Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

As we continue our way through Fall, we encounter many activities leading us to the celebration of holidays. For Felician Village, we started October with our Mission and Heritage Week, a key part of the Fall experience here. This event reminds us of our call to be the hands of Christ in the world. We are reminded of the work of the Felician Sisters. We are called to carry out the Mission in our own daily experiences. Not only did Jesus care for the poor, the hungry, and the ill, he also washed the feet of disciples. We are called to offer care for those in the community in need, which we did a couple of weeks ago by providing items for the Lakeshore Humane Society. We also saw Pastoral Care offering hand blessings to all those who serve in this ministry. We had activities throughout the week to remind us of the Mission and Heritage of this ministry and to inspire us to keep that work of the Felician Sisters going as we move forward.

St. Francis encountered a leper and said, “shall I take care of you?” The leper answered, “I would like that.” He asked Francis to wash him clean, which cured the man both in body and spirit. Francis, being humble, thanked God for the miracle and hurried away, so as not to have the honor come to him.

We don’t often see our work as miraculous, but when we go about our world doing good, we are doing the work of Christ. We are called to speak to others with understanding, patience, encouragement, peace, and cheerfulness. We are meant to help others carry their burdens. Our actions can remind others of God’s love for them. Offering food, clothing, and shelter does the work of God. Supporting others as they strive for human rights, a chance for employment, and the ability to have health care also does the work of God.

As we proceed through this season, getting closer to preparation for the holidays, let us take a moment to consider how we can continue the charity of Christ in our homes, in our work, and in our community. May God use our hands to do God’s will.

Blessed Angela: “I ask our Holy Father Francis that he imbue you with his spirit.”