FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF CHICAGO

In 2000, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the authors developed the premise of Thresholds of Transformation. They were invited to collaborate with an international congregation to bring their creativity to the congregation's Chapter (decision-making body) and develop a meditative and spiritual presentation. All three authors collaborated from their home countries of Australia, North America, and Ireland. “The congregation emphasized their desire that we integrate creative processes and a ritual with a contemplative spirit to be woven into the backdrop of the story of the universe. Through our interactions each of us realized that we were experiencing a significant ‘threshold moment’ amidst a world in crisis. The crossing of this threshold was a transforming time that led to a communion of trust between us. In this trust, we sensed a sacred call to unite our dreams, experience, and expertise to contribute in a meaningful way to the new world order articulated by Pope Francis in Laudato Si'. Our sacred call manifested itself in Thresholds of Transformation,” Monica Brown said. 

​

Sr. M. Francis Clare Radke and Sr. M Helene Galuszka reviewed and planned each session to present to the Sisters. During each of these sessions held in Marian Hall in Our Lady of Victory Convent in Lemont, the Sisters watched a brief presentation complete with video and audio during which they spent time in prayer, reflection, and discussion. A journal was provided to each Sister to keep notes as well as copies of quotations from the program that they could take with them for later reflection. Overall, they found the experience to be rewarding and spiritually fulfilling. 

 

The ‘transformation’ that we worked towards is based on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si’. The Sisters were taken through a process of achieving what Pope Francis and our Franciscan charism has called for us to achieve. This call is to always be conscious of our relationship with all of creation. In Genesis, when God created human beings, God did not tell them to dominate creation. Human beings were to work together within all of creation. These presentations were beneficial in transforming our relationships with all of creation including each person whether we meet them personally or simply know they exist,” said Sr. M. Francis Clare. The Thresholds of Transformation program is used by congregations from all over the world and has become quite popular. “There are Sisters internationally that participate in this program so that gave us an opportunity to be united with Sisters everywhere,” Sr. M. Francis Clare said. She highlighted several positive impacts of the program:  

 

• Inclusivity (bringing everyone together)

• Mutual sharing (giving and receiving from others)

• Selfless giving (participating with the community for the common good

• Compassion (sharing in how others feel)

• Equity (assuring others get what they need)

• Justice (being unassuming, nonjudgmental)