Our Sr. Nettie Gamble celebrated her golden jubilee on July 4th. Mass was celebrated by Dom Brendan Freeman of New Melleray Abbey and Sr. Nettie renewed her monastic vows after the gospel was read.
The day was a combination jubilee celebration and an Independence Day celebration. After Mass we had a festive meal, all of the fare being 4th of July picnic food. The community was joined by 14 members of Sr. Nettie's family and many friends. It was a great time!
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| Greeting guests and family. |
On June 22nd our Sr. Kathy celebrated her Golden Jubilee of 50 years of profession as a Cistercian nun. Kathy is one of two sisters who are from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Kathy renewed her vows at Mass with Mother Rebecca and Dom Brendan present. Her two sisters were here, along with other relatives and friends and New Melleray monks.
After Mass we had a celebratory meal with all of our guests.
Last week we had several classes with Fr. Steven Gregg. He is a monk of Our Lady of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. He teaches at their middle school, high school, and college. His area of expertise is medieval literature. He talked to us about the Charter of Charity, a founding document of our order and other documents that influenced the Charter of Charity. Fr. Steven has quite the sense of humor, regaling us with stories about teaching adolescent boys.
Last week we had our yearly retreat. Our retreat director was Sr. Sarah from our Irish house Glencairn. Glencairn is our grandmother house. They founded Wrentham Abbey in Massachusetts who founded us.
We gifted Sr. Sarah with a pair of overalls and made her an honorary Iowan.
This morning at chapter our Sr. Madeleine renewed her vows for another year. It was a perfect day to do this as the gospel for today was of Mary Magdalene mistaking Jesus for a gardener and then recognized him when he spoke her name. Mary Magdalene is Sr. Madeleine's patroness and is currently preparing our spring garden.
Sr. Madeleine renewing her vows.
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| Sr. Madeleine making her vow of obedience to Mother Rebecca |
