Traditional Women's Religious Orders by Apostolate U.S.A.

Dominican Sisters in Catonsville, Maryland - Information Please

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Received the following email -

Seeking information about the now closed, cloistered, Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary who resided on Maiden Choice Lane in the Catonsville, Maryland area. I am doing some work recording the 26 burials in the grave yard. If you can point me to any information source on this order I'd appreciate it. Thank You.

Jerry Harlowe / Catonsville, Md. / Historian for St. Paul's Catholic Church, Ellicott City, Md.

If you can help Jerry out, reply at
pleiku1168@yahoo.com

Eastern Catholics - Basilian Contemplative Nuns

2011-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, they are real Catholics, very ancient, very true, absolutely valuable to the Church!!!!! Do you love icons? They got 'em. They are among my very favorite religious figures to meditate on. Very helpful, if you've never done so.

I just haven't gotten around to writing about them (other Catholics), because I can't get through all the Latin Rite ones. My bad.

Basilian Contemplative Nuns

Can't write a whole post about them now, but if you are an Eastern Catholic, do check them out.

You may see my pitiful attempt to find all the sorts of Catholics there are in my series, Catholic who were cool, way before I was born. I thought it was a catchy title. Lol.

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters - Visit Them!!!

2011-08-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters
Mount Grace Convent
St. Louis, Missouri

Are you considering a vocation to the cloistered life?
Would you like to learn more about us?

Vocation Discernment Day
October 15, 2011
for young women ages 17 to 35

Schedule:
Begins at 9:00am
Holy Mass at 11:00am
Fr. Chris Martin, Director of Vocations for Archdiocese of St. Louis
Lunch provided
Evening Prayer with Benediction at 5:00pm
Conclusion

Accommodations are available.
Please RSVP by October 2
(314) 381-2654
holyspiritvocations@gmail.com

PS (my comment) - also called the Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration

Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, Edith Stein Monastery

2011-07-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Revised June 2011

Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara
Edith Stein Monastery

Cloistered; founded 1988, a diocesan community
Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (CMSWR)

They consecrate their lives for the whole Church, represented in the person of the Holy Father; for the perseverance of all priests,   and for the increase and sanctification of vocations. "Sharing in the missionary charism of our Religious Family, each monastery also has a particular prayer intention toward which they focus their prayers and sacrifices."

"We spend most of the day in the Chapel singing God’s praises in the name of the whole Church."

Charitable website: SSVM ONLUS

Their new vocation website - just in Italian so far.

The Religious Family of the Incarnate Word - their brothers in action, and anyone else who wants to get involved.

They were founded to heed to call of John Paul II in the “evangelization of the culture. We seek to inculturate the Gospel in the various cultures so that they can be redeemed.”

Our Religious Habit
The habit of the Servants includes:
• a grey tunic
• a blue scapular
• a blue veil for professed sisters
• a white veil for novice sisters
• the cross of Matará
• a wedding ring for the perpetually professed

"We also make a fourth Vow of Marian slavery according to the method of St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort, thus entrusting ourselves entirely to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and model."

Everything through Jesus and through Mary;
with Jesus and with Mary;
in Jesus and in Mary;
for Jesus and for Mary.
In short, simply: Jesus and Mary, Mary and Jesus.
And through Christ, to the Father, in the Holy Spirit.

If you have found fourth vows confusing (they are not uncommon), a really good explanation can be found on their page 'Marian Vow'.

This particular monastery was founded in 1998, and their their particular prayer intentions are: that all men and women may come to the knowledge     of the One and True God, for the philosophy and theology students of our Religious Family, and for the apostolate of our sisters in Asia

Locations:   Edith Stein Monastery, Brooklyn NY and internationally

Apostolate: Prayer - Primary

Spirituality:
St. Thomas Aquinas and others - their constitution was written with the influence of many saints. Ignatian formation, Our Lady of Luján, St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

Devotions: Divine Office - sung, 30 min. of spiritual reading a day, 45 min. for Scripture meditation, 1 hour to other religious study, Rosary daily in community, Saturday Litanies in honor of the Blessed Mother,
processions and prayer services on the special solemnities dedicated to Mary, Holy Hour (once daily), Silence - Grand

- To look at their schedule -

Email contact for the monastery:
mon.edithstein@servidoras.org

Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara

2011-07-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Revised Version: June 2011

Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara
Active; founded 1988, a diocesan community

Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (CMSWR)

The contemplative branch can be found at Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara

Charitable website: SSVM ONLUS

Their new vocation website - just in Italian so far.

The Religious Family of the Incarnate Word - their brothers in action, and anyone else who wants to get involved.

They were founded to heed to call of John Paul II in the “evangelization of the culture. We seek to inculturate the Gospel in the various cultures so that they can be redeemed.”

"We also make a fourth Vow of Marian slavery according to the method of St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort, thus entrusting ourselves entirely to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and model."

Everything through Jesus and through Mary;
with Jesus and with Mary;
in Jesus and in Mary;
for Jesus and for Mary.
In short, simply: Jesus and Mary, Mary and Jesus.
And through Christ, to the Father, in the Holy Spirit.

If you have found fourth vows confusing (they are not uncommon), a really good explanation can be found on their page 'Marian Vow'.

Their work in evangelizing is very broad, and encompasses:

studying and teaching the Holy Scriptures, Theology, the Church Fathers, Liturgy, Catechesis, Ecumenism, etc;
the achievement of mission outreaches, Spiritual Exercises, education and Christian formation of children and young people, and also works of charity with the most needy (abandoned children, the handicapped, the sick, the elderly);
the search and formation of suitable ministers of the Word, in the publication of magazines, treatises, books, etc. By the oral and written word we want to prolong the Word."
are God's instruments in the struggle to maintain the sanctity of life through active assistance in pro-life outreach programs;
give testimony to the faith by means of Christian charity, fostering the unity and the respect of other religions through prayer and dialogue.

“Our habit symbolizes the Incarnation of the Word...” The grey represents the humanity of Christ, while the Blue represents the Divinity of Christ. We always wear our habit, it helps us to remember our consecration as well as helps others to be reminded of it.”

Spirituality: St. Thomas Aquinas and others - their constitution was written with the influence of many saints. Ignatian formation, Our Lady of Luján, St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

Devotions: Holy Hour (daily), Divine Office in community (morning, evening, and night), Rosary (daily), Angelus, confession (weekly), private and devotional prayer

Apostolates:
A great deal of foreign mission work, including in Russia; mission work at the parish and diocesan level
Evangelization/Catechism
Education
Healthcare
Childcare
Care for the Elderly
Prayer
Parish and sacristy work
Youth ministry
Works of mercy
Pro-life activities
Publishing: Theological IVE Press and Philosophical Cornelio Fabro

Locations:
California: Santa Clara
Connecticut: Bridgeport
Maryland
New York: New York City (house of formation), Immactulate Conception Provincial House East Harlem, St. Elizabeth Seton Brooklyn, St. Francis Xavier Brooklyn, Community St. Rose Duchene East Harlem,
Pennsylvania: Community Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Avondale; Community St. Katharine Drexel Philidelphia
Washington, DC: Community Immaculate Heart of Mary Juniorate House; Community of Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad

#Professed sisters: 47 in 2010, 37 temporary professed (USA). Worldwide 399 perpetual professed and 333 temporary professed. The numbers would be higher now, of course. This information came to me from an interested correspondent.
Entrance ages: 18+
Belated vocations? Unknown

Contact emails for the United States:
Mother Maria Lumen Christi Fitzharris
m.lumen@servidoras.org

AND

Sister Maria Aeiparthenos Berry
nov.kateritekakwitha@servidoras.org

They also have an aspirancy program, which allows girls under the age of 18 to discern with them, but obviously cannot become a postulant until the canonical age of 18.

Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration

2011-06-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (Pennsylvania) also know as the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, or the Pink Sisters. However, should they have to leave enclosure (such as for medical reasons), they wear a gray habit instead of the rose.

The Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Mount Grace Convent, Missouri)

The Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Nebraska)

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Institute on Religious Life)

Cloistered; founded 1896

A contemplative community with perpetual adoration. "A life lived with Him, in Him and through Him!"

International web site, with photos of all their Eucharistic Thrones around the world.

Divine Word Missionaries (their brother organization).

There is a rule of silence, but not a vow of silence. Sisters are not unmindful of the happenings in the world, and can read newspapers, as well as watch television of a religious nature. There are two recreation periods a day, either inside or outside (depending on the weather). Their support comes from individuals who ask for their prayers.

I would recommend "Are you being called?" from their website. It is one of the better essays I have seen on the subject.

"The third person of the Blessed Trinity receives a prominent place in our life of faith and in our piety. It is the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that allows us to respond and be faithful to our vocation. Our Founder gave us a rose-colored habit as a reminder of the ardent love of the Holy Spirit, and we celebrate the solemnity of Pentecost as the titular feast of our Congregation. It is also our tradition to celebrate the third Monday of each month as a day on which we vividly recall our relationship and duties to the Holy Spirit."

"The betrothal ring that we receive at perpetual profession of vows bears a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the inscription "Ave Sponse Coelestis" (Hail, Heavenly Spouse)."

“Let us praise the entire Most Holy Trinity,
and especially that blessed, third Person,
through whom, in the language of the saints,
the great God kisses us with the kiss of holy creator,
fatherly and even spousal love,
as He gives Himself totally to us in sanctifying grace.”
St. Arnold Janssen (their founder)

From one of their websites, I was intrigued with one the reasons to join their congregation: a "Missionary Life". However, if you believe in prayer, then you know this must be true. They go on to say: "You may never leave the States, but your prayers and concern will. The passion of your life is that Christ be known by all nations."

"In prayer before the Eucharistic Throne, we bring to the Triune God the special intentions of evangelization, the sanctification of priests and the needs recommended to us."

"Our cloistered life centers on the Eucharist. From dawn to dusk and all through the hours of the night, we together with our fellow-sisters around the world, take turns kneeling in adoration before our Eucharistic Lord, keeping prayerful vigil on behalf of the entire world."

Locations: Pennsylvania, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and internationally.

Apostolates: Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; prayer for priests; prayer for evangelization

Devotions: Divine Office (sung in choir); Meditation; Perpetual Adoration, about one hour a day per sister; one hour of personal prayer and spiritual reading daily; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; God in the Person of the Holy Spirit; St. Arnold Janssen

# of professed: 24 each in the Missouri and Pennsylvania convent, 8 each in Corpus Christi and Lincoln; internationally about 420 in 10 countries.

Ages upon entrance: 20-35 years of age.
Belated vocations: Yes, on a case by case basis

A 2006 article appeared about them in St. Louis Magazine, Inside the Enclosure.

Their blog: How Wonderful are your works, O Lord (or Adoramus Te, Domine!, depending on whether you are looking at the title as seen or as given by my blog listing widget!!!). Either way, nice name.

Mount Grace's web page lists a link to the CMSWR, but as they are not an active order, as well their Mother General resides in another country, they are not members. However, they support the work of this organization.

Sigh. I hope I haven't left anything terribly important out. Let me know!

As usual, the statement above is true. Thanks to Sr. Mary Rebecca for your very prompt and courteous help.

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart

2011-06-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Franciscan Missionaries Sisters of the Sacred Heart - CMSWR

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart - main website

Founded 1861; Active

Abbreviation: FMSC

Always ready to minister joyfully and remaining faithful to our littleness we carry the good news to all God’s people especially the elderly, poor, sick and the abandoned.

Our missionary spirit and charism is expressed in the constant and universal promotion of peace and good. As Franciscan Missionaries of the Sacred Heart our diverse ministries reflect the redemptive love of Christ and His divine plan.

In our ministries we walk in the footsteps of St. Francis who followed Christ by bowing before the suffering lepers.

I don't know if these sisters engage in every possible ministry, but the list is impressive:

Early Education
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Spiritual Retreats
Pastoral Ministry
Pastoral Care Ministry
Catechesis
Franciscan Prayer Groups
AIDS/HIV Ministry
Prison Ministry
Social Ministry
Pro- Life Ministry
Ministry to Sick
Human Concerns Ministry for the poor
-Food Bank
-Clothing Closet
Homeless Family Shelter Ministry
Health and Dental Clinic
Immigration Support
Elder Care
Social Justice

What I'm going to put when I need to label this for the auxillary "by Apostolate" page to this blog I can't say right this moment. Um!

Back to the sisters:
Everywhere and in each place, and every season and each day,
the brothers and sisters are to have a true and humble faith,
From the depths of their inner life,
let them love,
honor, adore, serve, praise,
bless, and glorify our
most high and eternal God.”
(TOR Rule #9)

Remembering that Christ calls all of his followers to be missionaries and as Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart following in the Spirit and footsteps and of Francis and Clare of Assisi we invite you to join us in our journey as we “Go out into the whole world: proclaim the Good News to all creation." (Mk 16:15)

Spirituality: Franciscan TOR, Servant of God Fr. Gregorio Fioravanti OFM

Locations: New York, New Jersey, Internationally in at least 20 countries

Apostolates: Good question. What don't they do? See list above.

Devotions: I'm trying to find out.

# of sisters: No idea. But their presence in so many countries makes me believe they are a large organization.

Ages of entrance: 18-60 (Yes, that's what it said!) Neat, huh?

Note: The pictures on the US website were such that I would have to cut and paste. I went to their Italian website, which has photos from every continent - some of the pictures may be sisters in other countries.

You know I shouldn't mention this, but at least one of their communities has a dog, and I favor such. Also, they have an entire section on prayers for blessing animals. You have to like this order - well, I have to.

He wants to be a priest

2011-04-27T14:11:00.001-07:00

I am a 44 year old, paraplegic (wheelchair-bound), male Secular Franciscan who is finishing my Bachelor of Arts in Theology (2013) at St. Joseph's Jesuit University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and my Master of Arts in Systematic Theology (Sacramental/Liturgical 2013) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been actively discerning my call to religious life as a priest for some 20 years now after an automobile accident in 1991 left me paraplegic with no hope of recovery. God works out his mystery of salvation by conquering evil with good. I know I have a call to the priesthood, it is just that I can not find an order who will accept me. After my accident I studied from 1992-2000 at St. Charles, Religious Studies Division.

I will be completing my degrees by 2013. I write to you now to see if after my studies you might be able to consider accepting me into your community with my present disability and have been searching for twenty years but was told that the diocesan priesthood is not practical considering my disability and that an order might accept me though. I have yet to find an order who is willing to try to help me with my priestly vocation even though I have searched these past 20 years.

I must finish my studies before entering any novitiate. I am a Secular Franciscan now, but am called to ordered priesthood and am willing to leave my vocation in the Secular Franciscans for priesthood in another order if not the Franciscan Order. I was told to stay in the Franciscan Order if I can, but I have found little hope there. I hope your community is willing to foster my vocation. I am positive that you would be pleased with me in your community.

I have a keen interest in Church unity especially in and with the Catholic and Orthodox (Eastern) Churches especially with regards to John 17, John Paul II's encyclical letter Ut Unum Sint and I am involved in contemplative prayer and life. I have an affinity to and with monasticism and Franciscanism. Any help you may provide in prayerful support is welcomed.

Sincerely in the peace and goodness of God,

Mark Luke Denslow, SFO

danslow@live.com

Vocation Retreat, Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

2011-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Sr. Katie writes:

Just thought I would share... The Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus are having a vocation retreat January 14-16 2011. Folks can visit our website or Facebook page, and contact Sr. Mary Joseph for details and to sign up for the retreat.

(My comment) - Apparently, it's not too late to get involved. Facebook link etc. can be found at their website.
And, of course, I need to update their post, but what else is new?

Thanks for the info, Sister.

Little Sisters of St. Francis

2010-12-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Little Sisters of St. Francis (website)

Little Sisters of St. Francis (IRL)

Founded 1979; Contemplative but not cloistered
Eucharistic and Marian centered.

Our day is spent in quiet personal prayer, solitude, communal prayer, sharing with one another, doing common household tasks and being available to God’s people in the faithful living out of our Consecration, as we share and bring His love and presence with and to others.

They live their Franciscan life among God's people and are available to their needs. This may take various forms, but their main apostolate, other than prayer, appears to be their retreat activity. The sisters provide three retreat houses with meeting rooms, kitchens, and so forth, in a peaceful wooded setting. The Stations of the Cross are outdoors.

Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are open to the public on Fridays and first Saturdays. Faith and Bible sharing is open to the public also, once a week.

Picture below: The grounds of their convent and retreat house.

Location: New Hampshire

Spirituality: Franciscan

Devotions and practices: Eucharistic Adoration, Divine Office, Fidelity to the Church, Total Consecration to Mary, Silence (Grand and Ordinary), Penance, Solitude, Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Apostolates: Prayer, Retreats (Religious, Priests, Married, Single), Catechesis/Evangelism

Ages upon entrance: 18-40

Belated vocations? Yes, to age 45

# of professed sisters: 3

Sisters of Christian Charity

2010-12-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

Sisters of Christian Charity (Eastern Province)
Western Province web site

Sisters of Christian Charity (IRL)

Founded 1849; Active and Apostolic;
community life is essential.

Through commitment to prayer both in common and individually we strive to be contemplatives in action ... to live a Eucharisitic lifestyle - realizing we are called to be bread broken for the life of the world.

Love of the Eucharist is a distinctive mark of our congregation, and the source of its life. The focus of our life is not what we do, but who we are; and we are followers of Christ. To be possessed and transformed by God, the better we are able to fulfill our life's mission.

"We have a spirit of youthful joyousness".

Their foundress (Blessed Pauline) was the first to provide retreats for women in Germany - she also opened one of the first Kindergartens. They continue providing retreats at Villa Pauline and the Quellen Spiritual Center.

Around the world, they have the Philippine Mission for the Blind, are located in Chile (with the recent earthquake destruction in a video), Argentina, Germany (where they have homes that care for children and the elderly), Uruguay, Italy, and they have just opened a new mission in Bolivia.

They are participants in the "Healing the Children" program - providing life-saving surgery for child from countries where such services are unavailable.
Usually, the children and parents stay in the convent and take meals   with the sisters. They have welcomed a young boy from Iraq, and   toddlers from the Dominican Republic and Kazakhstan (near Russia and   China). As Sr. Bernadette explains, "It is a beautiful, concrete expression of Christian charity", and that is surely so.

Next lovely surprise - Assumption College for Sisters, in Mendham, NJ.

I cannot say if you find this astounding or not (I do), but this college exists to educate women called to a life of    consecration to God and of service in the Roman Catholic Church (and also includes lay women).

In addition, any woman who is seriously discerning religious life and is   recommended by a vocation director or   spiritual director may also enroll, though   she is not yet part of a   religious community or a formal formation program.

Picture: Class at Assumption college.

I have never heard of an educational institution just for women Religious. But here it is.

For those in many major metropolitan areas of New England, it should be relatively easy to visit. If I were you, I would go just to breathe the air - it might change your life.

What else have I left out. Oh - they have a sense of humor!

Some of the sisters, along with professional singers, performed songs from Sister Act for the Woman's Choice Service banquet (this is an organization which tries to help women with alternatives to abortion).

I wish I could have been there.

Locations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington DC, and worldwide.

Spirituality: Their rule is Augustinian; they have special connections to St. Ignatius, St. Joseph, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, St. Paul the Hermit, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, God in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul the Hermit, by the way, is thought to be the first desert monk (or desert father), and we share inspiration from these early Christians with many of our sister churches.

Devotions: the Eucharist, with daily adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in all convent homes; Sacred Heart of Jesus; Holy Hours each month; Divine Office (communal three times a day); personal meditation; Rosary (daily), Stations of the Cross regularly, as well as communally during Lent at the Motherhouse; regular Scriptural and theological reflections; May outdoor procession and crowning of Mary

Aspotolates: Education, pre-k- to college; Health Care; Pastoral Associates; Directors of Religious Education programs; Social Workers and counselors; spiritual and retreat directors; Sister home-makers; social justice issues

Ages upon entrance: 18-40

Belated Vocations? Yes, sometimes up to age 45. Over this is rare, but you may inquire.

# of Professed: approximately 268 total in both provinces of US (212 in the Eastern Province, 56 in the Western Province), and 500 or more worldwide. As you see, they have substantial numbers in the United States. I seldom have the opportunity to write posts about such.

Blog:
SCC JPIC Messages

Their vocation video:

Bunches of thanks to Sr. Bernadette for tremendous (untiring) help with putting this together - and putting up with me.

Quickly ...

2010-12-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

I usually make my announcements in the sidebar comment widget, but that causes reader's comments and questions to disappear quickly (unless you open the widget, to see earlier entries). So. I've decided once or twice a month to do a catch-up post.

This is mainly for my readers who are kind enough to clue me in on new websites, suggestions for new orders to post, corrections, etc. Sometimes I need information - and one of you may know how to find it.

I value all of you - you have been a tremendous help. I know I'm still behind. I may be saying that all my life!

I am also considering this: Posts that are changed fairly radically or need a revision for other reasons(my first attempts were so-so to ho-hum), I may re-post to a current date. This would not interfere with my intra-page links, but possibly might with search engines. I'm not sure.

It might be best to mention it, and let those look who want to see the changes.

That's all folks. 'Till my first Catch-Up entry, have a blessed evening.

Penny

Children of Mary

2010-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Children of Mary

An article from the Columbus Dispatch.

Founded 2002; Contemplative/Active

Picture: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I think a good word to sum up these sisters is Eucharistic.

Their home page states: Gently, humbly, we wish to share with everyone the beauty of the Catholic faith, and the astounding reality that God is with us in the Holy Eucharist.

Picture below left: Three sisters made professions, receiving the black veil, in 2010. Two sisters also made their first profession. They have two aspirants as of this date; you could be the third.

Our life consists of prayer, work, and study of the Faith and the spiritual life. The community is semi-contemplative with time for silence and prayer, and also for community and welcoming guests that come to pray with us and learn more about the Faith. Our foundation is love for God, love for one another and love for His Holy Church and all the gifts He has given His Church - especially Himself in the Holy Eucharist and Our Blessed Mother.

They have made a CD of the Luminous Mysteries in Latin, Lift Jesus High. This came about when a Carmelite sister was visiting, and taught Mother Margaret Mary to chant the rosary in Latin. This coincided with some meditations that had been on her heart for some time. When you first go to their website, you will hear part of it, and it is beautiful. I have never heard a recording of the Rosary that I really, really liked - this is the first one.

The Lord calls them to go to His beloved poor and share the great news with them that He loves them and He is with them in the Most Blessed Sacrament, longing for their love. We go to a soup kitchen once a week and set up a beautiful adoration chapel there for those who come to eat the earthly bread provided them may come into the Presence of the Heavenly Bread of Life, the Bread that will satisfy their every longing!

Amen! That's my comment, not the sisters.

Refreshingly, if you visit them, they ask that you dress modestly - no, not as though the year was 1950. Their requests are very reasonable.

Picture: Retreat House

Yearly in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel the sisters make a pilgrimage. In 2010 they went to the The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a conference with Fr. Corapi, and stayed with various Religious "edified by the love and hospitality of our brother(s) and sister(s)."

They have a number of needs, including someone to give them organ lessons!

Location: Ohio

Spirituality: St. John Vianney, St. Therese, Bl. Mother Teresa, Ven. Pope John Paul II

Devotions: Eucharistic Adoration (1 hour daily in community, and 1 hour daily privately), Angelus, Divine Office (chanted), Fasting (Friday and other times), Outdoor Stations of the Cross (communal, once a week), Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Prostration before Adoration, Silence (Grand), spiritual reading, private prayer, other sacred studies, Traditional Habit, yearly pilgrimage

Apostolates: Prayer (priests), catechisis, retreats, promoting love and reverence for Our Eucharistic Lord and the Church, distribution of prayer cards, spiritual and corporeal works of mercy, especially among the poor.

Ages of Entrance: there is "no set age limit; we discern with each individual if the Lord is calling them here or not."

Belated vocations? Possibly, see above.

# of professed sisters: Seven sisters in all at this date, with three professed, two postulants, and two aspirants.

Many thanks to Mother Margaret Mary for her assistance in making this post more accurate. Any inaccuracies remaining are mine. Pray for them!

Benedictine Sisters, St. Benedict Monastery

2010-12-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

Benedictine Sisters, St. Benedict Monastery

Founded 1971, with sisters from a monastery in Arkansas; Contemplative, Monastic

Our primary ministry is the monastic life itself structured around the Liturgy of the Hours and living in community. Formal daily prayer is chanted in English according to Gregorian psalm tones.

Monasticism is not something one learns rationally and linearly.

While we are contemplative, we are not cloistered. Cloistered nuns remain within their monastery except for medical attention and special events as permitted by the diocesan bishop. At St. Benedict Monastery, a Sister may leave the monastery grounds with the permission of the superior to conduct monastery business, attend educational conferences and diocesan Sisters’ gatherings, participate in monastery outings, receive medical attention, take care of occasional person shopping and make periodic visits to her immediate family.

By their bonds of monastic friendship and mutual respect and care for each other, the Sisters counter the prevalence and growing incidence of exploitive relationships and "throw away" attitudes in society. By their lifestyle and their attention to service-oriented work within the context of Benedictine balance, they witness against workaholism, pressure to produce, over concern for the "bottom line", consumerism and over consumption. Their practice of Lectio Divino and listening to God in the every day events of life reduces the prevailing noise pollution and frenetic activity of the larger society.

A white veil and scapular are given to all novices. At present, there are two new members in temporary profession, and two postulants. Their oblate program has approximately 40 members.

The sisters observe many periods of silence throughout the week. Daytime silence allows one to listen to the small voice of God. The half hour of community recreation in the evening and during the mid-day meal provides us with an opportunity to converse with our Sisters.

Through our ministry of hospitality, we share the good news of God’s love with all who come to our door. Historically monasteries provided places of refuge and spiritual renewal to pilgrims, travelers, the sick and the poor. Monasteries today are reclaiming their role as haven for modern day pilgrims and the spiritually poor trying to make their way in a secular world.

Picture below: Like all Religious, the sisters must support themselves, and have a farm.

Guests, both men and women, are welcome at all times of the year, whether for a few days or a few hours. A guest might be someone needing to refuel or revive his or her spiritual life. A guest might be a woman felt drawn to religious life. A guest might be a friend or relative of one of the Sisters.

Guests are invited to share in the prayer life of the monastery and eat the main meal of the day with the monastic community.
We have provided guest quarters in our monastery for those who would like an extended visit. A hermitage is also available for someone seeking a deeper experience of silence and solitude.

Left: The hermitage.

Location: Texas

Asostolates: Retreats, Prayer, spiritual direction, hospitality

Spirituality: Benedictine

Devotions: Divine Office (communal, 7 times a day, chanted in Gregorian style), Grand silence, Daytime silence as posssible, spiritual and Scripture reading, other spiritual studies, special recollection days once a month and whole days of silence during the feasts of Lent, Easter and Christmas; faithful to the magisterium

# of professed sisters: Unknown

Ages upon acceptance: 18-62
While I did not find this information on their website, I had an email indicating that this is correct. Oh course, I will change it if I find out otherwise.

Belated Vocations: Since their ages of acceptance reaches so high, I would not think so.

Olivetan Benedictine Sisters of the Holy Angels Convent

2010-12-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

Olivetan Benedictine Sisters of the Holy Angels Convent (website)

Olivetan Benedictines Sisters of the Holy Angels Convent (IRL)

(Jonesboro Bendictines)

Founded 1887; Monastic

Very briefly, a word on their history:

Established in Missouri from a Swiss convent, they were called to minister in the town of Pocahontas (I am being absolutely serious), bringing with them their earthly treasure of 83 cents. However, because of typhoid fever, they moved in 1898 to Jonesboro, Arkansas. Malaria fever broke out, so they made some rooms into a "hospital" with cots and orange crates to take care of the sick. Over a long period of time, those few cents resulted in this:

All in a state not exactly known for its Catholic character.

Saint Benedict wrote that, “Nothing should be preferred to the work of God” – (RB 43.3). According to St. Benedict praying the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours is “the work of God”.

The Community monastic day is therefore built around set times of prayer and begins at 6:30 a.m. when the Sisters gather in the chapel to pray Lauds (morning prayer). This is followed by breakfast, during which time we keep silence until after breakfast; unless, the Prioress gives the signal that gives us permission to speak. After breakfast, the Sisters will disperse to go to their assigned apostolates.

Here in Arkansas we have a unique missionary spirit. Each sister is assigned some form of active apostolate, as long as she is able. There are many Community Ministries that she may be suited for.

What have my neighbors been up to - it is not like they are that far from me, and I just may have to visit:

They just broke ground for a new school building; they had a new postulant from Kentucky on Aug. 15th; four novices are preparing for their final professions; they teach calligraphy and celtic illumination, also iconography - lots and lots of sacred art. I have never used sacred art as an apostolate, but I just may list it.

As instructing the ignorant is one of those blessed things to do, one kind sister pointed out the references to sacred art in the Catechism, which are more numerous than I would have ever guessed. For instance, "The fine arts, but above all sacred art, 'of their nature are directed toward expressing in some way the infinite beauty of God in works made by human hands. Their dedication to the increase of God's praise and of his glory is more complete, the more exclusively they are devoted to turning men's minds devoutly toward God'" (2513).

Well, this puts me in my place. So many things do. I sure like these ladies.

They have had an Oblate program since 1984.

Spirituality: Rule of St. Benedict

Devotions: Meditation (Scriptures), Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (daily), Mass, Nightly Grand Silence, Divine Office (communal)

Apostolates: Healthcare (St. Bernards Regional Medical Center), Education, Pastoral Care, Hispanic and other ministries for the disenfranchised and those hungry for God's word, Catechism, Youth Ministry, Prison Ministry; Sacred Art

Location: Arkansas

# of professed sisters: 39

Belated vocations? Yes

Ages upon entrance: 18-50

I believe one of these sisters requested I write about their order many months ago, and here it is finally. I owe others of you apologies in the same vein. One day, I will get there.

Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity

2010-11-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity

Also find them on IRL.

Founded: 1958; Cloistered (Papal Enclosure); Contemplative

Vist their gift shop - neat stuff. Be quick - their Christmas cards are designed and printed by the nuns. It's the end of November!

This is what I want for Christmas:

Just saying.

The life St. Teresa set up for her daughters strikes a healthy balance between prayer, both personal and communal, and manual labor ~ our daily work; and between solitude and community life.

But the real heart of our life is contemplative prayer, the silent, loving person-to-Person relationship with Jesus Christ which makes of the one who prays herself an offering... a living prayer, that draws all that she is and does into Jesus’ saving work in a powerful and mysterious way.

In a specific and radical way, cloistered contemplatives conform to Christ Jesus in prayer on the mountain and to his Paschal Mystery, which is death for the sake of resurrection. (Verbi Sponsa).

This is the courtyard of their monastery.

The particular monastery that we enter is where we are trained in our own Novitiate and where we remain for life. The sick and elderly are cared for right here in the monastery infirmary, and we do not transfer from one Carmel to another. So it is important that each of us gets to know herself and continually strives to become more Christlike in the daily pursuit of holiness and the practice of virtue, that we may become more selfless, humble, generous, and more loving and thoughtful toward others. The challenge is never-ending. It is indeed a spiritual adventure.

They have dogs - another plus. Ya'll know I love dogs. Not as much as I love the Church, but almost.

Apostolates: Prayer, especially for priests, for the missions, for the poor, the unemployed, the sick and suffering, the hungry; for all those who call or write us continually with their special needs and intentions.

Spirituality: Carmelite; Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel

Devotions: Divine Office - chanted seven times day; Grand Silence; Angelus; Private prayer and spiritual reading; Traditional Habit

Location: Arlington, Texas; also listed is their former convent in Ft. Worth. They are located in the diocese of Ft. Worth, I believe.

Ages upon entrance: 18-35

Belated vocations? No, but check with them.

# of professed nuns/sisters: 11

Extern sisters: I would think so - again, check with them.

A member of the St. Teresa Association: The St. Teresa Association is a group of monasteries of Discalced Carmelite Nuns formed in 1975 to strengthen one another in living our contemplative vocation in the Church. Membership is based on spiritual affinity. Member communities are listed here.

Consecrated, Contemplative, Carthusian - Help!

2010-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Dr. Lilles states:

I am trying to find blogs and other resources related to those consecrated in the contemplative life, Carthusians in particular.

Contact him at :

lillescolorado@msn.com

His blog is Beginning to Pray, if you want to check it out.

Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic

2010-03-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

I ask your pardon. This website is under major revision. Any help you can give me is appreciated. No, nothing is in any particular order - I've just been copying information I find important, and downloading possible picture for publication.

Congregation of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic (CMSWR)

Contact Information:
Holy Rosary Convent
2237 Waldron Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Phone: 361-937-5978 or
361-939-8102

Fax: 361-387-3814 or
361-939-8203

lelaf2004@yahoo.com
You will also find a email contact form for their Mother House in Rome - or paste this link in a Chrome browser (as I have written earlier) and it will give you the option of translating it to any language. I'm sure they can get you in touch with the proper person. -939-81021-939-8102

Congregation of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic - I believe this may be their primary international website. Bring it up in the browser Chrome, and the pages will automatically translate into your primary language (once you tell it to).

Founded 1887; Contemplative/Active

Image: St. Dominic and Our Lady of the Rosary

It is unfortunate that I am for some reason unable to glean all the data I would like from foreign language websites. Would that I knew more languages! So, their capsule summary from the CMSWR

"We are an international Congregation of women religious serving God with a Global Vision in the tradition and charism of St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. Our Lifestyle: We follow the Dominican semi-contemplative life in prayer, study, community, and ministry. We proclaim the Good News through: Education, Pastoral Ministry, Social Work, Retreats, Hospitals/Senior Care, Residences, Campus Ministry, Foreign Missions and Day Care/Learning Center. We minister in: U.S.A., Japan, Chile, Rome, Guam, Spain, Taiwan, Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, Portugal, and Philippines, and many more missions in other countries. " The Sisters at prayer. Pictures are from various websites around the world.

Picture: Sisters from the Philippines.
"Continuing education is a requirement of the Missionary Sisters of St. Dominic in enhancing their gifts and talents, to answer the call of the Lord continued to develop, in communion with our brothers and community commitment to be faithful to the Spirit's renewing action ."
The official language of the order is Spanish.

The current Superior General of their order.

Locations: California, Texas and internationally
Our Lady of the Rosary province, USA, St. Dominic's Convent in Texas, and Our Lady of Guadaloupe Convent in California

Spirituality: Dominican,
St. Thomas Aquinas, Imelda Lambertini, Our Lady of the Rosary

Devotions: I am not certain as to specifics, but I would assume would include daily rosary, holy hours (unknown frequency), divine office, and others.

Apostolates: Presently in the United States, they seem to be doing parish religious education and catechesis, pastoral work, teaching in Catholic schools, and they staff a nursery school. Internationally, they are involved in many activities: Social work, Healthcare, Care for the Elderly, Education, Campus Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, and Residences (although I do not know what this refers to - yet!)

# of professed sisters: About 22 in the US
Ages upon entrance: Unknown
Belated vocations?: Unknown

I have written them to see where I can obtain further information.

Dominicans Nuns, Monastery of St. Jude

2010-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Dominican Nuns, Monastery of St. Jude

Founded 1944; Contemplative; Cloistered

Their most recent newsletter.

Their blog, From Marbury's Hilltop

An interesting beginning to this order, as they were looking to be welcomed as an interracial community - and strangely enough (or not), that place was Alabama.

Saint Dominic founded the community of enclosed nuns ten years before he founded the friars, knowing that the success of his Order of Preachers would be dependent and intimately connected with the intercession of his spiritual daughters.

True to the contemplative tradition, the ultimate goal of our life as Dominican Nuns is to be free for God alone.

The elements constituting the Dominican life are the common life, the celebration of the Liturgy and private prayer, the observance of the vows and the study of Sacred Scripture. To fulfill these faithfully, the Nuns are helped by enclosure, silence, the habit, work and penitential practices.

Apostolic zeal for souls should be the marrow of our interior life as Nuns of the Order of Preachers, so that in union with Our Lord we spend ourselves totally for the salvation of souls.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."(Matthew 13:44-46)

If you value that pearl more than life, these ladies may be waiting for you.

Spirituality: Dominican, Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Devotions: Traditional Habit, Eucharistic Adoration (daily), the consecration of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Angelus, Divine Office (chanted, Latin), Rosary (communal, daily), private prayer, Stations of the Cross (daily), monthly and yearly retreats, Scripture and other spiritual reading and study, monastic silence, recreation twice a day

Location: Alabama

Ages upon Entrance: 18-29
Belated vocations?: Unknown - possibly, write and ask them.

# of professed nuns: I don't know, but I would say small - perhaps 10, maybe a few more than this.

Visitation of Holy Mary, Mont Deux Coeurs Monastery

2010-02-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Visitation of Holy Mary, Mont Deux Coeurs Monastery (Mount of Two Hearts, dedicated to the Heart of Jesus and the Heart of His Mother, Mary)

Founded 1610, this monastery established in the 1800's, but moved to their present location in 1995; Contemplative; Cloistered

At five years in the monastery, one of their sisters wrote a very good series on the novitiate, "Heaven on Earth."

The Visitation, a contemplative order in the Church, was founded by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal “to give to God daughters of prayer, and souls so interior” that they may be found worthy to adore God in spirit and in truth.” (Constitution 1)

The Monastery is a home of religious whose lives are dedicated to prayer and living in community. Visitation Sisters throughout the world live together in their own monasteries, rarely leave the grounds and are self-sufficient.

According to the express wish of our Founders, we do not practice severe penances. In place of these austerities, we strive to live with our Sisters in gentleness and humility, by mortifying our self-will and our own personal preferences.

We particularly honor Our Lady in the mystery of her Visitation. In imitation of Mary, we endeavor to “Live Jesus”, to live the Christ-life as we witness to the Church and to the world. An important community work that flows directly from our prayer is the spreading of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each first Sunday of the month one of the Sisters gives a talk on the Heart of Jesus at the monastery.

You may make a retreat at this monastery (really quite singular, considering they are a cloistered order, but the Visitation Sisters as a whole have several unique qualities).

At our monastery we have two rooms reserved for retreatants but priority is always given to women who wish to discern their vocation to the religious life. However, we frequently have retreatants who are not discerning the religious life who just want to make a silent retreat in a monastery.

Unfortunately (well, actually very fortunately) they have had far more applicants than anticipated, and already need to add rooms for novices. Make a donation!

Apostolates: Prayer (primary) and Sacred Heart Spirituality talks

Spirituality: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal (Visitation Sisters)
Devotions: Traditional Habit, Divine Office (sung in choir), spiritual reading (1/2 hour daily), mental prayer (1 1/2 hour daily), Silence except in recreation, Sacred Heart of Jesus (First Friday devotions)

Location: Massachusetts

Ages upon entrance: 18 - 40
Belated vocations? No upper limit - it is at their own discretion

# professed nuns: 15

Visitation of Holy Mary of Toledo

2010-02-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Visitation of Holy Mary of Toledo

Founded 1610, came to Toledo in 1915; Contemplative; Cloistered

Requested to relocate at the request of the Bishop, “the sisters should remain upon the mountain-top in prayer and sacrifice pleading for the salvation of souls, particularly those of the diocese, clergy, religious and laity.”

“The Religious of the Visitation, who are so happy as to observe their rules faithfully, may truly bear the name of Daughters of the Gospel, established especially to be imitators of the Sacred Heart of the Word Incarnate in His gentleness and humility. These virtues are, as it were, the foundation and basis of their Order, giving them the incomparable grace and privilege of bearing the title of Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” (St. Jane de Chantal)

Whatever we are asked to do — cook, sew, garden, clean — we seek to “offer our work as a living prayer as did the Virgin Mary in her home in Nazareth.”

This is the Visitation Sisters coat of arms, at left.

Contemplatives in the Church through their union with God and their form of community life, they seek within the seclusion of the cloister to develop the bond of charity in and among themselves. Let nothing separate them from the heavenly Spouse who has united them together, nor from that union which can keep them united with Himself; so that having all but one heart and one soul, He Himself may be their only soul and heart.

Photo: Sister Noel Faustina professes solemn vows.

We do allow young girls and women who feel they may have a vocation to our way of life, to come and make a retreat within the enclosure. The retreatant lives in the Novitiate Dormitory and follows the novitiate schedule of prayer, study, work and recreation with the novitiate sisters.

Apostolate: Prayer

Spirituality: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal (Visitation Sisters)
Devotions: Traditional Habit, Divine Office (sung in choir), spiritual reading (1/2 hour daily), mental prayer (1 1/2 hour daily), Silence except in recreation, Sacred Heart of Jesus (First Friday devotions)

Location: Ohio

Ages upon entrance: 18 - 50
Belated vocations? No upper limit - it is at their own discretion

# professed nuns: 17

Their vocation video:

Visitation of Holy Mary of Snellville

2010-02-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Visitation of Holy Mary of Snellville

Founded 1610 - I do not know the date of establishment of the Snellville monastery. Contemplative; Cloistered

You can read about their current superior, Sister Mary Jane Frances Williams, who has an unbelievable background. Very cool! Also, journalist Kelly Wegel has some fine pictures of the sisters at Photo Essay: The Monastic Life.

Additionally, DO NOT FAIL to look at the absolutely excellent pictures of the sisters at prayer, in slide show form, by photographer Wei Chen, who grew up in a monastery in China (I assume as an orphan). Stunning work. I will have to post this link on my other blog.

Yet another wonderful look at them, and their monastery, set to music from the Georgia Bulletin. People have been quite inspired (?) to present a good many little vignettes of this small order.

The foundress of this order of cloistered sisters, St. Jane de Chantal, said that their mission is to live a life of perfect obedience in imitation of Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother. The order, by design of St. Francis de Sales, has always opened its doors to women who were older, to widows and to those with physical impairments.

The Salesian spirit emphasizes doing God’s will at each present moment, showing cordiality to all persons, focusing simply on God while at the same time observing that moderation, which is the golden mean of virtue. It is a spirit of great balance, very much like the way of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, nothing showy, just solid perfection. As St. Francis de Sales said once, if there were any way of greater perfection, he would have given it to us.

Those women may be received who have decided, by an authentic call from God, to apply themselves to the perfection of divine love and who have the requisite physical and moral qualities and are disposed to live in humility, obedience, simplicity, gentleness and self-surrender. No particular educational level is required, though literacy is assumed.

Apostolate: Prayer

Spirituality: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal (Visitation Sisters)
Devotions: Traditional Habit, Divine Office (sung in choir), spiritual reading (1/2 hour daily), mental prayer (1 1/2 hour daily), Silence except in recreation, Sacred Heart of Jesus (First Friday devotions)

Location: Georgia

Ages upon entrance: 18+
Belated vocations? No upper limit - it is at their own discretion

# professed nuns: About 12

Visitation of Holy Mary, Monastery of the Visitation, Monte Maria

2010-01-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

Visitation of Holy Mary, Monastery of the Visitation, Monte Maria

Founded 1610; this particular monastery founded in 1866, an off shoot from a Maryland monastery; Contemplative; Cloistered

Our Blessed Mother makes a “secret visitation” to the hearts of those souls called to this life.

The Sisters are called by the Holy Spirit to be a real family. It is in the community, first and foremost, that we practice our unique charism which is “humility before God and great gentleness with our neighbor”. The Sisters strive to be of one mind and heart by sincerely loving one another, recognizing God in each person.

Physical austerity is minimal to pave the way for those who would not be able to practice it. However, sufficient health for following the Rule is required. St. Francis de Sales’s masterpieces: Introduction to a Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God clearly explain the spirit of the Visitation, which is one of humility toward God and gentleness toward one’s neighbor.

This Salesian spirit emphasizes doing God’s will at each present moment, showing cordiality to all persons, focusing simply on God while at the same time observing that moderation, which is the golden mean of virtue. It is a spirit of great balance, very much like the way of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, nothing showy, just solid perfection. As St. Francis de Sales said once, if there were any way of greater perfection, he would have given it to us.

The Visitation order is almost unique, in that one may be a novice at an "advanced age", and this has been part of their tradition. However, it is up to each group to make these decisions individually.

The sisters make altar breads to support themselves.

Apostolate: Prayer

Spirituality: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal (Visitation Sisters)
Devotions: Traditional Habit, Divine Office (sung in choir), spiritual reading (1/2 hour daily), mental prayer (1 1/2 hour daily), Silence except in recreation, Sacred Heart of Jesus (First Friday devotions)

Location: Virginia

Ages upon entrance: 18+
Belated vocations? No upper limit - it is at their own discretion

# professed nuns: Unknown - small probably

Visitation of Holy Mary of Philidelphia

2010-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

Visitation of Holy Mary of Philadelphia (Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary)

Founded: 1610 - I do not know when this particular monastery in Philadelphia was opened, or its name. All of the Visitation Sisters I'm going to write about in the next week of so (or I might get them all done tonight!) will be quite similar, so many things will be repeated. However, this is necessary for those who will be searching for an order in a specific state, and will not be reading each separate post.

Contemplative/Cloistered

Visitation monasteries are autonomous, like many of the Carmelite monasteries I write about. These particular ladies are a member of the First Federation of United States monasteries, all of whom observe papal enclosure with solemn vows, and have retained the traditional habit of the Order.

Physical austerity is minimal to pave the way for those who would not be able to practice it. However, sufficient health for following the Rule is required. St. Francis de Sales’s masterpieces: Introduction to a Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God clearly explain the spirit of the Visitation, which is one of humility toward God and gentleness toward one’s neighbor.

This Salesian spirit emphasizes doing God’s will at each present moment, showing cordiality to all persons, focusing simply on God while at the same time observing that moderation, which is the golden mean of virtue. It is a spirit of great balance, very much like the way of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, nothing showy, just solid perfection. As St. Francis de Sales said once, if there were any way of greater perfection, he would have given it to us.

Individual vocation retreats are tailored to the seekers needs, and are for different amounts of time.

The Visitation order is almost unique, in that one may be a novice at an "advanced age", and this has been part of their tradition. However, it is up to each group to make these decisions individually.

This community is faithful to the magisterium.

Apostolates: Prayer

Spirituality: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal (Visitation Sisters)
Devotions: Traditional Habit, Divine Office (sung in choir), spiritual reading (1/2 hour daily), mental prayer (1 1/2 hour daily), Silence except in recreation, Sacred Heart of Jesus (First Friday devotions)

Location: Pennsylvania

Ages upon entrance: 18+
Belated vocations? No upper limit - it is at their own discretion

# professed nuns: No real idea. Certainly more than 10.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist

2010-01-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist

Founded 1892; Active

The Sisters are dedicated to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer for priests, and works of mercy. The Franciscan characteristics of contemplation, littleness, humility, poverty and fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church are central to their way of life. Prayer in common, spiritual exercises, intellectual pursuits, manual labor and recreation comprise each day.

“What attracted me to the Sisters was the ‘littleness’ of the community — not in numbers but in the ‘littleness’ that exuded from their spirit. They were hidden, amidst their active apostolates, in the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. That littleness brought forth great joy.” - a member of their order.

Mission support is provided through the Franciscan Mission Warehouse.

Picture at left: Mother John Hau, founder of the American order.

Spirituality: Franciscan
Devotions: Eucharistic Adoration, Divine office (with community), Holy Hour (weekly, with community), spiritual reading, Prayer (priests)

Apostolates: Retreats, spiritual direction and teaching, education, social services, work with the poor, prayer (priests), heathcare

Locations: Missouri, Kansas

# of professed sisters: 16
Ages upon entrance: 18-40
Belated vocations?: Yes