“Follow me, and I will make you fish for people” Matthew 4:19. From September 27^th through October 3^rd, our Temporary Professed Franciscan Sisters of the Poor held a special meeting -- a time of communion and regeneration based on our Congregational Pastoral Plan. On October 4_^th, the end of this meeting, they celebrated the Feast of St. Francis. On this occasion, moreover, our Associates Pascal and Jules Marie renewed their covenants and Abel and Gilbert made their permanent covenants.

The following are some of their impressions about these experiences:

“I was very happy with our meeting. For me it was a time of sisterly communion, sharing, discovery and rest energizing me to start my pastoral service anew.” Sr. Christiane

“I felt sisterhood, love and communion. The formation meeting about our Congregational Pastoral Plan was wonderful. Renewing our vows at the end of it was a powerful experience demonstrating the joy of living in God’s love.” Sr. Geneviève

“I was touched, happy and, above all, impressed by the priest’s homily in which he invited us to increase our awareness of the Franciscan virtues: the love for poverty, sobriety, and the protection of the community of Life.” Associate Jules Marie

“I renewed my commitment to follow Christ and to rediscover my consecration… every day is a new day, with new insights and new community projects.” Sr. Flavienne

“The meeting of the young Sisters was a source of light and discovery for me. I was proud of it and the fact that I brought with me a great hope to begin anew the mission of God.” Sr. Anne Marie

“I am grateful to God that gave me the strength to fulfill my commitment from the beginning of my journey with the SFPs. Our spiritual celebration also reinforced my commitment because, inside of me, I was able to trust in God. Let us continue to pray to the Almighty so that God may send harvesters for His fields.” Associate Gilbert

“I shared with the SFP family a moment of great joy. It was also an occasion to thank God for the grace I received and to ask everybody to remember me in their prayers. May I follow the example of Mother Frances and be more helpful in the service of the poor.” Associate Abel

“I was astonished by the faithful love of God for me. I hope that by renewing my vows, I will express the charism even better, love God even more and love my neighbor through my way of being in my daily life.” Sr. Jacqueline

“First of all, I am grateful to God for Sr. Sylviane’s spiritual preparation – and for the time spent in Eucharistic adoration. Then, I am grateful to God who guided me in following two of Mother Frances’ key words: service and listening. Finally, I am grateful for the community prayer which gave me the courage and strength to spread my faith as SFP Associate and to face new challenges with my Franciscan values.” Associate Pascal

“God enabled me to renew my consecration -- and with my answer, I was welcomed with the grace of this God’s gift.” Sr. Domitilde

“For me, renewing my vows means is a celebration of my faith in God and my love for the poor. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and I ask the grace to embody the image of Christ in His obedience so to live in humility and simplicity.” Sr. Pélagie

We are grateful to our Congregation which encourages us by offering these powerful moments of sharing and sisterly/brotherly communion to encourage us to love and serve Christ in the different faces of the people we meet.

Sr. Jacqueline Compaoré, sfp

Published: October 29, 2019