Franciscan Sister Kathleen Murphy shares on Triduum memories at St. Francis of Assisi Convent, Greenwood, Mississippi.

Holy Thursday brought a day free from school responsibilities as well as another opportunity for online worship. You see our laptop setup in chapel along with our liturgical setting. We are blessed to be able to have the Blessed Sacrament present with us in our home.

We joined our parish family for the Facebook liturgy after which we received Holy Communion and spent time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Joining our voices in repetition of Jesus, Remember Me. We then went quietly to bed to see what the next day would bring.

Good Friday morning dawned with welcome sunshine and warmth. Our chapel was stripped and bare except for this simple display of the Lamb of God. We worked on school work for the upcoming week, did some spring cleaning and prepared for our 3:00 online service. Father Father Cam led a simple, striking celebration of the Lord’s Passion. After receiving Holy Communion, all went went about their tasks quietly. We also joined the virtual version of the national praying of the Litany of the the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Archbishop Gomez in Los Angeles.

Holy Saturday morning allowed time for Sister Maria Goretti to bake Easter bread and rolls. In the afternoon the Sisters gathered for an egg dying session. Sisters Janet and Kathleen are at work while Sr. Maria Goretti abandoned her station to serve as photographer.

Sister Kathleen displayed the Easter message in front of the convent while God took care of adding a splash of color with the beautifully blooming roses.

One of the parish members came to remove the purple cloth from our outdoor cross and replace it with Easter white and a cascade of lilies and other flowers.

As quiet descended on our home, all gathered in chapel for the facebook Easter vigil. Our own chapel water fountain and Paschal candle were lit at the appropriate moments of the liturgy. With alleluias in our hearts, we concluded the celebration and the day.

As Sister Kathleen walked the grounds a bit on our gray Easter  morning, Holy Saturday night’s raindrops had settled on this beautiful fresh Easter rose.

After our online morning Mass, all went about the tasks of preparing their part of the Easter dinner. Our menu choices were a bit limited by what was available in the store. Shortages of flour, eggs and many kinds of meat made themselves known in our meal planning, but all had plenty to work with in the end. By 1:00 all of us gathered around this table setting and with prayer began the joy of feasting. A quiet afternoon featured working on puzzles, playing 5 Crowns and beginning to watch the threatening weather. We were blessed to end the day in safety and quiet joy!

We now have Easter Monday as a free day, but Tuesday will find us back to our online class work. Tuesday is also slated to bring a decision from our Governor regarding when or if schools will come back in session. We pray for wisdom on the part of all!