Women’s Communities Archives
Off to the Lenten Desert
(February 27th, 2012)
The following is a letter from a fictional novice of the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns in Rockford, IL.
Dear Family,
Praised be Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother! I’m looking forward to my second Lent in the monastery. What a wonderful surprise was in store for me before Ash Wednesday — three days of more solemn and lengthy Eucharistic Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. You remember from our brochures that we do have Exposition every day, but this was special with a capital “S.” So many hours of prayer and adoration.
Even More Austeries
You may wonder what Lent is like in an Order that already keeps a perpetual Lenten fast and abstinence even outside of the liturgical season. Believe it or not, we do make a few changes that reflect even more the austerity of this season. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, the organ is silent. The Liturgy of the Hours and Holy Mass are sung a capella except on Laetare Sunday and Solemnities. You remember that there is no correspondence or visiting until Easter. The community prays an offering of the Precious Blood together nine times a day and on Saturdays we pray the chaplet of Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows, just to mention a couple of Lenten practices. Meals are simple without many condiments but, I assure you, healthy and quite sufficient. Oh, and so much more to tell you, but I’ll have to do that some other time!
Until next time, I am off to the Lenten desert!
Sincerely,
Sister Mary Neophilus
Read all posts about the Rockford Poor Clares on this website, or the article “A Day Within the Walls.” Or go to the website of the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford, IL.
New Novice Writes Home — Silence Is the Language of God
(January 25th, 2012)
The following is a letter from a fictional novice of the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns in Rockford, IL.
Dear Mom, Dad, and all!
Peace and Blessings! God reward you for the family news. Now to give another glimpse of my life here at the monastery. One great joy I want to share is that I’m becoming a polyglot! I’m learning a new language. A second language in the cloister? Yes, because silence is the language of God and you may recall that silence was not my predominant virtue! Here in our cloister it is an essential part of our union with Him. I pray someday it will become my best language!
Hard to Learn
Silence is also the language of love, another reason to become most fluent in it. I think the interior silence is the hardest to learn. Memories, images and thoughts tend to crowd in and occupy the mind. It takes practice not to pay undue attention to them and really focus on the present moment with full attention, intention and deliberation. So much to learn! Soon we will enter the great silence of Lent. More about that another time! How are the dogs, and that troublesome cat next door? Love and miss you, but we are one in heart and prayer!
Sincerely,
Sister Mary Neophilus
To learn more, go to the website of the Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford, IL and read, “A Life of Prayer and Worship.”
Salesian Spirituality Is Strong and Growing Among Visitation Sisters
(January 9th, 2012)
As Visitation Sisters around the world look forward to the feast of St. Francis de Sales Jan 24, the sisters in the United States say that the spirituality crafted by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal remains strong and shows signs of growth.
That’s true, judged by web visits to the Sisters’ new Second Federation website, begun last February. Visits have increased to 650 per month, and the website has posted a steady stream of articles on Salesian spirituality, while explaining little-known devotions and facts in the lives of the two founders, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
This spirituality is suited for both those living in the world, and for contemplative life, such as that of sisters living in the Visitation’s cloistered communities. The 1999 Vatican instruction Verbi Sponsa states, “. . . Just as in the upper room, Mary in her heart, with her prayerful presence, watched over the origins of the Church, so too now the Church’s journey is entrusted to the loving heart and praying hands of cloistered nuns” (No. 4).
Growth in Africa and Other Areas
The Order, formally known as the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, was founded in 1610 by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal in Annecy, in eastern France. The Order spread from France throughout Europe and beyond. Today the group numbers approximately 2,500 Sisters in more than 150 monasteries throughout the world. They are growing in Africa; there is a monastery in Korea, and in South and Central America the houses continue to expand.
For more information on the Visitation and its spirituality for religious and laity, visit the Second Federation of the Visitation. Learn also about cloistered Visitation communities, such as the Toledo, OH Visitation.
Blackberries or Not, Women Keep Coming to the Poor Clares
(December 26th, 2011)
When a young woman knocks on the large wooden door of the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford,IL to learn more about the sisters’ way of life, she is sometimes put off by what she sees. She might be used to driving a nice car, carrying a Blackberry, and enjoying the pleasure of fine food and drink.
But what she sees are barefoot nuns walking quietly who then share a meal of beans and rice. She may have experienced a world of exciting nights out, of a seemingly endless possibility of relationships. But what she finds here is the solitude of a flickering candle in a plain chapel, and the joyful laughter of friends bound by lifelong vows.
Inspired by Their Foundress
Why, then, are women today attracted to the sisters’ form of life? Maybe because they see the sisters living “according to the form of the Gospel,” as inspired by their foundress, St. Clare — a motivation that has been sending them to their doors for eight hundred years.
Are you interested in learning more about Poor Clare life? If you are seriously considering this vocation, the sisters invite you to come and see if the voice of Christ is calling you to their life. A discernment visit from two to five days may be arranged on an individual basis by contacting Mother Dominica (pictured above), at the Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford, IL at 815-963-7369.
Read the article, with photos, about the Rockford Poor Clares on this website, “All Time Is At the Service of God.” Or read about what Pope John Paul II says about the difficulties of accepting Christ’s invitation on the Poor Clares’ Youth Page.
God Reveals the New Name of a Poor Clare Postulant
(December 19th, 2011)
A postulant of the Bethlehem Monastery of Poor Clares in Barhamsville, VA named Kimberly did not know her religious name until she was received as a novice recently. Following an ancient tradition, the Poor Clares choose the name for new members of their community, and reveal it only at the reception ceremony.
On their new blog, Poor Clare Heart Ponderings, they tell the story and say, “We believe that God reveals this new name to Mother Abbess who does not divulge this divine secret until the very end of the ceremony of investiture.”
Taking on the Holy Habit
The Sisters say, “When a young woman takes on our Holy Habit, it signifies that she is ‘putting on Christ,’ taking up her Cross and following in His footsteps in a life of joyful penance. Yes, joyful penance! We deny ourselves, not out of hatred for our selves, but so that we can give our entire selves in love to the Divine Bridegroom who beckons us. Sin and selfishness are in the way of our union with Him, so they must go. It is that devastatingly simple.”
On Dec. 12, the beautiful feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Postulant Kimberly received her habit and was transformed into a Poor Clare novice. Her name is now Sister Marie Elise.
Visit the Poor Clares’ website, or read Sister Marie Elise’s story on their blog, Poor Clare Heart Ponderings.
Difficulties and Death Do Not Deter Novices
(December 12th, 2011)
Great difficulties did not stop two young women from southern Louisiana from taking the habit as Carmelite novices in Lafayette, LA this past fall.
On Sept. 30 Kalyn Meche received the habit of Our Lady and became Sr. Maria Faustina of Merciful Love. Her interest in the community began long ago. When she was about 10, her family was driving by the Monastery and she saw an extern Sister in the yard. “Daddy, go back. I’d like to talk to that Sister!” From then on, she had a desire and love for Carmel.
Kalyn, however, had to endure many trials and difficulties. When she entered a year ago at age 18, her first months were not easy. But she remained firm in her determination to become a cloistered nun.
Jesus Wants Me
Brittlyn Sonnier, also 18 when she entered, learned about the community through a weekend Veritas Retreat. She had struggled against a vocation for a while, but finally knew that Jesus was calling her. When asked what she expected to find in Carmel, she replied, “I really don’t know. All I know is that Jesus wants me there.”
Brittlyn’s mother was dying of cancer and the girl wondered whether she should stay and help care for four younger children. And yet, her father, mother and siblings encouraged her to go. On Oct. 15, Brittlyn received the habit and became Sr. Teresa of Jesus.
New brochure
Find out more about the Lafayette Discalced Carmelites. Email the sisters and ask for their new brochure, “I Have Chosen this Place to Dwell.”
Rockford Poor Clares Wish Their Former Chaplain Well as New Bishop of Bismarck
(November 18th, 2011)
The Poor Clares of Rockford, IL have had a spiritual bond with the Diocese of Bismarck, N.D., that goes back a few years. That bond increased dramatically Oct. 19, when their former chaplain, Msgr. David D. Kagan, Vicar General of the Rockford Diocese, was announced the bishop-elect of Bismarck.
There is a story behind this. Several years ago the vocation director of the Bismarck diocese asked the sisters for prayers for all of the seminarians. The Poor Clares have been ever mindful of that commitment, and now one of Rockford’s own priests will be their shepherd. The sisters report that it was delightful to spend an hour with Bishop-Elect Kagan in their visiting parlor, learning all about his new diocese. A fellow “worker” at the Chancery, border-collie Dash (whose duty it was to keep the geese off the chancery grounds) will accompany the bishop-elect to North Dakota.
Spiritually Adopting the Diocese
“At least he will enjoy the snow,” comments Msgr. Kagan. There is a wonderful presence of religious men and women in the Bismarck diocese. However, since a cloistered contemplative group is not present there, the Poor Clares are spiritually adopting the Bismarck Diocese along with its new bishop!
The desire of St. Clare — that her sisters support the Mystical Body — is alive in this century.
Read the Poor Clare articles on this website.
For more information, visit the Rockford Poor Clares.
Life of English Cloistered Nuns Captured on Video
(October 7th, 2011)
A former fashion and beauty photographer has released a 90-minute documentary on the life of Benedictine contemplatives.
“Tyburn Convent Gloria Deo” brings viewers within the cloisters of the order’s nine monasteries, starting with the motherhouse in England, and ranging through Oceania and South America.
The order was established in 1903 near Marble Arch, London. It is thus at the site where dozens of English martyrs were killed during the Protestant Reformation.
Michael Luke Davies created the work. He and Mother Xavier McMonagle, the mother-general of the Tyburn Nuns, presented the documentary last Thursday.
“I was moved to tears many times by the beauty of what I was filming,” Davies said. “For me, it exceeded my expectations of what I could film. It was an incredible experience I shall never forget for the rest of my life. The things I have seen and the moments I have shared with these beautiful religious people I will keep with me forever.”
The Tyburn Nuns, Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre are an order of cloistered contemplative Benedictine nuns. The aim of the congregation is to glorify the Most Blessed Trinity, finding practical expression in daily Mass, the choral celebration of the Divine Office, perpetual adoration, and in daily prayer for the Holy Father, the Church, the country and for the entire human family.
Read entire story on Zenit.org
To request copies of the “Tyburn Convent Gloria Deo,” contact Mother Hildegarde by sending an email to admin@tyburnconvent.org.uk, or order online through the website of the Tyburn Nuns.
Two Jubilees and Funeral Mark the Year for Poor Clares of Rockford, IL
(October 3rd, 2011)
For the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford, IL, this year has been one of experiencing the words of St. Clare: “Great is the grace of our vocation.” The community witnessed the arrival of a postulant, the celebration of a Silver (25 years) and a Golden (50 years) Jubilarian, and the death of another sister.
The entrance of a postulant, which this year occurred on June 12, vividly reminds each sister of the beginning of her own Poor Clare journey. Then, when a sister makes her solemn profession, part of her formula of vows is, “during the whole time of my life.”
A nun celebrating her Jubilee years rejoices to proclaim her thanksgiving for the call of Jesus, a thanksgiving which echoes in the hearts of each and every sister. This year, one sister celebrated her golden jubilee of 50 years, on May 11, and another her silver, of 25 years, on June 19.
Finally, the gaze turns toward the final journey, a journey which this year, on March 16, included military honors for one sister, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army before entering. The promise of “during the whole time of my life” blossomed for her into eternal life!
Read more on the website of the Poor Clares Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery.
Santa Barbara Poor Clares Celebrate Two Jubilees
(September 26th, 2011)
With the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on the horizon — Oct. 4 — we should also remember St. Clare, who, under the inspiration and guidance of Francis, founded the Poor Clares in the thirteenth century.
The Poor Clares of Santa Barbara, CA certainly held the ideals of their founders close to their hearts as they celebrated two jubilees this summer. In June Sr. Miguel Jose celebrated her silver jubilee of 25 years, which was followed in July with the golden jubilee of 50 years celebrated Sr. Chiara Marie. The community also received a new postulant in August.
As contemplatives, Poor Clare nuns observe the Gospel life lived within the bounds of papal enclosure. To the three ordinary vows of religion: obedience, poverty and chastity, the Poor Clare nun adds a fourth vow of enclosure.
These Poor Clares follow the Colettine observance which includes: bare feet, mendicancy, perpetual fast, strict enclosure, traditional habit, and night rising for the Liturgy of the Hours.
For more information, go to the website of the Poor Clares of Santa Barbara.