The first full week of classes after returning from summer break was mentally demanding and physically exhausting in our Marianist schools!Towards the end of the week, our chapel windows had been left open to bring in some crisp, refreshing, autumn air. We had a late afternoon storm that brought gusty winds and torrential rain. When the Brothers began to arrive for Evening Prayer, the rain had stopped but the last two rows of seats were soaked! By the time I walked in, one of the Brothers had already gone back to the residence, acquired a towel, and was wiping down all the wet seats. It would have been sufficient and completely understandable, after another tiring day, to have simply wiped off his own seat and left the towel for others to use. But no; he sacrificed a bit more time, mustered up some more energy, and dried every seat before settling down in his own.
I couldn't help but smile as the rest of the Brothers eventually gathered and sat down in their dry seats. This small act of service was completely unknown to those who benefitted from it! What an awesome expression of selfless love in community life!
Please pray for Father Francis. Let us continue to call upon the name of Mary to watch over her faithful son!
