In the Shadow of His Wings

Sponsa Christi April 13th, 2012

Well, I just found that I did not publish this last Thursday as I had thought! bummer!  Well, perhaps it will still be an inspiration to some…

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As we begin the Sacred Triduum this evening I am bringing you the Formation Sisters reflections on the readings from the 5th Sunday of Lent.  Be blessed!

Scripture Reflection for the 5^th Sunday of Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15

Hebrews 5:7-9

John 12:20-33

This week we were all captivated by – as Sr. Mary Veronica eloquently put it – the pathos of the heart of Christ, expressed not only in the Gospel but in all the readings. They all take us deep into the mystery of God’s covenantal love for us, a love which reaches its climactic fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Love Incarnate.

Sr. Mary Andrea highlighted Jeremiah’s narrative of God’s poignant and tender promise of His new covenant, in which He will heal the very roots of our infidelities and make it possible for us to truly be in intimacy with Him. “I will be their God, and they shall be my people…. All, from the least to the greatest shall know me!”

The psalmist fervently prays for Him to accomplish this work: “A clean heart create for me, O God; renew in me a steadfast spirit!” But it is St. John and the author of Hebrews who really paint for us the stunning portrait of Jesus Christ upon the eve of consummating this new covenant.

According to Hebrews, Jesus “offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” The “loud cries and tears” of the Lord have always captivated Sr. Mary Veronica. How rich is the heart of Christ! The full spectrum of His human virtues and passions includes fervent intercession, profound reverence, unstinting obedience…and heart-wrenching grief and majestic joy.

Sr. Cecilia Maria pointed out that in the original Greek, when Jesus says, “I am troubled now… Father, save me from this hour,” He is actually quoting the Greek text of Psalm 6:4-5: “In utter terror is my soul…Lord, save my life!” What a mystery of suffering! Sr. Rose Marie was similarly intrigued by the seeming contradiction of Jesus’ fear and confidence in the Gospel.

We found an answer to the contradiction in the eternal reality of God’s covenantal love. Anne and Sr. Cecilia Maria focused upon Jesus’ words, “It was for this purpose that I came to this hour…. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself.” Jesus trembles from fear, yes, as the time of His Passion draws nigh, but He trembles also from the strength of His loving longing for union with His beloved people…a union which will finally be accomplished at “this hour.”

Since the dawn of creation, God has yearned to gather His people to Himself, into the embrace of His love. Jesus gave voice to this elsewhere in the Gospels when He cried, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often have I yearned to gather your children as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…but you would not!” This hour of Jesus Passion will finally accomplish His purpose: upon the Cross, Christ Jesus will gather all of us to Himself.

It is consummated!

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Sponsa Christi February 20th, 2012

Our “Venerable” Fr. Fred Sucher, CP (retired at St. Heart Passionist Monastery in Louisville, KY) is with us for a few days this week. He just turned 95 years old and his spirit is undimmed (although he certainly has selective hearing!) Mother Catherine Marie arranged his days here to help us Sisters make a generous start of the Lenten Season.

Fr. Fred waxed eloquent this afternoon on the following letter of St. Paul of the Cross to Teresa Palozzi. Teresa would be one of the first Passionist Nuns, the first monastery being founded in 1771.  There is no date on this letter but Fr. Fred guesses it was probably written in 1763. At this time Teresa was a single lay woman living in her home. She was in her 30′s by this time…waiting on God’s providence to unfold and hoping the Passionist Nuns would be founded soon. She lived somewhat like a servant in her family home. Sort of like St. Catherine of Siena.

I pray this letter blesses you and helps you start your Lent with a generous spirit, an interior spirit of self-denial and penance, bearing fruit in a generous gift of self with Jesus to the Father. No matter what state of life you are in you are called to be a saint. Remember…only saints get into heaven!

So, let us begin…

May the holy Passion of Jesus be always in your heart.

I did not answer your letter sooner because I was overly occupied. You would like to know how to govern yourself during this present Lent. I tell you that the life of men and women servants of God should be a continual Lent, that is, a continual exercise of mortification, internal and external. So distrusting yourself and depending much upon God, make your continuous Lent by always denying your will, being subject in exact obedience in the things most difficult and bitter to your self-love.

Mortify your external senses, that is, your eyes and your tongue, by speaking as little as possible and only when really necessary. Flee dealing with men, even with women, except when necessity demands it. Take the sweet as though it were bitter, the bitter as though it were sweet, and love contempt of self and that no one makes any account of you. Remain crucified with Jesus Christ, embracing every occasion to suffer for love of God with patience, with silence, and without ever justifying yourself, being resentful, or complaining. There, Teresa, is a short way to live a continual Lent and a short compendium to make yourself holy.

Do not be scrupulous about eating what they serve in the house in accord with the indult of the Highest Pontiff. God is pleased with your good will, and you will have the same merit as if you ate only Lenten fare. I am happy with the vow of virginity the confessor had you take until the Feast of the Annunciation. You may renew it from feast to feast, but do not take it perpetually. The time will come when you are consecrated to God for ever. Be patient. Be persevering and faithful to God, for you will see that the Lord will open a great pathway.

Meditate on the Passion of Jesus and the Sorrows of Mary Most Holy. When you feel yourself more moved by some affections of holy love, learn how to rest your spirit on the breast of your Beloved Good in a silence of faith and holy love, and allow your soul to be filled by this holy affection. When it dies down, continue your meditation with a peaceful spirit and without straining your head or breast. Be careful to do everything gently.

Keep your heart recollected in the Presence of God during your work. Your heart should be a living tabernacle for the gentle Sacramental Jesus. Remain within yourself in this tabernacle at the feet of Jesus, as did Magdalene. In spirit embrace those divine feet, listen to his sweet words, and let yourself be completely consumed with love for him.

Do not be scrupulous. Let any scruples be consumed in the fire of divine love. Have no scruples about your vow of virginity, for God will help you to keep it well. Pray for me and Jesus bless you. Amen. Greetings in the Lord to your mother.

Your unworthy servant,

Paul of the Cross

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• Bride of Christ , Catholic Vocations for Women , Lent , Passionist History , Passionist Spirituality , Saint Paul of the Cross
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Sponsa Christi March 7th, 2011

    Our friend, Fr. Victor Hoagland Passionist of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross (East Coast), has a new book out. I haven’t read it but the cover is so appealing I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share it with you.

If St. Paul of the Cross–Paul Danei, founder of the Passionists–were to accompany you through Lent I’m sure he would be with you as you are and the world you live in as it is. He was never afraid of darkness and dark places, so you may find him a helpful spiritual guide. He trusted in Jesus Christ and his cross, ‘the wisdom and power of God;’ I’m sure he will bring some of that wisdom to you.

~ Fr. Victor Hoagland, CP

You’ll find here a short biography of St. Paul of the Cross, a brief history of the Passionists, a description of his writings and spirituality, and reflections and prayers for each day of Lent based on the gospels and the writings of the saint.  244 pages.

Consider making St. Paul of the Cross your companion this Lent!

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Sponsa Christi March 2nd, 2010

    Perhaps this is what many of you our dear friends have been wondering.  Where are the nuns? 

    Well, I could tell you that we got lost in the desert of Lent…

    But seriously…I do hope to get back to regular blogging during the blessed Easter Season.  Until then, let us keep each other in prayer! May this be a most sacred and solemn Lent for us all.

    Oh, btw, you might enjoy this link to our vocation dvd. It was recorded 3 years ago and so the members you see/don’t see are a little outdated but the spirit and truth of our life is still well represented herein.  Special thanks to our lay-Passionist friend David for posting it on his blog.

    Also, check out the new feature at our website - The Novitiate Corner!

    Well, I must get back to the sacred desert.   

    May the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Sorrows of Mary be ever in our hearts!

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Sponsa Christi April 5th, 2009

    I know it has been so long since I posted. I could give you a list of excuses but neither you nor I have time for that!

    We have a beautiful little custom in our community of setting a place for our Lord on the evening of Palm Sunday. Scripture says he went to Bethany that evening and so we too meet him there. A lovely platter of dried fruits, candy, nuts and cookies is placed before our Lord and each of us take our turn selecting some lovely “sweet gifts” from our Lord and share a meal with him.

    Today, on Passion Sunday (also known as Palm Sunday) we just entered the Great Door opening on to the Holiest Week of the year. We can participate in Holy Week as if we had been present when the events first happened! How? through the special and sacred Liturgies that will take place Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Masses of either the Vigil or Easter Sunday.

    To see more on this see the Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1085. See also the introduction and first chapter of Ecclesia de Eucharistia – very mystical!

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Sponsa Christi February 26th, 2009

 Come, let us adore Christ Crucified,
whose mother Saint Gabriel cherished.

~ Invitatory Antiphon for the Feast of St. Gabriel
of our Lady of Sorrows

The Life of St. Gabriel

     Gabriel’s life reveals that a profound love for the Mother of Sorrows is of the very essence of the Passionist charism, for it was Mary who appeared to young Paul Francis Daneo, the Passionist founder, and called him to found the Congregation.

     Francisco Possenti was born in Assisi on March 1, 1838, the eleventh child of Sante Possenti and Agnes Frisciotti.

     The first year of his life was spent away from his family with a nursing woman who cared for him because his mother was unable. In 1841 Sante moved the family to Spoleto where he was appointed magistrate. In that same year, the youngest Possenti child died at just six months old; Francis’ nine-year old sister, Adele, soon followed. Just days later, his heartbroken mother was too called to eternal life. Francis had lost his mother at just 4 years old.

     Tragedy continued to plague the family during his youth. In 1846 Francis’ brother, Paul, was killed in the Italian war with Austria. Another brother, Lawrence, later took his own life. Such events, however, did not rob Francis of his spirit and cheerfulness. During his formative years, Francis attended the school of the Christian brothers and then the Jesuit college in Spoleto. He was lively, intelligent and popular at school. At sixteen, he suffered a life-threatening illness. Praying for a cure, Francis promised to become a religious. With recovery, however, Francis quickly forgot his promise. But God’s call would not be denied, and Francis soon turned his heart to the Congregation of the Passionists.

     Sante Possenti was less than pleased with his teenage son’s decision. Determined to show Francis the joys of a secular life of theater and society parties, Sante continued to hope Francis would find pleasure in a social life. But the young man was not to be dissuaded. Immediately after completion of his schooling, he left for the Passionist novitiate in Morrovalle. In the novitiate, he cultivated a great love for Christ Crucified. Francis received the Passionist habit on September 21, 1856, which that year was the Feast of the Sorrowful Mother. He was given the name: Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother. A year later he took his vows. His monastic life preparing for the priesthood made Gabriel a secluded, non-public figure. His writings reflect his close relationship with God and His mother.

A Time of Strife

     These were difficult and tumultuous times in Italy. The new Italian government issued decrees closing religious Orders in certain provinces of the Papal States. The new Passionist province of Pieta, to which Gabriel belonged, was in the center of this chaos. By 1860, the Passionists had ceased apostolic work due to the growing threats surrounding the community. During this period various Italian provinces were overrun by soldiers who robbed and terrorized the towns with little mercy.

     For safety’s sake, the Passionist superiors transferred all their novices to an isolated monastery at Isola in the Abruzzi Mountains of the kingdom of Naples. Stories abound as to Gabriel’s brave encounter there with a soldier who had taken a young village girl at gunpoint. As the story goes, soldiers arrived in Isola and went about robbing buildings and burning houses. Gabriel asked permission to go into town in order to help the frightened townspeople. He soon encountered a soldier who had apprehended a young girl. The soldiers mocked the young monk. They seemed to think that an ordinary monk would not stand up to a soldier. But, eventually, Brother Gabriel forced the company to leave the village in peace.

An Early Death

     The people of Isola would always remember him as “their Gabriel.” Struck with tuberculosis at the age of 24, Gabriel died before his ordination to the priesthood. His fidelity to prayer, joyfulness of spirit and habitual mortifications stand out in his otherwise ordinary life. Pope Benedict XV canonized Gabriel in 1920 and declared him a patron of Catholic youth. His patronage is also invoked by the Church for students, seminarians, novices and clerics. Thousands of divine favors are attributed to his intercession with Christ Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother Mary.

     Found on the website of the Passionists of Holy Cross Province.

     We wish to offer a very special thanks to all of you who joined us in praying for our novitiate. St. Gabriel certainly obtained many “vocation favors” for our community. May the Lord bless and reward you for the many ways you support our hidden monastic life!

     A prayer for today’s feast

Lord God,
you gave Saint Gabriel
a special privilege of entering into
the passion of your Son
and the compassion of his Virgin Mary.
Teach us to contemplate with his eyes
the very mystery of salvation
and to grow in love in the spirit of joy.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Our monastic Ash Wednesday

     Ash Wednesday was a work morning for us and an afternoon of Lectio Divina led by Msgr. Bernard Powers. That evening we shared some recreation together. Certainly we must seek to live the holy gravity of the Season but that does not mean we give up laughter for Lent!  As one of the saints said, “A sad saint is a sorry saint.”

     Shannon had the most perfect ash cross by the end of the day. Let us pray for one another during this holy Season. Let us be warriors of prayer, penance and charitable deeds…

     This calls to mind a poem of St. Therese…

“Smiling I brave the fire;
And in your arms, O my divine Bridegroom,
With a song on my lips, I shall die on the field of battle,
My weapon in my hand.”

 Let us take up the weapon of prayer, weekday Mass, the Liturgy, the rosary, almsgiving, Scripture reading, etc.

St. Gabriel, St. Paul of the Cross pray for us to make a holy Lent!

Above drawing of St. Gabriel from Br. Rupert’s blog (A Norbertine with a great devotion to St. Gabriel!)

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Sponsa Christi February 24th, 2009

   Happy fat Tuesday!  Our community is having a gaudeamus day today in honor of our Vicar Sr. Mary Agnes’ feast day. Yes, her feast is January 21st – Feast of St. Agnes the martyr, but so many of us were sick that day that we had to postpone it. Thanks to our many benefactors we enjoyed sausage, gravy and biscuits for breakfast, chicken pot pies, pecan pies and ice cream at noon and will be having pizza for supper. 

   Bl. John XXIII has blessed us with his presence today – we are watching the new DVD put out by Ignatius Press about his life – Pope John XXIII – the Pope of Peace. It is excellent and it is lengthy! We watched 90 min. this morning and will finish the rest this afternoon and evening. We don’t normally watch recreational videos such as this during Advent and Lent. Therefore, we MUST finish it today!

    Well, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Have you taken time to ponder how the Lord is calling you to spend this Lent with Him?  Here are some resources you might find helpful. 

• Visit the Lenten guide at the National Catholic Register website
• Read Pope Benedict’s Lenten Message
• Ponder PART IV of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Prayer. I highly recommend the section called The Battle of Prayer. We all face difficulties in our prayer life and need a humble vigilance to move forward in our pilgrimage with, through and in Jesus to the Father. I know you will find words of encouragement here.

    As Passionists today is also a special day because it is the Memorial of the Prayer of Our Lord in the Garden. On this day we ask the Lord to give us a share in His spirit of prayer as we prepare to enter Lent. The intercessions for this day are so meaningful that I wanted to share a few of them with you:

• Lord Jesus, you taught us to watch and pray, lest we be overcome by temptation. We confidently ask you: Lord, share with us your own spirit of prayer.
• By your prayer in the gardent, you prepared for your passion and death, help us, your disciples, to realize that in intimate communion with God we should approach every event in life.
• In the garden, you persevered in prayer even when distressed to the sweating of blood, grant that, by prayer, we may live with God despite the worldly business that distracts us.
• In the garden you were disconsolate when the apostles left you alone in your agony, inspire all the faithful to be your steadfast companions in promoting the message of your cross.

Sr. Mary Therese painted this. It is a copy of an orginal painting by C. Inkel

   Here is the closing prayer for today’s Passionist Memorial. It certainly leads us through the door of Ash Wednesday into the Season of Lent.

Lord our God,
in His agony in the garden,
your Son taught us by word and example
how to pray in time of temptation.
Keep us always faithful to prayer,
that we may reap a rich harvest of grace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and regins with you and the Holy spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

     Let us pray for one another during this holy season. Please know that the needs and intentions of each of you, who read our website and blog, are in our prayers. Please pray for us. As members of the Church Militant we are certainly on this journey together and depend on your spiritual and temporal assistance to continue our life of prayer, penance and intercession.  God love you!

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