Darleen Pryds
My academic interests focus on the history of medieval laity, especially lay preachers with a particular interest in lay Franciscan men and women. I am currently working on projects related to emotional range in Franciscan Spirituality and laity as co-creators of the Franciscan spiritual tradition. My volunteer work as a hospice caregiver since 2009 has rekindled my long-time interest in the history and spirituality of dying and death, so some of my work examines the role of LadyJacopa dei Settesoli and her care for Francis of Assisi as he died, a story often overlooked. At the Franciscan School of Theology I teach courses in the history of Christianity and Christian Spirituality. Among my most popular classes are: Lay Spiritual Practices, History of Women and Religious Leadership, The Spirituality of Dying and Death, and M.A. level seminars on the lay Franciscan tradition. In my free time I occasionally offer yoga classes as a certified yoga instructor.
Address: Martinez California, United States
Address: Martinez California, United States
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Papers by Darleen Pryds
end-of-life, and a return to natural, simple, and fully engaged burial practices, known as “Green Burial”, are being reintroduced and practiced. While many Catholic cemeteries still call the use of embalming and concrete vaults “traditional burial”, these expensive and unnecessary practices are only 150 years old and have significantly affected the natural environment. A different “traditional burial” is possible when using the model of Francis of Assisi himself who offers a more intimate model of dying and death by embracing his own death and calling it, “Sister Death”. This article will use the interdisciplinary approach of Christian Spirituality to explore the Franciscan concern with creation and link it to the burgeoning practice of Green Burial. A discussion of a Franciscan
congregation that initiated the practice for their own sisters, the FSPA in La Cross, Wisconsin, will offer a concrete example of rationale, best practices, and challenges for those considering this as a personal option or as a community endeavor.
end-of-life, and a return to natural, simple, and fully engaged burial practices, known as “Green Burial”, are being reintroduced and practiced. While many Catholic cemeteries still call the use of embalming and concrete vaults “traditional burial”, these expensive and unnecessary practices are only 150 years old and have significantly affected the natural environment. A different “traditional burial” is possible when using the model of Francis of Assisi himself who offers a more intimate model of dying and death by embracing his own death and calling it, “Sister Death”. This article will use the interdisciplinary approach of Christian Spirituality to explore the Franciscan concern with creation and link it to the burgeoning practice of Green Burial. A discussion of a Franciscan
congregation that initiated the practice for their own sisters, the FSPA in La Cross, Wisconsin, will offer a concrete example of rationale, best practices, and challenges for those considering this as a personal option or as a community endeavor.
In particular, you will look at death and dying through the lens of the Franciscan tradition. If you’ve been looking for a spiritually edifying approach to this essential topic, you will find this course inspiring.