Before Evening Prayer today, we blessed our Advent wreath — the traditional symbol of the season of Advent, a time of waiting in hope for Christ's coming.

Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau, prioress, lights one candle, representing the First Week of Advent. As an additional candle is lit each week, we are reminded of the light of Christ that dispels the darkness in our lives and in our world. Emmanuel, God-with-us, is the cause of our hope.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! May your hearts be filled with gratitude for all the blessings you have received. We are thankful for the people who have supported us in our Benedictine life and ministries. In this season of giving and thanksgiving, let us share our blessings with those in need.

"O God, it is good to give you thanks,
To sing praise to your name, O most high,
To proclaim your love in the morning,
And your faithfulness every night.

How great are your works, O God!
...
I rejoice for the work of your hands.
I find joy in all you have done.
(Psalm 92)

Every day I will bless you O God,
And praise your name forever.
You are great, most worthy of praise;
Who can fathom your greatness?

...
I reflect on your majesty and splendor;
I meditate on your wonders.

People speak of your wondrous works,
And proclaim your greatness.
...

You are gracious and merciful, O God,
Slow to anger and full of kindness.
You are loving and good to all;
Your compassion embraces all people.

All eyes look to you with hope;
You provide their food in due season.
Your hand is opened wide
To satisfy the needs of all creatures.

...
You are near to all who call you,
Who seek you with hearts sincere.

You fulfill the hopes of all who fear you;
You hear their cry and you help them.
You protect all those who love you,
But all that is evil you destroy.

...
May everyone bless your holy name,
Forever, for ages unending.
(Psalm 145)

A concert in our monastery church served as a grand finale for the Christkindlmarkt festivities in Ferdinand this weekend. This annual "olde world Christmas" celebration, which follows a custom that began in 14th century Bavaria, draws thousands of visitors to the town from around the United States. Many of the visitors came to the monastery for tours; others came for special events: the Friday night opening ceremony and dinner, the Christmas concert on Sunday, and for shopping at For Heaven's Sake gift shop throughout the weekend.

Sister Anita Louise Lowe was one of about 30 sisters who performed in the Sunday afternoon concert of sacred Christmas music.

For almost 112 years, this bell, named Benedict, called the sisters to prayer at the monastery. Today it was moved to the crypt under the monastery church, where it will be on display as a significant part of the sisters' history. In 1890 the bell was cast by a company in St. Louis and purchased and installed in the steeple of the first monastery chapel in the quadrangle. Later, when the current church was built in 1915, this bell and two others were placed in the bell tower. It was removed in 2002 because of an irreparable crack. Recently our workers cleaned and polished it and mounted it on an iron base. It will be one of several items, including a facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible, that visitors can view in the crypt this weekend during Christkindlmarkt festivities. While in the crypt they can also purchase special items made by the sisters and baked goods from our Simply Divine bakery. 

As workers moved the bell through the hallways to the church elevator, Sisters Kristine Anne Harpenau, Eileen Reckelhoff, and Mary Dominic Frederick stopped to look it over and discuss its history. Dave Kern points out where the crack is.

We remember… and we honor and pray for all veterans of war and for men and women who are currently serving their country. We pray for peace among all nations.

A view from my office window. This is what I saw as I looked out my window about 9 this morning when the sun was just casting its rays on the colonnade and turret around the monastery church. Two weeks ago our communications offices were moved to the fourth floor of the South Tower. We now enjoy rooms with views and are most grateful. 

Looking west over the village of Ferdinand.