Examples of Goodness

Two women who edify me with their goodness are right in my community. No, they don't pray on their knees all night or walk on needles all day. Rather, they give of themselves over and over again. During this pandemic they offered to cut hair for the 36 residents in our care center. Many of these women are very fragile and sickly; these two sisters give them loving attention as well as the hair cut. They feel privileged to do it.

This is just one of their other ministries. Sister Micaela  works in our retreat center, takes piano lessons, and gives spiritual direction. Sister Loretta works in the garden, bakes bread, makes pickles, and supervises volunteers (not during the pandemic). Recently, an employee needed help baking bread and Sister Loretta was quick to respond to her need, even though she could have used some time to rest.

They are the first to offer to do extra duties like shucking corn, taking sisters to appointments, and cleaning up after special dinners. When the pandemic began they were busy making masks for sisters and employees and other PPE needs.

They are not young; Sister Micaela is in her 80s and Sister Loretta in her 70s. They come from large families and learned early on to help with farming or cooking or whatever needed to be done. Their families were hardworking Midwestern Catholics who were faith-filled and humble people.

The two sisters do not stand out in a crowd, but they are the "real deal."They seek no attention or praise. No pins or medals. This is just who they are.