The rainy weather outside might have stopped our outdoor Palm Sunday procession but it didn't stop the beauty of our liturgy inside. We gathered in our lounge for the blessing of the palms and the reading of the Gospel. We then processed around the cloister walk into our chapel. It was beautiful to hear the instrumental music and then, as the procession progressed, the beauty of our voices joining the organ in song. As we begin this holy week, we are reminded that we walk the way of the cross with Jesus so that we might also rise with him. May we be faithful to the journey before us.
This weekend we had special guests that joined us for the Palm Sunday liturgy. Twelve students from St. Bede's Academy in Peru, Illinois, spent the weekend with us. Their chaplain, Fr. Ronald Margheiro, OSB, brought them for a Benedictine Hospitality Weekend.
They joined us for meals, prayer and Mass. Five of our sisters shared the Benedictine charism with them through conversations about prayer, work, community, hospitality and stewardship. Sisters also served as their prayer partners . They had the opportunity to participate in service as they helped us clean out flower beds at the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center. On Friday evening they joined the community for recreation and then on Saturday evening they enjoyed a movie with some of the sisters. A fun trip to downtown Indy was also on the schedule with a stop at Steak & Shake for a treat.
They were delightful young men and women and so much fun to be with. My prayer for each of them is that they may continue to grow in the love of Christ and neighbor.
