By Sister Mary Core, OSB
First published several years ago, this story tells why we wait so long to decorate for Christmas … and what we do once it arrives!
Seventeen poinsettias, 7 trees, 6 candles and a nativity scene – minus Baby Jesus – have been carted into the chapel.
After the final Sunday of Advent (and weeks after many other folks!), the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery are decorating for Christmas. Continue Reading
By Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB
When I was a novice in community (first full year) I recall that it was my assignment to decorate the community room in the monastery for Christmas.
It was a very large room! It seemed like an overwhelming task for someone who had trouble just decorating classroom bulletin boards each season! Continue Reading
By Sister Marianne Burkhard, OSB
Elizabeth, the mother of John Baptist, is somewhat in the shadow of Mary, but she really shouldn’t be.
Her experience is a miracle in itself because she was considered ‘barren’ and was, like Sarah, way past her child-bearing age. Continue Reading
Sister Jozefa was known for her cookies and her loving, ever-present smile.
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On the first Sunday of Advent, we are invited to prepare for the return of Christ, Christ our universal judge and savior.
It’s especially poignant for me this year.
Sister Jozefa had been ailing and so I stopped in to see her after dinner. She was sleeping, so I blessed her and spoke a few quiet, loving words. She died later in the evening. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
For most of contemporary society, Advent gets lost in the season of shopping. People rush through malls and big box stores, loading gifts into baskets, buying more than they can afford and collapsing in exhaustion when they get home.
Which is why – if you were to come to St. Mary Monastery now – you might be surprised to find no Christmas trees, lights or sparkle. (Of course, those do come later!)
That’s because we’re preparing for Christmas here. We’re focusing on Advent! Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent.”
“People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world.”
St. Luke’s Gospel (Luke 21: 25-28; 34-36) for this 1st Sunday of Advent seems prophetic for this Advent season as we reel from the bombing and killing in Paris just 2 weeks ago. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
During these last 3 weeks of Advent, we have reflected on the words, Watch, Prepare, and Light. They are themes taken from the Sunday readings.
On our 4th and final Sunday, the readings direct us to the word Mystery. It is used by Paul in his letter to the Romans.
We have plenty of mysteries today. For instance, isn’t it a mystery that the ELF on the SHELF is such a motivator for a child’s behavioral change? In my day, it was Santa’s Elves peeking in the window to tell Santa of our wrongdoings. (My father used that one frequently.) Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
We all talk a lot about waiting during Advent. We might know – more or less – what we are waiting for and why. But do we know how to wait?
One way is to cultivate silence in our lives. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
If watch and prepare were the buzz words for the 1st and 2nd Sundays of Advent, I suggest that light is a key word to praying the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.
When the bells call us to Vespers at 4:50, we enter our chapel and are met with a glorious light show. The sun streaming through the west windows catches the dust motes in a dance of red, orange pink and violet colors which no artist could reproduce. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Sister Stefanie’s Advent Scripture Study continues today. Read the 3rd Sunday readings and ponder them. Feel free to comment here, or – if you’d rather have a private conversation – email her at smacdonald@smmsisters.org. She’ll get back to you right away!
In Sunday’s gospel we hear the priests and Levites ask John the Baptist, “Who are you?” Hmmm. Who would you say YOU are? Continue Reading
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