August is another one of those Franciscan months. In the spirit of the feast of the Portiuncula and in anticipation of the Feast of St. Clare, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity planned a recent campfire at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Why a campfire? The Portiuncula was the place where St. Francis heard the gospel that encouraged him to follow his vocation. However, historical accounts also tell that it was outside the “little portion” that St. Francis and St. Clare shared a special meal and were enflamed with the mystical love of God. Assisi town’s folk saw actual flames raging near the chapel, but when investigating the fire found the friars and nuns deep in prayer. Rather than a meal, we first feasted on the sweetness of s’mores and good company together. Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Father Placid Stroik was also among us.
We also took care not to disturb Brother Mosquitoes placing our benches and chairs on the blacktop rather than the grass.
To enkindle our hearts while enjoying Brother Fire, we sang original music composed by our Sisters. The gift of having the actual composers among us was especially moving. Although Sister Carol Juckem accompanied us on the keyboard, each musician was applauded after her song was sung. Here’s a list of the Sisters and their songs:
I Walk in the Presence of Yahweh by Sister Winifred Crevier
Love is Faithful by Sister Marsaia Kaster
Ask and You Shall Receive by Sister Caritas Strodthoff
Be Little Be Poor by Sister Marlita
Consecrate Me by Sister Ann Carla Baumann
My Gift is Peace by Sister Carol Juckem
Our Love Song…God and I by Sister Carol Juckem
The last chorus of the closing song summed up the summer evening perfectly. “In the stillness of the night, my God comes to me. He takes my hand warmly in His, and He speaks His love, His deep love for me.”
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