day twelve

We give You thanks today, O God, for the beauty of the people we encounter each time we come to the Casa: for their sweet smiles, their warm embraces, and their friendly words.

day eleven

We give You thanks today, O God, for the arts that have brought the Casa’s liturgy and worship to life and fostered the growth of our community: the music and singing that fills our church each week and fills all outdoors on Christmas and Holy Week, the movement and dance that embodies our prayer when words and music weren't enough, and the creative environments that visually proclaim the liturgical seasons.

day ten

We give You thanks today, O God, for the Casa’s useful buildings where we have spent time in prayer and contemplation, meeting and learning, eating and sleeping, and sharing our stories with others. We are especially thankful for our Church building where we have gathered each week to be nourished by God’s word and the Body and Blood of Christ.

day nine

We give You thanks today, O God, for the art at the Casa that inspires us: the Guadalupe Shrine and the Stations of the Cross; the statues of Francis of Assisi and other followers of Christ; the paintings, drawings, photographs, and works in other media both inside and out that make the Casa a visual feast.

day eight

We give You thanks today, O God, for the Casa’s gardens and plantings that give us a sense of peace: the cool lawn and fragrant multi-colored roses of the Palm Court; the fruit trees and herbs of the Healing Garden; and all of the flowers and trees that provide beauty and shade.

day seven

We give You thanks today, O God, for the desert land on which the Casa sits: for the mountains that rise to the north and south; for the trees and plants that survive and thrive to create an oasis in the arid climate; for the animals that we share the land with; and for the quiet that reigns in the midst of a major city.

week two

In celebration of the Casa’s 60th Anniversary, we pray for all of those people we remembered this past  week who have been part of the life of the Casa: the founders, the visionaries, the staff members and volunteers, the friends we made and lost, and the people who challenged us. Send abundant blessings on the living. Embrace those who have died in Your eternal light. O God, and may You and we remember them always.

This week, in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Franciscan Renewal Center, we remember all of the beauty both natural and man-made that we have experienced at the Casa.