Friends and Members,
What a year it has been for the Franciscan Federation!!! In this December edition of The Damiano, you’ll find a preview of our upcoming retreat, along with a brief reflection on the O Antiphons, the poetic prayers that draw us toward the mystery of Christ’s birth. The end of the year also invites us into remembering, so I hope you will linger with our “year in review” as we recall some of the highlights of this past year and look with hope toward what is unfolding ahead.
Julianne Wallace
Executive Director
This Sunday evening, we gather for our final Advent Vespers, a closing moment of light in this sacred season of waiting. Over these past weeks, we have reflected on the Women of Hope: women who said “yes” to God in quiet courage and steadfast faith. We began with St. Clare, whose own “yes” continues to shape our Franciscan call to live with hope. We’ve listened to Mary, who bore the Light into the world; to Rebekah, whose strength carried a promise forward; and this Sunday, we will walk with Ruth and Naomi, whose loyalty and love reveal God’s presence even in uncertainty.
Alongside these scriptural voices, four remarkable women have guided our reflections: Maggie Conley of Franciscan Mission Service, Jane DeRose-Bamman of the Secular Franciscan Order, Cecilia Flores of the Catholic Volunteer Network, and this weekend, Charlene Howard of Pax Christi USA. Each has shared her own witness of faith, women whose words remind us that hope is alive, light endures in the darkness, and peace is still possible.
As this Advent journey draws to a close, my heart is full of gratitude for the women who have led us and for each of you who have prayed, listened, and shared in this sacred space. If you haven’t yet joined us, I invite you to come this Sunday evening as we rest together in prayer and hope. The Zoom registration link is below.
And finally, as Christmas lights fill the world around us, we continue to wait in the gentle rhythm of Advent. If you, like me, are holding onto its quiet grace, I invite you to pray with a simple playlist I’ve created for the Franciscan Federation. These are songs for late Advent, melodies of hope, patient waiting, courage to say “yes,” and joyful expectation.
May this music offer a still point amid the noise, a reminder that even now, Emmanuel draws near. To listen, here is a spotify playlist (you’ll need a free Spotify account). If you prefer another streaming platform, the song list is included in this image so you can recreate it wherever you listen.
Peace and all good,
Julianne Wallace
Executive Director
