I believe that being a Sister is a form of thorough discipleship of Jesus Christ.That’s how I can survive We are committed to a like-minded, prayerful, gospel-centered, long-term intentional community Women; women who want to serve, end injustice, and advocate for those on the margins of society For peace, we live a simple and sustainable life, close to the earth and close to the poor.that’s me Think, expect. That’s why I want to be a sister. But there are also daily chores. Housework, work, technology, not to mention intergenerational culture and hustle and bustle. Women from different backgrounds and beliefs live together and share everything.so many The reality here feels like a galaxy, separate from good ideals and intentions. Questions keep swirling in the back of my mind: What am I doing with this life? Why am I trying to become a Franciscan Sister in this modern world?
The simple answer came immediately, as if whispering back to my question, “I’m here.” Living a life of community, prayer, and service.I want to live my life centered around these three things. thing.If I put community, prayer, and service at the center of my life, I might grow into a better person. My version of being a better Christian and disciple of Jesus. These are easy answers. An internal conversation I have on a weekly basis.
I fantasize about how it would work.It might be a good idea to gather a group of friends and spend some time together. If you secure a place together, homeless people will be able to live together.what we can offer We will have meals around our table and host prayers and workshops on social justice for the public.i guess What I want is a life like the Catholic workers I know.What is the lifestyle of a Catholic worker? Will it fit me better? Would living in a Catholic Worker’s home feel more natural than hanging out at home? Is it between these old buildings, these institutional walls?
Some friends messaged me and asked if I had read it. attractive person Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, written by Shane Claiborne.Once I do, I cry with acceptance. Learn about Shane’s story and the “New Abbey”.I’m obsessed with the instructions on how to make it. Shane and his friends live in an intentional community in one of the poorest areas in the world. Serving Philadelphia and neighboring states. I want to live simply with other Christians.I want to We also serve the marginalized. That is what Jesus modeled for us.I want to be close to the poor, close to them. To Jesus. How has being a beginner helped you become a more radical Christian?
How do the structures, expectations, and traditions of the Franciscan Sisters of Sisters affect me? Do we have the freedom to serve the poor and radically follow Jesus, as Shane and his friends do?I feel it I was stuck and confused and trying to think about it and imagine how being a Sister would free me.
Sitting in a quiet chapel, I ponder my confusion and bow my head. prayer. Then, one afternoon, something happens inside me. It can only be described as expanding. In this chest.I feel like it’s a gap, a gap where light shines in to ease the tangled questions. internal. This is where I am. I’m here with these good women. I’m lucky to be with them.They are wonderful! In the light that falls on me, a cave is created for the Holy Spirit to whisper.as I wondered why I hadn’t left yet, but I soon realized why I was here.
It’s the mothers. spiritual mothers.The roots, the depth, the way this shape should be Religious life means that I am now in a beautiful web of connections and traditions. Spiritual mothers are the women I interact with every day. They are gray-haired, stooping people who embrace me with hugs, prayers, and words of encouragement and love.
Then my mind flips through the timeline and zooms in on the spiritual mothers of the Middle Ages. age. It is St. Clare of Assisi and his poor ladies of San Damiano.mysterious and bold voice People who spoke to those in power and advocated for reform. Go back to Rome, said St. Catherine of Siena. The Pope who stayed in Avignon! St. Teresa of Avila, sociable and deep (like me); Intense was sought after for its spiritual wisdom and inner castle.
Being a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Sisters means that, surprisingly, I am also part of this lineage.
These holy women are my mother, my church, and the reason I stay here. Somehow they Let me know that I belong to this mystery, this communion. Somehow they are all mine.I As I gazed at the altar and saw the Eucharist glistening behind the communion glass, I felt: I am their daughter, a little restless and weak, but ready to learn and here for them.
A few years ago, I wrote a letter to Shane Claiborne to express my gratitude to him. attractive person revolution. He wrote a handwritten reply on the back of a piece of paper.
Something in January 2009
Sister Julia 🙂 —
Your letter warmed my heart. thank you.
Sorry for the delay, I seem to be late in writing letters, but I love writing. After all,
It is an important past time for Christians.
I admire your hopes and complaints – and certainly the church needs both –
It’s wonderful to hear Frances and Claire’s burning passion in your own words.
To humbly submit and seek the wisdom of the elders.I am also on an unfolding journey.
Spiritual direction and discernment as we seek Jesus our Lover. Our community and the “new”
“Monastic life” has its charm and refreshing charisma, but it also has its challenges.
I think vulnerability, and stability and support for singles, formations…all are important.
What we still don’t understand. So please pray for us. I will definitely continue to pray for you.
You continue Francis and Claire’s work to “repair the ruins of the church.” 🙂 You are right
A gift to FSPA. Sending my love to all the saints and sinners out there.I hope we can continue
It will be the church of our dreams.
Your brother, Shane Claiborne
Inside the envelope I found a prayer card with St. Peter’s classic Peace Prayer written on it. A tiny little plastic bag with Francis printed on one side and an image of Francis on the other. It is filled with about a teaspoon of sand and a rectangular piece of white paper with the following words printed on it.This soil comes from the San Damiano suburb of Assisi, where his brother Francisco heard the voice of God. “Repair my ruined church.” And he began to work.I hope it can be repaired Please continue among us.
I want to scream with joy and run around telling all the neighbors about my email.But I’ll sit down I still read the letter many times, and its messages of encouragement are deeply ingrained in my heart. Affirmation of what I have been praying for: I am here, I am a Franciscan Sister. Community and church are perfect, but somehow it is home. What I get in this house is serve. I offer myself and seek to help the suffering parts of the body of Christ be healed and restored.I I hope so. I hope I can.
Excerpt from For the Love of a Broken Body: A Spiritual Memoir, by Julia Walsh. Rhinebeck, NY: Angler Publishing, March 2024. Used with permission of the publisher.
