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Each Wednesday and Sunday throughout the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic currently gripping our nation and world, our Sisters share anecdotes and spiritual tidings with our families, friends, alumnae and benefactors. We hope these messages will help to nurture a sense of solace in these trying times.
Open Hand, Open Mind, Open Heart
While on their daily walk to get some fresh air and to enjoy nature, Sisters Jo Goolish and Yolanda Escamilla often pass this distinctive sculpture in San Antonio, Texas. It is aptly titled Open Hand, Open Mind, Open Heart . The Sisters find it to be a lovely place to stop and offer prayers for the health of their surrounding community.
Inspirational Words
from Our Sisters
"The Sabbath is upon us. For many years, most of us have neglected the Sabbath. Perhaps we go to Church and have a special meal with family or friends but we, on the whole, have used the Sabbath as a day to catch up with tasks and goals. This extra time with “Stay at Home” orders is providing us with much needed Sabbath time. Let us use this Sabbath time to strengthen our family/communal life and to deepen our personal relationship with God. Hopefully, we will arise from this pandemic with a new set of values of what is most important in life."
- Sister Frances Marie Duncan
World Quarantine 'By the Numbers'
The Biblically-themed reflection below is making its way around the internet.
Our Sisters find it to be hearty food for thought and and want to share it with you.
The identity of its very insightful author is unknown.

The Latin root of the word "quarantine" is "forty." So what does the Bible say about 40?

  • The flood lasted 40 days.
  • 40 years Moses fled Egypt.
  • 40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments.
  • Exodus lasted 40 years.
  • Jesus fasted for 40 days.
  • Lent is 40 days.
  • 40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.

A group of theologians thinks the number 40 represents "change.” It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change. Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray. Remember, whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a "change."

Please know that during this "quarantine," rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening and, most importantly, people are turning to Christ. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years, and hearts are truly transforming.

So, during this time, enjoy it with your loved ones and return to the family altar together. Family prayer is a great blessing. Through prayer you will see the changes God can work in you and in your home. Christ promises us that everything works together for the good for those who love God, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Remember we are in the year 2020, and 20 + 20 = 40. Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census. Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born during a census.

Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us, knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand.

May these days of "quarantine" bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation and our world. The best is yet to come. Trust in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Works of Mercy While Working from Home
We can use this time of isolation productively to perform works of mercy that do not require us to leave our homes. Today's suggestion:  Arrange for delivery of baked goods to the nurses and staff at a local hospital, personal care, skilled care or other facility where people are making great sacrifices and risking their own health to serve others.
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