Yesterday was World Water Day, a time to remember the blessings of safe, drinkable water that we so much take for granted. World Water Day was started by the UN to bring awareness of our global water crisis and to protect our vital water resources. I read an interesting and disturbing sentence: “For every liter of water that goes into a bottle, two liters of water are used to make the plastic bottle for the water.” And then the bottle is just junked except for the small percentage of bottles that get recycled! What a waste. I can’t remember the last time I had a bottle of water. I reuse my own glass or cup and take tap water with me when I travel or go to meetings. We commemorated water at our Mass yesterday and sang many songs that reminded us of the blessings of water. Sr. Mary gave a beautiful reflection on water.
I’d expect that those who are struggling to keep flood waters from damaging their homes and businesses have some different thoughts about water at this time.
Last Thursday after work, I drove over the Mississippi River Bridge here in town to the west side of the river. The banks of the river and the river itself were covered with big chunks of ice. There was concern that the ice could damage the bridge and the dam. (The bridge over the Mississippi north of town was closed and remains closed because of shore damage due to the raging waters.) What to me was so amazing, was that Friday morning when I went across the bridge to an 8 a.m. meeting, the ice was all gone!
The Secular Franciscans had their Spring Retreat at St. Francis last Saturday. Our speaker helped us reflect on the Canticle of Creatures, written by St. Francis of Assisi. I have a new appreciation for this writing. We had a large crowd of SFOs present for the day.
Last Sunday I attended the 12th Annual Share Sunday events at Mary of Lourdes Middle School. The talent Show was great. What talented youth and adults we have in our community. I’m sure glad I didn’t have to be a judge. All proceeds went to the county Food Shelves and Oasis Share-A-Meal.
These three days, until 10 a.m. on Thursday we have a Clothing Swap/ Furniture Sale going on in St. Francis Hall. I will have to do a “wander through” to see what I can see.
Sunday, the 28th, we start Holy Week. Our Palm Sunday services at the Motherhouse are at the usual time of 8:30 a.m. May Holy Week be a time of special blessings for you. Each year I like the Liturgical Celebrations of the week better. Next week I will post the time schedule for events at the Convent.
Pax et Bonum (St. Francis’ greeting of peace.)
Sister Mary Lou
Spring is here on March 20th. The snow is nearly all melted. Green shoots are showing up in flower beds, the pink rhubarb nubbins are poking up under the leaves and the buds for tree leaves are getting bigger each day…and there are fears of flooding all around the state.
What an eventful week we’ve had. First, our dear Sister Mary Ellen Dinndorf went to heaven shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday morning. She was a holy woman who had a good head for business, a practical view of things and lots of common sense. Her funeral will be on Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day. I just learned today that her parents were Secular Franciscans.
Last Friday our 11 a.m. Mass was a bilingual liturgy…both Spanish and English readings and songs. Fr. Tony Kroll preached in English. We have bilingual Masses a few times a year. Many of us are beginning to catch on to the Spanish pronunciation of the words in the responses and songs. We honored Fr. Rutilio Grande, a martyr in El Salvador.
Saturday and Sunday, 18 ladies from the Benton County Extension group had a sewing retreat at St. Francis Center. After Sunday Mass I went to see the lovely things they were making. Last year and again this year they will donate some of their crafts to Ann Marie Shelter in St. Cloud. Ann Marie Shelter is a safe home for women and children who are abused. The ladies already have their dates reserved for coming again next year.
A large group of priests and other guests came Sunday afternoon for a program in St. Francis Hall to honor and express gratitude to the priests of our area who serve the local parishes and us here at the Motherhouse. Afterwards there was time for treats and additional visiting. Let us remember to pray for and support our priests during this, The Year of the Priest.
And yet one more activity on Sunday was the Little Falls Community High School Pre-Tour Concert in our Sacred Heart Chapel. We can know that the beautiful music these 30+ young men and women will “do us proud” and speak well for Little Falls, MN. Next weekend, this group will sing a concert at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Our Chapel was full of appreciative listeners. We are blest to have this group do a dress rehearsal in our space.
This week, March 14--20th, is National Agriculture Week. Let us remember to thank farmers and gardeners, for their contributions to our life through their hard work. And let us also pray for them that the Lord be with them in their planting, growing and harvesting seasons.
March is also Food Share Month. This coming Sunday there will be a talent show fund-raiser at Our Lady of Lourdes School gym to generate funds for the local food shelves and Oasis Share-A-Meal. The Franciscan Sisters furnish the cookies for the snack. We have containers in many places in our building to accept cash donations for the Food Shelf. Because of matching, cash donations almost double the value of money given during the month of March.
Our 2010 Census form came in today’s mail. We will get it filled out and returned in the next couple days. I hope everyone else does the same, too.
We are past the half-way point of Lent. I hope it has been good for you so far.
Peace and blessings,
Sister Mary Lou
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