As we begin a week of festivities in honor of our patron saint, here at St. Anne's, I thought I would share a poem I wrote some years ago about her and her husband, St. Joachim.  More recently, I've set it to music.  I may have a use for it sometime this week here at St. Anne's.

I hope you enjoy it!

Saints Anne and Joachim, please pray for us!

On a day when the scripture readings centered around visitors, travelers, and hospitality, I got to experience related blessings on a personal level.
 
Last evening, I was working at the reception desk and got a phone call: “What would you do if two Sisters came in around nine-thirty?”  To this I responded, “I would welcome them, and attend to their needs.”  (Perhaps the story of Abraham, which I had been preparing for the morrow’s non-denominational service for our residents inspired this answer.) 
 
Two of our Sisters would be passing through on their way to a celebration at Mt. Carmel, ND the next morning.  They would spend the night. 
 
A little while later, another call came from Hankinson, in which I was invited to travel with them for the event. 
 
Having a number of commitments planned, I said that it probably wouldn’t work, but that I would think about it. 
 
Everything fell neatly into place, and I was able to go.  Residents did a beautiful job taking care of the sacristy for me, for example. 
 
On the way, we past numerous fields of canola.  It was striking!  It made a person almost envy those living in the vicinity for the beauty that surrounded them. 
 
I am grateful for a much needed getaway! 
 
When I got back, feeling a little bad for missing the non-denominational service after all (since we didn’t get back on time), I led a little hymn-singing session in the front lobby.  I was at the front desk, and so could not do a service in chapel. 
 
I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with the people there, and appreciate those who made this getaway possible. 
 
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, please pray for us!

This morning, after Mass, Father stopped us in the kitchen, saying that we should sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Sr. Elaine.  I had prayed for her in the petitions at Mass.  We even sang the second verse, and, no, I don’t mean “How old are you…”  The second verse that we usually use in our community is: “May the dear Lord bless you, and His Blessed Mother, too.  May the Angels in heaven watch over you!” 
 
The priest at Mass, just minutes before, had alluded to the angels in his homily, reflecting briefly on the first reading (Isaiah’s vision in the temple). 
 
A little while later, Sister Elaine came to the front desk to relieve me so I could go on an errand downtown.  Just then, two ladies who attend Mass here frequently, came in. 
 
They, too, had taken note that it was Sister’s special day; they had gone out and brought back a beautiful strawberry cream cake and a flavored coffee. 
 
I think it made her day! 
 
Please join me in asking the angels in heaven to watch over her in a special way!

This morning’s gospel reading about the call of St. Matthew resonated with me on a personal level, as I sat in chapel.  I had planned to sleep in, after working a third night shift within a week’s time, but I woke up and was wide awake; my clock told me it was close to 5:30 a.m.
 
This morning’s gospel told of how Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector, from his post.  This was the beginning of a whole new life for this former government employee.  You could say, he “did a 180.” 
 
I, too, have experienced a turnaround recently, and not just in my sleep schedule! 
 
I’ve been having a hard time lately, facing various challenges; it’s been a tough stretch. 
 
Yesterday, though, an unexpected conversation with our administrator was a game-changer.  Some issues were covered, and I came away with a fresh outlook on life.  With a special grace from above (yes, I’ve sure been praying), I did a 180! 
 
Often the work of our Divine Physician, who came “to seek and save what was lost” is accomplished through the simple things of life, even in something as unpretentious as good communication.