Sister Philomena
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water;
~Canticle of the Sun.
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
After I abandoned Al and Flipside Fanzine for pursuing other men, there was something else that really inspired me away from the Punk Scene.
It was the contemplative life. I was in correspondence with the Poor Clares of Long Island for many years. They were part of my journey.
I stayed with the Poor Clares for some time. Their orderly life seemed very pleasant, and adjacent to their closure were the Franciscan Brothers. I would attend their early Morning Prayers with readings from the Canticle of the Sun.
Sister Philomena had a small newsletter called The Monstrance. She was a good friend, and it was a dream come true to visit with her.
One story I remember her telling me was before she joined the convent. As a young woman she enjoyed the Coffee Frappe while living in New York City.
At that time, it was not a poplar drink as it is today. She would go to the Italian corner store and drink them. Now every time I get one…I think of Sister Philomena.
I will never forget, as a brother drove me away to the train station, seeing her outside the car window …waving to me in full Habit and holy clothing… as the wind blew, her smile still affirms to me that a life with children was the best choice for me.
by Hudley Flipside on Friday, August 27, 2010, at 2:29pm ·
The Seminary of Praying Mantis Publishing 