Monks and Platypus {Anomalies}

Mary Lake at Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC, Canada

After collecting Peter and a friend from another live-in weekend at the Benedictine Monastery's high school seminary in BC, a long and boring border wait was followed by a bizarre exchange with the customs guard in the booth.

We suffered the usual stern exchange once our ID documents were in his possession, including, "Where do you live?" and "Why were you in Canada?" I answered, "The boys were at the monastery in Mission for a weekend visit," which launched a series of strange follow up questions:

"What is that?  Church of England? Roman Catholic? Orthodox? Protestant?"
"It's Catholic, Benedictine, the religious order founded by Saint Benedict."

"So do they walk around in floor-length sackcloth whipping themselves all day?"
"No. They do wear habits, which are full length, black garments with hoods."

"So did they beat their hands with rulers?"
I turned around and asked the boys, "Did the monks beat your hands with rulers?"
"No."
"The boys got to swim and play roller hockey, they had prayer time and talks.  They have a great time up there. The monks are very holy," I added.

"I think God has a sense of humor."
"I hope so."

"Otherwise why would he have created the platypus?"
"Now why does everyone always pick on the poor platypus?"
"I'm not picking on the platypus..."
"The platypus is an anomaly, that's why people pick on the platypus," said Peter's wise friend.

Indeed.
Anomalies do seem to invite being singled out, don't they?

Seminary of Christ the King; Monastery of Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC, Canada

St. Joseph Monastery {Kentucky Day 1}



Sister Cecilia Maria sews her new veil in preparation for her first vows as a Passionist Nun {photo from Nuns' Blog}

It's not every day one of you friends enters religious life...but today is one of those days!
Sister Cecilia Maria will take her first vows today as a Passionist Nun, and by the Grace of God, I am able to attend the Holy Mass at St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville, Kentucky.  It's in a few hours, and I can't wait! I packed my camera, but may or may not be able to photograph during the actual Mass.  Time will tell.

A grueling day of travel yesterday, made possible with points accumulated on a well used VISA card, a gift of Marriott points from my well-traveled (and very generous) in-laws, and by my husband taking time off work to shuttle the boys to serve First Friday Mass and on other activities, brought me safely to my destination.  A well written and mind-blowing book, The Harbinger, by Jonathan Cahn, kept me occupied and gave great food for thought...

Dinner with a highly recommended book ~ a must read!



Travel essentials, packed per high security requirements



Hotel lobby ~ with full groundhog coverage 

to be continued...