We began the New Year with remnants of the warmth of December, but that quickly came to an end. New Year’s Day morning the landscape was still all green. That had tuned to all white by noon. The month as a whole was unusually cold with 21 days below normal. On the other hand, we never registered more than an inch of snow on any day.
Epiphany was celebrated on the 6th with the Baptism of the Lord following on the 12th. That feast brings an official end to our Christmas season each year. Decorations are gradually removed over the next few days.
On the 16th the Knitters Group enjoyed their yearly retreat together over the long Martin Luther King weekend.
On the 24th a group of 14 students from Ithaca were here for their retreat.
The front entrance area to the chapel and surroundings look a bit different after a tree company removed a number of dead and diseased trees on the 28th. One of the trees had been struck with lightning resulting in a split in the wood the length of most of the tree. Replacement trees are due in the fall.
Many visitors of the monastery will know Marie Colucci who died on the 28th. She was a dear friend of ours besides being a neighbor, oblate, and beloved fixture at the monastery for many years. We ask for prayers for the repose of her soul, for her husband Andy, and for the consolation of their family.
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, February 9, 2025, after the 9:00 am Mass. The Friends of Mount Saviour will sponsor the presentation, The Cosmos: Current Theories and Discoveries by Dr. Keith Fisher. His presentation will include important contributions from Catholic scientists. The talk will be in St. Joseph’s Lounge where refreshments will be served.