July 31, 2017

This is a picture of the flower bed that greets visitors when they come to the front entrance of the Motherhouse.

Sister Helen Ann Brake celebrated her 90^th Birthday on Sunday.  Lots of family and friends joined us for cake and ice cream.

For many of us, today, July 31^st, was the anniversary of our Reception into this Franciscan Community.  I remember it as a very hot day on July 31^st 1953. For many of us, the starched, white headpiece, called a bandeau, had melt-downs and collapsed…and were replaced that afternoon. I’m glad we don’t wear those anymore.

Last Friday evening to 3 a.m. Saturday morning, was the Morrison County Relay for Life. The event this year brought in over $67,000 for the American Cancer Society. More than 1,000 luminaries lined the walkways around the Morrison County Fairgrounds. Thanks to all who provide the meal and help with this event. Several of us Franciscan Sisters were there for the first art of the evening.

Soap making is the newest project by families in Kampala, Uganda. One World Mission, a mission project of FSLF (Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls) gave a start-up grant of $3,400 to cover supplies and training for 30 women to start their own business with potential for earned income. Regular hand washing, soft water, proper storage of utensils have improved, reducing the occurrence of water borne and hygiene related diseases.

Come join the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls for the 2017 Green Fair Folk Festival on Wednesday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m., on the west lawn of St. Francis Convent here in Little Falls.  Now in its eleventh year, the Green Fair welcomed over 1,000 guests in 2016. Lots of family fun, interesting displays, fantastic music and exhibitors—all with a green message—are the highlights of this year’s event.  Kids can visit the Teddy Bear Clinic and adoption center or participate in a Bike Rodeo hoisted by the Little Falls Police Department. A horse-drawn wagon will give tours of our campus. It is a fun evening and we pray that the Lord will bless us again with favorable weather.

On Sunday, August 6^th, we celebrate the 50^th Jubilee for Sister Louise Bauer and Sister Charlene Grossman and the 75^th Jubilees for Sister Annella Bieniek, Sister Alice Doll and Sister Fran Kempenich.  Congratulations, Sisters. That’s a lot of years of Franciscan living.

The Peace Garden, in the woods south of our cemetery, is a beautiful place to spend some time in prayer and reflection.

Peace and blessings,

Sister Mary Lou

June 28, 2017

Sunday was a day of celebration here at the Motherhouse. Seven Sisters celebrated 60 years of being Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. 

They are: (Back row:  Sister Cordy Korkowski, Sister Loretta Bloch, Sister Carol Schmit, Sister Marguerite Ostendorf, Sister Clara Stang, Sister Ade Kroll , (seated) Sister Bea Eichten,  (Community Minister,)and Sister Sylvia Opatz.  Congratulations, Sisters. Thank you for your many years of service as a Franciscan Sister.

I was not here for that celebration since I was at The West Union, MN celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Saint Alexius Catholic Church, my home parish when I was a child. That Sunday we had Mass outside on the church steps landing and after Mass a delicious catered dinner. All Priests and Sisters, and former Priests and Sisters, from the Parish received special invitations. It was a great day. The Church windows have the names of donors of the windows when the Church was built. Nick Eltgroth, my grandfather, has his name on one of the windows.

Sister Adella Blonigen, age 90, died shortly after midnight Wednesday, June 28^th at St. Francis Convent. The Franciscan Wake is at 7 p.m. on Friday July 7, 2017 and the Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017.

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JULY 5, 2017

For some reason or another, I didn’t send out last week’s blog so I am just adding on this week’s information.

I hope you had a safe and fun 4^th of July celebration. I went to West Union, MN, for their 29^th West Union Parade. This parade started out as a 4-H. project. There were many units in the 5 or 6 block parade: of which 10 were tractors. The oldest tractor was a 1917 John Deer followed by the newest big tractor. Oh, how tractors have grown in size! After the parade, the 4H youth served ice cream cones. A good time was had by all.

The annual St. Francis High School Reunion is Sunday, July 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mass is at 11 a.m. All former students are invited to attend. Come to renew friendships. (The reunion is always the third Sunday f July.)

May God bless you each day.

Sister Mary Lou