By Michael Krueger, FSPA Director of Affiliation
During the month of September, the relationships and collaborations between sisters, affiliates, discerners and community partners were on full display. Although incredibly busy, it is one of my favorite times of the year — the opportunity to be in community with incredible people.
Affiliation Commitment Ceremony
The fall commitment ceremony provided yet again the opportunity to ritualize our shared experiences as affiliates with the FSPA community. On Friday, Sept. 5, we gathered in Mary of the Angels Chapel to welcome our four newest affiliates: Sue Amble, Katherine Krage, Amy Jo Van Arsdall and David Novak (pictured top left). Read each of their commitments to prayer, ministry and community here.
During this ceremony, we also recognized Grace Nicholson-Maly (20 years), Rose Cooper (20 years), Vicky Freybler (35 years), Bill Brendel (10 years) and Carol Brickson (20 years), who are celebrating their affiliation anniversaries in 2025 (pictured top right)!
Affiliation Fall Gathering
Then, on Saturday, Sept. 6, we gathered in Viterbo University's San Damiano Chapel as Jesse Mannibusan, speaker, singer, songwriter and storyteller, invited us to consider our experiences of prayer and compassion. Through singing, storytelling, quiet reflection, group sharing and journaling, we explored how to build a daily compassion practice that renews hope, joy and our connection to Christ and all of creation. It was a celebration of the Canticle of the Creatures. Jesse uplifted our joys and sorrows into a litany of encouragement and gratitude.
Jesse also reminded us that "we are a part of a Canticle that continues to reverberate through all of eternity, and we have a verse, we have a chorus, we have a part in this symphony." And for me, one of the most powerful moments came when Jesse began addressing our shared suffering and trauma, but then transformed it: "Yes, we are all people of trauma ... I have generational trauma, that's part of the Canticle, but I've got generational strength, generational perseverance, generational hope, and generational compassion, and generational patience, and generational gratitude, and generational openness, and generational hospitality, and inclusion — it's the canticle!" The entire morning and afternoon were full of gratitude and compassion, and I couldn't be more thankful for the time that we spent together.