Category: Uncategorized

Eat, Drink and Be Merry…

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!

Congratulations!

During the Mass for the feast of St. Augustine this morning, Jane Davis made her permanent profession and became a full member of the Dominican Laity. Congratulations, Jane!

From left: Amy Haney, moderator of the Chapter; Jane Davis; Sr. Mary John and Sr. Mary Margaret
(Note: the nuns are of course separated from the outside parlor by a small fence, but you can\’t see it here! Trust us, it\’s there!)
We are so happy to have a thriving chapter of the Dominican Laity having meetings and professions at our monastery. Along with Fr. J.D. Logan, our chaplain, we have almost every branch of the Dominican Family present here in Lufkin–we have friars, nuns, laity! We hope to get some active sisters and Dominican volunteers someday!
Jane, welcome to the Dominican Family, and may many more be inspired to follow you in this awesome step you have taken!

St. Rose of Lima

 Isabella Flores, known as Rose, was born in Lima, Peru in 1586 and died there in 1617. She made a vow of virginity at an early age and, at the age of 20, became a Dominican tertiary. She lived in a hermitage in her family\’s garden. She practiced severe penances for the salvation of sinners and for the missionary efforts of the Church in South America. In addition to this, she cared for the poor and the sick and promoted devotion to the Rosary zealously. She was part of a trio of Dominican saints in Lima at this time, the other two being St. Martin de Porres and St. Juan Macias. St. Rose of Lima, intercede for us in all our needs!

A Visit from Fr. Nolan Lowry

Fr. Nolan Thomas Lowry was just ordained a priest for the Tyler, TX diocese–the diocese our monastery resides in–on July 17, 2010. He is currently studying moral theology at the North American College and Santa Croce in Rome. He was ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler, so he was able to spend a little time in East Texas afterwards getting some pastoral experience at Sacred Heart Church in Nacogdoches, TX. We were so delighted that he made some time to come and celebrate Mass for us, and then visit with us! He is a very zealous young priest and we will be praying hard for him and for his ministry in East Texas in the years to come. 

Fr. Nolan and some of the community

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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“Mary’s assumption is an event that concerns us precisely because every human being is destined to die. But death is not the last word. It is the passage to the eternal happiness in store for those who toil for truth and justice and do their utmost to follow Christ.”
Pope John Paul II, Homily on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2001

O spem miram!

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O wonderful hope, which you gave to those who wept for you at the hour of your death, promising after your departure to be helpful to your brethren!

Fulfill, O Father, what you have promised, and help us by your prayers.
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You shine illustrious by so many miracles worked on the bodies of the sick; bring us the help of Christ to heal our sick souls.

Fulfill, O Father, what you have promised, and help us by your prayers. 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Fulfill, O Father, what you have promised, and help us by your prayers. 
Pray for us, holy father Saint Dominic!
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

We recite this prayer to St. Dominic every day after Midafternoon Prayer. We have great confidence in St. Dominic’s powerful intercession for all our needs. Truly, how sweet is the hope given to us!

Happy and Blessed St. Dominic\’s Day to all!

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