In the Shadow of His Wings

Sponsa Christi January 12th, 2013

Many reasons to celebrate…

…the Incarnation of the Word
…the Baptism of the Word made Flesh
…the Feast day of the Novice Directress – the little bearer of the Word to the Novices and Postulants…

And we had a delightful tea party in her honor this week…anticipating her feast day, January 13, which this year is superseded by the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Among the goodies on the china platter are some treats from our little sister-in-the-world who is finishing up her college.
God bless you for your gifts Elizabeth!

Baptizing the tea cup?

Nothing like a home-made feast day card from novice to novice directress! This one has excerpts from the lovely poem of St. Therese “Living on Love”. We love St. Therese and all our new members are formed in her spirit of love,
surrender and confidence

Sister Mary Veronica delights in her feast day gift – new candles for the Divine Mercy Chapel! (This is the little Blessed Sacrament chapel in the 2nd floor cell wing which the novitiate has the privilege of cleaning and decorating.)

Sister Cecilia Maria sings a song in honor of her dear novice directress…many memories together these past 3 years as Sr. Mary Veronica prepared her for her First Profession of Vows.

The fulfillment of Sr. Cecilia Maria’s time in the novitiate is almost upon us

…is God perhaps calling YOU to take her place
…to discern if He is calling you to be a Passionist Bride of the Word
…to be a little bearer of the Word-Incarnate-Love for the waiting World

Pray about it…

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• Catholic Vocations for Women , Monastic Life , Novitiate news , Passionist Vocations for Women
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Sponsa Christi October 23rd, 2011

Our 8 1/2 month-old novice – Sr. Cecilia Maria – recently wrote this poem reflecting on the meaning of her identity as a Passionist novice. May it take you on a journey into the true meaning of JOY in your life.

Let me tell you of joy:

Joy to be called

and joy to be chosen.

Joy to have asked

and joy to have been received.

Joy to be unworthy.

Joy to be clothed,

clothed in mourning

clothed in penance

clothed in Passion.

Joy to be Passionist

in outward dress

in inmost heart

in life transformed.

Joy in these royal robes of Christ’s own poor.

Joy to be named:

Cecilia (may my virginal heart hymn to Thee as her’s!)

Maria (may my fiat be as tireless, my love be as faithful!)

Joy to be titled:

of the Body of Christ (for I am no longer my own.)

Joy to be claimed by such a Master!

Joy to have journeyed,

and joy to journey on.

Joy to have found Thee,

and joy to seek anew.

Joy everlasting!

Joy in Thy Sorrows,

and joy in my share.

Joy in oblation

joined to Thy own Sacrifice.

Joy overflowing.

Joy in Thy betrothal,

so longed for, so sweet.

Joy in Thy tender Love,

and joy to discover

that I may love Thee in return.

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• Bride of Christ , Catholic Vocations for Women , Novitiate news , Passionist Life , Passionist Vocations for Women , Vocation Discernment
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Sponsa Christi September 24th, 2011

Today is the feast of our Passionist Bishop – Saint Vincent Strambi. Saint Vincent entered the newly founded Passionist Congregation in 1768. He knew our Founder Paul of the Cross personally.

This hymn from our Passionist breviary is a lovely summation of his long life devoted to the Church.

This man whom joyfully we revere as blessed,
was a faithful servant of Christ,
so he merited to bear the name,
a sign of his future fame,
of Vincent, the one who conquers.

Rejecting the alluring call of the world,
he preferred to be near Jesus crucified;
and as a fellow-citizen of Golgotha,
to proclaim Mary as the bride of his life.

Afterwards, when in holy orders
he went forth as Vincent, the one who conquers;
he himself, as it were, crucified,
through the Word of the Cross.

His travels brought him through foreign cities
as the herald of salvation.
Then called to rule over the flock of Christ,
he increased in every virtue.
He brought a shepherd’s love to all

He stood firmly against the decree
of a demanding emperor.
He was a noble hero, patiently suffering many rebuffs.
He was banished as an exile and had to leave his native land.

Already blessed in the great joy of heaven,
he himself reigns constantly mindful of us.
May he kindly grant the prayers
of a suppliant people.

Let us give glory in song to the mighty Triune God,
who governs all creatures of the world.
and who desires to bestow salvation upon mankind
through his saints.  Amen.

Well, the translation from the Italian doesn’t rhyme. But it is a far better job than I could do!

St. Vincent Strambi and St. Paul of the Cross, ora pro nobis!

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Sponsa Christi July 26th, 2011

Regarding the recent priest scandal one of our Sisters was inspired to write this poem and chalk this image of Our Lady – Sorrowful Mother of Priests. May this inspire each of us to seek to offer our lives with and for our priests. They need our prayers and sacrifices! And our world needs them!

MATER DOLOROSA SACERDOTUM
(Sorrowful Mother of Priests)

At this Cross my station keeping,
I shed mother’s teardrops, weeping
for my fallen, wayward son.

Ramah sounds anew with moaning –
What revives the ancient groaning,
Rachel’s grief again begun?

Way abandoned, crossed beams broken,
crown discarded, all the tokens
of unfinished holocaust.

Hear my bitter lamentation:
What can be my consolation?
Ah, my son! My son is lost!

Tenderly now let me gather
in my arms what sin has scattered,
for to safeguard faithfully.

Pierced with thorns, my hands now shed
crimson tears in his blood’s stead;
may their prayer beg grace from Thee!

Father, make my heart the altar
where his flame burns, lest it falter,
left forgotten by its priest.

Him who cannot himself offer
on my paten I now proffer
for Thy sacrificial feast.

As I lift up contrite heart,
let my spirit take his part
in a humble offering.

In my tears find his contrition,
in my prayer his heart’s petition,
as my voice Thy mercy sings.

Never shall I cease to raise
heart and eyes – in grief or praise –
to the Savior of our ways.

“Comfort, daughter,” says the Lord,
“Mourning love I shall reward:
thou shalt see thy son restored.”

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• Blessed Mother , Passionist Life , Passionist Spirituality , Prayer , Redemptive Suffering
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Sponsa Christi June 25th, 2011

    Some words of inspiration from our Sister Mary Andrea, written shortly before Sr. Margaret Mary’s death…

If only we knew

Big ones & small ones,
Oh, what treasures You give!
If only we knew…

They come in all forms;
Soft & smooth, rough & sharp
Covered with adornments of all sorts;
Flowers & vines, thorns & thistles,
Drops of Your Blood.

If only we knew the graces these purchase,
Lord, we’d probably ask for more of these crosses.

Yet, how foolish we would be, Lord God,
to ask You for more.
You already supply us with just the right size & form,
Adorning them with just the right setting.
If only we knew…

Thank You, Lord God, for using us
that others might know…        
…You, too.

+++

    Please keep our Sister Rose Marie in your prayers. She, the “bride-to-be”, entered into her 6 day retreat today. Her wedding to the King of kings and Lord of lords is this Friday! 

+++

   We had a great gaudeamus day celebration last week in honor of Mother Catherine Marie. I hope to post those photos soon…(famous last words???) 

    Abundant blessings as we enter into the great Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ!

    Above image found here.

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• Bride of Christ , Passionist Spirituality , Redemptive Suffering
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Sponsa Christi December 21st, 2010

Our Magnificat

In this awe-inspiring icon we see John the Baptist 
prostrating himself before Emmanuel – “God with us”

We join the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day
and we raise our hearts in praise:
It is the prayer and the praise of Advent.

Our soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
He has filled Advent with unlimited graces.
The harvest has been abundant.

The response to John the Baptist
has been reform and conversion…
We have obeyed Paul in the call
to make greater progress in our spiritual journey.

Hope has come to a fullness:
in three days a Savior will be born…
a Redeemer will be in our midst.
We will know the presence of God.

Indeed we proclaim the greatness of the Lord.
Our spirit rejoices in God:
Our spirit knew a silence.

There was a journey into the deepest core of our being,
into sacred solitude;
God was encountered and adored.

Our spirit knew a hunger that moved us
to consume the Inspired Word of God,
Faith opened the riches of the Messiah.

Our spirit knew a desire for a Savior
that made us cry out with John:
Maranatha! Come, O Come Christ the Lord!

He has shown the strength of his arm:
The impossible has become possible:
Christ was found in suffering.
Asceticism led to riches…
Fidelity brought a joy.

He has shown the strength of his arm……
Afflictions purified the soul
Struggles made hope greater…
Self-giving made community life a glory to God…

He has cast down the mighty
and lifted the lowly:
He showed the emptiness of my prayer
yet gave the desire to pray more…

He has come to the help of his servant…
When obedience was beyond the possible
He took us to the fiat of Mary.
When loneliness tore at the human heart
He assured us of his presence.
When one was exhausted with mystery
He gave greater faith.
His help was abundant
and the heart bowed in gratitude.

Indeed He has remembered his promises
When I asked, I did receive.
When I sought, I did find.
When I knocked, He did open.

He promised a Redeemer.
In three days his promise will be fulfilled.
In longing and hope
my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Amen

Msgr. Bernard Powers

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Sponsa Christi January 30th, 2010

…the Feminine way! 

    Meaning?  Well, I would think novices in a house of men would play football, have a bon-fire or ?? to celebrate their novice master’s feast day – of course prayer would be a part of that too.  But women have flowers, candles, tea, prayer, affirmation and song!  I might get into trouble saying that but it won’t be the first time – men and women are different! (Of course, our culture, with its struggle with gender issues, would not want you to believe this – they have gotten “equality” and “sameness” confused. But, enough of the commentary.)

    In our community we have the custom of the novitiate members hosting a party for the novice directress upon the occasion of her Feast Day. January 13 brought us the feast of little-known Blessed Veronica of Binasco. Butler’s Lives of the Saints tells us that hers was a life of innocence, from her childhood. She was known for her hard work, docility, love of solitude and gift of tears.  She became a lay sister of the order of St. Augustine in Milan.  She came from a very poor and devout family. Pope Leo X permitted her to be honored in her monastery in the same manner as if she had been beatified and her name was inserted in the Roman martyrology. She died in 1497 at the age of 52. 

    Sr. Rose Marie and Ane Kirstine hosted a delightful tea party in honor of their “little mother” and novice directress, Sister Mary Veronica.  Sister is incredibly generous and always available – truly “large hearted”. Here are some sweet photos from that sacred time.  This post is a little late, but better late than never!

Both Ane Kirstine’s mother and Sr. Rose Marie’s mother were present in spirit through the food enjoyed - bread with olive oil and homemade fudge!

Mary Veronica of Jesus Crucified
We were happy to be able to present to her an image of her Crucified Love – a present from Mother Superior and the novitiate.

Our Holy Founder watching over the festivities.

Saint Therese and our Blessed Mother teach us
how to love our Divine Bridegroom.

    Sr. Rose Marie recited a poem of St. Theresewhile Ane Kirstine played Ave Maria as background music.  Here are the words to the meaningful poem.

Song to the Holy Face

a poem of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face

Jesus, Your ineffable image
is the star which lights my path.
You know well that Your sweet face
is heaven for me here below!
My love discovers the charms
of Your eyes bathed with tears.
I smile through my tears
when I contemplate Your sorrows.

Oh! I love to console You,
to live unknown and solitary.
Your beauty knows how to sail,
to reveal to me its mystery,
And to You I would like to fly!

Your face is my only fatherland,
It is my Kingdom of love;
It is my bright meadow,
my sweet sun each day.
It is the lily of the valley
giving the mysterious perfume
consoling my exiled soul.
It gives me a taste of heaven’s peace.

It is my rest, my sweetness,
and my melodious song…
Your face, O my sweet Savior,
is the divine bouquet of myrrh
that I like to keep over my heart.

Your face is my one treasure;
I ask nothing more.
Hiding myself within it unceasingly,
I would resemble You, Jesus!
Leave upon me the Divine Imprint
of Your features full of sweetness,
and soon I will become holy.
I would attract hearts!

After I am able to gather
a beautiful golden harvest,
deign to embrace me in your flames.
Give to me soon the eternal kiss
of your adorable mouth.

    We first heard Twila Paris’ song “How Beautiful” when viewing some scripture videos by Ray Vander Laan. (Mr. Vander Laan is not a Catholic and has some misunderstandings about monastic life but, nonetheless, we have been very blessed by his studies of Scripture.) We bought the music with hopes of incorporating the song into Sr. John Mary’s Solemn profession in 2003 but it didn’t work out. But the music has been played almost each year on Sr. Mary Veronica’s feast. It is one of her favorites and ours too! 

How Beautiful

words and music by Twila Paris

How beautiful the hands that served
the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the feet that walked
the long, dusty roads and the hill to the cross.
How beautiful,
how beautiful,
how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled,
that took all my sin and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes
that choose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful,
how beautiful,
how beautiful is the body of Christ.

And as He laid down His life,
we offer this sacrifice:
that we will live just as He died,
willing to pay the price,
willing to pay the price.

How beautiful the radiant Bride
who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes.
How beautiful when humble hearts give
the fruit of pure lives so that others may live.
How beautiful,
how beautiful,
how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring
the sound of good news and the love of the King.
How beautiful the hands that serve
the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful,
how beautiful,
how beautiful is the body of Christ.

     You may be wondering – who was the mysterious photographer?  Well, the assistant novice directress gets to also attend the party!

     I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse of novitiate happenings!  Today we are celebrating our Vicar – Sr. Mary Agnes’ feast day and are having a gaudeamus day in her honor.  More photos of that to come.  God-willing, it won’t take me 2 1/2 weeks to post them! 

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• Bride of Christ , Monastery traditions , Novitiate news , Passionist Life
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Sponsa Christi December 21st, 2009

In my heart Sweet Jesus
Find a resting place,
Stay therein forever,
Fill it with Thy grace.

Cleanse it, make it holy,
Filled with Love Divine,
Make it meek and humble,
Make it like to Thine.

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Sponsa Christi October 24th, 2009

   Regular readers of this blog will recognize the name of Msgr Bernard Powers. He is a retired priest of the diocese of Owensboro and resides in a nearby parish. Msgr is often here for Mass and occasionally gives spiritual direction to retreatants here and also offers days of recollection and preached retreats in our retreat house.

    Msgr has published several books of his poetic meditations and he would like to offer you the opportunity to obtain these for your spiritual enrichment. 

     The $2.00 shipping fee applies to those living in the USA. For our friends from abroad - it would be best to email Msgr and find out how much the shipping will be.

    Don’t pass up this great opportunity! God bless you

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Sponsa Christi October 9th, 2009

….so says Pope Paul VI and Msgr Bernard Powers

    Msgr had a stirring homily during Mass this morning on the Feast of St. Inocencio - our Passionist Martyr. You are probably familiar with Msgr’s way of writing by now…his homilies are like poetry.

Feast of Saint Inocencio
Martyred October 9, 1934
Passionist priest

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Inocencio
an occasion to reflect upon martyrdom and religious life.

Pope Paul VI makes us aware of the connection
between martyrdom and religious life.

In his Apostolic Letter on Religious Life
he says that the Holy Spirit
places side by side
     the heroic confession of the martyrs
     and the consecrated life of the religious.

     Both are a manifestation of the primacy of the love of God.

     Both are a manifestation of spiritual generosity.

          Martyrdom is a proclamation of the Gospel
          in dying.
          Religious life is a proclamation of the Gospel
          in the living of the Evangelical councils.

      Martyrdom unites one in dying with the Crucified Christ.
     Religious life unites on in living with the Crucified Christ.

          The martyr is one with Christ in surrender…
          the religious is one with Christ in choice.

               Both are the readiness to do God’s will.
               Both are generous acts of love.

“Unless the grain of wheat fall to the ground and die
it remains just a grain of wheat.
But if it die, it will bear abundant fruit.”

St. Augustine says of the martyr:
     “The Church everywhere flourishes
     through the glorious deeds of the martyrs”.

Pope Paul VI says of the Religious:
     “The Church could not do without
     these exceptional witnesses
     of the transcendence of the love of Christ.

The reading for the Feast of St. Stephen
speaks of martyrdom as an act of love.
     Love was Stephens’ weapon…
     Love was Inocencio’s weapon.
          His love for the poor…his love for the Church…
          His love for the priesthood…
          his love for the Passionist life.

You who are the Religious
have the same gift from God…the gift of love…
     Your love for the church…
     your love for the Crucified Christ…
     Your love for all mankind in praying for salvation.

     “Love is the source of all good things…
     it is the way that leads to heaven”…
     to union with Christ…to dying with Christ.

Love led St. Inocencio to martyrdom.
Love led you to religious life….
both are union with God.

     Both are an honor to God.
     One in a brief moment of dying with Christ.
     One in a lifetime of living with Christ.

Finis

Msgr. Bernard Powers

 *Image of the Passion sign from our Passionist Nuns in Korea

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