Two of our Sisters accompanied several groups from area high schools who travelled to Washington D.C. for the 2010 March for Life. They were so happy to travel with these young people and stand with them witnessing to the dignity of life from conception to natural death. We (who stayed behind) were so edified to hear the events recounted by our Sisters about the March and the experiences that the high school students had.
What a blessing for our community to be invited to attend the March and stand up in solidarity with others who hold all life sacred!
We were shocked and saddened to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts go out to those in Haiti affected by this tragedy as well as those who have family and friends who have been affected. Know that you are in our hearts and our prayers and will continue to be. May Our Lord strengthen, sustain, and console you. Please join us in prayerful support and monetary support, if able. May we each be given by the Lord the sight to see in our neighbor, Christ himself. Godspeed and safety to all who are travelling to Haiti to assist or are in Haiti assisting in the relief and recovery efforts. Our prayers are with you as well.
Join us in praying for unity in the Church and in our world. This afternoon we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and holy hour in the convent chapel for the intention of Church unity.
May our Lord grant us His peace. Sister M. Veronica, OSF
*** On the Vatican website there is a wonderful explanation of the Church Unity Octave and suggested prayers and meditations. ***
Please join us in prayer for National Healthcare reform that protects the dignity and sacredness of life at all stages. Below you will find a video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
A few days before Christmas we went out to the Motherhouse for the blessing and dedication of the remodelled infirmary community room/dining room.(now named the Sacred Heart Room) It was a wonderful day to gather and celebrate the the completed project and to remember Vicki(who was imstrumental in the starting & planning phase) who dedicated herself to the care of our infirm sisters.
Msgr. Oberch blesses Sacred Heart Room
On Christmas Eve we gathered once more at the Motherhouse to sing Christmas carols and help our infirm sisters open gifts. It was a blessing to share this time with our sisters!
Singing Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve
Opening Gifts
At the House of Formation we celebrated on Christmas day starting with Morning Prayer at 8am followed by a special breakfast(thanks Sister Magdalene!) and gift opening. I believe Mass was at 11am that day.
Christmas Morning
Opening Gifts
It was such a blessing to celebrate Our Lord’s birth with my sisters in community. What was your celebration of Christmas like?
Saint Peter Canisius was born in 1521 and died in 1597. He was a Jesuit priest and was declared a Doctor of the Church and is known as the second Apostle of Germany. He and Father Lejay were commissioned to write a Catechism and due to the death of Father Lejay, St. Peter Canisius finished writing the Catechism in 1555. A biography is available at Saints and Angels Online.
Today is the feast day of our Sister, Sister M. Canisia, OSF. Please join us in praying for her today.
God bless all who will read this.
Sister M. Veronica, OSF
Tomorrow evening we begin our Christmas Novena. It is prayed following Night Prayer in the chapel at OSF St. Francis. (at 6:30pm) Here is a short video of us taken last Advent.(Taken in short sections) Also you could click here to download a copy of it. May this advent and Christmas be one that is filled with the blessings of our Lord and the fellowship of friends and family. May God bless all who read & watch this!
Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We rejoice as we recall God’s goodness in preparing such a mother for His Son. Let each of us make Mary’s fiat our own.
Oh Mary concieved without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
