News

A celebration of St. Francis

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

MANITOWOC -- Oct. 4 marks the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi - lover of all creation, champion of justice, founder of the Franciscan Order and patron saint of animals and the environment.

In Manitowoc, where Franciscan roots run deep, one day of celebration is not enough, so on Sept. 27, Francis Fest, a week-long series of events, begins.

The festival features horse-drawn wagon rides, a Medieval Festival, an art workshop, concerts, a dance, special Masses, a video presentation and more.

"We need something to celebrate Francis and this offers something for everyone," said Mary Virlee, coordinator of special events at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

The parish along with Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, Silver Lake College, Roncalli High School, Holy Family Convent and Felician Village are hosting and sponsoring events. The festival opens with a Votive Mass for the Eucharist at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, at Holy Family Memorial. Adoration and benediction follow mass. Numerous events are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 28, at Silver Lake College and Holy Family Convent.

The college is sponsoring a fish fry from 4 to 8 p.m. Tours of Holy Family Convent Motherhouse will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. Participants may take a free horse-drawn wagon ride from the college to the convent and back.

"It's not your ordinary tour," said Virlee. "There are a lot of insights that are shared. For example, there is a Packer room in the motherhouse where the Sisters gather to watch the games. A few years ago, Mike Sherman visited. He later donated a big screen television for the Packer room. We hope people make an evening of it."

A St. Francis art exhibit will be held at the college from 3 to 8 p.m., with a Francis Fest concert in the college chapel featuring choirs from the college.

The following day, Franciscan Sr. Lynne Jagemann, campus minister at Silver Lake, and deacons from St. Francis of Assisi Parish will bless pets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the St. Francis Faith Formation Center. Pet blessings are often held on the feast of St. Francis because of his love for animals.

Sr. Lynne will also host a video presentation titled "Assisi Pilgrimage: Walking in Faith with Francis & Clare," at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Generose Enrichment Center, Silver Lake College.

"The DVD is designed to help people identify with the Franciscan heritage," said Sr. Lynne. "It's a wonderful DVD for those who can't go to Assisi. It actually takes the viewer to all the places you would go on a pilgrimage. You get to see the reactions of the pilgrims. It really is a pilgrimage, not just a tour of sites."

She will facilitate a discussion after the presentation.

"Being a part of Francis Fest goes along with the college's mission to be a part of the community," she said. "This community is deeply rooted in who Francis was and we are empowered by those traditions."

Among the other highlights of the week is a Francis Fest dance (free and open to the public), 8 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, at Club Bil-Mar. Copper Box will perform at the dance sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The band's music has been described as "Accordion Swamp rock."

"We have a mix of educational, spiritual and social events throughout the week," said Virlee. "Copper Box will help create a vibrant, alive atmosphere."

The St. Francis Medieval Festival, Sunday, Sept. 30, at Roncalli High School will feature games, food and re-enactments of the life and time period of St. Francis. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume, said Virlee.

Icon artist Katherine de Shazer will lead a workshop titled "Ancient Russian Byzantine Painting Techniques" on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Recommended age for workshop participation is high school age and older. All materials are included in the $10 fee.

Sr. Lynne said she is looking forward to the Transitus Prayer Services on Wednesday, Oct. 3, the eve of the feast of St. Francis. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Faith Formation Center, and at 7 p.m. at both Holy Family Convent and Silver Lake College.

Transitus Prayer refers to the death of St. Francis just before sunset on Oct. 3. Participants will be joining in prayer with Franciscan communities around the world.

"Honoring the passing of St. Francis has a long history," said Sr. Lynne. "Last year, we had some secular Franciscans join us for Transitus Prayer. They had never experienced it before. They were very touched and impressed by the service."

Francis Fest will close with an all-school Mass on Thursday, Oct. 4 on the grounds of Silver Lake College.

For a complete schedule of Francis Fest events, visit www.sfamanitowoc.com.