February 27, 2017

This morning we had the funeral for Sister Mary Evangeline Stanoch, age 95, who died Thursday, February 23, 2017.  She was the last of the 10 siblings to join her parents in heaven.  We had a good “send-off” for her with many nieces, nephews and other family members joining us Sisters for the Mass of Christian Burial.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.  Tomorrow, Tuesday,  the day before Lent starts, is Donut Day here at the Convent.  It is a long-time tradition in our Community to serve home-made, fresh donuts to everyone this day.  On Wednesday we get serious about Lent—mostly by prayer for the many needs of the people of the world and for peace in the world and amongst the peoples of the world.

March 1^st is the anniversary of the Founding of our Community.  This year we will celebrate it the day before because the 1^st is Ash Wednesday.  I thank God for those 16 women, who in 1891, got permission from the Bishop to start this new Franciscan community in central Minnesota.  We are now 126 Sisters ministering in 7  States and  in Mexico and  South America.

Last Tuesday we had a party to celebrate the retirement of Sister Jean Schwieters as Liturgist and Choir Director and Sister Joel Bieniek as Sacristan and Flower Arranger for many years.

                      

I recently took pictures of our three eldest elders: Sister Joel Bieniek is 99, Sister Bernarda Sanoski is 100 and Sister Fabian Schneider is 101.

Thursday is the birthday of Dr. Seuss (born in 1904).  This author wrote many books for children-- and that adults also enjoy.  My favorite is To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.  When was the last time you read a children’s book?  It’s good for your heart and your soul.

Peace and blessings as you celebrate Lent.

Sister Mary Lou