"How does God show his love? With great things? No, he becomes small with gestures of tenderness, goodness. God stoops low and gets close. God shows his love, not with great speeches, but with simple, tender acts of charity."
— Pope Francis
A Simple Act: Marigolds in Memory
It's been anything but a normal start to elementary school for Pittsburgh-area kindergartener Brian Steenbeke. He and the rest of his class at Highcliff Elementary transitioned to online learning in March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that the weather has warmed — and as Catholics on May 24 marked the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical about caring for our common home — 6-year-old Brian and his grandmother, Beverly Grogan, added an outdoor lesson to the curriculum.

By planting flowers on the graves of our deceased Sisters in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Brian learned about the environment and about showing respect for those who came before. His parents, Tom and Samantha Steenbeke, are both longtime employees of Mt. Assisi Place and live nearby.

“We went on a walk one day, and Brian wasn't happy that all the Sisters didn't have flowers,” says Samantha. “So he asked if he could plant flowers for them.”

Brian’s efforts have added a splash of color to the cemetery and brought a smile to those who have loved ones buried there, including Michelle Benko, niece of the late Sister Mercedes Benko. “Thank you so much, Brian," she says. "This means a great deal to the families of the departed Sisters.”
One-on-One with Our Sisters
Our Sisters were asked to reflect on things they miss and things they cherish during these times of extended isolation and disruption of daily life. Here are some of their answers.
How has your prayer life been impacted during the pandemic?

" I recall all the faces of the sick, the poor, the suffering, the first-responders, medical personnel, essential workers and laborers, the dying, the grieving, those who died — all those touching and, oftentimes, disturbing images seen on the news. Lord, have mercy. Admitting that we often take so much for granted, our prayer also has become one of gratitude and praise to God for his faithfulness, love and compassion."
— Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger

Have you found any silver linings in these strange times?

"It does my heart good to see on TV how people are helping one another."
— Sister Norberta Kralosky
 
How have you been spending any extra time you've gained from the disruptions to daily living?

"I’ve been letting nurses know they are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m recognizing God's presence and goodness in so many who are willing to do anything they can to help those in need."
— Sister Jean Makovsky
Take the School Sisters
'Simple Act' Challenge
When it comes to kindness, a little bit can go a long way. Many of our Sisters — including Sister Lois Jean DiFalco shown here — are reaching out to friends, loved ones and parishioners daily to stay connected during the pandemic. Surely, someone would love to hear from you today. Who can you call, write or email to share a little kindness? The few minutes you spend and the smile you share could make someone's day!
Amazing Grace & The Bells of Banff
In these difficult times, there's no doubt that small acts can make a big difference. Sister Pat Marie Buranosky recommends the stirring video below of Heather Jean Jordan ringing the bells of St. George In The Pines Anglican Church in Alberta, Canada, at 1 p.m. daily as a symbol of hope and community for the town of Banff. Warning ... this simple act of kindness will give you chills.
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