Wednesday - Weeding & History

Wednesday morning we visited St. Magdalene House ("a residential community for women who have survived lives of prostitution, violence and addiction"), where we participated in the "beautification" of this communities home. When we arrived we learned about the community and the services that St. Magdalene's provides to their community members. The women who are part of the St. Magdalene House program live in the home for two years, where they go through detox, have vocational training, and learn how they are each beloved children of God. We weeded, cleaned up trash, swept, and sweated a lot.

In the afternoon we visited the St. Louis History Museum, where we saw "The Little Black Dress" exhibit (from Mourning to Night). We got to create a little black dress, learn about Coco Chanel (who took her inspiration and timeless style from her time growing up in an Abby, surrounded by the simplicity of churches, cathedrals, nuns, priests, and stained glass windows), and see how fashion and industry played a part in the history of St. Louis. We also saw an exhibit about Route 66, one of the most traveled highway's in the United States (throughout this countries history). One of the most famous roads in America, this highway played a large role in Western expansion (especially during the dust bowl). During our museum excursion we were able to bypass a HUGE storm, that took a tree down in our driveway (all persons and cars safe).

In the evening we visited the famous Ted Drewes where we all got to experience the original "concrete". As we wrapped up all our adventures for the day we looked at how we lived into our baptismal covenant during the day. Our Urban Missioners commented on the Magdalene House where we worked together to help beautify a space for beautiful women who were getting a fresh start, as they "sought to serve Christ in all persons, loving their neighbors as themselves." They also became aware of their continued fellowship as they were cooking, breaking bread, cleaning, and hanging out together. We ended our day asking God for peaceful night and a perfect end as we shared a drowsy compline together.

Till tomorrow,

Peace and blessings from the Cathedral Youth Urban Missioners!