Franciscan Sisters meditation for October

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity feature Sufjan Stevens' "All the Trees" as their October Vocation Meditation available as a free download at www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living.asp. "All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands", taken from the singer-song writer's "Seven Swans" album, comes from a passage in the Book of Isaiah. Sister Mary Carol Kopecky, OSF, from the Franciscan Sisters Holy Family Conservatory in Manitowoc Wisconsin, said: "On October 4 the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology, is celebrated throughout the world. Francis could easily have spoken the words: "And I heard from the trees a great parade." All nature, even the smallest creature spoke to Francis and he was in awe of all of God's creation. "The lyrics read as a litany or stream of consciousness. Reflection on each idea is up to the individual. Each of us, with our varied experiences, will relate differently to the message. The ostinato (repeated) instrumental and later background vocalists are conducive to meditation. Pray Psalms 147, 148 and 150 to praise God for all creation. Yes, you will "be invited to the sound." The Franciscanized World page and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have been featured in Time Magazine's profile of Catholic religious orders innovatively utilizing the Internet. The site invites visitors see the world as Saints Francis and Clare did - realistically, compassionately, finding good and holy possibility in the substance and culture of everyday life. Each month, specially selected songs and images are chosen for spiritual reflection from particular young women discerning their call in life. "We want to present our life as a viable option for them. Personal invitation is always best; however, we became convinced that real conversations can begin by using the language of images and music." says Sr Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, Directress of Vocations Established in 1869, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in 11 US dioceses (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Tucson, Honolulu, Chicago, Marquette, Jackson, Omaha, Columbus and Steubenville).