Franciscans of Oldenburg celebrate 175th
The Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Indiana, are celebrating the 175th anniversary of their founding, with special events planned throughout the year. On Jan. 6, 1851, Mother Theresa Hackelmeier arrived in Oldenburg from Austria to establish the congregation, answering the call to educate German immigrant children in the area. They extended their ministries to other areas, including the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where they established Most Holy Trinity School in St. Louis and later the Nia Kuumba Spirituality Center. Over the past 175 years, the sisters have remained steadfast in their mission to educate, uplift and advocate for justice across generations and numerous locations. The public is invited to send cards of congratulations to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036. Those who wish to share a personal story about how the sisters have made an impact in their lives may email communications.department@oldenburgfranciscans.org.
Perryville Corpus Christi procession
St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Perryville will host a eucharistic procession in honor of the feast of Corpus Christi on Saturday, June 6. Adoration and confessions will begin after 8 a.m. Mass; procession begins at 2 p.m. and concludes with the Vigil Mass of Corpus Christi at 4:30 p.m. The church, located at 1000 Rosati Court, is a bicentennial Jubilee pilgrimage location where faithful may obtain a special plenary indulgence. For more information, contact the parish at (573) 547-4300.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses/Maafa
The Archdiocese of St. Louis will host its annual Forgive Us Our Trespasses Prayer Service and Maafa Procession in Downtown St. Louis to commemorate the approximately 2 million lives lost during the Middle Passage of the Atlantic slave trade. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral), 209 Walnut St., with a prayer service and continues with a remembering ceremony on the Arch grounds. For more information, visit www.racialharmonystl.org.
Ignatian Community Retreat
The Bridges Foundation will host an Ignatian Community Retreat Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, at the Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center in Florissant. Eric Clayton, author and deputy director of communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, will lead the retreat, “From Warrior to Peacemaker: How Ignatius of Loyola Can Guide Us Today.” The retreat will be a time of reflection using the powerful tools for peace that St. Ignatius gave in his Spiritual Exercises. For more information or to register, visit bridgesfoundation.org/ programs/ignatian-community-retreat/ or contact Bridges executive director Steve Givens at (314) 401-2072.
BBQ for bereaved parents
Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center will host a BBQ picnic for bereaved parents and family members from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the center, 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road in Florissant. Presented in partnership with Circle of Companions, Pallottine’s bereaved parents ministry, the summer gathering recognizes a simple truth: grief doesn’t take a vacation. While summer often brings opportunities for rest and recreation, the pain of losing a child remains present for many families. The event is designed to create a welcoming space where families can be together, feel understood and find comfort in community. To learn more, visit pallottinerenewal.org/programs/support-group.
Life-Giving Wounds
A Life-Giving Wounds Retreat for adult children of divorced parents will be held Aug. 7-9 at St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville. Through talks, guided reflection, small group sharing and prayer, participants will discover the power of Christ’s love to transform even the deepest pain. Cost for the retreat is $100. For more information and to register, visit archstl.org/life-giving-wounds-st-louis-chapter.
