Thanksgiving at St. Joseph's

It’s been a while since we’ve shared pictures from one of our Gaudeamus Days - those special occasions of celebration when the usual monastic silence gives way to all-day chatting, laughing, singing, and general Sisterly camaraderie! Thanksgiving is one such day, when we lift our grateful hearts to God and delight in the gifts He has given us in such abundance, while remembering and lifting up in prayer those struggling with poverty, family strife, or grief during this season.

Enjoy the pictures below, and join us in thanking the Lord and begging His blessings on those in need!

Sr. Miriam Esther brings out the main course!

Gathered around our Thanksgiving table in the Holy Family Wing recreation room

Sisters Bethany Marie and Isabel Maria regaled us with their rendition of “The Banana Song” after dinner. Impressive costumes, no? Fun fact: the yellow habits are from the days when our community used to bake altar breads. Since all the flour would make a mess of black habits, the host-room Sisters would don lighter garb for their work!

After our feast, we needed to get out for some exercise - here’s a group that decided to take a hike to the “Dinosaur Tree” in our woods!

“Grant eternal life, O Lord, to all who have done good to us for Your sake. Amen.”

— Prayer recited by the Sisters after every meal