June 7, 2010

Another sunny, low-humidity day where we rejoice over a little rain the past few days. I am so amazed at how lush and green and beautiful the trees and plants and fields are. Thank you, God, for protecting us from storms. May generous people come to the aid of those who suffer from destructive forces of nature. And may the oil spill mess get cleaned up soon.

My recent days have been filled with Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) business. I was at the Regional SFO Ministers Meeting at the Kings House Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN, Friday through Sunday noon. So my brain is filled with mostly SFO business.

Last Thursday our Sister Rita Marie Martodam (age 90) went to her eternal reward. In her active years she was an elementary teacher. I will always remember her as a very fine reading teacher. We have a Wake Service for her tonight and her funeral is tomorrow here at St. Francis Convent.

This week also has several other celebrations to be noted. First, on Friday is the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the patronal feast of our Sacred Heart Chapel here at the Motherhouse.

Saturday we will celebrate the 60th Jubilees of five of our Sisters. Thank you Sisters Mary Dulski, Blasé Kulzer, Llydia Langer, Jeanette Martell and Cleone Renner for a combined 300 years of service in our Franciscan Community and in the Church. You make a difference. We will have Mass, renewal of vows and festive meal as part of the events of the day.

Sunday, June 13, and feast of St. Anthony, Sisters Aurora and Isabel will make Profession of First Vows. What joy to have these two Sisters as new members of our Franciscan Community. Liturgy will be offered at 11 a.m. followed by a dinner and reception.

Then Sunday evening begins a week-long gathering of all our Sisters for the Organizational Days for our Delegate Assembly. Next week promises to be filled with talks and talking and planning. Keep us in prayer. Thanks.

This week the Franciscan Gift Shop celebrates its fifth anniversary. They are having a “Red Dot” Sale which means all items with a red dot sticker on them are 50% off the regular price this week.

I want to close today with an English Blessing: May your path be strewn with flowers, memories, friends and happy hours. May blessings come from heaven above to fill your life with peace and love.

Pax et Bonum, ]
Sister Mary Lou



P.S. Last week I talked about the CEC graduation. Here is a picture of the group. Aren’t they great! Congratulations to ALL graduates.

June 1, 2010

I hope you had a safe and good Memorial Day weekend. There were lots of Graduations and parties. Sunday, on my way to my grand-nephew’s party at Sauk Centre, I saw lots of fine looking corn and grain fields. We do need rain. I pray for sufficient gentle rains and protection from damaging storms again during this growing season.

It was the middle of June last year when I posted a picture of the blooming poppies that grow by our house. This year they are two weeks earlier and are shining in all their glory this week. I just wish they’d last longer.

Last Thursday night was CEC (Continuing Education Center) graduation at St. Francis Center. They had 31 graduates who received a Little Falls High School diploma. Sister Julien presented the Franciscan Sisters Scholarship to Ashley Snyder, who will be attending Central Lakes College in the nursing program. A full house of parents, guests, School Board Members, Sisters and friends filled the gym. One very touching part of this ceremony is the presentation, by the students, of carnations to anyone in their life who has made a significant contribution to them in their years of schooling. One hundred fifteen flowers were presented. Laura, CEC coordinator, told me they had over 140 students in the CEC program this year. The Little Falls High School graduation was Sunday and the Franciscan Sisters also gave a scholarship to Jessica Ann Martinson. Congratulations to all the graduates. May you believe in yourself and help to make the world a better place. To all, may you have a safe summer.

One day last week the novices helped pull rhubarb. Then there was the washing and “cutting-up” party. In the end, we froze 30 5-gallon pails of rhubarb! That’s a lot. We probably will freeze one more batch and then have a year’s supply ready. It’s amazing all the things one can make with rhubarb.

Last week, also, we celebrated all our Senior Sisters—that’s most of us—with an afternoon treat. As I look at all of us, I marvel at the wisdom!

Our Episcopalian friends from the Diocese of MN (one Diocese for the State) are returning this week-end, June 4-5 for their Total Ministry Summit. The participants include Ministry Teams, ordained and non-ordained. As of today we expect 83 participants, including their new Bishop, Brian Prior. Twenty-seven of them will be staying overnight here and others at Motels or commuting. They have been coming here for their gatherings since 2005. Welcome, friends.

Peace and God bless you,
Sister Mary Lou


 
 
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