August 7, 2017

Yesterday Bishop Donald Kettler presided at the 11 a.m. Mass here at the Motherhouse as we celebrated the 75^th Jubilees of Sister Annella Bieniek, Sister Alice Doll and Sister Fran Kempenich and the 50^th Jubilees of Sister Louise Bauer and Sister Charlene Grossman. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge these five Sisters for their many years of service as Franciscan Sisters.  Congratulations, Sisters.

The other big event of last week was the Green Fair Folk Festival on Wednesday, August 2^nd from 4—8 p.m. I think the most popular event was the horse and wagon  tour of campus. Each trip lasted about 20/25 minutes. I was lucky enough to provide narration telling about the many places we saw.  I went to on four of those trips. The weather forecast earlier that day wasn’t all that great, yet that evening it was perfect outside with just enough gentle breeze to keep the mosquitos away. There was also a opportunity to tour our Convent Chapel. Many people have seen it from the outside, but had never been inside to see it. About 1,000 was a guesstimate for the number of attendees.

The next big event will be this Thursday when we celebrate Sister Joel Bieniek’s 100^th birthday. We will have Mass at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and then a reception at 2 p.m. Thank you for all the wonderful ministries you’ve don these many years: food service in hospitals and nursing homes and here at the Motherhouse, sacristan and now flower arranger for Chapel. Congratulations.

I want to share a reflection with you.

Advice From a Tree

Dear Friend

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of your true nature

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go like leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

 (by Ilar Shamir)

Peace and blessings.’

Have a good week.

Sister Mary Lou