I spent the weekend at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Regional meeting of the Secular Franciscan Order. It was my first time attending the regional gathering and I learned some things I didn’t know about the history of the Secular Franciscan Order. There were Seculars from much of New York State and parts of Pennsylvania and we got to meet the National Minister. In all it was an enjoyable weekend. I also got a chance to do some reading. I am slowly making my way through Calming the Fearful Mind by Thich Nhat Hanh. I really enjoy reading that book in small doses. It’s definitely a tonic.
Brother Sun came out today after several days of Sister Rain dominating the weather patterns in Western and Central New York State. Our regional gathering was held at the Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, New York. It is a lovely retreat center run by the Sisters of St. Francis of Syracuse. The picture of St. Francis was one of many at the retreat center that reminded us of our seraphic father Francis.
I love to drive though the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. There are so many lovely vistas. I also had very little chance to read the news and so I did enjoy a bit of a retreat. Peace.