“My prayer is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight.”
— C.S. Lewis
Greetings dearest Sisters…
I visited a friend who was nearing the threshold of this life, leaning toward the next. She was lucid when I arrived that afternoon and I took advantage of her wakefulness to pose a question: “Tell me your favorite Mystery of the rosary. Let’s pray it.” Flashing a radiant-albeit-weak smile, without hesitation, she breathed her sure answer, “Oh … the Agony in the Garden.”
It came as no surprise that while Pat likely had the energy reserves for only one decade that afternoon, she would swiftly choose such a fitting Mystery for our mutual meditation. Her life seemed to amplify its essence: adherence to the will of God through perseverance.
It is something I admired more deeply in her that day … and something I clearly recognize in the woman that gives her fiat to the Seven Sisters way of prayer. Like Pat, she is a woman whose “yes means yes” and despite an occasional (frequent?) unexpected ‘barbed wire’ in the path, she keeps her commitment to prayer, her resolution to the Will of God to pray.
The Catechism (#2741) reminds through the late 4th c monk, Evagrius Ponticus: “We have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing.” Over and again I learn from Seven Sisters intercessors that they are not “fitting this Holy Hour” into their schedule, but rather make a distinction that they are “allotting this time within their life of prayer” for this purpose. Surely, this perspective and witness of fervor blooms out of love: humble, trusting and persevering.
Our perseverance is a gift. “We must pray incessantly for the gift of perseverance,” advises St Philip Neri. Our Lord puts a desire in our hearts to persevere. At times it seems elusive. Let us pray as St Philip advises and trust we will receive it! “Perseverance is a great grace. To go on gaining and advancing every day, we must be resolute, and bear and suffer as our blessed forerunners did. Which of them gained heaven without a struggle?” (St Elizabeth Ann Seton)
The Catechism (#2729) also reminds that “the habitual difficulty in prayer is distraction.” In April of 2016 I sent a Communique on this subject and it might prove beneficial to revisit it. In a nutshell: distractions are a universal challenge even among the saints, but not insurmountable. Discipline to turn one’s heart back to attending to God and His presence is the certain defeat of distraction. Let us be resolute. Remain stouthearted in developing that discipline. As has been memorably said, “Get cracking” (Mother Angelica). Let us not underestimate or judge the merits of developing the discipline to persevere. Simply continue. St Alphonsus Liguouri (Feast: Aug 1), encourages and reminds: “If you have many distractions at prayer, that prayer of yours may well be upsetting the devil a great deal.”
Likely nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring. We experience this in the physical world and know the same to be true in the finest of our endeavors in the spiritual realm. May God continue to richly reward us as we hold fast to the course of our commitments to pray for our priests and bishops.
If you are unable to meet the committed hour of your particular day, you remain faithful to your duty by securing someone to accept the privilege of covering for you. You need only to explain the Apostolate mission as best you can, emphasizing that the Holy Hour is completely given to the intentions of one priest/bishop. A growing number of women have become keen to a call to serve in the Apostolate as full time intercessors by being asked to cover a Holy Hour here and there. How beautiful are God’s plans to extend His invitation…
May God richly reward our tenacity, fidelity, perseverance and love – the lasting thing!
I have long had the feeling that, since the world is growing so rapidly worse and worse and God has lost His hold, as it were, upon the hearts of men, He is looking all the more earnestly and anxiously for big things from those who are faithful to Him still. He cannot, perhaps, gather a large army round His standard, but He wants every one in it to be a hero, absolutely and lovingly devoted to Him. – Fr William Doyle, SJ
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Mother Teresa)
I am also grateful for your emails and notes of encouragement, as well as sacrificial donations to the Apostolate. I pass many materials on weekly, so be assured that 100% of your giving is used for the Apostolate and its furtherance.
Janette
+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
REMINDER: Marg W (our spreadsheet maestro and active Anchoress) has been and will be continuing to contact Anchoresses to update the Spreadsheet info. Here is the email to look for: Marg2@comcast.netShe will reach out to you. Prompt replies are encouraged. The task is increasing as the family grows! Keeping up-to-date is crucial regarding Anchoresses and active groups – and we don’t want to miss any or have incorrect data! If you know of groups that exist, you can help by asking if they are officially registered through the Web site.
RAISING AWARENESS: Let us together remain open to starting groups for priests that are perhaps less visible (those not in a traditional parish setting). Examples: Hospital Chaplains, Military Chaplains, Monasteries, Professors in Universites, School Chaplains, Retirement Home Chaplains, Canon Lawyers, priests serving in Seminaries, Chanceries, Exorcists, and Retired priests. If you sense a call to this Apostolate, there is a priest or bishop who needs your prayers!
SEVEN SISTERS as TOPIC: Seven Sisters (West St Paul, MN) hosted a dinner honoring their two priests this past month. It was well attended and joyfully appreciated by priests and intercessors alike.
Aug 16, Wednesday: Relevant Radio with Wendy Wiese
Sept 30, Saturday: gathering/retreat in Lincoln, NE. Theme: The Privilege of Praying for Priests
Oct 28, Saturday: Women’s Conference – St John the Baptist, Mankato, MN
Fr Johnson and I will have an appearance on EWTN in October, Relevant Radio spot on Oct 20 and speak together at a Regional/District Serra Club meeting in mid-November (MN/Dakotas).
Gathering in North Dakota is in the prayer/discernment stage.
UPDATE: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Nov 4, Saturday: Seven Sisters 4th Annual St Paul/Mpls Day of Recollection/Retreat. Theme: Getting to Know our Patrons (Heb 12:1a) This event is fittingly within the octave celebration of All Saints Day and hosted by All Saints parish in Lakeville, MN. Our Seven Sisters mission, of course, is sanctity of our priests. Let us anticipate grace upon grace upon grace that day! So many things are beautifully falling into place. These Seven Sisters in Lakeville know how to pray and plan for God’s Will and His Way. Registration will be OnLine through Event Brite and will go live on Sept 23. Assist is available for those without OnLine access. More details in September Communique. Need not be from St Paul-Mpls Archdiocese to attend. All welcome!
“The Eucharist acts as a magnet for the friends of God.”
— St Luigi Guanella
Greetings dearest Sisters… and friends of God…
Long remembered is the glow in the countenance of a friend that was asked to consider Seven Sisters. Her swift and fitting response was, “Oh, yes, yes … much is accomplished before our Eucharistic Lord!”
Surely we can, and should, enter the secret place of our own heart and repose in the contemplation of God. But God Himself has provided another dwelling place for us – the light of His real Presence! My friend understands this, and further, understands that this is an ideal environs to lift the soul and concerns of our earthly Shepherds.
How splendid of the Holy Spirit to inspire this Apostolate to have its workings in the quiet and rich habitation of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. …in quietness and trust is your strength. – Isaiah 30:15
SEVEN REASONS (that I learned from YOU!) of how we are benefiting from our prayers offered intentionally before the Blessed Sacrament:
1) Growth in love. Considering another greater than ourselves is God’s commandment and design for us to grow in love. “Out of love, place yourselves at one another’s service” (Gal 5:13).
2) Praying for the least among us. Prayer of St Teresa of Calcutta (echoing Our Lord) “Whatever you did unto one of the least, you did unto Me.” The priest has accepted the position of servant to all. Our prayers help him to fulfill his call and we benefit in having a priest serve us who is embracing and witnessing his humble God-given call and holy place of service.
3) Docility in prayer. Putting ourselves in an environment of silence helps form our prayers. The Holy Spirit is our ever-ready help and Teacher par excellence. “Silence is the law of the divine plans. … We listen in silence; man enters into a silence that is God. … Silence is not an absence. On the contrary, it is the manifestation of a presence, the most intense of all presences. … For silence is where God dwells. He drapes Himself in silence. … All that is from God makes no noise. Nothing is sudden, everything is delicate, pure and silent.” – Robert Cardinal Sarah, The Power of Silence Against the Dictatorship of Noise, 2017 (A must read!).
4) Heart wholeness and holiness. The priest benefits, we benefit. He is made to understand himself more truly and live it, and we the same. Beatitude upon beatitude. “In every Christian life there is a sacred domain of nascent growth in which dwells Christ – a domain in which we are more firmly rooted than we are in our own. There He works and grows, takes possession of our being, draws our strength toward Himself, penetrates our thoughts and volition, and sways our emotions and sentiments, so that the word of the Apostle comes true: ‘It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me’ (Gal 2:20). ” – Msgr Romano Guardini, The Rosary of our Lady
5) Every sacrifice has merit. Over and again you bear witness to the interior joy and benefit of keeping faithful to your committed day – even in the face of struggles and temptations to do otherwise. “One small act of obedience to God can sometimes cause us to make more progress spiritually than years of effort according to our own plans. Fidelity to small graces draws down bigger ones.” – Fr Jacques Philippe, In the School of the Holy Spirit
6) Affecting others. The sacrifice of these regular prayers are being noticed and affecting Seven Sisters families and even workplaces. The proverbial pebble in the water affects many (in the seen and unseen). Some connect their regular Holy Hours to recognizing that peace is spilling over into their home environs and others tell of more boldness of witness in the workplace. Some have been inspired to encourage others to learn docility of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Some have sensed their call to the Apostolate through your generous witness.
7) Unity with other intercessors: in our group, in the diocese, in the world. In 2010 when I began offering a Holy Hour for Fr Johnson, there was no Seven Sisters. There was one person quietly and happily praying. Not until the nudge arrived and others joined alongside in 2011 did this become a reality of seven working together. Many of you speak of special sensed graces that unite us as intercessors with our individual groups and even the Body of Christ at large. We need each other and the fidelity of each otherthat our prayers may be seamless. Our concerted prayers bring a perception of unity, and unity itself is sensed to be realized through our prayers. May God’s generous Will and Way be esteemed!
My gratitude joins yours as we together seek our Eucharistic Lord and consider the benefits! Each of us can individually and together proclaim:
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your PRESENCE,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11 (my emphasis)
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
Janette
+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
REMINDER: Marg W (our spreadsheet maestro and active Anchoress) will be contacting you to update the Spreadsheet info. Here is the email to look for: Marg2@comcast.netShe will reach out to you. Prompt replies are encouraged. The task is increasing as the family grows! Keeping up-to-date is crucial regarding Anchoresses and active groups – and we don’t want to miss any or have incorrect data!
SINGING TELEGRAM: One gifted and generous Minnesota Anchoress (Barb Stender) composed a song and joyfully brought a singing telegram to a newly-assigned priest to her parish (and newly ordained in May 2017!) to let him know of the gift of prayers for him. Included in the “Official Telegram Package” for Fr. Evans was a copy of the Seven Sisters booklet and the words of the Telegram. Sung to the tune of “Mr Sandman”: “Father Evans, please accept this gift * Meant to be a daily spiritual lift; * A gift of prayer from Seven Sisters; * We all are women, there are no ‘misters’. * In the Chapel, one Sister each day * Will hold you in prayer in her own special way, * That you be guided in all that you do.* Father Evans, we welcome you!* Barb, you rock! (How do I get on your prayer list?!)
RECOMMITMENT PRAYERS: Many of you sent descriptions of your heavenly concerted prayer times this past month. A sampling:
“Those in our group, who were able, prayed the Commitment Prayer this morning after Mass. We ended it with a prayer to Our Blessed Mother. It was beautiful to pray our commitment to hold our pastor in prayer. All for Jesus through Mary. We agreed we want to do this again as a group next year. It was a very beautiful offering and beautiful movement of the heart – on such a beautiful feast day!”- St Paul, Minnesota
“We had a Mass and mtg/social hour last night. All went well. 2 of our three priests stopped by for cake and fruit. We also gave them a prayer shawl to remind them they are covered in prayer.” – Lincoln, Nebraska
“Our Seven Sisters group was able to gather at Mass. …I am a regular EMHC at this Saturday Mass and had the privilege of offering Our Lord’s most precious blood to my fellow Sisters. We had a cup of delicious coffee and muffin afterwards in the gathering space … We are a diverse group, making the gathering even more interesting and rewarding. Everyone is very committed and I foresee it remaining for a long while.” – St Cloud, Minnesota
“We sisters …offered our commitment prayer together at two different times. Our purpose was to fit into people’s busy schedules. So, sisters could pray together after morning Mass, or during late afternoon adoration. Both were very well attended.” – St Paul, Minnesota
And from a (newly ordained) priest: “Thank you so much for what you are doing. Know that it is helping me in tremendous ways and likely in more ways that any of us can know. Please keep it up! I am deeply grateful for your prayers, time, and sacrifices. You aren’t only helping me be a holier priest, but you are also helping everyone I minister to to come closer to Christ and His Church.” – Texas
STEADY GROWTH: The winds of the Holy Spirit blow where they may… Inquiries regarding Seven Sisters abound. States with recent interest are Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, New York and North Dakota. Many of YOU have zealously carried a seed to these places – by word of mouth or moving there! The stories are each-one-precious. New groups continue to form and a swelling, concerted enthusiasm to take the Apostolate “everywhere” is heard over and again. All in God’s Will and Way – not before, not lagging behind!
RAISING AWARENESS: Let us together be open to starting groups for priests that are perhaps less visible (those not in a traditional parish setting). Examples: Hospital Chaplains, Military Chaplains, Monasteries, Professors in Universites, School Chaplains, Retirement Home Chaplains, Canon Lawyers, priests serving in Seminaries, Chanceries, Exorcists, Retired priests.
SEVEN SISTERS as TOPIC: In the early Fall there will be a gathering/retreat in Lincoln, NE, where numerous groups have sprung up since February. These ladies are full of JOY and love for their priests!
A gathering in North Dakota is in the prayer/discernment stage.
Seven Sisters Apostolate will be a speaker topic at a Women’s Conference in the Winona Diocese (MN) in October.
Fr Johnson and I will have an appearance on EWTN in October and speak together at a Regional/District Serra Club meeting in mid-November (MN and Dakotas).
COMING SOON: Plans are going forward for the Seven Sisters 4th Annual St Paul/Mpls Day of Recollection/Retreat. It will be hosted by All Saints Parish Seven Sisters groups (2) in Lakeville on the First Saturday of November, Nov 4. One of the ORIGINAL (dubbed the “Magnificent Seven”) groups was started in this parish – and still going strong! Check Web for details regarding the event, as they unfold. Need not be from St Paul-Mpls to attend. All welcome!
“La Eucaristía actúa como un imán para los amigos de Dios.”
— San Luigi Guanella
Saludos Queridísimas Hermanas… y Amigas de Dios…
Por mucho tiempo es recordado el brillo en el rostro de una amiga ala que se le pidió que considerara ser una Siete Hermanas. Su respuesta rápida y ajustada fue: “¡Oh, sí, sí … mucho se lleva a cabo ante nuestro Señor Eucarístico!”
Seguramente podemos, y debemos, entrar en el lugar secreto de nuestro Corazón y descansar en la contemplación de Dios. Pero Dios en si mismo ha dado otra morada para nosotros – La Luz de Su Presencia Verdadera! Mi amiga entiende esto, y además, entiende que esto es un ambiente ideal para levantar el alma y preocupaciones de nuestros pastores terrenales.
Cuan esplendido el Espíritu Santo al inspirar este Apostolado en tener sus obras en la quieta y rica habitación de nuestro Señor en el Santísimo Sacramento. … en quietud y verdad está tu fortaleza. Isaías 30:15
SIETE RAZONES (que aprendí de Tí!) De cómo nos estamos beneficiando de nuestras oraciones ofrecidas intencionalmente ante el Santísimo Sacramento:
1) Crecer en Amor. Considerar a otro más grande que nosotras mismas es el mandamiento de Dios y su creación para nosotros a crecer en amor. “…Sirvan los unos a los otros por amor ” (Gal 5:13).
2) Orando por lo menos entre nosotras.Oración de Santa Teresa de Calcuta (Haciendo eco de Nuestro Señor) “Todo lo que hiciste al menos a uno, me lo hiciste a mí”. El Sacerdote ha aceptado la posición siervo de todos. Nuestras oraciones lo ayudan a cumplir su llamado y nos beneficiamos al tener un Sacerdote que nos sirve quien estaabrazando y presenciando su humilde llamado dado por Dios y Santo lugar de Servicio.
3) Docilidad en oración. Poniéndonos en un ambiente de silencio ayuda a formar nuestras oraciones. El Espíritu Santo es nuestra ayuda siempre lista y Profesor por excelencia. “El silencio es la ley de los planes divinos… Escuchamos en silencio; el hombre entra en un silencio que es Dios… El Silencio no es una ausencia. Por el contrario, es la manifestación de una presencia, la más intensa de todas las presencias. … Por el silencio es donde Dios habita. Él se viste en Silencio. …Todo lo que es Dios no hace ruido. Nada es repentino, todo es delicado, puro y silente.” – Robert Cardinal Sarah,. EL poder del Silencio contra la Dictadura del Ruido, 2017 (Una lectura obligada).
4) Integridad del Corazón y santidad. El Sacerdote se beneficia, nosotros nos beneficiamos. Él está hecho para entenderse más verdaderamente y vivirlo, y nosotros igual. Bienaventuranza sobre bienaventuranza. “En toda vida Cristiana hay un domino sagrado de crecimiento naciente en el cual habita Cristo – un dominio en el cual estamos más firmemente arraigados que el en nuestro propio. Allí EL trabaja y crece, toma posesión de nuestro ser, atrae nuestras fuerzas hacia él, penetra en nuestros pensamientos y voliciones (voluntad), y asfixia nuestras emociones y sentimientos, de modo que la palabra del Apóstol se vuelven realidad:’Ahora ya no vivo yo, sino que Cristo vive en mí'(Gal 2:20). ” -Msgr Romano Guardini, El Rosario de nuestra Señora.
5) Cada sacrificio tiene mérito. Una y otra vez das testimonio delaalegría interior y beneficio de mantenerte fiela tucompromiso diario –incluso en la cara de los problemas y tentaciones de hacer otras cosas. “Un pequeño acto de obediencia a Dios puede a veces causarnoshacer más progresos espirituales que años de esfuerzo de acuerdo a nuestros propios planes. La Fidelidad a las pequeñas gracias dibuja las más grandes” – Padre Jacques Philippe, En la Escuela del Espíritu Santo.
6) Afectando a otros. El sacrificio de estas oraciones regulares se está notando y afectando familias de Siete Hermanas e incluso lugares de trabajo. El proverbio Guijarro en el agua afecta a muchos (en lo visible y lo invisible).Algunas conectan sus horas santas regulares a reconocer que la paz se está derramando sobre sus hogares y otros más audaces testigos en su lugar de trabajo. Algunos han sido inspirados para estimular a otros a aprender la docilidad de la oración ante el Santísimo Sacramento. Algunas han sentido su llamado al Apostolado a través de su generoso testimonio.
7) Unidad con otras intercesoras: en nuestro grupo, en la diócesis, en el mundo. En el 2010 cuando empecé a ofrecer una Hora Santa para el PadreJohnson, no había Siete Hermanas. Había una persona en silencio y feliz orando.No hasta que el empujón llegó y otras se unieron en 2011 yesto se convirtió en una realidad de siete trabajando juntas. Muchas de ustedes hablan de gracias especiales percibidas que nos unen como intercesoras con nuestros grupos individuales e incluso con el Cuerpo de Cristo en general. Nos necesitamos las unas a las otras y la fidelidad de cada una para que nuestras oraciones puedan estar unidas, sin costuras. Nuestras oraciones concertadas traen una percepción de unidad, y esa unidad en sí misma es percibida a través de nuestras oraciones.¡Que la generosa voluntad y el camino de Dios sean estimados!
¡Mi gratitud se une a la suya cuando juntas buscamos a nuestro Señor Eucarístico y consideramos los beneficios!
Cada una de nosotras puede individualmente y juntas proclamar:
Me has dado a conocer la senda de la vida; Me llenarás de ALEGRÍA en tu PRESENCIA, y de dicha eternaa tu mano derecha. – Salmo 16:11 (mi énfasis)
Unidas en oración y misión–
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazón de cada Obispo y Sacerdote
… Eterna gratitud, que cada una recuerde ofrecer un pequeño Ave María para mí cada día…
Ore para que no “estropee la hermosa obra que Dios ha confiado…” (Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta)
Janette
+JMJ+
Siete Hermanas – dentro, fuera y sobre:
RECORDATORIO: (nuestra maestra de hoja de cálculo y Anacoreta) te contactara para actualizar la información de la hoja de cálculo. Aquí está su email: Marg2@comcast.net Ella llegará a ti. Se recomiendan respuestas rápidas. La tarea se está incrementando a medida que la familia crece! Mantenerse al día es crucial con respecto a las anacoretas y grupos activos – ¡y no queremos perder a ninguna o tener datos incorrectos!
TELEGRAMA CANTADO: Una talentosa y generosa Anacoreta de Minnesota (BarbStender) compuso una canción y alegremente trajo un telegrama cantado a un sacerdote recién asignado a su parroquia (y recientemente ordenado en mayo de 2017!) Para hacerle saber del regalo de oraciones para él. Incluido en el “Paquete Oficial de Telegramas” para el Padre Evans era una copia del folleto de las Siete Hermanas y las palabras del Telegrama. Cantado a la melodía de “Sr. Sandman”: “Padre Evans, por favor, acepte este regalo * Significado de ser un ascensor espiritual diario, * Un regalo de la oración de Siete Hermanas, * Todas somos mujeres, no hay ‘misters’ (caballeros). En la capilla, una hermana cada día * Te sostendrá en la oración a su manera especial, * Que seas guiado en todo lo que haces. * Padre Evans, te damos la bienvenida! * Barb, rock! (Como consigo su lista de oración?!)
ORACIONES DE RENOVACION: Muchas de ustedes enviaron descripciones de sus momentos celestiales de oraciones concertadas el mes pasado. Una muestra:
“Aquellas de nuestro grupo, que fueron capaces, rezaronla Oración de Compromiso esta mañana después de la Misa. Terminamos con una oración a Nuestra Santísima Madre, fue hermoso rezar nuestro compromiso de mantener a nuestro pastor en oración. Estuvimos de acuerdo en que queríamos hacer esto de nuevo como un grupo el año que viene. Fue una oferta muy hermosa y hermoso movimiento del corazón – en un día de fiesta tan hermoso!”- St. Paul, Minnesota
“Anoche tuvimos una misa y una hora social, todo salió bien, dos de nuestros tres sacerdotes se detuvieron a comer pastel y fruta y les dimos un mantón de oración para recordarles que están cubiertos de oración.” – Lincoln, Nebraska
“Nuestro grupo de Siete Hermanas fue capaz de reunirse en la Misa … Soy un EMHC regular en esta misa del sábado y tuve el privilegio de ofrecer la sangre más preciosa de Nuestro Señor a mis hermanas compañeras.Tuvimos una taza de café delicioso y muffin después En el espacio de reunión … Somos un grupo diverso, haciendo que la reunión sea aún más interesante y gratificante. Todo el mundo está muy comprometido y yo lo preveo por mucho tiemp “. – St Cloud, Minnesota
“Nosotrashermanas … ofrecimos nuestra oración de compromiso juntas en dos momentos diferentes, nuestro propósito era encajar en los apretados horarios de las personas, así que las hermanas podían rezar juntas después de la misa de la mañana o durante la adoración de la tarde. – San Pablo, Minnesota
Y de un sacerdote (recién ordenado): “Muchas gracias por lo que estás haciendo Sé que me está ayudando de manera tremenda y probablemente de muchas maneras que cualquiera de nosotros puede saber Por favor, manténgala, estoy profundamente agradecido Por sus oraciones, por su tiempo y por sus sacrificios, no sólo me está ayudando a ser un sacerdote más santo, sino que también está ayudando a todos los que ministran a acercarse a Cristo ya su Iglesia”. – Texas
CRECIMIENTO ESTABLE: Los vientos del Espíritu Santo soplan donde pueden… Las consultas abundan con respecto a Siete Hermanas. Los estados con interés reciente son Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Nueva York y Dakota del Norte. ¡Muchas de ustedes han llevado celosamente una semilla a estos lugares – por la palabra de la boca o moviéndose allí! Cada una de las historias es preciosa. Nuevos grupos continúan formándose y expandiéndose, se escucha una y otra vez un entusiasmo concertado para tomar el Apostolado “por todas partes”. Todo en la Voluntad y Camino de Dios – ¡no antes, sin quedarse atrás!
LEVANTANDO CONCIENCIA: Permítanos estar abiertos a iniciargrupos para sacerdotes que quizás sean menos visibles (aquellos que no están en un ambiente parroquial tradicional). Ejemplos: Capellanes Hospitalarios, Capellanes Militares, Monasterios, Profesores en Universidades, Capellanes Escolares, Capellanes de Residencia de Jubilación, Abogados de Canon, sacerdotes sirviendo en Seminarios, Cancillerías, Exorcistas, Sacerdotes jubilados.
SIETE HERMANAS como TEMA: A principios del otoño habrá una reunión / retiro en Lincoln, NE, donde han surgido numerosos grupos desde febrero. ¡Estas señoras están llenas de ALEGRÍA y de amor por sus sacerdotes! Una reunión en Dakota del Norte está en la etapa de oración / discernimiento.
El Apostolado de las Siete Hermanas será un tema en una Conferencia de Mujeres en la Diócesis de Winona (MN) en octubre.
El Padre Johnson y yo haremos una aparición en EWTN en octubre y hablaremos juntos en una reunión regional / distrital de Serra Club a mediados de noviembre (MN y Dakotas).
PRÓXIMAMENTE: Los planes continúan hacia adelante para el 4to Encuentro de Día anual de Recolección/ Retiro de las Siete Hermanas. Sera auspiciado por los (2) Grupos de Siete Hermanas de la Parroquia de Todos los Santos en Lakeville el primer sábado de noviembre, 4 de noviembre. Uno de los grupos ORIGINALES (Apodadas las “Siete Magníficas”) se inició en esta parroquia – ¡y sigue siendo fuerte! Visite el sitio Web para obtener más detalles sobre el evento, a medida que se desarrollan. No necesitas ser de St Paul-Mpls para asistir. ¡Todas son bienvenidas!
Tú perfectamente revelaste el Amor Misericordioso de Tu Sagrado Corazón en la Cruz.
En la Última Cena nos has dado los sacramentos de la Santa Eucaristía Y de las órdenes sagradas para perpetuar tu presencia amorosa en medio de nosotros.
Ayúdanos a mantener un sentido de temor y gratitud por Tu presencia oculta en la Hostia y el respeto por cómo Tú vienes a nosotros a través de los instrumentos humanos de los sacerdotes y obispos.
En esta Tu fiesta y en la Jornada Mundial de Oración por la Santificación de los Sacerdotes,
Yo, __________ (tu nombre),
Me comprometo a hacer una hora en Tu Presencia Eucarística cada semana por el próximo año para interceder y levantar ante Tu trono A _____________ (Nombre del Sacerdote/ Obispo)
Rogando para el:
Fuerza cuando este cansado o débil,
La perseverancia cuando el espíritu de oración o celo apostólico disminuye,
Guía cuando este discerniendo o perdido,
Consolación cuando está sufriendo,
Esperanza cuando los sacrificios parezcan demasiado pesados,
Y muchas bendiciones sobre él y su ministerio.
Dame la Gracia para ser como Nuestra Señoray Santa María Magdalena,
Fiel al pie de la cruz.
Permíteme ser desinteresaday humilde en esta obra de adoración
Y en toda las formas en que me guías como tu discípulo.
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús,
Ten piedad de nuestro Santo Padre el Papa Francisco,
Ten piedad de _________ (nombre del sacerdote / obispo),
Los mandamientos del Señor son radiantes, dando luz a los ojos. – Salmo19:8
“Amar a Dios, Servir a Dios. Todo está en eso.” –San Clara de Asís.
Saludos Queridísimas Hermanas…
Estamos juntas viviendo en este dulce centro de dos meses trascendentales para el Apostolado de Siete Hermanas. Nuestro tiempo de discernimiento (silencioso y de búsqueda) en el mes del Inmaculado Corazón de María se encuentra la realidad del llamado al tiempo de acción de compromiso en el mes del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Probablemente, los mandamientos del Señor te han brindado el resplandor de luz necesario para ver tu próximo paso en su lugar de amarle y servirle.
Por favor informa a tu Anacoreta HOY (si no lo has hecho ya) si continuarás con tu grupo de Siete Hermanas o sales de su programa y compromiso. Al informar a tu Anacoreta en un tiempo prudente, la esperanza sigue siendo ajustar y/o adaptar cualquier transición de la cobertura de oración para mantenerlas sin problemas para nuestros Sacerdotes. Para aquellas que continúan o se van –eterna gratitud -.Cada sacrificio de oración tiene un valor eterno. Nuevos comienzos y renovaciones sostienen grandes cosas – radiante con Su Luz!
Recientemente mientras caminaba con amigos, una de mis compañeras tomo mi mano mientras yo buscaba cuidadosamente el próximo paso intentando maniobrar a través del desafío de un paso rápido por un arrollo. Exitosamente pise tierra seca, le exprese mi gratitud por su rápida asistencia. Más tarde, felizmente le pude corresponder cuando la seguridad de la ley de la gravedad se expresó con mi amiga y deslizó a través de un tronco resbaladizo. En ambos casos una mano aguda de apoyo y el aliento listo trajeron a la otra a un nuevo y seguro lugar en una sola pieza! Más profundo que eso, cada una de nosotras tuvo la oportunidad sin ensayar y la alegría de sostener a la otra.
Esa caminata en el bosque tal vez se escucha como nuestros esfuerzos de Siete Hermanas. Como emocionarnos con razón en el llamado de ayudar a otro, al considerar al otro más grande que nosotros mismos. En este caso, un Sacerdote. ¡Qué privilegio y alegría Orar por Él! Este doctor de almas, cuya vida está llena de oración, sacrificio, solicitudes, generosidad, imprevisibilidad y misterios todo en uno, es el destinatario dispuesto de nuestro sacrificio semanal de Oración.
El camino al cielo es un llamado universal. Cómo mi caminata en el bosque, se realiza un paso a la vez: algunas veces sobre terreno predecible, otras veces en medio de caminos de imprevistas incertidumbres. Nuestra promesa de Hora Santa de oración para un sacerdote/ Obispo es un poco como la disposición de una mano estable ofrecida a otro. Déjame ayudarte con el próximo paso hacia el cielo.
Las escrituras apoyan esta acción, “Mientras Moisés mantenía en alto sus manos, Los Israelitas estaban ganando. …Aarón y Jus sostuvieron sus manos en alto –uno a un lado, uno por el otro lado- de modo que sus manos permanecieron firmes hasta la puesta del sol” (Éxodo 17: 11,12). Nuestras oraciones concertadas–uno a un lado, uno por el otro-ciertamente ofrecen apoyo estable al Sacerdote / Obispo con quienes estamos comprometidas a Orar. Nos deleitamos en la aparente pequeñez de nuestros esfuerzos, pero paradójicamente con un sentido de valor profundo, tal vez incluso más allá de la medida! En los rayos del Santísimo Sacramento nuestros esfuerzos de oración ganan mayor significación y seguridad. Porque en Tí está la fuente de vida; y en Tu luz podemos ver la luz. Salmo 36:9.
Muchos Sacerdotes a nivel nacional están aprendiendo de nuevas asignaciones/ retiros en estos dias. Es una nueva temporada para estos pastores y una nueva temporada para aquellas Siete Hermanas en oración por ellos. Los esfuerzos de oración pueden necesitar ser aumentados un poco para aquellos en la inestabilidad de las transiciones. Tantos detalles, un paso a la vez. Permítanos generosamente ofrecer nuestras manos dobladas en apoyo.
No perdamos la oportunidad de examinar honestamente y conscientemente ser consientes de comenzar el proceso de nuestra propia separación, dejando ir una mano y el Corazón que hemos mantenido durante esta temporada. Al abrazar este curso, el destinatario de nuestras oraciones puede estar en mayor libertad para sus próximos pasos por delante. Nosotras también somos liberadas para asumir la tarea de los esfuerzos de oración por otro que Dios ha escogido.
Ésta es mi oración ‘para llevar’ en las transiciones de la vida. Que esta oración de Santa Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz (Edith Stein) sea tuya (y también para un sacerdote en transición):
“Oh Dios mío, llena mi alma de santo gozo, valor y fuerza para servirte. Enciende tu amor en mí y luego camina conmigo por el siguiente tramo de camino delante de mí. No veo muy lejos, pero cuando haya llegado a donde el horizonte se cierra, una nueva perspectiva se abrirá ante mí, y la encontraré con paz. Amén.”
Unidas en oración y misión–
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazón de cada Obispo y Sacerdote
… Eterna gratitud, que cada una recuerde ofrecer un pequeño Ave María para mí todos los días… Ore para que no “estropee la hermosa obra que Dios ha confiado …” (Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta)
Janette
+JMJ+
Renueve / comience su año de oración de las Siete Hermanas en JUNIO usando la oración de COMPROMISO compuesta por nuestro Capellán del Apostolado, P. Joseph Johnson. Vea LINKS RÁPIDOS en el sitio Web. El Padre Johnson pide que, si es posible, renueven juntas como un grupo y cerca de la Solemnidad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (este año: 23 de junio, viernes).
Siete Hermanas–dentro, fuera y sobre:
Mary S (nuestra extraordinaria diseñadora Web y Anacoreta), ha añadido un gran número de ítems al sitio Web: El folleto de las Directrices de Apostolado (descargable e imprimible), oraciones para mejorar nuestras Horas Santas, enlaces y actualización del mapa de Google y viviendo una vida personal muy llena junto con estas extravagantes ofrendas para el Apostolado. Eterna gratitud, Mary …
Marg W (nuestra maestra de hoja de cálculo y Anacoreta) volverá a ponerse en contacto con usted para actualizar la hoja de cálculo. ¡La tarea está aumentando! Gratitud eterna, Marg …
Aquí está su email: Marg2@comcast.net Una vez más, ella te contactará.
CRECIMIENTO ESTABLE: Los grupos se continúan formando, especialmente en la Diócesis de Lincoln de Nebraska y en la Diócesis Superior de Wisconsin. Ambas áreas se comprometen a “un grupo para cada sacerdote”. La Arquidiócesis de St Paul / Mpls continúa con nuevos grupos y un equipo se está formando para comprometerse a asegurar una cobertura del 100%! También dimos la bienvenida a grupos en dos nuevos estados: Mississippi y Georgia.
PROXIMAMENTE: Los planes están avanzando para el 4to Encuentro Anual del Día de Recolecta / Retiro de las Siete Hermanas en St Paul/ Mpls. Será organizado por los dos (2) Grupos de Siete Hermanas de la parroquia de Todos los Santos en Lakeville el Primer Sábado de Noviembre, 4 de Noviembre. Uno de los grupos ORIGINALES (llamados las “Siete Magníficas”) se inició en ésta parroquia – ¡y sigue fuerte! Consulte el sitio Web para obtener detalles sobre el evento, a medida que se desarrollan.
PROXIMAMENTE: El libro de estudio de Sheen’s El Sacerdote no es Suyo. Con la esperanza de presentarlo a través del sitio web. Este libro está LLENO de GEMAS!! Todavía estamos trabajando en ver cómo hacer esto… Por Favor oren! Pasara!
Un logotipode Siete Hermanas está actualmente siendo diseñado y hará su debut a fin de mes!
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. – Psalm 19:8b
“Love God, serve God. Everything is in that.” – St Clare of Assisi
Greetings dearest Sisters…
We are together living in that sweet center of two momentous months for the Seven Sisters Apostolate. Our quiet-and-seeking time of discernment in the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary now encounters the reality of the call-to-action time of commitment in the month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Likely, the commands of the Lord have afforded you the necessary radiance of light to see your next step in your place of loving and serving Him.
Please inform your Anchoress TODAY (if you haven’t already) whether you will continue with your Seven Sisters group or depart from its schedule and commitment. By informing your Anchoress in a timely fashion, hope remains to adjust/adapt any prayer coverage transitions needed to keep them seamless for our priests. To both those continuing or departing – eternal gratitude. Every sacrifice of prayer bears eternal worth. New beginnings and renewals hold great things – radiant with His light!
Recently while on a hike with friends, one of my comrades took hold of my hand as I gingerly searched for a next step attempting to maneuver across the challenge ofa rapid-running stream. Successfully making it to dry land, I expressed gratitude for her quick assistance. Later I was happily able to reciprocate when the sureness of the law of gravity expressed itself as my friend slid across a slippery log. In both cases a keen hand of support and ready encouragement brought the other to a new and safer place in one unbroken piece! Deeper than that, we each had the unrehearsed opportunity – and joy – of upholding another.
That trek in the woods perhaps hearkens to our endeavors as Seven Sisters. How we rightly excite in the call to help another, to consider another greater than ourselves. In this case, a priest. What a privilege and joy to pray for him! This doctor of souls, whose life is full with prayer, sacrifice, requests, generosity, unpredictability and mystery all at once, is the gladsome recipient of our weekly sacrifices of prayer.
The path to heaven is a universal call. Like my trek in the woods, it is realized by one step at a time: sometimes on predictable ground, other times amidst paths of unanticipated uncertainty. Our Holy Hour pledge of prayer for a priest/bishop is perhaps a bit like the readiness of a steadying hand offered to another. Let me help you with the next step heavenward.
Scripture supports this action, “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. … Aaron and Hur held his hands up- one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset” (Exodus 17: 11,12). Our concerted prayers – one on one side, one on the other – assuredly offer steady support to the priest/bishop to whom we are committed to pray. We delight in the seeming littleness of our efforts, yet paradoxically sense a deep value perhaps even beyond measure! In the rays of the Blessed Sacrament our prayer efforts gain greater significance and sureness. For in You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9
Many priests nationwide are learning of new assignments/retirement in these days. It is a new season for these shepherds and a new season for those Seven Sisters in prayer for them. Prayer efforts may need to be ramped up a bit for those in the unsteadiness of the transitions. So many details, one step at a time. Let us generously offer our folded hands in support.
Let us not lose the opportunity to honestly examine and pointedly be aware of and begin the process of our own detaching, letting go of a hand and heart we have held for a season. In embracing this course, the recipient of our prayers may be at greater liberty for his next steps ahead. We too are freed to take on the task of prayer efforts for another that God has chosen.
This is my ‘go to’ prayer in life’s transitions. May this prayer of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) be yours (and for a transitioning priest), as well:
“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 and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
Janette
+JMJ+
Renew/begin your Seven Sisters year of prayer in JUNE using the Commitment Prayer composed by our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson. Father Johnson asks that, if possible, renew together as a group and on/close to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (this year: June 23, Friday).
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
Mary S (our Web master/designer extraordinaire and Anchoress), has added quite a number of items to the Web site: a printable download of the Guidelines booklet, prayers to enhance our Holy Hours, links, and all the while updating the Google map and living a very full personal life alongside these extravagant offerings for the Apostolate. Eternal gratitude, Mary…
Marg W (our spreadsheet maestro and Anchoress) will again be contacting you to update the Spreadsheet. The task is increasing! Eternal gratitude, Marg…
Here is the email to look for: Marg2@comcast.net. Again, she will reach out to you.
STEADY GROWTH: Groups are continuing to form, especially in the Lincoln diocese of Nebraska and Superior diocese in Wisconsin. Both areas commit to “a group for every priest”. The Archdiocese of St Paul/Mpls continues with new groups and a team is forming to commit to secure 100% coverage! We also welcomed groups in two new states: Mississippi and Georgia
COMING SOON: Plans are going forward for the Seven Sisters 4th Annual St Paul/Mpls Day of Recollection/Retreat. It will be hosted by All Saints parish Seven Sisters groups (2) in Lakeville on the First Saturday of November, Nov 4. One of the ORIGINAL (dubbed the “Magnificent Seven”) groups was started in this parish – and still going strong! Check the Web for details regarding the event, as they unfold.
COMING SOON: Book study of Sheen’s The Priest is not His Own. Hoping to set this up through Web Site. This book is FULL of GEMS!! We are still working on figuring out how to do this… please pray! It will happen!
A Seven Sisters logo is currently being designed and will make its debut later this month!
“Walk with your feet on the earth, but in your heart, be in heaven.” – St John Bosco
May is traditionally a challenging month to our calendars – BUT for the Catholic, at the heart- it is the happily anticipated and beloved month of Mary and holds our continued celebration of Eastertide, St Joseph the Worker Feast Day, Mother’s Day, Ascension Sunday, Memorial Day and grand celebrations (and anniversaries) of many of the sacraments – Baptism, First Reconciliation and Holy Communion, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony and in many dioceses, Ordinations to the Diaconate and holy Priesthood. And this May we will also uniquely celebrate Our Lady of Fatima Centenary. All this resounding JOY will likely revitalize and strengthen us!
God continually meets His hungry and thirsty children with graces a-plenty! He has supplied all that we need to come to the finish of each day and even the entire month of May – richer and closer to Him! – and I will cheerily add that He will most certainly have an answer to your prayers of discernment regarding the Seven Sisters Apostolate too!! Yes, it is a special month for the Apostolate – a month of prayer regarding YOU – and God’s plans for YOU!
My prayers steadfastly and heartily join yours as you commit in this month of May to discern (see Guidelines) your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Hour Hours as part of a Seven Sisters Apostolate group. To aid your prayer efforts, I will offer a Holy Hour for you and your discernment on May 5, the First Friday in May.
As soon as you have a clear sense (you need not wait until the end of the month), let the Anchoress of your group know the direction of your call for the coming year. Ideally, before June commences, committed intercessors will be identified and able to seamlessly continue in prayerful support of the priest or bishop.
WORTH NOTING: The Apostolate serves all priests/bishops, so be open to the call that might be to remain in the Apostolate, but perhaps serve in a different (or new!) group (ie Hospital Chaplain, retired priest/bishop, associate priest in a parish where pastor already has a group, priests serving in Seminaries, priests that are chaplains/professors in High schools/Universities, Canon lawyers, priests who serve the Chancery, priests in religious orders, etc). Every priestly heart needs and deserves our prayers!! Be assured, if you ask, you will know where/how you are called. And likewise, be assured, that God’s graces are sufficient to the task!
Let me encourage you to continue with holy fidelity and focus to your Seven Sister’s commitments through May. It may take extra planning and efforts in this month of ‘so much’. Let us be sensitive and remember that many of our parish priests and bishops are on ‘double duty’ in this merry, merry month as we celebrate so many of these events in our sacramental life and special Feast Days, as well. Likewise, many priests will be learning of new assignments and needing our extra sacrifices and prayers as they anticipate transition.
This is a fitting segue to remind that your groups are designed to cover in prayer a priest in a particular position (ie pastor, rector, associate, etc) rather than a particular priest (with the exception of a retired priest who is nolonger receiving new assignments). If the priest for whom you are praying is being reassigned, please continue prayers for him until he leaves and his replacement arrives. Then seamlessly begin prayers for this incoming priest. The outgoing priest will hopefully enter into an assignment that has an existing Seven Sisters group – or maybe you can encourage the genesis of one in his new environs! Every breath of prayer, every sacrifice of prayer has merit…
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. (they likely have double benefits in May!) Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
Janette
+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – out and about: Last Tuesday, March 25, I spoke at a CCW group in Plum City, WI (La Crosse diocese). There were 49 women in attendance and as I looked at their glowing countenances, I was moved to consider that this was the exact number that started the Apostolate in 2011. There were three women in attendance that are current Seven Sisters. When asked, albeit a bit reluctant, each offered a beautiful and edifying testimony of their Apostolate involvement.
Friday, May 5, I will join a CCW for the Superior diocese in Hudson, WI. They have a generous goal of assuring though their group’s involvement, that all priests/bishop in their diocese will be covered by a Seven Sister group between June 2017 and June 2018. Their zeal in prayer and action is exemplary! Talk about ground troops! St Michael, defend them in battle!
Saturday/Sunday, May6/7 Seven Sisters will be represented at a Ministry/Apostolate/Prayer event in Faribault. MN. Bridget Kluesner and Lisa Bute will represent the Apostolate.
Tuesday, May 9, I will speak at a Serra Club luncheon in NE Minneapolis. Looking forward …
Saturday, May 13, I have the privilege of joining one of the original Seven Sister groups in Stillwater, MN, for their annual Mass and brunch. Our topic is the role of Mary in the Apostolate. We will likely have enough to talk about until lunch time! There are five Seven Sisters groups from this parish: pastor, associate pastor, two retired priests and Pope Francis! Thank you for your persistent example of zeal and joy, ladies!
Saturday, May 20, Seven Sisters in Eagan, MN, will host a gathering that includes Mass and brunch. This parish has three groups that have bloomed forth: pastor, associate and a group for the diocesan Vicar General. These members are consistently stirring interest and growth in the Apostolate through prayer and conversation in neighboring parishes. Keep up the great missionary work!
Lincoln, NE, continues to multiply its population of groups in the diocese and Wisconsin, Iowa and Texas continue to inform of new groups, as well.
COMING SOON: Book study of Sheen’s The Priest is not His Own. Hoping to set this up through Web Site. This book is FULL of GEMS!!
A Seven Sisters logo is currently being designed and will make its debut next month!
“Camina con tus pies sobre la tierra, pero tu Corazon, este en el cielo” – San Jaun Bosco
Mayo es tradicionalmente un mes desafiante para nuestros calendarios. PERO para el católico, en el corazón – es el felizmente anticipado y amado mes de María y se mantiene nuestra celebración continua de Eastertide, La Fiesta de San José El Trabajador, Día de la Madre, Domingode Ascensión, Dia Conmemorativo y grandes celebraciones (y aniversarios) de Muchos de los Sacramentos – Bautismo, Primera Reconciliación y Santa Comunión, Confirmación, Santo Matrimonio y en muchas diócesis, Ordenaciones al Diaconado y Santo Sacerdocio. Y este mes también celebraremos de manera singular el Centenario de Nuestra Señora de Fátima. ¡Toda esta alegría resonante probablemente nos revitalizará y fortalecerá!
Dios se reúne continuamente con sus hijoshambrientos y sedientos con gracias en abundancia! Él ha suministrado todo lo que necesitamos para llegar al final de cada día e incluso todo el mes de mayo – ¡más rico y más cercano a Él! – y añadiré alegremente que ciertamente tendrá una respuesta a sus oraciones de discernimiento con respecto al Apostolado de las Siete Hermanas también !! ¡Sí, es un mes especial para el Apostolado – un mes de oración en relación con USTED – y los planes de Dios para USTED!
Mis oraciones firmes y cordiales se unen a las suyas como ustedes se comprometen en este mes de mayo a discernir (ver Directrices) su continuo compromiso o salida de las Horas Semanales de la Horas como parte del grupo de Apostolado Siete Hermanas. Para ayudar a sus esfuerzos de oración, ofreceré una Hora Santa para usted y su discernimiento el 5 de mayo, el primer viernes de mayo.
Tan pronto como tengas un sentido claro (no necesitas esperar hasta el final del mes), deja que tu Anacoreta degrupo conozca la dirección de tu llamada para el próximo año. Idealmente, antes de que comience el mes de junio, las intercesoras comprometidas serán identificadas y capaces de continuar sin fisuras con el apoyo orante al Sacerdote u Obispo.
VALE LA PENA NOTAR:El Apostolado sirve a todos los sacerdotes / obispos, así que estén abiertas al llamado que podría ser permanecer en el Apostolado, pero tal vez servir en un grupo diferente (o nuevo!) (es decir, el Capellán de Hospital, sacerdote / obispo jubilado, sacerdote asociado en una parroquia donde el pastor ya tiene un grupo, los sacerdotes que sirven en los seminarios, los sacerdotes que son capellanes / profesores en las escuelas secundarias / universidades, los abogados canónicos, los sacerdotes que sirven a la cancillería, los sacerdotes en las órdenes religiosas, etc). Todo corazón sacerdotal necesita y merece nuestras oraciones !! Ten la seguridad de que, si usted pregunta, sabrá dónde y cómo se le llama. Y asimismo, asegúrate de que las gracias de Dios son suficientes para la tarea.
Unidas en oracion y mision –
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazon de cada Obispo y Sacerdote
… Eterna gratitud, que cada una recuerdeofrecer un pequeño Ave María para mí todos los días … (¡probablemente tengan dos beneficios en mayo!) Ore para que no estropee la hermosa obra que Dios ha confiado… (Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta)
Janette
+JMJ+
SIETE HERMANAS –afuera y alrededor: El pasado Martes 25 de Marzo, Hablé en un grupo de CCW en Plum City, WI (diócesis de La Crosse). Habían 49 mujeres en la asistencia y mientras miraba sus rostros brillantes, me movió a considerar que este era el número exacto que comenzó el apostolado en 2011. Habían tres mujeres asistentes que son siete hermanas actuales. Cuando se les preguntó, aunque un poco reacias, cada una ofreció un bello y edificante testimonio de su participación en el apostolado.
El viernes 5 de Mayo, Me uniré a una CCW para la diócesis Superior en Hudson, Wisconsin. Ellos tienen un objetivogeneroso de asegurarla participación de su grupo, que todos los sacerdotes / obispo en su diócesis sean cubiertos por un grupo de Siete Hermanas entre junio de 2017 y junio de 2018. Su celo en la oración y la acción es ejemplar! ¡Habla de tropas terrestres! ¡San Miguel, defiéndelos en la batalla!
Sabado 6y Domingo 6 de Mayo Siete Hermanas estaran representadasen un evento de ministerio / apostolado / oración en Faribault. MINNESOTA. Bridget Kluesner y Lisa Bute representarán el Apostolado.
Martes 9 de Mayo, Habalre en el Club Serra en NE Minneapolis.
Sabado 13 de Mayo, Tengo el prvilegio de unirme a uno de los grupos originales de Siete Hermanas en Stillwater, MN, para su Misa y desayuno annual. Nuestro topico es el rol de Maria en el Apostolado. Tendremos suficiente para hablar hasta la hora del almuerzo! Hay 5 grupos de Siete Hermanas en esta parroquia: Pastor, Pastor Asociado, 2 Sacerdotes retirados y el Papa Francisco! Gracias por su ejemplo persistente de cello y alegria, Señoras!
Sabado 20 de Mayo, Soete Hermanas en Eagan, MN, Sere anfitriona de una reunión que incluye la Misa y brunch. Esta parroquia tiene tres grupos que han surgido: pastor, asociado y un grupo para el vicario general diocesano. Estos miembros están constantemente moviendo el interés y el crecimiento en el apostolado a través de la oración y la conversación en las parroquias vecinas. ¡Sigan con el gran trabajo misionero!
Lincoln, NE, continúa multiplicando su población de grupos en la diócesis y Wisconsin, Iowa y Texas continúan informando de nuevos grupos, también.
PROXIMAMENTE: El estudio del libro de Sheen’s El Sacerdote no es suyo. Con la esperanza de presentarlo a través del sitio web. Este libro está LLENO de GEMAS !!
Un logotipode Siete Hermanas esta actualmente siendo disenado y hara su debut el mesproximo!
Saludos Queridas Siete Hermanas ya que juntas anticipamos las semanas mas sagradas de nuestra Fe Cristiana…
Unas pocas palabras de guía acerca de nuestra oración para nuestros Sacerdotes/ Obispos en esta semana especial…
Desde el comienzo nuestro Director Espiritual, Padre Joseph Johnson, nos a animado a ser fieles a nuestro compromiso del día de oración durante esta Semana Santa. Dándose cuenta de que en algunos de esos días, las Capillas de Adoración no estarán abiertas, sugiere que mantengamos la disciplina de ofrecer una hora de oración para el obispo / sacerdote el día que nos hemos comprometido a orar. Esto puede ser, en parte, la ofrenda de un Servicio al que asistes en tu parroquia y/o junto con la oración tranquila (incluyendo obras, alegrías y sufrimientos) en tu iglesia doméstica – hogar! La planificación adicional y los esfuerzos para hacer esto una realidad son ciertamente parte de la ofrenda para ese sacerdote, también. La economía de Dios y su generosidad en efecto son maravillosas, ¡sin medida!
El Padre Johnson recuerda que durante la Semana Santa el sacerdote esta en “necesidad particular” de nuestras oraciones y sacrificios, no solo por sus orarios que exigen mucho, sino que como Alter Christus caminan esta semana con un sentido y una experiencia únicos de su identidad con Cristo.
Ellos están llamados a caminar profundamente en este Camino con Cristo. ¡Esta verdad hace que cada oración sea nuestra! Podríamos hacer bien en imaginarnos con los corazones de las santas mujeres / compañeras de Cristo de la Escritura … caminando firmemente el Camino en silencio de oración.
Permanezcamos fieles a nuestros compromisos – y permitamos al Espíritu Santo guiar la única ofrenda que sera hecha para cada sacerdote / obispo durante la Semana Santa. Continuemos pidiendo fielmente gracias por su santificación y por una relación vivida y profundizada con María.
Vale la pena destacar: El Evangelio de hoy (Lunes de Semana Santa) es nuestro Evangelio, queridas hermanas! Tómese tiempo para meditar. María en Betania es el ejemplo constante y omnipresente del alma enamorada de Dios, el alma que prodiga todo por su Señor. Aunque esta consagración completa se considera “inútil” para algunos, María es, sin embargo, impulsada a la acción de la plenitud de su corazón – sin dudarlo. Ella sabe de qué se trata. ¡Y tú también!
Como María de Betania, continua derramándote en Amor, vaciamiento feliz!
Unidas en Oración y Misión – Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el Corazón de cada Obispo y Sacerdote.
Greetings dearest Sisters as we together anticipate the Holiest of weeks of our Christian faith …
A few words of guidance regarding our prayer for our bishops/priests in this special week…
From the beginning our Spiritual Director, Fr Joseph Johnson, has encouraged us to remain faithful to our committed day of prayer during Holy Week. Realizing that on some of those days , Adoration Chapels will not be open, he suggests that we nonetheless keep the discipline of offering one hour of prayer for the bishop/priest on the day we have committed to pray. This may in part be the offering of a Service that you attend in your parish and/or coupled with quiet prayer (incl works, joys and sufferings) in your domestic church – home! The extra planning and efforts to make this a reality are certainly part of the offering for that priest, as well. God’s economy and generosity is marvelous indeed, without measure!
Father Johnson reminds that during Holy Week the priest is in “particular need” of our prayers and sacrifices – as not only do their schedules demand much, but as Alter Christus they walk this week with a uniquely deep sense and experience of their identity with Christ. They are called to profoundly walk in this Way with Christ. This truth beckons our every prayer! We might do well to imagine ourselves with the hearts of Scripture’s holy women/companions of Christ … steadfastly walking the Way in prayerful silence.
Let us remain faithful to our commitments – and allow the Holy Spirit to guide the unique offering that will be made for each priest/bishop during Holy Week. Let us continue to faithfully ask for graces for his sanctification and a lived and deepened relationship with Mary.
Worth noting: Today’s Gospel (Monday of Holy Week) is our Gospel, dear sisters! Take time to meditate. Mary at Bethany is the ever-present stalwart example to us of the soul in love with God, the soul who lavishes all for her Lord. While this complete consecration is deemed ‘wasteful’ to some, Mary is nonetheless impelled to action out of the fullness of her heart – without hesitation. She knows what she is about. And you do too!
Like Mary of Bethany, continue to pour out yourself in love… oh, happy emptying!
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every Bishop and priest..
If you’re in the Rochester, MN, area, come hear Janette share about Seven Sisters! There will be 9 AM Mass at Pax Christi, followed by an informational meeting across the street at St. James Coffee House. Everyone is welcome, no registration necessary!
Fortalece las manos débiles, estabiliza las rodillas que ceden; Di a aquellos con corazones temerosos: “Sed fuertes, no temáis, vuestro Dios vendrá”. – Isaiah 35:3,4a
Un recuerdo de mi niñez tiene tanto cariño como lecciones para el Corazón. Mi hermano menor, Jim, siguiendo el protocolo de nuestro hogar, le pregunto a mi madre si él podía ser excusado de la comida terminada. Con el gesto de cabeza de mama, el murmuró obedientemente su oración de acción de gracias, y tomó rápidamente sus platos. En un instante, mis hermanos y yo los vimos afuera a través de la ventana. Vimos con una mezcla de perplejidad y horror como el pasó a toda velocidad su bicicleta con ruedas de entrenamiento y montó la bicicleta de nuestro hermano mayor. Se fue con agarre seguro, rodillas fuertes y un equilibrio sorprendentemente bueno. Todos saltamos y corrimos afuera. Jim felizmente hizo un giro en U en respuesta a nuestros gritos y sin temor demostró su proeza de pedaleo todo el camino hasta donde la familia atónita se había reunido. El saltó de la bicicleta y orgullosamente con una sonrisa semi sin dientes.., anunció, “Yo soy fuerte hasta el final, porque comí mi espinaca.” (Para aquellos que crecieron cerca de Popeye, no se necesita más explicación. Para las siete hermanas más jóvenes, aconsejo una búsqueda rápida en Google. Y tal vez buscar el significado de ruedas de entrenamiento también.)
Si bien la espinacano puede ser la cle de succes (la llave del éxito) en nuestros tiempos de Oración de Siete Hermanas, la historia ciertamente escucha las palabras de Isaías (arriba) que hablan del anhelo del corazón humano para asegurar el fortalecimiento de fuera de uno mismo cuando las circunstancias de la vida lo requieren.
Este Apostolado tiene unos fundamentos increíblemente firmes y una consistente fuente de fuerza. “Fortaleciendo al Sacerdote fortaleces toda la Iglesia. Fortalece al Sacerdote y fortaleces toda la base, fortaleces todo en la Iglesia” (PadreGerald Fitzgerald). La fuente de la fuerza está en, con y a través de Nuestro Señor. Su fuerza nos encuentra y nos anima en una miríada (cantidad muy grande e indefinida) de expresiones, algunas más bien sorprendentes y paradójicas. Como es el camino de Nuestro Señor, el nos invita a cooperar y colaborar en Su regalo de Fuerza para nosotros.
Dejando ir nuestra propia voluntad es un buen comienzo para abrir los canales de Sus gracias de Fuerza. San Bernardo de Clairvaux recuerda: “Liberado de la pesada carga de mi propia voluntad, yo puedo respirar libremente bajo la ligera carga del Amor.” Entrando a nuestra cámara de oración con esta actitud y humilde sumisión nos abre a un ofrecimientomás fácil de amor en nuestras oraciones. ¿Cómo quiere Dios que yo ore por este Sacerdote? Ven, Espíritu Santo, ayúdame. No mi voluntad, sino tu voluntad. Ayúdame.
La fuerza en el presente encuentra su camino hacia nosotros para recordar… recordando que el Señor ha sido y continuará siendo fiel, nuestra ayuda siempre presente en tiempos de necesidad – para nuestras oraciones y para el sacerdote por quien estamos comprometidos orar. En nuestra necesidad, en nuestra debilidad, en las necesidades y debilidades del Sacerdote, Jesus es nuestra fuerza. San Pablo nos recuerda, Pero Él me dijo: “Mi gracia es suficiente para ti, porque en mi poder se perfecciona la debilidad.” Por lo tanto me gloriaré con mas gozo de mi debilidad, para que el poder de Cristo puede descansar en mi (II Cor 12:9). Del mismo modo, recordando que la nueve de testigos nos anima con el ejemplo y la intercesión (Heb 12:1) puede servir a ayudarnos. Más especialmente, los patrones del Apostolado –Virgen de las Uvas, San John Vianney y Santa Margaret Clitherow- están siempre cerca en nuestras Horas Santas. Agradecerles por su potente testigo. Solicitarles oraciones sonoras a fortalecernos. Solicite sus oraciones solidas para fortalecer las tuyas.” La oración ofrecida en santidad desde un corazón fiel sube como incienso de un altar santo”(San Agustin). ¡Imagina la extravagancia de incienso durante tus Horas Santas!
La fuerza en la oración no es necesariamente formada por oraciones poderosamente redactadas o elaboradas, pero paradójicamente puede encontrar el camino a través de la voz del silencio. Una escritura ancla del Apostolado asegura, En la quietud y confianza está tu fuerza (Isaías 30:15). San Alberto el Grande tiene un sentimiento similar: “El que entra al lugar secreto de su propia alma pasa más allá de sí mismo, y, en verdad, asciende a Dios.” San Alberto Magno tiene un sentimiento similar: “El que entra en el lugar secreto de su propia alma, pasa más allá de sí mismo y, en verdad, sube a Dios. Destierra, pues, de tu corazón las distracciones de la tierra y convierte tus ojos a Alegrías espirituales, para que puedas aprender al fin a descansar en la luz de la contemplación de Dios”. San Buenaventura está de acuerdo: “Cuando oramos, la voz del corazón se debe escuchar más que lo procedente de la boca”.
Aprovechándonos de la vida sacramental – especialmente la Eucaristía y la Reconciliación – se construye nuestro tendón espiritual. San Juan Pablo II revela valientemente, “La Eucaristía es el Secreto de mi día. Da fuerza y significado a todas mis actividades de servicio a la Iglesia y al mundo entero.” Las revelaciones dadas a San Brígida afirman los beneficios de la confesión: “Así como un animal se convierte en una bestia de carga más fuerte y más bella al contemplar más a menudo y mejor es alimentado, así también la confesión –cuanto más a menudo es usada…transmite el alma cada vez más hacia adelante y es tan agradable a Dios que lleva el alma al mismo corazón de Dios.” San Juan Bosco coincide que, “Puedes volar al cielo con las alas de la Confesión y Comunión”, y “Hay dos cosas que a las que el diablo tiene miedo mortal: Comunión frecuente y visitas frecuentes al Santísimo Sacramento.” EL uso del Agua Bendita, medallas bendecidas, rosarios y cartas santas todas pueden asistir en nuestros momentos de oración.
Asociarse con otros trae fuerza en muchos de los deberes y placeres de la vida por igual, y en prácticas de oración también. Muchas intercesoras de Siete Hermanas comentan la gran paz de solidaridad y estabilidad percibida al saber que otras están orando juntas durante los otros dias de la semana. “Yo puedo hacer cosas que tu no, tú puedes hacer cosas que yo no puedo; juntos nosotros podemos hacer grandes cosas.” Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta.
Rendirse a Dios en obediencia y confianza en tus Horas Santas de Siete Hermanas –todo para su Gloria- es una fuerza oculta, una disciplina incapaz de ser contada. Es desinteresado, real, efectivo, durable, pleno, Lo duradero. La vida secular no lo sabe. Deja que tu ejemplo conviertacorazones. “Persistir en oración sin regreso, esto no es tiempo perdido, pero una gran ganancia. ¡Es un esfuerzo sin pensamiento de sí mismo y sólo para la gloria del Señor! ” (Santa Teresa de Ávila). Que libertad de corazón saber que Dios está complacido con nuestros sacrificios y oraciones y las responde perfectamente y precisamente en su Manera, Su Voluntad, Su Divina Providencia. Manteniéndonos fieles a nuestras citas semanales con el Señor (o asegurar un sub) trae consigo una riqueza de fuerza sobrenatural. El amor reina. “El Tabernáculo es el lugar de reunión verdadero de los amantes de Jesus consigo mismo. Allí, ellos encuentran abundancia de energía espiritual y plenitud de vida” (De ‘Escuchando a la presencia permanente’, por un Religioso Pelligrini, 1940).
La imagen de Draper de Los Rayos Dorados es apropiada de cómo yo considero que cada uno de ustedes realmente espera a Nuestro Señor por su fuerza, así como lo hace estos jóvenes ojos hacia el cielo. La vida se alborota alrededor de ella, pero ella captura ese momento de su día y busca si Dios, su fuerza. Ella no tiene prisa en Sus rayos, permitiéndoles penetrar en su alma con Su Bondad. Yo las veo a cada una de ustedes en esta misma postura. Así, esta comunicación mensual es un aplauso en vez de ser una instrucción. Tu fidelidad y confianza sobre nuestro Señor se evidencia en el continuo crecimiento y belleza del Apostolado –y el testimonio de tu vida y la vida de los sacerdotes con los cuales están comprometidas a orar. Tus llamadas telefónicas, tus correos electrónicos y notas escritas a mano han apoyado esta imagen y visión de ti, también.
Tus notas para mí, todo lo que yo aprecio, comparte las palabras de empoderamiento como: “Deja que este Apostolado se extienda como incendio”…”Cada sacerdote en mi diócesis necesita ser fortalecido por estas oraciones. Yo puedo ayudar!” … “Que el Espíritu Santo anime a las mujeres de todas partes a tomar este reto yorar, orar, orar”… “No podemos renunciar a nuestros sacrificios y oraciones por nuestros Sacerdotes. Yo veo una diferencia”. Queridísimas Siete Hermanas, tú y tu robustas esperanzas y visiones seguras traen fortaleza a cada Sacerdote – y a mí!
Unidos en la oración y la misión –
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazón de cada obispo y sacerdote
… eterna gratitud, cada una de ustedes recuerde ofrecer un gran Ave Maria por mí cada día… pidiendo las oraciones de Santa María en los dos momentos definitivos de cualquier vida: ahora y en la hora de la muerte. Las oportunidades de la muerte a uno mismo se presentarán con abundancia a través de cada día.
Janette
+JMJ+
SIETE HERMANAS – Afuera y Sobre: Actualmente hay nuevos grupos de Siete Hermanas siendo formados en Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas y Michigan. Mas Sacerdotes cubiertos – y un Obispo más en camino!
Una Anacoreta de Venezuela, Zahyra Balza, generosamente traduce estos comunicados al español y Mary Shaffer, nuestra diseñadora y mantenedora de la Web (también Anacoreta), a añadido una pestaña. Échale un vistazo! Mary también añadió una pestaña hace un tiempo atrás para recordar a las Siete Hermanas que han pasado a la vida eterna. Por favor haznos saber si esto pasado en caso de algunas de tu grupo. Nosotras queremos honrar sus vidas y contribuciones con nuestras oraciones.
Continuación de la gratitud por las oraciones siguiendo la invitación de Wendy Wiese (una Siete Hermana) con respecto al spot de Radio Relevante el 9 de marzo. El podcast está en nuestro Sitio Web. Gratitud eterna por los correos electrónicos y donaciones.
El 24 de Marzo habrá una charla por Serra Club en Medina, MN, y la mañana siguiente una misa temprana y reunión informativa del Apostolado en la casa Café St Jamesen Rochester, MN. Este café tiene una capilla de Adoración! ¡Un lugar único! Vea el sitio Web de Siete Hermanas para más detalles – ¡todos invitados! Un Día de Fiesta Especial para nosotras está por venir para nosotras -26 de Marzo Fiesta de Santa Margaret Clitherow – Cae un domingo este año por lo que la puedes recordar entonces o tal vez el lunes – o como yo – los dos días!
Por favor, no deje el diario Ave María – cada uno es necesario!
“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come’.” – Isaiah 35:3,4a
A memory from my childhood holds both fondness and lessons for the heart. Younger brother, Jim, following our home protocol, asked my mother if he could be excused from a finished meal. With her nod, he dutifully muttered his prayer of thanksgiving, and hastily bussed his dishes. In a flash, my siblings and I spotted him outside through the window. We watched in a mix of perplexity and horror as he sped past his bicycle with training wheels and mounted our older brother’s bike. Off he went with a sure grip, strong knees and surprisingly good balance. We all jumped up and ran outside. Jim happily made a U-turn in response to our screams and fearlessly demonstrated his peddling prowess all the way to where the stunned family had gathered. He leapt off the bike and, proudly donning a semi-toothless grin, announced, “I’m strong to the finish, ’cause I ate my spinach.” (For those that grew up alongside Popeye, no further explanation needed. For the younger Seven Sisters, I advise a quick Google search. And maybe look up the meaning of training wheels too.)
While spinach may not be la cle de succes in our Seven Sisters prayer times, the story certainly hearkens to the words of Isaiah (above) that speak of the longing of the human heart for assurance of strengthening from outside oneself when life’s circumstances call for it.
This Apostolate bears amazingly firm underpinnings and a consistent wellspring of strength. “In strengthening the priest you strengthen the whole Church… Strengthen the priest and you strengthen the whole foundation, you strengthen everything in the Church” (Fr Gerald Fitzgerald). Strength’s source is in, with, and through Our Lord. His strength finds us and buoys us up in a myriad of expressions, some rather surprising and paradoxical. As is the Way of Our Lord, He invites us to cooperate and collaborate in His gift of strength to us.
Letting go of our own will is a good start to open the channels to His graces of strength. St Bernard of Clairvaux reminds: “Freed from the heavy burden of my own will, I may breathe freely under the light load of love.” Entering our prayer chamber with this attitude and humble submission opens us to an easier offering of love in our prayers. How does God want me to pray for this priest? Come, Holy Spirit, help me. Not my will, but Thy Will. Help me.
Strength in the present finds its way to us from remembering … remembering that the Lord has been and will continue to be faithful, our Ever-present Help in time of need – for our prayers and for the priest for whom we are committed to pray. In our need, in our weaknesses, in the priest’s needs and weaknesses, Jesus is our Strength. St Paul reminds, But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (II Cor 12:9). Likewise, remembering that the cloud of witnesses urges us on by example and by intercession (Heb 12:1) can serve to help us. Most especially, the patrons of the Apostolate – Madonna of the Grapes, St John Vianney and St Margaret Clitherow – are ever-near in our Holy Hours. Thank them for their potent witness. Solicit their sound prayers to strengthen yours. “Prayer offered in holiness from a faithful heart rises like incense from a holy altar” (St Augustine). Imagine the extravagance of incense during your Holy Hours!
Strength in prayer is not necessarily fashioned by powerfully phrased or crafted prayers, but paradoxically can find its way through the voice of silence. An anchor Scripture of the Apostolate assures, In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). St Albert the Great has similar sentiment: “He who enters into the secret place of his own soul passes beyond himself, and does in very truth ascend to God. Banish, therefore, from thy heart the distractions of earth and turn thine eyes to spiritual joys, that thou mayest learn at last to repose in the light of the contemplation of God.” St Bonaventure concurs, “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings of the mouth.”
Availing ourselves to the sacramental life – especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation – builds our spiritual sinew. St John Paul II boldly discloses, “The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world.” Revelations given to St Bridget affirm the benefits of Confession: “Just as an animal becomes a stronger beast of burden and more beautiful to behold the more often and better it is fed, so too confession – the more often it is used… conveys the soul increasingly forward and is so pleasing to God that it leads the soul to God’s very heart.” St John Bosco concurs, “You can fly to heaven on the wings of Confession and Communion,” and “There are two things the devil is deadly afraid of: frequent Communion and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.” The use of Holy water, blessed medals, rosary beads and holy cards all can assist in our prayer times.
Partnering with others brings strength in many of life’s duties and pleasures alike, and in prayer practices too. Many Seven Sisters intercessors comment on the great peace of solidarity and stability sensed by knowing others are praying alongside during the other days of the week. “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” – St Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Yielding to God in obedience and trust in your Seven Sister Holy Hours – all for His glory – is a hidden strength, a discipline unable to be reckoned with. It is selfless, real, effective, durable, full, the lasting thing. The secular life knows it not. Let our example convert hearts. “To persist in prayer without returns, this is not time lost, but a great gain. It is an endeavor without thought of self and only for the glory of the Lord!” (St Teresa of Avila). What liberty of heart to know that God is pleased with our sacrifices and prayers and answers them perfectly and precisely in His Way, His Will, His divine Providence. Staying faithful to our weekly appointments with the Lord (or securing a sub) brings with it a wealth of supernatural strength. Love reigns. “The Tabernacle is the actual meeting place of lovers of Jesus with Himself. There, they find abundance of spiritual energy and fullness of life” (from ‘Listening to the Indwelling Presence’ by a Religious Pelligrini, 1940).
Draper’s image of The Golden Rays is a fitting one as I consider how each of you so readily waits on Our Lord for your strength, as does this eyes-toward-heaven youth. Life bustles about her, but she captures that moment of her day and seeks her God, her Strength. She is unhurried in His rays, allowing them to penetrate her soul with His Goodness. I see each of you in this same stance. Thus, this months’s Communique is one of applause rather than instruction. Your fidelity and reliance upon your Lord is evidenced in the continued growth and beauty of the Apostolate – and the testimony of your lives and the lives of the priests you are committed to pray for. Your phone calls, emails and hand written notes have supported this image and insight of you, as well.
Your notes to me, all of which I cherish, share empowering words like: “Let this Apostolate spread like wildfire.” … “Every priest in my diocese needs to be strengthened by these prayers. I can help!” …”May the Holy Spirit enliven women everywhere to take up this challenge and pray, pray, pray.” … “We can’t let up in our sacrifices and prayers for priests. I see a difference.” Dearest Seven Sisters, you and yoursturdy hopes and sure visions bring strength to every priest – and to me!
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day…. asking for the prayers of Holy Mary at the two definitive times of any life: now and at the hour of death. The opportunities of death to self will present themselves a-plenty through each day.
Janette
+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – out and about: Currently there are new Seven Sisters groups being formed in Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas and Michigan. More priests covered – and one more bishop on-the-way!
An Anchoress from Venezuela, Zahyra Balza, generously translates these Communiques in Spanish and Mary Shaffer, our Web designer/master maintainer (and Anchoress too), has added a tab. Check it out! She also added a tab a while ago, to remember Seven Sisters that have passed on to eternal life. Please let us know if this becomes the case in any of your groups. We want to honor their lives and contributions with our prayers.
Continued gratitude for the prayers following the invitation of Wendy Wiese (a Seven Sister herself) regarding the Relevant Radio spot on March 9. The podcast is on our Web Site. Eternal gratitude for the many kind emails and donations.
March 24 will be a talk for a Serra Club in Medina, MN, and the next morning an early Mass and Apostolate Informational gathering at the St James Coffeehouse in Rochester, MN. This Cafe has an Adoration Chapel! One-of-a-kind spot! See Seven Sisters Web for details – all invited!
A special Feast Day is coming for us – March 26 – Feast of St Margaret Clitherow. It lands on a Sunday this year so you may remember her then or perhaps on Monday – or like me – both days!
Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!!
It is said that as God’s directive toward raising the siege at Orléans was assuredly unfolding in Joan of Arc’s heart, she espoused that she knew nothing of wars or horses. In trust, however, as she mounted her steed for the first time, she uttered, “This is what I was made for!”
How often I have experienced the joy of hearing a similar voice of conviction from those assuming the role of a Seven Sister intercessor. Again and again many express a lovely awakening of heart to this summons to pray for priests. Likely, I am witnessing the bloom of that truth of holy Scripture that assures that God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable (Ro 11:29).
Some verbalize it immediately, “When I was asked to do this, my heart leaped to say, ‘yes!’ or “I was praying for priests before, but this do-able structure and uniting my prayers with others appealed deeply, and I knew I was called to it.” Others come to a certitude after offering a few Holy Hours, “I cannot imagine a week without this Holy Hour. How was I spending my week prior to this?” or “I am learning afresh and anew about both myself and Father, as sister and brother in Christ. We are both benefiting. What a privilege to pray!”
We are together on this gladsome journey, together moving into God, into His beckoning of heart into His Heart on these matters, regarding the lives of these priests – and our lives too. His economy leaves nothing or no one orphaned. “In strengthening the priest you strengthen the whole Church…” (Fr Gerald Fitzgerald, s.P.).
Our committed Seven Sister days are not always so straightforward – either in getting to the Chapel or persevering through the hour of prayer or both. Life throws curve balls at times and at times we have misplaced our catching mitt. When I am pressed to make decisions about my day’s events in order to remain faithful to this weekly summons, I may find those plans running counter to other opportunities and offerings. Likely, you have found the same challenges in your own lives. Further, our call to pray for our priests/bishops is not necessarily supported by those surrounding us nor those that do not share this particular call in their life at this particular time. So too, we can be our own worst enemy, and, at times, allow our feelings to attempt to dictate our duty. St. Alphonsus Liguori reminds: “He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.” If you have experienced these challenges, be at peace. God has called you to this way of prayer. His graces are sufficient for you to be faithful to the charge.
Love demands effort. Pope St John Paul II said, “Real love is demanding. For it was Jesus – our Jesus himself – who said: ‘You are my friends if you do what I command you’ (Jn 15:14). Love demands effort and a personal commitment to the will of God. It means discipline and sacrifice, but it also means joy and human fulfillment.” There is reward, indeed, for our discipline and sacrifices, both immediate and long-term. As we move into what we are divinely called to do and be, the freedom and contentedness of being more fully who we are meant to be is ours.
A week seems to roll along at a fierce pace at times. As we journey into God each day, may we steady the pace by savoring the moments. St Francis de Sales reminds, ‘Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made it.’ While we hope to experience this with more moments than not, let us strive as Seven Sister intercessors to at least weekly commit to sixty minutes of those moments that are pregnant with a command from God. Let us nurture the call on our lives to pray for our assigned priest/bishop and be content that our moments remain forever what we have made them – rich with love.
When our holy sister in Christ, Joan, recognized her weakness in light of God’s plans: of a lack of knowledge of wars and horses,then an exuberance of her lot in life – “This is what I was made for!”, history tells us she swiftly moved to a resoluteness noted in this response that immediately followed: “I fear nothing for God is with me!”
May this transformation be said of you and of me… a living reality…
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….
Janette
+JMJ+
SEVEN SISTERS – out and about: Representing the Apostolate, I participated at a Prayer Fair at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, MN, last Saturday and Sunday. This congregation is full of zeal and mission for prayer! I smiled throughout, left smiling and still am smiling! Thursday, March 9, I will be joining dear Wendy Weise on Relevant Radio (1-1:30 pm). (Yes, Fr Rocky has a Seven Sister group). Please hold us in prayer! On its heels, is a Prayer Event, Saturday, March 11, where Seven Sisters will be represented by local members. March 24 will be a talk for a Serra Club in Medina, MN, and the next morning an early Mass and gathering at the St James Coffeehouse in Rochester, MN. If you have never been to St James, put it on your bucket list. This Cafe has an Adoration Chapel! One-of-a-kind spot!
Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!! My heart’s sense is to send this Communique the third weekend of the month, and lately it is going out on the last day of the month! OH, pray for me in this regard – that I be prudent in all my affairs regarding time usage! And diligently continue praying for the approval of the Canonical status of the Apostolate. The best is yet to be…
“¡Esto es para lo que fui hecha!” – San Juan de Arco
Se dice que la dirección de Dios para levantar el sitio en Orléans estaba seguramente desarrollándose en el corazón de Juana de Arco, ella defendió que ella no sabía nada de guerras o caballos. En confianza, sin embargo, cuando ella montó su corcel por primera vez, ella dijo, “Esto es para lo que fui hecha!”
Cuántas veces he experimentado la alegría de escuchar una voz similar de convicción de aquellos que asumen el papel de un intercesor de Siete Hermanas. Una y otra vez muchos expresan un encantador despertar de corazón a esta convocatoria para orar por los sacerdotes. Probablemente, estoy asistiendo a la floración de esa verdad de la Sagrada Escritura que asegura que los dones de Dios y su llamado son irrevocables (Ro 11:29).
Algunos lo verbalizan de inmediato: “Cuando se me pidió que hiciera esto, mi corazón dio un salto para decir ‘¡sí!” O “Yo estaba orando por los sacerdotes antes, pero esta estructura factible y unir mis oraciones con otros me atrajo profundamente, y sabía que estaba llamada a ello.” Otros llegan a una certeza después de ofrecer unas horas sagradas, “No puedo imaginar una semana sin esta Hora Santa. ¿Cómo pasaba mi semana antes de esto? ” O “Estoy aprendiendo de nuevo sobre mí y mi Padre, como hermana y hermano en Cristo. Ambos nos estamos beneficiando. ¡Qué privilegio de orar!
Estamos juntos en este alegre viaje, juntos moviéndonos hacia Dios, en Su aclamación de corazón en Su Corazón en estos asuntos, con respecto a la vida de estos sacerdotes – y nuestras vidas también. Su economía no deja nada ni nadie queda huérfano. “Al fortalecer al sacerdote fortaleces a toda la Iglesia …” (P. Gerald Fitzgerald, P.P.).
Nuestros días comprometidos como siete hermana no son siempre tan directos – ya sea en llegar a la capilla o perseverar a través de la hora de la oración o de ambos. La vida lanza bolas curvas a veces y a veces hemos extraviado nuestro guante. Cuando estoy presionada para tomar decisiones sobre los eventos de mi día para poder seguir siendo fieles a esta convocatoria semanal, puedo encontrar esos planes corriendo en desgracia con otras oportunidades y ofrendas. Probablemente, usted ha encontrado los mismos desafíos en sus propias vidas. Además, nuestro llamado a orar por nuestros sacerdotes / obispos no es necesariamente apoyado por aquellos que nos rodean ni por aquellos que no comparten esta llamada en particular en su vida en este momento en particular. Así también, podemos ser nuestro peor enemigo y, a veces, permitir que nuestros sentimientos intenten dictar nuestro deber. San Alphonsus Liguori recuerda: “El que confía en sí mismo se pierde, el que confía en Dios puede hacer todas las cosas”. Si usted ha experimentado estos desafíos, esté en paz. Dios te ha llamado a este camino de oración. Sus gracias son suficientes para que seas fiel a la carga.
El amor exige esfuerzo. El Papa San Juan Pablo II dijo: “El verdadero amor es exigente, porque Jesús, nuestro Jesús mismo, dijo: ‘Vosotros sois mis amigos si hiciereis lo que yo os mando’ (Jn 15, 14). El amor exige esfuerzo y un compromiso personal con la voluntad de Dios. Significa disciplina y sacrificio, pero también significa alegría y plenitud humana”. Hay recompensa, de hecho, por nuestra disciplina y sacrificios, tanto inmediato como a largo plazo. A medida que nos adentramos en lo que somos divinamente llamados a hacer y ser, la libertad y el contentamiento de ser más plenamente a quienes estamos destinados a ser es nuestra.
Una semana parece rodar a lo largo de un ritmo feroz a veces. A medida que viajamos hacia Dios cada día, podemos mantener el ritmo saboreando los momentos. San Francisco de Sales nos recuerda: “Cada momento nos llega preñado de un mandamiento de Dios, sólo para trasladarnos y hundirnos en la eternidad, allí permanece para siempre lo que hemos hecho”. Mientras esperamos experimentar esto con más momentos que no, esforcémonos como intercesores de Siete Hermanas por lo menos semanalmente comprometiéndonos a sesenta minutos de esos momentos que están embarazados con un mandamiento de Dios. Cultivemos el llamado en nuestras vidas a orar por nuestro sacerdote / obispo asignado y contentarse con que nuestros momentos permanezcan para siempre lo que les hemos hecho – rico en amor.
Cuando nuestra Santa Hermana en Cristo, Juana, reconoció su debilidad ante la luz de los planes de Dios: de una falta de conocimiento de guerras y caballos, entonces una exuberancia de ella en vida – “Esto es para lo que fui hecha!”, la historia nos dice que ella rápidamente se movió hacia una resolución la cual se notaen esta respuesta que inmediatamente siguió: “Yo no temo nada porque Dios está conmigo”.
Que esta transformación se diga de ti y de mí … una realidad viva …
Unidas en oración y misión-
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazón de cada Obispo y Sacerdote
…gratitud eterna recuerda ofrecer un pequeño Ave Maria para mi cada día…
Janette
+JMJ+
SIETE HERMANAS – fuera y sobre: Representando el Apostolado, participé en una Feria de Oración en la Iglesia Católica de la Divina Misericordia en Faribault, MN, el sábado y el domingo pasado. ¡Esta congregación está llena de celo y misión para la oración! Sonreí por todas partes, izquierda sonriendo y todavía estoy sonriendo! El jueves, 9 de marzo, me uniré a Wendy Weise en Radio Relevante (1-1: 30 pm). (Sí, el Padre Rocky tiene un grupo de Siete Hermanas). ¡Por favor, sosténgase en oración! En sus talones, es un evento de oración, el sábado 11 de marzo, en el que siete hermanas serán representadas por miembros locales. El 24 de marzo será una charla para un Serra Club en Medina, MN, y la mañana siguiente una Misa temprana y una reunión en el St James Coffeehouse en Rochester, MN. Si usted nunca ha estado en St James, póngalo en su lista de cubetas. Este café tiene una Capilla de Adoración! ¡Un lugar único!
Por favor, no deje en el diario Ave María – cada uno es necesario! El sentido de mi corazón es enviar este comunicado el tercer fin de semana del mes, y últimamente está saliendo en el último día del mes! OH, oren por mí en este sentido – que sea prudente en todos mis asuntos con respecto al uso del tiempo! Y sigan diligentemente orando por la aprobación del estatuto canónico del Apostolado. Lo mejor está por venir…
“De Maria numquam satis” – “Sobre María nunca hay suficiente” – Antiguo adagio de la Iglesia
Cuando vamos a Marí ella señala a Jesus, ella nos da a Jesus – Siempre.
Cuan conveniente es que cada Año Nuevo del Señor comience con la solemnidad de María: la Santa Madre de Dios, honrando a nuestra madre también. Desde entonces he estado orando por ti de una manera especial: que este mes de enero haya despertado un anhelo de conocer y amar más a María. En cuanto a mí, me he comprometido a leer un nuevo libro sobre María cada mes de 2017. Mi primer fue el P. Raoul Plus “El pequeño libro de la bienaventurada Virgen María: modelo de los cristianos, causa de nuestra alegría”. De hecho, ella es CAUSA de nuestra ALEGRÍA! ¡Nos dio nuestro Redentor, nuestro Rey, nuestro Emmanuel!
Como católicos, es elemental – a Jesús, a través de María. Sin embargo, algunos han abandonado esto a veces, yo incluida, y han necesitado este recordatorio necesario. San Luis de Montfort encanta tan bellamente: “Nunca damos más honor a Jesús que cuando honramos a su Madre, y la honramos de manera sencilla y única para honrarlo con más perfección. Vamos a ella sólo como una manera de llevar a la meta que buscamos – Jesús, su Hijo … Ella es un eco de Dios, hablando y repitiendo solamente a Dios. “Si dices:” María “, dice ella,” Dios “.
En nuestras oraciones ofrecidas como Siete Hermanas, aparte del compromiso de orar solamente por un sacerdote u Obispo y su santidad durante una hora, nuestra otra firme enmienda es rezar para que su relación con María sea profundizada.
Cada hora santa inherentemente incluye esta petición. La fuerza de esta petición es imperativa, por el sacerdote que no es suyo.
Pertenece a María. En el último párrafo del libro que recomiendo encarecidamente que todos los Anclas lean, El sacerdote no es Suyo (Fulton Sheen), esto se confirma: “¿No es de extrañar, entonces, que ella sea la Mujer en la vida de todo sacerdote? Él pertenece a la Madre de Jesús, una vez y siempre la Víctima-Sacerdote”. Esta relación es distintiva en la humanidad, y tenemos el privilegio de orar por su fruición para el sacerdote por quien oramos!
Mientras miramos a María como Madre universal, como intercesores la vemos especialmente y la buscamos como el primer discípulo de Cristo, recordándonos y enseñándonos a confiar en que el Espíritu Santo nos guíe en nuestra oración.
Como María, busquemos la Voluntad y el Camino de Dios. La pintura de este mes representa radiantemente el testimonio de María como un modelo para nuestra propia intercesión: alegremente dócil a las inspiraciones del Espíritu Santo.
Papa Francis, enseña: “Una madre no se limita a dar vida, cuida con mucho cuidado, ayuda a sus hijos a crecer, les enseña el modo de vida, los acompaña siempre con su cuidado, con su cariño, con su amor, En una palabra, una buena madre ayuda a sus hijos a venir de sí mismos. ” A medida que crecemos en el discipulado en Cristo, somos más plenamente creados para ser – y también para el sacerdote.
Regularmente, muchas de las Siete Hermanas comparten cómo han sentido profundamente la camaradería de María en la formación de sus oraciones. Su fuerte testimonio de “hacer lo que Él nos dice” nos estimula, mantiene nuestro corazón y nuestra mente firmes en la tarea que tenemos: orar para que toda bondad, belleza y verdad se cumplan en la vida de los sacerdotes para quienes oramos – Y nada menos. La Voluntad y el Camino de Dios – y nada menos.
San Juan Pablo II recuerda: “La Santísima Virgen María comunica a los creyentes una capacidad siempre nueva para esperar el futuro de Dios y abandonarse a las promesas del Señor”. ¡Esto es precisamente lo que las oraciones de nuestras Siete Hermanas implican para nuestros destinatarios! Como un sacerdote dijo recientemente a un grupo de Siete Hermanas: “¡No oren, seré el sacerdote que ustedes quieren que sea, oren para que yo sea el sacerdote que Dios quiere que yo sea!”
Queridas hermanas en Cristo, tomen posesión de la ALEGRÍA y la RECOMPENSA de solicitar la ayuda de María en sus oraciones por los sacerdotes – y también al hacerlo, creciendo en relación con ella misma! “Nunca tengas miedo de amar demasiado a la Santísima Virgen, nunca podrás amarla más que Jesús.” (San Maximiliano Kolbe)
Busquemos entonces a María como ese eco de Dios. Como decimos, “María”, descubramos que ella responde, “Dios” – ¡cada vez!
Unidos en la oración y la misión –
Que nuestras oraciones puedan encontrar el corazón de cada obispo y sacerdote
… eterna gratitud como cada uno de ustedes recuerda ofrecer un pequeño Ave María para mí todos los días ….
Janette
+JMJ+
PD: Acabo de volver de un tiempo más hermoso con siete hermanas en Nebraska. El lema del Estado es “la buena vida”. Les aseguré que cuando las Siete Hermanas se arraigue en Nebraska será una “vida mejor”! También he hablado recientemente en dos clubes locales de Serra y espero hablar con otros dos en el futuro cercano. Hay otra charla en los trabajos en una cafetería en Rochester, MN. Por favor, no deje el Ave María diario – cada uno es necesario!
*** Muchas Siete Hermanas han sido edificadas por reflexiones eucarísticas diarias enviadas por correo electrónico: Póngase en contacto conmigo en Joy2day2u@aol.com para ser agregado a la lista de distribución. ***
A medida que crecemos en el amor por la Eucaristia, crecemos en el amor al sacerdocio – y vice versa.
ABlog de Archivo de algunas reflexiones pasadas: Truth Himself
“De Maria numquam satis”-“Concerning Mary there is never enough”
Ancient adage of the Church
When we go to Mary she points to Jesus, she gives us Jesus – always. How fitting that each New Year of the Lord begins with the Solemnity of Mary: the Holy Mother of God, honoring our mother too. I have been praying for you in a special way since then: that this January has awakened a longing to know and love Mary more fully. As for me, I have committed to read one new book regarding Mary each month of 2017. My first was Fr Raoul Plus’ The Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Model of Christians, Cause of our Joy. Indeed, she is CAUSE of our JOY! She gave us our Redeemer, our King, our Emmanuel!
As Catholics, it is elementary – to Jesus, through Mary. Yet some have forsaken this at times, myself included, and have needed this requisite reminder. St Louis de Montfort so beautifully encourges: “We never give more honour to Jesus than when we honour His Mother, and we honour her simply and solely to honour Him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way of leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son. … She is an echo of God, speaking and repeating only God. If you say, ‘Mary,’ she says, ‘God.’
In our prayer offerings as Seven Sisters, aside from the commitment to pray solely for one priest or bishop and his sanctity during our Hour, our only other firm amendment is prayer that his relationship with Mary will be deepened. Every Holy Hour inherently includes this petition. The strength of this petition is imperative, for the priest is not his own. He belongs to Mary. In the final paragraph of the book which I strongly recommend every Anchoress read, The Priest is Not His Own (Fulton Sheen) this is confirmed: “Is it any wonder, then, that she is the Woman in every priest’s life? No priest is his own. He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim.” This relationship is distinctive in mankind, and we have a privilege to pray for its fruition for the priest for whom we pray!
While we look to Mary as universal Mother, as intercessors we especially view and seek her as the first disciple of Christ, reminding and teaching us to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayer efforts. Like Mary, let us seek the Will and Way of God. This month’s painting radiantly depicts the witness of Mary as a model to our own intercession: mirthfully docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis teaches: “A mother does not stop at just giving life. With great care she helps her children grow, teaches them the way of life, accompanies them always with her care, with her affection, with her love, even when they are grown up. In a word, a good mother helps her children to come of themselves.” As we grow in discipleship in Christ, following Mary as our quintessential model, we become more fully who we are created to be – and likewise for the priest.
Regularly, many of the Seven Sisters share how they have deeply sensed the camaraderie of Mary in the formation of their prayers. Her strong witness “to do whatever He tells you” spurs us on, keeps our heart and mind steady on the task at hand: to pray for all goodness, beauty and truth to be accomplished in the lives of the priests for whom we pray – and nothing less. God’s Will and Way – and nothing less.
St John Paul II reminds: “The Blessed Virgin Mary communicates to believers an ever-new capacity to await God’s future and to abandon themselves to the Lord’s promises.” This is precisely what our Seven Sisters’ prayers entail for our recipients! As one priest recently stated to a group of Seven Sisters gathered, “Don’t pray I will be the priest you want me to be. Pray that I will be the priest God wants me to be!”
Dearest sisters in Christ, take hold of the JOY and REWARD of soliciting the help of Mary in your prayers for priests – and likewise in so doing, growing in relationship with her yourself! “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” (St Maximilian Kolbe)
Let us then seek Mary as that echo of God. As we say, ‘Mary”, let us discover that she answers, “God” – every time!
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….
Janette
+JMJ+
PS – I just returned from a most beautiful time with Seven Sisters in Nebraska. The motto of the state is “the good life”. I assured them that when the Seven Sisters takes root in Nebraska it will be a “better life”! I have also spoken recently at two local Serra clubs and anticipate speaking to two others in the near future. There is another talk in the works at a coffee house in Rochester, MN. Please do not let up on the daily Hail Marys – every one is needed!!
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St Francis of Assisi
Most of us have likely received a gift that has overwhelmed our heart either because of its extravagance, an element of surprise or a grace of insight into the bigness of heart from which it was given. In the Spring of 2013 I was recipient to a gift that inundated my heart by all three! My daughter quite unexpectedly sent me a round-trip airline ticket to Rome. A note was attached: “Go to Rome and spend some Mom-time with Spencer. After May 25 (his Ordination date),he will belong to the Church.” This gift of love reduced me to a silence… and several tissues-ful of tears. That week abroad unfolded a gift of seemingly endless giving and receiving. I will bless you so you will be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). Even now, when I recall the memories and graces of that week – and alongside them, the particulars of my daughter’s sacrifices of love and finances and time in planning (she missed no details!), – the gift indeedperpetuates a lovely mystery of giving and receiving. Truly, truly… love is the lasting thing.
Each week each of you is that giver of a gift that lavishes, a gift that comes by great sacrifices of time and discipline and patience. In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). Each week the recipient of that gift is likely overwhelmed in heart by the extravagance and surprise and bigness of heart of your gift. The ensuing marvel is that you and he alike are blessed to be a blessing. In that giving, both receive – ah, that wonderful, paradoxical life we live and profess as Christians. Through the beautiful fidelity of united efforts of seamless prayer by each circle of Seven Sisters, much is wrought – for each intercessor, the recipient of her prayer offerings, and the Church beyond. All are strengthened.
And here is another gift for you …. Savor this sampling of remarks from priests in response to your sacrifices of prayer. Listen to the merit of your gift of prayer, a prayer that lavishes and bears fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16)…
“Since my group of 7 Sisters started praying for me, I often feel comforted and very supported by the fact that I have this loving shield of Marian intercession continually round about me, enfolding me and bearing me up. I like that, whenever I have a particular need or prayer request, I can call upon these dear, faithful sisters in Christ. To be so loved, in such a spiritual, prayerful way, I feel so much more confident as a priest, especially when I am facing difficult situations.”
“The power of prayer is real and effective. I’ve felt it. And it’s great to know that so many people are praying for me in particular. God bless you.” -Fr. Nick VanDenBroeke
“I am so grateful for the prayers of the Seven Sisters. Every now and then I experience an attack by the Evil One in one form or another. I always say a prayer. But I also know that the Seven Sisters are praying for me daily. Usually within a day, I can sense that the attack is over. Your prayers are SO POWERFUL! With much gratitude, A Twin Cities pastor”
“Thank you for all your prayers. The Lord truly uses them. Thank you for your hidden gift of grace from your gift of prayer.”
“I am grateful for your prayers. It allows the Lord to sustain and bear fruit in and through His priests.” -In Christ, Fr Jon Vander Ploeg
“I’m so deeply grateful to be daily enveloped by such powerful prayer. The effects of the prayers of these dear women have been tangibly felt on numerous occasions. I have no words to express how blessed I feel.” Pastor from St Paul
“It’s a comfort knowing that one of the Seven Sisters is praying for me every day. I know I benefit from their prayers in many ways, some of which I’m probably unaware. … I’m convinced that none of us can thrive without a reliance on prayer, so I appreciate knowing that I’m strengthened by my own prayer life, and the prayers being offered by the Seven Sisters. God bless this Apostolate for all the good it’s doing for the lives of priests and for the life of the Church!”
“I take consolation and strength from knowing that I am being prayed for each day during a prayer hour.”
“I have very much felt the power of people praying for me since I began a new assignment. There was so much to do …I have felt the strong hand of support that comes through prayer and I know strong commitment of the Seven Ladies group and many others who have been praying for me. I appreciate the efforts of all those who pray for me. I hope my prayers are sufficient to return the grace.”
“Knowing that each day throughout the course of the week is covered with hidden prayer before the Lord is a great consolation that spurs me on to serve with zeal and generosity. I am a grateful recipient of this powerful and steady intercession which reminds me that apart from Him I can do nothing. All of us, priests included, are like the paralytic in the Gospel – carried aloft to the Lord by the prayers of friends, loved ones, even of hidden contemplatives and unknown intercessors. The Seven Sisters who dedicate themselves to pray for my intentions and priestly vocation in no small way take up their part in the Church’s mission for souls. With heartfelt thanks, A grateful associate pastor”
Dear sisters in Christ, if we but knew the width and depth of worth of every breath of our prayers, the benefit of our perseverance through challenges and distractions, the merit of every silent and uttered prayer of generosity of love toward our priests and bishops for whom we are committed to pray. Be encouraged. Take heart that your efforts are finding reward!
Like the woman in Portaels painting above, who prudently chooses the proper rose, continue to choose your prayer offerings well and with peace of heart. Submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit – and trust. Let us say with heartfelt confidence, like St Ignatius of Loyola, “God, I give it all to you. Give me only your grace and your love. That is enough.”
United in prayer and mission – that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day….
“Thou that hast given so much to me, Give me one thing more – a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me, As if Thy blessings had spare days; But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.”
– George Herbert
Being grateful is getting a lot of attention these days as research links gratitude with positive emotional well-being, a protection against some anxieties and depressions, an aid to better sleep and the underpinning of happier relationships. This is not news to the Christian, who makes gratitude a way of life and has long known its benefits. After all, the word Eucharist itself means thanksgiving. Our Eucharistic life is thus meant as a life of thanksgiving.
While the modern may cultivate gratitude by attending the rising number of employee gratitude training classes, we are wise to learn from the One to Whom our gratitude is directed. While we might experience the aforementioned benefits, greater still is the benefit of an increased knowledge, love and service of our Lord – and out of that, of others – and especially those for whom we are called to pray.
We do well to allow our sacramental and prayer lives to grow and swell a generous wellspring of gratitude within. Our Lord reminds through St Paul, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:6-7. As we present our weekly concerns and intercessions for the priest or bishop for whom we are committed to pray, let us take heed to this intentional action of exchanging anxieties for thankful prayer and petition. The promised result is the transcendent, protective peace of God!
Our fidelity to prayer each week is likely not immediately met with the evidence of the fruit of that prayer. Morgan’s painting of The Apple Gatherers (Is that Seven Sisters and one sub on the ladder that I see?) depicts an abundance of produce that calls for a large, stretched bed linen to accommodate. The baskets are full to overflowing, too big for the little ones to lift without sweaty efforts. The ground bears even more fruit, with the threat of being unnoticed. But this plenitude of apples did not spring up overnight. The tree needed to live its yearly natural cycle to bear its harvest. So too with our prayer offerings.
So let us be content, at peace, with the steadiness and the simplicity of the faithfulness of offering our weekly Holy Hours of prayers and allow the fruit to be harvested when and as the Lord deems fitting. Our charge remains to Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – I Thes 5:16-18. St Vincent de Paul reinforces the point, “We should spend as much time in thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.”
Let us allow God to nurture an increased gratitude in the action of our prayer offerings that are generated by His love for us and for His priests. God’s economy is an inevitable win-win – for us and the beneficiaries of our prayers. We rely on His love for all that we are and do.
In light of our call to pray in this way, let us ponder the words of Pope Francis earlier today on this Solemnity of Christ the King, in the special Mass in Rome which also marked the closing of the Year of Mercy:
“A people who are holy… who have Jesus as their King, are called to follow His way of tangible love. They are called to ask themselves, each one each day: ‘What does love ask of me, where is it urging me to go? What answer am I giving Jesus with my life?’ …. Because even if the Holy Door closes, the true door of mercy which is the Heart of Christ always remains open wide for us. From the lacerated side of the Risen One until the very end of time flow mercy, consolation and hope.”
Pope Francis concluded in a way so deeply fitting to our Seven Sisters Apostolate, reminding us to entrust ourselves daily to Mary, Mother of Mercy, for “in every situation we are in, in every prayer we make, when lifted up to His merciful eyes, (she) will find an answer.”
United in prayer and mission – that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….
“In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You.” – St Augustine
Somewhere along the time line of ‘finding the perfect gift’ for newly ordained priests, my husband, Jeff, and I settled in on confessional stoles. Jeff, a devotee of Pope St Pius V, discovered this prayer of the saintly Pontiff, which moved us to this decision: “Only give us good confessors, and reform of the Christian people is assured.” Years later, Pope Benedict XVI echoed this in making the point that the New Evangelization begins in the confessional. Today, Pope Francis stresses, “Don’t be afraid of confession. When someone is in line for confession he feels all these things – even shame – but then, when he finishes confession, he leaves (feeling) free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy.”
And so it follows that if reform is to happen, penitents need to avail themselves to the sacrament. The sacrament demands personal involvement and intention, as in the words of St Augustine, “the Lord who created us without us does not save us without us.” Our Lord awaits our assent to the sacramental plan of our Catholic lives. A priest at his post in the confessional is silently awaiting, witnessing and promising every sinner the availability and merciful love of Jesus Christ. Dorothy Day admonishes, “You do not want to make too much of your constant imperfections and venial sins, but you want to drag them out to the light of day as the first step in getting rid of them.” And the sweet paradox of the faith is that the brightest light of day is located in the dimly lit confessional box. Oh, how I love the Church and her ways!
Fr Peter John Cameron, O.P, in an editorial in Magnificat magazine (April 2013), highlights the icon of our Apostolate as he points out that “a model for the graces of the sacrament of penance is the sinful woman with the alabaster flask … for the woman, the attraction of Jesus Christ in that dining room was greater than her attachment to her sin. Faith is acknowledging an exceptional Presence that changes us.” And we know how this scenario plays out. Jesus fully accepts her offering and absolves her with the words, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” We too have heard these words to soothe and mend our own torn, aching and bruised souls. The priest is a chosen conduit for special graces that can bring each of us to a greater knowledge of ourselves, to arouse contrition and desire conversion. His words and gestures serve as sacramental means of realizing the free gift of grace upon grace. The result is conversion and peace.
As Seven Sister intercessors we have a dual privilege of praying for the Good: praying for good confessors and also for ourselves: “bless me Father, that I might make a good confession”. Especially in this extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us avail ourselves to this powerful sacrament. Most certainly our lives will bear witness to the graces of the Sacrament, and our prayers will bear witness of the graces too! How much more clearly are we able to listen, to see, to charitably respond in our prayer times with a clean heart and these extra showers of graces. The priests to whom we are committed to pray will undoubtedly benefit. As we avail ourselves of frequent confessions and frequent communions we enrich our interior lives and enrich the fountain of prayer that rises from within. May we too sense as did convert-to-the-Faith St Elizabeth Ann Seton, “I felt as if my chains fell, as those of St Peter at the touch of the Divine messenger. My God, what new scenes for my soul!”
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….
Janette +JMJ+
Still time to register:
Saturday, Nov 5, retreat at St Patrick’s in Oak Grove, MN.
Respond to your anchoress with your name, names of any guests, priest you are praying for, priest’s parish/location. I will in turn send all details of the day’s schedule to you w/acknowledgement.
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Jesus, St. Luke 5:4
Our dear Shepherds are far from land lubbers. With faces set as flint (Is 50:7) they learn to peer both upon and beyond the water, studying pleasantries and uncertainties alike, for the Master beckons them into the deep, where both are found. By their assent they have inherited a mission. They are altogether shepherds and fishers of men. Christ’s love compels and guides.
The priest rightly finds his surest security for his ventures into the deep, cradled in a seaworthy craft, the barque of St Peter, the Church. Its mast, the cross. Its sails, billowed by the Holy Spirit. The milieu, oft fraught with waves of a relentless sea of disbelief, worldliness and persecution. The image hearkens to a reminder of the security of Noah’s family during the flood (I Peter 3:20-21) and Jesus safeguarding Peter and the apostles on the stormy Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). Traditionally, one’s earthly life is seen as a pilgrimage, the ship of the Church transporting the faithful through the seas of the world to the heavenly home.
One thing of certitude: safety is aboard, not overboard. Jumping ship, while perhaps considered, is not an option for longevity nor viability. Taking one’s eye off the course has its consequences, as well. Being prepared for weather changes – good and not-so-good – is imperative. Our priests need to be clear-headed, courageous, disciplined and authentic witnesses of hope – as they move through the courses of their days and nights. They are called to consistently live in that deeper space, that deeper realm. The heart (of a priest) must be divorced from all that is not of God. (Canon T Guillard).
In the daily navigation, our dear Shepherds merit the constancy of our prayers. And, in fact, rely on them. They do not remain land lubbers – nor should we. Let us take up the challenge of embarking on a close journey with our bishops and priests, to that deeper space, that deeper realm. Let us offer the prayer coverage that responds to an awareness and experience of the challenges of traveling in the deep, asking for a lavishing of graces (Eph 1:7,8), come what may.
This path to which a priest is called is his designated path to sanctity. May our prayers support God’s plans. And in the beautiful way of God’s economy, his prayers support this same plan of God for our lives: sanctity. As St Therese of Lisieux reminds, “You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.” This is the goal of our prayers for our priests to whom we are committed to pray – sanctity – nothing more, nothing less.
“A saint is a man before he is a saint. Yes, the saints were human as we ourselves are. They were faced with the same difficulties, and temptations and wrestlings and agonies that confront us, and they dealt with them just as we do, only more bravely, and with a greater constancy and a more steadfast hope. When we realise this, we feel that, at however great a distance, we still may dare to equate ourselves with them. Sanctity is a goal to which there is no short cut, a temple to which there is no back entrance. To it, there is but One Way – His, Who said of Himself, ‘I am the Way.'” (from The Living Pyx of Jesus by a Religious, Pelligrini and Co., Australia, 1941)
WINSLOW HOMER
St Teresa of Calcutta reminds that “Joy is the net of souls.” May a constancy of joy fuel our actions of prayer for the priests to whom we are committed to pray. May we, as Seven Sister intercessors, accept the assistance of graces as St Paul prays (Phil 2:2) to: …make (our) joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. May we too, like our Shepherds, allow Christ’s love to compel and guide.
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….
Janette
+JMJ+
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Our benevolent Lord has continued to provide all that is needed, when it is needed for the Apostolate – this time in the person of a lovely hidden handmaid of the Apostolate, Mary, who designed a most beautiful Web space. (And in the so-doing our Lord called her to start a new Seven Sister group and serve as Anchoress!) Experience the site for yourself and invite others to do the same! Find your group on the Google map!
The Apostolate spreadsheet (which now helps keep the Google map current!) is still in need of the most up-to-date information. Another lovely hidden handmaid of the Apostolate, Marg, will be contacting you if further information is needed or needs clarification. Her email is: marg2@comcast.net. So if she comes knocking in your InBasket, let her in!
Trusting you have SAVED the DATE!
Third Annual SEVEN SISTERS Archdiocesan Gathering and time of Reflection
Saturday, November 5, 2016
First Saturday
St Patrick Catholic Church
19921 Nightengale St NW
Oak Grove, MN 55011 763/753-2011
Morning begins in the very best of ways:
Adoration – 9 am
Relic of St John Vianney available for veneration
Holy Mass – 10 am
Presider: Archbishop Bernard Hebda
Fr Joseph Johnson, Apostolate Chaplain, Pastor of Holy Family, St Louis Park
Fr Allan Paul Eilen, Pastor of St Patrick Catholic Church
Seven Sister: One holy hour/one priest/each week/one heart of prayer
Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…
“The best consolation is the next prayer.” – St. Padre Pio
When I arrived for holy Mass yesterday at the Missionaries of Charity Chapel in Minneapolis, Sr Dominique flashed that familiar generous smile and, without a word, held her hands like an open book. This is the MC gesture of request to lector. I accepted.
The Ezekiel reading was a pointed and stinging admonition of priests: both difficult to read and to hear, and the type of reading that awaits the homily to help sort it all out for both mind and heart. The priest did not disappoint and offered a masterful homily. His reflections stayed with me. They wove in and out of my thoughts for much of the day, especially in relation to the weekly task set before each Seven Sister to pray for her shepherd. Every Hour is important!
This morning I happened upon a thought-provoking reflection by Msgr Charles Pope regarding the very same passage. Later, our son, Fr Spencer, paid a visit home and I took the opportunity to get his view of the passage and its significance then and now.
Today is my Seven Sister day. I carried the strength of that Scripture passage, the homily, the article and my son’s comments and visit – all the way to the Adoration Chapel this evening. I couldn’t arrive quick enough to meet our Lord in my prayers. My sense of mission and duty seemed to crescendo with every block of travel. As I began the Hour entrusting Father _____ and the time to the Lord, I was met with a deeper sense of the grace upon grace of these Holy Hours.
On return, I received an email from Terri, an Anchoress in Minnesota, who passed on the Msgr Pope article to all of her Seven Sisters members and included me on the send list. My second grade teacher, Sr Catherine Ann, remains right, “Repetition is the mother of learning.”
Oh, dearest Sisters, we have such a privileged call to pray for our priests and bishops. Their responsibilities are immense. The stakes are high: eternity! The warfare is fierce and relentless. Know that you know that every ounce of our offering is utilized. Our lack of enthusiasm at times, the pesky distractions, the unexpected consolations – all have merit, as we fully and freely offer them all for the sake of that other.
Every morning know that we meet at the altar. I offer you and your prayer efforts at the time of the consecration of the Bread. This coupled with the strength of your actual Holy Hours truly allows us to anticipate sure answers to our prayers and the certain good of our benevolent Lord’s perfect and precise workings. May all of our prayers be pleasing to God.
Take time today or this weekend to savor this article of Msgr Pope (and perhaps say a wee Hail Mary for him too!)
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….
Janette
+JMJ+
FLAMMA VESTALIS (1896) ~ SIR EDWARD COLEY BURNE-JONES
REMINDER: SAVE the DATE:
First Saturday, Nov 5, 2016
Seven Sisters Day of Recollection
St Patrick ~ Oak Grove, MN
Details to happily follow
(Most likely: mid morning thru mid afternoon, incl holy Mass, lunch, testimonies and as always – a few surprises!)
IMPORTANT: Anchoresses
Still needing this info from all of you to update our rosters. The Lord has sent someone – Mary – to help with a re-design of the Web site. Among other things, it will include a map of all the existing groups. Every group is important! Daily prayers for every priest is important! Please supply this info and return email to Janette:
Anchoress first/last name
Anchoress email, phone, postal address
Priest’s full name (first/last)
Priest’s position (Pastor, retired, Chaplain, rector, Associate, etc)
Parish name (or seminary, hospital, Chancery title, etc)
Location of parish (city/state)
(Arch) Diocese
Date Apostolate group began (if known)
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
“Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so. Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God.”
– Pope St John Paul II
Greetings dearest Sisters…
The appointed calendar time meets our heart readiness! The reward of our time of discernment in the month of May regarding the Seven Sisters Apostolate now encounters the reality of the time of commitment. New beginnings and renewals hold great things.
Please let your Anchoress know today (if you haven’t already) whether you will continue with the Apostolate or depart from its schedule and commitment. To both those continuing or departing – eternal gratitude. Every breath of prayer has merit.
The founding Chaplain of the Apostolate, Fr Joseph Johnson, has composed a beautiful prayer for your commitment/re-commitment. The prayer is below. Keep spreading the good news about this Apostolate! The winds of the Holy Spirit blow where they may….
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every bishop and priest
Janette+JMJ+
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Prayer of one’s personal annual commitment to fidelity of prayer
within the guidelines of the Seven Sisters Apostolate.
Composed by Fr Joseph Johnson, Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls
The prayer may also be easily adapted for use any time when forming a new Seven Sisters group outside of the month of June.
O Jesus,
You perfectly revealed the Merciful Love
of Your Sacred Heart on the Cross.
At the Last Supper You gave us the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist
and of Holy Orders to perpetuate Your Loving Presence in our midst.
Help us to keep a sense of awe and gratitude
at Your hidden presence in the Host
and respect for how You come to us through
the human instruments of priests and bishops.
On this Your feast and the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests,
I, __________ (your name),
commit myself to making an hour in Your Eucharistic Presence
each week for the coming year
to intercede for and raise up before Your throne
_____________ (name of priest/bishop)
begging for him:
Strength when he is tired or weak,
Perseverance when the spirit of prayer or apostolic zeal wanes,
Guidance when he is discerning or lost,
Consolation when he is suffering,
Hope when the sacrifices seem too heavy,
And manifold blessings upon him and his ministry.
Give me the grace to be like Our Lady and Saint Mary Magdalene,
faithful at the foot of the Cross.
May I be selfless and humble in this work of adoration
and in all the ways you lead me as Your disciple.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on our Holy Father Pope Francis,
Have mercy on _________ (name of priest/bishop),
Have mercy on all bishops and priests,
Have mercy on me and all Seven Sisters,
Have mercy on the whole world!
When I happed upon this Legros paintingI swiftly passed a copy onto our Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, with a re-title: “The Original Seven Sisters”. And indeed perhaps this century plus painting has something to say to us, the modern-day Seven Sisters, who likewise routinely andfaithfully seek our place of prayer. We, like the intercessor to the far right, put our parcel from the day’s work aside and out of sight for an hour each week, as we consider our dedicated task before us – an hour of prayer offered for the sanctity of a priest. (And notice – the intercessor appears to have a glowing nimbus about her face!)
In the simplicity of color and setting in this painting, the images here seem to easily draw one not merely into a study of the faces, but so too toward a desire to consider the hidden movement of the souls. That is where the truest action dwells. The attentive gaze, the half-closed eyelids of meditation, the seeking look of affection – all intimate to that deeper place of heart to which prayer beckons and brings. The hands of the intercessors speak also. One caresses sacred beads, another points heavenward, while still another settles in place with a binder in hand of perhaps familiar and worn pages. All, again, with the mission of bringing the mind and soul more in tune with the One to whom the intercessor seeks. Some women make their offerings on their knees, low to the ground, reminding the heart of its true position in the presence of He Who is All, He Who is Able. For those that sit, perhaps there is not sufficient room or ability to kneel physically, yet the heart desires and postures in lieu.
For me, both eye and heart rest on the intercessor of the far left. She is leaning in, gesturing a desire to get closer, nearer her Lord. She is holding a light in hopes of perhaps assisting a spiritual nearsightedness. Further, she has adjusted her head cover to allow an ear to be open to the chapel’s air, as if enabling a better chance at listening in how to proceed, how to pray. This is the image of the one still learning, still seeking.
Perhaps you sense yourself too in the orientation of one of these intercessors. For some, each week’s Holy Hour may express itself similarly, for others it is perhaps varied. And is not this the beauty of our call as a Seven Sister intercessor. We have liberty in our Hour, freedom to allow the winds of the Holy Spirit to blow where they may, how they may. Each week there is truly a fresh and unique spiritual bouquet offered to each priest. We only see in part, for we are not alone in the offering.
St John Climacus (+606) said it early – and said it well. Consider his words as you take on the mantel of prayer as a Seven Sister and offer your weekly bouquet of prayers for a priest’s well-being and sanctity. Read these poignant lines in light of your call to this type of prayer offering. Be encouraged and affirmed and humbled. Every breath of prayer has eternal merit.
“Prayer is union with God and colloquy with Him.
Prayer maintains the equilibrium of the world,
reconciles people to God,
produces holy tears,
forms a bridge over temptations,
and acts as a buttress between us and affliction.
Prayer drives away the struggles of the spirit.
It is the blessedness to come. It is an action that will never come to an end.
Prayer is a spring of the virtues,
it is an illumination of the mind,
it is a curtain to shut out despair,
it is a sign of hope, it is a victory over depression.
Prayer is a mirror in which we see our steps forward,
it is a signpost of the route to follow,
it is an unveiling of good things to come,
it is a pledge of glory.”
Please, please, please pray for me (one wee Hail Mary a day) – that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every Bishop and priest
Janette
+JMJ+
SAVE the DATE: First Saturday, Nov 5, 2016
Seven Sisters Gathering
St Patrick ~ Oak Grove, MN
Details to happily follow
(Most likely: mid morning thru mid afternoon, incl holy Mass, lunch)
IMPORTANT: Anchoresses – Many priest assignments changed in the Spring/Summer. Please send this info (if you have not already done so), to affirm your group is still active and to bring any changes to my attention. Every group is important!
Return email: Seven Sisters Roster Info in subject line. Supply this info:
Anchoress first/last name
Anchoress email, phone, postal address
Priest’s name
Priest’s position (Pastor, retired, Chaplain, rector, etc)
Parish name (or seminary, hospital, etc)
Location of parish (city/state) (Arch) Diocese
Date (originally in parish) Apostolate group began
Early in the month I offered a Holy Hour for you – for the special intention of your active discernment regarding your involvement in Seven Sisters in the upcoming year. I have not ceased smiling (or praying) as I so very often considered that you are in that deep place of interior listening. At the same time several new Seven Sisters groups have sprouted forth this month, affirming that this remains a work worthy of our attention. Truly, every sacrifice and every breath of prayer has merit!
I trust that you have or will be given direction for your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Holy Hours as part of the Seven Sisters Apostolate group.
May this prayer of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) be yours as well: “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.”
Please let your Anchoress know TODAY/soon (if you haven’t already) the direction of your call for the coming year, so that ideally as we enter the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the month of June, committed intercessors (and subs) will be identified and able to seamlessly continue in prayerful support of the priest or bishop.
INPUT: During your discernment, perhaps you have formulated a comment or longer testimony to share with others in the Apostolate. Likewise, perhaps the priest or bishop that you prayer for has offered a comment, as well. Please pass those on to me for an upcoming communique, that we all may be edified by them.
IMPORTANT: Anchoresses – Many priest assignments change in the Spring. Please send this info (if you have not already done so), to affirm your group is still active and to bring any changes to my attention. Return email: Seven Sisters Roster Info in subject line please.
Please, please, please pray for me (one wee Hail Mary a day) – that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the hearts of every Bishop and priest
Janette
+JMJ+
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Seven Sister: One holy hour/one priest/each week/one heart of prayer
“Each leaf, each blade of grass vies for attention.
Even weeds carry tiny blossoms to astonish us.”
– Marianne Poloskey
Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…
A shared experience as intercessors, to this degree or that, is distraction in prayer. There are times when our prayers seem to spill out as fragments of thoughts and appear likely to have no hope of reaching even the ceiling of the chapel. And never is it more distracting to be distracted then when one is so earnestly offering that prayer for another’s soul!
Let us not lose heart! We are not alone in this experience. Others have tread this path, and actually become Saints through perseverance of that path. They offer encouraging words and will no doubt make haste to help us in intercession to likewise persevere.
As she grew close to her death, Bl Elizabeth of the Trinity (soon to be canonized) began to sense that she would have a special mission in heaven to pray for those still on earth to experience the grace to move away from our distractions and enter more fully into God’s presence.
St Elizabeth of the Trinity, pray for us!
St Francis de Sales reminds us that intentional, persistent efforts have merit:
“If you do nothing else the whole time of prayer than bring your heart back and put it beside Our Lord, although each time you do so it turns away from Him, your hour will be very well employed.”
He counsels us to anticipate the hardships of distractions, but also the rewards of perseverance:
“His will is, that entering into prayer, we should be prepared to suffer the pain of continual distractions, dryness and disgust, which may come upon us, and that we should remain as constant as if we had enjoyed much peace and consolation. It is quite certain that our prayer will be none the less pleasing to God nor less useful to ourselves, for having been made with difficulty.”
Begin the Hour by consecrating every minute of that Hour for the recipient of your prayers – come what may, distractions or not.
A Seven Sister intercessor can offer the suffering of distractions itself for the benefit of the priest. Only in the marvelous perfection of divine economy can we expect such dividends! Also as St Francis reminds, there is the added benefit that we have the certitude that our prayers, albeit imperfect, are pleasing to God.
St Teresa of Avila, presents her transparent heart, that we may likewise be assured that Our Lord is completely aware of all that our hearts endure:
“I could neither pray nor read, but there I remained, for hours together, uneasy in mind and afflicted in spirit on account of the weight of my trouble, and of the fear that perhaps after all I was being tricked by the devil, and wondering what in the world I could do for my relief. Not a gleam of hope seemed to shine upon me from either earth or heaven; except just this: that in the midst of all my fears and dangers I never forgot how Our Lord must be seeing the weight of all I endured…”
ON A PRACTICAL NOTE: Our contemporary, Fr George Kosicki, CSB, imparts some advice:
“Anytime you come into the Eucharistic presence of the Lord and find that you are distracted and anxious about situations in your life, you can begin your prayer time with a litany of mercy as a way of letting go of all these thoughts. How? Let me suggest a method that has helped me.
Simply begin asking the Holy Spirit to pray in you, and then respond to each of the distractions and anxieties – from whatever source – with short prayers such as: ‘Jesus, mercy’ or ‘Jesus, I trust in You.”
Imagine that each of the distractions, anxieties, fears, or hurts is a slide-show. Project one ‘slide’ at a time on the wall and pray your response, and then move on to the next ‘slide.’ You will be surprised when suddenly you have run through all your slides and are at peace in the presence of the Lord.”
A final edifying comment from St Alphonsus Ligouri: “If you have many distractions at prayer, that prayer of yours may well be upsetting the devil a great deal.”
Keep up the good work, ladies! Pray that your priest becomes a Saint – nothing less!
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me each day….
Janette
+JMJ+
PRAYER (OIL ON CANVAS) ~ JOHN PHILLIP (1859)
The 2nd annual Seven Sisters gathering in Iowa (April 2) was memorable and inspiring! Since last year’s retreat, there are 18 more priests covered by daily prayer!!! What a wellspring of graces through the generous sacrifices of prayers of these women. Lasting gratitude for your stellar example! Dubuque diocese coordinator, JoAnn Olson cjolson@mchsi.com – you rock!
My prayers heartily join yours as you commit in this upcoming month of May to discern (see Guidelines) your continued commitment or departure from the weekly Hour Hours as part of a Seven Sisters Apostolate group. I will offer a Holy Hour for you and your discernment on May 6, the First Friday in May.
As we grow in knowledge, love and service of our priests, it comes to happen that we desire the same for our knowledge, love and service of our Eucharistic Lord. Many Seven Sisters (and friends) have signed up for free daily Eucharistic Reflections through the Apostolate, Truth Himself. Click here: Truth Himself Anyone can be added to the distribution list anytime by sending me an email. Please include name. joy2day2u@aol.com
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Let us remember the Feast of one of our patrons… St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
“I die for the love of my Lord Jesu.”- St Margaret Clitherow
Feast Day – March 26
“March 26th is one of two days the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church honors a Pearl of Our Lady’s Dowry. The Church chose this day, as it was the first available. In reality, she was put to death on quite a momentous day. Not only was it March 25th – the date that the Feast of the Annuniciation is normally celebrated, but in the year that she died, 1586, this date was also Good Friday. She followed inher dear Saviour’s footsteps so closely that she died in a cruciform position, her hands and arms outstretched and bound to the floor on which she would be crushed. After having been secured in the cruciform position mentioned before, in imitation of Christ, the martyr was crushed to death by several hundred pounds of weights that were laid on top of her. She was not the only victim of the execution. She had been four months pregnant.”
ALSO: One of the Seven Sisters in Minnesota sent this timely prayer offering for priests… it is meant to be shared – and prayed! Truly, truly the graces are flowing in this Jubilee Year of Mercy!
Divine Mercy Novena prayer for Seven Sisters priest:
Merciful Father, In the name of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and all the saints, We pray that Fr.___, be washed in the PreciousBlood of the Lamb and be filled with all the gifts and fruitsof the Holy Spirit. St. Faustina, we pray that Fr. ____ will be blessed by your mission of Divine Mercy and through your intercession help prepare him to offer himself totally to Merciful love and be filled with a great love of Divine Mercy. Holy Spirit, Fire of Mercy, inspire Fr. ___ to help save every member of ______ Parishas a powerful missionary of Divine Mercy. We thank you Heavenly Father for all the graces and blessings you continue to pour out upon Fr. ____, and for making him a great apostle of Divine Mercy. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….
TO EACH of YOU – Happiest and Holiest of Easter and its full season of JOY!
Seven Sister: One holy hour/one priest/each week/one heart of prayer
Greetings dearest Seven Sisters…
“The priest is the minister who in turn becomes the dispenser of God’s treasures. These treasures are the fruits which have ripened on the tree of the Cross; they are the fruits of Christ’s sacrifice.”
Rt Rev Dom Antoine Forgeot, OSB
In this Holy Week ahead, the recipients of our intercessions surely stand in need of extra measures of our sacrifices of prayers and the ensuing graces. At his ordination, the Church tells the priest through the voice of the presiding bishop, “Know well what you are doing, imitate the sacrifice to which you hold the key at Mass; so that by celebrating the mystery of the death of the Lord, you will strive to mortify within your limbs all sorts of vices and evil desires.” As we weekly beseech the sanctity of the priest for whom we pray we do nothing less than reinforce this admonition of the bishop. As servant and friend of Christ, the priest aspires greater intimacy with his Master. He finds this in conforming to Christ’s likeness: His Way and His Will.
These days of Holy Week afford distinctive graces for the priest whose call beckons him to uniquely and more intimately walk the Via Crucis with Christ, the High Priest. Graces abound, and especially so in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. The priests are offered much, but at the same time asked to give much. This is the economy of the Kingdom.
The Chrism Mass is celebrated during the Lenten season, conferring special graces to the priests. In Rome the Mass is celebrated on Holy Thursday, the anniversary of the Institution of both Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. Elsewhere, the Mass, at the discretion of the local Ordinary, may be celebrated on Holy Thursday, during the week prior or earlier in the span of Holy Week. The (Arch)bishop concelebrates with his college of presbyters, consecrates the holy chrism and other oils for sacramental use in the coming year, and dispenses them that evening to the priests. At that special Liturgy, the priests also renew their commitment to Priestly service. The (Arch)bishop asks the priests to stand and give witness to the renewal of their dedication to Christ through a life of sacrifice, devotion and love.
Beloved sons, on the anniversary of that day when Christ our Lord conferred His priesthood on His Apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew, in the presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once made? (Response: I am)
Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of Him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination? (Response: I am)
Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls? (Response: I am)
But the priests are not the only ones asked to make a commitment. The (Arch)bishop then asks the congregation to pray for the priests.
As for you, dearest sons and daughters, pray for your Priests, that the Lord may pour out His gifts abundantly on them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to Him, Who is the source of salvation. (Response: Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us)
The (Arch) bishop then asks all present to pray for him as he carries out the duties of his office.
And pray also for me, that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made day by day a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and the Servant of all. (Response: Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us)
This year there is the unique juxtaposition of Good Friday being on March 25 (Annunciation) – so both the conception of Jesus and death of Jesus are contemplated on the same day. Indeed this is a rich, rich time to be praying for our priests and bishops. Let us remain steadfast and faithful to our commitment of prayers for our brothers in Christ.
Therefore, even though Adoration Chapels will vary in open times during Holy Week, let us not slacken in our committed Hour of prayer for the priest. Let us be open to creative ways in how this may express itself during our committed day this week. Perhaps utilizing the Holy Week services at our parish to offer our prayers or time intentionally allotted in the quiet of our home may be a viable option. It may be helpful to pre-plan this offering that may be different from what is routinely offered. If you have a copy, let me suggest using the Magnificat Year for Priests Companion this week to pray the Via Crucis for Priests by Fr Mark Daniel Kirby (pg 96). It is fitting and deep of heart and tone. Above all, let us be assured that every sacrifice of prayer has merit!
A closing remark from a Homily (Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday, 04/13/06) Pope Benedict XVI:
“The world needs God, not just any god, but the God of Jesus Christ, of the God who took the form of flesh and blood and loved us even to the point of dying for us. The God who was resurrected and created within Himself a space for man. This God must live in us and we in Him. Such is our call as priests and it is only thus that our actions as priests can bring forth fruit.”
Blessed Holy Week to you – live deeply in His Love…
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….
Janette
+JMJ+
Recently I joined Seven Sisters in the Winona (MN) diocese. What a JOY!
Anticipated Seven Sisters regional gathering: Dubuque, IA – April 2. Your prayers are welcomed!
Another Communique coming Holy Saturday for Feast of St Margaret Clitherow – stayed tuned!
One of my past places of duty as an RN was serving in a convent of religious Sisters. One afternoon, after a’flare up of verbal sparks’ within the community during lunch, Sr Barbara tread that higher ground and, with a sincere smile, simply said to me later in private, “To know someone is to love them.” What grace she readily applied to this fellow Sister of hers, who in my witness certainly seemed to be unjustly critical and hurtful by her sharp words. Sr Barbara heard ‘with the ear of her heart’ and chose a response in that deeper reality of love.
I have often gone back to that moment with Sister, in the quiet of the hallway of the convent, perplexed about the disturbing event in the Refectory. She took my hand and heart in that moment and nudged me to leave that place of ruminating and join her in entering and lingering in the Heart of Christ, in that richer place of mercy and love for another. She challenged me to listen and to see… differently… to serve that Sister with the charity Christ’s perspective and a hope for better and more peaceable lunchtimes ahead.
The very mission of our earthly life is to know God. In that knowing it follows that we love Him and out of that loving, blooms an authentic desire to serve Him. Sr Barbara reminded me that this sure pattern exists as we relate to our earthly brothers and sisters too. Know, love, serve.
What a gift beyond all telling that each week we are called to look and listen and linger in the living Presence of Our Lord on behalf of the priest for whom we are committed to pray. Each visit affords us the opportunity to see Christ a bit more clearly. In that seeing and knowing, the graces exist to see the recipient of our prayers more clearly, as well. Perhaps enough so, to even loosen our grip on an incomplete or narrow perspective and be open to a fuller one.
Christ calls His priests to conformity in Him, as alter Christus, Click here: Alter Christus – to be holy and blameless. Let us allow our prayers to be formed through the benefit of resting in the full spectrum of His Light in the Blessed Sacrament, where all things are made clear. Let us ask for sanctity for our priests, nothing less. Christ’s love compels our hearts (II Cor 5:14) “In loving one another through our works, we bring an increase of grace and a growth in divine love.” – Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta
May we remain faithful to our commitment to be praying foremost for the sanctity of our priests, asking the graces for him to live fully in the call of his Holy Orders. Let us persevere in the length of the full Holy Hour, offered solely for the intention of the priest, mindful of these words of Jesus to St Faustina: “I often wait with great graces until towards the end of prayer.” Yes, let us avail ourselves to the great graces that assuredly await those who persevere…
PRAYER AID passed on from the practice of a Seven Sister in Minnesota: Turn to the page outlining the Sacred Heart Novena (pg 10) in the Seven Sisters Guidelines booklet. Affix a photocopy image (or sketch one) of the priest/bishop for whom you are praying, as a reminder that your prayers are meant to conform him to the image that is pictured ‘above’, the image of Jesus Christ Himself.
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
… eternal gratitude as you remember to offer a wee Holy Mary for me each day….
Janette
+JMJ+
PS The Jan 31 gathering three weeks ago with the ever-growing Seven Sisters in Florida was blessed with grace upon grace. These women are filled with exemplary zeal and joy. One woman shared that on her committed day (Saturday) she ‘wakes up with the graces of thoughts of the priest for whom she is committed to pray’. She stated she finds herself offering the entire day to him, the gem and pinnacle being the Holy Hour! What generosity and witness of continued fruit through the Apostolate.
Next anticipated Seven Sisters regional gathering is in Iowa – April 2.
It might should go without saying that I pray for you and the Seven Sisters Apostolate daily. I bring you to the altar each morning at Mass and quite often through the day (and night) you are brought to heart and mind. As I run through the woods of the day, as Spitzweg’s subject in the painting portrays, I am happily stopped in my tracks to lift you heavenward… sometimes in pleas, sometimes in thanksgiving, sometimes simply to consider the pleasantries of the Apostolate in the midst of a harried day. Most often I stand overwhelmed with joy at the reality that so many priests and bishops are being seamlessly covered in prayer by you- day after day. They are so in need of our every prayer!
Praying for you, I am learning how to pray for the Apostolate and not vice versa. You are the very heart of the Apostolate.
Your example of His love for ‘the other’ is the love that compels (II Cor 5:14) my heart with an invigorating grace of prayer. In prayer for you and in witness of the growing numbers of intercessors, the colossal generosity of the love and mercy of God is made boldly manifest, as He chooses to continue this work among and for His priests. Story after story indicates that a plentitude of graces are already working in the hearts of women, who, then, when asked about serving in this way of prayer for priests, are all too delighted and have sensed they have been prepared all along for this Apostolate. Likewise, stories also arise where there may be some hesitation, but the unwavering persistence ofyour prayer, coupled with fasting at times, has not only dissipated the reluctance, but often the situation is blessed in abounding ways.
Praying for you humbles my heart as I consider (and hear about) the many sacrifices made to persist in prayer to perhaps begin a Seven Sisters group and also those heroic testimonies to remain faithful to the committed Holy Hours of prayer.
Some of you…
> go early to holy Mass to begin your Holy Hour and remain after Mass to finish the hour.
> have helped begin Eucharistic Adoration in your parish as a way of having the Blessed Sacrament available for the Seven Sisters Holy Hours! (and the parish at large benefits!)
> have responded to a prompting to bring the Apostolate to a neighboring diocese or state.
> travel to a near-by parish’s Adoration Chapel ‘as a pilgrim’ to remain faithful to your Hour
> have recognized when the baton needs to be handed to another so that the prayers may continue as committed.
> delight in the nuances of ‘more peace, more joy, more energy’ in the priest for whom you pray and understand this is ‘all in God’s Will and Way’ and are grateful to accept this call on your life to participate in that plan.
Finally, while fidelity and fruitfulness within the Apostolate are certainly a joy to my heart, the most edifying testimony that comes to me through you is the recognition that you too are being transformed. I remain eternally grateful for all of the notes and emails sent to me in this regard. They are edifying, uplifting and serve to help form prayers for you and the Apostolate.
A parting reflection related to this – through the sure thoughts of St Teresa of Avila: ‘Within us there is a palace of immense magnificence. The entire edifice is built of gold and precious stones….truly there is no building of such great beauty as a pure soul, filled with virtues, and the greater these virtues, the brighter these stones sparkle. In this palace the great King lodges, Who has been pleased to become your Guest… He sits there on a throne of tremendous value: your heart.”
I am quite certain that your edifice within is growing in magnificence as you so consistently and generously offer these selfless sacrifices of prayer for the holiness of a priest or bishop. All has merit. Love remains, love is eternal. Let us continue in our fidelity and fruitfulness of efforts.
United in prayer and mission –
that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest
Janette
+JMJ+
PS I will be meeting with several lovely souls in Ave Maria, Florida, for a Seven Sisters gathering on Sunday, January 31. One woman there learned of the Apostolate in the last few months from a visiting Seven Sister ‘snow bird’ from Minnesota. An ember was lit and a fire has started, with the result of several groups being established, including one for the Bishop of the area. Attached find a flyer with contact info, if you know of anyone (or you!) who may be interested.
I rely on your daily wee Hail Marys, and pledge to try not to squander any of the graces!
