September 20, 1955
Dear Diary,
This morning, the air was cool and damp as we set out on our usual walk to St. Mary's. The gravel underfoot was slick from the night’s dew, and I couldn’t help but breathe deeply of the fresh, early morning air. Mini trotted ahead, her little bottom wagging in excitement, but Sister Mary Claire and I took our time, soaking in the peacefulness of the quiet countryside. As we passed by the end of the driveway, we stopped to admire the sign Tom had made for me: All For Jesus. I have been raving about William Frederick Faber’s book with the same title, studying it closely these last few days, and Tom must have picked up on it, crafting the sign with care. It seemed fitting that this reminder of devotion should stand so proudly at the entrance to our driveway, a simple, rustic testament to a lives dedicated to faith.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey of Faber himself—how he converted to the Catholic faith shortly after John Henry Newman. His writings have been a balm to my soul, filled with such warmth and wisdom. Father Faber’s conversion was no small event, and reading about his life has inspired me deeply. Today, Father LeRoy even spoke of him in his homily, basing his message on the gospel reading from Luke 8:1-3. The reading spoke of Jesus traveling from village to village, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God, accompanied by the Twelve and many women who had been healed by His power. Father reminded us of the important role these women played in supporting Jesus’ ministry—how their faith and resources sustained Him. He mentioned that a drive past Camp Littlemore would be worth everyone’s time, not just for the beauty of the landscape but also to see the new sign that Tom created. Father always manages to weave together the scripture with our everyday lives so seamlessly.
After Mass, Sister Mary Claire and I took a leisurely walk back home, with Mini faithfully at our heels. I spent the afternoon with my hens, gathering eggs for the Breakfast Club as usual. The sun was gentle, and I found a sense of peace in the simplicity of my chores.
As the evening came, Sister Mary Claire and I knelt together with Mini curled up beside us, and we offered up our prayers. I found myself thinking again of Father Faber, not just as a writer but as a poet and songwriter. I couldn’t help but hum a few lines from one of his hymns, Faith of Our Fathers. His words echo my own desires, to remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, no matter the trials we face.
Our prayer ended with this reflection:
In quiet fields where flowers bloom,
And evening stars give light to gloom,
May faith like Faber’s fill our days,
And guide our hearts in endless praise.
Mini sighed contentedly at my side, and I knew we were blessed, truly, to walk in this faith, together.
Goodnight, dear friend.
In Christ,
Kathy
This morning, the air was cool and damp as we set out on our usual walk to St. Mary's. The gravel underfoot was slick from the night’s dew, and I couldn’t help but breathe deeply of the fresh, early morning air. Mini trotted ahead, her little bottom wagging in excitement, but Sister Mary Claire and I took our time, soaking in the peacefulness of the quiet countryside. As we passed by the end of the driveway, we stopped to admire the sign Tom had made for me: All For Jesus. I have been raving about William Frederick Faber’s book with the same title, studying it closely these last few days, and Tom must have picked up on it, crafting the sign with care. It seemed fitting that this reminder of devotion should stand so proudly at the entrance to our driveway, a simple, rustic testament to a lives dedicated to faith.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey of Faber himself—how he converted to the Catholic faith shortly after John Henry Newman. His writings have been a balm to my soul, filled with such warmth and wisdom. Father Faber’s conversion was no small event, and reading about his life has inspired me deeply. Today, Father LeRoy even spoke of him in his homily, basing his message on the gospel reading from Luke 8:1-3. The reading spoke of Jesus traveling from village to village, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God, accompanied by the Twelve and many women who had been healed by His power. Father reminded us of the important role these women played in supporting Jesus’ ministry—how their faith and resources sustained Him. He mentioned that a drive past Camp Littlemore would be worth everyone’s time, not just for the beauty of the landscape but also to see the new sign that Tom created. Father always manages to weave together the scripture with our everyday lives so seamlessly.
After Mass, Sister Mary Claire and I took a leisurely walk back home, with Mini faithfully at our heels. I spent the afternoon with my hens, gathering eggs for the Breakfast Club as usual. The sun was gentle, and I found a sense of peace in the simplicity of my chores.
As the evening came, Sister Mary Claire and I knelt together with Mini curled up beside us, and we offered up our prayers. I found myself thinking again of Father Faber, not just as a writer but as a poet and songwriter. I couldn’t help but hum a few lines from one of his hymns, Faith of Our Fathers. His words echo my own desires, to remain faithful and steadfast in the Lord, no matter the trials we face.
Our prayer ended with this reflection:
In quiet fields where flowers bloom,
And evening stars give light to gloom,
May faith like Faber’s fill our days,
And guide our hearts in endless praise.
Mini sighed contentedly at my side, and I knew we were blessed, truly, to walk in this faith, together.
Goodnight, dear friend.
In Christ,
Kathy
No comments:
Post a Comment