The first four months of 2026 gave us contemplation, community gatherings, unexpected snow, and visitors from afar. Looking back on this time of transformation and growth, our hearts swell with gratitude and hope of what’s to come the rest of the year.
Around OLA Campus
Life around the OLA campus brought signs of both spring and winter this season, from the dedicated work of our groundskeepers to an unexpected March snowfall that transformed the landscape overnight. For the Sisters visiting from Brazil to study English, the late-season snow became a memorable glimpse into Midwest weather and life in Wheaton.
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Archives Presentation: The Future of the Past: Preserving the Legacy and Charism of the Wheaton Franciscans
After sharing his presentation with the Sisters last year, Wheaton Franciscan Archivist Kevin Korst spoke with the Associates this past February about the important work of preserving our community’s legacy. Reflecting on moments throughout Wheaton Franciscan history, he emphasized the importance of documenting the ministries and lives of Sisters, past and present, to help guide future generations.
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Taizé (March & May)
The first two of our quarterly Taizé services have already filled Our Lady of the Angels Chapel with beautiful prayer and melodies in March and May. We treasure these moments of contemplation and look forward to Taize in September and November.
Spring Luncheon
This spring, Sisters and Associates gathered for a festive St. Patrick’s Day luncheon filled with laughter, conversation, and the joy of sharing a meal together. The afternoon offered a meaningful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate community in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We also celebrated Sister Jane Petzel’s 90th birthday!
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Holy Week 2026
During Holy Week and the Triduum this past April, the Wheaton Franciscan community came together to enter more deeply into the sacred story of Christ’s passion, death, and Resurrection. Through these solemn celebrations, we were reminded that even in suffering, God continues to bring forth hope and new life through the promise of Easter.
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Peace Prayer Vigil 2026
In response to Pope Leo XIV’s invitation to pray together for peace, the Wheaton Franciscan community gathered for a peace vigil on Saturday, April 11, 2026. During the vigil, candles were lit and placed upon a flower-lined cross as a prayerful sign of solidarity with those experiencing conflict and a reminder of our shared call to care for our Common Home and all who dwell within it.
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Regional Assembly 2026
From April 12–18, the Wheaton Franciscans gathered for the Regional Assembly, a time of discernment and decision-making for the future of the Community. During the Assembly, the Sisters affirmed a new Vision Statement and welcomed the newly appointed Regional Leadership Team: Sister Melanie Paradis, Regional Directress, along with Sister Beatrice Hernandez and Sister Alice Drewek as Regional Leadership Team Members.
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Earth Day 2026
This April, the Wheaton Franciscan community joined people around the world in celebrating the 56th Anniversary of Earth Day with a gathering in the St. Clare Garden. Together, we honored the beauty of Mother Earth and renewed our shared commitment to caring for our Common Home and all who call it home.
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thank you for this gift of reliving these grace filled days. PLease know I was there in Spirit, praying, listening, eating, having fun 😁 etc, Love, charlotte