Praise God for our many blessings

Happy Spring. We, here in Little Falls, missed out on the rain that some places got yesterday. (We had a quick little spirt of one one-hundredth of an inch of rain.) It has been VERY windy. A few more flowers are poking their heads out of the ground and some of the trees are showing lots of leaf buds. Praise God for these blessings.

Last week we had Community meetings from Tuesday through Friday. It is always good for all us Sisters to get together and share our combined wisdom. In early October, we’ll do it once again.

The Wednesday evening “Celebrating the Sisters” prayer service, brought many of us Sisters near to tears by the readings, the songs, the affirmations and the prayers that were said for us Sisters…signs of love and appreciation for us and the works we've done and continue to do. The Chapel was full of Relatives, Friends Employees, Associates and Volunteers all praying for and with us. We started out with the reading of Pope Francis’ letter to all Consecrated People on the occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life. The Mary of Lourdes Elementary School Choir, the Mary of Lourdes Middle School Choir and the Holly Family Parish Choir furnished music. Fr. Joe Herzing offered the opening prayer. The dining room was filled with guests and Sisters enjoying great refreshments. Thank you so much Geri and all who helped with the events of the evening. We are grateful.

Saturday about 50 Secular Franciscans from the Queen of Peace Region were here for their Spring Retreat. The morning speaker was a lady who had been in Human Trafficking /Sex Trafficking business for many years. She is now out and helping others who want to get out and be free. For more information check out her website: www.gracemariesong.com

One of our Brainerd Secular Franciscans, Ed Feiler, died very suddenly Saturday evening. His funeral will be next Monday. Eternal Life give to him, O Lord. May he live in God’s Presence forever. Peace, blessings, strength and courage to his wife, Pat, and their family.

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 13 through 17th.) We will be taking part in the state-wide tornado drill an Thursday. At 1:45 the “Black Alert” message will be given and that alerts everyone to head to the tunnel for their safety. We always pray for safety, but it is still necessary to do the drill so in the event of a tornado we know what to do and where to go.

Tuesday through Thursday, the Nursing Leadership Symposium (formerly Directors of Nursing Training) will be meeting in St. Francis Hall. We expect 25 to 30 participants. Approximately 15 will be staying in the newly renovated St. Francis Center Third Floor Guest Rooms. They will be back again in May, July and August.

Saturday, April 18th, is our Spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Come join us for a delicious meal.

Sunday, April 19th, 2:00 p.m., St. Francis Music Center presents its Spring Orchestra Concert in Sacred Heart Chapel with a reception to follow in St. Francis Hall. I promise you, you will hear GREAT music.

God bless you.

Pax et Bonum. (Peace and all Good.) (The greeting St. Francis liked to use.)
Sister Mary Lou