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Reflection

 

The Gift of Hope

God of hope, come! Enter into every human

Heart that cries out for a glimpse of your love,

For a sign of your welcoming presence,

for a taste of your happiness. 

 

 

-Taken from Out of the Ordinary, copyright 2000 by Joyce Rupp.

Used by permission of Ave Maria Press. All rights reserved.

  

 

  
  
Upcoming Event
  

New Year's Eve Blessing of Time

6 p.m., Mary of the Angels Chapel

La Crosse, Wis.

All are welcome.


 

 

 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
 
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Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
912 Market Street
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
 

 

Through Prayer, Witness and Writing, Sister Embraces the Poetry of Retirement

 

 

At the age of 102, Sister Lucille Kleinheinz has challenged herself to write a birthday poem for every FSPA who lives at Villa St. Joseph. It's been a daunting task, with one month in particular requiring 13 poems of her. While the goal could be difficult for any poet, Sister Lucille overcomes other obstacles to keep pace, including fading eyesight and an unsteady hand, with the help of others who take down her dictation. And when the muse strikes at late night, she focuses on memorizing the poem as she's creating it, lest it be lost forever.

 

Sister Lucille wasn't always a poet, though she says she enjoyed composition even when she was very young-even attempting a novel when she was only 10. Seventy years later, she took up writing verse as a thank you to those who did her little favors. The hobby took root after she retired from a 60-year career in education, as both a teacher and librarian. "I love it," she says. "I love to work with words and to get their full meaning." Her appreciation for crafting poetry seems a natural outgrowth of years of teaching the importance of language, in particular Latin, to her students. The impression she left on those students was lasting; some from her early years of teaching still keep in touch or visit.

 

These days, in addition to sharing her gift with words, Sister Lucille builds upon her past and focuses on the ministries of witnessing to others and prayer. About a year ago, she moved from St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis. to Villa St. Joseph, where she says she is enjoying being appreciated for exactly who she is in this stage of life. "I'm with people of my own quality, and we all accept each other because we all know we have limitations. Whereas when I was out in the field, I tried to hide them. Now, I'm a natural."

 

Between writing, witnessing and prayer, there is no question Sister Lucille is making the most of her retirement. "I'm in a lovely atmosphere here," she says. "You know it's your last port of call, so you're going to make the most of it."

 

In honor of this season of hope and the coming year, Sister Lucille shares this poem, which she penned.

 

Hope Ahead

 

From the very onset of life

God planted a seed of HOPE in each one's heart;

To grow, to bud, to bloom like a beautiful flower

To impart love, forgiveness and concern for others.

 

A face bright with grace,

An eye alight with insight;

A step steadfast in its upper gait

with Justice and Right.

 

All these indicate a HOPE quite alive.

 

Being human, one might fail and even fall;

But inspired by grace and HOPE,

Will strive to rise and crawl,

Call upon the Master of us all

To raise us up and press us

against His Heart's strong wall.

 

Looking into the mirror of His eyes

One would see that one had grown tall,

Taller than even before the very first fall.

 

HOPE, HOPE alive in every human heart,

Always seeks the betterment of All.