Last evening a good number of local Friars and the Postulants joined the Poor Clares in celebrating the "Transitus" or Passing of Saint Clare from this life into eternal life. This is an annual celebration which Franciscans throughout the world observe. We also observe the Transitus of Saint Francis on the evening before his Solemnity in October. Pictured on  the left are the Poor Clares blessing us with the relic of Saint Clare. On the right is Sr. Mary Doris, the Abbess, welcoming us before the celebration began.

A local custom is an ice cream social following the Transitus. The Friars, Postulants, and Sisters gathered in the monastery dining room and recreation room for ice cream and home-made cookies. At the gathering were Sr. Ann Bartko, O.S.C.and her brother Fr. Louis Bartko, O.F.M. The Bartkos are from northern Ohio and now both reside in Cincinnati.

Pictured here are some of the Postulants visiting with Fr. John Stein, O.F.M. who will be one of their Novice Directors next year. Pictured from left to right are Andrew Stettler, O.F.M., a Temporary Professed Friar who is about to leave for four months in Pakistan, and Postulants, Tim Tran, Clifford Hennings, and Joshua van Cleef--all a little blurry. :-(