The convent: things old and new and different

Again I am running a bit behind with my blogging. I have been so busy. I was at the convent from October 1 to 5.

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I was recently there for a retreat. It was excellent and it was good to be there again.

I like to stay over the Sunday night and the Monday. The Sunday evening is usually a talking supper and that is a good chance to chat with some of the sisters. The Monday is a Grace Day - the sisters day off - and there are no services. You only have to appear for meals at regular times.

I enjoy walking in the neighbourhood which I did every day.

I could not walk around the back of the Rehab Hospital - it is under construction again. Most hospitals that I am familiar with are under construction of some sort.

It was different to have a liturgical dancer with us. She has danced with a group from the local l’Arche Community for over 10 years. After she shared with the retreat group she went to the convent infirmary to dance for the sisters there.

Because the guest wing was very full four of the associates including me stayed in the Sister’s enclosure. It was nice and quiet of course.

I enjoyed looking at the pictures on the wall of the sisters who have died. The earlier ones had a very serious expression. Gradually they were smiling more and even laughing. But all of them had a certain twinkle in the eyes - they were full of a life lived out with God as the centre.

There is a new garden in the courtyard. It will be a few years before all the trees and other plantings are well established but it looks nice already.

There is a new stained glass window in the retreat chapel. The colours are quite interesting.

I always wonder when I am looking at furniture around and about the convent - where was it in the old convent?