Happy All Franciscan Saints Day!

Today, along with being the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ rule by Pope Honorius III, is the annual feast of all the saints of the Franciscan order!
 
Although we mark the feast of All Saints on November 1st, most Catholics probably aren’t aware that we, as Franciscans, have a special celebration this day as we near the month’s end.  
My work at this time, as we remember the dead and celebrate the holy members of our order, has been very appropriate.  
 
Yesterday, I finished digitalizing one of our gems: the book of our province’s history compiled by Sr. Patricia Forrest entitled Prairie Praise.  Now, we have an electronic copy which we can easily search for names or topics, and which can easily be shared.  
 
As I was nearing the end of this project, Sr. Donna came in with a brown box, asking me to re-type the cards contained in it.  
 
A card is made for each Sister in our community, detailing her important dates and details of her various assignments in religious' life.  Over time, many cards had been amended in handwriting and could use freshening up.  Also, having these  on computer, as well, will be adventagous in the future.  
 
I am happy to be able to help the community in these ways, but equally so, for this opportunity to immerse myself in our history.  
 
It is wonderful to be reminded of all that our Sisters have done over the many years of their collective religious lives.  It is an inspiration and impetus for me, whose years in community pale in comparison to theirs.  
 
I trust that these Sisters who have gone before us, and all the saints of the Seraphic Order, will intercede for us.  
 
We need their prayers.  

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