I think the summer got hold of me. Do you enjoy those lazy, relaxing and unscheduled times? I just returned from such a ‘staycation’ (don’t you love those new words!). It was a bit of Galena, IL and a longer bit of Lake Geneva, WI. Actually, I went to a four-day country festival that was terrific. Continue Reading
It was a great 10 days with E at the Monastery. She left this morning on the early flight and was sad to go, I think. The Sisters so enjoyed her personality, enthusiasm and sharing of her life experiences. Indeed, E and I had many insightful conversations about Benedictine life as well as life in general. She was eager to learn and receptive to just about any idea. Being so open will help ensure that her discernment will be authentic and lead her to the right path. Continue Reading
Growing up in a small town, Sunday Mass was like a family reunion on my mom’s side. We would always sit in the same section about 10 rows back. Most of the time my aunts were together in the row behind, and another set of relatives ahead a couple of pews. Then there were the relatives who sat on the other side. Continue Reading
The time is sure going quickly. ‘E’ has been here since Monday and the week has been packed. Two afternoons she went with Sr. Mary S. and helped her prepared for next week’s summer bible school at Sacred Heart Church in Davenport. I think they finished repairing the camel and painting the walls of Jerusalem. E works as an educational assistant so she was really up to the job! Continue Reading
Today a young woman, ”E,” arrived for a 10-day visit at the Monastery. She is from Toronto and found our Benedictine community through VISION Magazine and the internet. She has been discerning religious life for nearly 5 years and has visited quite a few communities. We have been in contact since August 2008.
In Spring Green, WI, there is an attraction called the House on the Rock. When I was a kid my family went up there for a visit. I remember being awed by the architecture and how the house really was oddly shaped yet intriguing. In addition, it was build on a huge rock and part of the house kind of hung in mid air.
Pamela wrote a response to my last blog. She is caring for her mother during cancer treatment and just started a new position working with special needs adults. Her realization is ”I cannot do it alone”. It struck me from yesterday”s Gospel that the apostles had to learn to trust Jesus and realize they had no power on their own. When they failed to trust they fell into the water!!!
The third Thursday of the month is when a group called the Challenge meets. Everyone in Challenge attended a retreat I helped direct in January that was about finding peace in difficult experiences or turmoil in life. I never dreamed that the 10 participants would find so much meaning in the retreat. Two women experienced real life giving energy from the weekend and have made significant changes in their lives. Amazing what happens when we listen to God and are open to receiving God”s love.
Gardening is contemplative activity. We have beautiful grounds at the Monastery and many Sisters have their own gardens. You can often see a Sister here or there tending her garden. I have a great flower/herb garden at the Monastery and am also working with some friends to plant a new veggie and flower garden to help St. Joseph House, a home serving homeless women and children.
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