PDF of January 2026 Communique
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as together we live the joys of Christmastide all the way to Epiphany. The sweet midpoint is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan 1). Then the Jubilee Year officially comes to a close (Jan 6) in Roma, leaving us plump with graces-to-overflowing. In the announcement of the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis yearned for a fruitful outcome: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” What a pleasant echo within the heart of every Seven Sister who is compelled by these very plans: of hope, of strength, of trust. Now one year later, perhaps you are observing evidence of these very things in the priest/bishop for whom you faithfully prayed. Maybe others are noticing these things in your life!
Like the trusting, reposed child in Dewey’s painting, Our Lord draws each one close, and closer still, to His most Sacred Heart, close enough to experience and embrace His love and its illuminating bearings. From here we are sent upon a course to bear witness to the light – that others too will know and desire Christ. In every age, through His children, Our Lord issues particular signs to guide humanity. He raises up what and who is needed – when and where and how. Consider the myriads of leaders along the arc of time within the Church, the diversity of religious Orders, lay movements, Apostolates. What a rich depository and divine orchestration of colossal, brilliant influences, and so clearly right alongside petit, discreet ones. In these times, Seven Sisters indeed bear an illuminating witness – individually and collectively, in evident and subtle ways. Our collective individual fiats to God’s Work through the Apostolate have proven flowering and fruitful.
The world is on the look-out for goodness, beauty and truth. The lives of the saints and saints-in-the-making, like you and I and all the priests and bishops for whom we beg graces, are sent to satisfy those hungers. Our Lord awakens awareness of His life through our lives more than we envision. Unbeknownst to us, the constancy and priority of our weekly prayer, our admittance of a sense that we fall short at times, our perseverance and tenacity despite, our reverential mannerisms as we pray, our generosity to “cover Hours”, our words of encouragement to fellow Sisters, the fruit of the prayer offerings – all may likely be bearing witness that escapes our own perception. Seemingly insignificant acts bore witness through our heavenly brothers and sisters. It is said that the unhurried, humble Sign of the Cross enacted by St Bernadette Soubirous converted the hearts of those nearby. Yes, that universal prayer that serves as prelude or ending to more prayer, that many hasten through. Yes, this prayer transformed onlookers. History reminds that Our Lady herself repeatedly helped wee Bernadette to reverently perfect the Sign. In that learning, souls were renewed. As a French missionary nun in the United States, St Rose Philippine Duchesne, gained a title from the Potawatomi Indians. With them but a year, her fervent hours of prayer stirred them to name her, Quah-kah-ka-num-ad, “Woman Who Prays Always”. It is written of St Francis Xavier, known to spend long hours in the Adoration Chapel, that at times when distributing Holy Communion, he was so struck with such adoration toward Our Lord who was in his hands, that he got on his knees and in that position continued distributing Holy Communion (Jesus, Our Eucharistic Lord, Fr Stefano Manelli, O.F.M).
The entire heavenly court is involved and united in the prayers that Christians offer. What delight undoubtedly beams from heaven where is witnessed the prayers and piety of Seven Sisters and the priests/bishops for whom they dedicate their prayers. This great cloud of witnesses influences our witness. They journey with us. Their examples, insights and active prayers illuminate and guide our current witness to be more effective. What is small and routine and seemingly not worthy to note in our life, may be the very aspect that Our Lord uses – and likely does! Fitting to this reflection on light and witness, many Seven Sisters offer this prayer of St John Henry Newman in their Hour. (Masculine pronouns have been substituted for first person pronouns.)
Dear Jesus, Help _____ to spread Your fragrance everywhere he goes. Flood his soul with Your spirit and Your life. Penetrate and possess his whole being so utterly, that his life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through him, and be so in him, that every soul he comes in contact with may feel Your presence in his soul. Let them look up and see no longer him, but only Jesus! Stay with him and then he shall begin to shine as You shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. The light, O Jesus, will be all from You; none of it will be his. It will be You, shining on others through him. Let him thus praise You in the way You love best, by shining on those around him. Let him preach You without preaching, not by words but by his example, by the catching force of the sympathetic influence of what he does, the evident fullness of the love his heart bears to You. Amen.
Dearest Sisters in Christ, let us not diminish that which has been cultivated and is flourishing through the graces of the Jubilee. Let us remain intercessors and witnesses of hope, of strength, of trust. Let us entrust our every act to this cause. For here nothing is wasted, all bears witness to the light.
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+ 651-283-0929; 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127; sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com
SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:
Heartfelt welcome: NEW groups that registered in DECEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, Canada (Ontario), and these USA states: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Internationally there are now over 5400 groups (of at least 7 intercessors – many have more) in 6 continents, 36 countries, all 50 USA states and most Provinces in Canada. Currently there are 8 groups for Pope Leo registered. More welcomed!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> REMINDER: that we are collecting Mysteries of the Rosary with reflections regarding priests. Can submit one or all 20 mysteries! Send to: Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Rd, St Paul, MN 55127
> Gratitude to Heidi and team for hosting Vespers/Adoration/Reception in Houston, TX, area.
> Fri-Sun, 30 Jan-1 Feb: Overnight Retreat. St Felix Center (Huntington, IN). $185. Holy Mass, Confessions, Adoration, Reflections (Frs. Langenbrunner, Coonan, Anderson, Kruse & Janette). Mass w/Bsp Rhoades. Hors d’oeuvres (Fri), 3 Meals (Sat), Brunch (Sun). www.sevensistersfwsb@gmail.com
> Link to quality Apostolate T-shirts (short & long sleeved and hoodies) Eye-catching monstrance design. https://www.bonfire.com/seven-sisters-apostolate OR sevensistersseattle@gmail.com
MATTERS of the HEART:
- “I received a text about the Pro Pace Group and felt the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart for some homebound parishioners who might be willing to pray for the priests in Purgatory. The first I reached out to was very moved and felt like she was part of the Church again with a purpose, even though bed-ridden. She found a website to listen to a daily Mass, and she was moved to tears hearing Mass again for the first time in a while. She was very eager to participate. We found three more parishioners that were excited to help and filled in the remaining days with regular daily Mass attendees, who are also Seven Sisters.” (Margi, Kansas)
- “I can feel God’s love between each of our “sisters”. We look forward to the monthly Communique – so full of love and beauty! What a beautiful ministry. What a privilege to pray!” (Bernie, Pennsylvania)
- “I first learned about the Seven Sisters Apostolate during a Nurse Honor Guard service for a fellow nurse. Another nurse told me about her involvement. Her testimony inspired me deeply. I have given this calling much thought and prayer. Moved by the mission, I am eager to begin.” (Colleen, Nebraska)
- “I am profoundly grateful for priests who give so much of themselves. My faith has grown deeply through my dedication to Eucharistic Adoration, and I firmly believe in the power of prayer.” (Jen, Arizona)
- “I saw an ad in a bulletin of another parish to join the Apostolate. I heard God calling me to start this in my own parish. I had just begun reading 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory. It is important to be before the Eucharist and praying for others. I hope to deepen my relationship with God, bring fruits of the Holy Spirit to our pastor and parish, and build community with the women sharing in this Apostolate.” (Angel, Missouri)
- “I had a spiritual moment happen to me recently. Reflecting on it, I believe it was Our Lady asking me to prayer for our priests. I casually came across the Seven Sisters Apostolate and knew! (Corrine, Wisconsin)
- “When I learned that a retired priest was also able to have a Seven Sisters group to pray for them, I formed this group to follow our pastor into retirement. I had been his anchoress previously, and he always told me that he experienced the difference when he had the Seven Sisters praying for him. I have discovered that it is a great blessing to have the privilege of praying for our priests in this powerful way before the Blessed Sacrament! I hope always to have a place in Seven Sisters!” (Arlene, Florida)
ELIJAH’s HELPERS: Intercessors in this group are dedicated to offering Holy Hours for priests in various forms of crisis (no names known) within a particular Diocese. These special Hours for special circumstances carry special supportive graces. It is growing! Please consider this vital, hope-filled offering for our priests! Inquiries about stating a group: sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com
PRO PACE (Latin, for peace): In Nov 2024 an opportunity opened to pray for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Groups of seven are to band together. The commitment for each intercessor will be to attend holy Mass on one’s unique day every week and offer one’s personal Mass intention and personal Communion for the souls of priests in Purgatory. Anchoress: registration forms on the Website.
APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project: A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt! The priests love both! To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com
FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group. Each man prayerfully discerns the type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups. Form on the Website for FB leader to register.
LAMP-BEARERS: Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, pray for the Apostolate at large. Each intercessor offers prayers of her choice every day, and prays for two unique countries to increase prayer efforts for priests. Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the Communique and sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month. Additional intercessors ever-welcomed. Inquire through Website.
SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site. Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE: Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out! Available on Web as free download. Recommend 80# silk for best printing results. May also order through Web site. Indicate address/quantity. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H. Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH.
SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures). Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing. 50 cents each or 25 for $10 + P/H.
REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE. Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions and to pray!
PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest. You will know. Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest. Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior. This is commendable and welcomed. Please register these special groups through the Web site.
SPANISH translation of Communique: Posted (and archived) on the Website. The translation link is sent with every Communique. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Website – free download)
Visit the Apostolate website today… www.sevensistersapostolate.org
Spanish: www.facebook.com/Apostolado-Siete-Hermanas-112921710620881/
…in quietness and trust is your strength. – Isaiah 30:1
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!