Franciscan Reflection For The 4th of July – "If I Am American"

During this month Independence Day - focused on self-evident truths endowed on us by our Creator who loves and cares for us, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity feature the thought-provoking If I Am American by Emily Kurn. As St. Francis was called to be deeply contemplative yet sensitively aware of the societal needs of his time in history, the Sisters invite visitors' comments on the song.

Although based in Anchorage, Alaska, Emily Kurn has maintained a steady presence in the folk music world and on folk and roots radio charts. Emily has earned a host of honors including 2nd place in the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Contest and Honorable Mention in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition Americana Category. In 2007, her song "If I Am American" was featured on the documentary "American Music: Off the Record" featuring Jackson Browne, Iris DeMent, and Noam Chomsky, among others.

She explained writing " "If I Am American" about 5 years ago after watching a documentary on Bob Dylan and comparing the folk music in the 60's to the folk music today. I don't usually write political songs and wanted to explore what I had to say if I were to write one."

"We want to present our life as a viable option. Personal invitation is always best; however, we became convinced that real conversations can begin by using the language of images and music." said Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, Directress of Vocations for the Franciscan order.

Established in 1869, the Roman Catholic Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in dioceses throughout the United States.