a different sort of week...yet not!

I spent this past Sunday through Wednesday morning in NYC with the Sisters of Life and then Wednesday, Thursday and today with my son Evan who, at 26, had his tonsils out on Tuesday, and is recovering (very well!) at home now. Evan told me that he probably would have been okay by himself but it was a great comfort for him to have me there with him. (I didn't do what I threatened to do: sit in a chair next to his bed and freak him out every time he woke up with my face next to his, watching him!) It's been a comfort to me, too. I needed to make sure he was taking his medicine and getting as nourished and hydrated as possible. Besides, a mother has to care for her child, no matter how old he is, when something like this happens!

The quiet time with Evan has been a relief from all the activity of my life. While Evan sleeps, I read, pray, contemplate. It has nourished my spirit.

My time with the Sisters was exquisitely beautiful. Mother Agnes Donovan and her Sisters were so welcoming and hospitable! I have never seen a face as Christ-like as Mother's. Kindness, hospitality, humility, love, patience, joy, peace--I don't think these words begin to express what is there. I wanted to stay there in her eyes forever. I can't think of any other way to put it. She generously gave of her time, allowing the easy ability to ask questions and sharing some of the journey the Sisters have undertaken since they began. It hasn't been easy! However, every single Sister I met had the same peaceful, joy-filled countenance. They truly love living their lives for Jesus!

I certainly experienced the rigors of their life as community! The first bell of the day rang at 5 AM as a wake-up call, the second at 5:30 to announce prayer in the chapel. We prayed until 6:45 when Mass was said. 7:30 brought breakfast and then it was off to the duties of the day. 12:15 was mid-day prayer, then lunch, followed by more apostolic work. 5:00 to 6:30, evening prayer. 6:30 dinner, followed by night prayer. Lights out at 9. They pray 4 hours and work 6 hours a day. It is a very disciplined way of life. Their days are encased in prayer, something I found very attractive.

I learned about their postulant and novitiate programs. I spent a bit of time at their retreat center. Due to time restraints, I did NOT visit their maternity home or center, something I told Mother I knew I'd regret when I got home. The consolation is in the realization that I'll just have to go back again!

There was something of happenstance--a priest was there from Melbourne, Australia and he followed along with us. He had accompanied one of his parishioners who was entering the community and he had decided to stay for a while to learn what the Sisters do. He's contemplating a Brother order for life issues. He and I plan to keep in contact via email. I will learn so much from him, as I already have, because he and I are on a very similar path.

One of the best things that came out of the trip was I met a woman named Sue Kennedy from Tyler, Texas. She was there at the same time I was, at the urging of Mother who thought we might have much in common. Little did any of us realize to what extent we would connect! We became fast friends, something I believe will last the rest of our lives. I just kept thinking that I was surrounded by saints in the making there, Sue being one of them. What a blessing it is to know her!

With the blessing and under the direction of her bishop, Sue is beginning a new community in Tyler called the Daughters of Divine Hope. To learn more, please go to the website:

http://www.daughtersofdivinehope.org/mainpage.html

You will find there a wonderful interview with Sue about her life. She is a most remarkable woman! I so loved spending time with her.

I have more to report but it will have to wait for another day when I can clearly state what I will tell you. It's still in contemplative process...and I've learned I must not rush through such things.

In the title of this entry, I stated it was a different sort of week, yet not. The details were different but God's presence was ever visible, as always. I can sum it up by stating that God is always with us, day in and day out. The details may vary but God's presence is the common denominator of our lives and it is very comforting!

Thank you for praying for me. I felt surrounded by prayer this week and continue to do so. It is a great blessing!