Pray With Us
By Sister Joan Pikiell, SSND "Joy" and "Lent" are not words you often hear together. Their pairing might seem as mismatched as peanut butter and mayonnaise! Yet, this Lent has brought me three profound moments of joy.
The opening words of our Ash Wednesday liturgical readings call us all to lament: “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments and return to the Lord your God.”
Now that it's Lent again, my thoughts turn to a long-standing tradition in my home parish, St. Joseph Monastery in Baltimore. It was customary in the parish for a large group of parishioners, crossing generations, to produce a Passion Play. "Veronica’s Veil" was staged on each Sunday during Lent.
In Memoriam
Sister Frances taught mathematics and physics at schools in Wisconsin and Chicago from 1970 til 1983. She also worked at the Academy of Our Lady in Chicago and the Archdiocese of Chicago. In retirement Sister Frances continued inspiring those around her with her gentle and loving spirit. May God...
When Mary Louise was in High School, she saw a movie in which St. Vincent de Paul gave up his bed to a poor man, and she “somehow knew that the one life she had” would be given to God.
Mary Louise was a gifted artist, writing poetry, singing, and working in needlecraft making costumes for plays...
Sister Maggie was a dedicated teacher focused on teaching math and reading in many schools, and eventually became a specialist in teaching reading to students who were struggling. She said, "With a slower pace and persistent work, I have seen a lot of formerly unsure children be able to read and do...
"Prayer is true heavenly food and nourishment for the soul, which will starve without it. It is a remedy for the sick who desire to recover again, joy for the afflicted, strength for the weak, medicine for sinners, delight for the just, mutual support for the entire church.”
-BLESSED THERESA GERHARDINGER
