Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as we move to encompass our holiest days, then embrace Eastertide, all to encourage the world to rally with us in our love of Christ! Alleluia!
An invitation to “watch with Me for an Hour” was made in the Garden. The first Good Friday held another Holy Hour invitation. Fr Mateo Crawley-Boevey explains, “The chants of the heavenly Jerusalem are interrupted. The entire court of Heaven waits in order to receive the last throb of the Heart of the Man-God, the victim of Golgotha. Fervent loving souls, we are truly at thesummit of Calvary: it is the Holy Hour!” Drowsiness prevailed over any watching at Gethsemane, despite Jesus’ repeated attempts to arouse. Interestingly, the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 27:55, Mark 15:40, Luke 23:49) echo this same verb of Gethsemane at the place of Golgotha. All describe the women “watching”at a distance. St John places Mother Mary, and the women accompanying, near the Cross (Jn 19:25). Could it be that in the darkness over the whole land (from the sixth to the ninth hour or 12 to 3 pm) that the women, stirred by intensified love, were drawn from “watching at a distance” to be near their suffering Lord? Here, in keeping vigil, not slumber, they attended our Lord in a firm witness of boldness, deep affection and fidelity.
What a marvelous model and encouragement for Seven Sisters intercessors! What a powerful link to Calvary itself as we consider and follow these earliest companions of Christ that show us the full Way of love where they joined the newly-ordained virginal priest of Jesus Christ, St John. Truly, even now, Our Lady accompanies us as a first disciple, as well as Mother, to every Holy Hour. St Peter Julian Eymard, dubbed the Apostle of the Eucharist, believed that Eucharistic Adoration is the most necessary mission to the Church and believed that the Blessed Virgin desires to create a “court of devoted adorers.” (Seven Sisters?!!)Her company, and those of our saintly sisters, nurtures loyalty to our commitment and instills courage even in the face of suffering. “We are not called to great penances,” reminds Ven Fulton Sheen, “but the Holy Hour is a sacrifice in union with Christ.”Catholic author, Caryll Houselander, adds this fortifying thought to what compels our actions of prayer offerings. “A sacrifice is not, as so many people imagine, a mortification; it is not something that is meritorious according to its degree of unpleasantness. On the contrary, in real sacrifice, there is joy which surpasses all other joys, it is the crescendo and culmination of love.”
While a whole spectrum of offerings for the well-being and sanctity of priests lay before the Lord, it is the queen of all devotions, the Holy Hour, that He has assigned to our Apostolate. It is a gift brimming with blessings: “A Holy Hour brings Heaven’s choicest blessings on those who are faithful to their Hour” (Pope St Paul VI), and brimming with graces: “There is no doubt that a flood of graces will descend upon your family and the world if more souls would become docile pupils of adoration” (Pope St John XXIII).
While the Mass is arguably the highest form of prayer, the form of prayer ascribed to us in this mission is Holy Hours. We have been rewarded over and again as we collectively stay close to the inspiration, submitting to God’s Will and Way. His thoughts and ways are higher. When access to a Church or Chapel is limited, some Seven Sisters keep fidelity to their Hour by arriving early for a Mass on ‘their day” and beginning the Holy Hour for their priest/bishop. They then attend the Mass, then pray the balance of the Holy Hourafter the Mass. In his book, Those Mysterious Priests, Archbishop Sheen states that a Mass never interrupts a Holy Hour.
Why are we called to offer Holy Hours? While the answer did not accompany the inspiration, it seems to continually unfold by the witness of our obedience and fidelity to it. Our patron, St John Vianney, describes you: “When Our Lord sees pure souls coming to visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament, He smiles on them. They come with the simplicity that pleases Him so much. … “Our Lord is hidden there in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for us to come and visit Him, and make our requests to Him.”
Connecting our Hour to the Good Friday Hour at Calvary can serve to deepen our fervor as we remain faithful to watch with Our Lord at His personal invitation. Is this not the heart of our Apostolate – to answer His call? “Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Eucharist will obtain a more abundant measure of grace” (St Alphonsus Ligouri). In this abundance of grace, our mission of sanctity for each bishop and priest, is affirmed by St John Paul II: “We contribute to the radical transformation of the world during our Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration.” If a priest is a saint, his people will be holy!
Our prayerful fidelity to Eucharistic Adoration begets benefit to our own souls. “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth! Eucharistic Adoration will make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven” (St. Teresa of Calcutta). “During our Holy Hour we grow more and more into His likeness” (Ven Fulton J. Sheen). “A Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament is worth more than a thousand years of human glory” (St. Padre Pio). Let our lives bear sure witness to this as we live close to Jesus, not content to watch at a distance!
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….“One Ave Maria makes hell tremble”(St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups that registered in March to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Cameroon (Africa),Portugal, and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia. We pray daily for priests and bishops in over 3000 groups serving 6 continents, 27 countries, all 50 USA states, most Canadian Provinces. Let no shepherd be left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude to Nadine and Kim for organizing the March 10-12 Retreat in Prior Lake, MN. Embracing the Gift of the Eucharist. Mary and the Eucharist: Inseparable.
> Sat, 6 May: St Mary’s in Bruce, WI. Time of Reflection and Renewal. Janette will offer a Reflection: The Privilege of Praying for Priests. Contact Amy: [email protected].
> Sat, 20 May: KC Ladies Auxiliary Minnesota State Convention. Bloomington, MN. Janette will share Past, Present, Future: God’s Will and Way. Inquiries Deb: [email protected]
> Sun, 25 June: Day of Reflection. Cathedral of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN). 9:30-4 pm: Mass, Brunch, Reflection (Nicole Bobay), Cathedral/grounds tour. Tammie: [email protected]
Giving glory to God: Especially seeking testimonies from Priests, Bishops, Fasting Brothers regarding the Apostolate. Send email thru Web or Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127
MATTERS of the HEART:
“The Apostolate has drawn so many women into Chapels on their knees praying for our priests at a time when there are so many attacks on all fronts, both inside and outside the Church. May your Apostolate grow until every priest has Seven Sisters!!” (Meredith, Texas)
“This apostolate has been an awesome personal journey. The first time I knelt in front of the monstrance to pray for my priest I just bawled! It was joyous bawling. I was just so overwhelmed by being alone in a small quiet room – just Jesus and me – and praying for an hour for someone else. I had never done anything like that before. Now I can’t wait to get to go be with Jesus!” (Carol, Iowa)
“This is a vital ministry for the life of the Church. I am the mother of a newly ordained priest, and well aware of the need for prayers for these men who have sacrificed all for Christ and His Church. May Our Blessed Mother continue to guide and nurture your ministry.” (Elizabeth, Wisconsin)
“All is good and we are growing in our faith and building a beautiful prayer life through this extraordinary and beautiful Apostolate!” (Sylvia, Arizona)
“I love praying at the Blessed Sacrament. I pray for our priest for his divine assignments to lead Christians to God to be accomplished.” (Abwe, Kumba, Africa)
“The Holy Spirit ignited a fire in my heart to respond to an article in our Archdiocesan paper. Our priests can change our world. We love them and our prayers are much needed.” (Debra, Louisiana)
“The greatest blessing is to be privileged to pray for our priests and make a difference in their physical and spiritual lives. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.” (Bernadette, South Carolina)
“I have been praying for priests daily for over 20 years. I’ve been very pleased by the reaction from the women asked to join Seven Sisters. It is a serious commitment, but they’re not intimidated in the least. I think that must be the power of the Holy Spirit in His effort to renew the face of the earth!” (Eileen, Indiana)
“Thank you for starting this wonderful apostolate! My weekly Holy Hour has been a virtual School of Prayer for me. I’m finally learning to listen to the Lord as well as speak to Him.” (Ruth, Kentucky)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: By prayerful desire and directive of our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Johnson, a pilot group of Seven Sisters intercessors dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known) within the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls, began in June 2021. In June 2022, this fruit of the Apostolate opened to form more groups in more Dioceses. All inquiries to Nancy at [email protected] or cell: 612-756-1107. It is growing! Please consider this!
APPRECIATED and LOVEDquilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact [email protected]
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. There is a form on the Website to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, many are offering prayers every day. Intentions gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors welcomed. Inquire through Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 25 for $10 + P/H.
REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Allow a few days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)
Fr Joseph Johnson (Apostolate Founder and Chaplain) anticipates his JUBILEE
25 years a priest of Jesus Christ +++31 May 1998 – 31 May 2023
Let us flood his mailbox: prayers, cards, well wishes, gratitude, testimonies, surprises!
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as together we live our daily Lenten best to pray, fast and give alms, fortifying this three-fold cord which is not easily broken (Eccl 4:12). Our disciplines solidly ready and move us toward our shared Catholic mission of sanctity.
“Beware the man of one book,” quipped the Saintly writer, Thomas Aquinas. And it might be fittingly adjoined, “Behold the Seven Sister who reads The Priest is Not His Own, for her prayer offerings will assuredly be enlightened and strengthened.”
Since the early days of the Apostolate, Venerable Fulton Sheen’s outstanding book, The Priest is Not His Own(1963), remains recommended reading for every Anchoress (see Guidelines). Hope reigns that upon that reading, the members of each group would be encouraged to follow course. The book is written to Sheen’s brother priests, but its wide availability invites us to listen in and learn. Sheen holds nothing back and opens wide the door into the life of a priest who offers himself as both priest and victim. This overarching message speaks to the very heart of each priest, himself an alter Christus. “Unlike anyone else, Our Lord came on earth, not to live, but to die. Death for our redemption was the goal of His sojourn here, the gold that he was seeking. He was, therefore, not primarily a teacher, but a Savior. Was not Christ the Priest a Victim? He never offered anything except Himself. So, we have a mutilated concept of our priesthood, if we envisage it apart from making ourselves victims in the prolongation of His Incarnation.” All 17 Chapters substantially underscore this priestly viewof the call not only as shepherd of a flock, but also as a sacrificial offering, both in imitation of Christ. While the Archbishop does not suggest the priest literally sacrifice his earthly life, he does ask him to sacrifice his entire soul to Christ on the Cross in every Mass and his entire body to Christ with the breaking of bread. Sheen reminds that the priest also sacrifices his place in the world, remaining sympathetic to man’s difficulties, albeit separated “…Though we are in the world, we are never of it, for our High Priest has called us out of this world.” This separation from the world might become more challenging as a priest receives honors or distinctions or gains popularity.
It has been said that if upon reading a Table of Contents, one is moved in the heart, the reading of that book will surely finish the work and convert that heart. Here are a few chapter titles from The Priest is Not His Own guaranteed to stir the heart: The Priest is like Jacob’s Ladder; Holy Spirit and the Priest; The Spirit of Preaching and Praying; The Priest as Simon and Peter; Judas and the First Crack of his Priesthood; Why make a Holy Hour; and The Priest and his Mother.
Through roughly 275 pages, Sheen consistently offers anaide-mémoire of the call of the priest and enkindles the desire in his brother priests to generously choose to be as close in thought and deed to Christ as possible. The work is wholly rooted in the teachings of the Church and dense in sacred Scripture connections. A golden thread that encompasses the book’s theme is this one speaking of Christ, but one easily appreciated in the life of any priest: He gave Himself up on our behalf, a sacrifice breathing out fragrance as He offered it to God (Ephesians 5:2).
Well-known is Sheen’s fidelity to the offering of a Holy Hour every day of his priesthood. He preaches from his practices, challenging all priests to take this up. He knows it as not only possible, but necessary! As robust and demanding as his priestly call was, including college-level teaching, weekly radio broadcast, The Catholic Hour, the award-winning television show, Life is Worth Living, and writing scores of books (73 in total), Archbishop Sheen dedicated much of his time toward the formation of priests. The retreats and writings for his brother priests were manifestations of an unwavering love for Christ and His Church. In his autobiography, Treasure in Clay, he said, “I have loved every work to which I have been called or sent. But perhaps the most meaningful and gratifying experience of my life has been giving retreats to priests. . . . I really wonder if the priests who made these retreats received as much from me as I from them.”
Eleven of the volunteer Apostolate Coordinators in various dioceses and myself recently took part in an 8-week pilot book study of The Priest is Not His Own. The syllabus was written by Seven Sister, Ginger H (Texas). She served as our facilitator extraordinaire. Over and again came bursts of: “I never thought of that before… This is so rich… I am gaining insights on how to pray for our priests… Wow, what a connection… Yes, Anchoresses need to read this!” Another session will be offered for Coordinators in August, and time and prayer will direct what is next. In the meantime, the book is readily available at bookstores and an Audio version accessible on Formed. Check out Sheen’s YouTube of his talk called “Holy Orders” or another book entitled Those Mysterious Priests.
With all this said, one might still be wondering just why “the priest is not his own” … Working oneself to the end of the book will have its reward! Ven Fulton Sheen, pray for us and guide us!
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…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups that registered in February to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Basilian Salvatorian Order (Byzantine) (NEW), Cameroon (Africa),Toronto/Ontario (Canada) and these USA states: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. We pray daily for priests and bishops in over 3000 groups serving 6 continents, 27 countries, all 50 USA states, most Canadian Provinces. Let no shepherd be left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Fri-Sun,10-12 March: Retreat at Franciscan Retreat Center, Prior Lake, MN. Embracing the Gift of the Eucharist. Mary and the Eucharist: Inseparable. Contact: [email protected]
> Sun, 26 March: Feast of our beloved patroness, St Margaret Clitherow. She loves us and prays for us! Seek her friendship and support. St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us and guide us!
Giving glory to God: Especially desiring testimonies from Priests, Bishops, Fasting Brothers regarding the Apostolate. Send to Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127
More glory to God: Because so many have asked… Would like to hear from those in the field of Product Design interested in joining in prayerful endeavor and assistance in how our beautiful logo and mission might be utilized in things like a monastic kneeler, scarf, pin, vigil candle glass or the like.
MATTERS of the HEART:
Ø “I’m very impressed with this work in support of our priests. It’s been very meaningful for me personally these few first months that I’ve been committed, and I believe helpful to our pastor.” (Natalie, Ohio)
Ø “We are off to a wonderful start. The priest is praying for us!!” (Esther, Wisconsin)
Ø “My mom is anchoress at my home parish and it has been so fruitful. I am now a FOCUS missionary and our priests give so much and have changed so many lives in their ministry here. They are also young priests who have so much on their plate and I want to serve them through our prayers.” (Mary, West Virginia)
Ø “I am a member of the block Rosary Crusade with a love and dedication to Mary and the rosary. The priest is surrounded by temptation just as we are, so they need our prayers.” (Lucy, Cameroon, Africa)
Ø “I love the Eucharist and I want the priests to always be protected by the Holy Spirit. I love going to adoration and praying for the priests.” (Gabriela, Maryland)
Ø “I attended a TEC retreat years ago. During that retreat, our parish priest that asked me to consider the Apostolate was discerning his vocation. I witnessed him kneeling, praying the rosary as a young high school boy. He inspired me. I knew I was being called to pray for him in the Apostolate.” (Judy, Wisconsin)
Ø “A lovely lady called me and explained the Apostolate of the Seven Sisters. I thought that was the most beautiful idea to pray for our priest. When I shared the apostolate with the others, I was surprised by their enthusiasm, love, and respect for our priests, and now we are ready to start.” (Teresa, Virginia)
Ø “A woman from a nearby parish introduced me to Seven Sisters Apostolate and asked me to pray about initiating a chapter in my parish. We have a brand new, first-time pastor and feel very led to support him with prayer. All of the “sisters” already keep a weekly hourly (or more) vigil before the Blessed Sacrament and understand they would be adding an additional hour a week to pray for our pastor.” (Pat, New Jersey)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: By prayerful desire and directive of our Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Johnson, a pilot group of Seven Sisters intercessors dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known) within the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls, began in June 2021. In June 2022, this fruit of the Apostolate opened to form more groups in more Dioceses. All inquiries to Nancy at [email protected] or cell: 612-756-1107. It is growing! Please consider this!
APPRECIATED and LOVEDquilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact [email protected]
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. There is a form on the Website to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, many are offering prayers every day. Intentions gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors welcomed. Inquire through Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 25 for $10 + P/H.
REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Allow a few days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as together we live our days in Ordinary time, anticipating the dawn of our holy Lenten season, Ash Wednesday, 22 February. The mysteries and marvels of the Season will assuredly find us!
St Thérèse of Lisieux, in her enigmatic rose-showering way, can launch us into considering echoes of her little way. She once mused, “By our little acts of charity in the shade we convert souls far away, we help missionaries, we win abundant alms: and by that means build actual dwellings spiritual and material for our Eucharistic Lord.” Perhaps she had Seven Sisters in heart, for you characteristically consider others greater than yourselves and act accordingly.
Daniel Ridgeway Knight in his Early Morning captures the sweet essence of our little way of fidelity to a weekly Holy Hour. The painting remains a fitting cover for our Guidelines Booklet. Here, Knight’s figure emerges as serene in the midst of routine. Together we can imagine her tranquil, early morning trek, followed by prayer (for a priest?) in the hilltop chapel, a stop for market-fresh goods, then homeward bound. While our own parallels to this scenario likely carry more exterior intrusions, our interiors would benefit a similar graced tranquility. This is truly the core that poises us to multiply our love. Quietness. Trust. Strength. (From Apostolate core verse, Isaiah 30:15)
A candle flame shared with another wick does not diminish the radiance of either, in fact the collective glow is more! Truly, through you, love begets love. Here is a wee sampling of how your lives and light and love have been amplified, bountifully blessing the priest/bishop for whom you pray, the Apostolate itself, your families and me personally.
+ Many heroic sacrifices are made weekly by many of you to keep your commitment to pray. The scribes in heaven are being kept happy detailing your hidden sacrifices.
+ During pandemic days, a priest tearfully reported witnessing a Seven Sister kneeling on a garden pad in the parking lot of a ‘limited access’ parish, oriented toward the tabernacle, praying.
+ Generous donations of multiple Seven Sisters financed the Website redesign and its maintenance.
+ One Anchoress tells of each member periodically offering 1/7 of a meal for their pastor: Voila! A seven-course meal in a flash – with leftovers!
+ Several groups arrange for Mass offerings (in addition to their Holy Hours) for their priest/Bishop.
+ Scores of Seven Sisters quietly dispense Apostolate holy cards and brochures in Chapels/parishes.
+ Susan M faithfully and skillfully formats the Communique in a pdf file every month, gratis.
+ Marg W’s generous donation allowed all the Holy Cards (6) to be translated and printed in Spanish.
+ Twenty-seven Lamp Bearers pray at least weekly, most daily, for the Apostolate at large.
+ Fifty plus women are volunteer Coordinators in their Diocese. Each in their prayerful way, promoting more groups for more priests, keeping records, serving as local resources, and oftentimes organizing local gatherings of information and/or times of Reflection and Renewal.
+ Deb T promotes the Apostolate in her varied travels through conversation, offering informationals and brochures. She also initiated and leads the Appreciated and Loved Quilt Project for retired priests.
+ Several Sisters report that their family members either attend the Holy Hours with them and add to the offering for the priest/bishop or are now themselves inspired to offer personal Holy Hours.
+ Bridget K, JoAnn Z and Kathleen K pray monthly during the literal writing of each Communique.
+ Both priests and Seven Sisters report the joy of anonymous notes being written to a priest from a Sister to remind of the seamless prayers, appreciation and love for him.
+ Valerie G helped to launch the first Fasting Brothers group in North Carolina. And away we go!
+Countless notes of love and encouragement from many of you arrive in my mailbox, which always include prayer, and often donations, testimonies, holy cards, article clippings and books of stamps!
+ Ginger H has written a book study, gratis, on Sheen’s The Priest is Not His Own and is currently conducting the pilot study via Skype with 12 of the Apostolate Coordinators. More to follow!
+ Nancy H commenced and now assists in organizing all new Elijah’s Helpers groups for priests in crisis. She also donated her exquisite hand-crafted counted cross-stitch Madonna of the Grapes to us.
+ Joe R (materials printer) and Pete B (Holy Cards/medals) give us countless discounts and freebies.
+ Tireless database maestro, Judy P, and Webmaster, Mary U, are like honey drops from heaven!!
+ No one supports the Work in a more veiled and formidable way than my husband, Jeff, who is tireless in prayer, trips to the post office/bank, and in his offers of wise and sure words in due season.Veiled charity joyfully rises and overflows from existing charity. Love for the sake of love! It is a wellspring that boasts divine origin, bears a thrill of heart to both giver and receiver, and is far-reaching. Seven Sisters perhaps are graced to understand more than most. St Thérèse judiciously reminds: “All we accomplish, however brilliant, is worth nothing without love.”
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…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as we continue in Christmastide celebration. Our joy cannot be limited to one day. The Church gives us a full season to happily sweep others into the jubilation! Emmanuel is here! O come, let us adore Him!
Responding to a door bell one day, a pint-sized fellow stared back at me through masked eyes. “I am a burglar.” My sure reply: “Don’t move! My son, Spencer, is going to take care of you!” The mask and attached skull cap and cape were swiftly hurled. “Mom, no… it’s me, it’s me!”Childhood role playing can help muster healthy courage and wisdom to take on identities as we mature and maneuver through life. One might take on the role of student, friend, spouse, mother, neighbor or a vocational path of doctor, engineer, teacher. Some of these personas meet retirement, others might mark our headstones. As Catholics we believe that an ontological change (same being, interior change) takes place in Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. When validly administered, these Sacraments produce a permanent change in what a person is and the nature of his/her existence.
While priests still look very much like any other layperson, there is something fundamentally, or ontologically, different about them after their ordination. During the International Reunion of Priests (18 June 1996, Fatima), John Cardinal O’Connor shared: “In my judgment, this concept of the ontological nature of the priesthood, is critical. We don’t just put on vestments; we don’t just receive an assignment. Neither makes us priests. We become priests at ordination. There is an “ontological change” in our spiritual nature. Such is a profound mystery. … A cup of wine still smells like wine and tastes like it, but it is now the Blood of Christ. At ordination an ontological change takes place.”
In respecting the good Cardinal’s statement, priestly vestments can serve to remind both the priest and the laity regarding this irrevocable ontological fact. To this point, Pope Benedict XVI states: “Just as in Baptism an “exchange of clothing” is given, an exchanged destination, a new existential communion with Christ, so also in priesthood there is an exchange: in the administration of the sacraments, the priest now acts and speaks “in persona Christi”. In the sacred mysteries, he does not represent himself and does not speak expressing himself, but speaks for the Other, for Christ.” For the priest, vestments reflect a distinctive mission and identity in Christ. They manifest his total gift of self.
The nature of priestly attire (clericals and liturgical) both reveal and veil. The man clothed in them distinguishes his role while out and about in the world and also during religious ceremonies. Certain features (color, design) might bode familiarity, but deeper meanings subsist. As a priest clothes himself for holy Mass, he prays vesting prayers in preparation. The initial prayer is uttered while the priest washes his hands to prepare to vest. “Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.” The first vestment donned is an amice, a square white cloth with two cords attached. When put on, it is held at the top of the head and allowed to flow down over the shoulders. Tucked all around to conceal the clerical collar, its length amply covers the shoulders while the cords are tied around the chest. “Place, O Lord, the helmet of salvation upon my head, to repel the assaults of the devil.” Next comes the alb, a white robe, symbolizing purity and thus extending over the whole body. “Cleanse me, O Lord, and purify my heart, that washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may attain everlasting joy.” Following is the cincture, a cord or rope worn as a belt, reminding of St Peter’s admonition to Gird your loins. It serves as a reminder of chastity. “Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity and quench in me the fire of concupiscence; that the virtue of continence and chastity may remain in me.” The stole, a generous piece of cloth draped over the neck like a scarf, is next. It falls down over both shoulders and the front of the priest’s chest and then crossed and secured by the cincture. Its origin is the Jewish prayer shawl and symbolic of the spiritual authority of the priest. It is worn for blessings, baptisms, confessions, exorcisms. “Return to me, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I have lost in the sin of my first parent; and although I, unworthy, approach Thy sacred Mystery, grant to me, nevertheless, everlasting joy.” The final vestment is the chasuble, representative of the robe Our Lord was mocked in during His Passion, and thus indicative of the immense charity and endurance essential for the priestly life. It is to be worn over the stole, fittingly symbolizing charity over authority. “O Lord, Who hast said, My yoke is easy and My burden light; grant that I may be able so to bear it, that I may obtain Thy grace. Amen.”
In gaining awareness of vesting prayers, Seven Sisters have a beautiful opportunity: an echo of these prayers in hopes that the priests may live them more fully and an echo of these prayers in hopes that we may grow in the understanding of the character of the priest, the Mass, and ourselves.
St John Eudes to fellow priests: “As soon as you leave the house to go to Mass, you should realize that you are going not merely to attend or watch, but actually to perform an action more holy and divine, greater and more sublime, more noble and admirable than any other in heaven or on earth. Consequently, you must perform it in a holy and divine manner, that is, with thoroughly holy and divine dispositions, with great care and attention of mind and heart, and with the realization that what you are going to do is more vitally important to you than anything else in the world.” Be assured, the priest does not arrive suitably vested at holy Mass to announce he is a burglar. Rather, he offers an invitation to those gathered to prepare their hearts to enter the mysteries of the Faith. For therein, he knows well, that through him and with him and in him, Christ will present Himself, to capture those freely-offered open hearts for His Love.
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…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Mary’s fiat on the 25th of March lent allowance to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. The query of how can this be, came to be. Her fiat might be said to be all-embracing in quietness, trust and strength. Come every 25th of December we commemorate and celebrate the blessed fruit of her fiat and of her womb, Jesus.
Mary, as model of docility to the Holy Spirit, can inspire Seven Sisters to live more deeply in the friendship of the Holy Spirit. Consideration of the Apostolate’s anchor Scripture: …in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15) is a fitting framework, for Mary fully lived it. Advent into Christmastide presents the perfect milieu to awaken to the key roles of the Spirit in this Apostolate.
Quietness: Our commitments to Holy Hours dutifully and naturally bring us to environments of quiet that, in turn, ideally move us to quiet our inner places. In preparation for His earthly departure, Jesus promised His followers that He would send the Paracletos to comfort, console and guide those who belong to Him. The quieted heart is the resting place of wisdom, healing and inspiration, marks of the HS. The impulse of the Spirit moved the authors of sacred Scripture and whispered myriads of invitations and words of guidance and healing to souls across the span of history, including a call during Adoration to the work given the name Seven Sisters. The splendid image of the Holy Spirit (imaged here) hovered nearby that very Adoration Chapel (like hovering over the waters) and serves as a powerful reminder of both the fruit of quietness and the work of the Holy Spirit in it. Many of you attest to sensing that still, small voice in the quietness of heart to give assent as an intercessor in this Apostolate and/or to help it grow. Many more of you speak about the guidance received during the offerings of the Holy Hours. Yes, the Holy Spirit in a sense overshadows us in our dedicated quietness, fit to bear fruit! “God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence…. God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer” (St Teresa of Calcutta).
Trust: Most Seven Sisters do not enter the Chapel with a roster of prayer intentions. Trust has ample and ready room for growth! An encouraging and comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit, and one keenly akin to us, is intercession. We may be tempted to be in a quandary of what and how to pray, but can remain assured that the Spirit intercedes with and for us. The HS comes alongside to lend assistance through inspiration of what to pray, assistance in searching Sacred Scripture to offer (after all, the Spirit is the Author) or will intercede with wordless groans. The thoughts and ways of God are higher. In acceptance of this, trust increases. Sacred Scripture reminds that the winds blow where it will, alluding to the work of the Holy Spirit. But let us not be shy to, at times, summon the winds of the Spirit: “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits” (Song of Solomon 4:16). The HS comes to teach us all things, trust included, so let us be good disciples in learning and be fixed in a firm heart of entrusting all things to God’s perfect Will and Way. “I ask not to see. I ask not to know. I ask simply to be used” (St John Henry Cardinal Newman).
Strength: Praying and living in the well-founded principles of quietness and trust brings remarkable inner strength. The holy ones who have gone before, Mother Mary at the forefront, are sure examples. We are invited to do the same – and God willing, can and will! The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life, where newness of life reigns. The fruit of the Spirit grows within and strengthens our disposition to follow the promptings of the HS towards a sound moral life and active life of faith. It is the Spirit that moves us to call Jesus our Lord (I Cor 12:3) and thus, as Seven Sisters, to pray with assurance for others. The very Love of God overflows our hearts with strength. The scene of Elijah (I Kings 18:41-46) running in front of a horse drawn chariot (for 7-8 miles) fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit highlights the tie between body and soul. Elijah’s prayer for rain was earnest, expectant and ultimately effective. Let us imitate this! “Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about” (St Jane Frances de Chantal).
Had but one glance been granted Mary at the time of the Annunciation, the radiance of that blessed moment of the hiddenness of Trinitarian love, may have blinded her. The work we are called to do as Seven Sisters is at its very best done in quietness and trust. The splendid effects of our sacrifices of prayers, if known, would likely completely confound us, as well. Simple fidelity to the mission of prayer brings strength. In that prayer, we live the balance between the rousing forces of the Holy Spirit, and the calming, soothing power thereof. Oh, Holy Spirit, sustain and grow our friendships…
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
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…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – Our purses, totes and backpacks require frequent, all-the-way-to-the-bottom cleaning. We each have a method and timetable. Sometimes we get to the task later than planned and suffer consequences. The goal is the same: making our load lighter, re-organizing to find things more readily, and did someone suggest cleanliness is next to godliness?
As Catholics, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we have consistent reminders regarding the need for our interior cleansing. We share the entry point of our Christian lives through the purifying waters of Baptism. So too we share the invitation to walk more readily in its promises through the gift of the sacramental life brimming with a waterfall of graces. Frequent and good confessions make the way for frequent and good Communions. Examination of conscience, Sacred Scripture, the rhythm of holy Mass, compelling homilies, and that splendid gift of the liturgical seasons also serve to call us into accepting moregraces and mercy to strengthen our resolve to live holy lives.
Liturgically speaking, November always holds both the last and the first. This year the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is November 20th. Here we recognize the Messianic Kingship and the eternal Priesthood of Our Lord. For this reason, the Solemnity has special significance to the Apostolate, as all the men we pray for partake in this one priesthood of Jesus Christ. Imagine the extra graces awaiting our priests and bishops this month as they move toward and enter the celebration of this Solemnity! Let us ask for graces in abundance! The following Sunday, the 27th, marks the first Sunday of Advent, launching the new liturgical year afresh and anew. More bountiful graces!
While our task as Seven Sisters is to pray for the other, it behooves us to likewise beseech and partake in the special graces of November. The last Sunday of the liturgical year is an opportunity to rejoice in Christ as King and eternal High Priest, and also consider, in both gratitude and reflection, the previous year regarding our own lives. Sometimes, like our heavy-laden purses, a spirited clean-up helps us to see more clearly and hear more closely what was then, what is now and what may lay ahead. We cleanse ourselves through repentance and cooperation with God’s Will and Way. By humility and love we summon His graces and mercy to purify our minds and hearts.
Consider ending the liturgical year in making a good Confession. Following are seven points of guidance from the wisdom of the Canon Regulars of St John Cantius (Chicago). They offer this quote: “Sin is the shipwreck of the soul. If the sin is serious, it is a fatal shipwreck. Confession is the only plank to which we can safely cling, if we want to be brought back to the harbor of God’s grace.”
First, have a clear awareness of what constitutes a mortal sin and a venial sin. A mortal sin is gravely and objectively evil, committed with full knowledge that it is evil, and given full consent to it with the will. Venial sin is a deviation but not a total turning away from God. They “bruise” our state of grace with God, but do not break it like mortal sins.
Second, awareness of a mortal sin demands Confession as soon as possible. It is necessary to do so before receiving Communion.
Third, it is not necessary to go to Confession on the very day of, say, First Friday, First Saturday, Divine Mercy, etc., which have indulgences associated with them. The Church says it is sufficient to go to confession within 20 days and that you have not committed any mortal sin since then.
Fourth, some people have a habit of re-confessing past sins—sometimes repeatedly. Confess those sins committed since your last confession (which, by the way, may be the same as past sins since we sometimes have areas of repeated weakness). An exception to this guideline is if you remember a mortal sin from the past which you have not confessed; then do confess this sin right away.
Fifth, the Sacrament of Confession is for the confession and the absolution of your sins. Although the priest may give some advice, it is not the time or place for in-depth spiritual direction. Unduly extending your confession by asking questions or by discussing your spiritual life tends to demonstrate a lack of charity for those behind you who are now unnecessarily waiting longer to confess their sins.
Sixth, confession of your sins should be fairly concise, specific, to the point, and well-prepared. Lengthy, detailed explanations of what you did and how you came about doing it are not necessary. It also may even be a subtle way of justifying or even reliving your sin. So, confess your sins concisely, and if the priest needs more information, he will ask you. On the other hand, the sins you confess should be reasonably specific rather than general observations. For example, confessing “I have not followed God’s commandments” is not specific enough. Rather, please specify the ways in which you have not followed God’s commandments.
Seventh, sometimes the priest may tell you something in confession that you may not want to hear. Please consider that the Holy Spirit sometimes works in ways that seem blunt in order to help uproot sin. Try not to feel disheartened, but instead, consider that perhaps the Holy Spirit inspired the priest to tell you something plainly because you may need it.
Our doings outside of God’s Will can clutter our interiors and hinder the free flow of graces in our lives. Our prayer lives are affected. What ample room we afford our Lord to fill us to overflowing with His life, when we regularly yield to the sacrament of Confession. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). What a double blessing for Seven Sisters who pray for both our own good confessions and good confessions for our Confessors. Christ is King, full of merciful love, for all!
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…. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta) … your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate. THANK YOU! The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe) +JMJ+
…in quietness and trust is your strength. – Isaiah 30:15
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
