"You are always welcome in our house."

*Anne Shepard, OSB

Tonight was a night I have been dreading for quite some time. It was the conclusion of the Prayer Partners for the year. College students from BC are offered the opportunity to pair up with a Sister at the Mount. Once a week they meet for supper and prayers--thus, Prayer Partners. I have been going to the Mount since my sophomore year. S. Jo Ann Fellin and I have been paired up for three years now. Remember that book Tuesday with Morrie? Well...I always said I was going to write a book entitled Mondays with Jo. I have hardly missed a Monday---in fact, until this year, I don't think we ever missed on Monday during the school year. Mondays were OUR night.

Prayer Partners is was allowed me to get to know so many of the Sisters, to witness Community, and to center myself in prayer. As I said tonight to the Sisters, "Thank you for giving me a home for the past 3 years. I run here when something exciting happens, when something sad happens, actually even when something boring happens. Thank you for your unconditional love." When I got sick and needed surgery, Sisters were at the hospital. When I had ER trips, S. Jo stayed with me through it all. When I was excited about going to the Jungle, they got excited with me. When I lost a good friend, they grieved with me. Most of all, when I needed to know how to find myself, the searched with me. They have taught me more than words can ever say. I am eternally grateful for their love, concern, devotion, and faith---they have helped me to grow and mature and gave me balance when I've stumbled.

Tonight, the Sisters sang a blessing to the seniors. We stood there with our hands open, receiving their love and their prayers. How someone could walk away without feeling like the most loved person in the world after that, I have no idea. Anne told us all how welcome we were, "announced or unannounced" and what a gift we have been. If only they knew what a gift they have been to me, but once again, words limit my ability to say so.

When I leave here, I will leave the daily contact and the weekly Masses with the Sisters---but their presence will not be far. It's trapped in my heart. I'll carry it with me always so that when the real world gets tough, I can center myself again, knowing as their chapel bell rings and they gather in prayer--I'm still safe in the midst of their love and prayer.

Tonight, a few tears were shed, however, but I am proud that I handled it so well. I think it helps to know I will still see them before graduation--the last goodbye has not had to take place, that is when the river will run--but as a good friend reminded me, I need to let it. Goodnight everyone. To the Sisters, THANK YOU!
Picture: S. Jo and Me tonight at the party :)