Putting their Heart into their Work

      I mentioned that the Norbertine sisters at Toro, Spain, sew and repair clothing as a means to earn money for their support. In fact, their workshop is arranged with various types of sewing machines and other tools for clothing repair and sewing. There was a time in the past when the sisters had contracts to make clothing. They had an assembly line arrangement. One sister would sew one part of the clothing item and then pass it on to the next sister who was responsible for sewing another part. They worked hard and long days. Between work sessions they prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, celebrated Mass, and meditated in the chapel.

      The day finally arrived when the sisters could no longer maintain the pace needed in order to complete the demands of that work. They have had to change their focus from assembly to repair and tailoring. One of the sisters has added production of some small gift and craft items which can be purchased at the convent. Small dolls that resemble the sisters in their white habit, and nativity scenes, are a couple of the craft items that she produces and sells. 

      The sisters’ convent is undergoing some major repairs and renovations. A charitable foundation desires to restore some of the oldest parts of their convent. A bell tower and patio with ancient columns are in need of much attention. These features are part of the original buildings the sisters received from Queen Maria de Molina in 1316. When the officials of the foundation arrived to review the convent they discovered that the sisters’ living area was in great need of repair. I was told that even though that part of the convent is not historically significant, the foundation could not rightly invest money in antiquities while the sisters were living in substandard housing. A broken heating system, poor windows, insufficient insulation, and a roof that was collapsing demanded attention.

      When I arrived the architect for the repairs explained how the heating system was about to start a fire in the living quarters and the chapel. He also described the rooms where the sisters sleep. The rooms were so poorly heated that during the winter water froze at night while the sisters slept, or tried to sleep. New windows, new heaters, more insulation, and a new roof have been installed. Termites had been discovered in the support beams of the roof and walls. More work will need to be completed.

      I am very impressed by the charitable foundation, a private organization, which recognized the human need and responded. In spite of their fundamental purpose to restore historical sites, they have a balanced vision by which they can see human needs. May the sisters sleep in peace and warmth this Fall and Winter!

Peace, Fr. Andy