Celebrate!

From Sr. Anne Marie
On Epiphany, January the second this year, all the sisters from the Northern Province were invited to our home in Grand Rapids for a party. We cherish these times together, both for the camaraderie, and for the chance to share spiritually in the goodness of each of our sisters.

Sr. Mary Brigid and I had volunteered to cook... The cooking skills of both of us are legendary in the sense that burning cold cereal is listed as an unusual talent in our files. "I had better pray an act of contrition," said Sr. M. Carmelita when we told her who was responsible for the food. Nevertheless, we managed, with the help of our guardian angels, to put a hot meal on the table that everyone enjoyed. The squash wasn't hard, the ham wasn't dry, the potatoes weren't cold, and the corn wasn't wrinkled. For me, that was miraculous! Thanks be to God!

After we ate, we played games! Sr. Mary Brigid had an idea several weeks before. We took some boxes, and some wrapping paper that couldn't be used, and paired the sisters off. "The best wrapping job wins," said Sr. M. Gabriela. "But," as the sisters started grabbing for the scissors and tape, "you may each only use one hand." The ensuing chaos was so hilarious that it was only topped by the excitement over the judging of the final products. Sr. Maria Giuseppe and Sr. Maria Goretti won, hands down.

Music is always a part of our celebrations. We sang in English, French, Spanish, Hawaiian, Tagalog, and Ebo. Our voices ebbed and flowed in rounds, in traditional carols, and in lullabies. We sang to the Three Kings, to the Child of our Dreams, to the Shepherds, and to the Sweet Mother whose feast begins each new year. Blessed New Year to all!