God Shed His Grace on Thee

Bratwurst roasting on an open fire
Four nuns munching on s’mores …

Wait, that’s not the way the song goes — unless you spent this 4th of July with us at St. Joseph’s Monastery! Our community enjoyed our traditional Independence Day “Gaudeamus” (free day) together, filled with all sorts of sisterly fun and tasty food.

In the morning, Sister Frances Marie organized a series of fun lawn games, including a water-balloon toss to help us beat the heat! Meanwhile, Sister Cecilia Maria and Christie were grilling up a storm for our delicious noon meal.

Don’t let the water balloon break!

Some of our “spectators” — or should I say “peanut gallery?”

Firing up the grill!

A patriotic place setting — down to the salt and pepper shakers

Aspirant Abbey kept the red-white-and-blue theme going with her color-coordinated wardrobe!

Several Sisters held an impromptu patriotic procession, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

The afternoon saw a group of Sisters toasting marshmallows and … garlic?? That’s right, Sister Cecilia Maria showed us how to make delicious roasted garlic to spread on fire-toasted bread. Add a touch of olive oil and some salt, and you’ve got a savory treat to balance the sweetness of s’mores!

Sister Cecilia Maria and Aspirant Abbey prepare the garlic for roasting

Mmmm, look at those marshmallows! And you can see the foil packets of garlic sizzling away …

The World’s Most Perfect S’more

Almost ready for a delicious garlic-bread snack!

Sister Maria Faustina slices up the snacks for Mother John Mary and Sister Frances Marie