June 16, 1955

The Sunday Sermon & Iowa Thunderstorm

 

 

 
Dear Diary,

Today was quite an adventure! Sister Mary Claire and I set off for Alton, Iowa, where she promised a big surprise. She kept calling it the Brown Hen Pen, but I have no idea what that means. I'm so curious to find out!

The weather wasn't the best for traveling—it's been pouring rain, with thunder rumbling all around us. But the pickup truck is cozy, and we made the best of it by listening to Bishop Barron's Sunday homily on the radio.

Bishop Barron talked about how people of faith see things differently. They see everything that nonbelievers see, like history and the news, but they also see more—they see the world according to God's plans and purposes. This vision can make spiritual people seem a little crazy to others. He mentioned how all three readings this Sunday touch on this theme, reminding us to keep our faith and look at the world with God's eyes.

I'll tell you all about our adventure tomorrow once we find out what the big surprise is!



Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this day and for keeping us safe on our journey. Thank You for the cozy moments in the pickup truck and for the wisdom we heard in Bishop Barron's homily. Help us to always see the world through Your eyes, understanding Your plans and purposes even when they seem unclear.

Please watch over us tonight and grant us a peaceful sleep. Bless Sister Mary Claire and guide us in all our adventures. Keep us safe from the storm and help us wake up refreshed and ready to face a new day.

Amen.

Goodnight, Diary. Can't wait to share more tomorrow!

With Love and Devotion,
Kathy

June 15, 1955

Dear Diary,

Saturday, June 15th

This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I took a peaceful walk to St. Mary's Catholic Church. The air was fresh, and the early summer sun cast a warm glow on the fields. When we arrived, we found our favorite pew and listened intently as Father LeRoy delivered his homily. He spoke beautifully about the Truth of God and the vanity of human desires, reminding us that true happiness lies in seeking God's will above all else. His words resonated deeply with me, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose and devotion.

In the afternoon, I prayed  the Joyful Mysteries in the goose pen. I love spending time with my two favorite geese, Albert and Minnie. Minnie, not to be confused with Mini my Corgi puppy, has been Albert's partner for life. They are such a joy to watch, waddling around and honking softly as if having a conversation. Sometimes, they seem almost human-like in their behavior, showing affection and loyalty to each other in a way that warms my heart. Saying my rosary with them nearby felt so special, like I was surrounded by God's creatures who understand the beauty of prayer.

In closing today's diary entry, I will add this little prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for the blessings of this day, For the wisdom shared by Father LeRoy, And the peaceful moments spent with your creations. Help me to seek Your truth and shun worldly desires, To find joy in the simple and the sacred. May Your light guide my steps always, And Your love fill my heart with grace. Amen.

With love and gratitude,
Kathy

June 14, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today, Father LeRoy talked about how everything in creation is like a picture in God’s mind. He said that unlike our fleeting thoughts, God’s knowledge is eternal and unchanging. He knows everything from the beginning and forever. This made me realize that everything has always existed in God's view, and someday, when we see Him, we will understand it all just by looking at Him.

This idea really came to life during our visit to the neighbor's dairy barn to pick up fresh raw milk, which Sister Mary Claire insists is healthier for me. As we walked among the cows, each with its own unique traits, I saw them as part of the grand design that God always sees and loves. The peaceful cows and the quiet barn seemed to reflect back a part of God’s eternal knowledge, connecting me deeply to His creation.

Feeling a part of this divine reflection, known and loved forever by God, was incredibly comforting and uplifting.

Dear Lord, as this day closes, Sister Mary Claire and I thank You for the lessons from Father LeRoy and the beauty of Your creation we experienced today. Please help us to always appreciate the world around us as a gift from You. Guide us to live in a way that shows our love for Your creation, and help us to see Your work in everything around us. May our actions always bring out the goodness in life, and help us to see You in everything we do.

Reflecting on today, I am grateful for the spiritual and physical nourishment we received, and for the constant reminder of God’s loving gaze upon us.

With Love and devotion, Kathy 

June 13th, 1955

Dear Diary,

The morning was enlightened with another profound lesson from Father LeRoy at St. Mary’s. During Holy Mass, he spoke about the "Science of God," which really made me ponder deeply. He described how God knows every detail about us, including our most hidden thoughts and the eventual paths we might walk in life. It was a reminder that every choice, just like every detail in creation, is seen and known by God, yet our destiny is shaped by our own free will.

This theme of choices and outcomes resonated with me throughout the day, especially in the afternoon when Sister Mary Claire and I discovered a bag of old recipe cards. They had been left by a neighbor who was moving and had decided to pass on some of her cherished memories. Each card, with its unique recipe and scribbles, seemed like a small decision made in a kitchen long ago. It made us think about how each choice we make, much like a recipe, combines to create the outcome of our lives.

With a thoughtful heart, Sister Mary Claire decided not to let these snippets of past meals and gatherings go to waste. She carefully packed them into a box and sent them to a friend. It was her way of spreading the joy and sharing the legacy of those recipes, much like spreading the good words and wisdom we receive.

Heavenly Father, as I end this day, I am thankful for the lessons learned and the memories shared. Help me to remember that just as we sort through old recipe cards, deciding what to keep and what to pass on, so too must we choose our actions and paths under Your watchful eyes. May my decisions always reflect Your glory and contribute to a life that, when looked back upon, shows a beautiful recipe well made. Amen.

 

June 12, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today was a splendid day filled with the spirit of the Lord and beautiful moments in nature. The morning started with a Mass at St. Mary's Church where Father LeRoy shared a truly inspiring homily. He spoke about the sacred name of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved. He encouraged us to remember and praise the different Names of God, appreciating the deep meanings each holds. His words reminded me to be forever grateful for knowing His name and having the privilege to call upon it. The hymn we sang echoed in my heart, "No voice can sing, no heart can frame, nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than Thy blest name, O Saviour of mankind."

After Mass, Sister and I drove to Des Moines, where we found a serene spot with bee hives buzzing with life. Sister was fascinated, and it sparked a desire in her to bring honey bees to our Living History Farm. Imagine the sweet buzz of bees filling our days!

In the evening, back at the Inner Court Wagon, Sister and I gathered in prayer. We reflected on the day's lessons and experiences, and inspired by Father LeRoy's words, together we penned this evening prayer:

Heavenly Father, Your name is a fortress, a sanctuary where our souls find peace. Today, as we pondered the power of Your names—Jesus, Emmanuel, Shepherd of Souls—we felt Your presence guiding and protecting us. Thank You for the beauty of nature we witnessed today, for the bees that dance from flower to flower, sustaining life. May our efforts to nurture them at our farm serve as a symbol of our dedication to care for the gifts You have bestowed upon us. Bless our plans and continue to guide us in Your wisdom. Let us always rejoice in Your name, the sweetest sound, our salvation. Amen.

What a blessed day, Diary. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's new blessings.

With love and prayers, Kathy

 

June 9, 1955

 
Dear Diary,

Tonight was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. We held a special healing Mass at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and it felt like a glimpse of heaven right here on earth. A priest named Father Carlos appeared for this extraordinary occasion, but no one seemed to know where he came from. His presence made the event even more remarkable.

The church was packed with people, all eagerly awaiting the special ceremony. The atmosphere was electric, and as the Mass began, it felt as if the entire church was enveloped in a divine glow. The lights seemed to flash and dance, casting a heavenly aura around us. It was as if the very air was charged with spiritual energy, making every moment feel sacred.

After Holy Communion, the real magic began. Father Carlos, with such grace and compassion, started walking around the church, holding a beautiful golden monstrance. He gently placed his hand on the head of each person he passed, offering a blessing and healing. When Father Carlos reached me and placed his hand on my head, I felt a special warmth and peace flood through me. It was as if all my worries melted away, replaced by a sense of calm and hope that I had never felt before. It was like a gentle whisper from God, assuring me that everything would be alright.

The spirituality I felt from Father Carlos was so profound that I imagined he might be a flying monk like Padre Pio, miraculously transported here from Mexico City or some other holy place. By the end of the Mass, I was convinced he must be a miraculous visitor, sent to bring us divine healing.

After the Mass, we returned to the Inner Court. Sister Mary Claire and I spent the evening talking about the events of the night. We sat by the warm glow of the fire, sipping hot cocoa, and reflecting on the miraculous happenings. Sister Mary Claire shared her thoughts on the power of faith and the beauty of the healing we had witnessed.

Before we went to bed, we said a special evening prayer to thank God for the blessings of the day:

"Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You tonight with hearts full of gratitude for the wondrous healing Mass we experienced. Thank You for the divine light that filled our church and for the blessings bestowed upon each of us through the touch of Your servant.
May Your love continue to guide and heal us, bringing peace to our souls and strength to our spirits.
As we rest tonight, we ask for Your protection and grace. Fill our dreams with Your presence and renew our hearts with Your eternal love.
Amen."

With love and devotion,
Kathy

June 8, 1955

Tom and Judy - Living History Farm, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today was truly a day filled with blessings. Sister Mary Claire found an old novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in a box of childhood remembrances. This beautifully illustrated booklet is not just a piece of history but a beacon of faith that she is eager to share. Sister has also promised to take Mini and me into Des Moines to find a special picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for our Inner Court wagon. I can't wait to see where we find the perfect one!

Tom and Judy were just as moved by the novena when I showed it to them. Tom, with all the skill of an architect, has begun creating copies and even designed a library card, ensuring that everyone can partake in the novena and admire its beautiful artwork. His dedication is a testament to the love and care that fills our little community.

God is indeed good, and in my heart, Sister is right up there with His grace. It’s days like today that remind me of the deep connections we share, woven through our faith and love for each other.

God's blessings, Kathy

Find the Novena & More

INNER COURT LIBRARY