Ora et Labora

 

"Prayer and Work"--such is the ancient description of monastic life going all the way back to St. Benedict.  St. Francis and St. Clare enthusiastically reaffirmed the tradition in the 13th century.  So for us their followers, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker is always a special day.  But in this year, dedicated as it is to Jesus' Foster Father, was extra special.  The Novitiate Sisters, Poor Clare apprentices, set up this display to honor St. Joseph and his example of contemplative labor.  Below are close-ups of the display:

Meanwhile, our outdoor shrine to Our Lady of Bethlehem is in its full springtime glory, just in time for the Lady Month of May!