"A Blessing for Hope"

Christine Valters Painter

Dreamkeeper,

bless me with vision

to see the possibilities

for this hurting and broken world.

Help me to remember

that hope is not a thing

but an action,

I cannot know that what I do

is of any consequence,

but I must do something.

I must walk in trust

that I plant seeds for others,

that my kindness ripples out into the world,

that justice is necessary,

that my joy matters

that love is at the foundation of everything.

On those days when hope

feels so far away,

surround me with kindred souls

who can help sustain hope

when I must let go.

And on days

when my hope has been amplified,

buoyed by art, dreams, conversation,

let me carry it for others.

Sing to me of hope Beloved,

and let me be a note in that melody.

This weekend I was in Washington D.C. with Sisters Julia Walsh and Eileen McKenzie for the Ignatian Family Teach-In. Julia and I were hosting an FSPA booth, while Eileen was there to share more about the KINO Border Initiative. The theme of this conference, which is geared toward high school and college students at Jesuit institutions, was Steadfast Hope in Precarious Times. Addressing such issues as immigration, climate change, economic justice, discernment and democracy, this is a gathering where students are encouraged to be advocates for change. While there, we had the opportunity to listen to dynamic speakers, engage with students about our Franciscan story, and discover how others are being called to live out the gospel from a lens of dignity and justice.

Saturday evening, I took the Metro and spent the next few hours walking through the National Mall. It was late at night, darkness filtered across the park, and the monuments were illuminated in a warm glow. Walking alone, next to the reflection pool and toward the Lincoln Memorial, there was a deep stillness and quiet. The clear black waters reflected the Washington Monument behind me and the Lincoln Memorial ahead of me. It felt like holy ground.

As we prepare for the election next Tuesday, may you also find moments of stillness, remembering that we walk in the footsteps of those who have come before us, and that our own footsteps will serve as pathways for future generations.

Keynote speaker Fr. Bryan Massingale addressing students at the Ignatian Family Teach-In

Michael, Sr. Eileen and Sr. Julia at the FSPA booth

In front of the US Capitol Building

Washington Monument illuminated at night

Ruben Garcia, executive director of Annunciation House in El Paso, TX

Visiting the National Museum of the American Indian

In peace and goodness,

Michael Krueger

Please feel free to reach out to me at mkrueger@fspa.org or 608-668-2588 (ext. 652) with any questions. Office Hours can be found at end of newsletter.

In this week's Franciscan Journey, I have included a lot of information. Please take your time to read through each section. You are invited to watch any of the recordings that are shared. These include the Fall Commitment Ceremony and Gathering, the recent Mysticism Retreat on Hildegard of Bingen, and the sessions at the Provocative Movements Gathering. A follow-up email will share more information about Ministry Grants for 2025, an invitation to share the names of loved ones for All Souls Day throughout November, and more info about a Thea Spiritual Pilgrimage (virtual and in-person) being offered by two of our affiliates.

On Friday, October 11th we gathered in Mary of the Angels Chapel to celebrate the anniversaries of Joan Gerhard (35), Cindy Sjolander (20), Jan Schneider (15), Jeanne Wells (10), RaeAnn Thomas (5), Tom Smith (5), and Renee Slater-Bleuer (5). If you would like to watch the ceremony, the recording begins with Joan's reflection.

Joan was invited to share a longer reflection on her experiences as an affiliate and her history with the FSPA.

Sr. Georgia Christensen congratulating Tom on his anniversary.

Friends, family, and companions join us for the Franciscan blessing.

Sr. Meg Earsley welcomed us together in song.

On Saturday, October 12th, affiliates and sisters gathered in the Assisi Room for a presentation by Dr. Rick Kyte, Director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University. Rick gave a terrific and engaging presentation on building thriving communities through the idea of a third place. In November's Monthly Resource you are invited to spend some time engaged with this idea of a third place - specifically, how can affiliation be that third place where we come together and build relationships and community. It was a wonderful day! In case you missed it, you can watch Sister Georgia's welcome and Rick's presentation. As always, all previous recordings of our gatherings and ceremonies can be found at my.fspa.org.

Rick Kyte sharing his wisdom, humor, and insights with us.

Centerpieces made by Anam Cara companion community. The bird nest in each one symbolizes our Third Place.

In September we had a wonderful retreat, hosted by our virtual companion communities. The retreat focused on Hildegard of Bingen and was led by Sr. Karen Kappell. It was the second retreat in our virtual Mysticism Series. You can watch either recording below or on my.fspa.org.

Hildegard of Bingen - Karen Kappell

Everyday Mysticism - Joan Weisenbeck

Francis Companions: (L-R) Lola Burge, Michael, Sr. Betty Bradley, Maurine Kalk, Sr. Kathy Roberg, Sr. Donna Stevens, Sr. Sharon Bongiorno, and Sr. Rachel Kiefer.

While visiting Spokane, Sisters Kathy and Sharon took me to visit many of the areas that were significant to FSPA history and also the ministries that they are active in, including: the old formation house and land used by FSPA, Marycliff High School, Holy Cross Cemetary (where many FSPA are buried), the shelters and housing sites operated by Catholic Charities, Riverfront Park (highlighting when Expo '74 was hosted in Spokane), along with visits to some of our affiliates.

FSPA graves at Holy Cross Cemetary

Black Lives Matter mural in Spokane

Attending Mass with Sister Sharon at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Hiking with Sister Kathy at Bowl and Pitcher in Riverside State Park.

The Ignatian Family Teach-In also serves as a time to remember those members of the Ignatian family (priests, sisters, laity) who have been killed due to their accompaniment of communities on the margins. The Teach-In began in memory of the martyrs from El Salvador, and it continues to remember the names of all those who have died throughout the world in service to the poor and oppressed. And in this tradition of ritual and prayer, those gathered read out their names, and like a litany of the saints, we all replied "Presente!" - still present, still here, and not forgotten.