July 31, 2017

This is a picture of the flower bed that greets visitors when they come to the front entrance of the Motherhouse.

Sister Helen Ann Brake celebrated her 90^th Birthday on Sunday.  Lots of family and friends joined us for cake and ice cream.

For many of us, today, July 31^st, was the anniversary of our Reception into this Franciscan Community.  I remember it as a very hot day on July 31^st 1953. For many of us, the starched, white headpiece, called a bandeau, had melt-downs and collapsed…and were replaced that afternoon. I’m glad we don’t wear those anymore.

Last Friday evening to 3 a.m. Saturday morning, was the Morrison County Relay for Life. The event this year brought in over $67,000 for the American Cancer Society. More than 1,000 luminaries lined the walkways around the Morrison County Fairgrounds. Thanks to all who provide the meal and help with this event. Several of us Franciscan Sisters were there for the first art of the evening.

Soap making is the newest project by families in Kampala, Uganda. One World Mission, a mission project of FSLF (Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls) gave a start-up grant of $3,400 to cover supplies and training for 30 women to start their own business with potential for earned income. Regular hand washing, soft water, proper storage of utensils have improved, reducing the occurrence of water borne and hygiene related diseases.

Come join the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls for the 2017 Green Fair Folk Festival on Wednesday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m., on the west lawn of St. Francis Convent here in Little Falls.  Now in its eleventh year, the Green Fair welcomed over 1,000 guests in 2016. Lots of family fun, interesting displays, fantastic music and exhibitors—all with a green message—are the highlights of this year’s event.  Kids can visit the Teddy Bear Clinic and adoption center or participate in a Bike Rodeo hoisted by the Little Falls Police Department. A horse-drawn wagon will give tours of our campus. It is a fun evening and we pray that the Lord will bless us again with favorable weather.

On Sunday, August 6^th, we celebrate the 50^th Jubilee for Sister Louise Bauer and Sister Charlene Grossman and the 75^th Jubilees for Sister Annella Bieniek, Sister Alice Doll and Sister Fran Kempenich.  Congratulations, Sisters. That’s a lot of years of Franciscan living.

The Peace Garden, in the woods south of our cemetery, is a beautiful place to spend some time in prayer and reflection.

Peace and blessings,

Sister Mary Lou