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For the service project we are thinking perhaps of cleaning in the Chapel & pre-stuffing envelopes, and we are brainstorming about other ideas (possibly making rosaries or something like that).<\/p>\n
This will be your chance to learn more about consecrated religious life, understand the lives of our Sisters better so we can pray for them and support them, and satisfy any curiosity one might have as to what goes on in the lives of busy, hard-working nuns.\u00a0 It will also be a lot of fun!\u00a0 We will enjoy spending time together, learning more about our faith, and enjoying Father Lankeit’s and the Sisters’ company.\u00a0 It promises to be a day you won’t soon forget!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Well, yesterday was the day!\u00a0 We took four vehicles (including Fr. Lankeit and Deacon Keith, who came along for the day to assist with Mass and Adoration) and drove out west of Phoenix and several miles into the desert, until at last we saw the dome in the distance.\u00a0 What a beautiful, remote setting for their contemplative life!<\/p>\n
I would have needed to spend the day taking copious notes if I were going to relate all the information with which we were graced by the Sisters in their talks, tours, and time spent with us during the lunch hour and work times.\u00a0 But I was too busy taking photos!\u00a0 Suffice it to say, the entire day from beginning to end was thoroughly blessed by the Lord. \u00a0What a privilege and treat to be allowed to tour their entire chapel, including the cloister parts (they are not yet fully cloistered, as they are still awaiting the completion of the monastery portion of the property, so they were able to show us the parts that eventually will be closed off to the public).\u00a0 What an honor to meet these beautiful, intelligent, vivacious and eloquent ladies who commit themselves entirely to God for a life of adoration, prayer and intercession for the world.\u00a0 What a gift to hear the pure, clear tones of their voices floating effortlessly in ethereal beauty under the high chapel ceiling.\u00a0 Each of these Sisters is a treasure, a precious jewel in the crown of our Lord.<\/p>\n
Here is my collection of photos, starting with the first glimpses of the chapel across the desert as we arrived; then a couple in the Sister’s Parlor where we left our bags and lunches and made ready for mass (everyone needed to get their veils in place); moving on to the tour, including: the chapel, extern sacristy and monastery sacristy, adoration chapel behind the sanctuary, and the mass choir, where the sisters will attend mass behind a screen once they are fully cloistered; some photos during the Vocations Directress, Sister Mary Fidelis’ excellent talks in the morning and afternoon; and outside under the threatening monsoon skies as we prepared to leave at the end of the day.<\/p>\n
We could not have asked for more gracious hospitality or a more beautiful setting for our day of retreat.\u00a0 I pray that all those who attended were as blessed as I was by the experience.\u00a0 I look forward to visiting again!<\/p>\n
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