I Got A Bid - One Rose Invitation

"Trust and trust alone should lead us to Love."

- St. Therese of Lisieux

     The countdown until the month of October, for me, is extremely intense. I cross off calendar blocks as if it's my job and the night before October 1, I can barely sleep. For me, the weeks leading up to the month of October is the same as for a little kid awaiting Christmas. October is my most favorite month of the whole year, and no, sorry Mary, it's not just because it's your birthday. Although, my life did change greatly on October 9, it's not the only reason why I love October. October 1st is in my top three favorite feast days of the saints of the year: St. Therese of Lisieux. The other two: St. Teresa of Avila (my spirit animal) and St. Katharine Drexel. These girls are my best friends and so from here on out will be referred to as Little T, Big T and Katie D. Feel free to call them by these nicknames as well. 

     This morning was one of the few mornings I've been able to leap out of bed at 5 am. Yes, friends, that's the early morning life of a student teacher. I was so excited after working behind the scenes with St. Therese last night, that I couldn't wait to get up and help deliver her special messages. I quickly got ready for school and then wrote a quick note to my lovely IHM Sisters at school who I have been missing so much (having to go out for Student Teaching means I don't get to join the on-campus Sisters for Mass every day...I miss them) before heading out the door. St. Therese asked that I deliver a few things to some certain people as a reminder of her love and guidance. Then, with two more roses in my hand, I got in the car and drove to the Motherhouse for Mass.

      A few days ago, I re-posted the Imagine Sisters' post about One Rose Invitation Day to the vocation directors in my life. In the style of St. Therese's Little Way, I wanted to participate and so that explains why I was helping out St. Therese last night and this morning. As I walked in the side door of the convent, I handed Sr. Rose her One Rose Invitation and we laughed as I told her, I think she might make a good Sister one day, that I'm praying for her and if she needs any help, I know of some great vocation directors she could talk to. We giggled as we searched the kitchen for something in which we could put the single rose. We scurried on to Chapel where right before entering through the doors, I saw Sister William Therese. Of course, I threw my hands in the air and greeted her with a bright and cheery "Good Morning, Sunshine. Happy Feast Day!" Hugging me, she said, "I'm so glad you come for Mass here; you make us all so happy." I couldn't help but smile.

     After sharing Mass together with my Motherhouse Sisters and greeting each Sister with a "Happy Feast Day!" I had enough time to join my Sisters in the Dining Room for some breakfast conversation. It was during this conversation that we brought up our own personal Therese stories and how she had touched each of us in a special way. Of course, we also brought up the One Rose Invitation. At this part of the conversation, Sister Rose mysteriously left the table and soon came back, placing a single rose in a vase in front of me on the table. Immediately tears started forming in my eyes. I had been so set on working behind the scenes with St. Therese and giving out my own One Rose Invitations that I never once thought, someone might give one to me. Of course, this giving of the rose resulted in a lot of cheering and awwing from the Sisters in the Dining Room. In sorority terms, ladies, I got a bid. 

     The One Rose Invitation is an initiative put forth by the Imagine Sisters campaign. The Imagine Sisters campaign works tirelessly to promote Vocations to the Religious Life for women. Their catch phrase reads: One Sister Can Change The World. Ain't it the truth? Today, October 1st, the feast day of St. Therese, who said when she died, she would send down a shower of roses to earth, is One Rose Invitation day. This means that anyone, after praying about it, can give a rose to a young woman who he or she thinks may make a beautiful Sister. The recipient of the rose can be someone who may have expressed interest in the religious life, might be steadily discerning, or may not have ever thought of religious life as an option before. Of course, I gave some roses to my Sisters...you know, just to confirm their vocations in case they were wondering. The giving of the rose is something simple to remind the recipients that those who are giving the roses are praying for them and their discernment. It's a simple, beautiful way to share prayer and the wonder of religious life.

     When I received my rose, it was a little more formal than how it may have been for many other young women today and when I thanked my Sisters, someone shouted: "So, do you think you might have a vocation, Bec?" I smiled and said: "I'm not quite sure...I should probably talk to a vocation director." We laughed and smiled as I had been discerning the religious life for so long and so many sisters know that joining a convent and a religious community is one my to do list from God. While I may not have needed a rose to confirm this, as the smiles of my Sisters every day confirm my vocation for me, it was a beautiful reminder that I am loved and thought of daily by these beautiful women who each had said yes to God so many years ago or so recently. 

     Not knowing where I was going to put my rose, since I had to school, I asked if I had to carry it around all day with me. One young novice said, "Yes, it's part of your process." My Sisters know that I often equate my joining of the convent to the joining of a sorority to make it easier for college students to understand. While my rose means nothing more than prayers and love and support from my sisters, it was almost as if they were saying, whenever you're ready, Bec. I got a bid. Of course, that's all up to God and where He wants me when He wants me. 

    I was so blessed to be able to do my share of working behind the scenes with St. Therese, sending One Rose Invitations to friends near and far and I was even more blessed to receive my own One Rose Invitation from my dear Sisters who truly know how to make waking up at 5 am worth it....every. single. day. Of course, I think my biggest blessing is knowing so many beautiful Sisters who have changed my world for the better. They had each in their own way changed my life so much that honestly, I have no idea where I'd be without them. I can't thank them enough for making one of my three favorite days of the year, a special one. Now here's to wondering what on earth they'll do for my number one girl, St. Teresa of Avila. Good news, they have a few days to plan ahead! 

We Are Family (Sing It!)

"See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.

And so we are.

The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Beloved, we are God's children now;

what we shall be has not yet been revealed."

- 1 John 3:1-2

Look closely....you'll see most of my family!

      Happy Feast Day!! Don't even try to deny it! It's your feast day whether you know it or not...you're part of a family, aren't you? You have a mom and a dad and maybe some siblings; grandparents, too. Whether it's big or small, you're part of a family. And because of that, it's your feast day! It's the feast of the Holy Family! And not only is it your feast day, it's also some of my favorite sisters' feast day. So, happy feast Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth!

      As some of you may know, I leave for New Orleans tomorrow (well, really today...) at 8:30 is our flight. And because of having to be at the airport at the crack of dawn, I had to catch the Vigil Mass tonight! And I am so glad I got a preview of the Scriptures. My heart was literally dancing in my chest! They were honestly just so good today! The funny thing is, as I sat in my pew listening to the Scriptures, my two (well, one really since the other had to Altar Serve) favorite church girlies, Meghan and Caleigh sat with my family simply giving spiritual emphasis that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ; we are all family. 

      And because we all are family, we are all children of the Father as the second reading eludes to. I am that girl that opens the Missalette to read along with the Lector. Even though one time someone once told me that I shouldn't read along because I am supposed to listen to the Word of God. I tried, I really did, but I pay much more attention when I read along with the words. Visual words mean a lot to me (I am an English Major, you know...) and when I can see them, I understand. So...I can't tell you what the First Reading was about since the Scripture that was read was the alternate option than what was in the book. But the Second Reading...that made my heart go crazy. Look at the truth lying between the lines (quotation above). Because of His love, we ARE children of God. However, we are told we aren't worth love or worth the title of child because the world does not know God. We have lost our child-ness. We are no longer called "children" because of the unawareness society has of God. If only they knew... We are told that regardless of what society tells us, WE ARE HIS CHILDREN. WE TRULY DO BELONG TO THE FATHER. And yet, what we are meant to be has not yet been revealed to us. Say what?!

      We are not meant for this life on earth. We are meant for eternity with God. But that life with Him hasn't yet been revealed to us. However, that line of Scripture gave a deeper consolation to my soul. If you've been reading my blog recently or have been around me physically, you might have been able to pick up on a bit of a struggle I am going through. I am battling with what does God really want me to do?!? Does He want me to be a Sister? If so, what kind of Sister? Or is He calling me to do missionary work throughout the world? OR is He calling me to date, marry and raise a family? While I had put it to rest a bit since being home, it suddenly all came rushing back as I sat, reading in Mass because "What we shall be has not yet been revealed to us." OHHHHHHHHHHH! OKAY! He has given me bits and pieces on my life journey and has whet my appetite, per se, of various life vocations but HE HAS NOT YET FULLY REVEALED WHAT I SHALL BE. I like that about Him, always mysterious. It's very becoming! For me, one who has accepted the child-ness, it was extremely consoling. For society, which continuously is taking away that child-ness, the revelation is even harder to wait for. Because we have lost that child-ness, we have lost belief that God will reveal to us our purpose, our destination, what we shall truly be. If we do not believe (or see as it is hidden by view by all sorts of things in society) in the Love of God, we lose the child-ness. When we lose the child-ness, we lose faith in God's revelation. 

      Speaking of lost children...did you realize that in the Gospel today, Mary and Joseph lost Jesus. The literally left Him in another city. LIKE HELLO?!? Okay, okay...new parents, I get it. They weren't used to having a child. But wait....Jesus was a few years older than just being born. Because they later found Him in His Father's house which He told His parents. Newborns don't speak, friends. It was a challenge for me when I was younger to separate the stories. Because we just had Christmas, I was convinced that the Lost Child happened a few days later just like it did with the readings. But then I realized that this was quite impossible for He did speak to His parents at the time. The more I thought about it, the more plausible the story became. 

      How often do we hear stories about Panic Attacks when it comes to children? I can easily remember a moment of panic in my own heart when my littlest sister, Lizzie, was merely one year old. We had been at the grade school on a Sunday preparing for the Spring Play. One second she is standing next to me, the next second I figure she ran down the hallway to see my mother. But when my mother came into the hall within minutes, Lizzie wasn't with her. WHERE WAS LIZZIE?! Suddenly, everyone was in panic mode. MUST.FIND.LIZZIE. Everyone was searching and calling her name. I was in tears. I had lost my sister. Finally, after what seemed like hours but was really only minutes, we found her, walking across the parking lot to the school with one of the moms. She was safe, hand in hand, strutting her stuff. Thank God. 

       Imagine the feeling in Mary's heart when she realized Jesus wasn't with them. It wasn't as if he was across the parking lot with the other families with whom they were traveling. No, He was actually in another city. He was miles away with no one to hold Him, feed Him, or protect Him. Anything could have happened to Him. Panic. Ultimate Panic. Finally, Mary and Joseph were on their way back to find Jesus. How did Mary not freak out when they found Jesus? How did she not reprimand Him for staying with the group or telling her where He was off to? How? Simply because He said, "Did you not know I would be in my Father's house." He probably added a cute little smile at the end, just like Lizzie did when she said, "Didn't you know I was with....?" In fact, Mary's relief was probably much greater than her anger or distraught at Jesus's disappearance. Mary was a true mother in the sense that the moment she could have pulled Jesus into her arms and held Him would have been greater than any moment in the world for her. We see the same scene when Jesus met His mother on the road to Calvary. A look, a tender look of love that understands. 

     Ironically enough, when I read the readings before Mass, I couldn't help but laugh at the Gospel. It was about losing a child. The night before (Friday) I had enjoyed a movie night with my CSFN Sisters. The faith sharing is always so beautifully deep with these girls and so unexpected, really. Each sister is so unique in her own way and that uniqueness certainly leads to interesting and beautiful conversation. However, we are a group of women, so one topic lead to another which lead to another which then lead to education and....losing children. I can't tell you how many "baby nun" stories I heard Friday night about losing children. And each story ended with, "Well...they were right were they were supposed to be when I finally found them." Of course, these children, unlike Jesus, were purposefully hiding from their teachers. How ironic that we were just talking about the emotions that tie into losing a child momentarily.

      We have each in some way connected with Mary and her feeling of panic. The Feast Day itself is a people's feast; the readings tell us that. We have each been a child at some point, so we know how it feels to me child-like. We must remain true to the child-ness of being a child of God. And most of us, ironically have felt the moments of panic and then relief with a child, whether a student, a sibling or a child of our own. Most of us are blessed to know and have a family who loves us. This is why we can celebrate this feast as our own. Isn't it such a beautiful day? 

      And I wouldn't have it any other way than to be traveling on this great feast, a feast I celebrate not only with my family in mind, but with my Sisters in mind as well. I know my Sisters prayers are with me this day as just about the time of take-off, they will be praying Morning Prayer. I'll be praying with them from the "comfort" of my plane seat. Later in the day, I'll be thinking about and praying with my own family as about the time I'll be landing, they might all be in Mass together. Of course, when I reach my NOLA family in my favorite city in the whole world (I've been to a lot of places, nothing beats NOLA), I'll be thanking God for my gift of family. That is, the gift of feeling one with any single person I come in contact with, because in truth he or she is my brother or sister. Happy Feast Day, Family!

IHM for the Day - Feast Day

"Almighty and eternal God I renew and confirm with all my heart, the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, which I made at my profession, and I implore your grace to accomplish them perfectly. May my life be one of faithful love, may it reflect my total dependence on you, may my will be your will alone. In imitation of Jesus and Mary, I make my prayer forever."

- IHM Renewal of Vows, December 8, 2012

     Every school has something they are proud of. Perhaps it's a football team. Maybe it's a music group. It could even be outstanding academics. For Immaculata, we are proud of Feast Day. Every single year, on December 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Every year we have off from school, a big Mass and a huge feast in the cafeteria afterwards. Every year, it is my favorite day. But for one reason other than the reasons I've already listed. Every year, the IHM sisters renew their vows in front of us, the students and faculty. And every year, it melts my heart.

     Like we always do, the "choir" embraced their inner nerd and planned coordinating outfits. Of course, what other colors than blue and white would we wear? The sisters' habits are blue and white and so, it's their HUGE feast day. Of course we have to match them. So, I donned my "nun" dress and my "nun" sweater, and my "nun" shoes. Yep, I was blue and white from head to toe. It was great. 

     So much of today was perfect. I was blessed to work with my favorite piano nun, Sister Regina. I was blessed to sing with my friends. I was blessed to once again give voice to the Magnificat. I was blessed be able to share hugs and kisses and "Happy Feast Days" with my sisters. I am blessed to have so many beautiful relationships with the sisters that I am more than a student. I have somehow assumed the role of little sister. So, when I came bustling into Chapel this morning proclaiming "Happy Feast Day" the sisters could only laugh and open their arms for hugs. 

      So many students attended Mass, so of course a smile was brought to my face. And even more students partook in the feast downstairs. And while it was truly great to see my peers in such happiness, I couldn't help but think of my sisters and how blessed they probably felt. For some of them, so many years have passed since their day of final profession. For others, it is a memory so close. But for all of the sisters, it was a moment in their lives they could never forget. The final "I do" to Christ. The final, "Ok, hun, let's do this." And it was the first of many, "I'm Yours. Only Your will, oh God." Every single year, when I hear the sisters renew their vows, I cry. I can't help it. I literally have such tears of joy and happiness in my eyes and rolling down my face. I feel so blessed to witness this moment. And I couldn't help but think that in a few years (well...a long time actually), I could be standing there with my sisters, too. But instead of listening, I'll be proclaiming my renewal right alongside them. How wonderful!

      In the Cafeteria, after Mass, there were people everywhere. Essentially, it's the most crowded the caf ever is. Even the sisters were having a hard time finding a seat. But alas, they did. There was such joy and fellowship surrounding us and I couldn't help but finally let my heart float free on God's good graces. As I wished each of the sisters Happy Feast once again, each had a hug for me. And I had one for them. Some even had a few words for me or something else tucked under the sleeve. One sister in particular, well instead of hugging me, she kissed the air in my direction and unknowingly tickled my elbow. (I am the only person in the world, I'm convinced who is ticklish on her elbow). I had to laugh! 

     I love them each in my own way. The sisters at school are literally the most unique collaboration of sisters I have ever seen. From Arts and Drama to Psychology and Education, they each have special gifts to offer. Especially when I interact with them. Some always have kind words, others tease me as only a big sister could, and others, well, they know my heart so well. I am so blessed. I am so, so, so blessed to have my sisters here. 

Happy Feast Day, friends!

God Alone Suffices - Teresa of Avila

"Let nothing disturb thee, 

Let nothing frighten you,

All things will pass.

God, alone, suffices."

- St. Teresa of Avila

    Isn't she beautiful? This is one of my most favorite pictures of Teresa, as she looks so young. I'd like to say that in this rendition, she's maybe in her early twenties. Like me. If someone ever asked me who is your favorite saint, hands down, I would answer: Teresa of Avila. She's a strong woman of God, unafraid to reform for His glory and she was a Carmelite (don't tell the other sisters, but they are my favorite!). 

     When I was younger, a priest always used to give his homilies on the lives of the saints. Forget about what the Gospel or the readings were, no matter what day it was, there was a story of a saint. Fascinated by this, I asked him why he only ever gave homilies on the saints. He answered, "When I was little, my father told me to study the saints. They became my friends. So, when I give homilies about them, it's like talking about my closest friends." I fell in love with that and soon after, I began to find my friends. Katherine Drexel was one of the first. Shortly after her, came Therese. But my best friend, I found in Teresa of Avila. I literally fell in love with these strong women of faith. They were the undercover feminists of their time, and I admire them for it! But Teresa, she's something else. She was the most outspoken woman of the church, I found. She was a mystic but also, she was a leader, fearless in her faith. She even said to God, "It's no wonder you have so few friends, if this is how you treat them." She considered Jesus her closest friend and lover, and I learned how to be a friend of Jesus through her. She was real with God, she was bold with God, and He loved her for it. She had spunk. Spunk that I wanted. And so, she easily became my friend; my best Heavenly friend.

     I always felt when I was younger, that I wanted a man to fall in love with me for my spunk, for my outgoing nature, and for my loud mouth. I also wanted him to respect me as a proud woman, because I am a proud woman. I also wanted him to fall in love with my sense of adventure and humor. The truth is, as I got to know Teresa more, I realized that we shared a lot of this in common. Then I realized, as I began to see God as lover and friend, that He fell in love with Teresa for all those reasons. That's when He told me how much He loved me. He asked me to marry Him. I got my childhood wish, that a man would fall in love with me because I'm out going, spunky, loud and proud. He fell in love with me for the same reasons He fell in love with Teresa. And that's why, I guess, we get along so well!!

     This morning, I got up and I boldly said to God, "I hate my 8 am classes. I can't make morning Mass with the sisters and it's really taking a toll on my Spiritual Life. I wish I could just...ugh... I hate 8 ams!" Of course, I laughed, because most people aren't that bold with God. But as our relationship goes, God was just as bold in His answer. He said, "Bec, my dear, be late." Since God knows me so well, He knows how much I hate being late. Being on time is late for me. And yet, He had the audacity to tell me to be late. Really? And so what did I do? I stayed for Mass. And it was so worth it. Not only did I get to pray with my sisters, but I got to celebrate my best friend's feast day with them! And it's a day I consider my own feast day because of my deep devotion to her. The readings were perfect! And I said to God that if Sister Regina plays my favorite composition of the Alleluia, I will know how much I am loved. Did she? Of course! 

      I know that today is a great day! The weather is beautiful, I was only two minutes late to class, it's Teresa's feast day,I have no homework due today, I get to paint tonight, and I've been getting to see so many of my favorite sisters. Yes, I've even run across campus a few times just for a great big hug from Sister George! Oh and I also got to talk to my High School principal this morning! Life is just great and I am truly feeling the love of God today! In my prayer today, I can't help but thank my best friend, Teresa, for knowing how to celebrate a feast day! When I look at her face, I see so much young wisdom, bold reformation, and true friendship with God. When I look at her, I see my own reflection. How great it is to know we are loved by God and that He alone is all we need!! Truth!!

Also, shout out to my Sister, Sister Teresa Mary on her blessed feast day!!

Party Rockin' In the Church, Today...KATHARINE DREXEL!!!

‎"I looked up in wonder at god's wonderful ways and thought how littler we imagine what may be the result of listening and acting on a desire God puts into the heart."

- St. Katharine Drexel

     

     Every once in a while, you get blessed with an experience of a lifetime. While, I've had many of those in my lifetime, one of them stands out as yesterday we celebrated St. Katharine Drexel's Feast Day! A little over ten years ago, little third grader me, traveled to Roma, Italy with my familia for a very special occasion. This occasion was the CANONIZATION of our dear Katie D! What an amazing experience!! 

     Ever since I was a wee child, I grew up with the reminder of Katie D. But for the longest time she was Blessed Mother Katharine Drexel, the nun who built a convent in which I found lots of cookies. Hers was a convent I frequented often as a little one, always visiting nuns. But, I never really got to know Katharine until my later years (later meaning high school, of course). 

     I remember once specific Feast Day Mass, at the Cathedral in the city, when I was interviewed by the Catholic Standard. I had left school early that day, so I was in my school uniform. Right away, that draws a reporter to a kid. WHY would the average high school student take off school for an event like Mass? Well, my answer: Why not? This is awesome! She laughed and right away decided I was a down to earth type girl, who would answer any of her questions. She asked what I studied in school, she asked what my family was like, and finally, she asked what my full name was. She almost had a heart attack when I told her. Yep, I was a Gutherman! What had seemed like the end of the interview with the last question, immediately prompted a whole new interview. The final question this time: What is your relationship with Katharine Drexel? My answer: Right now, I'm working on my relationship with my main Man upstairs, the big JC. As for Katie D, she's someone I look up to, but I don't have a too personal relationship with her. Other than that answer giving my dad a heart attack when he read it, my answer prompted me to discover a bit more about Katie D and develop a relationship with her.

      I already knew her story, and my dad's story by heart. But I needed a story, and so, I decided from that moment on, I would do all I could to make it possible. Having a driver's license helped a lot with that. I was able to drive by the Shrine whenever I felt like it or even go to Mass with the sisters there as well. I read more about Katharine's writings and developed that relationship. Now, she isn't St. Katharine Drexel to me...she is Katie D; my girl, Katie D!

      And so, because she's my girl, Katie D, I can say how there was a Party Rockin' in the Church yesterday for her Feast Day mass! If you've ever wanted a multicultural experience, her Chapel on her feast day is one for sure. I was surrounded by Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans...oh, and Americans. There was laughter, conversation, food, prayer, singing. EVERYTHING! And the first thing I said to Sister when I walked in was, "Holy Smokes, Katie D is kickin' in Heaven today!" And she agreed! I was so happy to be surrounded by so much excitement! And as I sat with my little sis on my lap, we looked up to the room built over the Chapel where Katharine would watch Mass when she was sick, so see the silhouette of sister waving at us! 

      There is something so peaceful about walking the same hallways as Katharine did and sitting in her pews and touching the walls she built and praying where she prayed. She is my girl, and she's with me all the time! And her words are the words I must truly live my life by: "We must attract them with Joy!" Happy Feast, Girl! 

Do Whatever He Tells You....Nun-Tastic Day 6

     Back to the garage I went this morning after Mass. Yep, it was time to finish taking inventory. I emailed Sister late, late last night and when I didn't hear back, I texted her. Yep, these nuns (and most of the ones I know) email, text, tweet and Facebook like it's their jobs. I love it. So, we were all set to take inventory.
     I rang the doorbell as per the little sign on the door and was greeted by the same sister who answered the door last week. But then, another sister came bustling about. And low and behold, I knew who she was. But only from YouTube. You see she is part of the Sisters' Choir and is always on YouTube. But of course, I didn't say anything. Then my partner in crime for the day came to find me and we started on the inventory. For two straight hours we counted, documented, re-arranged and counted some more. It was a wonder I could even count straight after we finished FIVE bookshelves full. As soon as we finished (and it always happens like this), Sr. YouTube bustled me into the kitchen for lunch which she made. The four of us sat around the table and chatted, really chatted. For a WHOLE HOUR! About everything from my family, to my hobbies, to the sisters' past lives, to ministries, to school, to you name it, we talked about it. It was probably one of the most precious sit-downs for pizza, I've ever had. The sisters before letting me leave, each gave me a huge hug, thanked me for my help and promised prayers!
    The rest of the day was spent with my REAL sister de-decorating, baking and crafting. Oh and napping. I'm the type of person who never stops running, who engages in one thing right after the next. And today was a prime example. As soon as I got home, it was time to take down all the Christmas decorations from outside, and then take a nap. As my littlest sister will always be, she is a woman after my own heart. While I climbed into my snuggly warm bed, she crawled onto the staircase landing and started reading next to the bookshelf. Within five minutes, she was passed out, with her face in the book, sprawled about the landing. I had to laugh as I remembered so often doing that as a kid. It's the perfect spot.
    After dinner, we FINALLY made her brownies that she had been dying to bake. And then we FINALLY made her feast day cake. Her Feast Day was last week, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, but we had yet to make a cake. So, we made it and then she decided she wanted it to be blue for the Blessed Mother. So what did I do, I scoured the cabinets for blue food dye. THANK GOODNESS WE HAD SOME! And, so after they were all finally baked and laundry had been done, it was off to bed for that little one. But, as most little kids do, she stayed up way past her bedtime until I went to my room. Yep, she's my little sister, the protector and protectee, the baker, the crafter, the feaster and my soulmate, my best friend.

We Are Family

Current Facebook Status: Can't wait to make pancakes with my AE for Holy Family Day.
Current Tweet: Blogging it up about the Holy Family #yourhomeismyhome

   I have decided that there is no better way to celebrate a feast day than with the community who celebrates it. I've done it on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and now, on the Feast of the Holy Family. It just so happened that the sister who runs a summer retreat program every year (this year, I got to help!), invited us all back for the Feast; Mass and visiting and Breakfast. And so, at 8:30 I found myself en route to the convent; a drive I don't have to think about; my heart just takes me there.
   As I walked into the Chapel where we spent every morning of our retreat, even as a student helper-outer, so many memories came flooding back. Especially of our last day when tears streamed down my face after knowing in my heart that this is where I belonged; among this family. As the sisters prayed and I knelt listening to their voices, I recalled those moments of pure comfort. I joined those memories with thoughts of the Holy Family. Mary, Joseph and Jesus; all they had were each other. When I'm with the sisters; all I have is them. I don't have any worries, no anxieties, nothing at all. They are my family.
    My reflection on the Holy Family continued with Father's homily during which he said, "Just as Mary, Joseph and Jesus had themselves as family, we must take each one of our sisters as family. We must feel like family here." And yes, as tears built up in my eyes, I knew; these sisters are my family. I am treated like family; like the little sister. And no matter what part of the community I visit, I feel loved like family.
   After Mass, we went upstairs to visit the older sisters who can not necessarily join us for Mass whether from age or sickness. We sang Christmas carols for them which made my heart leap for joy. I hadn't sung in a while and when one of my favorite sisters requested my favorite Christmas song, I almost cried. I sang for her with my friends and the other sisters with us with all my hear. Seeing the sisters smile at our quick little visits was enough for me to know, once again, how perfect I felt there.
    After Mass and visiting, the sisters and the other girls and I went over to make breakfast which consisted of the most deluxe pancake bar I had ever seen. There was fruit, chocolate chips, cinnamon, sugar. You name it, we put it in our pancakes. As we cooked and worked together, it was easy for me to imagine what it would be like five, ten, twenty years down the line cooking together with these sisters and with the girls that I taught in school. It was easy to feel right at home and among family.
    The whole spent celebrating the Feast with the sisters was so perfect. While it was a smaller celebration for us, it was still a celebration of the family we have become and the family I've made with the sisters. And so, as I reflect on the HOLY FAMILY, I am grateful and ever blessed for the holy family I have among me. How many more years, AE?

Let It Be, Let It Be, Let It Be...Done to Me

     This day in history: John Lennon was shot in 1980; in 1660, the first women to ever appear on stage in England performs in Othello; and Uzbekistan celebrates its Constitution day. However, there is one more extremely important thing that happened this day in history....decades and decades ago: Mary, Most Holy Mama of the Church, was conceived WITHOUT SIN! WOAH! She is the only person ever to be born without the stain of original sin and thus, we celebrate her goodness on December 8, every. single. year.

    When I was little, the feast of the Immaculate Conception was just another Holy Day. But then I went to college and realized how big a deal this day is. She is my school's patron as well as the sisters' patron. Feast Day is celebrated every year with a HUGE mass and then a HUGE feast in the cafeteria. AND there are no classes for the day; everyone has off, including faculty. And so, it ensures that everyone can celebrate!

     Last year, I was one of three members of the choir who sang for Mass. This year, there were nine of us and it was so beautiful. Words cannot explain how much my heart is lifted during this ONE TIME that I get to sing for the "piano nun." She doesn't play at our Sunday Masses and if I never went to daily Mass, I would never hear her play. You have to understand how accomplished this woman is. She plays the piano, the organ, is on numerous Liturgical Music boards and is simply amazing. She is a doctor of music and it is more than an honor to sing for her. It is even MORE of an honor to have her ask you to solo and then tell you how great of a job you did. Ah, that was what happened yesterday. She knows my FAVORITE composition of the Alleluia (only TRUE liturigical musician geeks can say that!) is the Weston Priory AND, we used it yesterday. Not only that, but she asked me to intone it. I was floating on High Heaven's cloud. 

     During Mass, my most favorite part is when the Sisters renew their vows. All of the sisters (and that's a :

lot) stand while we, the congregation, kneel. They say together, "Almighty and eternal God, I, Sister...., renew and confirm with all my heart, the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, which I made at my profession, and I implore your grace to accomplish them perfectly. May my life be one of faithful love, may it reflect my total dependence on you, may my will be Your will alone. In the imitation of Jesus and Mary, I make my prayer forever. Amen." Imagine how my heart was beating!!!!!! To hear those words and to know that someday I might say them at my final profession and a hundred times after truly brought tears to my eyes! God is so good. 

    After Mass, my friends and I, among the sisters (who were also floating on clouds of happiness), dined at the great feast of delicious foods. My day was then followed by a nap, a date with one of the sisters, work and homework. Oh I can't forget A Year Without A Santa Claus (yes, we watched it.) and ending the night by tweeting the Magnificat back and forth with one of the sisters over Twitter, then skyping her after I facebook chatted her until one am. Needless to say, my day in Honor of Mary was spectacular and SO REAL in the life of a college student.