Crib, Cross, and Eucharist

​Things are quite lovely around our Provincial House here as we continue to celebrate Christmas.  As you might expect for a Franciscan convent, manger scenes are quite prevalent here.  I got to help put up one on the second floor here.
 
As Franciscans, this Christmas is a special one for us as we mark the 80th anniversary of St. Francis’ first reenactment of the nativity scene at the town of Greccio at the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1223.  This allowed people to enter into what that experience must have been like. 
 
It is sometimes noted, even in our Constitutions, that St. Francis had great and special devotion to Jesus: “in the Crib, on the Cross, and in the Eucharist.”  
 
These pivotal aspects of our faith, especially as Franciscans, were beautifully depicted to us this Christmas in our chapel. 
 
Here, Sr. Mary Ruth and Sr. Susan Marie, made a lovely display which included a cross, the Baby Jesus and a chalice. 
 
As the new year approaches, may we rededicate ourselves to striving to grow in love for our Lord, who is so generous with us.  We would do well to make time to ponder on these three great mysteries with gratitude.