Susan Ronan, OFS

By Susan Ronan, OFS
National Executive Council Secretary

“Time in New England
Took me away
To long rocky beaches…
I feel the change comin’
I feel the wind blow
I feel brave and daring
I feel my blood flow.
With you I could bring out
All the love that I have.
With you there’s a heaven,
So earth ain’t so bad…”
From “Weekend in New England” – (Written by Randy Edelman/Sung by Barry Manilow)

One of our recent Formation Friday’s offered a beautiful reflection on St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures that we’re all celebrating during these centennial years. We were asked to write our own canticle. I offer to you my humble “New England Spring Canticle.”

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,
who has graciously returned after his long winter’s nap.
And he is beautiful and radiant but like a playful child,
plays hide and seek with the cold and chilly Spring raindrops.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars.
You wake up our little “peeper” friends
to sing a gentle lullaby throughout the dark night.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind.
Ah yes, Brother Wind!
Open the windows and watch him cover every piece of furniture with a light dusting of…pollen!
Time to get those eye drops and antihistamines out of the medicine cabinet!

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water.
April showers…and May showers…and June showers!
Thank you for reminding us that, without you,
God’s gardens full of color and sweet nectar
would not give us His great gifts of Nature to enhance our senses.