May 11, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today was another blessed Saturday, filled with the grace and anticipation of the upcoming Pentecost. As usual, Sister Mary Claire and I rose early to attend Holy Mass at St. Mary's, where we soaked in the spiritual preparations for this significant feast. Fr. LeRoy delivered a powerful homily, emphasizing that the promise of the Holy Spirit was not just for the Apostles but for every believer who embraces God's divine will and responds to His loving inspirations. He reminded us that "Your Father in Heaven will give the Good Spirit to those that ask Him," a message that resonated deeply as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

In the afternoon, Sister Mary Claire and I made our way into Des Moines to gather groceries for Tom and Judy, making sure they're well-supplied. We also stopped at Ginger's Cafe, where we learned that Ginger was almost out of rhubarb. We promised to bring more next time around, happy to support our friends with these small acts of kindness.

As dusk settled, we nestled into the comfort of our Inner Court prayer wagon, our sanctuary for evening reflections. Wrapped in the serenity of our shared space, we read from the Inner Court prayer book, drawing our day to a close with these words:

"Lord, as we approach Pentecost, fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen us to be instruments of Your love and peace. Bless my beloved Sister Mary Claire, whose wisdom and companionship enrich my life beyond measure. May we always seek Your guidance and cherish the joy of Your presence. Amen."

Every moment with Sister Mary Claire is a blessing, her guidance a light in my path.

Goodnight, Diary. Kathy

Learn More about these two Sisters Here

May 10, 1955

 Another cool start to today. Sister Mary Claire and I walked to church early in the morning. The fields were alive with activity; the farmers were already hard at work. Neighbor Arlo, always so cheerful, gave us a big wave and a broad smile as we passed by. It's heartwarming to see the community so vibrant and full of life.

The church was a gathering spot not just for prayer today but also for lively discussions amongst the farmers. After Mass, they mingled outside, sharing thoughts on the best seed corn to plant. I heard them mention DeKalb quite a bit—apparently, it's very popular around here. I might not know much about farming, but it's interesting to learn bits and pieces.

Father LeRoy delivered a wonderful homily today. The light filtering through the stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the congregation, almost as if highlighting his words with divine approval. It made the message feel even more special.

Afterwards, Sister Mary Claire and I spent some quiet time in the prayer wagon. We read from the Inner Court prayer book, reflecting on the passages and finding solace in the tranquility of our secluded spot.

A Little Prayer to End the Day:

Dear Lord, as the sun sets and another day comes to a close, I thank You for the blessings of family and community. For the joy of togetherness and the peace of Your presence in our lives. Please watch over us through the night and guide us into another day filled with Your grace. Amen.

All for now, Kathy

Learn More about these two Sisters Here

May 9, 1955

May 9th - 1955

Dear Diary,

Today, Ascension Day, was filled with grace and beautiful moments. Sister Mary Claire and I started our morning at Holy Mass in our dear little country church, where Father LeRoy inspired us with his homily about Christ's glorious ascent. It's heartening to think of Jesus guiding us from above, encouraging us to follow Him with fervent love.

While the local farmers have been busy planting corn, I overheard one of them mention that tomorrow, May 10th, is considered the perfect day to finish. It seems there's a common preference among them to complete their planting by this date, bolstered by the good fortune of recent rains. This afternoon, the simple pleasure of gardening brought a peaceful close to our active morning. We harvested fresh lettuce from the garden, enough to craft a crisp salad that was both refreshing and fulfilling.

As evening fell, Sister Mary Claire and I shared a quiet time of prayer, reflecting on the blessings of the day. We gave thanks for Tom and Judy, whose hard work and care sustain the farm, for Father LeRoy's spiritual guidance, and for the joyous companionship of our smart corgi, MINI. She continues to delight us with her antics, especially her new skill of walking backwards—second only to her love of chasing the ball.

I close this day with a small prayer of gratitude:

"Lord, thank You for the blessings of this Ascension Day, for the hands that nurture the soil and souls, and for the paws that enliven our hearts. Grant us rest tonight, and readiness for the new day, filled with Your grace and the love of those around us. Amen."

With a heart full of gratitude, Kathy

 

Learn More about these two Sisters Here

May 8, 1955

May 8, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning was refreshingly cool as Sister Mary Claire and I made our way to St. Mary’s. The serene early hours were filled with the familiar sounds of farming that always bring a sense of peace and purpose to the start of my day.

Today, Father LeRoy shared a homily that resonated deeply within me. He told the story of two priests, Father Matteo and Father Giovanni, walking through Vatican Square. Father Matteo expressed his frustrations about the decisions made by the Church leaders, feeling they were out of touch with the needs of the people. Father Giovanni listened patiently and then reminded him, "Remember, Matteo, it's still the Church." He spoke about the Church being more than just its leaders; it is the vessel of the Holy Spirit, founded on the rock of Peter and the promise of Christ Himself. This story, brought to life by Father LeRoy's vivid depiction, served as a powerful reminder of our duty to serve with humility and faith, even when faced with challenges.

Moved by this message, Sister Mary Claire and I spent the day reflecting on our roles within our own community. We discussed how we could embody the same spirit of guidance and patience in our actions and interactions.

As the day drew to a close, we gathered in our Inner Court wagon for evening prayers. Together, we recited, "Lord, kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our will to serve you in all we do." We prayed not only for ourselves but for each other, that we might be steadfast in our faith and diligent in our service.

Before retiring for the night, Sister Mary Claire and I said a small prayer I felt inspired to write after today's homily: "Dear Lord, as the night embraces us, let your peace fill our hearts and home. Guard us through the darkness, and awaken us with renewed spirits, ready to serve and love as you have taught us."

Kathy
With a heart full of reflection, Kathy

 

Learn More about these two Sisters Here

Tuesday, May 7

May 7, 1955

Today began with the sun beaming gently over the horizon, casting a warm glow that promised a busy day ahead on the farm. Outside, the rhythmic chug of the WC Allis Chalmers with its two-row corn planter filled the air, a testament to the progress of spring and the essential task of planting our corn. The familiar noise, while disruptive at times, is a comforting reminder that life moves forward, and so must we.

This morning, Father LeRoy’s homily touched me deeply. He spoke eloquently about the Holy Spirit, the very heart of our Church’s life force. "The Spirit is the fuel of the Church," he began, his voice echoing through the modest church hall, "the energy and life force of the Body of Christ." It's fascinating how, amidst the mechanical sounds of the farm equipment, Father LeRoy’s words offered a different kind of sustenance—a spiritual nourishment.

He emphasized that this divine gift cannot be earned through heroic efforts but is received by simply asking. "The Father would never refuse someone who asked for the Holy Spirit," he assured us. It struck me, how often we strive to achieve through sheer will, forgetting that some things, especially those deeply spiritual, come only by surrender and request.

Father LeRoy cited Fr. Hesburgh, mentioning that regardless of our circumstances, the plea 'Come, Holy Spirit!' remains ever pertinent. This prayer, so simple yet profound, resonates with every phase of life, embodying hope and a continuous call for divine presence in our daily endeavors.

What resonated most was the invocation of Mary in this spiritual journey. In every Hail Mary, we implore, "Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death," seeking her intercession for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The connection drawn between our earthly endeavors, like the tending of fields, and the spiritual assistance we seek, encapsulates the essence of our faith—grounded yet aspiring towards celestial aid.

As the tractor continues its steady rumble outside, preparing the earth for growth, I too find myself preparing inwardly, inspired to regularly invoke the Holy Spirit in my life's work, just as I tend to the soil. The parallel between cultivating land and cultivating the soul is unmistakable and profound.

Let us, therefore, keep asking for that heavenly strength, with Mary’s support, as we navigate the fields of our lives, both literal and spiritual.

With a hopeful heart,

Kathy

 

Monday, May 6

 

Dear Diary,

Today was a vibrant blend of spiritual enrichment and joyful community, leaving my heart full of gratitude. The morning began with a short, invigorating walk to St. Mary's, our charming country church, where the air was crisp and the path lined with the early bloom of wildflowers—a perfect opening to a beautiful day.

Father Leroy presided over the Holy Mass today, and his homily delved deeply into the significant role of the Holy Spirit as a witness to Jesus. He highlighted a powerful message from today’s Gospel, “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.” Father Leroy unfolded the narrative of the Holy Spirit’s promptings across the ages—from the Apostles, through great evangelists and theologians, to notable figures like Billy Graham and John Paul II. He reminded us that professing 'Jesus is Lord' can only be inspired by the Holy Spirit, who is essentially the love shared between the Father and the Son, and whose presence was profoundly manifest in the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery.

The morning was spiritually uplifting, but the day held even more joy. We hosted a welcoming party for Father Leroy, and it was a great success with a wonderful turnout. The church hall was filled with laughter and the kind of fellowship that only a close-knit community can offer. During the celebration, someone quipped, “How many Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?” The answer, “None. Catholics don’t believe in change!” brought a round of good-natured laughter that echoed off the walls, reminding us of the joy in our faith and community.

As the day ended, I retreated to the Inner Court Prayer Wagon for some quiet reflection. The wagon was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, providing a perfect space for evening prayer. It was a peaceful close to a day filled with the Spirit’s presence and communal joy.

Evening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as night descends and the world stills, I thank You for this day of fellowship and faith. Let Your Holy Spirit always guide us in boldness and truth, helping us to joyfully testify to Your endless love and mercy. Amen.

Kathy

 

May 5th, 1955

Dear Diary,

This Sixth Sunday of Easter brought with it a profound sense of anticipation and spiritual preparation as we draw closer to Pentecost, the sacred feast of the Holy Spirit's descent. The readings at early Mass today at St. Mary's hinted at the Holy Spirit, offering us a divine foretaste of what is to come.

Sister Mary Claire, in her gentle grace, distributed Holy Communion, her actions a quiet testament to the Spirit's presence in our lives. The morning was filled with spiritual nourishment, further enriched by Father LeRoy's moving sermon that resonated deeply within the walls of our beloved church.

As the day unwound into evening, Sister and I found a peaceful moment to listen to Bishop Barron's Sunday sermon at bedtime. His words were a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, perfectly concluding our day with reflections on faith and the promise of spiritual renewal. His sermon, always a source of inspiration, prepared our hearts for the approaching week and the significant feast of Pentecost.

In the quiet of the night, inspired by the day’s lessons and the words of Bishop Barron, we turned to the Inner Court Prayer Book for a prayer that seemed crafted for moments like these:

Heavenly Father, as we prepare for the coming of Your Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love. Help us to bear witness to the truth of Your Gospel with boldness, and to embrace the peace You offer us through Your Son. May the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and fortitude, of knowledge and piety, be strengthened in us as we await the joys of Pentecost. Grant us the serenity to walk in Your ways, so that we may be beacons of Your light in the world. Amen.

This prayer echoed through our hearts as we drifted off to sleep, a serene end to a day filled with faith and fellowship.

Goodnight, dear diary.

With peaceful thoughts, Kathy