A Fantastic Fourth of July

In the United States, we celebrate our independence on July 4 every year, and in the Monastery, this means a special picnic day! We always continue to pray the entire Liturgy of the Hours and keep adoration on picnic days, but instead of working we fill in the time with fun, games and extra recreation.

We began our day with prayers and Mass, followed by the solemn raising of the flag.

After the flags were raised, we all sang patriotic songs and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Whew! It was pretty hot outside so several sisters went back inside to play an intense game of Sequence.

Meanwhile, some of the sisters played beanbag Tic-Tac-Toe. This was Sr. Irma\’s first Fourth of July in the United States (you may recall she is visiting us from Mexico)! Other sisters just enjoyed sitting around and talking while they enjoyed a rare privilege: snacks outside mealtime!

In the cool of the evening some of the sisters went for a ride on our golf cart. 

Of course, we had to stop and pay a visit to St. Dominic at his shrine in the woods!

It was truly a fantastic Fourth of July and we all went to bed that evening tired but happy, refreshed and ready to return to work this morning!