle L’Allier. We welcome your inspiring stories as well. Stay tuned for more Franciscan stories from our sisters and associates!
All-You-Can-Eat Soup Supper Fundraiser
February 2, 4:30-7 p.m. St. Francis Convent Adults: $10 Children 5-12 years: $5 (younger children free)
Proceeds benefit St. Francis Health & Wellness Center and St. Francis Music Center, Little Falls. For more information contact (320)632-2981 or
[email protected]; www.fslf.org. ·
When peace is fragile: Stay with us, Lord When tempers are raised: When atrocities occur: When forgiveness is rejected: When talks break down: When trust is broken: When darkness weighs upon us: When we cannot see you: When burdens feel too heavy: When hope seems faint: When we are weak: When faith seems difficult: For all who suffer: Walk with them, Lord For all who have lost hope: For all who are sick and in pain: For all who are struggling: For all who have been badly hurt in life: For all who willfully hurt others: For all who are grieving: For all who are depressed: For all who feel rejected: For all who feel unloved: For all who are oppressed: For all who are anxious: —(Adapted by AS Joan A. Wingert)
I am the Lord who heals you. (Exodus 15)
For AS Sheila Gardner’s son, Adam, who was admitted to a dual treatment center. We pray that the doctors, therapists, counselors and staff help him achieve his goals, and that he be open to the Holy Spirit moving him to getting the help he needs so very much.
For AS Yessenia Vallejo, that she finds a job and for her family’s health.
For AS Joel Donnell, that the doctor’s determine what is causing his severe IBS and establish how to successfully treat it. As of now, the medicines are not working.
For Sara Prieto, AS Iris Prieto’s sister-inlaw, who has spinal problems.
For Max Jerez and Heidi Meza and their son, that God protect and guide them.
For Danilo Ortiz, AS Verónica Rivadeneira’s husband, that he may find stability in employment.
Continued prayers for Luis, AS Rosario Mosquera’s son. He is still very weak and immobile due to his health issues.
For health for ASs Lady Borja, Heidi Meza, Mercedes González, Cristina de Padilla, Gladys Arreaga, Petita Ramírez, Rosa Benites, Fabiola Ávila and AP Carmen Malucín.
For peace for our Nicaraguan, Ecuadoran and Venezuelan Associates, who are living in dangerous times.
Let not your hearts be troubled. (John 14)
AS Roseanne Fischer’s mother passed away December 5.
For AS Mary Donnell’s aunt who passed away at the age of 103.
Sister Joan Gerads’s niece and ASs Veronica Salazar’s and John Fakler’s relation, Sue Fakler, passed away December 21.
The mother of a dear friend to AS Mela Finn, Peregrina Subido, passed away on December 23.
Carlos Mosquera, cousin of AS Verónica Rivadeneira, died on December 19 in Quito, Ecuador. He was another victim of the violence we do not want in the world.
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January 2019
A Rose to the Living
Birthdays -- Sisters
Feastdays
10 11 21 24 25
20 SM Fabian Schneider
S Mary Pat Burger S Annella Henger S Ange Mayers S Joanne Heim S Marguerite Ostendorf
Birthdays -- Parents 15 Mr. Pablo Berrones Morales
A Prayer for the Dead
Birthdays -Associates / Applicants 1 Carmen Rugama 2 Eva Rodgriguez 3 Melissa Gerads 7 Jennifer Jo Geoffrey 10 Sandra Paredes 13 Phyllis Dobis 13 S Agnes Long, HT 13 Veronica Salazar 14 Ruth Ann Pallansch 15 María Isabel Bonilla 15 John Fakler 17 Dora Guevara 17 Marie Popp 18 Rita Feddema 20 Cynthia Summers 25 Brianda Cediel 26 Anna Taylor 27 Joan Bednarczyk 28 Chris Topic 29 Lesly Perez 30 Duane Wiest
Go Green in 2019 and receive The Associate via email! Contact Christi (
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