Franciscan Spirit Summer - Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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F R A N C I S C A N S I S T E R S O F O U R L A D Y O F P E R P E T U A L H E L P
Franciscan Spirit Summer
2020
VOL 32
Inside-
Meet the heart of our
prayer ministry
Farewell Franciscan Farm
Events now available
via Zoom
Racism responses
New membership of
prayer cards
“God's love constantly
impels us to find
new ways forward.”
Pope Francis, Laudato Si'
w w w . f s o l p h . o r g 3 1 4 - 9 6 5 - 3 7 0 0
REFLECTIONS
FROM News from Tau Center Sister Stories: Sister Barbara Mary,
Renita The Heart of Our Prayer Ministry 61 yrs vowed
St Philip Neri Parish,
Compton, CA
Sister Renita
Brummer, OSF, is
Minister General Franciscan Sisters don't retire. In this a prayer request on our website, those
Sister Clarice,
of the Franciscan society, a good percentage of the posted on our Facebook page, and the 65 yrs vowed
Sisters of Our Lady women in our Community would be many scrawled on donation envelopes —
of Perpetual Help St Joseph's Church,
labeled 'senior citizens,' yet most are all are passed along to every one of our East St Louis, IL
still very active in the workforce, serving Sisters. The working sisters trust that when
Dear Friends — I remember so very well in paid and unpaid ministries as long their busy schedules permit only a glance
the winter evening when I was 8 and as health allows. But for everyone, at the list, our Senior Sisters are giving it Sister Consilia,
doing homework and my father advised, eventually time can take its toll and their all. 70 yrs vowed
“Always sit with the light in front of you, so require we move on from the skill sets St Francis of Assisi,
you can see what you are doing.” I’m not Before the pandemic, the community Sioux City, IA
honed for decades, leaving dedicated joined together to celebrate Jubilees,
sure he realized the profound life truth of careers after years of service. Many of
that statement in 1956. Or maybe he did We have been using holidays, and Feast Days with gatherings
our Sisters come back to the home of the at CRSS, and funeral services were held
because my father was a very wise man. street and building signs at Sister Elaine,
Tau Center in Kirkwood, MO, to Community, St Louis, Missouri, to find there so that the retired Sisters could 76 yrs vowed
During these times of a pandemic, deep new ways to serve or to volunteer. Those
communicate our social concerns take part. Also before the days of social Sts Cyril & Methodius,
political division, uncertainty, broken social with passersby. Here, the Sisters of in need of nursing care move to one of East St Louis, IL
distancing, the Leadership Team of Sisters
bonds I have been thinking a lot about Tau Center remove their masks to the residences at Cardinal Ritter Senior Renita, Rosalie, and Cheryl, held a monthly
those words of my father, about sitting social distance and stand in solidarity Services (CRSS) in St Louis. meeting with these Senior Sisters. After
with the light in front of us. What does with all who mourn during a special Sister Francine,
attending Mass together, Community news
that mean in this time of unknowing and week of prayer when the United The eleven Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady 71 yrs vowed
States hit the 100,000 death was shared, questions were answered, St Matthew Parish,
vulnerability? It’s not always easy to tell of Perpetual Help currently living in the
toll due to Covid-19. opinions are discussed, and bread was Monroe, LA
light from dark unless of course you’re assisted living and skilled care facilities at
Tau Center Staff Changes broken again.
sorting the laundry. Cardinal Ritter Senior Services are: Sisters
Barbara Mary, Sister Clarice, Sister Consilia, Like the rest of the world, Covid-19 has
We Sisters believe God’s love and light is in Life continually invites us to change and to continue writing and sharing. We are
Sister Elaine, Sister Francine, Sister Grace, very much changed these regular routines. Sister Grace,
front of us impelling us to find new ways newness... to say goodbye and to say hello. grateful that Jack has taken on the role of 71 yrs vowed
Sister Kathryn Ann, Sister Lucia, Sister None of the Sisters' lives have been
forward. We also know that we have to let Jack Zimmerman brought our monthly Franciscan Blog writer. Check St Casimir Parish,
Margaret Ann, Sister Therese and Sister impacted more than our retirees. Like those
go of control and our own ways before the his passion and spirit to out the home page of our website (fsolph. St Louis, MO
Victoria. Even under quarantine, these in care facilities around the world, they are
light can reveal the new ways ahead. us for one year before org) for his beautiful and timely reflections.
Sisters remain very much an active part of often required to remain in their rooms for
We canceled our annual fundraiser. We being called to move Pamela Allen, a highly their own safety for extended periods. We
the Community. Sister Kathryn Ann,
sold our farm in De Soto. We changed our on in order to provide experienced RN, joined so appreciate their difficult situation, their 59 yrs vowed
annual summer gathering of the Sisters care for his mother. us as Health and For lack of a better term, these "Senior
cooperation, and their sweet devotion to St Francis of Assisi,
and election of Leadership to June of 2021. In the short time Jack Wellness Coordinator Sisters" at CRSS are at the heart of our Oakville, MO
our ministry of prayer.
Our dear Sister Jubilarians postponed their served as our Franciscan last Fall. We welcome Prayer Ministry. As distractions of career
Farm Coordinator he extended Franciscan Pam as she conducts have given way, these Sisters are permitted If you would like to reach out to one of
celebration for a year. Our Sisters in assisted
hospitality and service to Farmer’s markets health assessments for to focus energies more fully on their these Sisters with a note or a card, please
and skilled care had to adapt to no visitors, Sister Lucia,
and food pantries, to retreatants and each of us, creates electronic conversations with God. Our Perpetual and mail it to:
no Mass, no outside activity trips. Mass is 63 yrs vowed
online, meetings are via Zoom, masks are organizations, to four-legged and two- health records, provides medical advocacy Annual Memberships of Prayer enrollee FSOLPH Sister _________ St Martin of Tours Parish,
worn and activities limited. We have been legged neighbors. A deep respect and for our Sisters in assisted and skilled lists (those acknowledged by our greeting c/o Tau Center East St Louis, IL
appalled by police brutality and the depth sense of beauty surrounded all that Jack care, advises us on insurance issues and cards) are distributed Community-wide, as 335 S Kirkwood Rd
of racism, and our complicity in it. We have did. We are grateful to Jack for connecting medical services, and assists with long term are all the intentions submitted through St Louis, MO 63122
us more deeply to our Franciscans for Earth planning for our retirement and health Sr Margaret Ann,
stood with our brothers and sisters in silent 70 yrs vowed
commitment. needs. Pam brings a personable spirit,
and vocal witness, attempting to be in St Francis of Assisi,
Readers of Franciscan Spirit experienced deep faith, diverse knowledge and a real
communion while social distancing. We Omaha, NE
his generous and deep spirit through his commitment to wellness. We are grateful The Franciscan Spirit is a free, monthly, digital newsletter with print editions twice a year
have grieved and we have rejoiced.
articles, so much so that we invited him she is part of our Tau Center staff. published in Kirkwood, MO, by the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. To be
In this issue of Franciscan Spirit we share added to the distribution list, email info@fsolph.org or call (314) 965-3700 with your choice
how we are trying to sit with the light in of email and/or print mail. Back issues of the printed magazine can be viewed on our Sister Therese,
front of us, how we are trying to live in 59 yrs vowed
website at www.fsolph.org/newsletter.
St Ferdinand Parish,
the Spirit of Jesus so that our words and The cover features the garden that was sustainably tended for years at Franciscan OUR CHARISM: The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help strive to be prayerful Florissant, MO
actions bring healing and greater freedom Farm in DeSoto, Missouri, by Maurice, then Keith, and most recently Jack. We thank women of faith, prophetic vision and courage. Discerning God's will within the Church,
to others. We are with you in prayer and them for their tender loving care. This Spring the Sisters sold the property and the we dedicate our lives to witnessing the Gospel compassionately and joyfully.
spirit as we trust that God’s love and light beautiful mid-century modern home to a family from St Louis to enjoy. Proceeds Sister Victoria,
will be used to further the Sisters' ministries including Franciscans For Earth. Check OUR FRANCISCAN MISSION: To be a transforming presence in society through
is leading us forward into new spaces. We witnessing Gospel values. Faithful to our charism in the mission of the Church, we 54 yrs vowed
trust we will all have enough light for the out the center spread for some great memories of the Farm that keeps on giving. St Anthony Parish,
prophetically respond to the needs of contemporary society. As compassionate women
next steps. Anthony, NM
alive in the spirit, we enable and empower others to live the Gospel with hope and joy.
2 3
SIGNS & SYMBOLS OF THE SISTERS WITH SISTER REGINA, ARCHIVIST
The little farm that keeps on giving tools, pots, minerals, benches, and other
supplies were donated to the Sunrise
Elementary School District in DeSoto,
The Road to Emmaus
About thirty years ago, we Sisters were Jesus — “Stay with us.”
After much discernment, the Franciscan Or maybe you just dropped in for a friendly Sisters' mission of empowering others to MO. There, an outdoor garden "providing engaged in a process calling us to Actually, the road all of us walk each and
Sisters decided this past winter to part visit to walk the grounds, work the soil, or live the Gospel with hope and joy. students with hands on learning along articulate just what was unique about our every day is the Road to Emmaus. Like
with their beloved property in DeSoto, sit by the lake. with an array of opportunities for them to congregation, what gifts we inherited from the two followers of Jesus in the story
The additional funds have also enabled the
MO. Originally purchased in 1985 as a interact with a natural environment" has our courageous foundresses, and how we who were confused and grieving, we
Our Franciscan Farm has been a lot of Sisters to create a new relationship with a had been blessed by the graces showered
retreat and recreation facility for the things to a lot of people. Sisters from across congregation of Sisters native to Haiti. The been established. This outdoor classroom sometimes have days of difficulty and
is a 22-acre "Certified National Wildlife upon us since our founding in 1901. confusion, struggling to make sense of
Sisters and their families, the large house the country have gathered for meals under Franciscan Sisters of St Antoine in Fondwa
and ample acreage transformed over the the huge porch. Schools have bussed celebrated their 23rd Anniversary last fall. Habitat" teaching sustainability and Over a three year period, we systematically some occurrence in our lives.
past decade into an educational facility students to our "outdoor classroom" They live and provide services in a very allowing for learning in several ecosystems. reflected on such questions individually "A third man came along and joined them
dubbed Franciscan Farm. Maybe you The students maintain bee hives, extract and then gathered in our local groups to entering into their conversation, but they
for field trips. DeSoto Farmers' Market poor area that was severely impacted by
visited the beautiful grounds to experience honey, and sell it locally. An after-school discuss. The time given to this process failed to recognize the companion as Jesus."
customers have enjoyed locally grown, the earthquake in 2010. While staying in
God's Creation through one of our Come Garden Club meets weekly and the young was blessed, and as a result of our
sustainably raised, produce including shantys and working to rebuild the modest We’ve all had experiences where we chose
& Be mini-retreats. Or you joined us in members learn the value of growing efforts we drafted the Mission, Charism
tenderly nurtured heirloom varieties. motherhouse that was demolished by to be hospitable and welcomed someone
fruits and vegetables, create compost and Spirituality statements we proudly
As of this Spring, Franciscan Farm was the 7.0 magnitude quake, these women proclaim today (see pg 3 for a summary). into our lives on a given day, and later
religious direct catechetical centers, from school lunches, and sell produce at
officially purchased by a young appreciated them for their gift of sharing
vocational training schools, a vegetable a farmers market. The land also provides We were also asked to discern "our story"
family from St Louis. Within and presence. We then recognize and
farm, and health clinics. In addition to a wooded walking trail in which the tree through Scripture. Overwhelmingly, the thank God for inserting that person into
the incredible mid-century species have been labeled, birdhouses Sisters identified “The Road to Emmaus”
modern home, lasting committing to a large annual donation, our our lives at just the right time and place —
hung, and a new bat area is being installed from Luke 24 as key to their vocations and That is Emmaus!
memories are being Sisters are praying for and corresponding
near a pond to increase interest and life journeys.
made anew. The with their newfound friends. The travelers then offer hospitality to Jesus
awareness. Since that time, we have all embraced
timber can again Although additional funds from the sale saying, "'Stay with us; the day is almost over,
All of this "Good" would not have been the Emmaus journey in our lives. Prints
foster wild were expected, what was a surprise were and it is getting dark.' Then their eyes were
possible without the many wonderful of Robert Zund's painting, (below), hang opened, and they recognized him, but he
imaginations, the many ways Franciscan Farm continued
individuals and organizations who helped in many of our homes and offices. Little vanished from their sight."
and the to provide. Former Farm Coordinator Jack
to create Franciscan Farm, tend the land, did we know then how many roads the
meadows Zimmermann used his many connections We also know the joy of chatting with
and support the programs through the Congregation would travel — divesting of
will provide to disperse the 'belongings' of the property our Motherhouse, building our Tau Center, friends over a meal, providing satisfaction
an epic to deserving organizations where they years... too many to name without surely
moving Sisters to Cardinal Ritter Senior to our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
place to can continue to do good. The trusty truck missing someone. We hope that you
Services, selling our Franciscan Farm, and That is Emmaus!
run and was donated to Saint Isidore Catholic know how appreciative the Sisters are,
as a Community, for the good will, for on and on. Walking down each of these Emmaus is every Christian's story. “If
play. Worker Farm in Wisconsin to serve their roads has us saying the same words that Emmaus is correct, then Christ surrounds
organic gardens, cows, chickens and bees. the hard work, blisters and sweat, for the
The the two disciples on the road said to the us. Yes, he stays with us through the entire
According to their website, "the Catholic guidance, creativity and problem-solving,
Sisters are stranger, whom they later recognized as journey of our life.” — R.J. Farley
Worker Movement began in 1933, when for the financial and moral support, for
using the
journalist Dorothy Day and philosopher the promotion and the cheer-leading, and
proceeds
Peter Maurin teamed up to publish and most of all, for the prayers that have so
from the
distribute a newspaper called The Catholic generously been shared.
sale to
create new Worker. This paper promoted the biblical
programs promise of justice and mercy. Grounded
teaching in a firm belief in the God-given dignity
Care for Our of every human person, their movement
Common Home. was committed to nonviolence, voluntary
In addition, they will poverty, and the Works of Mercy as a way
be able to continue of life. It wasn't long before Dorothy and
their support of national Peter were putting their beliefs into action,
and regional organizations that opening a "house of hospitality" where the
do advocacy for immigrants and homeless, the hungry, and the forsaken
the poor, as well as local nonprofits that would always be welcome. Over many
provide direct services. Last year, funds decades the movement has protested
planting or harvesting something from the
were distributed to 36 entities on top of injustice, war, and violence of all forms.
demonstration garden during one of our
the ongoing commitment the Sisters have Today there are some 228 Catholic Worker
children's potato digs, through a University
made to Marian Middle School and the communities in the United States and in
of Missouri Extension program, or as part of
English Tutoring Project, both in St Louis. countries around the world.
one of the many special events we hosted.
This funding is an important way to live the In another example, the Farm's gardening
A section of Robert Zund's 1877 painting "The Road to Emmaus." (public domain)
4 5
Pictures worth...
A look back through the years at Franciscan Farm, the beautiful property in DeSoto which was sold this Spring. The Sisters will miss the
many educational, recreational (and nutritional) opportunities it provided, and the wonderful people who joined in on the work and fun!
a 1,000 words 7
OPPORTUNITIES and examines the underlying man-made
disaster of structural racism. (Grade Level:
this newly emerging consciousness? What
does it teach us about who we are, how
we are related to the whole, and how we
I Pray Because I Can't Help It ... A Franciscans for Earth Reflection by Jack Zimmerman
& EVENTS (NEW!) 10-12th Grade, College & Adults.)
image Holy Mystery? Join this Masters-level There are countless good reasons and
seemingly endless ways to pray. The saints,
my ‘monkey mind’ (as Father Richard Rohr
so aptly calls it) to utter a brief word of
eventually leading me to baptism and
confirmation in the Catholic Church.
PAVING PATHS FOR PEACE & ALL Earth Literacy writer and lecturer as she
We've gotten creative. Everyone can scripture, our families (hopefully), our own thanks or supplication is a step in the right
GOOD - Finding Joy in Chaos; examines The Cosmic Story as context to I pray because I can’t help it! I will never
join us now, no matter your locale! find inspiration and hope, to explore and hearts, the glory of the created world and direction. forget one late afternoon this past May.
Lessons for the 21st Century from
*Registration IS necessary via our reflect upon its deeper meaning. our Lord all speak to us, if we are open to I pray because I never know what good it It was a perfect day — warm, sunny and
St Francis of Assisi hearing it, about the value and importance
website, www.fsolph.org/events, or leave might do. I was not raised Christian, but in peaceful. The breeze carried the scent of
a message with your event choices and *Join us via Zoom for one of four NOV ECO-SPEAKER - Juli Nieman, of prayer in its myriad forms. St Francis an unexpected way, the prayer of others freshly turned soil, the territorial calls of
contact info at (314) 965-3700, x104. programs: 9-10am Thu 10/1; 2-3pm Wed Smith, Moore & Co analyst offered praise for the natural world in the inexplicably drew me into the heart of cardinals and the distinctive “chicka-dee-
10/7; or 7-8pm Tue 10/6 or Thu 10/8 Register at www.fsolph.org/events to join beautiful Canticle ascribed to him. In a God. When I was in my thirties, I worked dee-dee” of their black-capped cousins. I
SEPT ECO-FILM - Cooked The past several years, we have delivered us Tues, 11/10 at 7pm via Zoom! more personal and vulnerable prayer, he on ships. There was a captain I knew who had spent the day building garden beds
various lessons from St Francis of Assisi seeks understanding, repeatedly asking was always patient, consistently cheerful with the help of a volunteer, and tending to
Watch the film for free "on demand" from You may remember Chartered Financial
in cities throughout mid-America. The “Who are you God, and who am I?” St Paul and calm under pressure. The crew trusted seedlings in the greenhouse. But now I was
your device, anytime 9/8-15 via a link,* Analyst Julie Nieman from her years
pandemic has given us the opportunity famously challenges us to “Pray without his leadership and followed him happily alone, sowing corn seeds in the 20 mounds
then join a Zoom discussion 9/15 at 7pm reporting on KMOV radio. This dynamic
to extend our spirit-filled storytelling and ceasing.” The psalms are full to bursting because he was fair, decisive and wise, and we had constructed that morning. Squash
The first 50 to register are invited to screen speaker will discuss how climate change with prayerful people who sing, dance and
thought-provoking activities to anyone he wouldn’t ask anyone to do something and beans would later be added, following
this searing investigation into the politics affects the economy and all of our finances burn incense in thankfulness for love and
with a computer and internet! Sign up he wouldn’t take on himself. One of the the “Three Sisters” pattern of companion
of "disaster" by way of the deadly 1995 in surprising ways and at every level. forgiveness, milk and honey, flocks and
today to learn something so necessary in first things I remember seeing him do was planting used by the Wampanoag people.
Chicago heat wave, in which 739 residents JAN ECO-FILM - Biggest Little Farm fields. Jesus teaches us the Lord’s Prayer get down on his hands and knees to help Kneeling in the garden, corn seeds in hand,
these trying times...how to find "perfect
— mostly elderly and black — died over and He regularly goes off to a quiet place a steward clean up glass that had broken I was suddenly flooded with a sense of
joy" amidst the current chaos. *Join us Tues, 1/12 at 7pm via Zoom!
the course of a week. Watch the 82-minute by Himself to be alone with God. He raises when she had dropped a tray of dishes well-being and contentment — a feeling
film at your convenience through the OCT ECO-SPEAKER - "The Cosmic Follow the true story of John & Molly as his eyes to heaven and lies prostrate in on the deck. On this particular vessel, the of connectedness — that was joyful and
emailed link, then on Tues 9/15, simply they trade city living for 200 acres of barren the company of His disciples to model the crew ate lunch together. I noticed early on overwhelming. I could not stay silent but
log in through an email invitation to join
Story" by Sister Sharon Zayac, OP
farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony posture of humility in prayer. that the captain would rest his forearms prayed out loud with words of gratitude. I
our discussion via Zoom. This searing, *Join us Tues, 10/13 at 7pm via Zoom with nature. Breathtaking cinematography on the edge of the table before each meal also prayed inwardly, asking God’s blessing
One of the best reasons to pray I’ve ever
smart, and insightful Judith Helfand film, We are in the midst of a cosmic shift in and captivating animals, bring an urgent heard is because we become like those and close his eyes in silent prayer. There for this crop and for all farmers and
recently released in the US, asks important understanding who we are as persons, as message to heed Mother Nature’s call for with whom we spend time. I remember my was no fanfare or awkwardness. It may gardeners, for the hungry and the well fed.
questions with humility and humanity, people of faith, as a human species. What is better living and a healthier planet. parents warning me not to ‘hang out’ with not seem significant, but as someone who The planting itself became a prayerful act,
kids that would be a bad influence. It was didn’t grow up with that kind of regular trusting in God to “give the growth” and
good advice and the same logic applies acknowledgment of God’s provision, it to send the rain and sun in right measure.
here. If you want to be more like Jesus, impressed me. I came to see it as integral to By August the mature corn graced tables
Mary and the saints, hanging out with everything else I admired about him. I in many homes, occasioning even
them in prayer is a good place to start. wanted what he had. His more expressions of
Another compelling reason is because quiet expression of appreciation.
God desires to be in relationship with faith inspired Thanks be to
us. No matter how feeble, stumbling or me to find God!
incomprehensible my prayer may be, just out more,
breaking out of the constant chattering of
. Laudato Si' Circle
Most years we would be sharing images from our Spring and Summer events. Since everything at Tau Center was canceled Season of Creation 9/1–10/4 A Laudato Si’ Circle is a group committed to the
due to Covid-19 precautions, we hope you enjoy these memories from the end of 2019: (clockwise from above left) Join the Franciscans For Earth Facebook process of ecological conversion, a deepening
On Nov 12, former KSDK Meteorologist Mike Roberts, who was to be our guest host at the canceled 2020 Sisters Sunshine group for a new reflection each morning relationship with God as Creator, and with all members
Gala, spoke on the realities of climate change to a packed house at Tau Center as part of our FFE Film & Speaker Series | of Creation. We currently gather via Zoom the second
Join in Prayer: praise for God’s provision,
Guests gather around an illumination from the Saint John's Bible during our fall Visio Divina event at the St Louis Cathedral Monday of the month at 7pm for prayer, reflection,
repentance for our greed and complicity in
Basilica on Aug 28. | Our final Paving Paths for Peace & All Good outreach events for 2019 were held in Aviston, IL, Oct 7, and discussion and action in compassionate love and
the suffering of earth and our neighbors,
at our Tau Center (below) on Sep 9. We plan to resume all of these activities in some form in the future. Don't miss out! Like concern for our common home. For info, or to receive
intercession for those vulnerable to climate
our Facebook page and mark it to 'see first,' or email info@fsolph.org with your full name to be added to our e-mail alert list. an invitation link to join us, leave a voicemail for Sister
chaos, and releasing all we have back to God
Cheryl with your contact information
Join in Practice: audit your own at (314) 965-3700 x104, or email her at
mistreatment of the Earth, and commit to new srcheryl@fsolph.org
practices individually and communally
Join in Advocacy: encourage local
governments to include climate justice and
steps to a green economy in recovery plans
Join in Action: participate in civil action
to put pressure on governments to produce
ambitious national targets for 2021
8 9
Racism Responses: Help us further Until we meet again . . .
It would be very difficult to deny that
our Gospel Mission: Sister Xavier Fik, OSF 1918–2020
Sister Xavier Fik entered eternal life on Sunday, March 1, 2020
racism exists in the United States. It 1. The CARES Act made tax deduct- at 102 years of age. After a visitation and Mass of Resurrection,
shouldn't take a video of George Floyd's ible gifts possible for 2020. Under Sister Xavier was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in
tortured death at the hands of a police the coronavirus stimulus package, St Louis, MO, on March 10. She was the 6th out of ten children
officer to bring about change. But we are filers may be able to deduct up to and born in Chicago Heights, IL.
all human and tend to push the ugly, the $300 for charitable giving, on top of
painful, and the embarrassing aside until the standard deduction! There are also In her joyful years of service as a Franciscan Sister she minis-
we are forced to acknowledge it. We have new business incentives to donate. tered as a teacher, principal, organist and seamstress. Sister
been pushing aside the sin of racism, in all was known for her zest for life, her Polish heritage, music,
2. Leave a Legacy — remember the and jokes. There were many times Sister went above and beyond for those she served.
forms, since before this country existed. We
Sisters in your will During the '50s she was teaching at a black school in a Southern city. We had other
have generations who have been raised to
Directly name the Franciscan Sisters of Sisters teaching in the town's white school. Graduation was approaching and the Sisters
believe that prejudice, the injustice it brings, June 2, 2020 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kirkwood, decided to order gowns and mortarboards for the students. The orders for those going
and the fear it leaves are acceptable parts of
MO, in your will, and let us know! You to the white school went through, but the company refused to sell to the black school.
life. Too often, violence is the tragic result. Racism is the original and persistent sin of the United States. Unarmed will automatically be added to our Sister would not allow her students this indignity. She ordered fabric and used her skills
Changing others is difficult, sometimes black people are killed by police authorities and armed members of the perpetual prayer list. to sew day and night to give every one of the students from her school the pleasure
impossible. Changing society's policies, public. Say their names: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery,
3. Donate Stock for a possible tax and satisfaction they had earned by working hard to graduate. Pictures illustrate that
systems, and laws is absolutely necessary, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Tony Robinson, Trayvon
break there was nothing lacking in her beautiful, hand-made, graduation gowns and caps.
but slow. We do have total and immediate Martin. So many others. We know this. We see this. We grieve. We are
control over one thing — ourselves. We Gifting securities or annuities to the Sister Mary Philip Patin, OSF 1927–2020
angry. We move on. It happens again. Franciscan Sisters may provide tax
can change. We can open our hearts, and
really educate ourselves to overcome Our racist system targets people of color for poverty, imprisonment, advantages over donating cash. Ask Sister Mary Philip Patin died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the
learned notions and biases. We can work violence, and death. Primarily white institutions police black your financial planner. age of 93. A private burial took place in Resurrection Cemetery
for not only equality, but for equity, in our communities and communities of color. Primarily white institutions on May 1. There will be a memorial Mass and celebration of
4. Change to Amazon Smile Sister’s life at a later date.
everyday decisions and interactions. We can hold power in a criminal justice system that utterly fails to impose
Replace Amazon with Amazon Smile
choose for whom we vote, where we shop, accountability on police officials and armed white citizens who kill Born in Sand Lake, Michigan, Sister Patin entered the
and designate the Franciscan Sisters
and with whom we share. We can show unarmed black people. There is no justice. How, then, can there be peace? Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1948 and
of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as your
respect for the dignity of others, no matter We, the elected leadership of religious congregations of women in made final vows in 1953. She ministered as a teacher, principal,
beneficiary. Each time you shop,
how they look, where they were born, or and around the St. Louis area, stand in unity with those who feel the teacher aide, and organist. In the Archdiocese of St. Louis,
Amazon will donate 0.5% of your
how they pray. Let us seek to find Christ in rage and despair of this moment. As majority white communities Sr. Mary Philip served at Immaculate Conception School in
purchase to the Sisters.
everyone we meet, so we can set a better Augusta, Holy Family School in Port Hudson, Holy Ghost
in the United States, we recommit to prayer, self-examination, and
example for the next generation. 5. Give "In Honor," or "In Memory" School in Berkeley, St. Pius X School in Glasgow Village and St
advocacy. Specifically, we join with the U.N. High Commissioner for Blaise/Holy Spirit School in Maryland Heights. She also served in Louisiana, Illinois, New
In our call to tend to the heart of the world, of a loved one or "In Celebration" of
Human Rights in calling for fundamental reform in the way policing is a special event Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia. Sister Mary Philip was known as an excellent seamstress
many of our Sisters have been attending
socially distanced, peaceful protests. Below
done in the United States. We call for fundamental law reform to strip Need a gift for someone who has having made many beautiful chasubles for the priests at parishes where she ministered.
is a photo from the steps of St Francis Xavier away protections for those who bring violence and death to unarmed everything? Celebrate their birthday or She was also known for sharing her Franciscan joy and sweet sense of humor, whether
College Church at Saint Louis University black people. We call for and commit to REAL change to bring REAL anniversary, promotion or retirement, it be with her students on the playground, with those in her prison retreat ministry, or in
where each Tuesday evening at least a peace, the peace that comes when all have enough, when all are treated by donating to the Sisters in their her later years with those giving and receiving care at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services.
half-dozen of our Sisters participate in a with respect. name. Want to memorialize a loved
"Silent Witness Protest" sponsored by the one in a special way? Let us know and Sister Erlinda Gurule, OSF 1939 –2020
We deplore all random acts of vandalism and other acts of violence and
Jesuit Men in Formation. We also joined terror. These acts do not promote peace, justice, or respect. we can send the acknowledgment Our dear, sweet Sister Erlinda Gurule went home to the Lord
with other communities of women religious Every person is a precious child of God. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, to family members and include them on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Sister was from a large, very close
in supporting the billboard and calling for in prayer. You may even be able to family in Cebolla, New Mexico. She received her call to be a
Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Tony
prayer with the press release shown on the deduct the gift from your taxes. Franciscan Sister at a young age, and loved being a Franciscan
Robinson, Trayvon Martin ... precious children of God. (Consult your financial advisor.) Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This year marked her 60th
right. Won't you join us?
We call for a citywide day of prayer, mourning and self-examination to Jubilee.
be held on June 6, 2020, on racism and how we are called as individuals 6. Perpetual Membership of Prayer
Each member shares in the graces Sister Erlinda was a gifted teacher, shown by the “Teacher of
and a civic community to act now.
of the Eucharist Celebration offered the Year” and “Outstanding Educator” awards she received as
Signed, the elected leadership of the following religious congregations: twice a month, and in the daily she worked with primary students throughout the country.
Her classrooms were in St. Louis, Chicago, Ohio, Texas, New
Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise prayers and good works of each of
our Sisters. For this $25 donation, a Mexico, Colorado and Louisiana. In addition to her special
Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help talent for teaching children to read, hundreds will remember her for helping them
family member will receive a beautiful
Sisters of Loretto/Loretto Community learn the Sign of the Cross and preparing them for First Communion, while seldom
gold presentation booklet with a
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, South Central Leadership Team personalized certificate inside. raising her voice. Sister Erlinda was admired for her saintly spirit — strong, yet gentle
Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America — and for never uttering an unkind or judgmental word. Her later years were claimed
For more information, contact
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O’Fallon, MO by Parkinson’s Disease, but she never complained and offered all to Jesus. One of her
Sister Connie at (314) 965-3700,
Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province x109, or srconnie@fsolph.org.
most endearing characteristics was her wit and her quiet chuckle. She was buried at
Resurrection Cemetery in St Louis with plans for a Mass and celebration of Life to follow.
10
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