Monthly Archives: May 2020

Global Solidarity – June 2020

June 5 — World Environment Day Celebrated in 100 countries, the United Nations’ (UN) World Environment Day calls all citizens of the world to raise awareness about the care of Earth.  The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is “The Mighty Earth” with a focus on biodiversity.  The 2020 host country for the UN celebrations is Columbia in partnership with Germany.  Having recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of the papal encyclical Laudato Si, Catholics are now more aware than ever of our responsibility to care for our common home.  The encyclical reminds us that we are not only to “care” [...]

Global Solidarity – June 20202020-05-29T17:50:10+00:00

We Lament and Mourn the 100,000 People Lost to COVID-19

Over the weekend of May 29-31 we invite you to unite with us, and our brothers and sisters from many faith communities, in a time of mourning and lament for the more than 100,000 people in the United States and 350,000 globally who have died from COVID-19.  We mourn for the individuals and for their loved ones and the feeling of hope diminished. Together, we will pray for the healing of our nation and all nations.On Friday, with Ramadan finished, Muslims will remember the reception of the Quran. On Friday and Saturday, Jews will remember God's covenant as they celebrate [...]

We Lament and Mourn the 100,000 People Lost to COVID-192020-05-28T21:52:54+00:00

We Are All In This Together – Update – May 27, 2020

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jerimiah 29:11Dear Friends,As you know, plans are being implemented for a phased in approach to “restore Illinois.” A multi-phase plan for re-opening churches is also in the works. The Wheaton Franciscans are also thoughtfully planning “what might be next” as the State of Illinois and the country move out of the “safe at home” phase of the battle against COVID-19.Currently, Our Lady of the Angels Motherhouse, Chapel, and Tau Center are [...]

We Are All In This Together – Update – May 27, 20202020-05-27T20:38:14+00:00

The Beehive in Our Lady of the Angels Lower Garden

By Covenant Companion Mary Krystinak, Director of  Our Lady of Angels And Sisters Healthy Living Alphonse Scepurek contacted me early this year to discuss the possibility of having one of his beehives located on our property.  The agreement would be that he would tend the bees, harvest the honey, and then share half of the honey with the Sisters.Al and his wife Mary have been longtime friends of Sr. Martha Friedman, Sr. Alice Reckamp and Covenant Companion Brother Harry DeGrave.   At our initial meeting on March 5. 2020, Sr. Martha and Sr. Alice joined me and Al for a lesson [...]

The Beehive in Our Lady of the Angels Lower Garden2020-05-20T14:35:35+00:00

Laudato Sí 5th Anniversary

     Laudato Sí Week - May 16-24, 2020We’re living through history-shaping events. People everywhere are crying out for hope, and our faith is urgently needed to light the way.Laudato Sí Week honors the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The theme of the week is “everything is connected.” Laudato Sí teaches us how to build a better world–together. We invite you to stand with us and with our brothers and sisters in faith as we continue to grow through the crisis of this moment to build a better tomorrow for all!Join the global [...]

Laudato Sí 5th Anniversary2020-05-27T21:33:35+00:00
@ Wheaton Franciscans