On October 17th, our community hosted nearly 100 men and women religious stationed throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago came together for a beautiful night of prayer and fellowship. The evening began with a Eucharistic Holy Hour in the Church that included Evening Prayer and a short exhortation from Bishop Bob on the immense value of…
Category: Community Life
Pilgrimage to Italy 2024
On the special occasion of a family wedding, five of the Franciscans were invited to attend the celebrations in Italy. The reception was held at a beautiful villa on Lake Como in the southern Alps. It was a joy to celebrate with Br. Matt’s family! After the wedding festivities, the five travelers went on pilgrimage…
2024 Summer Highlights – August
Back-to-School Block Party On August 17th we had our annual Back-to-School Block Party! This year was our biggest party yet, with well over 1000 neighbors coming to join us for the fun, fellowship, and of course, school supplies. Thanks to the generosity of so many, over 800 brand new backpacks packed with school supplies were…
2024 Summer Highlights – July
National Eucharistic Congress Almost our entire community and all of our summer volunteers and seminarians made the trip down to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress. Our community was very blessed to be heavily involved with this incredible event. Bishop Bob spoke on panels and presided and preached at one of the large youth Masses,…
2024 Summer Highlights – June
Summer 2024 is flying by here on Iowa Street! Keep an eye out for blog posts throughout the summer sharing monthly highlights. June Arrival of Summer Volunteers Each summer we are so blessed to have a number of OLA “summer students” come on board to help us serve at the Mission during June and July….
A Sewer went out to sew…
Reflection by Sr. Jess Many people are often surprised to hear that we sew our religious habits (garments) in house. And yet – upon learning that some of us do exercise the homesteading / pre-modern skill of sewing – they often shake their heads in approval – as if they would have expected nothing less…
The Prayer before the Crucifix
Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts. Instill in us a correct faith, a certain hope, and a perfect love, a sense and a knowledge, Lord, that we may do Your holy and true command. Amen. This prayer was written by St. Francis of Assisi, and thought to be the prayer that…
St. Francis’ Feast Day Traditions
October 3rd and 4th are special days for Franciscans! St. Francis died on the night of October 3rd, 1226, so it is on that night that Franciscans around the world celebrate the Transitus, a special prayer service commemorating his last moments and passing. After a quiet, solemn night, his feast day on October 4th is…