News from our nuns in Covington from Sister Alethea, [picture below]: “We had no internet access till Saturday a week ago. When I told Sr Edith about your blog, she told Ada Jordan [OCDS of New Orleans]... Thanks so much. I was happy to learn that at least some members of Marion Stearn's family survived; we had heard they all drowned.

“Now here is some news for you. Fr. Gregory Ross, Fr Sam Anthony and Brothers Joseph Marie and Juan, were allowed for the first time to return to the Student House in New Orleans yesterday, Sept 27, to see how it fared. Fr Sam Anthony was dreading it, especially from what we had heard of others who had returned to their homes, especially the condition of refrigerators and freezers. So, when they arrived at the Student House and Father Gregory said, "Let me be first", Fr. Sam Anthony was only too glad to say "Be my guest". However, it did not turn out to be as bad as they feared, with the exception of the freezer and refrigerator. The water line was to the second step and they have three steps so no water entered the house. They detected new mould only in the tv room where a window had blown out. All books, computers etc. safe. The brothers were heroic; they took the refrigerator and freezer out before emptying them; had to take an inner door off the hinges to get it out. They were wearing a big plastic bag with holes cut in it for arms and legs, long rubber gloves and masks. They double-bagged the contents; even so the smell, i.e. "stench" came through so they triple bagged the last one. The dumpster was near the bishop's house so they took it all there. They came back here late, tired and wanting a hot bath and bed. Their spirits were much revived this morning.

“You probably know that Fr Sam Anthony and the students who will be attending St Joseph Seminary this semester are living with us. The two students have our new First Professed Wing, a stand alone wing with bedroom and study for each and a kitchen and a foyer where they say the Hours together presided over by the Blessed Virgin Mary statue. Fr. Sam has our guest house; we are more than happy to do this for them.
Sorry so long, best wishes.” [Sr Aletheia, OCD]