Halloween Poor Clare Style

All Hallow’s Eve, better known as Halloween, is kept by us Poor Clares as a penance vigil day in preparation for the great Solemnity of All Saints.  But a few days ago, Mother Abbess and the novitiate took advantage of a donation of large pumpkins to carve jack o-lanterns.  These greeted us, each in its own uniquely bright and silent way as we processed into our refectory to partake of our pre-dawn repast of bread and coffee.

Our Indian Sisters especially enjoyed this American custom.

Another Poor Clare tradition for All Saints Day is to display as many saint holy cards as we can, trying to somehow image the crowds of the heavenly city of Jerusalem that no one can count.  May we all be among them some day!

Our Chapter Room Altar
where our patron Saints are displayed

Each  Chapter Room window sill is covered!

The Novitiate Altar