1915 Winona - 2000 Mankato
Perhaps my pious grandmother Wicka uttered a fervent prayer
While the choir chanted the Magnificat.
For when she returned home from Vespers,
I had just arrived, firstborn of Joseph and Mary Louise Bambenek
Baptized Florence Mae, but
Formed by God, even in the womb, for vowed religious life.
Even as a little girl I loved and admired the good Sisters and
Did my best to be like them.
In high school, I joined the Young Ladies Sodality and
Learned to play the organ from Sr. Arnoldine.
Imagine my surprise when she took a vacation,
Naming me the parish organist at age fifteen.
I played fearlessly and beautifully.
So much so that I clearly saw the Lord's hand behind it.
My parents agreed. Soon the Sister Superior herself
Was picking me up on the train and taking me to Mankato,
To the Chapel and the Mother House of
The School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato Province.
I fell in love at once, claiming my vocation
Sixty years of music ministry, spent wherever
Catholics raised their joyful voices to the Lord.
In turn my sisters Magdalena and Mary became Sisters,
Thanks to our provident parents, the prayers of our family,
And God's special plan for each of His human creations.
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