St. Francis Feast is Blessed Memory

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Carla Riach shares on memories of the Tohono O’odham Reservation awesome Feast of St. Francis.

Sisters Rosalyn Muraski and Carla Riach celebrated the Blessing of animals October 2^nd outside the Mission Church. The school children were present with their families along with parishioners. Brother Nathaniel and Father Ponchie did the Blessings.

October 3^rd the Sisters joined in the Transitus with the Friars, Third Order Franciscans and parishioners. Father Ponchie used the Canticle of the Sun as the theme running through the service. Sister Carla, Brother Nathaniel and two lay Franciscans did readings during the service.

The Franciscan Friars invited the Sisters to join them for soup, salad and bread before they all went to the procession planned by the Feast Committee. A lying down statue of St. Francis was carried in procession around the Church parking lot. Yaqui Dancers and singers led the procession during which a band played, the church bells rang and fireworks lit up the night sky. Once back in Church, the choir serenaded St Francis with a couple songs and a band played a couple numbers. Then we venerated St. Francis and greeted the Feast committee before leaving the overcrowded Church. Crowds were waiting outside for their turn to venerate the Saint. The celebration continued at the Rock House and band stand with Rosary and dance music.

October 4^th the Sisters joined the San Xavier Community for Mass. Later they went out to Queenswell Village where the main Reservation celebration was held. The Sisters enjoyed a traditional meal while visiting with the friars from Topawa. Then they visited the new Church, checked out the venders, and watched traditional dancers perform. Sister Carla enjoyed meeting several people she knew from her years ministering on the main reservation. God provided a lovely day to celebrate.

The Sisters wrapped up their celebration with another procession at San Xavier that evening.