Praise be to God! We had a wonderful turnout for Sister Gabriel’s talk on January 13. Approximately 50 people were in attendance! The Grotto to the Archangels was alight again to welcome them to the Marian Center!

It was a very informal evening which began with Sister Gabriel leading the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It was absolutely beautiful to hear the prayers rising up to God again in the chapel that has been much to quiet! I said that if I had died that night, I would have went in peace; it was that awesome.

Sister Gabriel went right into her vocation story telling us that her Aunt Barb (Smith) was one of her greatest inspirations in her path to the religious life. She said that she felt very called to come to the Marian Center. Sister encouraged everyone to keep Barb’s mission alive by sharing their gifts and talents for the glory of God. She said that “it is one thing to say you are Catholic and another thing to be Catholic”.

Josh Mercer (with a little help from tiny Charles Mercer) then encouraged everyone in attendance to pray and fast for the earthquake stricken people of Haiti.

Bryan and I spoke briefly, reiterating the fact that we do not know exactly why God sent us to the Marian Center, but we know He has a plan in mind. We have already seen wonderful things happening here at the Center, with this evenings event showing us that God is working, and He is generous!

The evening concluded with a fun reception! Thank you very much to all who attended! What a great start to what we are sure will be a great year here at the Marian Center.

Julie Tuck