Our Anniversary YearOctober 4, 2021 through October 4, 2022 As I reflect on our community’s past 150 years in the United States and 75 years in Wheaton, my dominant feeling is one of gratitude for God’s gracious and loving presence with us. Beginning in 1872 when our pioneer courageous Sisters came from Germany to establish the beginning of our province in the USA to the relinquishment of our flourishing and successful health care and housing ministries in 2016, the wisdom and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit has been with us.Not all the years rolled by smoothly. On two occasions throughout [...]
October 2022 Weavings Reflection
This Reflection Has Gone to the Dogs... and Cats... and Birds!Part II: Wheaton Franciscan Cats and Birds We continue our journey into lessons learned by Wheaton Franciscans living intimately with God's creatures.Click on the photos to enlarge them Sister Pat Norton has lived with many animal companions: "Since moving to Wheaton in 1972, I have had the privilege to share life with 6 animals--4 dogs and 2 cats. While living with Sister Rosie I told her one day that I was sure that having a dog would improve my spiritual life. How could she argue with that? So, [...]
Remembering Sr. Mary Elizabeth Glueckstein
March 20, 1942 - September 30, 2022 VisitationDate: Friday, October 7, 2022Time: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. CDTLocation: Wheaton Franciscan Sisters26W171 Roosevelt RoadOur Lady of the Angels ChapelEntrance #5Wheaton, Illinois 60187Family Members and Friends are also invited to attend. We ask that you be fully vaccinated and wear a mask. Memory ServiceDate: Friday, October 7, 2022Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. CDTLocation: Wheaton Franciscan Sisters26W171 Roosevelt RoadOur Lady of the Angels ChapelEntrance #5Wheaton, Illinois 60187Family Members and Friends are also invited to attend. We ask that you be fully vaccinated and wear a mask.The service will [...]
Blessings – September 2022
Season of CreationPrayer Service: Thurs, Sept 1, 2022 On Thursday, September 1, 2022, the Wheaton Franciscans, in collaboration with the Diocese of Joliet Laudato Si’ Ministry, opened the Season of Creation with a prayer service at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. More than 50 people joined us in the Chapel while many more viewed the service on livestream. Sr. Barb Nelson, IBVM, offered an engaging reflection reminding all of us that we are called to discipleship and, therefore, we are called to care for all of God’s creation. Read more about the prayer serviceFrom the Laudato Si' Ministries - [...]
Take Action: Tell Congress to ban organophosphates
As we celebrate the Season of Creation, we urge you to take action to protect our environment from the neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides that continue to be used in agriculture. The harm done to Earth, as well as to agricultural workers and consumers needs to stop. Please read the information and consider taking action on behalf of our common home.
Tell NOAA: Protect North Atlantic right whales
As we begin this Season of Creation, this week we want to focus our attention on the oceans, which are home to many creatures great and small—from the tiniest plankton to giant mammals. Today, the great North Atlantic right whales are one of the world's most endangered large whale species. But speeding boats are running into right whales, seriously injuring or even killing them. One way to reduce these deadly boat strikes is to force boats to slow down. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is considering a new rule that would protect right whales from boat strikes along the East Coast. [...]
Urge Congress to Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act Today!
Join CCUSA today in helping our nation’s Afghan allies by urging your senators and representatives to enact, in the remaining days of the 117th Congress, the Afghan Adjustment Act as a standalone measure or as a provision in the Continuing Resolution, which is expected to be voted on in late September. Urge Congress to Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act Today!
Urge FEMA to Designate a Scientific Integrity Officer
From Sr Bea Hernandez (JPIC):As we begin the Season of Creation we are acutely aware of the many natural disasters affecting our world, including here in the US. Drought, forest fires, flooding, hurricanes and tornados, etc. A year and a half ago, President Biden directed all federal agencies to appoint a science integrity officer. Unfortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has failed to take this critically important action. A thorough and scientific assessment is essential to helping people before, during and after natural disasters. We ask all of you to learn more and to sign onto the letter urging FEMA to act now. Science based efforts [...]
September Anniversary Post
Our Wheaton Franciscan CampusA Place of Peace, Hope, and Healing Peace Be With You is the sign that greets visitors as they enter the Wheaton Franciscan campus. This simple message is core to decisions the Sisters have made in creating a place of peace, hope, and healing for all who enter. In 1947, the Sisters purchased 90 acres of land in unincorporated DuPage County, Illinois. As the needs of the times have changed, so has the face of the campus. To meet the needs of the times, the Sisters used a portion of the property to [...]
September 2022 Weavings Reflection
This Reflection Has Gone to the Dogs... and Cats... and Birds!Part 1: Wheaton Franciscan Pooches Wheaton Franciscans have a long history of sharing their lives with dear animal and bird companions. Because of Francis's affinity for the natural world and the creatures in it, we thought it would be appropriate to celebrate what has been gleaned from the animals that have graced the homes and lives of Wheaton Franciscans. Please consider these stories of pets that have enhanced the lives of Wheaton Franciscans. The first part focuses on dog companions and next month will have tales of cats and [...]