Flag Day

Another time I say, “Where to start?” It has been such a busy week!

Last Friday and Saturday we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Franciscan Sisters and Associate Relationship. Friday night we had some wonderful testimonies about the value of this program. And then there was the beautiful video showing the Associates who have died the past 25 years. It was so well done. Saturday’s speaker was great. Everyone liked her inspirational talks.

The Mass was so festive. Elizabeth Roberts created seven large, beautiful wooden banners honoring the elements from Saint Francis’ “Canticle of Creatures”: Sun, Moon& Stars, Wind, Water, Brother Fire, Earth, and Sister Death. Richard Wagner from Annandale assisted Elizabeth in designing the banners. We had 11 Associates from Ecuador and Nicaragua with us for the celebration.

Saturday evening, after a special Evening Prayer and festive dinner, we Sisters had a party honoring and thanking the four Sisters who served in Leadership the past five years. It was a time of much laughter, fun and gifts.

Pentecost Sunday’s celebration began with 11 a.m. Mass with Bishop John Kinney presiding. After Bishop’s homily we had the Transfer of Leadership ritual. In prayer and song, Sisters Mary Obowa, Michelle L’Allier, Mary Hroscikoski, and Doretta Meier called forth the new leaders: Sisters Beatrice Eichten, Rose Margaret Schneider, Carolita Mauer and Susan Knutson.

Just before the last blessing, Sister Mary O presented each of the new leaders with a lit oil lamp as a sign of the gift of the Spirit’s presence with them, with the prayer, ” Sisters, as you begin your ministry among us, we send you forth with a reminder of the never-ending light of the Spirit.” Sister Fran made the oil lamps.

Saturday morning Sister Georgine and I attended the Ordination to 5 new Permanent Deacons for the Diocese of St. Cloud. Deacon Craig Korver is from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish here in Little Falls. At the reception on Sunday, Diane and Craig were telling about the nameless Angel who every month for the last four years has sent them a gas card to help with the gas expense of going to St. John’s once or twice a week these past four years. May God richly bless this anonymous Angel. This gift was a great help and blessing to the Korvers.

On Monday we had a little graduation reception for Shamera and Alex, two of the children raised by the three Sisters who live in Mississippi. It is hard to believe those “little kids” are now High School graduates. Congratulations!

Every month the Values Committee sponsors a time of recognition for the various Departments that are part of the Motherhouse smooth-running operation. Today it was the Hospitality Department. Carol is holding their mascot with names of parts that all have to work together to make guest feel welcome and at home. In her little talk, Sister Christelle mentioned all the other departments and people who share in the hospitality ministry. It takes all of us together to do well the job of hospitality.

Girls Camp started with registration this morning and goes until Thursday after supper.

There are 32 girls. Many Sisters and others are helping with the activities of the next few days. After lunch I drove out to Assisi Park. The tents are all set up. The cooking area was all cleaned up from noon lunch and the girls were off somewhere doing something. For a few of the girls this is their second time coming. Last week one Grandma told me that her Granddaughter was so excited about coming. It is a fun time for all.

This weekend Little Falls will be celebrating the Dam Festival. Many activities are planned. I like to watch the “high-riding” unicyclists.

On this Flag Day, let us pray for our troops at home and abroad for our civic and Church leaders. And let us, also, pray for seasonable rain and a good harvest.

Pax et Bonum.

Sister Mary Lou