Candy Season

Sr. Grace

We are in full swing with our candy production.  Production is going very well.  The coating crews are now running double shifts so that we will have plenty on hand for Christmas orders.  The bright crisp days continue and it is so beautiful with all the changing colors.  The abbey grounds are always beautiful but particularly in the autumn.  There is so much to be grateful for.

Sr. Chris

Sr. Gail

Sr. Anna

Sr. Carol

Iowa Autumn

We have had a very beautiful autumn.  Last week the season was at its peak for color.  Today the rains are starting which is very bad for the farmers harvesting their corn.  They need dry weather for the harvest.

just down the road from the abbey

Blood Moon

At it's peak at 5:25 AM

At 6:50 as it is setting

One of the benefits of rising at 3:30 AM is that you can view the night sky and all the amazing sights it has to offer.  Last night it was wonderful to see the blood moon.  We had a clear sight of it out of the refectory windows.

General Chapter Concluded

Our General Chapter concluded this past Sunday.  Our M. Rebecca and Sr. Christine will be arriving home today!

Here is a link to a 2 minute video that gives the feel of the General Chapter.  It was held in Assisi, Italy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OZ23k6C_zno

Cistercian General Chapter Is In Session

back row center M.Rebecca                            front row right Sr. Christine

simultaneous translation in the aula

Once every 3 years the abbots and abbesses of each monastery along with delegates from each region meet.  We are unique in the church because the monks and nuns are in the same order.  There is wonderful collaboration between the houses and the regions of our order. Mother Rebecca is attending along with Sr. Christine who was voted the nun delegate for the American region. Our General Chapter is being held at Assisi, Italy.