LINCOLN (SNR) – As people around the world saw changes to their daily lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cloistered Pink Sisters in the Diocese of Lincoln were no different.
The Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration – called the “Pink Sisters” due to their rose-colored habits which symbolize joy in their vocation – sent out their annual mailing to people across the diocese before Christmas and reported on the year.
“Closing our chapel to the public for the safety of all was a most painful decision,” they wrote. “Our adorers surely miss their hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. We want you to know we are here to keep adoration for you.”
They said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community was limited to the closing of the chapel, however, and thanked the many priests who regularly celebrated Masses for them. Three of the newly ordained priests for the diocese even had the opportunity of offering their Thanksgiving Mass in the Sisters’ chapel.
“There is no shutting down the graces streaming from every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and countless hours of adoration before our Eucharistic King that we offer as our gift to you,” the Sisters wrote.
While the pandemic also postponed the visit from their new Superior General Mother Maria Magdalen, the Sisters said the closing of the chapel was a providential time to have the roof and the air conditioning/heating unit replaced. They reported benefactor George Hendricks “took the whole matter of our new roof in his hands.” They thanked the Pink Sisters Auxiliary who paid for the air conditioning/heating unit, “and all our benefactors who so generously contributed to these big projects.”
The Pink Sisters Auxiliary Board members will follow up the Sisters’ letter with one of their own this month, explaining how donations to the Auxiliary have helped the Sisters this year, which “allows them to remain in Lincoln to offer spiritual support to all of us.”
The expenditures this year did make an impact, however, and there was revenue lost from the closure of the chapel bookstore.
The Auxiliary Board asks for a donation of $10 per individual and $20 per household for yearly memberships. The Pink Sisters Auxiliary membership is open to everyone interested in the Sisters’ apostolate. Every dollar raised goes back to the Sisters for whatever they need. Any expenses the Auxiliary Board has are paid by the board members themselves.
As a member of the Pink Sisters Auxiliary, one is included in the daily prayers of the Sisters, special remembrance in daily Mass and four solemn novenas each year, the consolation of sharing in the Pink Sisters’ apostolate of prayer for mankind, and a promise of God’s blessings upon the member and his or her family.
A donation is not necessary to receive the benefits from the prayers and sacrifices of the Pink Sisters, of course, the board members explained.
“They pray for all of us and our world, however, those who do (support the Sisters with donations) are included in extra prayers and Masses as a thank you for caring for the needs of the Sisters. The Sisters are very precious to us, and it is important that we take care of them in the best way we know.”
Upon a member’s death, they are enrolled perpetually in a Spiritual Union which assures remembrance in nine Masses monthly, if the family notifies the Sisters upon the person’s death (402-489-0765), to make sure of remembrance in all designated prayers and Masses. Specific prayer intentions are always welcome by mail or a visit, as well.
“The Sisters’ extra prayers are so helpful in time of need,” they said.
