This year’s FSPA Summer Affiliation Gathering wasn’t just another meeting, it was a meaningful pause, a space to reflect, reconnect and open hearts to the Spirit.
The weekend opened with celebrations and new beginnings. On Friday evening, June 13, Cathy Burge, Angelo Luis and Silvana Richardson, made their initial commitments as FSPA affiliates. Each new affiliate shared what this moment meant for them:
“I became an affiliate with FSPA because of a long-term friendship with Sister Catherine Kaiser. Sister Catherine’s guidance and direction has greatly influenced my life and the lives of my family members. Sister Catherine also served as my companion to become an affiliate. Thank you, sister!”
– Affiliate Cathy Burge
“Affiliation with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration means that I am connected to a spiritual community and living out a Franciscan life. Most importantly, it affirms that I am doing something good for myself, others and the Lord.”
– Affiliate Angelo Luis
“The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and their affiliates live out the Franciscan charism courageously and joyfully. FSPA affiliation brings me into companionship with them in living out the Gospel call.”
– Affiliate Silvana Richardson
"I became an affiliate with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration because I felt called during high school and followed up on that call after the death of my husband. I was drawn to their patience and piety."
— Affiliate Kathryn Re
Affiliates Renee Vandik, Silvana Richardson, Angelo Luis, Cathy Burge, Kathryn Re and Brother Dominic Michael Hart.
On Saturday, June 14, the gathering shifted to reflection. Father Michael Weldon (pictured above), OFM – a Franciscan friar with a background in parish ministry, formation and teaching – led this year’s gathering with a thoughtful reflection on the Book of James, one that has followed him throughout his religious life. “I remember first meeting James in the Liturgy of the Hours as a new seminarian,” shared Father Michael. “But in all my theology studies, we never got to the Catholic letter. I never had a class on them, yet I preached on them most of my life.”
During his sabbatical two years ago, Father Michael had time to study the lesser-known letters of the New Testament–especially the Book of James. He studied under Dr. Philip Luna, a Peruvian biblical scholar. “This book kept pulling up into my life when I didn’t expect it,” he shared. “That’s grace. That’s synchronicity.”
Now teaching and working in campus ministry at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Father Michael invited participants into lectio divina – an ancient, meditative way of reading scripture. “Let the text shimmer,” he said. “See what stands out. Let it stir in your heart. Let it rest with you.”
Sharon Evenston, FSPA affiliate, offered this thoughtful reflection: “Father Michael’s reflection on James was excellent. It was a great reminder that we’re called to help the poor, visit the sick. We need to just do it. He also emphasized the importance of listening and prayer. FSPA loves and lives this message from James!”
As the weekend came to a close, there was a sense of peace and purpose. The time together offered space for reflection, connection and inspiration. The words of James lingered, offering a quiet invitation to carry the spirit of the gathering into daily life.