It was a day in February 2014 when snow began to fall, a rarity in Mississippi, the last being in 2011. For our two Filipina sisters, who all their lives knew only two seasons – summer and rainy (or dry and wet) – even a little bit of snow was more than enough to put a smile on their faces (first snow experience of our dear Sr.Malou). The snowfall served as a treat for them, a luxury they fully enjoyed as the two took photos and videos of themselves, and throwing snow at each other like little children,and somewhat oblivious to the biting cold air(16 degrees fahrenheit).
If the snow in Jackson didn’t last for a day, a snow storm, however, hit the other parts of the country. On April 28, nearby cities in Mississippi were hit by 12 tornadoes in one day, sparing Jackson. But just like anything else, this, too, had passed. As St. Pius of Pietrelcina once said, “Do not fear the storm that roars about you because in proportion to the rigidity of the winter, the spring will be more beautiful and richer in flowers.” Indeed, in early March, spring flowers started to bloom, and eventually created a carpet of purple, white, yellow, pink and red that covered and adorned the grounds of the monastery.
As Easter approached, the trees, bushes, grass, vines, etc. yielded attractive and some sweet-smelling flowers. How awesome is God’s creation! Their beauty inspired us to preserve these flowers as they dried up and make them into greeting cards. Our two towering canopy of Magnolia trees provided us with the flowers that served as decorations for the chapel. They showed off their fragrant blooms, their sweet-smelling fragrance filling every corner of the chapel. Every one who entered the chapel couldn’t help but notice it; it was indeed a feast to the senses. Even our chaplain was amused to see grand magnolias in full bloom.
Our sacristan, Sr. Jane, started to work in the garden to prepare the soil for summer. She decorated our courtyard with some beautiful perennial flowers. The flowers exploded in colors of pink, magenta, white and rainbow, their exquisite beauty bringing life to an otherwise plain surrounding. She has also been planting tomatoes, melons, peppers, onions, and mint herbs for our cooking needs. Sr. Donna, our gift shop “supervisor,” will be very delighted to have fresh produce straight from our backyard as she is our dedicated provisor.
Sr. Joan, with her creative hands, is getting ready with her souvenir giveaways for the joyful celebration of the great feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel this July. On this day, the world will be united in giving honor to our Blessed Mother Mary. The Holy Mass will be concelebrated by three of our bishops at the monastery chapel. More blessings and graces to our faithful Secular Discalced Carmelites who will be coming from different cities to participate with us on this particular occasion. Filipinos from Couples for Christ, a Catholic Charismatic Community, will join us as well.
Last February 6, 2014, after 177 years, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed another Pennsylvanian to lead our diocese. He is Most Reverend Joseph Kopacz, D.D., Ph.D. from the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained and installed as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Jackson. We are also blessed to have two Norbertine priests from India to serve in the diocese.
We are, however, not at all left alone for our little Sr. Therese (Sr. Lourdes John Therese), whom we call Sr. Malou (short for Maria Lourdes), is staying with us for some more time. She is helping in the monthly distribution of altar bread to the different parishes in Mississippi.
United with you in prayer.
your sisters in Jackson Carmel.
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