What are your strengths and weaknesses? It is here that we learn to grow, by acknowledging the things we need God to improve in us. In our struggle to discover our vocation, we tend to forget that our vocation is caught up in community and communion with others. Have you thought about how not only pursuing religious life would affect your life and those you leave behind but also how it will affect the lives of the community you potentially might join? Are you afraid that you will
Aug 13 2015, 9:30 AM
SrSusan (guest): Are you afraid that you will make the wrong decision in your discernment process, or that you might not hear God correctly? Remember Abraham. God promised him a son, but then God asked him to take this son up a mountain and sacrifice him. Have you felt you were going in one direction and then suddenly God pulls you in another? This does not mean that your discernment is wrong, it means God is leading you in His mysterious way. Where is He leading you right now?
Sr Susan How did you find the questions this time? Any easier?
Aug 16 2015, 7:24 PM
Lisa Cardo: Dying is not bad if we are close to Jesus. It’s just really sad for families
Aug 16 2015, 7:24 PM
Carol Ann: The questions were hard this week
Aug 16 2015, 7:25 PM
Judy K: Wow, Mother! Tonight’s questions are not that hard to answer. But they are pretty personal. I had to think really hard about what I am willing to reveal to all of you.
Aug 16 2015, 7:25 PM
Lisa Cardo: The questions were great, but if they were easy discernment would be eas
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SrSusan (guest): See- different opinions make for a healthy chat!
Aug 16 2015, 7:26 PM
SrSusan (guest): Just share what is comfortable.
Aug 16 2015, 7:27 PM
SrSusan (guest): As for me choosing a religious life as I did profoundly affected some relationships- some friends and family- over time most adjusted but not all
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SrSusan (guest): My sister said it took her 10 years to really come to terms with my vocation8 PM
Dawn L: how it affects others could be difficult I think
Aug 16 2015, 7:28 PM
Judy K: I guess I’ll get things started with my strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: prayerful, serene, believe in doing a job well, not just doing it; dependable, outgoing yet somewhat contemplative and creative. Weaknesses: lazy sometimes; procrastinator; physical problems, difficulty staying awake, sometimes critical; overly sensitive; internally impatient (not with people generally, but with situations such as someone doing doing something real dumb on the road.)
Aug 16 2015, 7:29 PM
Carol Ann: I found that most were enthusiastic about my initial going, but are confused that the vocation jpurey did npt end there
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Dawn L: I dont understand Carol Ann….but want to
Aug 16 2015, 7:31 PM
Judy K: I really had no problems with my family and friends when I was going. Only my doctor gave me a little bit of a hard time. He thought I was running away from something. But I told him that I was running toward something.
Aug 16 2015, 7:31 PM
Carol Ann: They don’t understand why I would go in and come out, and keep searching as though it’s not over
Aug 16 2015, 7:31 PM
Lisa Cardo: I think a sibling would have a hard time unless they considered a vocation too, like St T and her sisters. Siblings kind of know our imperfections.
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Judy K: I can understand that Carol Ann. Like me, you left an order but the life did not leave you and you continue to search for a way to live it.
Aug 16 2015, 7:32 PM
Dawn L: I see. So it is a process of going to stay for awhile then coming out?
Lisa Cardo: Parents idealize us more than siblings do.
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Carol Ann: It’s different for everyone Lisa. You might go and then find the right place the first time.
Aug 16 2015, 7:34 PM
SrSusan (guest): Good reflections- seems a sibling can give us a reasonable and accurate picture of ourselves but still they can’t know if we have a vocation. And in discernment we don’t always know if we truly have one to the particular place chosen
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Lisa C: Of course a sibling cannot know if we have a vocation, but I think they know our frailties so they could think we are too imperfect.
Aug 16 2015, 7:35 PM
SrSusan (guest): And even if you do select the right place,no guarantee it will always be ther- Monasteries etc close- so God leads you along again
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Lisa C: Jesus does not need us to be perfect, but people tend to think of nuns as really perfec7:36 PM
Lisa C: Jesus wants us to try to be perfect though.
Aug 16 2015, 7:36 PM
Judy K: The decision to enter was easy. It came to me when I was about 8 or 9 years old and geared my life in that direction. Leaving was another story. I was not cut out for the order I entered but never realized that the ministries of the congregation did not jive with personality. Looking back, I realize that the life showed me that community life for me. While I enjoy being with people, I prefer to live alone. Even when my mom was still alive, I knew that when she died that I would not look for a roomate.
Aug 16 2015, 7:36 PM
Carol Ann: That’s true Lisa. I think it’s hard for people to accept that Religious are also still human
Judy K: When I finally left, I had lost 30 lbs because I was sick from anxiety.
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Judy K: I was extremely introverted and was content to listen to the others during recreation. But I was chastised by the superior for “not participating.” That was kind of hard since those sitting at the table were all facing away from me. I guess I just did not fit in.
Carol Ann: We are a lot alike Judy, though I find myself wanting people, I need the silence too
Aug 16 2015, 7:38 PM
Carol Ann: I ca relate to that too, Judy
Aug 16 2015, 7:38 PM
SrSusan (guest): Just as human as before they entered! but need to grow as we all do
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SrSusan (guest): I think one of the biggest disapointments for new members is the frail humanity of the other membersPM
Lisa C: Mother, really? I would think it would be more of a relief.
Aug 16 2015, 7:40 PM
SrSusan (guest): Depends on how you are discovering the frailty!
Carol Ann: Are you sure we didn’t visit the same place, Judy? haha
Aug 16 2015, 7:42 PM
SrSusan (guest): Read St Therese or any saint’s life and you will see the same situations
Carol Ann: You are so right Sr Susan, on both counts. St Faustina was given a very hard time too
Aug 16 2015, 7:43 PM
Ruth (guest): Hello everyone, I’ve just been catching up. Had to finish an e-mail to my new “boss.”
2015, 7:43 PM
Lisa C: Weakness is usually due to fear, 7:45 PM
Ruth (guest): Lots of smiles on my face as I read what you’ve been writing.
Aug 16 2015, 7:46 PM
Lisa Cardo: I am signed in twice not sure how to get back to one
Aug 16 2015, 7:46 PM
Dawn L: well, you can both be here haha
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Lisa C: I was watching a program about the universe when I fell asleep and when I woke up I began thinking that having a vocation was like the Big Bang in reverse.
Aug 16 2015, 7:48 PM
Judy K: Bouncing to the third question. When I first answered it, I said that I thought I was mistaken in my discernment. But I realized that I was not mistaken. I believe that the Lord had a purpose in leading me to that particular congregation and I learned many lessons that stay with me today, especially my love for prayer and seeking union with Jesus. After I left, I felt like a fish out of water for 35 years.
Lisa C: The universe and everything in it came from a singularity which we all know is God and everything is moving away from that point and expanding out into space. A vocation is like the universe reaching critical mass and collapsing back in on itself and having everything in your world go back to its beginning.
Aug 16 2015, 7:50 PM
Lisa C: It is like all time before that is spent going away from what we all had the minute we were conceived.
Aug 16 2015, 7:50 PM
Judy K: And then I followed a strong desire to enter another type of consecrated life (Secular Institute) and was there for 12 years but had to leave when I lost my financial stability when I left my job and could not find another job. Fortunately, the priest assistant for the group concurred with my desire for the vowed life and I made private vows. That was 7 years ago. I am quite sure now that I am where the Lord wants me to be.
Lisa C: St John of the Cross talks about going beyond meditation to the point of just gazing at God.
Aug 16 2015, 7:52 PM
Ruth (guest): Wow! Lisa. Big bang in reverse!
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Lisa C: It made me realize that we all have had everything from the beginning and all we need to do is go backwards :53 PM
Dawn L: good explanation Lisa in way I have not thought of
Aug 16 2015, 7:53 PM
Carol Ann: That is a beautiful meditation Lisa
Aug 16 2015, 7:53 PM
Judy K: Lisa, I love that concept of just gazing at God. Several years ago, I reached a point where I not longer wanted a discursive meditation but just wanted to sit in His presence.
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SrSusan (guest): And that’s exactly what St Jane de Chantal said all Visitandine prayer will be eventually- a simple gaze on God
Aug 16 2015, 7:54 PM
Ruth (guest): Aren’t we, in some way or other, even as we journey always where the Lord wants us, as long as we are avoiding sin and seeking HIM?
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Lisa C: Mother that was why I wanted to find her works. I saw a quote of her saying that. 5 PM
Lisa C: It was lining up with the Carmelite writings.
Aug 16 2015, 7:56 PM
Lisa C: It is so simple that we all can do it. The hard part is getting rid of all the distractions of the world.
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Lisa C: That is why being a contemplative is so amazing. It is all geared to do that. PM
Judy K: Ruth, I think that there is some truth in what you say. But we need to be moving toward a goal. It could be possible for someone to just keep on journeying and never reaching a goal.
Carol Ann: And helping people unlearn the notion that contemplative prayer is not from for everyone
Aug 16 2015, 7:57 PM
Ruth (guest): I had a public school former Math teacher – librarian friend I used to write to after I had to change schools. He would send me or recommend for me good books.
6 online
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Ruth (guest): Judy, CHRIST is the goal. Union with Him. Obeying God. LOVING well.
Aug 16 2015, 7:58 PM
Lisa C: The most peaceful pray I have ever had is empty prayer gazing at God.
Aug 16 2015, 7:58 PM
Ruth (guest): The particulars vary as we journey.
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Ruth (guest): Mr. Joe Fisher, my former Math teacher, once wrote to me: Maybe your vocation is to spend your life seeking your vocation.
Aug 16 2015, 7:59 PM
Dawn L: most difficult for me is….surrendering. I may know that is the goal, but it is the rocky path getting there
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Lisa C: It’s like having everything go back to God. If we are with God nothing else matters. There is nothing else to surrender.
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Lisa C: Mother, if you get there nothing else matters.
Aug 16 2015, 8:01 PM
Carol Ann: Dawn, it does get easier with time. Not the path, but the surrender. I worry less about the details now than I did before and am more open to change
Aug 16 2015, 8:01 PM
Ruth (guest): That was a little disturbing at the time. It would be so much more comfortable to just KNOW that we are in the particular role that God wants us in: married, religious, single. But somehow that wise teacher seemed to be right.
Aug 16 2015, 8:01 PM
SrSusan (guest): And if He wants something else- He lets you know-
Aug 16 2015, 8:01 PM
Dawn L: In theory, its understandable. But God has a singular path for each of us…this is my theory
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Judy K: Hi Sister Mary Roberta!
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Dawn L: hi Sr Mary Roberta
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Hello!
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Lisa C: Mother, I think it is interesting that all the things I would worry about fall away, because they become meaningless if everything is going to be centered on God.
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Lisa C: Hi Sister
5, 8:03 PM
Lisa C: Mother, I think it is interesting that all the things I would worry about fall away, because they become meaningless if everything is going to be centered on God.
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Lisa C: Hi Sister
Aug 16 2015, 8:03 PM
Ruth (guest): Dawn, yes. But that path CAN be a winding one, even one with detours and what really matters most is not so much what the path is like but WHO we are traveling with.
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Lisa C: I am down to traumatizing my pets
Dawn L: ….”only one thing is necessary”. this has been repeating in me
Aug 16 2015, 8:04 PM
Judy K: I guess that’s why Jesus tells us not to worry about what we are to eat or what we are to wear, because our Heavenly Father knows that we need those things. But we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto us.
Aug 16 2015, 8:04 PM
Ruth (guest): Hello Sr. Mary Roberta.
Aug 16 2015, 8:04 PM
Lisa C: They did not take me being in Afghanistan well
Aug 16 2015, 8:05 PM
Guest7302 (guest): Sister Mary Berchmans
Aug 16 2015, 8:05 PM
Lisa C: Hi Mother MB
Aug 16 2015, 8:05 PM
Dawn L: I remember you saying that once Mother and it as very consoling to hear!
Aug 16 2015, 8:05 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: So Sister knew that God was loving her in a special way by putting her wherever she happened to be.
Aug 16 2015, 8:05 PM
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Mary Roberta Viano: Holy Father SFdS wrote in his Conference on Simplicity: “God’s guidance is nothing but obedience [i.e., to His will], and all else is mere deception.”
Aug 16 2015, 8:07 PM
Carol Ann: My director has to remind me that Jesus said birds have nests and foxes have dens, but the Son of Man has no where to rest His head” and so not to be surprised that I am bouncing around
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SrSusan (guest): How has your experience then been re this question: Have you felt you were going in one direction and then suddenly God pulls you in another? :08 PM
Ruth (guest): I like that Carol Ann.
Aug 16 2015, 8:08 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: bouncing around in God’s service, though, Carol Ann! That’s a great kind of “bouncing around!”
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Carol Ann: Sometimes I feel like a little commando. jump in, do a job, get pulled out…
Aug 16 2015, 8:09 PM
Dawn L: yes, enough that I don’t really count on my own plans
Aug 16 2015, 8:09 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, Sr. Susan. I think so. But only as regards the externals — like this new job. Totally unexpected a few weeks ago.
Aug 16 2015, 8:09 PM
Judy K: On Friday night, we Salesian Cooperators had a reception for the newly commissioned Salesian Lay Missioners. They are men and women, some young and some not so young. They just completed their orientation and will be leaving with the next month or so for places like Viet Nam, South Sudan, Cochabamba, Bolivia and other places. I do admire their courage to be leaving their comfort zones and heading for places that are truly poor.
Aug 16 2015, 8:10 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Well, God called me in the direction of marriage for 33 years and now religious life, and the same with Holy Mother St. Jane de Chantal.
Judy K: Now that’s trust! Please keep them in your prayers. It is not easy for them to adjust to their assignments.
Aug 16 2015, 8:10 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s inspiring, Judy1
Aug 16 2015, 8:11 PM
Lisa C: It does not feel so much like a pull anymore and now it feels more like He is holding my hand and guiding me.
Aug 16 2015, 8:12 PM
Lisa C: It feels more like the world is pulling me away from Him.
Aug 16 2015, 8:12 PM
Guest7302 (guest): Thanks for the welcome. Our Cardinal has asked us to prepare for the Pope’s visit by “walking with Francis.” We can do this by prayer, service, and inviting others to join us in this effort. One of our Sisters suggested today, that we simply put more intentional meaning in all that we do each day and offer our duties, responsibilities, etc. as a prayer. We need to pray that his visit will be grace-bearing for all of us in America.
Aug 16 2015, 8:12 PM
Dawn L: wonderful …lay missonaries. How long will be be there?
Aug 16 2015, 8:13 PM
Judy K: One of our cooperators built the most beautiful fire I have ever seen. I see it as a symbol of the fire ignited within these missionaries. They are usually there for one or two years. And can renew their commitment.
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Judy K: Now that’s trust! Please keep them in your prayers. It is not easy for them to adjust to their assignments.
Aug 16 2015, 8:10 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s inspiring, Judy1
Lisa C: It does not feel so much like a pull anymore and now it feels more like He is holding my hand and guiding me.
Aug 16 2015, 8:12 PM
Lisa C: It feels more like the world is pulling me away from Him.
Ruth (guest): In our church bulletin was also a call for people to pray the rosary every day, for the a culture of family life, protection of life etc from now through the visit of the pope.
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Judy K: Yes, there is a 54 day Rosary novena which began yesterday for those intentions.\ PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s good, Ruth! So everyone can do SOMETHING to advance the culture of life. Praying the rosary is powerful!
Aug 16 2015, 8:15 PM
SrSusan (guest): Yes Our Sisters in Toledo mentioned that rosary on their Facebook page
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Dawn L: is this rosary novena online to join?
Aug 16 2015, 8:16 PM
Carol Ann: I have not heard of that novena
Aug 16 2015, 8:17 PM
Dawn L: or, can look at the sisters FB page
Aug 16 2015, 8:17 PM
Judy K: I actually don’t know. I have to think about where I read it.
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Ruth (guest): 54 day “novena” I’d heard that, too. Like 6 novenas in one.
Aug 16 2015, 8:18 PM
SrSusan (guest): Diocese of Toledo Joins in National 54 Day Rosary Novena
The Diocese of Toledo is joining hundreds of thousands of people of all ages across the United States for the 2015 National 54 Day Rosary Novena. This novena’s primary intention is “For Family and Marriage.” Bishop Daniel Thomas is asking every member of the Diocese to pray the rosary every day during the 54-day novena (August 15-October 7) for the intention of holy marriages and holy families
Aug 16 2015, 8:19 PM
Guest7302 (guest): In the Washington, D.C. effort there is also an emphasis on service – they speak of a “Walk with Francis Service Pledge” and hope to have thousands of people join in the effort. Catholic Charities is involved in furthering this effort.
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Mary Roberta Viano: It’s exciting to think Pope Francis will be here among us in the States in about a month!
Aug 16 2015, 8:20 PM
Ruth (guest): I just checked out the link. Thank you! I wish I’d known these sisters when I was living in Toledo.
Aug 16 2015, 8:21 PM
SrSusan (guest): In answer to this question (Where is He leading you right now?)I think it’s to prepare for his visit and the family synod in general,and in aprticular to continue our discernment walk with Him as we join in this larger movement
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Mary Roberta Viano: The ABC network was interviewing parishioners this morning at the parish nearest us about what they expect from the Pope’s visit.
Aug 16 2015, 8:21 PM
Dawn L: Are any of you ( sisters) going to attend any of Pope Francis visit?
Aug 16 2015, 8:21 PM
Judy K: He certainly has a special something about him that attracts people to him. If only more would be attracted to the Church through him.
Aug 16 2015, 8:22 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: I know some of our students are hoping to go.
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Dawn L: Are any of you ( sisters) going to attend any of Pope Francis visit?
Aug 16 2015, 8:21 PM
Judy K: He certainly has a special something about him that attracts people to him. If only more would be attracted to the Church through him.
Aug 16 2015, 8:22 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: I know some of our students are hoping to go.
Aug 16 2015, 8:22 PM
SrSusan (guest): We are waiting to see how many tickets we will get for the NYC visit
Aug 16 2015, 8:22 PM
SrSusan (guest): last time it was only one ticket, when Pope Benedict came
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Guest7302 (guest): The third emphasis in D.C. is to take action on behalf of those in need – something we can do through prayer certainly and the rosary sounds like a great idea. Taking action to change injustices is also very important.
Aug 16 2015, 8:23 PM
Judy K: I generally think that it is better to watch on TV since you will probably get a better view from home.
Aug 16 2015, 8:23 PM
Lisa C: When the Pope came to Catholic University it was pretty easy to get tickets at least to be outside.
Aug 16 2015, 8:24 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: We saw Pope Benedict (close as he passed in his popemobile) in our city’s Nat’s stadium when he visited a few years ago.
Aug 16 2015, 8:24 PM
Lisa C: I was able to get one to be at the White House too
Aug 16 2015, 8:24 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: That’s exciting, Lisa!
Aug 16 2015, 8:25 PM
Ruth (guest): I think maybe it is time for me to get a TV — or maybe I can watch at the Adult Center. Others will be drawn in that way.
Aug 16 2015, 8:25 PM
Lisa C: I would call the Basilica if you want tickets they will likely have them at least outside
Aug 16 2015, 8:25 PM
Dawn L: Lisa, you mean now when Pope Francis comes, that is exciting
Aug 16 2015, 8:25 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: I think Pope Francis will “wake up” a lot of Americans to Christ when he’s with us1
Aug 16 2015, 8:25 PM
Lisa C: Dawn no last time
Aug 16 2015, 8:26 PM
Dawn L: still exciting
Aug 16 2015, 8:26 PM
Lisa C: Dawn I think more exciting
8:26 PM
Judy K: Let us pray that our dear Lord will keep him safe during this journey. I fear for his life when there are so many terrorist factions who want to eradicate Christianity from the world.
Aug 16 2015, 8:28 PM
Ruth (guest): I suspect that he does not fear for his life. Didn’t he say something about thinking his papacy would be a short one?
Aug 16 2015, 8:28 PM
Dawn L: this is good prayer Judy. Prayer our Holy Mother will spread her mantle of protection around him!
Aug 16 2015, 8:28 PM
Judy K: Yes, Dawn.
Dawn L: hard to express on chat….forget a comma and its whole different meaning!
Aug 16 2015, 8:29 PM
Ruth (guest): Yes, let us pray for him. But let us fear nothing but sin.
Aug 16 2015, 8:30 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, Ruth. SFdS, like Pope Francis, says: “We should abandon and submit our whole sould, our actions, and our successes to the good pleasure of God by a love of perfect and entire obedience,…”
Aug 16 2015, 8:30 PM
Dawn L: I meant this is good, to pray, Judy….hahaha
Aug 16 2015, 8:30 PM
Guest7302 (guest): I see in Pope Francis many of the traits of our St. Francis de Sales – love of the people, service to those in need of spiritual support, being kind, gentle and full of mercy – to mention just a few.
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Lisa C: Mother is that because of the Sisters staying at the Vatican?
Aug 16 2015, 8:31 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: especially since his own great-niece Sophia will be in our Visitation school, starting as a freshman…
Aug 16 2015, 8:31 PM
Judy K: Have a blessed week, Everyone! Let us pray for each other also.
Aug 16 2015, 8:32 PM
Carol Ann: And as we pray for each other we can pray for our Popes
Aug 16 2015, 8:32 PM
Guest7302 (guest): I think he knows our Sisters in Argentina – we were told that he even helped them move into a new monastery – carrying furniture, etc.!!!
Aug 16 2015, 8:32 PM
Mary Roberta Viano: Blessing and prayers for all this coming week! Good night!
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Ruth (guest): That relying on God’s mercy does not mean failure to use ordinary, practical prudence, though. I am trying to do that with regard to my new apartment in Albany — avoid, as far as possible, dangerous travel.