Prayer-filled Days of Holy Week

What wonderful prayer-filled days of Holy Week. I thank God for the many graces showered upon us. Thursday evening we shared the Agape Meal—a commemoration of the Last Supper…and then the Liturgy and Adoration until 10 p.m.

God kept the rain away until afternoon on Good Friday so we were able to have our Silent Walk for Peace through the City of Little Falls as planned. We stopped in Maple Island Park and as we stood near the Mississippi River we prayed for all who care for creation. Then we stopped at the Veteran’s Memorial near the Post Office to pray for all Veterans living and deceased. The next stop was near the US Bank where we prayed for all financial institutions and the wise use of money. At the Court House we prayed for Law Enforcement people and the right and just use of laws and power. At the jail we prayed for all prisoners, here and throughout the world. All students and teachers were prayed for at our stop at St. Mary’s School. The last two stops were at St. Otto’s Home where we prayed for all the elderly and those who care for them and at St. Gabriel’s Hospital where we prayed for all who are sick, doctors, nurses and all who care for the sick. We had about 35 walkers. I’m sure anyone who witnessed the procession lead by people taking turns carrying the large wooden cross, would at least have wondered what it was all about.

Our Good Friday Church Service was at 2 p.m. What does one say about Jesus’ suffering and death? His love for us is so great. Would that I would always be mindful of it.

The Easter Vigil Service is my most favorite of the year…lighting of the fire and procession into the dark Chapel, Father Michael’s singing of the Exultet, the richness of the stories told in the readings, the blessing of the water, the joyful music, all the beautiful flowers… It fills me with deep joy.

On Easter Sunday morning, after Mass, and before brunch, Father Michael came to the dining room and blessed the food for the day—the colored eggs, the breads, the ham and wine (for dinner), the dessert…all the food.

Many sisters travelled to be with family members for the day. I journeyed to Kandiyohi, MN. It was a beautiful day for the 85 mile trip.

Now we will have a bunch of cloudy and rainy days ahead of us. Let us pray for protection for storms and pray for those who have suffered much from severe storms.

They say, “April showers bring May flowers.” I’m ready. The tulips on the south side of the screen house are 5 or 6 inches high.

Every Tuesday Rita Hacker comes to the Motherhouse to play harp for the Sisters on second and third floors. Everyone enjoys the peaceful calming music of the harp. Thank you, Rita.

Friday evening, May29th, at 7 p.m. the Community Chorale will have their concert in Chapel. And Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. the two Strings Orchestras will entertain us.

Saturday, May 30th, we have the Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Go light on lunch so, you’re really hungry for spaghetti!

I have another activity Sunday noon. That is Spring Magic. This is the dinner and dance at the Little Falls Ballroom, Sponsored by St. Camillus Place, our 14-bed home for physically and mentally challenged adults. Invited to the dinner and dance are all the mentally challenged persons of the Little Falls area and their family members. We are most grateful to the many service clubs who make generous donations to help pay for this event. The residents literally dance ‘til they almost drop. They have such a good time. The Chicken Dance is one of their favorites and is played a few times in the course of the afternoon.

Yesterday we celebrated Sister Evangeline Stanoch’s 90th birthday. Family and friends joined her.

Monday evening, May 2nd, is the Second Annual Taste of St. Cloud. This is a fund raiser to support our Franciscan Volunteer Program. It takes place at the Coyote Moon Grille (480 55th Ave. SE, Saint Cloud). There are 16 food groups bring their delicious goodies. Again, go light on lunch and come hungry. Last year’s event was a grand success.

Take care. God bless and continue to care for all of us.

Sister Mary Lou

Pictured below are photos from our Earth Day celebration that took place on Monday, April 25.