In this video on Franciscan Discernment, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers shares on “When Trauma is Transformed”.
When Trauma is Transformed
As we continue this Jubilee Year of St. Francis’ 800th Transitus from death to life let us look at how he faced the trauma in his life. When the city states of Assisi and Perugia were at war, Francis ambition was to become a knight. He was captured in the battle and instead of becoming a knight he became a prisoner of war; he spent a year in the dungeon prison in Perugia until his father paid his ransom.
The disillusionment of war, death, sickness and imprisonment changed him, some scholars now muse that he was experiencing PTSD
As he spent time recovering, unsure of what was to become of his life, he found himself praying in the broken-down church of San Damiano; pleading with God to show him a direction in his life.
During this time he also faced one of his gravest fears, encountering lepers whose skin was rotting, who smelled, who were ostracized from the community, who were quite contagious. This time instead of running in the opposite direction, he dismounts his horse, gives him money and embraces him.
In doing so he faces his fear and becomes free; he discovers, in his own trauma, a way of healing—embracing another who is broken and alone. This becomes Francis’ ministry, he finds God’s direction in his life to minister to the broken and outcast lepers; This fills him with purpose and dignity.In my own life, during one of the most difficult times of trauma, what brought healing was going to school each day to teach my students. They took me outside of myself and my own brokenness, meeting their needs helped to heal me.
In our own weakness and vulnerability may we reach out to another who is also feeling broken and alone and discover God’s presence and healing. May the Lord give you peace.
In this year of St. Francis, consider these discernment possibilities and more. Click here.
The post Franciscan Discernment: When Trauma is Transformed appeared first on Franciscan Sisters.