I entered religious life at the age of 14. My desire at that age was to minister in caring for orphans, maybe some missionary work and to be a woman of prayer. Now at age 65 and 50 years of Franciscan Religious Life, I can look back and see that these desires have come to be, but in vastly different ways than I had imagined. My sense of life, church and religious life has expanded in vision and scope. And it is Wisdom who has formed me not I who have made the difference.

In the community I originally entered I was always assigned to teach at many different elementary schools and at a high school. All the time I was teaching I was also a student myself. First I got a bachelor degree in Sociology from Loyola University in Chicago and then a Masters in Pastoral Studies from IPS of Loyola in Chicago. My hope was to companion folks in their spiritual development. That community had no vision of allowing me to so serve the church in these ways.

After 17 years with that order I took a leave of absence and searched for another community of Franciscans who would honor both my ministry calling and my desire for the contemplative life. After a year of discernment I joined the Wheaton Franciscans. I also began studying for my Doctorate in Ministry at St. Mary of the Lake University/Mundelein Seminary. After five years as a Wheaton Franciscan I was asked to be the Formation Director, Novice Director and later the Vocation director of the Wheaton Franciscans.

During those years and immediately afterwards, I began a practice of spiritual direction ministry that developed into Wisdom Webbings, a ministry of giving retreats, spiritual direction counseling, teaching, facilitating and writing. Four books grew out of the writing: Sabbath Bread, Sipping Wisdom, Savoring Her Passion I and II, and Icons of My Soul. I also began living as a neighborhood anchoress, which is as a woman who lives and prays in solitude in a home in a neighborhood while opening her doors to serve others in their spiritual journeys. The Wheaton Franciscans have made this all possible with their blessings. I have been living this lifestyle and ministry model of religious life for some 22 years. I have also continued to participate regularly in the life of the Wheaton Franciscans.

At this present time I have also been called to work in Interreligious Dialogue work. I am also the poetry editor of Interreligious Insight, A journal of dialogue and engagement. I am a regular faculty member at Common Ground in Deerfield, Illinois, and am practicing watercolor painting and writing poetry regularly. I am a board member of Canticle Ministries of the Wheaton Franciscans. I accept invitations to teach and preach and facilitate folks in their spiritual development no matter their religious culture.

So in some ways I am ministering to orphans of the spirit, doing missionary work in the lands of others’ hearts and am a woman of intense prayer. I asked for this by entering religious life and God has fulfilled my desires. I am a grateful, happy woman living in the lineage of Francis and Clare of Assisi.

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