I’ve been “off the grid” now for nearly nine days. I’ve been eight days in Richmond and four at the monastery. I’ve made two trips to NJ in the last month – one planned visit to a friend and a family funeral I wouldn’t have missed for the world. I’ve been to Ridgely, MD for the installation of the new prioress, Sister Catherine Higley, OSB – a happy day for a community which has been through so much. I’m back in Richmond now and grateful for your patience. There are more summer travels ahead, but I hope to be better and returning to the Internet in between.
LOTS happening at the monastery… On July 11th, the summer feast of Saint Benedict, our Oblates organized a picnic supper on our patio. After a lovely Evening Prayer, planned by Sister Cecilia, the sisters and the oblates dined together al fresco. Greg Evans, Obl. SB, was the grill-master and the rest brought a delicious dish to share. It was a wonderful evening of good food and holy conversation. I know the sisters are hoping this becomes an annual event. The highlight for me was the late arrival of a whole family from the Bedford deanery. Sister Charlotte brought out food for them when they arrived and I got visit with these good people before they headed west again.
The sisters have begun their annual “beach week” vacation. We rent a house on the Outer Banks of NC for five weeks. Sisters go down in small groups of 4 or 5 for one week of rest and play in the ocean. Group #2 has just begun their week. We pray for our absent sisters at the end of every hour of the Office. And, we hope for good weather and a big dose of fun!
Blessings and love to you all…
- Sister Vicki
http://www.sisterbloggers.blogspot.com/
