Happy Feast Day Mother!

     Today is our Mother Superior's Feast Day and in her honor we are having a gaudeamus day! Now, perhaps you are wondering just what that is. It is a "day of rejoicing" where we are freed up from our usual monastic schedule and have more time for community bonding through recreation, games, song, festive meals...maybe even some fishing! (We also have these days on Thanksgiving and Fourth of July - to name a few.)

     Those Sisters gifted with some creativity usually have made during the past year one or more homemade gifts for the Superior to give to her on this day. These are usually items she can use or give away as presents. Of course we all give her the gift of prayer as this is the most needed gift of all when one carries a duty of such large responsibilities. And she would appreciate your prayers too! She usually has a little something for each Sister.

     In Mother's honor we had some wonderful entertainment this morning.

• a skit - a visit from the apostles, St. Peter and St. John - God had to put the brash Peter and the "son of thunder" John in their places...we think He succeeded 
• and after processing to the printing room we had a little concert with piano, violin and guitar - provided by our aspirants. The rest of us joined in with our voices and of course Sr. Mary Andrea provided beautiful sign language. (No Sister, is not deaf. But she attended a grade school for deaf children and was a sign language interpreter for her friend in high school.) By the way she is out on the tractor right now, disking up garden! Here is a picture of her as a novice a year or so ago.

     Because we are having some troubles with our digital camera I don't have any photos of these events. Bummer! The Lord uses many ways to teach me detachment!