Affiliate jubilee celebrations in 2008 honor three women

 

By the glow of the lard lights given to commemorate their milestones, three FSPA affiliates celebrated their silver jubilees in 2008. Family, friends and FSPA sponsors joined the events, one that took place in Dodgeville, Wis., one at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse and one yet to take place, to honor the accomplishments. The honorees gave reflections on the past 25 years of their lives as FSPA affiliates, and what it has meant to each of them.

Mary Ann Lipska
My heart is filled with gratitude to the Franciscan Sisters and affiliates. They have enriched my life and enlarged my Franciscan spirit.

My affiliation has enhanced my relationship with God, my family and friends. It lets my life be renewed and expanded in God’s grace, especially in the Franciscan way. The commitment brings me closer to God.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Dorothy Maule

When I look back 25 years ago as I began this journey, I remember it was a total trust walk with the Lord. None of us knew how to do an affiliate program or where it would lead. The sisters just knew that the Lord was calling them to something new.

I especially worked with Sister Marcella Anibas and Sister Fran Sulzer, two wonderful, dedicated and prayerful women. We just kept praying, going to meetings and taking one step at a time as things developed. We always knew of the powerful prayer support of the sisters praying in the chapel 24 hours a day.

We put together a program that has been added to and changed many times as we adapt to the times. A committee was formed which is still operating, comprised of sisters and affiliates. So I look back with much satisfaction to the way the affiliate program has continued to grow and change. The sisters have changed our lives for sure and they say we have changed theirs too. I am so grateful for their workshops and education programs and for helping me to grow spiritually by participation in the retreats and other opportunities for prayer.

I look at all the wonderful affiliates and sisters with a smile and say, “Thank you, God, for your great gifts.”

Ramona Stockton

Affiliation to me is the answer to the needs of the church today. There is plenty of work for all of us to become members of Christ’s vineyard.

I would like to praise and thank all the wonderful members of the community who are devoting their time and efforts to all of us as affiliates. My special love and thanks go out to Sister Beatrice Merkes for her love and sharing with me. God love you all.