A Day of Thanksgiving

September 22, 2024: Today was a day of thanksgiving.

At 2 p.m., the capitulars, Sisters, and guests gathered for Mass in the Motherhouse Church. Father Michael pointed out that the word “Eucarist” actually means “thanksgiving”, and summarized the chapter with a quote from St. Matthew:

When two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.

After church, everybody was invited to the Motherhouse for coffee and cake – a great opportunity to exchange thoughts and insights of the past few weeks.

Today was also the last of the Masses that were celebrated for the intention of the Chapter in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – a gift from the Indian Province. This daily spiritual support has been a guiding light since the Chapter opened.

Throughout the Chapter, the capitulars enjoyed gifts from the different countries – each in its unique way was a blessing to all. The gifts provided food for the body, mind, and soul and also served in very practical ways. Everybody loved the sweets from the German and Polish provinces, and was delighted to receive a special ballpoint pen from Japan and a sewing case from Poland.

Prayers were also offered today in thanksgiving for the Borromeaum staff whose hospitality and care was indeed Franciscan.