20th
Prayer at the Convent
I stopped in Cullman, AL to spend some time in prayer and reflection. I landed first at the Benedictine Sisters Sacred Heart Monastery chapel for an amazing time of silence, solitude, and beauty.
It is a smaller, but lovely chapel built in 1931. There was a breeze blowing through carrying the smell of new blossoms. It was intensely quiet. The text for the day was from the book of Acts about appointing church leaders who were, “Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” This is a powerful idea. Many churches are full of leaders that are deeply spiritual, but unwise. Many others are full of leaders who are wise, but not particularly spiritually vigorous. That’s a big AND.
The phrase over the choir loft reads (in latin) “That in all things God may be glorified.” This is a particularly striking phrase that resonates with my heart and understanding of God’s omniscience. I want to nurture this “God is present” spirit throughout each day, regardless of the situation.
I later went over to the St. Bernard Abbey to see their church. It was big and beautiful, built in the early 70s, but the property was a carnival, literally, in honor of their parochial school fundraiser. There were craft and food booths on the grounds, so much of the sanctuary was roped off.