Brother Sun Sister Moon Pilgrimage Retreat Day – CANCELLED
However, we would like to suggest a few ways to mark the day:
However, we would like to suggest a few ways to mark the day:
– Br. Michael, ofm
I will bless your name forever my God,
for you are the author of life,
abundant in goodness,
rich in blessings,
generous in love
in every season.
I will bless your name forever my God,
for it is woven into all of life,
from bees and watermelons,
cities and forest groves,
humanity and relationships
in every time and place.
I will bless your name forever my God,
for you meet me in the struggles,
guide me in ways everlasting,
show me true delights and wonder,
know the honest beating of my heart
in every moment.
I will bless your name forever my God,
for your name is declared
with morning songs of the birds,
in the quiet pauses in the evening,
when work must be done
in every season and time.
I will bless your name forever my God,
for summer bursts forth its fullness,
autumn shows its transforming depths,
winter weaves its warmth,
spring speaks of freshness and life
in every place and moment.
I will bless your name forever my God.
– inspired by Psalm 145
Photo Credit: Thomas Park
– Br. Michael, ofm
Fresh air lingers,
sweet bird songs loft,
varieties of green pop,
summer is claiming her spot.
We can remain
in our steady doing
or we can listen, pause and be,
summer has a way of doing this.
Bright blue sunny skies,
rolling fluffy clouds,
needed rain waters the earth,
summer declares her beauty.
Each day with our senses
we are called to take note
becoming aware again,
summer has a way of doing this.
Bursting pretty flowers,
fresh garden delights,
sweet scents from all over,
summer offers her gifts.
We are given much each day,
Creator God never fails,
called to be attentive in this season,
summer has a way of doing this.
Summer has a way of saying:
“Be still and know” God,
be still,
be.
Summer Blessings!
Photo Credit: Bonnie Kittle
– Br. Michael, ofm
For Us and For All
Living
now and here,
Closeness
my heart a home,
Feasting
always a banquet.
Bread of Life
nourishment for the journey,
Cup of Salvation
grace and peace pored out,
Eucharist
a thankful uplifted heart.
Banquet
all are welcome,
Intimate
transforming and renewing,
Life
for all the world.
Jesus,
you give yourself
freely in abundance
today, tomorrow and forever.
Jesus,
you invite us
to share you
today, tomorrow and forever.
Jesus,
you are food
for us and for all
today, tomorrow and forever.
Amen.
Photo Credit: Morgan Winston
– Br. Michael, ofm
O God,
in you we live and move
and have our being (Acts 17.28).
You O God,
who are one in being
and a community of love.
You who continually invites us
to our fullest self in the abundance
of your free, life-giving and divine love.
We often resist the freedom this love offers,
we desire to remain in the comfort of the uncomfortable,
yet you refuse this complacent choice,
rather you speak deeper truth to us.
You who are a community love,
a triune force of goodness, hope and beauty,
you who meets us in the all and any directions
our life is, has been or is going to be.
You dwell now then and there,
for you are ever present,
your will is one which speaks life
into our weariness,
peace into our discontent,
joy into our yearning.
Father – Son – Spirit
Creator – Redeemer – Sanctifier
God – Savior – Advocate
no matter how
we call to you or address you
we praise you,
you who are one
and a community of love,
whose life force dwells in us,
inviting us in,
and calling us to your will,
for indeed in you
we live and move and have our being
and for that we give thanks!
Amen.
Photo Credit: Aaron Burden
Pentecost Is Not The End
– Br. Michael, ofm
Pentecost is so often looked at as one day, a bleep in the liturgical calendar, a reminder the Easter Season is over. If this is all we see Pentecost as we are robbing ourselves of the beauty of being caught up in the divine love of our Triune God.
Pentecost is a shift in our living. It is a statement to the way we live as Easter people as we live out our baptismal promises. If we profess the living Christ then Pentecost is the fuel which continually awakens us to Christ with us. It also awakens us to not only our gifts and abilities, but also to changes we must make in our living and how God continually meets us and strengthens us to make these changes.
Pentecost was not just a one-day event with flames and a dove and a variety of languages. It was a launching point for the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ. This mission is of justice, inclusion, freedom, forgiveness, peace, community and the depth of love. It was not just for Peter and the twelve those fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, it is still now and for us.
Pentecost is more than the birthday of the church. It is envisioning of how the church is to be, such as “all together,” “filled,” “amazed and astonished,” “renewing,” “for the common good” and “sent.”* These descriptors should stir up in us questions we must ask ourselves. How are we utilizing our variety of gifts and services to build up the “one body” of the church? How are we aiding to the fullness of the common good in this “same God” who calls all people to life in the Spirit? Where are we noticing the amazing, astonishing, and renewing work of the Spirit in our daily living or are we even taking time to be amazed, astonished and renewed with goodness? Or are we too caught up in what we call the busyness of life?
Pentecost sends us forth, as followers of Christ to bear witness to the splendour of God with us. In his parting moments with the disciples Jesus offered them peace, reminded them they are sent in his name, and breathed on them – the very breath of life (the Holy Spirit). Their work was to pass this on to followers then and we now have inherited their mission and pick up what is ours to do in this age. The Spirit is with us, let us not hesitate or delay as we “journey from hope to clear vision” (from Solemn Blessing).
Blessings to you as we step into this time of Pentecost.
The Franciscans of Canada mark Pentecost as our Feast Day as we are the Holy Spirit Province Saint-Esprit. We continue to humbly ask for your prayers and support.
* see the assigned Lectionary scriptures for Pentecost
Photo Credit: Jenny Le
Franciscan Friar Louis (Patrick) Geelan, O.F.M., went to his eternal home on April 16, 2023 at the age of 88, after 66 years of religious life and 62 years of priesthood. Born on July 23, 1934, the son of Lillian (Mercier) and Louis Geelan and a brother to Mary Jane. He grew up in the Black Diamond district.
Louis and his dad were charter members of the first Men’s Retreat at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre in 1949. A year later he moved to St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton for high school and philosophy. He began his Novitiate with the Franciscans in 1956, professing his first vows in 1957. In March 1961 he professed his solemn vows and on May 27, 1961 he was ordained.
He ministered in Regina, Winnipeg, Trail, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, St. Michael’s Retreat, Lumsden, SK and Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane. He also served as a chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and Secular Franciscans in several locations.
He was always pleased to tell he gave 252 units of blood and plasma over the years. He was known for his candle making, photography, story telling and his remarkable memory for names. His kind and gentle ways with his warm and welcoming smile are well remembered.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cochrane, AB at 2 pm. Burial and Reception to follow at Mount St. Francis.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Box 430, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A6
May he rest in peace.
– Br. Michael, ofm
Easter Encounters
Easter Greetings!
Spending time with the Resurrection accounts this Easter week has allowed for pondering, insights and Easter Hope to settle in me and my journey. Along with Easter Hope comes Easter Joy which has been a reminder of Christ Risen always with us. As we continue into the Easter Season, I offer two poems. I will be taking a pause from posting reflections over the next several weeks. I pray Easter Hope and Joy continue to fill you and your homes during this season of new life.
Much peace and all good.
The Empty Tomb
The empty tomb
calls us to be
messengers of the good news
like Mary Magdalene.
The empty tomb
calls us to be
filled with awe
like the myrrh bearing women.
The empty tomb
calls us to be
heralds of hope
like Simon Peter.
The empty tomb
calls us to be
renewed in faith
like the disciple Thomas.
The empty tomb
calls us to be
dwellings of love
like the apostle John.
The empty tomb
calls us to be
sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit
like Mother Mary.
The empty tomb
calls us to
new life and new vision
now and for ever.
Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
In Breaking Bread
In the breaking of the bread
love is strengthened
truth is poured out
relationship is restored.
In the breaking of the bread
our Saviour
our Redeemer
our Way is made known.
In the breaking of the bread
we become one
we are called to serve
we become messengers of hope.
In the breaking of the bread
Christ has died
Christ is Risen
Christ continuously comes to us.
In the breaking of the bread
community gathers
we celebrate and remember
gifts and graces of love outpoured.
In the breaking of the bread
we know for the life of the world.
In the breaking of the bread.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
Easter Blessings!
Photo Credits:
Bruno van der Kraan
Mike Kenneally
Father Louis Geelan (1934-2023), Franciscan Friar
and long-time member of the Mount St. Francis Retreat Team
entered his eternal glory on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16, 2023
at the age of 88, after 66 years of religious life and 62 years of priesthood.
Known for his gentleness, kindness, warm smile and welcoming ways,
he will be remembered.
Eternal rest grant to Friar Louis, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Funeral arrangements to be announced
Br. Michael, ofm
Life is full of unknowns
death seems to lurk always near.
Life from death
does not make sense.
Yet the parable of the seed
gives insight into this reality.
Christ Jesus
crucified – died – buried
Risen from the dead
trampling death
bringing us life.
Life not as we know it
rather beyond what we can know.
With him we too rise
death although earthly has no real grip.
Continually on the journey
new life springs forth from what has died.
Christ Jesus
Risen from the dead
our fullness of life
we praise you
for defeating death.
Amen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Easter Blessings!
Photo Credit: Pisit Heng
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 430 Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A6
Phone: 403.932.2012
Office Hours
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday to Friday
41160 Retreat Road, accessed from Highway 1A on the east of Cochrane (at the top of the Big Hill). Turn north at the traffic lights on to Range Road 40 across from Gleneagles. Follow the signs for the Retreat Centre.