IMPERIAL (SNR) – The El Poverello of the Plains and the St. Stephen the Martyr Secular Franciscan Fraternities met in Imperial Sept. 9 for their annual retreat.
The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. The organization’s purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where members live and work. They look for ways to embrace the Gospel and to help others to do likewise. 
The Secular Franciscan Order is divided into fraternities of various levels — local, regional, national, and international. They are coordinated and united according to the norm of the Franciscan rule and constitutions.
The day began with Eucharistic adoration, followed with Benediction, Mass and communal mid-day prayer in St. Patrick Church with Father Lothar Gilde and Father Bernard Lorenz officiating. Sixteen fraternity participants traveled from multiple locations in eastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska to attend.
Sister Rochelle Kerkhof, who serves the parishes of the Grant deanery, focused on themes relating to St. Francis of Assisi’s life during the afternoon presentations: pilgrimage, ‘spirituality of place,’ the fall of feudalism, the rise of the middle class, the landscape of Assisi terrain, the parents and personality of St. Francis and the personal conversions that took place during his entire lifetime.
