day thirty-six

We give You thanks today, O God, for the example of St. Francis of Assisi that animates the work of the Casa.  Francis walked the world fully engaged in preaching, healing, laboring, and reconciling.  But he also spent up to half of each year in quiet and secluded places practicing silence and prayer.  In his example, may we find a balance of action and contemplation in our lives.

day thirty-five

We give You thanks today, O God, for the places at the Casa that encourage prayer and reflection: the St. Clare Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the Meditation Chapel, the Healing Garden, the labyrinth, the Guadalupe Shrine, the desert walk, and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels.

day thirty-four

We give You thanks today, O God, for the Casa's dedication to contemplative prayer.  Silent retreats, days of prayer, and prayer groups have taught people to turn off the distracting thoughts that constantly run through their minds and listen in silence to your voice.

day thirty-three

We give You thanks today, O God, for the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the Casa even when it is at its busiest.  Though it now sits in the midst of a large and noisy city and traffic roars past its front drive, the Casa, through your grace, is able to offer quiet respite to anyone who walks onto its grounds.

day thirty-two

We give You thanks today, O God, for the wise and inspiring retreat leaders who have served the Casa so well for so many years: clergy, religious, and lay people.  They have given voice in so many various ways to Your loving call to conversion.

day thirty-one

We give You thanks today, O God,

for the retreats that have been held at the Casa since it opened in January 1952. In the past 60 years, thousands of people have spent days, weeks, and months at the Casa renewing their relationships with You and finding strength for their journeys.

week 6

 

In celebration of the Casa’s 60th Anniversary, we pray in thanksgiving for all of its healing ministries. In a world troubled by sickness, pain, sadness, depression, addiction, betrayal, and alienation, may the Casa continue to be a refuge of hope for those who suffer.

This week, in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Franciscan Renewal Center, we remember all of the ways in which it serves as a place of retreat and solitude in a busy world.