What is Prayed is What is Believed

What is Prayed is What is Believed

by | Nov 1, 2021

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ!  A topic that beguiles both ear and heart of every Seven Sister, anytime or any place, is prayer.  The highest form of prayer, the holy Mass, merits special attention.  Our learning never ends.  Liturgy is ever ancient, ever new.

 For almost two millennia, prayers have poured from the hearts of priests during the divine liturgy. Within these sacred mysteries of the Mass, the priest offers prayers for all the congregation to hear, and others quietly or without a sound.  These latter prayers are referred to as the silent, secret, mystical or personal prayers of the priest.

 One might notice the priest’s lips moving or catch a few faint sounds.  Herein the priest offers prayers between he and God.  Benedictine monk, Fr Boniface Hicks, reflects, “…we are fully engaged in something in those moments that words would only cheapen. Like the silence that fills heaven for about half an hour when the Lamb opens the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1), silence in the Mass is a sign that something profound has happened and we are summoned to sustain our interior attention without the distraction even of good words or other gestures.”

 These prayers serve as reminders and even invitations of personal and collective interior dialogue between God and each participant at Mass, including the celebrant priest.   Fr Boniface explains, “He is not merely a functionary who mechanically carries out certain ritual words and gestures in order to bring about a particular result, however powerful and important that result may be. He is also personally a participant in these sacred mysteries. His own relationship with God grows through his silent, internal participation in the prayers of the Mass.”

 The first of the priest’s quiet prayers is breathed out as he bows before the altar in preparation for the proclamation of the Gospel. The gesture rightly connects the Liturgy of the Word and that of the Eucharist.  His prayer prepares him for both: “Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel”.  At the end of the proclamation, the priest reverentially kisses the Missal and embraces all present in praying: “Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.”

 The next whispered words are expressed during the Offertory.  As drops of water co-mingle with unconsecrated wine in the Chalice, the priest prays, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.” After expressing gratitude to God for the natural gifts of bread and wine deigned to become our spiritual food, the priest celebrant bows and reminds of another co-mingling – the self-sacrifice of the priest and our sacrifices, “With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God.” The Lavabo (hand washing), hearkening to our Baptism, follows, along with more personal, silent prayers, “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

After the Eucharistic Prayer, Lord’s Prayer and Sign of Peace, the Mass continues to the Agnus Dei. As the assembly prays, the priest places a morsel of the broken Host into the chalice, offering: “May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.” Following, the celebrant folds his hands and prays one of these two prayers (in the Latin Mass both prayers are offered): (1) “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your death gave life to the world, free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood from all my sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments, and never let me be parted from you.” OR (2) “May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.”

The final three mystical prayers of the priest during the Mass are linked to his Communion. Before consuming the Body of Christ, he intentionally prays: “May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.”Before partaking of the Blood of Christ, he prays: “May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.” Lastly, while purifying the sacred vessels, the priest enfolds us in this sacred plea, “What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.”

The Latin perhaps encapsulates the crux of the silent prayers the best:  Lex orandi, Lex credendi – What is prayed is what is believed.  Our shepherds stand to be made radiant by their fidelity to these intimate, oft-repeated prayers.  As our priests, in turn, these prayers call forth radiant lives from us, as well.  Fr Boniface summarizes in reflection of the silent prayers of the priest, “The priest stands by the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the position of the Divine Bridegroom and it is his responsibility to pray, preside, and speak in such a way that he opens the heart of the Bride to receive her divine Bridegroom more fully, consciously, and actively in his Word and in his Body.” As Seven Sisters let us be sentient to these mystical prayers.  Through our sacrifices of prayers, may we bolster the authentic living out of these personal prayers of each priest and bishop for whom we offer Holy Hours. Lex orandi, Lex credendi.

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+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

10th Anniversary Year of our Founding Graces (03/24/11 – 03/24/21)

In celebration: Remember the souls of the priests in Purgatory. There is a plenary indulgence offered annually during the Octave of All Saints for the souls in Purgatory.  Visit any cemetery once each day between Nov 1- Nov 8 and offer prayers for the benefit of a departed individual. This year, as last, the indulgence is extended to each day of the entire month! The usual conditions for indulgences apply.  Let us empty Purgatory!

 SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in OCTOBER to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in Ontario, Canada; Washington, DC, and these USA states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada!

DAILY prayer for Apostolate GROWTH: During this Year of St Joseph (12/08/20 to 12/08-21) every Seven Sister is asked to offer DAILY the Act of Confidence:  Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee. Heart of Mary, I implore thee. Heart of Joseph, meek and just. In these three Hearts I place my trust.

 RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> Gratitude to Molly for hosting 10/11/21 Informational for Rosary Guild, Holy Cross, Mpls, MN

> Gratitude to Paula for hosting 10/18/21 Informational for Serra Club, Winona, MN

> 11/06/21, Saturday.  Day of Recollection. 9 am-3 pm, incl lunch. Diocese of Arlington.  St Andrew the Apostle Church, Clifton, VA.  Cost $30 by 10/20. Contact: sevensistersarlington@gmail.com

>11/06/21, Saturday. Annual Archdiocese St Paul-Mpls Morning of Reflection and Renewal.  Archbishop Hebda will celebrate Mass.  Basilica of St Mary, Mpls. 8 am-12 noon. Robust coffee break.  Reflection: “Mary, we love you!” Wear BLUE and bring a flower(s) to honor Mary (vases provided) Registration: https://sevensistersapostolate.org/events/morningofreflection

> 01/21-22/22. St Felix Retreat Center, Huntington, IN.  Real Women Wear Armor (Eph 6:10-18)

Janette will lead this retreat.  Contact Tammie to learn more: sevensistersfwsb@gmail.com

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  “I am a convert to the Catholic Faith. Since the beginning of the year, I have felt a sense of urgency to pray for our priests and the whole church. I have prayed many rosaries for that intention, but feeling called to do more, yet not sure what. I asked the Lord during Adoration.  A couple weeks later, a lady from church told me about the Apostolate. I said “yes” immediately to being a sister, but needed to pray about being an Anchoress. I received the final yesses from some wonderful women on the celebration of the Feast of the Archangels at our parish, St. Gabriel’s. How about that for Divine Intervention!” (Amanda, Missouri)

Ø  “With all the uncertainties in the world I felt the Lord calling to more prayer; especially for our priests.
On a Facebook group, someone had a similar calling and it was recommended they look into this apostolate. I had never heard of it, so looked it up and found it quite beautiful.” (Andrea, Canada)

Ø  “I feel honored and blessed to offer my humble prayers to strengthen our Priest.  My heart swells because I know our Lord and Savior hears us!” (Margaret, New Mexico)

Ø  “Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, I was called to be a Seven Sister 3 years ago. I have a deep appreciation for our priests, and can show gratitude, for the work they do, by praying for them. When asked to be an anchoress, I jumped at the chance to lead a group of prayerful women who feel the same way I do. Prayer is a very powerful weapon, and the more prayers that are lifted for our priests/bishops, the more they will be strengthened and sanctified. I love this quote, because it sums up our whole purpose. “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, s.P. (Adele, Virginia)

Ø  “I have always felt the call and need to pray for our Pastor/Shepherd. While on retreat, a person handed me the Apostolate booklet and I felt a call to start a group. Our parish has struggled these last years.  We are so excited about the new Pastor that has been given to us and want to begin praying for him!” (Marie, Idaho)

APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project:  A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both!  To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com

FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group.  Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.

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, but many are offering prayers every day.  Intentions are 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.  Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the 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.  Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.

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!

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:  Due to unforeseen work duties, Zahyra B has been on leave from Apostolate work the last 2 months.  She hopes to get this one translated, posted/archived on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Expect 2-4 days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).

Joining Our Lives to Christ

Joining Our Lives to Christ

by | Oct 1, 2021

“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.”

— Proverbs 3:9

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! In October 1996, at the behest of my husband, we welcomed his Moldovan friend and family to share our home. Recipient of a green card lottery, Sasha set hopeful sights on raising his young family of five in the USA.  Eventually the family settled in a home nearby. To this day, Sasha annually offers us the first fruits of his garden, including his blue-ribbon organic wine. His enduring gratitude and gesture are humbling and teach much.

October, typified by harvest, presents a perfect time to honor Our Lord with gratitude for the first fruits He has borne through the Apostolate.  In Mignard’s striking painting of Madonna of the Grapes, our patroness judiciously chooses the promise of the Eucharistic life in the embrace of the grapes, forsaking the two apples.  She is the New Eve, bringing forth new life through Christ. The image alludes to the very place in the Vineyard to which Our Lord’s invitation is extended to Seven Sisters – to help fortify those ordained to perpetuate the vital Eucharistic life!

Prayer is the sure mark of the Apostolate.  It is the under-girding and the fabric all at once. Seeking the Lord’s wisdom and guidance through prayer was and remains the spark for His Work.  Prayer ignited the Apostolate into being, and keeps it aflame.  At the same time, it is a call to the work of patience (Lk 8:15). Similarly, those that tend gardens know first-hand of the arduous labor of tilling, sowing seeds, nurturing, and the ensuing necessary patience to await the harvest.

As Seven Sisters intercessors, while both effort and patience in the task of prayer is essential, the key of assured fruitfulness is joining our lives to Christ.   “Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. … He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).  A rightly-ordered relationship with Christ bears the witness of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-25) in our lives and its influence in the lives of others.  How fitting that Our Lord calls Seven Sisters frequently (every seven days!) into His Presence, to nurture our friendship with Him. It is fit-with-potential to bear fruit!

St Teresa of Calcutta once mused that while she arrived in India with five rupees in hand, God’s return to her was five branches of an Apostolate (MC Sisters, Priests/Brothers, Lay MCs, Co-Workers, Volunteers).  So too, in its ten years young, Seven Sisters has yielded fruit aplenty – both evident and hidden.  For what is, for what is to come – gratitude and glory to God!

Some of the bounty bears a name, and evident influence and enhancement within the Apostolate:  Fasting Brothers, Appreciated and Loved Quilt Project, Lamp-Bearers, Elijah’s Helpers. Starting as the tiniest of seeds, each group quietly sprouted, is flourishing, and being entrusted with more. Participants in these groups bear fervent witness of drawing strength from abiding in the Vine.  Other outgrowth through the Apostolate, presents as more tangible: Our Website, Database, Guideline booklets, Brochures, Prayer aids, annual Holy Cards, monthly Communiques, videos, magazine and newspaper articles, radio interviews, annual gatherings and times of Reflection and Renewal. These abundant offerings from so many, so often are likewise guided and fortified by abiding in the Vine.

This fruitfulness that can be rostered, even assigned a name, gives boast to Our Lord for His fore-ordained Work and His invitation to join Him.  What cannot be rostered, that which is omnisciently hidden, beckons the attention of our thoughts and the lifting up of our grateful hearts, as well.   For who can measure the fruitfulness within the heart of an intercessor or the heart of the recipient of one’s prayers?  How far reaching is the influence of a heart converted, a heart renewed, a heart strengthened?  Graces without limit!

Testimonies in the Matter of the Heart in these monthly Communiques give beautiful, unsullied hints of the interior metanoia and fruit therein.  Joy that is consistently witnessed in the lives of Seven Sisters is another!  Your individual weekly sacrifices of prayers, offered in love, bear fruit without measure, fruit that will last.  The Lord reminds that “you did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide: so that whatever you ask the Father, in My Name, He may give it to you” (John 15:16). Let us ask, ask, ask!

The vividly effectual image of Madonna of the Grapes, as the resolute yet gentle overseer of the Eucharistic life, invites us to companionship and fruitfulness in this mission.  Together with St John Vianney and St Margaret Clitherow, the three boost our fervor to pray for our priests to grow in holiness and in their desire to tenaciously uphold the Eucharist as source and summit of our Faith.  Prosperity in such a mission is rooted in an ever-deepening friendship with Christ. The Psalmist (92:13-14) reminds, “Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still yield fruit in old age.  They will be full of sap and very green.” Let us remain in the Vine, the very fruit of Mary’s womb, as co-workers in the Vineyard – and anticipate fruitfulness, fruit that is stored in the heavens.

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+

sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

 

10th Anniversary Year of our Founding Graces (03/24/11 – 03/24/21)

In celebration: (1) Upon reading this, pause to extend personal gratitude to Our Lord for all the fruitfulness of your prayers – known and unknown. (2) In October: invite 7 people to the Apostolate work (as intercessor, Fasting Brother, Quilt project, Lamp-Bearer, Elijah’s Helper, and/or recipient priest) to go and bear fruit! (3) In this month dedicated to greater use of the rosary, offer a rosary during your Holy Hour, if not already doing so.

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in SEPTEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in Spain & these USA states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, and nearly every Province in Canada!  God’s worker bees never tire – “cross pollination” bears both blossom and fruit!

DAILY prayer for Apostolate GROWTH: During this Year of St Joseph (12/08/20 to 12/08-21) every Seven Sister is asked to offer DAILY the Act of Confidence:  Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee. Heart of Mary, I implore thee. Heart of Joseph, meek and just. In these three Hearts I place my trust.

RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> 09/27/21: Heartfelt Birthday Blessings for 100 years! to active “prayer warrior” Seven Sister, Leona Schiffer, who prays for her pastor in Dubuque, IA – in between keeping up her apartment and baking cakes from scratch! (I have seen the photos – she glows with joy!)

> Gratitude to Colleen for hosting a lively informational at St Ambrose (Woodbury, MN) 09/11/21.

> 10/11/21, Monday, 6:30 pm. Informational for Rosary Guild, Holy Cross (Minneapolis, MN).

> 10/18/21, Monday, 5:30 pm. Serra Club meeting/dinner in Winona, MN.  Janette will speak.

> 11/06/21, Saturday.  Day of Recollection. 9 am-3 pm, including lunch. Diocese of Arlington.  St Andrew the Apostle Church, Clifton, VA.  Cost $30 by 10/20. Contact: sevensistersarlington@gmail.com

>11/06/21, Saturday. Annual Archdiocese St Paul-Mpls Morning of Reflection and Renewal.  Archbishop Hebda will celebrate Mass.  Basilica of St Mary, Mpls. 8 am-12 noon. Robust coffee break, no lunch this year. Free will offering. Registration: https://sevensistersapostolate.org/events/morningofreflection

> 01/21-22/22. St Felix Retreat Center, Huntington, IN.  Real Women Wear Armor (Eph 6:10-18)

Janette will lead this retreat.  Contact Tammie to learn more: sevensistersfwsb@gmail.com

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  “I belonged to another parish that had this, switched parishes and decided to start it. I truly believe in the power of prayer and as a lifelong Catholic I know being a priest is even harder today than in the past. We need to pray since so much is expected of so few.” (Frances, Alaska)

Ø  “I heard about this program while I was visiting St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williams, AZ. I was inspired and decided to start up a group in our home parish. We have two new priests and we feel that they, and the parish, would benefit from this program.” (Elaine, California)

Ø  “We have a new vibrant pastor who has had to overcome many challenges in his first year (still more to come.) I have been praying about ways to support him when a friend of mine told me about the Seven Sisters Apostolate. This is so perfect as I am always trying to promote prayer and Eucharistic Adoration! It is almost like the Lord dropped this in my lap as a way to help and evangelize! We are so excited to begin and will begin on the feast of St Francis of Assisi to whom our pastor has a special devotion.” (Rebecca, Florida)

Ø  “I substituted for a friend once; it was the first time I heard of the Seven Sisters and that they pray for priests. Then I read your communique and really loved the writing. Now I am starting a group for a dear retired priest.  God calls us step by step sometimes!” (Betty, Virginia)

ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Through request of our Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, this group commenced in the Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls on June 11th.  Called Elijah’s Helpers, its mission is to pray for priests in crisis in the Archdiocese. The intercessors offer Holy Hours as any Seven Sister group, with a commitment to one day each week. No names of particular priests nor nature of crises are known.  The group is in its course of a one-year pilot, with hopes, God willing, of launching similar groups in other Dioceses in the future.  Want to know more? Contact Nancy, nah521@frontiernet.net

APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project:  A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both!  To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com

FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group.  Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.

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, but many are offering prayers every day.  Intentions are 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.  Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the 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.  Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.

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!

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:  Due to unforeseen work duties, Zahyra B has been on leave from Apostolate work the last 2 months.  She hopes to get this one translated, posted/archived on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Expect 2-4 days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).

They are Bridges

They are Bridges

by | Sep 1, 2021

“Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him.”

— St John of the Cross

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! Taking a nature hike “off the beaten path” might lead to wandering into the domain of perilous critters, poisonous plants, or even a waterway with a swift current and no bridge in sight.  Moses at the Red Sea and later his successor, Joshua, at the Jordan River, experienced such predicaments.  How is it possible to lead the Israelites across?  In both cases, God’s provision summoned cooperation: Moses to lift his arm and staff, and Joshua to dip his foot in the water. God made a way where there seemed to be no way.

How often we stand at a place in life, befuddled as to how to get to the other side.  Our Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He provides for His people – personally and with our collaboration. The Sacraments are personal encounters with Christ where all things are made new (II Cor 5:17, Rev 21:5).  They serve to move a person from one place to another.  The Sacrament of Confession is archetypal. When one wanders from the plan of God in the flurry of life and the fog of sin, God’s wisdom and love assigns His priests to assist.  They are bridges of sorts, empowered and sent for the work.  ‘As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ (John 20:21-23).

God’s plan through sacramental Confession is a marvelous trifecta: a penitent, Jesus, a priest.  In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, to highlight this, a penitent kneels before an icon of Christ and offers the confession.  The priest stands or sits to the side, listening, guiding as needed and poised to offer absolution. Our Lord underscored this for St Faustina (Diary, 1725): “My daughter… make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest it is that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light.”

If a Seven Sister were to make her way to a front pew near the exquisite baldachin and tabernacle of the Cathedral of St Paul (St Paul, Minnesota), she would first pass the north and south transepts which house three double confessionals on each side.  Here thousands have been brought by God out of a dimness of life to ‘begin again’ in new light.   Aloft the confessionals are two colossal sets of three stained glass figures that together speak a thousand words about the sacrament of reconciliation.   Christ is the central figure in each.  A Penitent is on the left, a priest on the right.

On the north side, Jesus is depicted as Shepherd, pressing a lamb against His breast and another lamb shown attentive at His hem.  In sacred Scripture Jesus often described Himself as a Shepherd in search of the lost sheep, imaged as a sinner.  Approaching this confessional, the penitent is reminded of the unfaltering response of the Good Shepherd:  seeking, finding, welcoming and rejoicing in the return. St Dismas (the good thief) is the window to Christ’s left.  At Calvary Dismas expressed his guilt and sorrow, recognized Christ’s deity, and received forgiveness and the promise of paradise.  St John Nepomuccene is the priest to Christ’s right.  In 14th century Bohemia, he was confessor to the queen.  The king demanded that the queen’s confession be disclosed to him.   St John adamantly refused and the king bade for him to be bound, gagged and heaved into the river.   This martyr is characterized with his index finger pressed to his lips, emphasizing the unwavering “seal of confession”, even unto death.

A Seven Sister would likely be especially fond of the windows on the south side.  Jesus is centrally shown as the resurrected Christ at the time of the institution of the sacrament of reconciliation.   The aforementioned Scripture from the gospel of St John is etched in this window.   To His left is our companion, St Mary Magdalene, hair unbound and reverently balancing the flask of fragrant ointment.  In contrast with St Dismas, her confession is not a deathbed event, but more typical of the confession that seeks holiness throughout a lifetime, compelled by love, step by step.  To the right of Christ is our beloved patron, St John Vianney, donning a purple confessional stole which he holds up in a seeming gesture of both an invitation and as a promise of Christ’s sure power and love.

Gazing at the panorama of the six windows, one grasps the full influence of their instruction, taken as a whole.  Jesus instituted the sacrament of Confession out of wisdom and merciful love.  He beckons a personal encounter with Him through the ordained assistance of His brother priests.  The shower of graces transforms a penitent’s life – grace upon grace, promised even unto the last breath.

May we know the privilege to pray for God’s chosen confessors and the privilege of availing ourselves of this great gift that stands to move both the priest and the penitent to new and full life in Christ!  And consider this: our tri-patrons mirror the same trifecta– the Christ Child in the embrace of Madonna of the Grapes (Protectress of the Eucharistic life) in contemplation of the violent winepress ahead effecting forgiveness of sins. Alongside are our other two patrons – penitent and priest.  St John Vianney rightly reflects, “We cannot comprehend the goodness of God towards us in instituting this great Sacrament of Penance…. He foresaw our frailty and our inconstancy in well-doing, and His love induced Him to do what we should not have dared to ask.  If one said to those poor lost souls that have been so long in Hell, “We are going to place a priest at the gate of Hell: all those who wish to confess have only to go out” … Oh, how soon Hell would be a desert.”

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+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

 

10th Anniversary Year of our Founding Graces (03/24/11 – 03/24/21)

In celebration: (1) Plan a time for Confession this month.  Express gratitude to the Confessor!

(2) Visit the Cathedral of St Paul website www.cathedralsaintpaul.org   Click on tours to enjoy a virtual tour with Apostolate Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, as guide!  See Spot 22 for the windows!

(3) Read archived Communiqué of October 2016 in the Year of Mercy for more on Confession.

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in AUGUST to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in Argentina, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain & these USA states: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, nearly every Province in Canada and over 2200 groups!  Eight active groups for Pope Francis.

DAILY prayer for GROWTH: During this Year of St Joseph (12/08/20 to 12/08-21) every Seven Sister is asked to offer DAILY the Act of Confidence:  Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee. Heart of Mary, I implore thee. Heart of Joseph, meek and just. In these three Hearts I place my trust. Two Seven Sisters (Karen, PA, and Lisa, MN) have created beautiful prayer aids.  See Website for downloads.

RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> Gratitude to Molly for filming an historical piece for the Apostolate at the behest of Fr Joseph Johnson.  See Website for this piece that celebrates our history and God’s provision of love and grace.

> Gratitude to Deb (St Paul-Mpls, MN), initiator of the Appreciated and Loved Quilt Project, for providing a quilt at the request of Connie, Anchoress of a priest (Lincoln, NE) who unexpectedly passed away.  The quilt was sent by expedited service and presented to the mother of the priest by the Anchoress and group members at the funeral. What a testimony of united love!

> 09/08/21:  By invitation, Deb and Janette will join the retired priests (Byrne Residence, St Paul, MN) to speak about the Apostolate Quilt Project and a group will present a quilt to a priest there!

> Save the Date: First Saturday, 11/06/21.  Annual Archdiocese St Paul- Mpls.  Morning of Reflection and Renewal.  Archbishop Hebda will celebrate Mass.  Details forthcoming.

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  “I belong to our Eucharistic Adoration Society for our Church. I love the Eucharist and I love our faith. When a friend told me about this group, I knew I would do it instantaneously. I love Jesus so much. It is the least I can do for one of His priests.” (Patty, Virginia)

Ø  “I have been a Seven Sister for the last two years and witnessed a truly amazing transformation that could have only come from God and prayer!! I feel it was a miracle.” (Marianne, Iowa)

Ø  “My sister participates in this ministry. I told her I felt called to pray because the world is crazy right now!! I mentioned to my pastor about starting a group. He was so grateful and said he had benefited from the prayers of Seven Sisters at his former parish. He shared that some days he would marvel how he was still standing, then realized someone had prayed one hour for him that day. I get chills just typing this!” (Stacey, Nebraska)

Ø  “As Sacristan, I work closely with the pastor and seeing how hard but enthusiastically he has worked to keep our parish connected and focused on God during this trying time of the pandemic, I felt he could use spiritual help to keep his love and devotion to being a true disciple of Jesus Christ strong in his heart and on his mind. After getting a brochure of the Apostolate, and praying about it, decided it was time to start.” (Cheryl, Florida)

Ø  “I pray for our pastor in another Seven Sisters Group and found it such a beautiful prayer experience, that I wanted to become an anchoress for a Seven Sisters Group for our Parochial Vicar, and pray for him also. Praying in serene union with both groups is truly much more than a double blessing! (Carol, Wisconsin)

Ø  “I feel so very blessed to have been called to this devotion.  It has strengthened my prayer life in so many ways.  It has encouraged me to go to daily Adoration and Mass.” (Stacy, Tennessee)

Ø  “For decades I’ve been yearning to do more for our priests. I have strong dreams of the priesthood and their protection. There are burdens and never-ending tasks put upon them.  I have asked Our Lady to help me to find an outlet for my compassion and devotion for our priests. Our Mother has given her answer. For years the name ‘7 Sisters’ kept popping up in my mind, out of the blue; now I understand.” (Elizabeth, Illinois)

APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project:  A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both!  To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com

FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group.  Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother, his contact info and the start date.

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, but many are offering prayers every day.  Intentions are 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.  Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the 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.  Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.

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!

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:  Due to unforeseen work duties, Zahyra B has been on leave from Apostolate work the last 2 months.  She hopes to get this one translated, posted/archived on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Expect 2-4 days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web – free download).

Intense Longing

Intense Longing

by | Jul 1, 2021

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! How fitting in this 10th anniversary year of celebration that June marked the greatest growth of more groups for more priests (3-5 per day average!) in the Apostolate’s history.  Together let us be grateful and heartened in God’s Will, Way, and Work!

St Peter Julian Eymard (pronounced A-mard) had a yearning to be near our Eucharistic Lord. At age five, young Peter wandered from home. His family, frantically searching, finally located him in the church, peacefully perched atop a tall stool near the high altar tabernacle. In response to their flurry of questioning, he whispered, “I am here listening to Jesus.”

During the pandemic days, many Seven Sisters have expressed a shared intense longing to be in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord for their Holy Hours.  Special graces abound in the reach of His holy rays.   We acquiesce to a matchless quietness.  The company of innumerable angels adoring our Lord as Jesu Hostia welcome us.  The heart has its reasons – as does the Lord…

 In July 2019, the Apostolate hosted a pilgrimage traversing beautiful France and visiting her holy sites. A stop was made at the Blessed Sacrament Congregation’s Corpus Christi Chapel in Paris where the remains of St Peter Julian Eymard rest.  We pilgrims offered a Holy Hour.  My heart was stirred during that Hour to sense an almost-tangible encouragement for the Apostolate toward heightened Eucharistic fervor through St Peter Julian, friend and contemporary of St John Vianney.  Months later, the pandemic.  Chapels closed.  Despite, Eucharistic love has intensified.  As Chapels now open, this “Apostle of the Eucharist”, has every encouragement for us – to return to the Chapels!

Despite persistent health challenges, Fr Eymard was energetic and zealous, and especially enlivened and effective in preaching Eucharistic devotions. On Corpus Christi, 25 May 1845, while carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession in Lyons (France), he felt a deeply compelling attraction to Christ in the Eucharist and resolved to “bring all the world to the knowledge and love of our Lord; to preach nothing but Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Eucharistic.”  Time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament guided this new mission. “The Object of Eucharistic adoration is the divine Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament. There is nothing greater or holier we can do on earth than this adoration. Eucharistic adoration is the greatest of actions. … The Eucharist is everything, because from the Eucharist, everything is.”  He emboldened others to make the sacrifices to be before the Eucharistic Lord because it held gifts beyond measure: “The Holy Eucharist is like a divine Storehouse filled with every virtue; God has placed It in the world so that everyone may draw from It.” … “Have a great love for Jesus in His divine Sacrament of Love. It is the divine oasis of the desert. It is the heavenly manna of the traveler. It is the Holy Ark. It is the life and Paradise of love on earth.”

Fr Eymard’s time with our Eucharistic Lord fueled his clear and passionate preaching which also came to be recognized as prophetic in nature.  “Today solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the grace and need of our time. Society will be restored and renewed when all its members group themselves around our Emmanuel. …Society will again someday become Christian won to Jesus Christ by the apostolate of Eucharistic Prayer.” He resolutely connected the most important aspect of fruitful Christian living with the Blessed Sacrament: “Love cannot triumph unless it becomes the one passion of our life. Without such passion we may produce isolated acts of love; but our life is not really won over or consecrated to an ideal. Until we have a passionate love for our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we shall accomplish nothing.”

 Three years prior to death, Fr Eymard made a lengthy retreat in Rome.  He was powerfully struck by the strength of Christ’s love within him – a love he felt taking over his whole person.  He attributed this to his visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Love Himself.  Many Seven Sisters write of a sure and growing transformative strength of love within themselves and also for the priests for whom they pray.  It is collectively described as linked to their time in Adoration.  The current aching to return to the Chapels is heart-led and heart-felt – and now may it be heart-satisfied!  Every sacrifice to return to the Chapels will be met with reward.

 St Peter Julian Eymard flourished in sanctity and love.  His profound love for Mary was cultivated by Eucharistic Love – and vice versa.  And so, it will follow for we as Seven Sisters. Listen: “Not everybody can preach Jesus Christ by word of mouth, but every adorer has the mission of Mary at the feet of Jesus: the apostolic mission of prayer, of Eucharistic prayer at the foot of the throne of grace and mercy. Eucharistic prayer has an excellence all its own; it goes straight to the Heart of God like a flaming dart; the adorer prays through Jesus Christ and unites himself to our Lord’s role as Intercessor with the Father and divine Advocate for His redeemed brethren. …Pray for Jesus’ Kingdom of holiness in His faithful, His religious, His priests. Pray for the Sovereign Pontiff. …Thus, adorers at the foot of the Most Blessed Sacrament carry on a universal and perpetual mission of prayer, and thus render to God the most perfect homage He can receive from a creature.” St Peter Julian Eymard (Feast Day – Aug 2), pray for us, as we render the most perfect homage to God for your brother priests!  Increase our Eucharistic love and love for Mary!

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+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

10th Anniversary Year of our Founding Graces (03/24/11 – 03/24/21)
In celebration:  Prepare a simple card for the bishop or priest for whom you pray –
in remembrance of the Feast of St John Vianney (August 4), patron of all priests.
Express your gratitude and love.  Share a quote or two from this exemplary shepherd!

Love Directs Our Prayers

Love Directs Our Prayers

by | Jun 1, 2021

Love Directs Our Prayers

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! In June 2011, the Apostolate was launched by a core of seven groups prayerfully initiated by Barb G, Barb Y, Jean K, Kathy C, Kathy N, Terri G and myself.  What trust these forerunners held.  What gratitude we now hold for that trust.  Building upon their foundation and example, annually in June we (re)commit to the regularity of our Holy Hours in unity with fellow sisters worldwide. One holy hour, one priest, each week… and yes, one heart of prayer.  Our one accord is credited to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus who called the first 7 X 7, continues to call each intercessor and unites us in, with and through His love!

 Friend and co-worker, Jane, exhibits a beautiful discipline when entering an exam room at the Clinic.  In a breath, straight from her heart, she whispers, “Love is patient, Love is kind…”  It heartens me to witness her lips moving as she raps on the door to announce her entrance into the room.

 So too, for Seven Sisters love directs our prayers.  A call to the Apostolate work may have initially been sensed as an obligation to pray for priests.  However, after offering only a few Holy Hours, most share that the “obligation” becomes more fittingly viewed as a privilege, even a gift.

 There are scores of reasons that praying for priests can be valued as a privilege.  A commonality is the influence of love through the most Sacred Heart.  Here are three:

1)     A priest is a man who is CHOSEN. – The Way and Will of God is to choose.  Scripture supports that a man does not honor himself, but is called by God (Lev 20:26 and Heb 5:4).  In the stillness of the heart, the man comes to know.  One priest (now a Bishop) heard the call while piloting an aircraft at a speed breaking the sound barrier.  Another shared that when reading the gospel of Matthew (21) regarding the untying of the donkey and colt, his submission was rendered with the personal understanding of, “The Master has need of them.”  On Ordination Day, the Ordinands are asked to indicate their presence after hearing their name called.  Each obliges with “Present”.  Someone once mused, “Perhaps they should echo Scripture and respond with ‘Here I am!’” Fr George Welzbacher (celebrating 70 years of priesthood in 2021), was quoted, “The work of the priest is eternal. There are many commendable things many people can do – and do do, but the work of the priest is to keep people out of hell and get them to heaven.  This is eternal work.”  In God’s choosing, He does not then abandon the priest, but provides all the graces necessary for this paramount and eternal work.  Much comes against the mission and flow of graces.  What a privilege that our prayers in love affirm and support God’s choice and often help open the way of graces to fulfill that call.

 2)     A priest is an ALTER CHRISTUS (another Christ, an extension of Him) – If a child is asked, “What do you think of when you think of a priest?”, likely the response is “Jesus” or “the Mass”, The child goes directly to the very core of the question. With childlike faith we too know.  A priest who says “I” (I absolve) or “my” (This is My Body) is not doing this in his name, but rather in the name of Christ, “in persona Christi”.  This is the divine and unchangeable design of Christ who instituted the sacraments.  “What tongue, human or angelic, may ever describe a power so immeasurable as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass?  Who could ever have imagined that the voice of man, which by nature hath not the power even to raise a straw from the ground, should obtain through grace a power so stupendous as to bring from Heaven to earth the Son of God?” (St Leonard of Port Maurice).   The Mass, lived in a deeply interior way forms and renews the priest in his truest identity, reminding him who Christ is in, with and through him.  What a privilege that our prayers in love can strengthen this dynamic of knowledge and love of a deepening conformity of the priest to Christ.

 3)     A priest is called to HEROIC GENEROSITY. – An initial prayer effort in the summer of 2010 bloomed out of the witness of the tireless generosity of time, wisdom and love of Fr Joseph Johnson.  In God’s Providence, it was seen fit that this generosity sparked an international movement! Today, this remains the most common spark that ignites the start of new Apostolate groups. A woman recognizes a generosity that needs to be fueled.  Her prayers and sacrifices can do this.  “The worthy priest… is the living image of Christ in this world, of Christ watching, praying, preaching, catechizing, working, weeping, going from town to town, from village to village, suffering, agonizing, sacrificing Himself, and dying for the souls created in His image and likeness. …He is the light of those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.  He is the destroyer of error, schisms and heresies, the converter of sinners, the sanctifier of the just, the strength of the weak, the consolation of the afflicted, the treasure of the poor.  He is the confusion of hell, the glory of heaven, the terror of demons, the joy of angels, the ruin of Satan’s kingdom, the establishment of Christ’s empire, the ornament of the Church…” (St John Eudes).

What a privilege that our prayers in love can fortify and fuel this extreme generosity, asking for greater sensitivities to the priest’s duties – known and unknown – and pledge to bear up his arms as he serves so many, so often.

 Similar to my friend, Jane, when we rap on the door to enter the Adoration Chapel, perhaps we can use the strength of sacred Scripture – Corinthians (13:4-8a) – to prepare our hearts in authentic love for the priest/bishop for whom we will pray: Love is patient and kind toward Fr __; love is not jealous or boastful toward Fr __; it is not arrogant or rude toward Fr __.  Love does not insist on its own way toward Fr __; it is not irritable or resentful toward Fr __; it does not rejoice at wrong in Fr __, but rejoices in the right in Fr __.  Love bears all things in Fr __, believes all things in Fr __, hopes all things in Fr __, endures all things in Fr __.  Love never ends for Fr__.  O Lord, teach us to pray – for and with authentic 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.

 Janette (Howe)
+JMJ+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com