Welcoming a New/Old Friend

For years, a large Amish-made grandmother clock stood outside our monastery parlors. It was a great “landmark” when giving people directions around the monastery: “Just wait by the clock!” But when we built the Holy Family Wing, that special timepiece was relocated to our new recreation room, where it now merrily chimes out the quarter-hours day and night. Its former space, a central pillar in the monastery entrance, has been empty for a couple of years - but now, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend, we have a new and very Passionist “landmark” to take its place …

John Schweska, a lay expert and author on St. Gabriel Possenti, has been a friend of the community for years. We had heard the story about an old statue of the Saint that John had rescued from a demolition site nearly a decade ago, and ideas had been floated about him possibly giving it to us. Well, the day finally came a few weeks ago, when John’s friend Peter T. graciously volunteered to drive St. Gabriel down to Whitesville!

A group of Sisters were present to welcome our “old friend” St. Gabriel and see the image set in a place of honor. That evening, the community was also blessed to enjoy a visit with a new friend (Peter). May St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us all - especially our young women in formation!