Scene 1

Setting: refectory

People:
Mother Superior
Reader
Sister 1
Sister 2
Sister waitress
Lots of female voices

(Head table, with 3 sisters and Mother Superior in the middle, has been cleared, except for a water glass for one of the Sisters, still partially full. There is a Cross facing away from the Sisters at table in the middle. There is also a small bell at table. Sister 1 looks at her watch and leans toward M.S. Reader 1 continues to read. M.S. reaches for the bell and rings it. The reader stops immediately.)

The three get up. The sound of chairs rubbing across the floor is heard. There should be many female voices responding with M.S., including Sisters 1&2.

M.S.: (Making the Sign of the Cross, as are the 2 Sisters). In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We give You thanks, Almighty God, for all Your benefits, Who lives and reigns, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

MS: Let us bless the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

MS: May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

All: Amen.

(There is some slight rustling of chairs but no talking. MS rings the bell, followed by silence.)

MS: Dear Sisters, in honor of the Feast day of Our Holy Mother, St. Teresa of Jesus, immediately following the after-meal clean-up, we will have recreation for two hours, until Vespers. You will be allowed to speak freely during that time.

Sisters: (not together) Thank you, Mother Superior.