We’ll be talking about stepping out of our comfort zone this Sunday; here are some questions to prepare you for the discussion. This classic image of Our Lady’s selflessness exemplifies the Christian life: we are to freely give that what we have freely received. Faith is not a private affair. How can we step out of the privacy of our faith and share it more freely? Have you ever been shy or sheepish about doing the sign of the cross or praying in public? There is this something at times that makes us
VisitationSiste: There is this something at times that makes us hesitate. We should not be ashamed. Think of this extreme example. You see a person on the street wearing all black leather, with a blue mo-hawk, and dozens of piercings. They are “proud” of who they are. Shouldn’t we be even more proud of the Cross that saves us? How do you think we can be more brave and courageous about our faith in public? Pope Francis tell us to leave our homes just like Mary did. Yet, she went immediately to her cousin Elizabeth’s home. I
VisitationSiste: In a sense, she left home to another place that could still be considered home. What might we learn from this? Is God speaking to us about the importance of blood relations or is He telling us something about the importance of faith relations?
Evangelization is ultimately about a person. A husband and wife have no problem introducing others to their spouse. How can we become closer with Jesus so that evangelization becomes as simple as introducing someone to the person whom we love dearly?
VisitationSiste: Chat Sun 730P Sept 27: From Pope Francis Homily in Cuba: http://visitationspirit.org/2015/09/pope-francis-says-follow-mary-on-the-path-to-visitation/
Pope Francis Says: Follow Mary on the path to Visitation! | Visitation Spirit
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Sep 27 2015, 7:08 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Lisa!
Sep 27 2015, 7:08 PM
Lisa C: Hi Mother
Sep 27 2015, 7:08 PM
Lisa C: Sad the Pope is leaving
VisitationSiste: What a blessed week it has
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Dawn L: Hi Mother…! Is this you?
Sep 27 2015, 7:14 PM
VisitationSiste: Thank you
VisitationSiste: Ye s dawn- It’s me!
Sep 27 2015, 7:15 PM
Lisa C: Those links are two of the articles
Sep 27 2015, 7:15 PM
VisitationSiste: Be back in a sec
Sep 27 2015, 7:15 PM
Lisa C: Hi Dawn
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VisitationSiste: That’s something I never heard before- peaceful confusion
Sep 27 2015, 7:18 PM
Dawn L: How can we step out of the privacy of our faith and share it more freely?
Sep 27 2015, 7:18 PM
Lisa C: I am totally confused, but supported by God
Sep 27 2015, 7:20 PM
Judy K: Hi Sister, uh, Mother. Mother, when I checked the weather, our local meteorologist said that the eclipse would begin after 9 instead after 8. Who knows who is right. We may not see it at all because it is rather cloudy here.
Sep 27 2015, 7:20 PM
Lisa C: Hi Judy
015, 7:20 PM
Dawn L: I pray early each day about this. When I take things into my own hands great difference of being led by Holy Spirit
Sep 27 2015, 7:20 PM
Judy K: Hi Lisa and Dawn.
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Dawn L: Mother…did you attend Vespers?
Sep 27 2015, 7:22 PM
VisitationSiste: I had an experience this week- somewhat related about witnessing. Coming back from St Pat’s in the horde of religious etc on way to subway we passed 2 figures on the ground completely covered over with blankets- sleeping homeless. But we kept walking
Sep 27 2015, 7:22 PM
VisitationSiste: Feel very bad about that
Sep 27 2015, 7:22 PM
Judy K: Oh yes, congratulations to you, Mother, and all the Sisters on the 160th Anniversary of the Monastery. May it continue for many years.
Sep 27 2015, 7:22 PM
VisitationSiste: 160 was great! But only 2 discerners came- all the rest were school and chapel folks but a good day
Sep 27 2015, 7:23 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes vespers, Dawn
3 PM
Lisa C: I heard that it cost 200 million to renovate St. Pats and I was thinking there are homeless sleeping outside it
Sep 27 2015, 7:23 PM
Judy K: Mother, I would be very cautious about approaching homeless people on the street. They could be harmful.
Sep 27 2015, 7:23 PM
VisitationSiste: Very true- they are sleeping out there
Sep 27 2015, 7:23 PM
Lisa C: Did I correctly identify the Vis Nuns who went?
7:24 PM
Dawn L: And on way home you saw homeless? I think Pope Francis visit did and will continue to open us up. ZI have ignored people also, my heart convicted afterwards
Sep 27 2015, 7:24 PM
VisitationSiste: But the thought came- is there any congregation founded exclusively to work with the homeless? Could not find one
Sep 27 2015, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Carol Anne
Sep 27 2015, 7:25 PM
Lisa C: When I lived in Manhattan we had people on our street that we even got to know
Sep 27 2015, 7:25 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Everyone. What a week it’s been!
Sep 27 2015, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: I used to as a lay person give money or buy meal or coffee and I helped out at shelters but now I don’t and didn’t do anything the other day
Sep 27 2015, 7:25 PM
Dawn L: Hi Carol Ann!
7:25 PM
Lisa C: I used to have Margaret give them food and clothes 7:27 PM
Lisa C: OH THE FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL DO IT 5, 7:27 PM
Lisa C: They have a shelter and train them to work and get jobs
Sep 27 2015, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: Oh Thanks!
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Lisa C: It is not that big
Sep 27 2015, 7:27 PM
Lisa C: But they do it in the Bronx
Sep 27 2015, 7:28 PM
Judy K: The Papal Visit was awesome! His talks were pointed, but gently, at the problems of the day. I was very impressed with the inter-faith prayer service at Ground Zero. So many faiths were represented and the readings were inspired. The piece-de-resistance was the prayer for the dead which was sung by a Cantor who had the most magnificent voice. The meeting with families in Philly last evening was great. The Holy Father was so animated in his remarks. It was a delight to watch him.
Sep 27 2015, 7:28 PM
Lisa C: They also have a free clinic
8 PM
Lisa C: They also have a free clinic
Sep 27 2015, 7:29 PM
Dawn L: Isnt therecsn order of Visitation near you who work in the streets?
Sep 27 2015, 7:29 PM
Dawn L: An order of
Sep 27 2015, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: Visitation? in Minn the Srs are a presence to the poor but it’s not their focus to spend all day helping homeless specifically
Sep 27 2015, 7:30 PM
Carol Ann: Our Papa is so amazing
Sep 27 2015, 7:30 PM
VisitationSiste: I chose the Holy Father’s talk from Cuba basically because he talked about the Visitation in it, but many other talks would work as topics too
7:31 PM
Judy K: Once, many years ago, I did reach to a homeless man I would see every day. I decided to go shopping and picked up things like peanut butter, bread, shaving things, toothpaste and toothbrush, face cloth, some of my old towels and a quilt that I was no longer using, fruit and other things I cannot recall. Then I went to find him and gave his all of these things in the shopping cart he always had with him. I have also picked up something for a homeless person at a Duncan Donuts. 7:32 PM
Dawn L: Random acts of charity…many opportunities
Sep 27 2015, 7:32 PM
Carol Ann: we’re still watching here, so I’m a bit sistracted. Plane is on the runway.
Sep 27 2015, 7:32 PM
Judy K: It occurs to me that it might be good to carry a supply of gift certificates for McDonalds to give to the homeless instead of giving them money.
Sep 27 2015, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: The Pope said : his is our greatest wealth and the best legacy we can give: to learn like Mary to leave home and set out on the path of visitation. –
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VisitationSiste: He’s leaving now- let’s pause to say a prayer for him
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
Carol Ann: He is right there in the window seat!
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: To me, I often need a “how-to” I like to help- but I am not that outgoing so the approach is always difficult. Blessed Mother was filled with grace. Must need to ask for it
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
Judy K: Raphael, the Archangel, protect our Holy Father on his flight. Surround his plane with a guard of angels to accompany him and to protect him from any harm.
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: Oh you are watching!
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
Lisa C: I used to think of the Visitation as a path of Mary and Elizabeth, but it is really a path of them in relation to each other in terms of service and them as mothers who as such had a huge influence on the world
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
Dawn L: Hes waving.
7:35 PM
Dawn L: Hes waving.
Sep 27 2015, 7:35 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, we are watching out here
Sep 27 2015, 7:36 PM
Lisa C: The Pope is going to be flying along the path of the eclispse
Sep 27 2015, 7:36 PM
VisitationSiste: Not being a biological mother, I often wondered how much influence one has on one’s offspring-
Sep 27 2015, 7:37 PM
VisitationSiste: Really? Will it affect the flight?
Sep 27 2015, 7:37 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Ruth!
7 PM
Lisa C: Profound influence on the formation of conscience
Sep 27 2015, 7:37 PM
Dawn L: It will be so beautiful! Hi Ruth
Sep 27 2015, 7:37 PM
Lisa C: No influence on their free will
38 PM
VisitationSiste: That’s a good distinction Lisa
Sep 27 2015, 7:38 PM
Carol Ann: i don’t think the eclipse will affect the airliner’s equipment.
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Lisa C: No one not even God influences our will
Sep 27 2015, 7:38 PM
Lisa C: He only teaches and then lets us chose
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Judy K: Now, to the first question. We can step out of the privacy of our faith and share it more freely. We can do things like get involved in a Bible Study or Scripture class, a faith sharing group, RCIA or CCD program.
Sep 27 2015, 7:39 PM
Judy K: Hi Ruth!
Sep 27 2015, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: Mary left home to another place that could still be considered home. What might we learn from this? Is God speaking to us about the importance of blood relations or is He telling us something about the importance of faith relations?
Sep 27 2015, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: That applies Lisa, no?
Sep 27 2015, 7:40 PM
Lisa C: Last night at the show for the families they had St. Gianna’s daughter talk…..oh my goodness I did not know about this Saint…..she was amazing and so was her daughter
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7:41 PM
Carol Ann: it’s hard to share in the workplace, or in public though. I wish we could speak more openly
Sep 27 2015, 7:41 PM
Dawn L: St Terese reminds us that doing even a simple little thing for love of Jesus….so I think even when we go out in the world, doing even a little action,God could work wonders. He is not limited by our perceptions
Sep 27 2015, 7:41 PM
Judy K: I think that God is trying to tell us about the importance of responding , in love, to the needs of others, and to put them ahead of our own needs.
Sep 27 2015, 7:41 PM
Lisa C: Preborn St. John knew who Jesus was, he had faith even before he was born, showing how it is a grace
Sep 27 2015, 7:42 PM
Dawn L: Amen Lisa
Sep 27 2015, 7:43 PM
Lisa C: She was a doctor and her daughter became a doctor. But they read some of her letters, and it was so filled with love for her husband and her children. Perfect for the Family Conference. I watched a bunch of videos about them later on. What a family
Sep 27 2015, 7:43 PM
Lisa C: God was included in everything
Sep 27 2015, 7:43 PM
Lisa C: Every letter, every decision
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VisitationSiste: Like the Martin family
Sep 27 2015, 7:44 PM
Dawn L: Carol Ann, yes much more difficult when work is affected. But look at the courage of Kim Davis, the court clerk.
Sep 27 2015, 7:44 PM
VisitationSiste: What a great example for families- to some it will seem unreal- so foreign to their ways- but an inspiration to grow
Sep 27 2015, 7:44 PM
Ruth (guest): Hello everyone. It’s taken me all this time to get caught up on what I could still see of the chat. Always interesting how there are usually a couple of threads twisted or braided together.
5 PM
Judy K: There are other opportunities for sharing our faith, like during a lunch with a friend or relative, or at a family dinner, at a Baptism of First Communion. Almost any occasion can present an opportunity to share faith. Notice that I say “can present” an opportunity. Look for something that could serve as a lead-in to a faith sharing. 5 PM
Dawn L: Thats true Ruth
Sep 27 2015, 7:45 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, she went to jail, and though she’s out, it isn’t over yet for her
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Carol Ann: You are right Judy. I tend to fall into “teacher” and it is better to wait until the student is ready!
Sep 27 2015, 7:46 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, I’d heard about and read about St. Gianna, but it had not occurred to me that her daughter was now old enough to be a physician herself.
Sep 27 2015, 7:46 PM
Lisa C: I can’t believe I never heard of her she is wonderful and amazing a mother and doctor
Sep 27 2015, 7:47 PM
Carol Ann: there he goes..come back Papa!
Sep 27 2015, 7:47 PM
VisitationSiste: I always tell new members when they first put on the holy habit that they have to be ready to be witnesses constantly- at the doctor’s for ex; and that people will either be agreeable or challenging. But anonymity is over
Sep 27 2015, 7:47 PM
Lisa C: Get a good rest, Pope Francis
Sep 27 2015, 7:48 PM
Dawn L: Mother, perhaps this is good for even us in the world
49 PM
Judy K: Here in New York, there is a center called the Gianna Center dedicated to women’s health issues and has a great concentration to infertility problems. They are researching ways that would be in line with Church teaching to solve problems of infertility.
Sep 27 2015, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes- even a smaller sign like a cross you wear
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Carol Ann: If we can keep close to Jesus, we can speak when he tells us to
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Lisa C
Dawn L
Judy K
Ruth
9 PM
Judy K: And He tells us that He will give us the words.
Sep 27 2015, 7:49 PM
Lisa C: I think the secret is to love God enough and then it is not difficult…
Sep 27 2015, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: I just had the call that the Sister is almost here from the airport. I will have to leave when the doorbell rings, any min now
50 PM
Lisa C: When the fire now inflames the soul together with the esteem of God already possessed, individuals usually acquire such strength, courage, and longings relative to God, through the warmth of the love that is being communicated, that with singular boldness they do strange things, in whatever way necessary, in order to encounter him whom they love. Because of the strength and inebriation of their love and desire, they perform these actions without any consideration or concern. 1 PM
Dawn L: Thank you Mother!
Sep 27 2015, 7:51 PM
Judy K: Paul says that the Love of Christ impels us. Indeed if we truly love Him then we will follow His directions to care for others, and so to care for Him.
Sep 27 2015, 7:52 PM
Dawn L: Lisa, thank you for that post.
Sep 27 2015, 7:52 PM
Lisa C: Thank St. John of the Cross
Sep 27 2015, 7:53 PM
Dawn L:
Sep 27 2015, 7:54 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, Sr. Susan Marie, especially at the OB/GYN doctor’s. I once had a doctor who was giving out FALSE information about “the teaching of the Catholic Church.” I called to correct the misinformation and was billed for a “telephone consultation.” Eventually I got it straightened out, but imagine! Labeling his own misunderstanding the teaching of the Catholic Church — and then billing! for the call.
Sep 27 2015, 7:54 PM
Lisa C: I don’t know any doc that bills for a phone call
Sep 27 2015, 7:54 PM
Judy K: Lisa, I love John’s phrase “inebriation of their love and desire.” The idea of being inebriated with love and desire for Jesus, is most appealing. Imagine being intoxicated with love for Jesus, to be overcome with love for Him, to be lost in Him! Wow!
Sep 27 2015, 7:55 PM
Carol Ann: Nothing surprises me anymore Ruth. You were concerned for his salvation and they billed you for his time
Sep 27 2015, 7:57 PM
Dawn L: Yes, imagine. Bishop Robert Barron says….instead of trying to understand God, just fall in love with him
Sep 27 2015, 7:58 PM
Lisa C: St. Francis de Sales said that we can never understand God
Sep 27 2015, 7:58 PM
Ruth (guest): Here it is impossible for me, even as a physician, toget to talk to my own doctor without actually seeing her at an appointment. AND getting an appointment can be a HUGE challenge. Even when I’d just been discharged from inpatient, been given written directions to see my PCP within one to two days, AND had serious complications from the medication that was prescribed in the hospital, it was 22 days before I could see my Primary Care Physician.
Sep 27 2015, 7:58 PM
Carol Ann: That unfortunately is average with the new rules.
Sep 27 2015, 7:58 PM
Judy K: That is a disgrace, Ruth!
Sep 27 2015, 7:58 PM
Lisa C: Our capacity to comprehend God is too small
Sep 27 2015, 7:59 PM
Dawn L: Yes, very small. Aquinas says if you think you understand God…thats not it.
Sep 27 2015, 8:00 PM
Judy K: Bishop Barron has the right idea. Let’s not worry about understanding God which is an impossibility, but just give ourselves to loving Him with reckless abandon.
Sep 27 2015, 8:02 PM
Carol Ann: I”m very lucky. Bishop Barron has been assigned to our area of the LA Archdiocese. We are hoping he doesn’t have so many speaking engagements already set that we won’t get to see him.
Sep 27 2015, 8:03 PM
Judy K: Wow Lisa! You are indeed blessed to have the Bishop in your area. He has so much to share.
Sep 27 2015, 8:03 PM
Lisa C: Judy it is Carol Ann
5, 8:04 PM
Lisa C: I hope the clouds disperse 8:04 PM
Dawn L: So, in reckless abandon, we can step out of our comfort zone….well, imagine our Holy Mother.the experience she had, then fearlessly ( seems so) setting out to see Elizabeth!
Sep 27 2015, 8:05 PM
Ruth (guest): And I NEVER got a referral to a neurologist although I had had a telemetry consultation with a neurologist in NYC — Columbia Presbyterian, where I used to work — while I was in the ER before admission; she recommended that I be followed by a neurologist, and that I have certain tests done. That was June 6-9th of this year. My condition got DRAMATICALLY worse — I suddenly became totally deaf in the left ear — DURING intake at 4 AM. I told the nurse that it was a “medical emergency” with a two hour windo
Sep 27 2015, 8:05 PM
Judy K: How can we be more brave and courageous about our faith in public? I do say grace in restaurants and make the sign of the cross when I pass a Church. We need to pray to lose our self-consciousness and replace it with “Christ-consciousness.”
Sep 27 2015, 8:05 PM
Carol Ann: The Holy Spirit has done so much to guide me like Mary. I don’t hear His voice but I know when He’s been by \
Sep 27 2015, 8:06 PM
Ruth (guest): I went on jabbering about my own issues again tooooooo long.
Sep 27 2015, 8:06 PM
Dawn L: Although Bishop Barron at other end of state, its a short train ride to go there
8:07 PM
Judy K: Ruth, you have been truly treated very badly me the medical community. I daresay that it borders on abuse.
Sep 27 2015, 8:07 PM
Carol Ann: Don’t worry Ruth, we are here to support each other too!
Sep 27 2015, 8:07 PM
Dawn L: Ah Carol Ann! 😌
24 PM
Ruth (guest): My last entry was part of an explanation of M&M conference — too long for here.
Sep 27 2015, 8:25 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, did you see/hear St. Gianna’s daughter read from her mom’s letter for Pope Francis?
Sep 27 2015, 8:26 PM
Judy K: We have another doctor Saint–Guiseppe Moscati. His life has been on EWTN a number of times.
Sep 27 2015, 8:26 PM
Lisa C: Yes, Sister that was how I learned about her. Her daughter is a doc too. I watched some videos about them today
Sep 27 2015, 8:26 PM
Dawn L: I did, beautiful
Sep 27 2015, 8:26 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Right, Judy
Sep 27 2015, 8:26 PM
Lisa C: Italian Dr. Saints very cool
Sep 27 2015, 8:27 PM
Judy K: Gianna’s letter to Pietro was so filled with her love for him. It was so touching to listen to her words.
Sep 27 2015, 8:27 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: This week in the pope’s presence has made us sisters feel buoyed up – like walking on air!
Sep 27 2015, 8:28 PM
Ruth (guest): I’ve marked a lot of YouTube videos of the Pope to be watched sometime later. I don’t have a working TV and at the Adult Center, the other people preferred to watch a quiz show.
Sep 27 2015, 8:28 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: and her deep faith and trust in God, too, Judy
Sep 27 2015, 8:28 PM
Lisa C: Imaging having a Mother who was canonized
Sep 27 2015, 8:28 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Pope Francis makes it all seem so simple – just reach out continually with Christ’s love…
Sep 27 2015, 8:29 PM
Carol Ann: I love that the Pope changed his schedule to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor
Sep 27 2015, 8:29 PM
Judy K: More than his words, I was moved by his reaching out to people. He uses the word “encounter” quite a bit and I believed that he truly encountered the people during this week. His response to people is so moving and inspiring.
Sep 27 2015, 8:29 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: and a mother who became a saint by bringing YOU into the world1
Sep 27 2015, 8:30 PM
Ruth (guest): I heard that Carol Ann, on the radio. In Munich the Little Sisters of the Poor were friends I visited often.
Sep 27 2015, 8:30 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: I agree, Judy…despite his bad headache and sciatica, too.
Sep 27 2015, 8:30 PM
Judy K: I knew about the sciatica but not the headache. Poor man!
Sep 27 2015, 8:30 PM
Lisa C: Interesting that she grew up to be a doc and take over the work of the life that was sacrificed
Sep 27 2015, 8:31 PM
Dawn L: Many prayers everyday, he says do not forget,Pope Francis.
Sep 27 2015, 8:31 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Our retired priests and bishops end up with the Little Sisters – and did you see their 5 postulants? God be praised!
Sep 27 2015, 8:31 PM
Carol Ann: I didn’t know you were in Munich Ruth
Sep 27 2015, 8:31 PM
Carol Ann: I am so delighted for every postulant. I pray that they find the right person to companion them on their journey
Sep 27 2015, 8:32 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, Holy Father asked for prayers at the end of every talk he gave
Sep 27 2015, 8:32 PM
Ruth (guest): It is interesting how sanctity often runs in families. Maybe that is part the reason we have to “create” families by forming religious communities.
Sep 27 2015, 8:32 PM
Judy K: Such humility!
Sep 27 2015, 8:32 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Please pray for our one postulant, Sylvie from Canada!
Sep 27 2015, 8:32 PM
Dawn L: Saying goodnight . Thank you all. Prayers for you 💓
Sep 27 2015, 8:33 PM
Carol Ann: I will pray for Sylvie
Sep 27 2015, 8:33 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Good night till we meet again next Sunday. Let’s pray for one another and for Pope Francis!
Sep 27 2015, 8:33 PM
Carol Ann: Have a blessed week!
Sep 27 2015, 8:34 PM
Lisa C: Let’s pray for the Synod
Sep 27 2015, 8:34 PM
Judy K: Let us carry with us images of our Holy Father from the past week. May you be blessed beyond your wildest expectation!
Sep 27 2015, 8:34 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, I appreciate this little group of people seeking to serve the Lord and one another.
Sep 27 2015, 8:35 PM
Ruth (guest): Judy, I love how you help keep the group on topic.
Sep 27 2015, 8:35 PM
Carol Ann: Without Judy we’d forget!
Sep 27 2015, 8:35 PM
Lisa C: God be praised! Good night
Sep 27 2015, 8:36 PM
Carol Ann: Good night! it’s almost time to watch the eclipse
Sep 27 2015, 8:36 PM
Ruth (guest): And Lisa C, how well-read you are, and seem to be comfortable with everything to do with the Faith.