Lent as a New Way of Being

sister jackie-for-blogBy Sister Jackie Walsh, OSB

In Chapter 49 of Benedict’s Rule we read the life of a monastic should at all times be characteristic of Lenten Observance.

For those imperfections, or leprosies as a priest recently referred to them – those areas of my life that keep me from being in right relationship with God and neighbor – Lent is a time for more intense prayer, sacred reading, reflection and almsgiving.  Continue Reading

Lenten “Lollipops”

lollipop

We have all changed someone’s life — often without even realizing it. Drew Dudley calls on us to revisit our “lollipop” moments – the moments when someone has made a wonderful difference in our lives – and thank those who made them possible.

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

I hope you’ll watch this wonderful, funny and inspiring TED Talk. The speaker urges us to share our “lollipop” moments … moments where someone made a huge difference in our lives, and maybe doesn’t even know it. He urges us to thank them.

So here is one of my treasured lollipop moments. Continue Reading

What Lent Means to Me: 10 Sisters share their thoughts

ruth 130Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB – This is a time to live more intensely the Pascal Mystery; the core of our faith; the death and resurrection. What does it mean to us? My reading will mostly focus on Scripture.

Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB – Lent is a time for refocusing one’s life. We can all go on autopilot stef 130during the year, and this is the right time to get out of it. I am looking at my prayer, my choices, and how I live the Gospel values. I’m reading “Broken Open: How Difficult Times can Help Us Grow,” by Elizabeth Lesser.

rita 130Sister Rita Cain, OSB – I believe it is a time to prepare ourselves for Easter; to mend parts of our lives through thoughts and prayers. I’m reading C.S. Lewis’ “Surprised by Joy.”

Sister Rosemary Murphy, OSB – These 40 days of prayer and practices – including fasting and rosemary murphy 130accepting of situations – lead us into deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m reading “The Ascent of the Mountain of God: Daily Reflections for the Journey of Lent,” by Edward Hays.

denise 130Sister Denise Vrombaut, OSB – For one thing, Lent is a time for me to go the extra mile for other people. It’s a time to renew my commitment to really active listening, to be really present to others. I’m reading “The Lenten Pharmacy: Daily Healing Therapies,” by Edward Hays. I chose it because I want to focus on Jesus the Healer, and this gives you something for every day.

Sister Cecile Baer, OSB – I will be more aware of my prayer. I hope every day that I get closer to God, but during Lent I hopececile to be more dedicated and present to my prayer.

sheila 130Sister Sheila McGrath, OSB – Lent is a time to step back and reassess what’s important, to see where I am in my spiritual life, where I am in my prayer, where I am with others. It’s a quiet, reflective time. I’m reading “Ashes to Easter: Lenten Meditations,” by Bishop Robert Morneau

Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB – This is a time of renewal of my commitment to Jesus Christ, to nurture new life within for charlotte 130the journey to resurrection. I’m reading “Seeking His Mind: 40 Meetings with Christ,” by M. Basil Pennington, OSCO.

marlene 130Sister Marlene Miller, OSB – I look forward to more prayer, more quiet, more solitude and less food … although God may have another plan, who knows? I’m reading “Doors of Hope: Paths for Renewal in the Catholic Church,” by John Dietzen. It’s been on my list and in my pile for years!

Sister Mary Core, OSB – Now is the time to do a little offering up of things, to do some extra reading,mary core 130 sacrificing. You might think of it as spring cleaning of the spirit! I’m reading 2 books: “Humility Matters,” by Mary Margaret Funk, OSB and “An Explanation of the Rule of Benedict,” by Hildegard of Bingen and Hugh Feiss.