By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Our local mall has a MAKE OVER contest. Who would not like to be transformed, made over? The persons chosen receive a facial, hairdo and new wardrobe. They are transformed (so we are told). Continue Reading
Lent: The Time of Fulfillment
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Did you know Lent originally was a 40-day preparation for adult Baptism? There was a 40-day retreat during which the catechumens prepared to become Catholics through their Baptism, Confirmation and reception of the Eucharist during the Easter Vigil. It’s become something more, of course. Continue Reading
Standing Empty Before God
By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
“If you return to me with all your heart and all your soul … God will turn to you, hiding the face of glory no longer.” (Tobit 13:6) This verse from today’s canticle from Tobit seems very appropriate for the first Monday in Lent. It reminds us of the purpose of our Lenten journey – to re-direct our thoughts and energies to living in God’s presence at a deeper level by opening our hearts to the mercy and grace God pours out. Standing empty before God, the glory of God’s face (mercy) will penetrate our armor of darkness and flood our being with loving forgiveness. Sometimes it just requires turning around!
A Different Kind of Fasting
By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Each time we approach anew the season of Lent, our thoughts often move quickly to the question, “What practices shall I concentrate on during Lent?” or, “From what shall I fast?”
In the reading on the first Friday in Lent, Isaiah 58 speaks of the inadequate observance of fasting carried out by the people, and conveyed a different challenge to them: Continue Reading
Our Lenten Motives Count
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Tomorrow we begin Lent. If you are like me, you have a tendency to think, My prayers, almsgiving and fasting are just the thing. They will make God love me more. Make more things go my way. Continue Reading
The "Inner, Persistent Call" of Sr. Teresa Ann Harrington, OSB: 1927-2012
By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Sister Teresa Ann’s life was one of teaching, guiding, mentoring and modeling. She drew her inspiration for these gifts to others from the Liturgy of the Hours, Scripture, and in particular, the psalms. She relied on their support throughout her life. Continue Reading
Generating New Life at Low Points
By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
All lives have low points, even in the convent. I had a major low point about 10 years into my life as a Sister. I was cleaning the convent steps and thought, “What am I doing here?” Continue Reading
Be Still and Know that I Am: A Vocation Story
Ruth Ksycki was a young girl when she saw something that would change her life forever. She saw the sun rise slowly, brilliantly, silently. She saw its golden rays bloom atop the treeline near the cabin where her family stayed, and shimmer languidly upon the calm waters of the lake below. At 12 years old, she saw … and felt … and sensed … everything. Continue Reading
Called by God to Enter … Somewhere
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Left to my own devices I would never have entered religious life. I thought it was dull, stilted, without fun, zest, relationships or community. I was interested in my friends, stylish clothes, a social life, my education. So how did it come about? Continue Reading
"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you."
By Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB
Is religious life relevant today? I believe it is … and many are searching for such meaning in their lives. Are you? Do you share these 3 values?
1. Living in prayer-filled community, in love, respect, and anticipation of each others’ needs. Continue Reading
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