Lydia's circle
Our lives are unique and sacred -- with stories waiting to be told. We are people of hope. Yet along with healing and transformation, we experience struggles, challenges and pain.
The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor are hosting Lydia’s Circle and will offer the gift of translating these stories into four languages (English, Italian, French, and Portuguese) so that women can connect globally, network and share their healing stories, becoming instruments of healing, peace and reconciliation for ourselves and our world.
Lydia’s Circle represents the presence of God in each of us as we hold one another. This Circle will be present, listening and praying with you. . .
Our loving and faithful God walks with us on our journeys. Because of this, we are set free and given courage to live and tell a new story of hope, daring love, joy, and resurrection. So please, click here to share your story. . .
Here are some questions to help you focus and begin . . .
+ We invite you to remember a particular time in your life when you were in need of healing. . .
+ How did you become whole through this struggle?
+ Were there gifts or fruits that you received from this experience that you can use or give to others?
who is lydia?
Our Foundress, Blessed Frances Schervier, and Lydia from the Scriptures [Acts 16:13-15] were women of hope and healing — each with unique, sacred stories — called forth to be leaders and instruments of God’s compassion for people. Blessed Frances ‘ life inspired others then — and now. It was Blessed Frances’ charism (the gift of healing received from God in Christ Jesus) and mission to see Christ in the poor and to heal his wounds.
Lydia was a woman of God and a prominent citizen who partnered with St. Paul in the ministry of Jesus. St. Paul first meets Lydia when she and other women gather in a place of prayer outside the city gates, near the river.
Who is blessed frances?
Born on January 3, 1819 in Aachen Germany, Frances was deeply moved by the life and mission of St. Francis of Assisi. She was born at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. The daughter of a wealthy manufacturer, Frances often visited her father’s factory to distribute food and clothing to the workers. Click here to find out more about Frances...