Sr. Laura Hammel, osc

Articles: 10

July 28, 2024
Sunday Journal

Trusting in God’s abundance

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shows what Divine Providence can do. From a small amount, God makes more than enough for everyone. The story begins, “…he (Jesus) knew what he was going to do,” which shows Jesus’ confidence in God’s…

March 15, 2024
Newsletters

How one person expanded my heart

Recently a friend died. When I saw the Facebook announcement, I could feel myself catch my breath in surprise.
We had a long history of knowing each other. Our relationship included fun and delight at times and frustration at other times. It was for me a real relationship...

July 15, 2023
Newsletters

Speaking truthfully and living with intention

Dianne and I have recently made a major life change. We moved from Saginaw, Michigan, where we resided for 33 years, to live with the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters in Illinois.
Leaving Saginaw and those many years of blessings, I am still making thoughtful choices about what to pack and what to let go. By setting aside habits that are no longer useful, I can focus my intention on being truthful and inviting the sunshine of the Spirit to be ever-present in my new home...

August 15, 2022
Newsletters

Service of our hands helps tell ‘the story of our heart’

Several weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast. At the end of this podcast was a meditation by Pir Zia Inayat Khan that caught my attention. I found his words inspiring and relevant to my life right now.
This meditation took me back to those nagging life questions. "Why am I here?" "What is the meaning of life?"...

December 16, 2019
Newsletters

The gift of Advent rituals

As the Christmas holidays approach, in the northern hemisphere our side of the earth grows colder and darker.
As we move through this dark season, we are blessed with the gift of many important Advent and Christmas rituals that help to defeat the darkness and to keep warmth and light glowing in our souls...

March 16, 2019
Newsletters

Changing the balance of love

As members of a contemplative community, people often ask us, “What is contemplative prayer?”
When I pray, my desire is to consciously focus on opening my heart to the presence of God in my life...it helps me to trust God more and to have more compassion for others...

August 16, 2017
Newsletters

The Canaanite woman spoke for us

We had just completed evening prayer and we were at dinner, when one of the sisters said, “I have been waiting until we are all together to tell you about a phone call that I received today.”
She told us that a man named Jack, seemed very connected to her father. Sister, asked bluntly, “Jack, are you thinking that we have the same father?"...

March 16, 2017
Uncategorized

Walking each other home

Walking each other home As some of you might know, we are a small community of four Poor Clare sisters. This past year two of our sisters, Bernie and Laurene, had to move to an assisted living facility because their…

September 14, 2014
Uncategorized

Right Relations

This Gospel goes directly to the heart of our relationships with other people. Relationships are not often easy. We need to ask for guidance – Jesus offers us a plan.

March 15, 2014
Uncategorized

Bishop Ken’s 10th Anniversary

On his 10th Anniversary,” honors our good friend and mentor, Bishop Ken Untener. His remarkable spirit still lives with us. For those of you who knew him, we hope our memories will bring back precious ones of your own. For those who have only heard about him, we hope our recollections will give you a glimpse into his uniqueness.