Advent-into-Christmas-into-Jubilee-Year greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ – When in Nursing School, a Professor referred to a study regarding Harvard business school alum all educated during the same time with comparable instruction. Some proved remarkably successful; others fell miserably flat. What distinguished the two was lists. Those managing flourishing enterprises maintained the habit of scribing daily lists.
We likely can relate to these findings as we look at our own use and misuse of lists. We likely can also relate that Advent ‘tis the season for a flurry of multiplication of lists. Some of us have or are set to add gift lists, guest lists, getting-ready-for-guests lists, expanded grocery and menu lists, and lists in the margins of the lists! Yet lest we fret that this kind of activity lies with our fallen natures, let us remember that Our Lord bore rather important lists too – like the Ten Commandments, a roster of the seven deadly sins, listing of gifts of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord holds a unique plan for each of us (likely with list aspects!) as gifts and a call that are irrevocable (Romans 11:29) What supreme JOY to consider that He masterfully weaves our plans (and lists!) and call together – at least in part – in our roles as Seven Sisters. Truly it will take an eternity to appreciate the intricacies of His workings!
We tiptoe into the New liturgical Year on December 1st, but it will quickly gain momentum on Christmas Eve with the opening of the Jubilee Year. Graces galore are set before us for deep conversion and the heightened joy that follows! These present a marvelous time to take stock of the plans and lists we are primarily following. Is Our Lord their Author? Do I consult Him? Do I recognize His desires for me? Do I invite the input of His Will and Way? It is easy to get sidetracked and formulate plans that sweep us to destinations not expected or desired.
Seven Sisters can point to a day of the week each calendar week and submit to a call that has been divinely given. What about the living out of the Hour? Do we enter with our own list of how our prayerful conversation will flow in that Hour? Do we allow room through pause and silence to learn if Our Lord has insights and guidance that may be different than what we “planned”. A French priest (early 18th century), Fr Jean Pierre de Caussade, advised the Visitation nuns, whom he directed, that they (we) have a duty of the present moment regardless of not understanding or desiring it. He assured that this did not mean one never plans (or make lists) or that one floats like a leaf (false submission), but that we act prudently in each moment with the confidence that God is our ever-present help and has a plan. De Caussade advised that “to submit to God is loving Him and if you love God, you cannot go wrong.” Asking for His help in prayer is always fruitful. “What God arranges for us to experience at each moment is the best and holiest thing that could happen to us. … Without Him everything is nothing, and with Him nothing is everything. We may meditate, indulge in contemplation, pray aloud, practice interior silence… and though they may all be valuable, there is nothing better for us than to do what God wants at any particular moment.” Like St John then we can say at any moment, “It is the Lord!” and like St Peter we can respond to “spring into the sea” (Jn 21:17).
Our reading of good books, taking on new and varied devotions, our daily activities – all have benefit when in the Will of God, but de Caussade warns that if they are taken up outside of His Will, they can actually harm us because they indeed place us outside of His Will. Fr de Caussade assures that a sense of inner peace can be our guide, and encourages asking when there are doubts. He reminds that Jesus is near and not going anywhere. He is IN the present moment and why each moment then can rightly be considered a “sacrament” because Christ lives there. Staying keen and connected to God’s guidance – an abandonment to His providence in each moment – in our prayer times and life in general – can do no less than unite us to God more fully.
De Caussade speaks of the Holy Spirit writing the book of our life – a biography every day – in a language that we will only understand in heaven. “Every letter has a special meaning.” The moving relief pictured here by Robbia could hearken to that day when the angels will sing from that book which houses the hoped lists of God for each of our lives and how we responded to them in love. And nothing would be appropriate at that moment except singing – and more singing. For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done (Matt 16:27). Oh, sisters, let us invite the Lord to review our every list – of things we desire, of the way we pray, of the life we live. Let us ask Him to perfect them. Surely, He deeply longs to rejoice over you with singing (Zeph 3:17).
United in prayer, fasting and mission…that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest. Eternal gratitude continues as you each offer a daily wee Hail Mary for me. “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not ‘spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted…’ (St Teresa of Calcutta). Your emails, notes and calls always arrive to my heart door at the just the right moment! Financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of the Apostolate. Your letters of testimony are beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through them! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.
Janette (Howe) +JMJ+
Blessed and joy-filled Advent and Christmas seasons to YOU!
This year special graces abound in the opening of the Jubilee Year doors on Christmas Eve in Roma! The Jubilee Year will be celebrated all the way to Epiphany 2026! GIFT for YOU: Striking NEW Apostolate Holy Card (4”x 5”). Prayerfully and generously painted by Seven Sister, Nancy T (California). Prayer on back from Pope Benedict XVI. Send SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) to: Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups that registered in NOVEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Australia, Cameroon (Africa) and these USA states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. There are currently over 4500 groups in 6 continents, 33 countries, all 50 USA states. Our sure mission in every diocese of every country: Let no shepherd be left behind!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> Gratitude for the 2nd Annual Day-long Retreat for Seven Sisters (Peoria Diocese) at the St John’s community Princeville Priory (Princeville, IL) on 2 Nov.
> Gratitude to St Paul-Mpls Diocesan Coordinator, Doreen & team, along with local Seven Sisters for organizing/hosting the 11th Annual Time of Reflection and Renewal on 9 Nov.
> Gratitude to Arlington (VA) Diocesan Co-Coordinators, Andrea and Beth, for organizing and hosting their Annual Retreat on 9 Nov.
> Gratitude to Bishop Schlesinger for an invitation to offer a Seven Sister half day Informational gathering in Atlanta, GA, on 16 Nov. Gratitude to his Anchoress, Amanda, for organizing.
> Gratitude to Fargo (ND) Diocesan Coordinator, Suellen, and team from Holy Spirit parish for organizing and hosting a half day Retreat on 23 Nov.
> Link to Limited edition Apostolate T-shirts (short & long sleeved T-shirts, hoodies): https://www.bonfire.com/seven-sisters-apostolate OR [email protected]
MATTERS of the HEART:
- “Today the Lord helped me be totally united with the souls of His priests in my first official Pro Pace Mass. To lift them up at the Consecration was humbling, for they are priests after all! Tears by the time we got to “Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, YOU HAVE SET US FREE.” It seemed He was listening and bringing those home He deemed ready. Gifts and graces will be multiplied for these servant souls still waiting for our prayers “pro pace.” (Carmen, Kansas)
- “I was asked by a lovely friend to be an anchoress. I’m 1 year new to weekly adoration – it’s an amazing spiritual journey.” (Laura, Colorado)
- “I joined a Seven Sister group praying for a retired priest. I then felt a call to organize a group for an itinerant priest in Australia with an international following. I thought it would be difficult to find women from other countries with the same love for priests and prayer, but have found 6 other women, one being his mother, and now have a very strong group.” (Louise, Massachusetts and Australia)
- “My conversion came through the witness of a very holy and happy priest when I was 17. Since then, I have had a deep love and respect for the priesthood. I came across Seven Sisters and began praying for an opportunity from the Lord to join or start a group. I moved to a different state and no group existed at my parish. It was His invitation to start one! He took care of the rest!” (Emily, Ohio)
- “I helped start several Seven Sister groups last year. Such a tremendous gift for both the priests and intercessors. It has fostered friendships and spiritual growth. It’s not uncommon for family members of a Seven Sister to start going to adoration. What a beautiful apostolate.” (Kathleen, Colorado)
- “This apostolate is going to change the world one parish at a time. It was presented to me in such a holy, humble manner. I wanted for our parish what they have happening in theirs. Our parish priest is now covered under this powerful apostolate. We also have two retired priest who graciously help to celebrate Mass. We are starting a group for each. Exciting times are happening!! (Jane, Iowa)
- “I was born and raised in the Philippines. My beloved husband passed away in February 2020. After his passing, I started attending daily Mass. It helped my grieving. I have always been moved by the power of prayer. This led me to the Seven Sisters Apostolate, whose mission of intercession through focused, committed prayer deeply resonated with me.” (Grace, New Jersey)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Intercessors in this group are dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known). These are special Hours for special circumstances and carry special supportive graces. It is growing! Please consider this vital, hope-filled offering for our priests! All inquiries to Nancy at [email protected] or cell: 612-756-1107. She will help!PRO PACE (Latin, for peace): In Nov 2024 an opportunity opened to pray for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Groups of seven are to band together. The commitment for each intercessor will be to attend holy Mass on one’s unique day every week and offer one’s personal Mass intention and personal Communion for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Anchoress: registration forms on the Website.
APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact [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. Form on the Website for FB leader to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor offers prayers of her choice every day, and prays for two unique countries to increase prayer efforts for priests. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the Communique and sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors ever-welcomed. Inquire through Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H.
REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. The translation link is sent with every Communique. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)