Devotional Prayer
Began Early for Sr. Marielle
Sr. Marielle Schmitt prepares to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Bethany Chapel, Sinsinawa.
My private devotional day begins at Sinsinawa Mound in the fifth-floor, east community room watching the sunrise. My devotion to the Blessed Sacrament began with daily Mass, which was part of our school day. On Saturdays and free days, I walked the mile to and from home for Mass at St. Bernard Church, Wauwatosa, WI. Before I started home on school days, I stopped for a visit. This pattern continued through high school. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament continues to be my major devotion.
Our parents modeled and encouraged a strong devotional life in our home. It all began with bedside prayers each night. We recited the rosary during Lent and during the month of May. I entered [the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation] on Rosary Sunday and chose that day for my feast day—Marielle being a French word for Mary. My mother was faithful to Mass on each First Friday. Afterwards, we went to the bakery to get something for breakfast. My father took me with him across town to Holy Cross Church, Milwaukee, WI, for devotions important to him, particularly Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I was also his companion downtown to Gesu Church, Milwaukee, for another of his favorite devotions. The two of us took part in Lenten devotions. He was unemployed during the depression years. I’m sure that only prayer got him through those difficult times.
Two devotional items in our home made a permanent impression on me. Even now I can easily call them to mind. One was a two-foot-high statue of the Sacred Heart, which is now in the bedroom I use at my sister’s home. The other was an 18-by-24-inch picture of the Sacred Heart. Both of these treasures were of good artistic value. I never learned what happened to the picture. Bethany Chapel [at the Motherhouse] is my favorite place for afternoon private prayer. From time to time, I also choose the space behind the altar in Queen of the Rosary Chapel. It pleased me that devotions to the Blessed Sacrament and the rosary are special to the Dominican Order.
Sister Marielle Schmitt, OP