“Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake.

War begets war, violence begets violence.”

- Pope Francis, Angelus, September 1, 2013

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration stand united with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and join them in answering "the Gospel call to follow Jesus' way of nonviolence, reconciliation, and care for the most vulnerable across lines of division." We share "responsibility to protect the safety of all people of faith throughout the world." Read more about our commitment to stand with the global interfaith community in the face of the humanitarian crisis in Middle East and find resources for learning, praying and acting — including tools for connecting with your local elected officials — at fspa.org.

"The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them." (Book of Wisdom 3:1)

All are invited to share the names of those souls — your dearly departed — with FSPA. They will be placed in a basket at the Sacred Heart Altar in Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and held in our hands and adoration daily throughout the month of November — a sacred tradition in the Catholic faith and FSPA mission of being loving presence in prayer.

We welcome the names of your loved ones now deceased and invite your to make a memorial tribute.

In a world where traditions stand as symbols of continuity and faith, the 800th anniversary of the crèche, that profound representation of the birth of Christ, is no small occasion. Local Franciscan organizations, including the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Franciscan Spirituality Center, Viterbo University and Mayo Clinic Health System, have come together to commemorate this monumental event. Please join us!

From witnessing the serene beauty of crèches at "The Greccio Experience" to creating a community mural and a baby item drive to aid La Crosse-area families, there's something for every soul seeking connection and inspiration.

• Nov. 29 - Dec. 17: The Greccio Experience: A Display of Nativity Scenes from Around the World
• Dec. 4 - Dec. 15: Community Mural: A Nativity-Based Paint-by-Number Experience for All
• Dec. 4 - Dec. 21 Baby Item Drive: Echoing the Love and Care Shown to the Holy Infant
• Dec. 10: Lighting of Mayo Clinic Health System's CAMS Building
• Dec. 10: Franciscan Night at La Crosse's Rotary Lights Holiday Display
• Dec. 16: The Nativity Experience
• Dec. 16: Advent Bowls: Sounds of Greccio
• Dec. 17: Blessing of Baby Jesus
• Jan 14. or Feb. 4: Journeying Together from the Crib to the Cross

So please mark your calendars now to celebrate history, faith and the priceless treasure of community, and follow fspa.org/centenary for details on all the inspiring events. If you're unable to join us but interested in learning more about the history of Christmas in Greccio, and how to live it, we recommend visiting the Franciscan Centenary website.

"I see Jesus' thoughts again," writes Messy Jesus Business blog contributor Angela Paviglianiti. "They travel to the family from Gaza ... To the Egyptians ... To the mother of the disappeared, doubled over with grief." Read Angela's raw and personal reflection, "Whose side are you on in this war, Jesus?", at messyjesusbusiness.com. To subscribe to the blog, click here.

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Jolynn Brehm, pictured here in 1989, displays the congregation's declaration of Unity in Diversity — our commitment to "building Christ's Kingdom of justice and peace."

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Maria Friedman and Mary Kathryn Fogarty enjoy a recent trivia party at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse. Photo by Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Charlene Smith.

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