OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY IN THE DIOCESAN FAMILY
It has not been an easy year for those of us who work at the Bishop Larkin Pastoral Center and our associates in the diocesan family living and working elsewhere throughout the diocese. We have dealt with sickness and the deaths of some loved ones, then there was the long uncertainty surrounding my physical condition and now one of our most beloved colleagues is in critical/serious condition and all our prayers are now directed to our loving God on her behalf.
When I arrived in the diocese in January 1996, Sister Germaine Bevans, OSB was prioress of the Benedictine community of sisters in St. Leo. When her term was up, I asked her to come and serve as Vicar for Religious or my liaison with women and men religious in the diocese. She has served in this capacity for about ten years, winning a place in the hearts of our many religious. Today, if I were a little stronger I would preside and preach at an annual Jubilee Mass for those religious celebrating mjor anniversaries this year – followed by lunch, all arranged by Sister Germaine and her wonderful assistant, Sister Eugene Marie.
Sister is in one of our local hospitals, fighting for her life but resigned in faith to that line we say so often without thinking in the OUR FATHER, “thy will be done.” If one were to ask many people in this diocese who their favorite employee is, Sister Germaine would probably win hands down. She is a deeply spiritual and holy woman. May Mary, the mother of the Redeemer and Saints Benedict and Scholastica intercede for her and may the Lord’s will be done.
+RNL
Tags: Brothers, Priests, Sister Germaine, Sisters and Nuns