I am not sure when or how it happened – but in my life I have had a wonderful awakening of the Holy Spirit.

Here’s what I believe: God is present to and in each of us through the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Spirit, I know always and in all ways I am resting in the presence of God and can trust that all will unfold in my life as I need. Continue Reading

My Dear Friend,

One of my former students and friend, Nancy, comes from Indiana every month to our Oblate meetings. She stays overnight and we have some wonderful visits. Her daughter Jeannie recently said, “Mom, what do they do there all that time – just pray?” Well, Jeannie, far from it … although we do pray while we work! Continue Reading

Dear Friend,

Yesterday was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. What do you do when you have one of those days? When my dear Aunt Cecilia was experiencing those days she would always tell me to humor her and I did. Continue Reading

Life is very quiet around here this week. We are on retreat, a time of silence and reflection, prayer and rest. A time when we can watch Sister Helen’s velvety pink petunias bob in the warm breeze … listen to the chickadees chatter as they flit from branch to branch … smell a tangle of scents rising off the lake and passing through the brush to the path … a time to sit and do precisely nothing.

But nothing means something profound during retreat. It means opening ourselves to God and God’s work within us. Also, we have help from a wonderful retreat director. Continue Reading

By Sr. Margaret Murphy, OSB

I found within myself a dry empty place…a disappointment for someone who loves the richness of preparing while waiting for Christ to come. So I decided to take Christ to others who might find emptiness, dryness, or pain as part of their waiting. I began to seek out those who can’t get out or around, the sick, the grieving, or lonely. Perhaps I could help someone who carries a  heavy burden.
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Recently I was involved in giving a Busy Person’s Retreat at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  It was a terrific experience and I companioned 7 girls and 2 guys.  It was kind of experience that renewed my hope that young people are interested in  deepening their spirituality and relationship with God.  Continue Reading

This might seem a weird connection but it struck me this week. Last week I was enjoying a country music festival with my sister and a mutual friend. We head out every July for a 4-day festival in Twin Lakes, Wisc. We join about 30,000 other people for good music, relaxing days and an affordable vacation. The concerts are held on the hillside of a huge ranch. Continue Reading