Page 35 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 3: March 13-17 (cont)

This example of being welcomed highlights how attention to details can make a big
difference to how one is received in an unfamiliar situation. On a trip with my Mom to

Europe a few years ago, near the end of our pilgrimage to Benedictine monasteries, we
arrived at a women’s monastery in the heart of Cologne, Germany. The sisters
themselves did not speak English well, so they appointed one of their Oblates with the

best English skills to greet us. We had been invited to celebrate Mass with them and
there wasn't much time before it started. This woman directed us to where we needed
to go. Recognizing that some of us may need a bathroom first, she gave us instructions

for bathrooms depending on our mobility needs. Their chapel was very small, our tour
bus was full (about 40 people) and we were directed through a side entrance. She told
us not to worry about passing through a small side chapel where people may be seated

and told us where to find the prayer books. The level of care, concern and details that
she gave us were shared in a loving manner. It felt like we always visited there on
Sundays for Mass! The worship service itself was also well thought out: hymns were

sung in German and English, to include us in their celebration. They invited people from
our group to help in the service; one to read an English scripture and one to help lead an
English singing part of the liturgy. We were seated very close together, surrounding

even the altar in the chapel! Afterwards, we were invited to join them for lunch with ice
cream for dessert. Turns out, the ice cream was made by the sisters themselves, from the

cows they kept in the back of their monastery property! There were 6 or 7 flavors and we
were invited to try as many as we liked. We were invited to sit with members of their
community, as well as their Oblates, to get to know each other. This welcoming felt so
very complete, so sincere and warmly shared with us. I have often thought back on that

memory with love and fondness. It's a model that I rely on for planning gatherings; the
level of attention to detail and thoughtfulness really makes a difference and is time

worth spending.
~Carol Olson (3 yrs with First Lutheran)