Sixty-seven years ago I was at my home across from Pleasure
Isle on Kentucky 17*, making arrangements in preparation for entering St.
Walburg Monastery. I had my trunk, my black shoes, my black stockings and my
aprons. I had my new Bible and a Missal given to me by my pastor, Father Charles
A. Towel who along with Sr. Ancille Happe, was very influential in my becoming
a nun.
As I
began writing this post it came to me that I have never once, in these
sixty-seven years, doubted or questioned my vocation even during difficult
times. That insight came to me as a surprise and as a gift because I often
question myself. I say, “I should have done thar “ or “I should not have done
this” or “I wish I had or I wish I hadn’t.”
Every
day I grow more grateful for my life as a Benedictine sister. I thank God and
my community, family, friends and all who have been part of my life. I finish
this post a song comes to me uninvited, “How Can I Keep from Singing!”
Sr. Justina Franxman, OSB
*For more information about Pleasure Isle, a well know Northern Kentucky pool and picnic area, see http://kentoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/data/documents/January-February-2006.pdf, p. 6.
Dear Sister thank you for this good post and the strength of your witness, I did not know this hymn, and I shall probably use it for my classes, many thanks always and God bless OSB
ReplyDeleteAlso "Thanks" for the post. I often think "Wow look at all God has given me in my life." True - "How can I keep from singing the praises of our God and His Providence."
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