Hi Everyone! This is Sr. Blogger Marie 🙂 I am “pinch-blogging” this week. Things have been really busy here at OLS. But we didn’t forget about you all. We have just been temporarily detained from our computers lately. Unfortunately our cats haven’t been chasing the right mice. As you can see from the picture here our cat Fatty is more enthralled with Sr. Fidelis’ computer mouse than the ones we found leaving their “trail” in our house. Yes, we have had to do a bunch of house cleaning this week. We aren’t sure exactly what is suddenly bringing the little rodents inside. Perhaps it’s the crisp Fall weather we have begun experiencing. (Phew, what a relief the cooler weather has been. I am talking Arizona cool – mid 80’s) Or, as most people have told us, the mice are just part of desert living.

Regardless of why they are coming in, we are so grateful to our dutiful friar brothers, Fr. Dominic and Br. Pio, who worked diligently to seal off any openings or pathways the critters could be using to get access to our little abode. Fr. Dominic and Br. Pio came out for a week from Alabama to visit us and they were happy to help out wherever needed. We appreciated their help, but even more we enjoyed their fellowship. They brought an extra dose of Franciscan joy to us. Thank you Fr. Dominic and Br. Pio for everything! Can’t wait till your next trip West.

Speaking of Franciscan joy, on the 25th we began the novena to Our Holy Father Francis in preparation for his feastday on the 4th. Actually we will begin, in Franciscan fashion, by celebrating on the eve of the 3rd with the Transitus, which is the commemoration of the death of St. Francis. We are remembering in a special way the intentions of those who submitted prayers to us for the novena.

I just remembered something. This is totally off the subject and really a random “factoid” but our garden is still producing. A couple ears of corn were finally ready for picking the other day. They were (literally) about 4 inches long, but we boiled them up and they were tender and yummy. These little fruits of the earth continue to show us God’s providence toward His children. I think St. Francis would be pleased.

It was so fun being with you! But I have to get going. Being about the “Father’s business” is always eventful and exciting. 🙂 Sr. Mary Blogger will be back again next week. I am sure she will have lots to share.

As always, you remain in our prayers before Jesus. Thanks for all your love and support. May Our Holy Father St. Francis intercede for you and your intentions. -Sr. Blogger Marie