The last couple of weeks have not been short on excitement here… Just for a brief highlight, the pictures, courtesy of the Shrine Pilgrimage dept. give a great glimpse of the fantastic snow we had (more than just flurries this time!) in late January. The wintery mix-turned-snowfall made for an unpredictable afternoon for those who had to travel, but for those inside the walls, it was lovely scenic weather. As the photos testify, the sunshine in the evening left little snow for the next day, but made for a spectacular sunset!
 

Then later in the month of January we were keeping vigil here with the Lord of Life for those half a million + strong who braved the snow and such at the March for Life in DC – and then those cross country in San Francisco. “The cause” was and is very much alive in our minds and hearts especially in those days when many took part in pilgrimage & public witness.
 

On February 2nd, Sr. Mary John Paul renewed her vows at Mass. It was a great joy, hearing the words: “responding to the grace the Lord has granted me…”! Congratulations to our Sister on this step in your journey! Promptly after the unique Candlemass, as if to highlight Christ as the True Light, the power went out! We didn’t have too much time (not even the whole morning) to wait for a return of electricity, but the temporary deprivation was enough to reawaken that gratitude for hot coffee and toast and the miracle of light bulbs!
May we always be so grateful…