September 26, 2016

I have quite a list of things to include in today’s blog.

First, is the news of the death of Sister Latona Kalis, age 77, who died at Clare Residence, here at the Motherhouse, on Friday, September 23, 2016.  She had had a stroke 12 days earlier.  Sister Therese Furnstahl was with Sister Latona at the time of her death.  The Franciscan Wake will be tonight at 7 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.  The Mass of Christian Burial is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11 a.m.

The 56^th Annual Orphan Train Reunion was held here on Saturday, the 23^rd.  There were about 60 descendants of Orphan Train riders in attendance.  The stories are so interesting.  Some of the orphans were treated so well and they had happy childhoods…and some were not so happy.

Charlie McGuire was the entertainer at Saturday’s program.  His father was an Orphan Train rider.  Charlie played guitar, sang and told stories he’d heard from his father and mother.

Steve Januschka was our guest for Mass and lunch last week when we celebrated his 93^rd birthday.  A couple of his 8 children joined us.  Steve, a much loved employee, worked here for many years.

I copied the following little note from last Thursday’s Saint Cloud Times:  “You have no idea the value of your support.  A kind word, a prop, a leg-up when you are able to give this at the perfect moment, will mean more to your people that they’ll ever be able to articulate.”  That is so true.  Let’s keep it up.

The newest piece of furniture in our Sacred Heart Chapel is this lovely electronic piano donated by the Gordon William’s Family.  Thank you.

Peace and blessings.

Sister Mary Lou