“A Christian is the dwelling place of the living God. He created me, He chose me,
He came to dwell
in me because He wanted me. ”
— Mother Teresa
“Once you are in communion with God, you have the eyes to see and the ears to hear other people in whom God has found
a dwelling place.”
— Henri Nouwen
A Walk Around the Block
In a special summertime reflection, our own Sister Patricia Ann Mahoney shares the unique perspective she recently gained from the simplest of retreats. Heed her advice, and you just might discover blessings in your own backyard.
One-On-One with Our Sisters
As we endure the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrest in our country, our Sisters reflect on special Sundays, reveal what brings them strength and solace, and offer wise words to share with our friends in faith.
What made Sundays special in your family home?
“ We attended Sunday Mass at St. Gabriel Church (on Pittsburgh's North Side). After Mass was our simple dinner, followed by family dancing. As custom had it, the dirty dishes were piled on the sink, the big kitchen table was pushed to the back, and my brother Frank turned on his prized Hi-Fi. The kitchen floor was the dance floor. Mom and Dad were too tired to dance, but they sang along with the polka songs. Everyone was enjoying the music and life. ”
—  Sister Norberta Kralosky

What was a favorite activity you did with your family when you were younger
“ One of our favorite activities at home was cooking and baking. We loved our time together in the kitchen. We also loved to eat ... as a good Italian family should! ”
—  Sister Frances Marie Duncan
Are there any reflections or songs that you find particularly inspirational during times of trouble?
“ Music has always been an important part of my life. It is very much a part of my prayer. I often sit and listen to a beautiful hymn or musical rendition or have music playing in the background as I pray. A hymn that has been a favorite of mine for a long time is Dwelling Place by John Foley. Music is such a great gift. It can truly speak to us. ”
—  Sister Marguerite Stewart
Upcoming Online Programs
Join our St. Francis Center for Renewal (SFCR) through its Beyond Bricks & Mortar ministry to take part in spiritual programming from wherever you are. All you need is a computer, laptop or tablet and an internet connection. Register for these or our other virtual programs, and you will be sent via an email a link to join the program from the comfort of your own home using Zoom virtual meeting capabilities.
God's Masterpiece
Join Sister M. Virginelle Makos for a special Simply Prayer online gathering, We Are a Masterpiece of God . God is our Creator. He is the architect of our lives, the Potter. Not only are we His creation, but God dwells in each of us, and He has made His home within us. We are His temples. Each person we meet is God’s dwelling place — a beautiful, unique and ongoing creation.

When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 4
Registration: Freewill Offering
More Info: Call 610-867-8890
This photo from the Library of Congress archives shows the Whitehall Cement Company, the cornerstone of Cementon, Pa. Established in 1899 and still running today, it set the backdrop for Sister Jean's childhood home.
Adventures in a Blue Collar Town
Sister Jean Makovsky reflects on her younger days growing up in a little Pennsylvania town called Cementon. “There were many young people, and everyone knew everyone,” Sister says. She and her playmates played baseball in the street using a piece of wood for a bat; played ‘kick the tin can’ with a used vegetable can, sledded down Hillside Avenue, sometimes using a piece of cardboard for a sled; swam in the Lehigh River; and played tag football. “We did not have many things, but we had so much fun.”
A Song for
Your Sunday
Sisters Marguerite Stewart and Cecilia Jacko both count Dwelling Place by John Foley among their favorite hymns. “ The music is so gentle and moving, and the words just touch my heart, ” says Sister Marguerite. It is Sister Cecilia's go-to song when she is feeling down. Enjoy this beautiful rendition by the talented Chris Brunelle.
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Have you skipped a Sunday? All editions of Spiritual Sunday are available to read here .