DIVINE MERCY
We are preparing for the Feast of Divine Mercy. How the world needs God's mercy at this time! Saint Faustina was basically a contemporary, 1905-1933, and the prayer style given to her to share with us probably brought many through World War 11. May it bring us through our times of trial.

DIVINE OFFICE
Preparing the Divine Office is a holy task and it is best to immerse oneself in prayer. The selection of opening hymns, if Spirit led, will match the reading or psalm in theme and help to keep all recollected when they are prayed. Special feasts are always more difficult with a variety of prayer books and hymnals but they are usually powerful.

APRIL 4, 2002
Polyphonic chant truly raises the inner spirit to another realm, even with elderly and untrained voices singing! This Easter season provides many musical opportunities for us as a community. We had our talented lay musician come to practice with us. Trained in a music conservatory in Europe, she is a very talented and professional musician and raises our capacities to new heights. Although in the past I have been reminded of the movie "Sister Act" as we redoubled our efforts, now I always recollect a prayer image a novice had several years ago. No matter what kind of crooked note emanated, she imagined each passing through Our Lord as the note made its way to heaven, inevitably becoming a perfect note and sound.

APRIL 3, 2002
My eighth grade class is still planning on a reunion. Being cloistered I will not be able to attend, but I can certainly share in their day of memories with prayer. The religious school I attended was no doubt the early influence on my vocation as a religious, although it took many years before I made the decision.
It's a sunny day today, filled with the sweet smell of the lilies. They cover our altar too. This easter Octave is one long Easter day, with the Easter Sunday Liturgy of the Hours being sung or chanted the entire week. How blessed we are!

APRIL 2, 2002
Lord, I write this for Your Glory!
Easter Sunday was glorious with the reception of our new novice. We celebrated yesterday with daffodils at her place at table and a special Eucharist for her intentions.
These two days after Easter are recreation days, when we speak throughout the day as opposed to keeping a recollected silence.
Our "alleluias" resound in the choir with such joy yet we remain conscious of the state our world is in.