“It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. ”
Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ as showers of Lenten graces meet us in these unprecedented times, generously preparing us to live more deeply and boldly our Holy Week, Easter glory and Eastertide joy. God is with us! All will be well! (St Julian of Norwich) …
An early pioneer of long-distance radio transmission, Gugliemo Marconi, held fast to a notion later in his life that sound never dies. He surmised that it simply became too quiet for our ears to perceive. He believed if he fashioned the right device, any sound could be recoverable. His heartfelt longing was to hear Jesus utter the Sermon on the Mount. Marconi’s dreams were just that. Sound vibrations do not perpetually exist, but rather vibrate less and less until the sound vanishes. Or does it?
When my mother passed, I could not recall her laughter. It was both perplexing and painful. Then one day that lilting laughter fully returned and filled my heart! Oh, the consoling effect as it broke through a veil of grief. Laughter. I love you. I am so sorry. Will you marry me? It’s twins! Utterances can “live” long after sound waves dissipate – in the archives of memory and recesses of heart.
Seven Sister intercessors often ponder the life of the priest. It is essential. Our weekly prayers are formed by this intentional consideration. Have you ever reflected on the words of a priest/bishop? The sacramental words of Institution, Baptism, Absolution, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick stand as the most powerful. There are innumerable prayers offered with and for others, countless blessings, daily Gospel proclamations, homilies, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, immeasurable words in due season – on the street corner, hospital, marketplace, meeting settings. A priest is looked to in the crossroads with the “right word”: in both dispute or celebration, for the penitent, engaged couple, grieving family, parochial teacher and student alike, waiter with a question, a brother priest. He whispers heaven-sent words of wisdom and encouragement (Luke 12:12). He is expected to impart knowledge or levity through the full spectrum of time: from current affairs to the ancient lives of saints to eternity. The words are ordained to be life-giving! Resting oft times in our memory and heart, they can be readily evoked when needed: guiding, strengthening, comforting. The words and actions of a priest mark us – as children of God, as ones loved! Love affects all things. Eternally.
Consider the sheer volume of words and actions offered through the life span of a retired priest. (Is retired even a proper descriptor?) They have challenged and changed the course of history for countless individuals. An eternal ripple effect. The sacraments alone! The sound of their words is not too quiet to still be heard. (Marconi would be thrilled to know!) I carry a personal indebtedness for the love and care of retired clergy in my own return to the Faith. Retired Bishop Paul Dudley (+2007) was a significant mentor and intercessor in my months of discerning a return to the Church. Retired Army Chaplain, Fr Martin Fleming (+2018), heard my Confession of reconciliation (1999). Unlike men retiring from a place of employment, the priest remains ever-deployed by the Lord Himself. I was grateful to be in their paths!
Currently several retired priests have the benefit of Seven Sisters groups. This Communiqué is a special appeal for launching more. Emphasizing the Apostolate Guidelines, the pastor of one’s parish should have an established group first and foremost. Given that, groups for other priests are encouraged from members of that parish. Our mission includes all bishops and priests!
If you sense a call to this Apostolate, there is a priest who needs your prayers. If God has called you, He will provide. Schalcken’s serene Lady Holding a Candle might hearken to someone sent to do just that. The light of the sole candle seems sufficient for her mission. The light of one’s prayers will make clear (enough!) the path to begin. Our Lady, mother of all priests, will help.
A retired priest’s group is a bit unique. He will not receive a new assignment. Thus, this group may be more long-term then some. The intercessors may not regularly see or know the priest. This may be challenging in prayer for some, not others. Conversely, some groups do know the priest and desire to form a friendship. Some have been known to plan jubilee gatherings, share meals and prayers, offer rides when needed, even keep vigil during the final days and hours of life. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in a letter (02/07/18) to the editor of the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Ser, wrote, “I am on pilgrimage Home. It’s a great grace for me to be surrounded on this end of the route, sometimes a bit tiring, by a love and kindness that I could never have imagined.” Likely this is a shared sentiment from a retired priest with the gift of a Seven Sisters group.
A fruit of the Apostolate has arisen regarding prayer for retired priests. Long-time Seven Sister, Deb T (Minnesota) combines her gifts of quilting and intercession to initiate, Appreciated and Loved. Lap quilts are fashioned with a particular priest in mind. The first was given March 12! Two more are in the making. The back of the quilt bears a corner label (black with a white collar, of course!) with an embroidering of the priest’s name, “Appreciated and Loved by Seven Sisters Apostolate”, and date. Ideally the quilt is presented to the priest by the Seven Sister group. This is hoped to also be a way for new groups to start. Quilters can pray for a group to form as they sew or solicit another group to intercede/form a new group. Team work at its best! Our Web site will feature photos of the quilts/priests and stories about the lives of the recipient priests. To learn more on how to begin or financially support the efforts, contact Deb through QuiltsbySevenSisters@gmail.com
“At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love,” says St John of the Cross. It is true for the retired priest; it is true for each one of us. “Let us love until we die of love” (St Therese of Lisieux). Love affects all things. Eternally.
Most Blessed continued Lent – and Holy Week, Easter, Eastertide ahead!
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
+JMJ+
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com