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.