Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sister Pamela Catherine Gets a Black Veil Today!

Sister Pamela Catherine is going to be professed today! It is a bittersweet time for those of us who are in the novitiate community, because we are so happy for her, but her presence will be missed. In July, she will head to Bapchule, Arizona, where she will be teaching junior high.

Congratulations, Sister Pamela Catherine!

Prior to first profession, a Sister spends time in retreat. We had a retreat last week, led by Fr. Charlie Smiech, OFM. It was about making the transition from praying with the mind to praying with the heart. We were encouraged to spend time gazing upon the eyes of Christ in the San Damiano Cross and noticing how loving those eyes are. We also were presented with a different way of looking at Christ as the Good Shepherd. Sheep herding is probably a messy, dirty; smelly task. Thus, Jesus so humbles himself that he is delighted to meet us where we are at, no matter what condition we are in. Father Charlie told us that there is a statue in Germany that so eloquently portrays the Good Shepherd, not draped in the fine red linens we are used to seeing Him in, but in how He might actually appear.

I wonder if this is the statue that he was speaking of:

Picture taken from: http://www.redbubble.com/people/maureenmarlowe/art/3850557-the-good-shepherd

It was a really nice retreat. Well, this week Sr. Pamela Catherine and I both will be on homevisits. I will be leaving on the train tomorrow to go to my hometown, Grand Rapids, MI. I'm proud of my hometown. After being labeled by Newsweek as a "dying city", a few thousand Grand Rapidians banded together to create what Roger Ebert calls "The Greatest Music Video Ever Made." City officials even closed off the streets for it. Here is the video (click on it to make it bigger):


I will return in time for the Postulants' Reception into the Novitiate. We are all excited to find out what their names will be and to accept them as official members of the Community! Then they will be getting used to wearing veils while running around at Camp Franciscan! :) Exciting times.
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15 comments:

  1. LisaJune 5, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    How beautiful an occasion to celebrate and give thanks! Blessings to S. Pamela Catherine and the entire community! May your novitiate continue to be filled with grace!!

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  2. Sister Anne Marie LomJune 5, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Thank you, Sr. Monica, for sharing your excitement, your retreat observations, your bittersweet good byes and your eager waiting for reception. The full range of emotions, steeped in prayer is truly Franciscan. Peace and all good!

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  3. Sister MonicaJune 5, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Thanks Lisa and Sister Anne Marie for reading and for your comments & blessings! :)

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  4. Sister Julie AnnJune 6, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    I can picture you walking downtown Grand Rapids this week. Enjoy your family and some of your own 'American pie' in a place where God is present and very much alive!

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  5. Sister Mary FrancesJune 6, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I agree with your retreat thoughts, Sister Monica! Wow! I think that you found the statue Father Charlie talked about. It was a grace filled week. Sister Pamela Catherine's First Profession was awesome...reminding me again, of my lifelong commitment and praying for our perseverance. God is so good!

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  6. Sister MonicaJune 6, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Thanks so much Sister Julie Ann and Sister Mary Frances! I know I will enjoy this week, but I will also be happy to return as well! :)

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  7. Sister LynneJune 12, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Thanks for telling me about the music video created by the folks of Grand Rapids. You have every reason to be proud of your city!
    Both Sister Pamela Catherine's Profession and the Reception of Sisters Regina Rose and Leslie were very beautiful and faith-filled. Glad I could share in both.

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  8. Sister MonicaJune 12, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Thanks Sister Lynne! I am glad you enjoyed the video! I am also very proud of Sister Regina Rose and Sister Leslie!

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  9. Jailynn McgheeJune 14, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Congratulations to Sister Pamela Catherine for receiving her Black Veil,I am so proud of her so once again CONGRATULATIONS.......

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  10. Sister MonicaJune 15, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Thanks for your compliment for Sister Pamela Catherine, Jailynn! I am sure she will be happy to read this!

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  11. Karen EvansJune 25, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    I just stumbled across this blog and you look crazy familiar! Where did you go to school in GR? Did you ever go to DYMO camp?

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  12. Sister MonicaJune 26, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Hi Karen! Thanks for reading! I went to grade school at St. Thomas, high school at Catholic Central, and college at Aquinas. My name was Kara. Yes, I went to DYMO Camp in 2000 and 2001! Were you there those years? :)

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  13. Karen EvansJune 26, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Yes! I graduated high school (Jenison) in 2004 and went to Dymo camp 2001, 2002, and 2003. I remember you from camp but don't think you were in my "family". I would have to look back on pics. Regardless- your blog is inspiring and fascinating. It's teaching me about something I really had no prior knowledge on and is also encouraging me to spend more time in prayer. Thanks so much for a sweet blog and glad someone from DYMO is doing something so awesome :)

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  14. Sister MonicaJune 27, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    So that's it! Yes, I remember you, too, but you're right, we were probably not in the same family. I am glad that you are getting a lot out of the blog. :) You are doing something inspiring too, I see...special education....that's wonderful! :) God bless you.

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  15. AnonymousJuly 22, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I just listened to and watched the video of Grand Rapids! It makes me proud to be a Michigander. Thank you, Sister Monica!

    Sister Mary Frances

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