October 3, 2016

October 3, 2016

On Sunday Sister Irenemaree renewed her vows.  It was fitting for her to do so since

George Rodak, her father from Australia, has been visiting in the States.

On Friday evening, a capacity crowd of 420, filled both chapels for a wonderful concert titled “with gratitude” by David Haas, Marty Haugen and Michael Joncas.  These three gentlemen make beautiful music both as individuals and together.  The 32-page program included words and music to all the songs they sang…and we got to sing along on some of the songs.  This was another event to celebrate our Community’s 125^th anniversary.

Yesterday we had the 21^st annual Blessing of the Animals at Washington Park, a few blocks north of the Motherhouse.  There were six of us blessing each pets.  First was a short prayer service and then each pet was individually blessed.  Fittingly, the song we sang was, “All Creatures of Our God and King.”  Each pet was also given a blessed medal to be attached to their collar—for fish I guess they have to tape the medal to the fish tank!

Tonight at 7 p.m. we have a prayer service called the Transitus.  This is a prayer service Franciscans have on the eve of the feast of Saint Francis, to commemorate the death of Saint Francis.

Thursday, the 6^th, we have Taize Prayer in Chapel at 7 p.m.

Friday evening and Saturday Sister Elise will be directing a retreat for persons who will make their commitment as Franciscan Associates on Sunday at the 11 a.m. Mass.

The pumpkin and squash are now harvested.  While outside on Friday, I discovered, behind the barn, a trailer filled with this beautiful garden produce.  Lots of good winter eating on that trailer.  Thank you, Sister Ruth and helpers, for all your work to make this possible.

Here’s a picture from the Peace Garden.  Since we’ve not had frost yet, everything is still beautiful!

Happy Feast of Saint Francis.  You will be remembered in our prayers.

God bless you.

Sister Mary Lou

September 26, 2016

I have quite a list of things to include in today’s blog.

First, is the news of the death of Sister Latona Kalis, age 77, who died at Clare Residence, here at the Motherhouse, on Friday, September 23, 2016.  She had had a stroke 12 days earlier.  Sister Therese Furnstahl was with Sister Latona at the time of her death.  The Franciscan Wake will be tonight at 7 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.  The Mass of Christian Burial is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11 a.m.

The 56^th Annual Orphan Train Reunion was held here on Saturday, the 23^rd.  There were about 60 descendants of Orphan Train riders in attendance.  The stories are so interesting.  Some of the orphans were treated so well and they had happy childhoods…and some were not so happy.

Charlie McGuire was the entertainer at Saturday’s program.  His father was an Orphan Train rider.  Charlie played guitar, sang and told stories he’d heard from his father and mother.

Steve Januschka was our guest for Mass and lunch last week when we celebrated his 93^rd birthday.  A couple of his 8 children joined us.  Steve, a much loved employee, worked here for many years.

I copied the following little note from last Thursday’s Saint Cloud Times:  “You have no idea the value of your support.  A kind word, a prop, a leg-up when you are able to give this at the perfect moment, will mean more to your people that they’ll ever be able to articulate.”  That is so true.  Let’s keep it up.

The newest piece of furniture in our Sacred Heart Chapel is this lovely electronic piano donated by the Gordon William’s Family.  Thank you.

Peace and blessings.

Sister Mary Lou