On Monday, March 14, our teens, who are participating in the Faith Formation Progarm and preparing for Confirmation, participated in a Penance Service in our chapel. The teens always come to opportunities like this dressed in their Sunday best. This shows a reverence and respect for Church. Father Valle, a newly-ordained priest, once again led the service. He shared with us the importance of confession and our need for mercy.
Last night, I was also able to experience the grace of confession. As he gave me the absolution, Father placed his purple stole upon my head. I experienced a profound grace as I prayed that our young people would also have such an experience. This gesture reminded me of something our Holy Father, Pope Francis, said: “I have always been moved by the gesture in the tradition of Eastern churches, where the confessor welcomes the penitent by putting his stole over the penitent’s head and an arm around his shoulder, as if embracing him. It is the physical representation of acceptance and mercy. We are reminded that we are not there to be judged. It’s true that there is always a certain amount of judgment in confession, but there is something greater than judgment that comes into play. It is being face-to-face with someone who acts in persona Christi to welcome and forgive you. It is an encounter with mercy.” (Excerpt From: Pope Francis & Oonagh Stransky. “The Name of God Is Mercy.” )
Felician Sisters of North America Mission: Haiti 
Sr. Mary Elaine Lechert
March 15, 2016 at 4:17 pm
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Sr. Mary Elaine Lechert
March 15, 2016 at 4:34 pm
Hi, Adrianna,
Just thought I’d give you an update about Alexandra. There are days when she looks good and then other days, too. I took her to Dr. Bair on Monday. She apparently told him about the stint. She’s supposed to carry a ard with herself, however, Kathy hasn’t given it to her, yet. Presently, Lucy, Nancy,Kathy and Angela are in Chicago for the week. The Doctor probably evaluated her and said that he thought, she should wait a while for her dental work. She became very weak and almost fainted. I held her going to the car and when we arrived at the garage, a nurse was waiting her with a wheel chair. Since it’s her birthday today, she agreed to go out to eat. However, since yesterday’s episode, she wasn’t feeling up to going out today. I don’t know why everything is underlined. I clicked on that icon but nothing happened. I might as well give you a little more news. They will have 22 rooms available for 22 of us . Don’t know whether this will be determined by lottery or someone said according to age. We were also told that the 1sr, 2nd & 3rd floors will get a minimal amount of renovation or those remaining in the BMA wing. Something was also said that they plan to change the name. I did hear that the combined complex would be Immaculate Conception instead of OLLH. Time will tell. Hope you are doing well. Tke care and God bless. Elaine
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