Drawing of Patrons & Christmas Visit

As per tradition, we had our annual drawing of patrons (Saints) on Jan 1st. Our three youngest in religion have the privilege of calling up each sister, announcing their patron, and reading their prayer intention for the year along with a short quote. During Sr. Mary Martin's last prioral term she used quotes by Bl. Humbert of Romans that she had translated. This year most, if not all, the quotes were Biblical. 

Not only does each sister receive a patron and intention, the community as a whole and the novitiate get 'called up.' In fact, Sr. Mary Martin got 'called up' 6 times this year! Once for herself, once for the community, three times for sisters who weren't able to be present, and one more time to receive our chaplain's patron & intention. That's a lot of up and down! 

The community's patron Saint this year is St. Louis Bertrand. Every day when we finish praying the rosary as a community the prioress asks for the intercession of our patron Saint. It can be a struggle at the beginning of the year to remember that it has changed and who the new one is! 

During Christmas week we had two special visitors for a day: Sr. Mary Daniel and Sr. Mary Elizabeth! Because they require more care than we are able to provide they reside at the infirmary of the Caldwell Dominican Sisters. Every few weeks they are able to come home for a day trip. 

Of course we had to show them all of the Christmas decorations, especially the beautifully decorated Chapel and the decked out infirmary. Sr. Mary Daniel enjoyed looking through the many Christmas cards the community received from friends and benefactors. Meanwhile, Sr. Mary Elizabeth was busy writing out her Christmas cards, with a little help from Sr. Mary Martin. Before you know it the day has flown and transport comes to take them back to Caldwell. Until next time!