Communique July 2025 PDF Format
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as we persist as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year. Together we enter July, the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. The Church invites us to delve deeper into this mystery of Christ’s extravagant offering of ransom for our sake. Our priestly Brothers in Christ, including our new Pope Leo, serve as mentors to help us more fully embrace the reality and wealth of such a Gift!
Unlike our schoolgirl mystery novels that brought us to tangible solutions, the lofty mysteries of the Faith move the heart serenely toward only glimpses to ponder, savoring each small fragment. All told, these insights are granted that we may know, love and serve more generously through Christ’s immense love that compels. In the opening chapter of his book, The Precious Blood, Fr Frederick W Faber, claims: “Every doctrine in theology is a call to the Precious Blood. Every ceremony in the Church tells of it. Every sermon that is preached is an exhortation to the use of it. Every Sacrament is a communication of it. Every supernatural act is a growth of it. Everything that is holy on the earth is either leaf, bud, blossom or fruit of the Blood of Jesus.” Through Faber’s ever-poetic-always-reflective style we can readily grasp how intimately tied the life of the priest is to the Precious Blood. As Seven Sisters we can take this cue to launch fresh prayers for our Brothers in Christ to not only understand and live the mysteries associated with the Blood of Christ, but to help those under their care to do likewise. Following are some Saintly prayers for potential use for the priestly recipients of your prayers:
- Portraying Christ’s Blood as a veritable ocean of mercy, St Catherine of Siena offers this prayer which can be easily adapted, if led to do so, for one’s Hour: Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon ___! Precious Blood, Most pure Offering: Procure ___ every Grace! Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of sinners: Atone for ___! Precious Blood, Delight of holy souls: Draw ___! Amen.
- Christ’s Blood is a pool of purification. St Ephraem offers another prayer for our use: O Lord, ____ cannot go to the pool of Siloe to which you sent the blind man. But ____ has the chalice of Your Precious Blood, filled with life and light. The purer ____ is, the more (he) receives.
- When worthily received, the Blood of Christ casts out demons and opens the way for God and His angels to swiftly come to one’s aid. St John Chrysostom prays it well and helps us do the same: Let ____, then, come back from that table like a lion breathing out fire, thus becoming terrifying to the Devil, and remaining mindful of our Head and of the love He has shown for (him)… This Blood, when worthily received, drives away demons and puts them at a distance from (him), and even summons to (him) angels and the Lord of angels… This Blood, poured out in abundance, has washed the whole world clean… This is the price of the world; by it Christ purchased the Church.”
- The Blood of Christ profoundly influences lives. St Maximilian Kolbe helps us grow our knowledge and faith in the Blood of Christ and to pray to that end for our priestly Brothers in Christ: You come to ____ and unite Yourself intimately to (him) under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in (his). Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates (his), giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!
Giotto’s sapphire-hued depiction of the Crucifixion invites the heart to a tranquility and a summons to linger. The tumble of angels softly painted in this detail conveys a peacefulness. Even while intense emotion and grieving at the foot of the cross co-exists, the angels nonetheless reverently hover in a resolute holy endeavor of collecting every Precious drop of the Blood. It is heaven’s plan for our witness. Elsewhere in the pages of The Precious Blood, Fr Faber references the holy angels in a related way: “When the Blessed Sacrament is laid upon your tongue, —that moment and that act which the great angels of God look down upon with such surpassing awe, —the Blood of Jesus is throbbing there in all its abounding life of glory. It sheathes in the sacramental mystery that exceeding radiance which is lighting all heaven at that moment with a magnificence of splendour which exceeds the glowing of a million suns. You do not feel the strong pulses of His immortal life. If you did, you could hardly live yourself. Sacred terror would undo your life. But in that adorable Host is the whole of the Precious Blood, the Blood of Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and Calvary, the Blood of the Passion, of the Resurrection, and of the Ascension, the Bloodshed and reassumed. As Mary bore that Precious Blood within herself of old, so do you bear it now.”
Dearest sisters in Christ, what great graces indeed to be drawn deeper in the mysteries of our Faith, all the while considering the well-being and sanctity of “the other”, our priestly Brothers in Christ, as we do so. Surely the nourishment of our prayers draws from the wellspring of these sacred mysteries. Our Founding Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, recently, quietly, shared with me: “Since my 25th Jubilee (31 May 2023) at every Mass when I raise the Chalice at the Consecration I pray for you and the Seven Sisters … every (his emphasis) Mass.” What an astounding and generous gift is conferred to us in these sacred acts and moments. How fitting to share this with you all across the globe in this beautiful month of July. May your heart be open wider still – to the cascade of graces that reach you every day from this big-hearted offering at the holy altar. Eternal gratitude, Fr JJ!
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 JUNE to cover more priests in daily prayer: Additional groups in Canada (Edmonton and Nova Scotia), Italy, Mexico, Vatican City, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and these USA states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Internationally there are now over 5000 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 6 groups for Pope Leo registered. More welcomed!
RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:
> May-October: Champion Shrine’s Shepherd Project. A season of prayer for each and every Bishop in the USA. One daily prayer provided. To sign up: https://championshrine.org/shepherd-project/
> Gratitude to Jen/team (Diocese New Ulm, MN) for hosting Day of Reflection (7 June)
> Gratitude to Conchita/team (Diocese of Victoria, TX) for hosting Day of Reflection (11 June)
> Gratitude to Kathy/team (Diocese of Birmingham, AL) for hosting Day of Reflection (14 June)
> Gratitude to Heidi/team (Archdiocese Galv-Houston, TX) for hosting Day of Reflection (21 June)
> Gratitude to Jennifer/team (Archdiocese Portland, OR) for hosting Day of Reflection (21 June)
> 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:
- “One of the most meaningful chapters in my Catholic journey unfolded when I joined the Seven Sisters Apostolate. This commitment was not just a duty but a gift—one that deepened my connection to God and strengthened my resolve to support those who shepherd the faithful. In the stillness of adoration, I found peace, purpose, and the quiet assurance that faith is not just about believing—but about offering oneself in love, service, and devotion.” (Linda, Florida)
- “My love for the Catholic faith and Eucharist is growing through formation and frequent Mass attendance. Without our priests there would be no Mass, so I’m happy to be praying for them! (Sheila, Canada)
- “I felt called to pray for our Bishop ever since I attended an Ordination Mass last year. When I saw him, I saw Peter in him. All our clergy need our prayers.” (Lydia, Texas)
- “The priest we were praying for passed away at 97. He fell when carrying in a couple vases of flowers from his backyard to put by his Mary statue. (He normally used a cane, but had both hands full, as the story goes.) The doctors were attempting surgery for his broken hip, and his heart failed. Father’s last request to me (a couple days before he fell) was to pray that he could say Holy Mass until the day he died… and he did right up to that fall!” (Deb, Indiana)
- “Our priest just told me again on Friday how thankful he is for our prayers. Maybe in another month or two I will get through a whole Holy Hour without tears.” (Barbara, Kentucky)
- “The Holy Spirit led me to Seven Sisters about 6 years ago. I have always had a special place in my heart for our priests, so I felt the one gift I could give them would be to pray a Holy Hour each week. I look forward to my Holy Hours, as I know I am doing God’s work in helping to take care of His shepherds through prayer. I am truly blessed and grateful to be a part of this sacred ministry.” (Adele, Virginia)
- “Our priest asked that a flyer be put up regarding Pro Pace, praying for Priests in Purgatory. In a week I received seven requests. Every single sister said they prayed daily for the priests in Purgatory, and they felt that this was a calling meant for them. Ave Maria. Christus Vincit. (Connie, Louisiana)
- “I became a Seven Sister last year and have found peace and an increase in my spiritual journey through this Hour of weekly prayer for Father.” (Laurie, Wisconsin)
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 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.