God Shed His Grace On Thee

What a beautiful end of March day on the 9th of February! The thermometer outside the Motherhouse said 50 degrees at noon time—but the sun was shining directly on it, too. The weather Channel is showing the rainy/snowy mess in the Northeast and lists our actual temperature at 34.

Today is the Feast of St. Apillonia, died 249, the Patron of Dentists. Now you always wanted to know that, didn’t you?

Saturday evenings’ Soup Supper was another grand success. We served 400 meals. After their first bowl of soup, many folks went back for a second bowl. So there were lots of happy diners. We thank the Sisters, Volunteers, Businesses and Individuals who helped make the event another wonderful evening. The proceeds go to the Health and Rec Center and to the Music Center.

Yesterday afternoon we had a prayer service for an end to human trafficking. Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947) was kidnapped when she was 7 years old and made to work in a number of places. When she was finally given her freedom she joined the religious community of Daughters of Charity. UNICIEF reports that across the world, there are more than one million children entering the sex trade every year and that approximately 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation over the past 30 years. An estimated 1,000-1,500 Guatemalan babies and children are trafficked each year for adoption in North America and Europe. This says nothing of the young girls who have been exploited on city streets and hidden in brothels, or young boys who have been deprived of an education because of the need to be wage earners. God, give us the strength needed to bring an end to the demands that foster all forms of sexual exploitation in our country and beyond.

On display in the dining room, are MANY BEAUTIFUL basket and ceramic items made by Sister Mary Blasé Kulzer. All who gathered around the tables were in awe at the variety and beauty of her artistry. After this display, the items will go into the Gift Shop and can be purchased there.

Yesterday I attended the Birthday Party for my friend 95-year-young Keith Manbeck. After he was in Service, he then was a mailman for nearly 30 years and has been very actively retired for 35+ years. Keith is still driving folks to doctors’ appointments and doing many other jobs. He’s done many beautiful carpentry projects. Way to go, Keith!

Friday afternoon, we celebrated Sister Dorothy Ann Rudolph’s 90th Birthday. Here we also have another very active 90-year-old! She takes Communion to many shut-ins, visits lots of elderly older people and is sacristan at St. Mary’s Church. Sr. Mary Pat said, ”This is the first time we are having pizza and beer for a 90th birthday snack.” Thanks, Sr. Dorothy Ann, for all the good you’ve done these many years.

Last Tuesday we had our Employee Appreciation Dinner and Recognition. Kelly Olson was named the St. Francis Award winner. She is deserving of that recognition for all that she does for the Sisters and their health-care needs. God bless you, Kelly. There were 22 nominations for the award. I’m glad I didn’t have to make the choice. Pictured are Sister Julien and Kelly with her award. Also pictured are some of the other employees who were honed because of their years of service.

Wednesday is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We will be having a Prayer Service at 1 p.m. as part of World Day of Healing. There are so many sick persons in need of healing here and throughout the world. For them we pray.

Peace and blessings.

Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Sister Mary Lou