Following breakfast, we had free time for 2 1/2 hours! We really had fun exploring the convent grounds. The cemetery is a beautiful and sacred place. The Sisters place such appropriate emphasis on the dignity of life. We spent a little quiet time at the Grotto and walked past all the convent buildings. My only regret is we didn't sneak a peak at the Sister's swimming pool. One of our many family laughs for the day was that when I retire I'll be their pool boy, but to be honest that actually sounds like a pretty good gig to me (Any Sisters reading this? Keep me in mind.). Below is a picture of Caitlin and Anna near one of the Stations of the Cross sculptures in the cemetery. Only when I posted the picture today did I realize the station was "Jesus consoles the holy women". Gachia and I are so proud of our two holy women. Damnation, I'm crying again to be so blessed.
Dinner brought us back to reality. The Sisters use dinner and supper in their meal vernacular which is comforting for an old farm boy. After a nice meal, the Sisters came around to each table and served scoops of ice cream for desert to obviously "butter us up". Then we were gently told, again table by table, they are taking the Candidates (OUR daughters and siblings), and we won't see them until the Entrance Ceremony. To be honest, we were somewhat prepared for this, but after that ice cream experience Sisters for may want to consider marketing campaigns as a future apostolate. Below are Anna and Gachia at dinner followed by the last picture of Anna as she leaves the hallway in her secular clothing. Damnation! I'm going to lose my man card - crying again.
We then returned to our rooms to change clothes for the Entrance Ceremony. Gachia, Caitlin and I were much more at peace than we envisioned (note I didn't say TOTALLY at peace). But God's grace is GREAT!
We then returned to the Hoefer Family room to greet those family and friends attending the ceremony. What a joyful time! Plus it kept our minds off the Entrance Ceremony. Before we knew it, a Sister was at the door informing us the parents were to be seated. Since three could fit in each pew, Caitlin was able to sit with us, a great comfort to both Gachia and me.
I was the last of our family to notice the Candidates entering (shocking, I know!!). Caitlin took the picture of Anna genuflecting as she entered.
At 1:30 pm we recited the Midday Prayers with the Sisters. Then Sister Angela, the Provincial, introduced the Candidates and entered them into the order as Postulants. Six Postulants is the most who have entered the order in a single year in 40 years! What a blessing for the 150th anniversary of the order! In the picture below, Anna is on the right with all the Postulants in their blue jumpers and white long sleeved shirts. What you can't see is Anna's spiffy Sunday best plain black shoes (yes, they are as stylish as allowed by the dress code). She left the last of her stylish heals and flats behind. The humility journey begins....
Following Benediction, the Postulants and then parents processed out of the church. And yes, some tears were flowing. We went to the auditorium for celebration, food, sharing, and goodbyes. Many of the attendees also went on a tour to see the beautiful convent and gain insight into the history of the original mansion, continued to visit acquaintances, or had a chance to visit with various Sisters.
This was a joyous time for Anna, as many family, personal and family friends, Priests and a college professor reminisced with her and offered her love, support and encouragement. Anna, Caitlin, Gachia and I are all over whelmed by the out pouring of support for our collective journey. Not only from those who attended the Entrance Ceremony, but from many more who have taken the time to write, post, comment, email, call, and offer prayers. Thank You! You are all in our prayers.
At 4:30 pm, the reception ended. Attendees had said their goodbyes and tears were shed. Anna, Caitlin, Gachia and I went back to the Hoefer Family room. We enjoyed our family time for the next 40 minutes. Were there tears? Yes, but mostly joy and peace. Then we went to our rooms to finish packing our suitcases and proceeded to where the families' cars were parked. We collectively said our goodbyes to the Postulants and each gave Anna a long hug (OK, I just gave up my man card).
During an earlier family visit to the convent, we learned of the tradition of the white handkerchief wave. As we left that day, the Sisters waved white handkerchiefs. Below are pictures of the Postulants and their Sister mentors for the next year bidding us adieux until our next
visit (which seems so far away). Instead of white handkerchiefs,
they were waiving with white tissues used while saying goodbye to their
families. But note the smiles on their faces.
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| Anna is on the right - very glad to see the smile |
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| The last view of the Postulants bidding adieux from Mt. Alverno |
After we left, the Postulants went to Evening Prayer with the rest of the Sisters located at the Mother House. We pray that it was soothing and spiritual experience for Anna which brought her peace for the evening. The rhythm of convent life begins....
A few more pictures from the Reception:
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| The Postulants and Postulant "want to be's" |
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| Anna with her God Parents |
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