OUR LADY OF THE PEARL
We are Our Lady of the Pearl, a Secular Franciscan community, Saint Joan of Arc Region, called to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. We were canonically established on August 23, 2008. We are located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, in Hancock County. We meet the second Sunday of each month, after Mass and lunch, from 1:30 to 3:30, at St. Clare Catholic Church, 236 South Beach Blvd., Waveland, MS. Most of us have been very good friends for many years, but our time as a Franciscan group began in the fall of 1996.
All agree that the Lord brought about the initial event which led to the beginning of Our Lady of the Pearl. It occurred on October 12, 1996, in Poplarville, Mississippi, with a chance meeting between three Secular Franciscans and a friend. The Franciscans shared their journey with their friend who then brought others to later meetings to “come and see.” A period of discernment followed with many coming to hear about Saint Francis.
The Francis House in Pearlington, Mississippi, was blessed for Francis by Fr. John Noone on March 7, 1997. It was the meeting place for Our Lady of the Pearl. (The Francis House was lost in Hurricane Katrina, with only the slab remaining.) The group was given newly forming status by the Regional Executive Council of St. Joan of Arc Region on March 11, 1997.
The first Inquirers were welcomed on June 6, 1997, and the first formation class began on August 1st that summer. The Inquirers were received as Candidates at St. Charles Borromeo Church by Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity, Picayune, Mississippi, on February 15, 1998. Then, on October 17, 1999, eight Candidates were professed by St. Teresa of Avila Fraternity at the St. Clare Monastery in New Orleans. Status for an emerging community was granted, and the first council was elected on August 25, 2001. Canonical establishment was on August 23, 2008.
First Profession
October 17, 1999
St. Clare Monastery, New Orleans
Celano, First Life, on the stigmata of St. Francis:
“And although the servant and friend of the most high
saw himself adorned with many costly pearls . . . .”
In Memory of Fr. Emmeran Frank, OFM,
November 29, 1921 – June 21, 1997
Teach me O my Lord, to be sweet and gentle in all the events of my life – in disappointments and in the thoughtlessness of others – in the insincerity of those I trusted and the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Let me put myself aside; think of the happiness of others; hide my little pains and heartaches so that I may be the only one to suffer by the crosses that come across my path. That they may mellow me, not harden or embitter me. As I go my rounds from one distraction to another let me whisper from time to time a word of love to Thee. May my life be lived full of power for good and strong in its purpose of sanctity. Amen.
Fr. Emmeran loved sun flowers.
(We are especially grateful for the assistance of Sr. Fidelis Hart, OSC, Fr. Emmeran Frank, OFM, and Fr. John Noone who were so kind and supportive of us during our early years.)
Our Lady of the Pearl 