March 9, 2010: The snow piles are really shrinking.

The snow piles are really shrinking. Ten days ago I went out to our cemetery and very few of the grave markers were sticking out of the snow. Yesterday most of them were visible. And it appears that the water is sinking into the ground. In places where there are puddles at night, they are gone in the morning.

Last week we had a prayer memorial service for Sister Mary Goretti’s brother. He died in Oregon and she was not able to attend the funeral so we had a prayer service in connection with our Sisters’ Evening Prayer.

In the wooded area south of the Motherhouse we have two hermitages—places where one can go to pray and be in solitude. Two novices from St. John’s Abbey were our guests the past week. They did join us for Evening Prayer and dinner, so it was good to have opportunity to visit with them—fine young men. Let us pray for all who are considering entering a Religious Community.

On Saturday we will be celebrating the 90th birthday of Sister Jeanne Winter. I frequently play cribbage with her. (We are a pretty evenly matched pair.) In the picture Sister Jeanne is holding a doll baby that is the most realistic doll I have ever seen or held. It was made by Tara, one of the care-givers in Clare Residence.

Daylight Savings Time starts at 2 a.m. on this coming Sunday. Remember to spring your clocks ahead one hour.

Peace and blessings on you and those you love.

Sister Mary Lou

March 1, 2010

Today is our Birthday. One hundred nineteen years ago on this day sixteen women became the first Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, when our community was established here in Little Falls, MN. (3-1-1891)

Spring is coming! I like the longer hours of sunlight each day…and, yes, I know we will get more snow! I pray for the people who suffer because of natural disasters, especially the people of Haiti and Chili.

The Olympics are now over. Many of us enjoyed watching many events. I would never even think about doing some of the moves by the skiers or snowboarders! In his final remarks, one of the speakers last night said, “In these 16 days of Olympics, the participants went on to achieve greatness through the power of a dream.” Isn’t it so true. We each can do much through the power of our own dreams.

Last Thursday Charlie Maguire entertained the Sisters at their evening meal. He sang some of his original songs and played for us. It was an enjoyable evening.

Also last Thursday, there was a Service of Remembrance at St. Otto’s Home for deceased residents and hospice care persons. Since three of our Sisters were hospice care persons, they were included in the prayer service. I attended to represent my classmate, Sr. Camille Squillace. I knew eight of the 45 people listed on the program. This service is held twice a year. I am glad I could attend.

Last Thursday was a busy day! The Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting was held at the Falls Ballroom. After a delicious meal, we listened to guest speaker, Mike Max WCCO Anchor. I appreciated his talk on five characteristics of successful persons. You can tell successful persons: 1) In how they overcome adversity. 2) They learn what they have control over and take control of their own attitude and effort. 3) They learn how to deal with their own fears. 4) They surround themselves with great people and “join hands and go in the same direction.” 5) They work hard and don’t take shortcuts. And one remark that I liked was, “Tough times never last—tough people do.” It was a good evening and I am very happy that I could attend the program.

Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful cultural experience in listening to the Mila (pronounced mee-lah) Singers. They are a group of 9 women who sing songs of the folk tradition of Eastern Europe—songs of village life and love. We heard songs from Croatia, Bulgaria, Russia, Latvia and Georgia—all sung in their respective languages. The chapel was full of enthusiastic listeners. You can read more about them on milavocalensemble.com.

Tomorrow is the birthday of Dr. Seuss (1904). Read a children’s book. I always read one when I go to a book store.

On Saturday, March 6, 2010 we have Lenten Retreat day.


God bless you.
Sister Mary Lou