BOSTON — Richard Flaherty, OFM, Barry Langley, OFM, and Daniel Murray, OFM, were among 13 candidates earning certification in spiritual direction April 26 from the San Damiano House of Prayer Spiritual Direction Training Program in Lowell, Mass.
This was the second class to graduate in the spiritual direction program inspired by Sr. Linda Greenwood, OSF, a Sister of St. Francis of Assisi of Milwaukee and director of the San Damiano House of Prayer. The program is coordinated with Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
A graduation liturgy was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist parish in No. Chelmsford, Mass., with three members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi leadership team — Florence Deacon, Diana DeBruin and Margaret Kruse — presenting the gifts. Sr. Joanne Meyer, OSF, of the university, presented the diplomas, and Sr. Florence gave each graduate a cross.
A reception followed the liturgy, which ended with the song, “The Presence You Are.” Friars from St. Anthony Shrine in Boston attended, including David Convertino, OFM, director; Francis McHugh, OFM; and Gene Pistacchio, OFM.
When the graduates returned to the friary, a celebration awaited them, complete with a recording of the widely-known graduation theme “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Sr. Linda summed up the day best when she addressed the graduates, “This is the day the Lord has made.”
In photo, from left to right: Barry Langley, Daniel Murray and Richard Flaherty.
— Br. John, director of the Province’s postulant program, attended the graduation.