The novices attended the Christmas party at the Grayhouse, a non-profit agency that provides English tutoring, food, and clothing for immigrants. During the fall months, we tutor there once a week. The tutors and clients gathered for delicious Puerto Rican food and good company, and it was a fun event!
We continued to celebrate as we went to a local shrine, Our Lady of LaSallette, to see the lights display there. Many of the light displays were religious, depicting angels, Scripture verses, and the Holy Family. We enjoyed a quiet afternoon there beforehand. Later that week, we helped the local hospice with their fundraiser, wrapping presents in the mall for a donation. We dressed up in the colors of the season and wrapped boxes of all shapes and sizes for a good cause!
In commemoration of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the novices attended a Spanish Mass at a nearby parish. Many Mexican-Americans came to the Mass to celebrate the patronage of Our Lady under this title. The Mass included Aztec dancers, a Mariachi band, as well as songs and cheers at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The children came dressed in their native garb, and took pictures in front of the picture of Mary. The people believe that a special blessing comes from Our Lady if you pray by her image on this day.
The novitiate hosted an Open House, and invited all the sisters on the property to come. Nineteen sisters came for appetizers, games, and a good time! Some of us in the house attended Christmas at Greccio, a night of prayer and preparation for Christmas planned by the Conventual friars. It explained the Franciscan origins of the Christmas creche, and included live animals, a play, and a holy hour. The sisters who went were edified by the experience.
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