Greetings, Seven Sisters around the world!
The Lord chose the 24 March 2011 to invite us into His work of intentionally praying for the strengthening and sanctity of priests. Ten years later we have kept it up – and are praying on 6 continents, 23 countries, and all 50 USA states in the context of over 2000 groups (of at least seven each).
All glory and gratitude to the One Who called us to cooperate in this work! May He richly reward the generosity and fidelity of our individual and collective responses.
When I (Janette) returned to the sacramental life of the Church on 20 March 1999, I wrote a letter to Bishop Paul V Dudley (RIP) who had served as a mentor for me in my journey home. The Bishop’s return letter to me stated that when he received news of my special moment of grace, he fell to his knees and sang the Te Deum.
The Te Deum a moving tribute to God in His triune majesty. Its composition is attributed to St Ambrose (4th c), and referred to as the great Hymn of Thanksgiving. How fitting for our celebration of the graces upon graces gifted to us over the past ten years and to the bishops and priests for whom we have prayed.
As you read the English translation of the text you can get a sense of its grandeur! It gives us a glimpse of heaven, with saints and angels and saints-in-the-making praising God together. Let us prayerfully join in this Youtube in concerted gratitude for the Apostolate work and impact – both now and in the anticipated future!
O, God, we praise You and acknowledge You to be the supreme Lord. Everlasting Father, all the earth worships You. All the angels, the heavens and all angelic powers, All the cherubim and seraphim, continually cry to you: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory. The glorious choir of the apostles, The wonderful company of prophets, The white-robed army of martyrs, praise You. Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges You: The Father of infinite majesty; Your adorable, true and only Son; Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. O Christ, You are the King of glory! You are the everlasting Son of the Father. When You took it upon Yourself to deliver man, You did not disdain the Virgin’s womb. Having overcome the sting of death, You opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You sit at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father We believe that You will come to be our Judge. We, therefore, beg You to help Your servants whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood. Let them be numbered with Your saints in everlasting glory.
V. Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance! R. Govern them, and raise them up forever. V. Every day we thank You. R. And we praise Your name forever; yes, forever and ever. V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day. R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. V. Let your mercy, O Lord be upon us, for we have hoped in You. R. O Lord, in you I have put my trust; never let me be put to shame.
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The planned pre-taped offerings for today will be shifted to June, closer to the actual launching of the first seven groups of the Apostolate work and the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (this year, June 11).
Other ways of celebrating … to keep the glowing going… will include:
Ask twice. Intentional encouragement for growth of the Apostolate. Let us imitate Our Lord, “Come and See.” Before the year’s end… ask at least two others about getting involved in the prayer efforts of the Apostolate.
4 August (Feast of St John Vianney): Cards that We Care Campaign. Seven Sisters are asked to send a card/note to the priest/bishop for whom they pray in celebration of the Feast of their Patron, St John Vianney. Ideas: Find an appropriate quote (or one from each Seven Sister and sub) of St JV to share. Remind the priest/bishop of your daily prayer efforts and care for him. Include Holy Cards from the Apostolate in the card.
Octave of All Saints (November 1-8): Remembrance through prayers for the souls of departed priests.
United in celebration, prayer and mission –
Janette (and Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson)