Celebrating the End of Advent

Greetings,

Last night we began our celebration of Sr. DeChantal's life with a wake service at vespers.  Already, the altar was dressed in preparation for her funeral today.  At lauds we continued our prayer for Sister and all who loved her, and it was noticed that many of the sisters had already dressed in preparation for her funeral later this morning.  Yes, they were wearing the proscribed black jacket and dress or skirt, but it was the prevalence of purple that was most noticeable. 

Sister enjoyed the color purple.  After changing out of the habit, her closet became a veritable rainbow of purple and violet.  This morning at lauds, many of the sisters were remembering and celebrating Sister and wearing purple beneath their jacket or in their skirt.  Nature also joined the celebration.  The wild phlox that grows on the bluffs of our monastery hill burst into full bloom this week.  Sister Sacristan has gathered them up to beautiful bouquets in the sanctuary and around the altar.

All this purple, the color of Advent, to commemorate her 104 years and to honor her over 80 years of monastic profession.  We celebrate with her the end of her long Advent and the joy of her life with Christ.

Blessings,