I feel that in the last two days I have gone to France and back! So much of the sights and celebrations were taking me back to Saint Pierre - the two times I have been blessed with being there in the last 4 years! The sounds, however, were a bit different and so good to hear it all in English! The other visits we were surrounded by those that speak English, many of whom have become our precious brothers and sisters/friends and returned for this special weekend in the U.S., but this weekend it was in English! So glorious for all of us, and for my 7 year old granddaughter, Mary, to be up front standing by Hallel and the other little sisters as Marie took her habit and changed her name to Inez - the Spanish form of Agnes! To see ls Inez come forth in her blue habit holding her arms out in the shape of her Most Precious Cross! "Exult exceedingly and rejoice filled with gladness. Alleluia. Alleluia, because the Kingdom of Heaven is promised and given to the poor who have left everything out of LOVE for the Lord." These are the words that the celebrant - Archbishop Naumann is saying over little Sister Inez as she forms the shape of her Most Cherished Cross! It is so wise and wonderful the way the Community invites all the young girls to come up close to watch this beautiful sight and be evangelized - planting the beautiful humble seed within them - to consider that Jesus could be calling them to a life of LOVE and service to HIM as his Bride! So wonderful!
Mary gave me so much JOY over our time there, and I asked her if she was enjoying herself and she was just glowing and happy to be there sharing with Hallel and the Little Sisters. She told me a very enthusiastic Yes to her enjoying herself.
It was very special on the first night when they asked for some to help with the dishes... Mary jumped up and headed up to the kitchen to help without Hallel! Hallel had helped make the meal and was tired after days of work for these occasions, so she just told Mary to go up and ask for an apron and help. I went to find her hard at work helping one of the postulants - "Mary has a contemplative spirit and works in silence." said the postulant. Mary was smiling quietly to herself as she wiped the dishes quickly and efficiently... so peaceful and at home in her blue apron! It was very surprising to me to see that she was excited to do this work, and didn't need to have Hallel with her.
Mary also noticed that Hallel was preparing the altar for adoration yesterday... And then we were able to hear her sing and raise her hands in LOVE and praise as the priest put Jesus in the monstrance on the altar -
Such a beautiful intimate moment speaking of great LOVE for her Most Cherished Cross and Savior - her Spouse, Jesus Christ!
No wonder Mary didn't want to stop hugging her Hallel! As the Archbishop said yesterday at the mass of taking the habit for little Sister Inez - "With our sunburned faces from the dedication we felt like Moses coming out of the tent glowing with the contact with God!" We all are feeling this deep and overflowing well of graces and blessings after spending two celebrations with our glorious Community of the Lamb!
Mary with the gift she brought for Hallel by her namesake - Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe!
Jesus, there is so much reminding us this day of how blessed we are to have a daughter called to be your Spouse! We are also reminded that our young granddaughters and grandsons are also looking to YOU to show them their paths and considering a call to be yours alone! To cloth themselves in a blue habit that evangelizes to the world that they are your Brides - set apart as the color of the sky and the shape of the Cross. We are so grateful for this wonderful time with Hallel and her Community of the Lamb and the great witness of the growing numbers that are blessed beyond measure by coming in contact with YOU. Jesus, we trust in YOU. Amen and Hallelujah
Hallel and Bernadette by St Agnes - their patroness of the Community - the Lamb!
Bless-bless, Barb
Grandpa on his birthday - such a day!
"Let us give thanks to our God
for Pat's life and for his burning heart.
Lord bless him with all the blessings
of your most glorious Cross."
The verse of a song they sang for Pat on his birthday after our meal of celebration yesterday.
Pat on his birthday with Hallel's birthday is in two days - the 18th!
Hallel had just tied this blue ribbon in Mary's hair - once again just for grandma! Such JOY!
No comments:
Post a Comment