Today, we went to the Capuchine Sisters Convent to offer prayers for the second death anniversary of my aunt. The convent was closed and is not open to the public any day of the week. I needed to talk to one of the sisters regarding the prayer offering  and I found a door at the left side of the chapel that lead to revolving wooden window. There was an instruction for visitors to ring the bell in case they need to talk to one of the sisters. The day to day schedule of the sisters is also posted near the window. I rang the bell once and the revolving window moved. I heard the sister greet me , but I did not see her face. She informed me , that members of her congregation are  not allowed to show their faces to people who comes daily to the convent. I thought  the way they live is similar to a hermit monk, with very limited contact with the outside world. She politely accepted my prayer offering  and I took the opportunity to ask her if we can go and visit the chapel which was locked at the time. The daily mass is at 6:00 a.m. . She told me to wait outside the  chapel and one of the sisters will open the door  for us. We stood at the front door and we heard it being unlocked. The moment we entered, we were greeted by peace, the kind of peace one would never experience in the outside world. The chapel is small , with nine pews, a very simple altar devoid of flowers and decorations and there are two statues, one on each side of the altar. Everything inside the chapel including the floor is made of wood. We noticed a part of the wall where the altar is located is iron grills, partially covered with lace curtains. The reason for the existence of these iron grills is , during the celebration of the mass,  the sisters can be one with the parishioners . Even if there is a wall between them, both sides can hear what is going on during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The sisters attend behind the wall of the altar and the parishioners stay in the chapel itself. As we knelt in prayer , we heard the sisters sang and prayed,  their voices echoed  from the other side of the wall that separated us from them.

Capuchine Sisters Chapel

Wooden revolving window where visitors can talk to the sisters.

Altar

Statue of Saint Claire of Asisi  at the right side of the altar.

 Father’s Day chocolate cake we shared at home today.

To my husband, my Dad and to all fathers in every corner of the world. . . . . .

A  Happy and Blessed Father’s Day !

A Father’s Blessing

Father, I thank you for the gift of my family for whom I now pray amd upon whom I now ask you to shower your blessings. With St. Joseph as my guide, may I always be ready to spend my life for them.

Bless my wife whom you have given to me as my spouse, sharing in your wondrous work of creation. May I see her as my equal and treat her with the love of Christ for his Church. May Mary be her guide and help her to find your peace and your grace.

Bless my children with your life and presence. May the example of your son be the foundation upon which their lives are built, that the Gospel may always be their hope and support.

I ask you , Father, to protect and  bless my family. Watch over it so that in the strength  of your love, it’s members may enjoy properity, possess the gift of your peace and as the Church alive in this home, always bear witness to your glory in the world. Amen                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Painting by Peter Paul Ruben

“So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one whom little is forgiven loves little.”He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”The others at the table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Luke 7: 47-50