The Associate Pin is given to the Associate Candidate at the Incorporation Ceremony with the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio. The round pin shows the arm of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi intertwined. Francis’ hand bears the stigmata wound, which Francis received near the end of his life. The hands embrace the cross and are encircled within a heart, symbolic of God’s unending love for all. The heart also symbolizes Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is the Mother of us all. The outer border symbolizes the Franciscan cord, representing promises of fidelity and love for Francis’ Gospel way of life.
Claire Campbell
My firstexperience with St Francis was through a friend who had many problems, but who always had a smile on her face. When I inquired about this she shared with me her experience as a Secular Franciscan. Since wanting to know about St. Francis was a long time desire of mine, I soon found myself studying to be a Secular Franciscan. All was well until illness and distance from family lured me to Sylvania, Ohio to be near a son who taught at Lourdes – a Franciscan College. What a blessing! This led to the acquaintance of many Franciscan Sisters and I began to feel at home once again. As a Franciscan Associate, I have ministered as a hospital Chaplin assistant, visited our retired Sisters and volunteered in the Pine Cone Art Studio and Craft Fairs. I have enjoyed this ministry and partnership among the sisters which has led to loving friendships and bonding. Sylvania is my second home and it is my desire to continue to travel with my Franciscan Sisters for they are truly my sisters.
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Claire Campbell
A Journal Entry
Oh how I enjoy strolling among Mother Adelaide’s pine trees.
Their restless rustlings become whispered thoughts-thoughts that will remain evergreen. For me, these trees are sturdy symbols of the Sisters who nurture them-strong women who stand close together and give each other encouragement during storms. They hover protectively over the least of God’s creatures. A subtle fragrance surrounds them, and when stirred by “Brother Wind”, I too want to stretch my arms in prayerful joy. I yearn to grow among them, but realistically I know that I’m too old and too fragile to be transplanted. Perhaps these trees are really whispering, “Bloom where you are planted."
