Ciao !
Sister Margaret Mary Vessels was my dad's older sister; when I was growing up we often visited her at the convent where she lived in Nazareth, Kentucky. Sister Margaret Mary, while always treated with kindness by the family, never seemed to be taken too seriously. Sometimes I would pick her up and/or drive her home from Sunday dinners, and during those trips, the woman became alive and animated with passion! I would tell her where I had travelled or was living – often internationally – and she would tell me the history and stories about each place with such joy and glee. Childlike even...
In October of 2024, I planned to visit the city of Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy. I had worked nearby in Pescara and had friends who lived there. I chose Casa Ospitalita' for its downtown location. The hotel is managed by an order of nuns and it reminded me greatly of the convent at Nazareth. The exterior does appear a "bit" prison-like (I prefer the word spartan, the nuns have little needs in life...in fact they sign up for that.). The interior is a "bit" church-like (I prefer the term religiously historical.), FULL of religious paintings and statues. Catholic ITALY is FULL of religious paintings and statues.
From my moment of arrival through departure, it was a party at the convent! From Suor Giulia asking me at check in, "WHAT?! You're alone? But WHY?" (this was a common theme of the weekend, also asked by every new Suora I met.) to the knock on my door each morning, "We think it's time you should come out", to locking my car behind the gate for "special safety" (that also included witholding my keys until my departure, "you do not need to drive, you're downtown".)
They still keep in touch, I receive texts, photos (including the group shot below.) and voicemails SINGING to me, and I laugh out loud (with glee.) every time I see or listen. They are intimate, and it's love. | 
