Minnesota Prairie Roots

THERE ARE MOMENTS in life when you see something at exactly the right time. And you understand the significance deep within your soul, your spirit.

For me that came Monday afternoon when I saw three sisters walking along the sidewalk near Bethlehem Academy, the Catholic High School about two blocks from my home. Randy and I were passing by in our van after a short jaunt into the countryside when I spotted the white-robed women.

Their snow white garb contrasted with their flowing black head coverings. Now I am not Catholic so I pretend no understanding of the black and white attire. I always thought nuns wore only all black with minimal white. This sighting proved that assumption wrong.

But more important than the clothing was the sense of peace that washed over me as I watched these sisters, accompanied by a man dressed in black, walk along the sidewalk on a beautiful warm and sunny afternoon in mid-February.

They radiated peace.

In these unsettling times, I’ll take peace. I’ve never before seen nuns in Faribault, making the sighting of these three devoted women of faith even more impressionable.

These words from the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi came to me:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling