Greetings and Blessed Eastertide to dearest Sisters in Christ in this holy season brimming with new life! Let us intend these gifts of full-to-overflowing graces to be offered as cups of cool water to those on our paths in this parched, weary world. Oh, and we too thirst! May we graciously accept those cups held out to us!
With the promise of abundant new life evident both in nature and in the Church, it seems fitting that the month of May has long been dedicated to Mary. What opportune time to draw closer in friendship and love of her! As Seven Sisters, our inclination to call upon Mary both in prayer and as guide carries wisdom. We join the chorus over the arc of time that she is our life, our sweetness and our hope. Giving attention to Mary always leads us to Jesus. She follows Him in every way, and is thus rightly seen by the Church as the first and perfect disciple. She accompanies us in our pursuits of His Will and Way. As Seven Sisters we honor Mary under the title of Madonna of the Grapes, the Overseer of the Eucharistic Life. Here she assists us to embrace the essence of the Eucharist, our source and summit. Through our steady prayers for priests/bishops before our Eucharistic Lord we ourselves (super)naturally become disciples, dedicated followers, of this Eucharistic life. We are fortified and in turn, led to desire to foster and affirm this life in others. Our prayers likewise serve to strengthen our shepherds who are vital and indispensable for the Eucharistic life. Bl Dina Belanger in her “Lend me Your Heart” prayer, conveys the voice and yearnings of Seven Sisters…
From your pure heart, Mary, peerless Virgin, I have come to draw the most perfect love,
To delight the Eucharistic Heart, Oh! Lend me your ardors, ever more.
In your blessed soul, O mystical oven, I have come to draw the love that adores,
To pay homage to the Eucharistic Heart, Virgin of love. Oh! Lend me your heart.
Our Lady, O seraphic canyon, I have come to draw the love that restores,
To console the Eucharistic Heart, O mother of love, Oh! Lend me your heart.
Alongside you, angelic Sovereign, I have come to draw the love that mirrors,
To imitate the Eucharistic Heart, O Queen of love, Oh! Lend me your heart!
Madonna of the Grapes holds the central spot in the trifecta of Marian paintings above, yet all of the images hearken to the themes of the Apostolate. All of the paintings suggest a deep, foundational humility of Mary through a serene, reflective downward gaze. Likewise, each painting depicts her hands in an intentional and expressive action, yet with great tenderness, poise and in an unhurried manner. In each portrait, humility serves as the wellspring of action. The Immaculate Heart of Mary image to the left is most often seen paired with the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and even dubbed the Twin Hearts by St John Eudes, who promoted the dual devotion. The last wound that Jesus incurred was the spear thrust. In reality, this wound was endured by Mary, not Jesus, since he was already dead. A sword truly pierced her soul, as she was foretold (Luke 2:35), and a sword is quite often rendered pictorially piercing her Immaculate Heart. Seven Sisters Apostolate is mystically linked to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as our foundation and meditation in its representation of the fullness of the Eucharistic life, the core of the Apostolate. The pierced heart of Mary uniquely guides our prayers for priests that are suffering, and even when offered in the midst of our own personal sufferings. St John Eudes shares this: “You must never separate what God has so perfectly united. Jesus and Mary are so intimately connected with each other that whoever sees Jesus looks at Mary; whoever loves Jesus, loves Mary; whoever has devotion for Jesus, has devotion for Mary.” The painting on the right of the threesome is Sassoferrato’s well-recognized Virgin in Prayer. It portrays the prayerful posture and interior attitude of Seven Sisters while providing a visual icon to the Apostolate anchor verse, Isaiah, 30:15: … in quietness and trust is your strength. Mary consistently models for us the important discipline of prayer-infused pondering. It is worth mentioning that the painting can also serve as a depiction of Mary receiving your daily wee Hail Marys!
The spirit of the Marian portraits is a proper invitation to all Seven Sisters as we now reunite at the brim of two special months: May, our month of discernment to remain or depart from the weekly Holy Hour commitment(s); and June, our month of re-commitment to another year of prayer offerings. Both are places of trust. Let us each be attentive as to what and where our good God is guiding regarding the Apostolate. Let us be open to generosity toward an additional or different group or another place of service (Elijah’s Helpers, Pro Pace, Quilt Project, subbing for Fasting Brothers, Anchoress or Coordinator position). My prayers heartily join yours as you listen and act. When you gain that clear sense of the Lord’s direction, please inform your Anchoress or Coordinator, so all groups may seamlessly continue in uninterrupted prayerful support of our Brothers in Christ.
Shared before, now offered again, is a prayer from St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). May it prove fruitful and peace-provoking in your discernment, as you seek to follow Our Lord, as Mary, as a dedicated disciple after His own Heart. “O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace. Amen.”
United in prayer, fasting and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest Eternal gratitude continues as you each offer a daily wee Hail Mary for me. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta). Your emails, notes and calls always arrive to my heart door at just the right moment! Financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of the Apostolate. Your letters of testimony are beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through them! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
– Janette (Howe) +JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups that registered in APRIL to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Portugal and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Internationally there are now nearing 6000 groups (of at least 7 intercessors – many have more) in 6 continents, 37 countries, all 50 USA states and most Provinces in Canada. Currently there are 9 groups for Pope Leo registered. More welcomed! No Shepherd left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
>How will YOU celebrate 15 years of God’s faithfulness through His Work in the Apostolate? Recently, one Anchoress sent her sisters 15 Prayers of Thanks for Priests (posted on Website). After each weekly Holy Hour of prayer this year, one Sister adds 15 minutes to pray for more groups for more priests. One Sister is also fasting once a month to her Apostolate Day of prayer. Many groups are gathering in planned events (See below) LET US KNOW how you will celebrate!
> Gratitude to Heidi (Galv-Houston, TX), Kathy (Green Bay, WI), Faith (Crookston, MN), Mary (Sioux City, IA) and their teams for organizing well attended, grace-filled Apostolate events in April.
> Gratitude to Jason Nunez at Journeys of Hope podcast (airs Thurs, 04/30) and Guadalupe Radio Network KJMA (airs Wed, 04/29, 8 pm) for an interview with Janette regarding the Apostolate work.
> First Saturday, 2 May. Holy Hour for Seven Sisters seeking discernment this month (Janette/Jeff)
> 8 May: One year Anniversary of election of Pope Leo XIV (Offer your favorite prayer for him!)
> Fri/Sat, 8-9 May: Overnight Retreat. All or Nothing; Living every moment for Christ. Janette as Retreat Master. Our Lady of Good Counsel, Waverly, NE. https://www.goodcounselretreat.org
> Sat, 9 May: EWTN airing an original film: “St Margaret Clitherow: The Marriage of the Lamb” at 8 pm EST. 2 hours. From EWTN newsletter: “This original film tells the powerful story of St Margaret Clitherow, a wealthy woman whose courage led to martyrdom as she secretly sheltered Catholic priests amid the religious turmoil of 16th century England.”
> Sat, 16 May: Commitment Day Retreat. St Mary’s. Victoria, TX. 9:30 am-2 pm. Incl Mass w/Bsp Cahill, Adoration, Talks, Potluck Lunch. RSVP to Conchita: sevensistersvictoria@gmail.com by 05/11.
> Sat, 23 May: Annual Retreat (South Louisiana). 9am-4pm. Grand Coteau Retreat Center. Retreat talks: Sr Mary Magdalene & Sr Mary Peter. Questions: Fr Sam Fontana (337-457-8107)
> Sat, 30 May: Day of Renewal. Our Lady of Lourdes. Carver, MA. 8-3. $20. Incl Mass, Adoration, Lunch. Talks on Mental Prayer: Fr Jos Briody, Sr Bernadette Reis. RSVP Mary: mis9847@comcast.net
MATTERS of the HEART:
❖“Our Blessed Mother asks us over and over to pray for the priests. God the Father told St Catherine of Sienna to hold Jesus’ chosen ones (priests) with deep reverence. I believe that my calling in life includes praying for priests.” (Veronica, New Mexico)
❖ “Knowing the power of prayer combined with the times we live in, beginning this journey with a dedicated group of women committed in prayer for a son of the church is Heaven sent. We are happy to join this ministry alongside the multitude of sisters throughout the world.” (Bonnie, Wisconsin)
❖ “I recently listened to a podcast with Dr. Dan Schneider who shared a story about a man who said he was a satanist and that his group spends 4 hours a day trying to cast spells on priests and the religious. I value my priest and want to make sure he gets all the support he needs to continue his ministry.” (MaryAnn, Ohio)
❖“We feel called to move beyond informal prayer and to make a disciplined, accountable commitment to pray for our priest. We seek the structure, guidance, and support of an apostolate that will help us faithfully persevere in this mission.” (Rosa, Texas)
❖ “I was previously an Anchoress with the Apostolate. When a new priest joined our parish, I immediately felt called to become his Anchoress. I deeply missed being part of the Seven Sisters group and missed praying. My faith and commitment to prayer grew significantly during my time with the group. I believe God is leading me to take up this role again. I am truly joyful to say YES! Glory to Jesus; honor to Mary!” (Sylvia, Arizona)
❖ “I feel that priests are in great need of prayer.” (Maria, Portugal)
❖“I am a member of The Confraternity of Christian Mothers. When I mentioned at a meeting that I had read about a young priest in Italy that had committed suicide and how profoundly that had affected me, one of our members gave me a Seven Sisters brochure. I knew at that very moment I was being called to start a Seven Sisters group.” (Mary, Ohio)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Intercessors in this group are dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known) within a particular Diocese. These special Hours for special circumstances carry special supportive graces. It is growing! Please consider this vital, hope-filled offering for our priests! Inquiries about stating a group: sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com
PRO PACE (Latin, for peace): In Nov 2024 an opportunity opened to pray for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Groups of seven are to band together. The commitment for each intercessor will be to attend holy Mass on one’s unique day every week and offer one’s personal Mass intention and personal Communion for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Anchoress: registration forms on the Website.
APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Form on the Website for FB leader to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor offers prayers of her choice every day, and prays for two unique countries to increase prayer efforts for priests. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the Communique and sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors ever-welcomed. Inquire through Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H.
REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. The translation link is sent with every Communique. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)