Bishop celebrates farewell Mass in Ladysmith
Special to Catholic Herald
LADYSMITH - Bishop Peter Christensen joined the Servite Sisters in Ladysmith on June 3 to celebrate a Mass of farewell to their motherhouse. In February the sisters made the decision to sell the motherhouse to Indianhead Community Action Agency, which will use the building as its administrative headquarters beginning July 1.
In his homily, the bishop acknowledged that the day was one “of mixed emotions.” The building has been home to the sisters since 1928. “But this is all part of our journey in the life of faith,” he said.
The motherhouse is situated on the banks of the Flambeau River, and Bishop Christensen used the image of the River as a comparison to the sisters’ move. “The river keeps moving,” he said, “it doesn’t put down roots.”
He alluded to scripture, pointing out that where people dwelt with the Lord was often in a tent, which is not the most permanent of structures. “But it’s not about the bricks and mortar,” he said, “it’s about the memories that dwell in your hearts. Those you take with you as you continue your journey.”
At dinner following the Mass, the sisters presented the bishop with a gift from their archives - a host press that the sisters had once used to make their own altar breads. |