We commit ourselves to embrace those whom we as a society and ...

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indeed grateful for the many meaningful gifts we have received. You have been so kind to ... in need. We are committed to .... She and Maryknoll Father Thomas.
Spring 2008 • VOL. 26 nO. 2

City dump, Managua, Nicaragua. Photo by Meg Whitaker-Green

We commit ourselves to embrace those whom we as a society and church marginalize.

Dear Friends of the Franciscans, Spring 2008 • Vol. 26 No. 2 Our Journey is published three times a year by the Community Relations Department of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, for donors, friends, relatives and employees. This publication shares the journeys of our sisters and associates as they work in joyful service in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. Editorial Team: Deanna V. Boone, director of Community Relations Elizabeth Mahoney Rydeen, editor Jan Roering, editorial assistant Maria Traut, publications specialist Sister Mary Cassilda Obowa Sister Bernice Ebner Sister Elise Saggau Sister Grace Skwira Judy Virnig Printed by: Spectrum Printing, Little Falls, MN To receive this publication, please contact: Community Relations Dept. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota 116 8th Avenue SE Little Falls, MN 56345 Phone: 320-632-2981 [email protected] • www.fslf.org

Our Mission: We, Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, are a community of women religious whose members are called to live the Gospel joyfully and to reverence the earth and all of God’s creation. In the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare, we embody a life of prayer, simple living and service to those in need. We are committed to nonviolence as we recognize the need for healing in ourselves and in our world. We seek to build communities of peace and justice wherever we are called to serve.

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e celebrate in so very many ways throughout life. There are those very special moments, a birthday, a wedding, a baptism, an anniversary, Christmas. Yes, Christmas! That perhaps is the time we think most of all the kinds of gifts. What impresses me so much is that there are so very many kinds of gifts. A bale of straw, a bottle of wine, a box of candy, a hundred dollars to help us paint the chapel, a bag of corn to feed the birds, a loaf of delicious bread, several thousand dollars to help us in our ministry, a blooming plant, five dollars alms. I believe that what is so important is that the gift is deeply meaningful in both the life of the giver and of the receiver. A gift is meaningful when it is from the heart of the giver and it touches the heart of the receiver. During this time of Lent when the year 2008 is still young, my heart is indeed grateful for the many meaningful gifts we have received. You have been so kind to us, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, in so many ways. In helping us help others, your generosity reaches far and wide. Our annual Christmas Appeal asked for funds to restore our chapel. So I ask myself, how does restoring our chapel help others so greatly in need? What I do know is that our convent chapel is the place for many people to come and be with us in prayer. Knowing that we enter a sacred space together renews our spirits and helps us to hold our families, our friends and those most in need in prayer. Sacred Heart Chapel in our convent home is indeed a gift to us and to all who come here to pray, to praise God and to fall more deeply in love with Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Each day of the year we have multitudes of opportunities to both give and receive gifts of the heart. Some gifts are easy to give, like the gift of a smile when we are feeling happy and pleased with what is happening. Some gifts are more difficult to give, like that same smile when we are feeling grumpy or anxious. Someone once told me that there are many angels that are waiting for a special job to do and are ready and willing to help us when we need assistance. How about asking those currently unemployed angels to help when the daily gift giving is difficult? In Spanish the word for gift is regalo. I see the word and think of royalty, kingly and queenly. Blessings be to you as you go about life giving and receiving gifts in a noble and majestic way, in a gracious and sincere manner. Thank you for the gift that you are to us, to each other and to the world. Thank you, and may the angels guide you,

Sister Mary Cassilda Obowa Community Minister



Our Journey • Spring 2008

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Called to the Gospel, called to penance Sister Elise Saggau

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s we begin Lent, we hear again the first recorded words of Jesus: “Repent, and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15).Unfortunately, we so often take the notion of penance to mean “doing something hard and unpleasant” that the very word itself conjures up negative responses. Franciscans, however, understand that penance is our very way of life. By this, we do not understand that our lives are “hard and unpleasant.” Rather we image Francis of Assisi lovingly embracing a leper on the road to Assisi and suddenly understanding that “penance” means to have one’s whole life turned upside down, one’s entire value system shaken up. From that day forward, Francis could look upon the face of any other human being and discover there a brother or a sister. No creature could henceforth be repulsive to him. Each was chosen and beloved of God. He realized that anything that placed one human being over and against another was SIN, and “to do penance” meant to distance oneself from all that might divide human beings from one another. In his Rule for the brothers he says:

Let us pay attention to what the Lord says: Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you, for our Lord Jesus Christ,

whose footprints we must follow, called His betrayer a friend and willingly offered Himself to His executioners. Our friends, therefore, are all those who unjustly inflict upon us distress and anguish, shame and injury, sorrow and punishment, martyrdom and death. We must love them greatly for we shall possess eternal life because of what they bring us (Earlier Rule 22:1-4). What kind of words are these? Love our enemies? Call Judas “friend”? Those who treat us badly are “friends” who help us attain eternal life? How could Francis say things like this? Perhaps because he had heard and understood the Gospel: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27). “Your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High” (Luke 6:35). This teaching, of course, is not about “friendship,” as we usually understand it; not about nice cozy feelings. It is about a fundamental understanding of how human beings are related to one another and a fundamental decision to live accordingly. For Francis, “friend” was better understood as “frater” (brother/sister). Francis believed

that the final outcome of living this way would be eternal life. He also believed that those who offend against this basic Christian principle need to “do penance”; that is, they need to change radically. They need to “turn” so they can see the whole of creation the way God sees it. This is the challenge of baptism; it is the challenge of Lent. When we open our hearts to this call to repent, grace changes us profoundly. No, it is not easy; but it is necessary if we are to put on Jesus Christ. Francis understood this. We understand it, too. How, during this time of grace, can we change our way of looking at our world and be for others what Jesus Christ is for us?

Note: Ideas for this reflection were from an unpublished talk by Michael Cusato, OFM, Colorado Springs, June, 2007. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Our Journey • Spring 2008



Associate relationship flourishes in Ecuador Judy Virnig

At the airport in Guayaquil, Sisters Georgine Larson (third from left) and Mary Obowa, Community Minister, (far right) are welcomed by Franciscan Associates.

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ranciscans can be found all over the world. They are sisters, brothers, priests and lay associates, all living the charism (spirit and values) of Saint Francis of Assisi according to their state in life. Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, are located throughout the United States as well as in Mexico and South America. Ecuador is home to two groups of Franciscan associates: one in the sierra (Quito area) and one on the coast (Guayaquil-Durán). The associates are the result of Franciscan Sisters M. Joan Gerads, Bertha Gerads and Ramona Johnson sharing their lives and living in solidarity with the people of Ecuador. Sister Joan began working in the sierra in 1981 with the Parish Neighborhood Renewal program. She and Maryknoll Father Thomas Maney (an associate and now 

deceased) trained lay people to assist with forming small Christian communities (CEBs in Spanish) in parish neighborhoods to which they were invited by the diocesan bishop and local pastor. Many of the 18 associates in the sierra are members of the CEBs, as are some of the 33 associates on the coast. Their work is to share each other’s joys and sorrows, support one another and help each other as needed. But this extends beyond their CEBs to the entire neighborhood. Their way of life is transformative; indeed, Sister Joan says that CEBs are known throughout Latin America as “the hope of the church” and “the hope of society.” Verónica Rivadeneira, an associate from Quito,

Our Journey • Spring 2008

works with the Spanish-speaking associates and applicants in South and Central America. She translates orientation materials into Spanish for use with applicants and prepares materials for monthly ongoing formation of the associates. Recently she began translating articles from Spanish into English and from English into Spanish for the bimonthly newsletter that goes to all Franciscan associates. She works closely with the Office for Associates in Little Falls. Associates on the coast grew into their awareness of the Franciscan charism within themselves through the work of Continued on pg 5

Sister Joan Gerads visits a sister of the congregation of “Our Lady of Ransom” in Cumbaya, Ecuador. This community of Ecuadorian sisters is like a family to Sister Joan. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Associate, continued Continued from pg 4 Sisters Bertha Gerads (now deceased) and Ramona Johnson. These two dedicated missionaries lived and worked among them for nine years until health issues forced them back to Little Falls a few years ago. The associates on the coast continue to hold these two sisters in high esteem because of the sisters’ impact on their lives. Associate Vilma Zambrano, who lives in Durán, works with Verónica to facilitate the monthly gathering of associates on the coast. The Franciscan way of life continues to attract followers in Ecuador as evidenced by the 11 applicants currently preparing to become associates. How much the world needs their witness! Sister Ramona Johnson with children attending Vacation Bible School in 2001.

Sister Bertha Gerads working with volunteers at a Durán soup kitchen in 2003.

Associates Verónica Rivadeneira, Giovanni López and Gloria Castro are part of a reflection group from the sierra.

Editorial Note Correction: In the Fall 2007 issue of Our Journey (page 11), a story on Sisters Care, a ministry started by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, appeared. There the names of Franciscan Sisters who worked with Sisters Care were listed. It was brought to our attention that Sister Veronica Kempenich was not included. After further research in our Archives Department, we learned that Sister Veronica served from February 1987 to December 1987 and was the very first Franciscan to be part of Sisters Care. We are sorry for this omission. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Our Journey • Spring 2008



Candidate sets her heart on becoming a Franciscan Sister Grace Skwira

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requently, I am asked: “What is the first step toward becoming a sister?” Our candidate, Aurora Tovar, could respond very well to this question. She has taken that first, bold step of the journey, setting her heart on becoming a Franciscan Sister. As part of this journey, Aurora made her first visit to Minnesota from San Rafael, Mexico, where she lives community life and works in ministry with our Franciscan Sisters. We were excited to welcome Aurora “up north” for her month-long visit in September. Aurora arrived with an open heart ready to receive and give and with a mind ready to learn. Throughout her visit she had nary a dull moment as she spent personal time with our sisters in central Minnesota and visited some of their ministries. Aurora quickly put names to the faces of the sisters of whom she had heard stories and seen pictures. She remembered something about each one as they shared their lives with her. Sitting around the table at the Franciscan Welcoming House, we experienced a part of Aurora’s culture as we savored a Mexican meal she prepared for us. Aurora appreciated the opportunities to accompany Sisters Adela Gross, Donna Zetah and Carol Virnig in their ministry with Hispanics

and to meet the students of various cultures in Sister Tonie Rausch’s English class. She even tried her skill at playing the guitar with Sister Bernice Rieland. Finally, she cherished some quiet time for prayer in the hermitage at Clare’s Well. A woman seeking to become a Franciscan Sister first becomes a candidate, but really a candidate’s journey begins with a mutual sharing of love and acceptance between her and the Franciscan community. Truly, our candidate Aurora’s visit was such a time.

Aurora Tovar (left) takes a guitar lesson from Sister Bernice Rieland.

When you make a gift, please feel free to express any wishes you may have for your gift. However, please be advised that in order to ensure that donors will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, is required by Internal Revenue Service rulings to retain full authority over the assets granted to it and cannot accept gifts that are required by the donor to be paid, or to be used, only to further the work of a specific individual or that are required to be used in another country by FSLF or another foreign charity or religious institute.



Our Journey • Spring 2008

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Peace Prayer series continues at Franciscan Welcoming House

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ast summer Sisters Loretta Denfeld, Clara Stang, Bernice Rieland, Elizabeth Roberts and Cordy Korkowski deliberated on the next topic for a new enrichment series. They settled easily on the “Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.” Enrichment evenings are open to the public and include time for reflection and prayer, food, faith and fun. After the welcoming, good food begins the evening. As participants enter the beautiful foyer of the Welcoming House and smell the aroma of a home cooked meal, they can’t help but feel a sense of coming home. Designed for men and women, college students and retirees, these gatherings draw an interesting mix of people. A Franciscan Associate said, “I find there is such diversity of thought at the gatherings. The programs are always very good, thanks to the sisters at the Welcoming House. We often say the Peace Prayer, but this series is giving it new meaning.” Another attendee, mother of three elementary students, says, “I find the evenings relaxing and enriching. The evenings are just a time for me to look at myself and my life and a chance to sit back and drink in the message.”

Each event is from 6-8 p.m., beginning with a meal. RSVP two days in advance by calling 320-229-0307 or 320-240-6184 or email: [email protected]. We promise you’ll get a warm welcome as you enter and a sense of peace as you return to your homes. Two gatherings in the series remain:

Thursday, March 27, 2008 Sparkles of Light and Joy Penetrating Darkness and Sadness

Thursday, May 15, 2008 A Compassionate Heart Gives and Receives… Is Birthed to Eternal Life

Welcoming House ‘welcomes’ new team member

I Sister Elizabeth Roberts (far left) lives at the Franciscan Welcoming House with Sisters Loretta Denfeld, Clara Stang, Cordy Korkowski and Bernice Rieland. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

t may be the season of winter…but we have new things springing up in the Welcoming House. Most importantly, there is a new team member. The latest addition, Sister Elizabeth Roberts, is a native of New York and coordinator of Headstart in Clearwater. She adds a sparkle of wonderful new life and her stories about her “little people” add much joy and delight to our days. Sister Elizabeth has an invaluable background in communications, education and community life and brings her experiences to the team.

Our Journey • Spring 2008



Franciscans committed to move from marginalizing to embracing Sister Mary Hroscikoski

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ver the past year, Our Journey readers have with what it means “to marginalize,” I’ve realized how heard about the commitment statements our much easier it is to see “marginalizing” as something Franciscan Community adopted during our that other people do or something that is given, and fall 2005 Delegate Assembly. In an effort to carry out how much more difficult it is to know how we (and I) these new commitments, we divided ourselves into participate in such marginalizing. We want to read our small groups of sisters and associates; each group chose commitment statement as a call to be the ones who one commitment statement to work and reflect with, embrace those whom others marginalize, or those who study and act on. are marginalized, rather than a call to embrace those whom we marginalize! Our first commitment, to engage deeply with our Franciscan charism, “nudges us to go deeper into Familiar forms of marginalizing include exclusion how we understand ourselves as Franciscans,” Sister by virtue of skin color, nationality, ethnicity, gender, Mary Obowa explained. Our second commitment, to sexual preference, age, social class and/or religion. dedicate ourselves to rebuilding the church, follows Understanding how we marginalize means, in part, the call heard by Francis of Assisi in the early 1200s. not taking social inequity as a given, but delving into Today, this call means rebuilding the Body of Christ how we create it. For example, this might include not by finding new unity in our contemporary experience only praying for those in prison but asking why it is of diversity, Sister Michelle L’Allier suggested. The that the U.S. government reports that blacks were third statement commits us to address the sources almost three times more likely than Hispanics and of Mother Earth’s wounds. Sister Doretta Meier five times more likely than whites to be jailed between described us as being called to more active and 1990 and 2006. To ask why is also to pray for and responsible stewardship of creation. work on the injustices in our prison system and the ways we wrongly imprison some.2 Our fourth and last commitment statement is to embrace those whom we as society and church Continued on pg 9 marginalize. So what does “marginalize” mean? One dictionary definition is “excluded from or existing outside the mainstream of society, a group or a school of thought.”1 Marginalization, self chosen for the sake of a larger good—such as living simply amidst a broader norm of acquisitive overabundance—can be a human good. Social exclusion that is not self chosen and that dehumanizes some for the benefit of others, however, is a troubling reality. Sister Mary Hroscikoski (right) visits the city of Sasabe along the U.S./Mexico border. Several Franciscans live in Tucson, Ariz., and minister along the border. As we have wrestled 

Our Journey • Spring 2008

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

FSLF presence in Tennessee comes to an end Sister Elise Saggau and Elizabeth Mahoney Rydeen

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an worked as a nu Sister Ann Sherm onville. practitioner in Tipt

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n August 2007, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, marked the end of 27 years of presence in rural Tennessee. In 1980, Sisters Betty Berger, Gertrude Brixius, Maureen Kelly and Tonie Rausch began to serve in Selmer, Tenn. (Memphis Diocese), ministering in parish work, community education, legal services and outreach to senior citizens. Over time, 22 Franciscans would serve in various rural parishes and in peace and justice endeavors in west Tennessee. The sisters’ mission was to develop strong lay leaders, to bring people back to the church and to begin building a church identity. West Tennessee included 20

counties. Less than 1% of the population was Catholic. “Until we arrived, few people in the rural areas had ever seen a real, live Catholic nun in person,” noted Sister Venard Niehaus, who served there from 1984-1992. Sister Clara Stang wanted to “dispel the false beliefs many people have about Catholics.” She served as coordinator of Rural Ministries for the Diocese and as pastoral associate at St. Andrew’s Catholic Community in Lexington. She saw this local church grow from a few families worshiping in a downtown storefront to a vital parish community that built its own church building. In 1984, Sisters Judi Welle and Bernice Rieland began serving St. Regina’s Church in Parsons, a parish with just 17 active families. They soon found themselves building a new church, raising funds and training religious educators. It was the goal of the sisters “to work themselves out of a job” by teaching the people to take responsibility for their own parish. Persistent and deep-rooted racism was a constant challenge. Sister Tonie found herself shunned by the white population for working with the poor. Civil rights legislation was not being enforced. One local newspaper said, “The thick cultural walls that separate Black and White in America, along with the hard legacy of slavery and ongoing racism, have made effective evangelism nearly impossible” (David M. Byers, Columbia, June 1989). While this may have been true, the sisters testified to the “profound faith of the people.” In 1988, working as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Continued on pg 10

Franciscans committed to embracing, continued Continued from pg 8

One of the most profound stories of reaching out to the marginalized is Francis’s encounter with the leper. Upon meeting the leper, Francis found himself called to turn his own life around and to embrace the man with a kiss. In giving himself to embrace what he had previously rejected, Francis found that what was bitter became sweet. The one he named as less than human, the other, became instead his kin, a brother. The call to embrace those we marginalize means FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

opening our hearts to those we call other, those we place outside the social norm. Through prayer, friendship, daily encounters and intentional ministries—literacy programs, homeless shelters, food shelves, outreach to immigrants and other work for justice—Franciscans seek to embrace those whom we marginalize. 1 Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2000 2 http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/jails.htm, accessed 1/6/08

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FSLF in Tennessee, continued Continued from pg 9 Sister Ann Sherman reflected, “In spite of all the frustrations and difficulties present, … I witness daily the deep love of simple, poor, unkempt, sometimes slow or retarded, women for their babies. I am reminded of God’s ever-present love for me.” Sisters of all ages came and went over the years. West Tennessee welcomed young sisters in formation as part of their apostolic experience. It also offered opportunities to older sisters. Sister Venard Niehaus arrived in 1984 and volunteered at the senior citizens’ center and as an RCIA instructor at St. Andrew’s Church. Eventually, she became a staff member of the Everett Horn Public Library, where she served until 1992, when she retired. In 1985, Sister Ita Shagena began substituting for the administrator at St. Joseph’s Manor in Dyersburg and remained until her retirement in 1988. Sister Florence Gendreau arrived in Selmer in 1983, but suffered a stroke in 1985 and died in Lexington. Sisters Caroline Torborg and Loretta Denfeld were in Tennessee from 1988-1992. Sister Caroline lived with Sister Venard in Lexington. Her two big challenges were learning to drive a car at the age of 75 and understanding the southern language. She endeared herself to so many with her volunteer ministry. Sister Loretta established a formal Catholic presence in Carroll County which was located in Huntingdon. She also helped the Hispanics with their legalization papers. Sisters Jeanette Martell, Ruth Nistler and Clara Schroedl had the longest tenures of all. Sister Jeanette arrived in Huntingdon in 1989 and began her service in a local nursing home, eventually accepting a position as a home health nurse through the Baptist Hospital. Sisters Ruth and Clara arrived in 1993. Sister Ruth worked as a religious education coordinator, particularly for the rapidly growing Hispanic community, and Sister Clara as a physical therapist. Together with the local clergy, they helped establish Holy Family Mission Church in Huntingdon. These three sisters cultivated meaningful and sustaining relationships with the local people, accompanying a number of women in becoming Franciscan Associates. When Sisters Jeanette, Ruth and Clara returned to Minnesota in August 2007, the official presence of the Franciscan Sisters came to an end. The seeds they planted and nurtured for almost three decades will 10

Our JOurney • Spring 2008

continue to grow and bear fruit, however, and the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare will endure in this part of rural Tennessee.

ly, aureen Kel 0, Sisters M e Brixius were d August 198 tru sch and Ger essee. Tonie Rau n en T r fo e leav the first to

Sister Judi Welle (center) raised fund s for a building project in Parsons.

Sister Ruth Nistler was a true nity. friend to the Hispanic commu

FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

Sister Clara Schroedl provided in-ho me physical therapy in four Tennessee counties.

Sisters Michelle L’Allier and Loretta Denfeld worked to develop a Catholic presence in Carroll County.

es with the Rieland practic rsons. Sister Bernice Pa h, rc hu gina’s C choir at St. Re

Sisters saw progress through community organizing.

vided artell (center) pro Sister Jeanette M as. are al rur in home health care

Working in literacy, Sister Nancy deMattos served Parsons and Decatur County.

Sister Venard Niehaus worked at Everett Horn Public Library.

u Florence Gendrea In Selmer, Sister to ry ist in m ral served in pasto rsons. homebound pe

) served Sister Caroline Torborg (left pital senior citizens and did hos visitation.

Many sisters worked in parish ministry throughout west Tennessee.

Sister Bet ty income cl Berger represente ients in w d lowest Tenn essee.

a did volunteer Sister Ita Shagen er and Dyersburg. lm Se in try minis

Franciscan sisTers’ years oF serVice

Ann Sherman 1985-1989 • Antonia Rausch 1980-1986 • Bernice Rieland 1984-1989 • Betty Berger 1980-1982, 1984-1988 • Caroline Torborg 1988-1982 • Carolyn Fulton 1984 • Clara Schroedl 1993-2007 • Clara Stang 1988-1992 • Claudia Knoblauch 1982 • Florence Gendreau 1983-1985 • Gertrude Brixius 1980-1985, 1988 • Ita Shagena 1984-1988 • Jeanette Martell 1989-2007 • Judi Welle 1984-1988 • Loretta Denfeld 1988-1992 • Maureen Kelly 1980-1981 • Michelle L’Allier 1988 • Nancy deMattos 1986 • Netchie Delores Thames 1983 • Ruth Nistler 1993-2007 • Tricia McMahon 1990 • Venard Niehaus 1982-1992 FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

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Students in Residence program reports early success Sister Colette Toenies

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t was our first year of having young Mexican women come to live with us so that they could have the opportunity to attend high school. We could accommodate four students. At the last minute one young woman could not come after all, which left us with just three. School started, and we still had one empty bed. Two days later we were surprised to meet one of the professors from the school at our door. By his side was a shy, young woman dressed in black, a sign that someone in her family had died recently. They came seeking a favor: could we possibly take one more student to live with us? And so began our relationship with Alejandra Perez. During her first two years of high school, Alejandra endured a 20-mile commute that included a 5-mile bike ride followed by hitch hiking to reach San Rafael. Each day was filled with uncertainty and fear. Some days

rides were scarce and she was late for class. She also feared that her bicycle wouldn’t be in the bushes where she’d left it. Going home after school was a repeat of her morning experience. Quiet and shy, Alejandra is also very intelligent and studious. During her time with us, she completed the 480 hours of community service required for graduation by spending weekends working in the public health clinic in her village of Artesillas. She graduated last June with very high grades and the hope of going to the university in August. Her family’s poverty now was her biggest obstacle. She is the oldest of five children and her father, the only wage earner, has a weekly salary of $60. School was about to start when we learned that she had not applied to any of the colleges or universities in Saltillo. With no money for the tuition, she had not yet taken the pre-admission examination at any school.

She took the entrance exam for the Universidad Tecnologica de Coahuila and passed. A donation covered the tuition for the first semester and a book that she would need for her basic courses. She would live in Saltillo with an aunt and could ride free to and from school on the university bus. What had seemed impossible had become a reality. Alejandra is now a full-time university student and on her way out of the cycle of poverty that limits the opportunities for so many young people in Mexico. No doubt, Alejandra will succeed. She applied for and received a scholarship from the Mexican government in January. Alejandra has become an example for the other students and proves that the daily struggles of learning now are worth the effort and that success in the midst of poverty is possible.

The Season of Lent Ash Wednesday

Good Friday

Easter

February 6

March 21

March 23

Our turning to God is to be so complete that nothing less than union with God in Christ through the Spirit is to be our life’s objective. (Taken from the Commentary of the Third Order Regular Rule of Saint Francis, p. 43)

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Our Journey • Spring 2008

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Students in San Rafael receive high school education Sister Colette Toenies

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e are well into our second school year in which five young students are living with us while attending the only “senior high” that exists in the 54 villages of San Rafael Parish. Sarahi, Cruz and Fabiola have returned for their second of three years, and Lorena and Dulce are in their first year. We received wonderful news last month that Sarahi and Cruz received a scholarship. They will each be able to pay for their school costs for the next semester and perhaps for the next year. This is our first experience with this scholarship. To our delight, Sarahi and Fabiola excitedly announced that they are in second and third place in their class of 115 students. Both are very fine students.

All three girls expressed to us a desire to learn to play the guitar. We’ve been able to arrange for Miguel Tovar to come for weekly lessons. The other sisters and I also take turns leading a Bible study class. Adjusting to community life is going well. During the week, the girls are busy with school. One weekend per month all of them go to their homes, which gives us a “quiet weekend.” On the other weekends the students stay and cook one of the meals and do their studies and relax. Cruz, in particular, is a good cook. Food is still a struggle since the girls are learning our tastes and visa versa. The most impressionable daily experience we have is our evening prayer. Both choirs are full.

Cruz, Sarahi and Fabiola learn to play guitar.

Rosary purchased on MissionFish helps celebrate First Communion

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alerie Pronger of Boca Raton, Fla., purchased one of Sister Adella Blonigen’s rosaries made from lily pad seeds for her grandson’s First Communion. Valerie ordered the rosary through MissionFish and personalized it with special charms. A hammer seemed appropriate because Jesus was a carpenter. He also fed the hungry with fish. The tortoise/ turtle symbolizes Mother Earth which Tommy cares for in his own small way. And the rat (Tommy’s first pet) is another of God’s creations—those creatures great and small. She included the dolphin to remind Tommy of his “Grammy” and the lily pad story she wrote for him. Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Tommy poses with his special rosary in honor of his First Communion. Our Journey • Spring 2008

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Belle Prairie celebrates history, honors past Sister Maristell Schanen

Fr. Nick Landsberger blesses a replica of the cabin where Mother Mary Ignatius Hayes lived in 1873.

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he huge tent staked out beside the log cabin just across from Holy Family Church, Belle Prairie Township, Minn., looked like an old-time revival. The September 16, 2007, celebration was initiated by members of the parish in grateful remembrance of the years of education provided by the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception at Our Lady of the Angels Academy. It also included a re-dedication of the log cabin (replica) where foundress Mother Mary Ignatius Hayes lived when she opened the mission in 1873. The Morrison County Historical and Genealogy Societies co-sponsored the event. Families and community members came together in honor of all pioneers and reminisced about the past. Holy Family choir set the atmosphere as more than 400 participants gathered under the big tent. At 10:30 a.m. the old bell that 14

had once graced the Academy and that now stands beside the cabin rang out the call to worship. Fr. Nick Landsberger, pastor of this oldest parish in the St. Cloud Diocese, presided. Honored guests were Sister Suzanne Fondini, provincial minister, and three other members of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters from Newton, Mass. Many Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls were also present in recognition of their own roots at Belle Prairie. The 16 founding sisters of their congregation had been part of the Belle Prairie community before a fire destroyed the convent and school. Following Mass, Fr. Landsberger blessed the cabin, the bell, the monument recalling the fire, the garden and the Stations of the Cross. Sue Frank then addressed the assembly, delighting everyone with stories of her experiences as a boarder at the Academy. She expressed her sense of loss of “home” upon leaving there, but claimed she

Our Journey • Spring 2008

rediscovered it with the Franciscans in Little Falls when she attended St. Francis High. She concluded: “That is the way of Franciscans!” All the Franciscan Sisters stood and were blessed by the entire assembly. Then everyone crossed the road to enjoy the various activities provided for the day. For many the first stop was a grassy area where they could purchase French pancakes and meat pies, fruit pies and ice cream, hamburgers and brats or enjoy their own picnic baskets. Others visited Fr. Opat Hall to hear remarks by Pat Quinn, president of the Genealogy Society, and an historical overview of the cabin by John Lauer. Sister Mary Obowa, community minister of the Little Falls Franciscans, also shared some thoughts, and Sister Suzanne Fondini presented a plaque to express her congregation’s ties to Belle Prairie. Cathy VanRisseghem, mayor of Little Falls, proclaimed “Belle Prairie History Day” and Pat Quinn made some concluding remarks. Displays around the Hall offered information about pioneer families, genealogy, the ministry of Central Minnesota TEC (Together Encounter Christ), the Academy and the parish. A short distance away, at the Morrison County Park, one could enjoy river stories, play games, make up a circle of musicians, learn about the Weyerhauser industry, hunt for hidden treasure and see a replica of an oxcart. In the late afternoon, a circle of old timers in the Hall gathered to tell stories of their youth. The day closed at 5 p.m. As the mayor said, “This is community, and this is a celebration of it.” Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Former Academy student remembers fondly

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ister Maureen Kelly was among those who celebrated at Belle Prairie. Sister Maureen, with her younger sister Barbara, was a resident student at Our Lady of the Angels Academy in 1943. In 1944, she entered St. Francis High School in Little Falls and later joined the sisterhood. While visiting the original Academy building, now renovated into apartments, she enjoyed meeting the occupant of an apartment that had once been the chapel and seeing how he has made it a home. She expressed fond memories of living in a comforting and supportive environment, remembering how motherly the sisters had been and how she had helped them with the toddlers. She told how Sister Mary Victor, the cook, would secretly send fresh bread up the dumbwaiter to delighted students above. At this Academy, Sister Maureen discovered her talent for reading aloud, assisting other students with assignments. On this day of celebration, she delighted in finding her own name and that of her sister inscribed in the Academy record books and rejoiced in beautiful memories of the “home” she had had there.

Sister Maureen Kelly

Partnering into the Future Sister Bernice Ebner, director of Gift Planning

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ith all the stresses and uncertainties we face, it’s nice to know we can experience peace of mind regarding one of the most important areas of life – our last will and testament. In this regard, peace of mind is completing a valid will, caring for our loved ones and creating a legacy for the Franciscan Sisters. A valid will is one that conforms to the laws of your state and that will be acceptable to the probate court. It is also valid in that it accurately expresses your wishes. A form downloaded from the Internet or one obtained from a stationery store will hardly give you the peace of mind you deserve. Something this important requires the professional expertise of an estate-planning attorney. The decision process may seem like a daunting task, but the end result is a release from worry. You can face the future knowing that your estate will be distributed according to your wishes and that people you trust will be in charge. Your last will and testament provides you with assurance that you have made provisions for family members according to their needs and your wishes. If Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

something should happen to you, they will be cared for. If you have dependent children, your will can name the guardians and provide arrangements for education, health care and other needs. Your will can also ensure that certain possessions go to the family members you designate and that disbursements are made to benefit those with special needs. Your will can direct your personal representative to set aside a certain percentage of your estate to support the ministries of the Franciscan Sisters. Your children and grandchildren – and many others – will be reminded of your values and your commitment to the Franciscan Sisters. If you do not have peace of mind concerning your estate planning, act now! If you have included the Franciscan Sisters in your will, please let us know. If you haven’t yet included us and feel you want to, our legal title is Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. Your support is deeply appreciated.

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Sisters in Alexandria contribute to Franciscan Gift Shop Sister Janice Welle

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hree sisters, living together in Alexandria, minister to others during the day and use their leisure time to enchant still more through their creativity. Sisters Blanche and Sharon Fyle grew up with 11 siblings on a small dairy farm near Monticello, Minn., and attended St. Francis High School. Their priest and the neat, fun-loving Franciscan Sisters at their parish of St. Henry’s motivated them to “become just like them when they got older.” Dolorosa entered first in 1938 and was given the name Blanche. Eleanor followed in 1946 and her name became Sharon. Sister Blanche ministered as a nurse in Dodgeville and Cudahy, Wis. In Minnesota she served in Little Falls, Sauk Centre and Alexandria. In retirement Sister Blanche is actively involved with an ecumenical public health service, Caring and Sharing. She also enjoys doing what she watched her mother do – crochet, cross stitch, embroider and knit. Her work sells in the Franciscan Gift Shop. Also involved in healthcare, Sister Sharon’s ministry led her to Milwaukee, Wis., and, like her sister, to Minnesota hospitals in Sauk Centre, Little Falls and Alexandria. She presently gives home health care to six elderly persons and visits seniors in the city’s nursing home. Her specialty is canning fruits, vegetables, jams and jellies. Because she likes “to do something while watching the Twins’ games,” she cross-stitches a variety of designs for the Franciscan Gift Shop. Sister Patrice Kiefer, the youngest of nine children, grew up on a dairy farm near Cayuga, N. Dak. After completing her junior and senior years at St. Francis High School, she joined the Franciscan Sisters in 1941. “I wanted to be part of the kindness, dedication and peaceful living for future generations. My joining was an answer to Mom’s prayers.” Since 1972 Sister Patrice has served as the director of human resources for the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, Minn. Her natural gift of decorating is expressed throughout the house where she lives with Sisters Blanche and Sharon. Sister Patrice’s popular greeting cards are on sale in the Franciscan Gift Shop.

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Sister Blanche Fyle

Sister Patrice Kiefer

Sister Sharon Fyle Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

In loving memory Sister Mary Beata (Dorothy) Lorsung, 93, died October 11, 2007, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Sister Beata was born June 28, 1914, in Brandon, Minn., the sixth of eight children of the late Joseph and Mary (Butala) Lorsung. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1935, making her first profession of vows on August 12, 1937, and final vows on August 12, 1940. Sister Beata earned a bachelor’s degree in math and chemistry from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minn., and a master’s degree in educational psychology from the Catholic University, Washington, DC. Sister Beata taught at St. Francis High School, 1940-1972, and then ministered as a teacher of religion, mission coordinator, pastoral minister, core member of the Franciscan Sisters House of Prayer, Spanish tutor and historian. She served in Little Falls, Fergus Falls, Morris, White Bear Lake, Flensburg, St. Cloud, Minn.; South Milwaukee, Wis.; San Luis, Potosi, Mexico; and Tucson, Ariz. The community aspect of religious life was something Sister Beata valued very highly and lived wholeheartedly. She felt privileged to live with people who shared the same ideals she believed in and where she found a lot of interchange in prayer, discussion, study and celebration. She appreciated the many opportunities she was given to develop herself in spiritual, intellectual and cultural ways. She learned, as a young person, to live a balanced life of work, play and prayer and was faithful to that. She knew she was blessed with good health and a spirit of enthusiasm and ministered in a variety of ways in a spirit of gratefulness. She was a “people person” who treasured each and every person she met throughout her life.

Sister Mary Ignatia (Dolores) Zastrow, 88, died November 13, 2007, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Sister Ignatia was born September 17, 1919, near Cold Spring, Minn. She was the ninth of 12 children born to the late Fred and Magdalena (Sasgen) Zastrow. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1938. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1940, and final vows on August 12, 1943. Sister Ignatia ministered as a laundress, gardener, kitchen aide, religion teacher and a visitor to the sick and elderly. She served in Breckenridge, St. Cloud, Perham, Moorhead, Sauk Centre and Little Falls. Sister Mary Ignatia was very humble in her attitude about herself and concerned/caring in her relationships to people and things. She had a willing heart and would go to any length to be of service. She seemed to especially have a place in her heart for the down-trodden and weary people she met. Her sense of humor offered laughter and her insights wisdom to those with whom she interacted. She loved to play the harmonica and thoroughly enjoyed teaching others how to play it. Sister was a very prayerful person who enjoyed singing her prayers. Community life was very important to her. She wanted to be with her Sisters and help them in any way she was able. At the time of her diamond jubilee she prayed, “I thank you God for bringing me into this Community, to live with these sisters, each one hand-picked by You, to grow together in Your vineyard. Dear God, You have looked with love on Your servant here and have blessed me all my life through.” Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

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In loving memory Sister Agnes Soenneker, 68, died December 28, 2007, at Clare’s Well,

Annandale, Minn. Sister Agnes was born July 16, 1939, in Sauk Centre, Minn. She was the sixth of seven children born to the late Theodore and Catherine (Hellermann) Soenneker. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1957. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1959, and final vows on August 12, 1962. Sister Agnes became a registered nurse at St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing, Little Falls, Minn., and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Reserve University, Cleveland. Sister Agnes ministered as a missionary, member of Franciscan Sisters Leadership Team, healing and retreat minister and was a farmer at heart. She served in Little Falls, Moorhead, Annandale, Minn.; Prestonburg, Ky; and Maracay, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Sister Agnes was a person who believed in the integrity and beauty of people and the earth. She said, “Being in touch with the earth is a healing experience.” As co-founder of Clare’s Well, established in 1988, Sister Agnes was able to create a new kind of connectedness with and respect for both people and the earth. Clare’s Well offers people a “well” from which they can draw refreshment and healing and be reinforced in their own dignity by recognizing their interior resources. Seeking and living out a connectedness with the land and all creation was Sister Agnes’ aim. She felt that being at Clare’s Well enabled her to truly understand St. Francis’ intimacy with creation. As a peacemaker she was active in the protest against Honeywell’s weaponry production in 1986. The protesters asked Honeywell to utilize its personnel and resources for the development of peaceful products. She believed that she had a basic responsibility to the world and hoped that through her actions she would encourage others into a new consciousness of interdependence of all of creation.

Search the Internet using GoodSearch.com

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hat if the Franciscan Sisters earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can! GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine and watch the donations add up! Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls Minnesota as the charity you want to support. The more people who use this site the more money will be raised. Please, spread the word to your friends and family. GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to 18

Our Journey • Spring 2008

your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop. Start at www. goodshopcom. After choosing Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls Minnesota as your favorite charity, click on the store at which you want to shop. Your purchase will generate funds for the sisters’ mission and ministries. GoodShop does not collect any credit card or personal information such as your name or address. The entire transaction is done directly through the merchants just as if you had gone to their store directly.

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Soup Supper raises $2784 for Health & Recreation, St. Francis Music Center

Good Friday March 21, 2008 Silent Walk for Peace 9:30 a.m. Outdoor Stations of the Cross 11 a.m. Join us for prayer and a silent walk for peace beginning in the West parking lot at St. Francis Center, Little Falls. Participants will take turns carrying a Cross which will lead the procession from one site to another in silence. We will begin with a prayer, song and then walk to various locations in Little Falls stopping to say a special prayer, sing and briefly reflect silently.

Dietary employee, Josie Kierstead, baked 230 loaves of bread, which complemented three kinds of soup.

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n a frigidly cold January evening the Franciscan Sisters welcomed over 300 guests to St. Francis Convent for a wonderful Soup Supper. To accommodate the large group, 230 loaves of bread were baked and 105 gallons of delicious homemade soup were prepared. Sixty-five lay volunteers and every Franciscan Sister who was available and able helped make the event a success. The best news is that sisters, employees and volunteers are willing to go to work again for the Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, April 19, from 4:307 p.m. Consider joining us. P.S., We did have about 25 gallons of soup left over and several loaves of bread.

The Outdoor Stations of the Cross follow at 11a.m. on the East side of St. Francis Convent.

Scenes from the Belle Prairie celebration — Franciscan Sisters from two congregations joined members of the Belle Prairie community to remember the educational contributions of Our Lady of the Angels Academy during its many years of operation and to honor those who served there and in the parish. (See page 14 for complete story.)

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Spring 2008 • Vol. 26 No. 2

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