Dear Seeker,

When I was a child, I sometimes felt embarrassed by my grandma. Sometimes she would sing loud and offkey during worship. Sometimes she would sing the completely wrong song. I remember saying something about it to her at some point, wondering if she was aware and wanting to be helpful. She replied, "The Bible says to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It doesn't say it has to sound pretty." And now, as an adult who also sings loud and a little offkey, I often think of this childhood memory, and the lesson I learned from my grandma: I am called to sing out boldly, to use my voice and my life to give praise to God.

Like my grandma, St. Francis of Assisi understood this spiritual truth as well: the songs we sing can be profound. When St. Francis of Assisi wrote the Canticle of the Creatures 800 years ago, the song he sang was revolutionary and momentous: understood to be the first piece of literature in the Italian language, the words revealed a human fraternity with all creation that changed mindsets and beliefs.

No matter what our vocation may be, the music we make through the rhythm of our lives and the songs of our hearts can express truth and wonder and can build and rebuild the Church. My grandma and St. Francis of Assisi both understood the joy and freedom of not needing to please other people, but keeping one's gaze totally fixed on Christ. How might your life become a song? How are you and God working together to compose new music? If I can be of any help, as you listen and sing out the story of your life, please be in touch.

Peace & All Good,

Sister Julia Walsh

Written during a time of personal suffering and illness, Canticle of the Creatures, one of St. Francis of Assisi's most profound and enduring works, expresses St. Francis' deep connection to God through the natural world. Praising Brother Sun, Sister Moon and all living things, the Canticle radiates humility, gratitude and interconnectedness — values that remain at the heart of Franciscan spirituality.

Narriated by Sister Sarah Hennessey

Written by Sister Joan Weisenbeck

Throughout 2025, we will be hosting special programs, events and activities inspired by the Canticle's themes: reverence for creation, care for the Earth and living in harmony with one another. Visit fspa.org to view upcoming events and activities.

"At a young age, you can know you want to be a doctor, a firefighter, a police officer ... Why not be a friar? Why not be a sister or a priest?"

Are you considering religious life? In Franciscan Media's video titled "How to discern a religious vocation" Friar Casey Cole offers advice on how to know if a religious vocation is right for you.

Friday Virtual Adoration and Mass

Every Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

All are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel in La Crosse. Virtual adoration will pause at 11 a.m. and Mass will stream live from Mary of the Angels Chapel. Virtual adoration will resume after Mass.

Click here to access the Zoom link.

Meet up with FSPA at RECongress

Thursday, Feb. 20 - Sunday, Feb. 23

Anaheim CA, Booth #173

Attending RECongress in California? Stop by booth #173 on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. to listen to a live Messy Jesus Business podcast recording, featuring author and speaker Lisa M. Hendey.

Visit recongress.org to learn more about the event.

2025 Virtual Retreat: "The Canticle and Hope" (online)

Sunday, Feb. 23 12-3 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Francis of Assisi has inspired generations of artists, poets, mystics and nature lovers. What clues does he offer that suggest an alternative approach to living in our "Common Home" as Pope Francis has encouraged us to do? Join us in this celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Canticle along with brothers and sisters from across the country.

Visit franfed.org for more information and to register.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Sunday, Feb. 23 | Anaheim, CA

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in Anaheim. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.

Exploring the Path of Three Mystics: How They Can Enlighten and Enliven our Lives

Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT

Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI

There is a centuries-long tradition of Christian mystics, and we will focus on three of them: St. Catherine of Siena (14th century), St. Teresa of Avila (16th century) and Thomas Merton (20th century). We will explore common threads in their revelations that have endured over the years and gain insight into how to apply mystical perspectives to our daily lives.

Visit marywoodsc.org for more information and to register.

Mass & Lunch with Sister Julia

Friday, Feb. 28 | Chicago, IL

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and lunch in Chicago. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information.

Japanese Art of Kintsugi: Embracing our Imperfections with Grace & Courage Retreat

Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. CT - Saturday, Mar. 1, 4 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

The Japanese art of Kintsugi takes broken pottery and repairs the cracks with gold. These restored bowls, formerly considered worthless, become treasured items of great worth and beauty. During this overnight retreat, we will use this art as a symbol of our spiritual life.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Feb. 24.

Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton

Thursday, March 6 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Join the Merton Group as we slowly explore "New Seeds of Contemplation," one of Thomas Merton's best-loved books. As one of the great spiritual leaders of our time, Merton invites readers to join him as he plants wise and fruitful seeds of the contemplative life.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Mar. 5.

Coffee and Chat with Sister Julia

Friday, March 14 | Milwaukee, WI

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for coffee and friendly conversation in Milwaukee. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information, including time and specific location.

Art as Prayer

Monday, March 17 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

Artistic expression offers the opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation and healing. This monthly open watercolor studio is a chance to play and learn new techniques without worrying about perfection or finished product. Meet new friends and practice listening to your heart as you paint.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Mar. 14.

Mass & Lunch with Sister Julia

Wednesday, March 19 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

All women discerning religious life are invited to join Sister Julia Walsh for Mass and lunch at the FSPA motherhouse in La Crosse. Email discerning@fspa.org for more information.

Pathways of Peace: Food as Relationship Spring Table Retreat

Friday, March 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. CT - Saturday, March 22, 2025, 4 p.m. CT

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, IA

Together we will explore with a learning community how spring sprouts provide opportunities to transform our relationships with self, others and Earth through our personal food choices. To deepen our understanding of all that the season has to offer, we'll draw on the wisdom of environmentalists, mystics, poets and contemporary sages.

Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by Mar. 17.

Lenten Series: The Four Servant Song of Isaiah

Tuesday, March 25 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. CT | online via Zoom

In the Christian tradition, there is a section of the book of the Prophet Isaiah that has been used to describe Jesus' mission, death and resurrection. Join biblical scholar John McHugh as he explores each one of the four servant songs and what they mean for our Lenten journey today.

Visit fscenter.org for more information and to register by Mar. 21.

Aglow Retreat for Seekers

Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT

St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

This mini-retreat is an opportunity to gather with other spiritual seekers to explore how to make spiritually informed choices. No matter what decisions are ahead, you'll gain tools for your tool box so that you are better equipped to make choices that enliven you to shine brightly.

Visit fspa.org for more information and to register by March 28.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org

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