May 15, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day greetings, one day after the event. 

Today is the Feast of Saint Isidore, Patron of farmers and gardeners. Isidore served as a day laborer on the farm of Juan de Vargas outside Madrid, Spain. His day began with Mass. Isidore’s fellow laborers complained that Isidore was preoccupied with his devotions and neglected his work. Vergas, determined to discover the truth, watched Isidore in secret. He said that he saw Isidore rapt in prayer while, in the field, an angel guided the plow. After a life of humble service, Isidore died in 1130.  Maria, his wife, died in 1175. He was canonized March 12, 1622. Saint Isidore, pray for us and give us a good growing season and a good harvest.

Saturday was the funeral for Jim Hein, a Secular Franciscan and a dear friend. Mary Larson, from Brainerd, picked me up Saturday morning and took me along to Menahga, MN for the funeral. Jim did much for the revitalization of the Secular Franciscan Order here in central Minnesota.

We will be having an “All Community Gathering” starting Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. until 3p.m. on Friday (May 16—19).

Sunday, May 21^st, we have a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. for decease family members of Donors to our Franciscan Sisters. We’d like to see you. Donors get prayed for every day at Evening Prayer—and in between times, too.

South of our cemetery we have a couple long rows of lilacs. Right now they are in full bloom. I have been bringing in bouquets of them in for the Sisters to enjoy. The fragrance can be smelled for a long distance. I love it.

Last week we had a group of about 30 Directors of Nursing here for a 3-day meeting. One evening they did a “Giving Back Time” service project when they did some raking the grounds. This group has met here a couple times a year for about 26 years.

On Saturday, the 13^th, we had a Memorial Service for Jerry Rausch, brother of Sisters Rose Mae and Tonie Rausch who were not able to attend his funeral out east.

Just as I was typing this article, Cheryl came past my room and asked me if I wanted a “Some more.”  I’ve not had one of those for a long time, so you can guess my response!

We have rain showers forecast for the next several days. That will be an OK thing as our sandy soil can use frequent drinks.

Blessings and safe travels on your Memorial Day weekend. Eternal rest to those we remember these days.

God bless you.

Sister Mary Lou

P.S.  Please keep us in your prayers as we meet this week.  Thanks.