Jun
17
2009
Wow, it’s been quite a while since an update was posted. Here we go.
On May 23rd we attended the Ordination of two men to the Holy Priesthood. Deacon David Sabel, 56 of Silvis and Deacon Adam Stimpson, 28 of Rock Island. We rejoice with them, our Bishop Daniel Jenky, CSC, our Diocese of Peoria, IL, and the Church throughout the world. May God richly bless them and may they persevere in following in the footsteps of Christ. God bless you both.
**My apologies for the poor quality of the pictures-obviously it’s dangerous to let me take pictures:-)
- Children’s Choir
- Vesting of Newly Ordained Father Adam Stimpson by Father Brian Brownsey
More happenings to come in future posts…
May
21
2009
Today Sister Agnes Joseph and I are heading out to the Motherhouse to attend the monthly CWA Mass, meeting, and luncheon.(be back around 2:30pm) You’re probably wondering… “What is CWA? It stands for “Catholic Women’s Apostolate”. It is a women’s group established by one of our late Sisters to pray for diocesan vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It’s a wonderful way to come together as women to promote vocations here in Peoria and around the world. They meet primarily at the Motherhouse, but will also travel once a year or so to another location. Last year I believe they went to visit the Congregation of St. John in Princeville, IL. At each meeting they bring in a Priest, Sister, or Consecrated Virgin to speak on their vocation and to answer questions. They are a wonderful group of women striving for holiness in the heart of the Church. It has been a privilege to know them and may God abundantly bless the Catholic Women’s Apostolate now and always.
In Christ and St. Francis, Sister Veronica
May
15
2009
A lot has been going on here. On May 3rd we went to the Cathedral to pre-view the video “Rosary Stars” and hear testimony from one of it’s lead actors, J. Omar Castro. While there we prayed the Glorious mysteries of the Roasry as a congregation and some of us went up to the choir loft to sing, as you can
see… Of course some Sisters stayed in thre pews with their feet planted firmly on the ground… You know who you are… Just kidding. We all had a wonderful time at the Cathedral and afterward went to the Bishop Sheen Center for a reception that followed. If you’d like to read the entire article in the Catholic Post, click
here. (as well as a picture of us singing in the choir loft)
On Saturday, May 9th we went out to the Motherhouse to celebrate the Jubilees of two of our Sisters - Sister Mary Ruth(70 years) and Sister M. Bernarda(60 years). After the Jubilee Mass in which both Sisters renewed their vows we celebrated with a festive meal in the Multipurpose room. Sister Bernarda had several family members here all the way from Germany and Sister Mary Ruth had a neice and her husband in attendance.
L to R: Sr. M. Bernarda, Bishop Daniel Jenky, and Sr. Mary Ruth
Apr
21
2009
- St. Faustina (1905-1938)
This past Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. We were blessed by the opportunity to participate in a beautiful Liturgy in our hospital chapel. During the homily Msgr. Bliss explained the Feast of Divine Mercy, a little about St. Faustina Kowalska, and then invited those who wished to avail themselves of confession to do so immediately following the Mass. What a generous soul. Later in the afternoon we went out to the Motherhouse for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a communal Holy Hour, communal recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, Evening Prayer, Supper, and Night Prayer. It was such a grace-filled afternoon to spend in the company of Our Lord and our Sisters. God is SO good!
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins, and for those of the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world.
St. Faustina Kowalska, pray for us!
Apr
21
2009
- St. Anselm (1033-1109)
Today is the optional memorial of St. Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He entered the Benedictine monastery at Bec, France at the age of 27. He was unanimously elected Abbot and later, against his will, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He is said to be gentle and mild mannered, yet when pressed on moral matters, he did not back down.
St. Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us!
Apr
17
2009
Thursday, April 16th marked 800 years since the approval of the Franciscan Rule by Pope Innocent III. The professed Sisters made a two day retreat prior to renewing their vows during Holy Mass that morning. I regret we don’t have any pictures of it. Needless to say it was a very special and grace-filled day for all of us.
Apr
08
2009
Well, I meant to post something on Palm Sunday, but couldn’t find the time.
Yesterday we (Sister Agnes Joseph, Sister Magdalene, Sister Rose Therese, myself, and Sister Mary Jane) went to the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass. We arrived in time to pray the Rosary with the congregation before the Liturgy began. As you may know, also at the Chrism Mass all the priests of the diocese renew their priestly vows. It is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude and support for their vocation and ministry. It is always a joy to gather at the Cathedral with all the faithful of the diocese with our good Bishop to celebrate the liturgy. It is a beautiful reminder of the unity of the Church here in Peoria, across the country and throughout the world with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.
May God continue to enrich and bless those He has called to Holy Orders.
Mar
25
2009
The Annunciation.
Photo courtesy of Art Hit Gallery. Contemporary Art.
Wow! What a beautiful feast day. Can you imagine Mary(in Jewish tradition she was only 14 or 15 years old) visited by the angel Gabriel and told of God’s plan for salvation? What an amazing thing-and her response- her fiat… The liturgy was so beautiful this morning. We sang the Gloria and the Sanctus. What a special day to meditate on God’s goodness to us- He sent us His son to dwell among us! Every day we pray the Angelus(at 6am, noon, & 6pm) and we have the opportunity to reflect on this beautiful truth of our faith. Let our Blessed Mother’s fiat also be our own…
Let it be done to me according to thy word.
Mar
16
2009
Well, it’s the beginning of the third week in Lent, how is everyone doing with those resolutions and/or penances? You don’t have to respond if you don’t want…
But, I have a confession to make; I have done completely lousy.
Are you suprised to see me say that? I know, I am too. But, now it’s time to re-focus and make the most of the rest of this beautiful season in our Church. Maybe this time I’ve learned the lesson He has been trying to teach me for SO long… To rely only on Him.
So, here we go ready to embark on the rest of our journey. Please pray for me, as I will pray for you!
God bless and keep you.
Sister Veronica
Mar
06
2009
Adoration
Today is the First Friday in the month of March. First Friday is a special day set aside for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is also a special day to offer reparation to Jesus for all the sacriliges and abandonment that He suffers throughout the entire world. First Fridays are dedicated as our Day of Recollection(Day of Retreat) in which we keep communal silence and have more time for personal prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reading, taking walks, etc. It is a special day to rest in the Lord.
The Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
1. “I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.”
2. “I will establish peace in their homes.”
3. “I will comfort them in their afflictions.”
4. “I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death.”
5. “I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.”
6. “Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.”
7. “Tepid souls shall grow fervent.”
8. “Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.”
9. “I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored.”
10. “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”
11. “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.”
12. “I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.”
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection at every moment
in all the tabernacles of the world, even until the end of time Amen.