Franciscan Day 2018

Usually Franciscan Day is the last Saturday in August up in Kennebunk.  However, this year it was moved to the last Sunday in September to coincide with the anniversary celebration of  the monastery.   Yes, it's been 70 years since the Lithuanian Franciscan Friars came to Maine to found this monastery. 

If you've never visited Kennnebunk for Franciscan Day, I encourage you to do so.  In some ways it's like a mini-retreat.  In other ways it's like a picnic day with your Franciscan family, only better.

Our first talk of the day was given by Fr. Sam Fuller, OFM Cap.  His topic, The Canticle of Creatures - Revisited provided lots of food for thought regarding our place in relationship to the whole of God's creation.

Next, Pat Brandwein Ball, OFS shared some reflections on Elijah and the Still Small Voice.

One of the great things about Franciscan Day is that's it's completely free.  After lunch, there was some free time to explore around the extensive monastery grounds.  By lunchtime, the rain had ceased, but the clouds persisted.  Beautiful vistas abound, nonetheless.

Boats in the Kennebunk River. 

Low tide.

In the afternoon, we were given updates on some of the happenings in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region. Our region continues to sponsor a family from South Sudan, where an ongoing civil war has made life very difficult.  Some of the family members,  Bakhita and her mother were in attendance and shared some of the history of the hardships in their war-torn country.  Following that, we also got updates and shared ideas about engaging youth with our Franciscan spirituality.

Tables were arranged for the attendees allowing for sharing after the various talks.
The US and Lithuanian flags hang in preparation for the anniversary dinner tomorrow.
All were welcome to stay and join the friars for Sunday's celebration.

At 3:00, we headed over to the chapel for recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  Following that, we celebrated Mass at 4pm.  Finally, we enjoyed dinner and desserts back in the Guest House.

The Guest House walking back from the chapel.

From Leominster, the trip up to Kennebunk was less than 2 hours with minimal traffic.  Mark your calendar for next year and join the fun!