What a wonderful time we had at FLIC (Franciscans Living in Community) up at Wappingers Falls, NY. I took my time to do this Blogging since I wanted to give you a real insight to the knowledge I obtained at the hands (and hearts) of many good Secular Franciscans.
A former Franciscan Seminary, the Mount Alvernia Retreat House in Wappingers Falls is placid in its setting. Whether I was walking (yet again) the Portico to get to the Main Chapel, or climbing stairs to my room, dining room or conference room, I felt such a sense of peace that only comes in the presence of the Lord Jesus.
I have to say I learned so much too. Francis was part of the Penitential Movement of the Middle Ages. I learned that when Francis wrote his letter "Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance" to us as the Third Order, he was directing our efforts for we are called to "produce worthy fruits of penance." I am thinking (hopefully it's correct) that I as an individual and collectively as a SFO I am called to produce worthy fruits of penance for the sanctification of my world.
Part of the gift of going that particular week was the invitation to participate in the Transitus of Saint Clare. Included in the prayer time was the Anointing. My hands were anointed by one of the Poor Clare sisters that are cloistered on the property of Mount Alvernia. It was a heady moment to see all three Orders gathered together. Father Matt, our Spiritual Assistant, as First Order, Brothers also, the Sisters hosting of course and us, the Brothers & Sisters of Penance (aka Secular Franciscans.)
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| Me & Jeanne |
I wanted to mention that I really love the people I met at FLIC. Jeanne and I are in the same fraternity and what a great rapport we have. Sincerely we love each other as we love other people who are part of this Greater Fraternity. I want to thank everybody that help me get there, including Alicea (who carpooled us), Teresa Baker (Main Speaker), Deacon Bob Campbell, my St. Lawrence of Brandisi Fraternity. My family got a big hug and kiss for letting me go too.
God bless you all,
Until next time! Sylvia
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