Working in Minnesota
We’ve taken a break from our long journey and have returned to the “States” to help some friends with their business in Minnesota. It is a change for us for we have gotten used to constantly traveling. So for another month we will be working here in Rochester for a short stay and then will be off to England and slowly making our way back to Turkey and the boat. While here we have enjoyed our friends and other acquaintances and have been active in the community.
Hanging out with friends
I’ve gravitated towards the Franciscan community here. The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Lourdes have their Motherhouse here in Rochester. They are a spunky group of ladies. I asked to join their choir and now am joyfully singing and practicing with them. Their music director is very talented and loves his music. It is a joy to sing with and be in the presence of these saintly ladies with their beautiful voices and choice of music.
Chapel of the Franciscan Motherhouse
Chapel inside Motherhouse
Some choir members
I have been homesick for my fraternity brothers and sisters, but while in Rochester I thought I would visit the local St. Louis Fraternity of the SFO. I had visited them the last time I was in Rochester. So, I knew where they would be meeting. They meet at St. John’s Church in the downtown area. They have a beautiful modern building and a smaller chapel, where we met to say evening prayer.
Statuary in St. John Church, Rochester
Altar in Chapel, St. John Church, Rochester
We prayed the Liturgy of the Hours here and then went to a basement room for the fraternity meeting.
Cross in Chapel of St. John Church, Rochester
At this meeting, Shawn was welcomed official as a candidate to the order. This always brings warm and fond memories to me of other Franciscan celebrations.
Some St. Louis Fraternity members
Shawn's official welcoming to the SFO, St. Louis Fraternity
I feel very fortunate to be a part of these local groups. They bring great joy to me in so many ways. I have much to be thankful for at this time of Thanksgiving.
Soon, we will be returning to Turkey via a slower route through England and possibly Italy and Greece. We will be slowing down a bit for a while or maybe not. We’ll keep everyone informed of our travels. God Bless!
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