Santa Rita Abbey February 22-24, 2019–the great Arizona snow storm

Santa Rita Abbey February 22-24, 2019–the great Arizona snow storm

Hi! It’s been a while since our last journal entry. Instead of looking back to the Christmas season, which seems like ancient history now, we’ll begin this one with current events.

The big excitement of the last few days was the huge snow storm which enveloped Arizona. It began with rain last Thursday, Feb 21, which turned to snow on Friday, Feb 22. Wow did it snow! For about twelve hours straight. Photos will describe it better than words can.

Friday, February 22

 

The monastery barely visible from our front road

 

Retreatants shoveling snow on the path down the hill

 

Note that one of our raven friends has taken refuge from the storm on the cross on our church

 

View from our backyard. If you look closely you can see Sr. Cathy making a snowman.

 

Sr. Cathy and her adorable snowman

 

Saturday, February 23

 

Sunrise view east

 

Sunrise view west

 

Our observer, Sharon, who is spending six weeks with us to discern her vocation

 

The sacristy rose garden had an impressive blanket of snow

 

Two of our Sisters just had to make snow angels.

 

The view from Our Lady’s garden

 

Sunday, February 24

 

Another snowy sunrise

 

Icicles outside the refectory door

 

The ravens were out there waiting for Sr. Miriam and her bread basket

 

Sr. Clare marveling at the three-foot icicle outside the dormitory