As Minnesotans we take it all in stride, Thanks be to God!

January 29, 2013

What a roller coaster of temperatures last week…one morning low was minus 21 and another day it was plus 14. Some of those days were really windy and cold! And as Minnesotans we take it all in stride!

Last Wednesday afternoon was the funeral of Fr. Luke at St. John’s Abbey. I still smile and wonder what Fr. Luke had to do with the area power outage. His sense of humor could still kick in. Dawn finished the first reading and we all said, “Thanks be to God,” and the electricity went out for the remainder of the Mass. Then as they opened the big doors to take the casket out, the lights all came back on! Fr. Luke, we miss your coming for Thursday morning Masses here at the Motherhouse.

Last Thursday we honored out our 5, 10 15, 20, 25 and 30 year employees. After a social hour and a delicious meal catered by the Ballroom staff, we had a great program put on by our employees. Awards were given to the honorees. The Franciscan Award was given to Cheryl Aswegan. She deserves it for all the ways she lives out the Franciscan Values.

Saturday morning the Heartland Symphony Orchestra had their completion for young people trying out to be a guest performer in their next concert. The talent of those 6 young people is tremendous. I’m sure glad I wasn’t a judge.

Saturday afternoon we celebrated Sr. Lerose’s 90 birthday. A number of her sibling and many family members came to visit and have cake and ice cream with her. It was a good day for her. She could hardly believe she was 90.

Sunday afternoon several of us attended the 40th annual Pro-Life dinner and program at the Little Falls Ballroom. (This was the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade court decision making abortion legal.) The speakers gave wonderful testimony of the good things the Morrison County Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) have done these past 40 years. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

Thursday afternoon (2 p.m.) we will have a memorial service for Lorraine Ippileto, sister of Sisters Tonie and Rose Mae Rausch, members of our Community. Lorraine was cremated and there will be a funeral for her at a later date in South Dakota.

Saturday evening we have our Soup Supper: three kinds of yummy soups, fresh home-baked bread and a great assortment of good bars. Come. Enjoy. And please pray for favorable weather.

Keep warm. Stay safe.
God bless you now and always.

Sr. Mary Lou