Giving
Our Story of the Bread
"One day, more than 100 years ago, a man came to the convent door asking for food. The Sister in charge of the kitchen went to Mother Odilia for help. There was but one loaf of bread in the house. Was she to refuse the appeal or deprive the Sisters? Without hesitation, Mother Odilia said, 'Give the man what he asks, Sister. The Lord will provide for us.' Only half convinced, the Sister obeyed.
Some hours later, a child was sent by her mother to deliver a pan of freshly baked rolls to the Sisters. When the child arrived at the convent, she was greeted with, 'The Lord has come. You are the Lord today, little one!' Greatly surprised, the child was told the meaning of the spontaneous exclamation.
'Mother Odilia never put just one arm out. Both arms were extended to welcome as well as in readiness to help,' said an old friend of the Sisters."
In honor of Mother Odilia and the ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, bread is shared during heritage observances.