Month: September 2010

“God defends his chosen ones in the Church, in troubled times he is himself their shield, and through the watchful care of angels he protects them. He presents the angels to his own as servants and messengers, to further their salvation, to report their needs, and to carry their prayers. Even though he himself sees and understands the situation of each person, he still wishes to be told of it by his angels, in order to make known and show more clearly his love and consideration for humankind by his use of such worthy and beloved messengers.”  

— From a commentary on the Song of Songs by Richard of St. Victor

Sr. Mary Agnes admires her delicious cake (made from scratch!) 

Sr. Mary Margaret lights some unusual candles, and–

Wow! What a display! 

We don\’t usually celebrate birthdays in the monastery–we\’re more inclined to celebrate a sister\’s feast day instead–but when a sister reaches a \”certain age\” it does seem that she is entitled to a little extra celebration. Sr. Mary Agnes, we wish you many more Happy Birthdays in the years to come!

O Cross, more splendid than all the stars,

Glorious to the world,

Greatly to be loved by men,

More holy than all things that are,

Thou who alone wast worthy to weigh the gold of the world’s ransom,

Sweet tree, beloved nails,

Bearing the Love-Burden,

Save us who have come together here, this day,

In choirs for Thy Praise!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

–Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

Tomorrow, September 14–feast of the Exaltation of the Cross–is the beginning of the traditional monastic fast. So to say \”farewell\” to salads, desserts, and other treats at supper, we have a \”last supper\” on September 13.

Sr. Mary Rose enjoyed her delicious bean burrito and–even a Coke to wash it down!

Sr. Mary Dominic pauses to smile for the picture!

Sr. Mary Christine and Sr. Mary Margaret enjoy a laugh!

This fast lasts until Christmas so it will be a long time before we have a supper like this again. But we will have the option of a peanut butter sandwich for supper, which for some is quite a treat. In all seriousness, this time of  moderate fasting is a time to grow in love of God as we sacrifice some of the \”creature comforts\” we have become accustomed to. Pray for us to do this as we\’ll be praying for you!

Fr.Bruno was trained as a physician and taught at the Catholic University in Lille before becoming the prior provincial of France. His speciality is bioethics. Our prayers and best wishes go out to Fr. Bruno, our new Master of the Order, and all the Dominicans gathered in Rome for the General Chapter!