A Nun's Life Blog

What's in your garden?

Sister Julie — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:01 +0000

I've got 3 empty pots and one with Genovese basil seeds marinating in the soil. The lilac twig I planted last summer has leaves this summer, and the two bushes have doubled in size! There are a few unknown plants that have been welcome volunteers! And then there's the patch of 44 garlic plants -- my very first attempt at growing garlic! It is nearly time for the scapes to come up which will make for some tasty scape butter and other culinary delights!

What's in your garden, be it a little plot of land or containers on the window sill?

There are so many treasures with gardening -- from the plants to the bugs, the prepping and the harvesting. It always seems like a great miracle when some little green sprig pops through the soil for the first time. And indeed it is a miracle! To go from seed to plant always amazes me! I garden because I want to be a witness to this new life -- and to celebrate the joy of fresh basil and garlic, blooms on mystery plants, and creatures that take cover in the branches and roots of this menagerie of beauty!

Why do you garden?

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Cleaning out the attic: sacramentals and mementos

Sister Julie — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:49:23 +0000

My parents have been so good to keep a stack of boxes in the attic for years now – starting with a few mementos from childhood – Girl Scout patches, First Communion plaque, report cards, stuffed animals – and adding on box by box through the years. Camping equipment, photo albums, Star Wars figures, and more! A foot locker full of notes and readings from college and grad school was probably the last deposit.

I finally retrieved the boxes this past December when I visited the family for the Christmas holidays. Dad was working on organizing the attic so it seemed as good a time as any! Into the car trunk they went.

Over the past few months, I’ve been going through the boxes – a bit slower than I had expected! What began as pitching and sorting ended up as a mini “this is your life” episode. I held my baptismal candle in my hand, spend time with dear photos of family and friends, discovered treasures I thought long gone.

The most remarkable moment was realizing that this was it. These boxes, along with the items in my living space and office, were the only “things” that made it through the years of my life.

It was a challenge to see what stuff I had in those boxes and then within moments to realize they are no longer “my” belongings. As a Catholic sister professing the vow of poverty, I have divested myself of all possessions, even the Clifford the Big Red Dog books that I adored as a child. Yet even without that vow, it felt like this stuff was never really mine to begin with. Maybe it’s because they had served their purpose, maybe because they were like sacramentals signifying something greater than the thing itself.

As I try to make sense of this, the image that comes to mind is that of stepping stones. Have you ever crossed a creek or soggy trail hopping from stone to stone? Even the smallest of stones can give you a foothold to take the next step. If you pause on that stone, it might sink in or you might loose your balance. But if you keep moving forward from stone to stone, you can make it across. In our lives, it might be a worn book here, a varsity sports letter there, a photo album of memories, a note book of theological research. We all need to have a solid, tangible “thing” upon which to take that next step. The stuff however small can be great in symbolic value because they are things that got us moving forward.

I made it through all the boxes – a lot of stuff I donated, some I tossed, and a few things I hung onto. I had a few criteria for how I did this, but mostly it was a matter of allowing the stuff to find a new home beyond me and my parents’ attic. Of those few things I hung onto, the needed and useful items (jackknife, Gramma-made bag) got put into the proper places, and the purely memento items now occupy one single box.

I suspect that in the end, the real value of these items we save are already living within us, whether we have the items or not. Still, I am grateful for the stuff, the stepping stones, the sacramentals, for in an instant they can bring back memories and stir new ideas, and they can remind us who we are and Whose we are.

Photo: Chloe the Convent Cat helps with sorting boxes of stuff

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Pope Francis on the cult of money: we are not let off the golden hook

Sister Julie — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:34:42 +0000

I profess a vow of poverty and so I've often got money on the mind -- particularly in terms of living with a sense of the common good and care for those who are poor and vulnerable. As I've been reading Pope Francis's words on living in a "cult of money" I found myself agreeing and thinking about the world "out there." After all, with my aforementioned vow of poverty, there's no way I'd be in that cult of money! But is that really the case?

Many of us are problable in a similar boat where we don't have so many sheckles to rub together that would remotely constitute a cult. If we melted down our proverbial gold we might end up with a golden calf's hoof at best. Many of us would never identify ourselves in a cult of money -- if anything, a cult of no money! Yet I do not believe that we are let off the golden hook so easily. Pope Francis's words are meant for us as well because money, capitalism, consumerism, and power are very much a part of the culture in which we live.

Here are some of the aspects of this cult of money that Pope Francis mentions which give me pause:

"We must also acknowledge that the majority of the men and women of our time continue to live daily in situations of insecurity, with dire consequences."
"Human beings themselves are nowadays considered as consumer goods which can be used and thrown away. We have started a throw-away culture."
"... solidarity, which is the treasure of the poor, is often considered counterproductive, opposed to the logic of finance and the economy."
"The will to power and of possession has become limitless."
"Ethics, like solidarity, is a nuisance! It is regarded as counterproductive: as something too human, because it relativizes money and power; as a threat, because it rejects manipulation and subjection of people: because ethics leads to God, who is situated outside the categories of the market."
"... consider the words of Saint John Chrysostom: "Not to share one’s goods with the poor is to rob them and to deprive them of life. It is not our goods that we possess, but theirs" (Homily on Lazarus, 1:6 – PG 48, 992D)."
"Money has to serve, not to rule! The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but the Pope has the duty, in Christ’s name, to remind the rich to help the poor, to respect them, to promote them. The Pope appeals for disinterested solidarity and for a return to person-centred ethics in the world of finance and economics."
"The common good should not be simply an extra, simply a conceptual scheme of inferior quality tacked onto political programmes"

Pope Francis' entire address can be found on the Vatican's website: Address of Pope Francis to the New Non-Resident Ambassadors to the Holy See: Kyrgyzstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Luxembourg and Botswana (May 16, 2013). All I can say is God bless the ambassadors who were at this audience and got a lot more than they may have expected!

What are some ways that the pope's message rings true in your daily life? What do you find challenging or heartening?

Photograph: -/AFP/Getty Images

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How do I know I am being called?

Sister Julie — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:24:53 +0000

I asked it hundreds of times -- and I know many of you have too! How do I know that I am being called by God?

It's a wonderful question that says so much just by asking it, for the question itself touches into nothing less than an encounter with the Living God! When we ask about whether God is calling us, we've often had some kind of experience where we feel a nudge, a pull, some kind of attraction that doesn't seem wholly of our own making. This experience may also feel like something that is totally absurd and simultaneously totally awesome!

By way of an initial response, God is indeed calling you. God wants to draw close to you. Think about how you are with someone who is a friend -- a good friend or maybe someone that you're like, wow, we could totally be buds! You want to hang out, shoot the breeze, share things of consequence, and well, just BE together! God is like that too and the sense of being called is God's way of saying, "Let's hang out more, let's share our lives more with one another."

This is where I think this question starts to get interesting because with God there is no "one calling or bust" -- the calling is not so much a thing or destination as it is a way of being in relationship with God. And so a bit deeper into this question we find our own selves immersed in (and quite possibly shocked by) God's immeasurable love for us ... and desire to see us flourish! Who me!?

That is indeed something to tangle with -- in a good way, of course! That God truly, madly, deeply loves us (borrowing from Savage Garden) can blow us away and indeed be life-changing. It's good to spend a little time with that!

The next part of the question has more to do with how that calling is allowed to transform our lives. With God, the sense of being called is also about being most fully who we are created to be, most fully ourselves in God. That might mean engaging in a particular work; developing a certain "virtue" or habit of being or beatitude; commiting to a relationship or a set of relationships as community or as family.

This is where we want to know what to do, who to be with, what path to take, what bridge to cross. It can be a lot of pressure, fun, heartbreaking, adventuresome, and prayer-full to be in this space of wondering. It's okay to feel any or all of these things. There's no magical way to know where your God-attraction will lead, but you can look to some clues in and around you:

the idea brings you a sense of peace, which is not to say it won't feel uncomfortable or a little scary or be challenging
it feels like "you"
friends and mentors that really get you can see how it would be a good fit
you're able to use your unique talents, gifts, experience, and perspective on life
you are able to be of service to others
you have a sense of excitement, attraction, adventure
you can see a consistent "message" from God in your prayer and life
people remark that when you are involved in the thing you think might be your calling, you seem happy and alive
when you encounter someone doing/being the thing you might be called to, you are like YAY!

Probably one of the biggest ways to get a sense of a particular calling is to try it out. Take little steps toward the thing you are wondering about. Be persistent. Take a big step. No matter what happens, you are getting good information about yourself, about God, and about your path in life. And the awesome part is that God is with you every step of the way.

What's it like for you to be in the space of trying to figure out how God is calling you? What has helped you get a sense of what to do?

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Discernment and Vocation

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Of nuns and nursing: "Call the Midwife"

Sister Maxine — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:13:26 +0000

My sister Donna texted me a while ago and said, “U gotta c ths show--Call the Midwife. PBS. Nuns.” I hesitated, because I’m not a big fan of tv shows based on medical stuff. But I figured if Donna, who is a nurse, likes it, I probably would too, especially since it has nuns.

I love it—as do millions of other people, it turns out. “Call the Midwife” is a hugely popular drama series that’s set in a tough part of London in the 1950s. At Nonnetus House, a nursing convent, sisters and other midwives help women with childbirth and with their newborns. Although their focus is on childbirth, they also help others in the community who are in need of health care. The tv series is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth.

One of the many things I appreciate about the show is that it depicts the sisters as real people involved in real-life situations. They are not just bystanders to the life that swirls around them. For centuries, it was believed that too much contact with the secular world, with its problems and temptations, posed a threat to holiness for religious. But therein was the challenge – how to be of service to others, as so many sisters were in health care, education, and social services, and remain apart from the world at the same time. But in the 1950s, the idea of leaving the world to find holiness was already changing.

The sisters at Nonnetus House show with their lives one of the central ideas that Vatican II would articulate nearly a decade later – that holiness was to be achieved within the world and its problems, not apart from them. As the sisters and midwives go about helping mothers deliver their babies and care for their newborns, the sense of grace and holiness is unmistakable.

So, if you’re looking for a terrific show to watch, especially as we continue to celebrate National Nurses Week, check out “Call the Midwife.” If you've already seen the show, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!

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NUNDAY A Nun, Nurse, and Administrator

Sister Julie — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:02:53 +0000

I just read about Sister Joan O'Sullivan, CSJ, a Sister of Saint Joseph from Hamilton, Ontario (Canada), who died last week. My prayers and condolences to her sisters and loved ones. I knew a few sisters from her community when I was in school in Toronto. As we begin this week honoring nurses, it seems appropriate to celebrate Sister Joan, a Catholic sister who was also a nurse and administrator and dedicated to helping others.

I am captivated by this photo of her. It speaks to me of so much love, ingenuity, and earthiness! The photo is a Hamilton Spectator file photo.

She is described as a trailblazer, and the driving force behind expanding St. Joseph's hospital and health care system. She built at a time when funding was questionable, a risky but courageous choice that the Hamilton community -- and beyond -- continue to benefit from. An article by Joanna Frketich of the Hamilton Spectator has a few quotes from Sister Ann Anderson, CSJ, Sister Joan's friend of 50 years.

“She mentored generations of nurses, and then when she moved into senior administration she administered generations of young administrators,” said Anderson.

She was such a good leader, because she showed respect to all the staff, no matter what role they played in the hospital....

Lovingly known as “Joan O,” she was a sister of St. Joseph’s for 67 years. Anderson said she loved dogs of all kinds — “anything with four feet and a wagging tail.”

“Her faith was the anchor that kept her rooted, active and interested,” said Anderson. “Her loss certainly will leave a great void in the congregation, but her memory will be a great joy. The tone at the Motherhouse is that we are all profoundly grateful for a life well lived.” (source)

Thanks be to God for Sister Joan!

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Nunday

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sisters of saint joseph

In God We Are

Sister Julie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:30:58 +0000

What is your motto? If you had to sum up the motivation for your life or how it is you want to live your life, what would it be? I don't think I've ever had a personal motto per se (not even my brief fascination with "Avoid the Noid"). But I do run into phrases now and again that seem to summarize where I'm at or symbolize a movement in my life. Today I stumbled upon a passage in the book of Job this morning which for me came together in a motto-sized phrase: In God We Are. Here's the passage:

"But turn to the animals, and let them teach you; the birds of the air will tell you the truth. Listen to the plants of the earth, and learn from them; let the fish of the sea become your teachers. Who among all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? In God's hand is the soul of every living thing; in God's hand is the breath of all humankind." (Job 12:7-10)

Job is like, "It's so obvious even the creatures get it! Without God we are not. In God we are!" In God we are. It's a profound theology, yet, as Job tells it, all we have to do is look to creation (ourselves included) to see the presence and activity of our God. I love the contrast between the simplicity of this statement and the complexity -- especially of the implications of how we live and how we see the world around us. I also like how it is reminiscent of "In God we trust" yet kicks it up a few notches!

What is a motto, phrase, or mantra that you find compelling right now? How does it help you to tap into our God in whom we all are?!

Illustration from the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church

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Nun outfits in the news

Sister Julie — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:14:07 +0000

Is our popular image of what nuns look like taking a turn? I read an article in the Mail Online, a UK news outlet, about Kelly Osbourne, in which writer Leah Simpson comments on in a recent sighting of Kelly and her boyfriend and the goings-on of the Osbourne family. What is interesting of course is that Simpson's article characterizes Kelly's outfit as "reminiscent of a nun." As I read that, I prepared myself for the accompanying photo to be the usual -- an image of a celebrity sporting a drab, black and white robe-like outfit (which of course does no justice to habits or the typical clothing of nuns).

To my surprise, and joy, I discovered that in the photo, Kelly was wearing a pretty hip outfit! Take a look at the picture -- there is nothing stereotypically "nun" about this outfit. Kelly has a beautiful long white shirt with a black leather jacket and leggings. And there's some nice flair with bright pink lipstick, a studded head band and shoes, and purply hair in a bun. I'm rather impressed that this outfit suggested "nun" to the showbiz editorial team of the Mail Online.

I have to agree with Simpson, that indeed, Kelly was "rocking the nun look." While Simpson was of course referring to the cross necklace and the buttoned up shirt, I can't help but hope that in our popular culture we are beginning to expand our images of what nuns might look like. And, we might even be able to go so far as to use "nun look" as a compliment rather than as a criticism.

Could I see my nunly self in an outfit like this? Absolutely! While I personally might not sport the bright pink lipstick -- or the boyfriend for obvious reasons related to my vows -- I do think I would totally rock the studded head band!

photo (c) FameFlynet.uk.com

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Meta-calling and constellations of callings

Sister Julie — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:54:09 +0000

I had a tough time deciding if I should write about yesterday's World Day of Prayer for Vocations or today's Earth Day ... so I decided to do a mashup of both!

Sunday was a call to prayer for vocations, with a particular emphasis on vocations to consecrated and ordained life. Today is a call to protect the environment, with this year's theme emphasis on climate change.

Sometimes we think of vocation or one's calling as being a one-time deal. I'm called to this thing OR that thing. Period. While there is some truth in the sense that a life calling can be an over-arching framework for our lives, there are many callings and vocations that we live into throughout our lives. As Catholic sisters and nuns, as members of a family, as lay leaders, as brothers and priests -- we need to develop the God-given gifts and passions that are already within us! These do not disappear when we enter into a life commitment; rather they enhance and fill out that "meta-vocation".

So if you love nature or are good at tinkering with techy gadgets, develop the calling! If you enjoy banging pots and pans around in the kitchen or helping children learn, develop the calling!

As you think about your meta-calling, whether it's where you are now or maybe something you are moving towards, consider also the constellation of callings that make up your life! What do your vocations look like?

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Discernment and Vocation

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world day of prayer for vocations

Here I am, God! Wait...you want me to do what?!

Sister Maxine — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:35:43 +0000

“Ananias moments." They can be really uncomfortable--and transformative! That’s why today’s story from Acts 9 about Saul and Ananias is one of my most and least favorite readings.

As the story goes, “there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and God said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am” (Acts 9:10). For the faithful Ananias, this seems like a natural response. So far, so good.

Then God tells Ananias to go to Saul, a guy who is a well-known threat to believers in Jesus. God asks Ananias to heal Saul, restoring his sight. I totally get what Ananias does next. He hesitates. Ananias knows it is a big risk, because Saul could throw him into prison. A concerned Ananias reminds God of this. God assures Ananias that it will be okay, and that Saul is expecting him.

So Ananias goes to Saul, as God asks. Scripture doesn’t say what Ananias was thinking along the way. But the words “I can’t believe I’m doing this” and “I should’ve done an Internet search to see what’s up with Saul of Tarsus” come to my mind.

When Ananias arrives, he extends God’s healing love to Saul, and Saul can see anew. I think that Ananias is healed too. I imagine he’s less fearful of unjust authority, once embodied in Saul. I imagine he’s more confident that love really can heal hatred and intolerance. And I imagine that the next time God calls his name, Ananias will step forward again, still with worries and concerns, but feeling better prepared for whatever comes next.

In my prayer today, I’ll continue to walk with Ananias, thinking of the ways that God has invited me to be healed by being a healing presence to others. I welcome you to walk with us!

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Reinventing "Nun" - a visual spiritual exercise

Sister Julie — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:44:54 +0000

When you hear or read the word "nun", what visual immediately springs to your mind? Do you see a person, outfit, location, activity? Do you see something more abstract like a scene of simplicity, complexity, gentleness, or motion?

I've been pondering these questions after reading Thomas Farragher's article in The Boston Globe, "Right on, sisters" (April 14, 2013). Not only is there food for thought in Farragher's story of visits with his aunt, a Catholic sister belonging to the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary not just reading but meditating on the accompanying illustration by Gracia Lam, an illustrator who describes herself as liking to "reinvent everyday objects and mundane environments."

Have a look ...

Illustration by Gracia Lam

The word "reinvent" is repeating in my head like a mantra as I regard this illustration, especially knowing that Lam as an artist is particularly tuned into recasting the ordinary. When working on this project and someone said "nun" to her, is this what popped up in her imagination? I'm fascinated by this because I think our imagination -- how we render images, ideas, and concepts within ourselves -- influences not only how we apprehend reality (e.g., how we interpret an article about nuns or how we behave when encountering sisters in person) but also how we envision possibility! In Farragher's story as in Lam's illustration, there is an openness to possibility that Catholic sisters and nuns, that religious life, can be more than or different than the original image we may have had for it.

In Lam's illustration -- and remember, I'm no Sister Wendy Beckett so these are just my humble observations -- I see so much going on!

a nun
a habit unlike any we've ever seen
a surfboard
a book that may be a bible or prayer book
pages that act as waves
motion
vividness
light and delight!

I don't have words yet for what this all means in terms of "nunness" and its reinvention so I'm going to let it marinate a little while longer. I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings on this. What the illustration evoke in you? When I started the blog post with the question about what visual image pops up for you when you hear or read "nun", what popped up?

Please comment on the blog -- and I'll see you tonight for prayer!

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Conventional and UnCONVENTional Jobs of Catholic Sisters and Nuns Today

Sister Julie — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:36:14 +0000

Today one of my nuns is at a board meeting for a college, I'm writing a blog post and getting a podcast ready, and other Catholic sisters and nuns are doing countless other tasks! They are out there wrangling a herd of pre-schoolers, preparing a funeral liturgy, balancing a budget, counseling a bereft spouse, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at a shelter, standing as advocates at court, harvesting crops, and so many other duties!

I am always amazed at the variety of things sisters and nuns today do because sometimes we've got this "nun job decription" in our imagination that rarely encompasses all that sisters and nuns actually do. I certainly had that perspective before I became a sister! I never dreamed that I'd be negotiating with technology developers or broadcasting to folks across the world!

Even though we're in such a variety of places with tasks ranging the mundane to the supernatural, there is a lot about what we do that has not changed since the inception of religious life: Catholic sisters and nuns live lives of prayer, reach out in ministry, and gather together in community. With Christ and our Catholic faith, we launch out wherever God calls us.

And that can take us into some unCONVENTional places -- like a pizzeria! The accompanying photo shows Sister Judy Tensing, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, and Sister Barbara Wheeler, a Dominican Sister of Hope, founders of Venice on Vine pizzeria in Cincinnati, Ohio, which serves not only pizza but a job training program.

In what other expected or unconventional places have you bumped into Catholic sisters and nuns?

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Feast of the legendary Saint Stanislaw

Sister Maxine — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:40:55 +0000

When I look to the lives of the saints for inspiration, sometimes it’s a pretty big stretch. Case in point: Saint Stanislaw (d. 1079), whose feast is today.

Born in Poland, Stanislaw eventually becomes a bishop. As the story goes, he also has issues with the king. This leads to some spectacular developments.

For example, Stanislaw purchases land for the church, but the property rights are challenged after the man who sold the land dies. The man’s family says it is their property, and the king rules in their favor.

What can Stanislaw do? His best witness—the seller—is dead. There’s only one option left: Stanislaw asks the king to give him a couple of days to bring the seller back to life. The king thinks this is ridiculous (I can only imagine what else the king is thinking too). But in the end, the king agrees.

After praying, Stanislaw goes to the seller’s grave and raises the man from the dead. The man accompanies Stanislaw to court, testifies that he sold the land to Stanislaw, scolds his family members, and asks to be returned to his peaceful grave.

It’s a compelling story, one better read for its symbolic meaning, not it’s literal meaning. That's especially true for saints like Stanislaw, whose stories come to us mostly through legend.

Even so, the legend of Stanislaw offers me a story about seeking justice, even in the face of great odds, when it looks like only a miracle will do.Today I pray with and for all who work on behalf of justice, not only in their personal lives but in their neighborhoods and communities and in the world.

Which saint inspires you in your prayer or action today?

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Moving into the seasons of Easter and Spring

Sister Julie — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:14:55 +0000

It's the season of Easter, and Spring is nearly here. The flower buds are popping through the ground, and the air, though chilled, gives hints of warmth and sun! Even my garlic planted in late October has begun to emerge!

"This I saw on an April day:
Warm rain spilt from a sun-lined cloud,
A sky-flung wave of gold at evening,
And a cock pheasant treading a dusty path
Shy and proud.

And this I found in an April field:
A new white calf in the sun at noon,
A flash of blue in a cool moss bank,
And tips of tulips promising flowers
To a blue-winged loon."

~ by James Hearst, In April

What will or has Easter and Spring brought for you?

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The Pope App takes you to Saint Peter's Square

Sister Maxine — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:05:12 +0000

I just read that The Pope App is now the “most downloaded news app for iPhone in the U.S.” and in several other countries. I was not among that multitude of downloaders, at least not until Easter week.

The news comes from the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications. I found that the app, which is free, works great! It has news from the Vatican and speeches from Pope Francis along with lots of photos and videos. One of my favorite parts is the webcam on Saint Peter’s Square. Watching it reminds me of my visit there a few years ago, and how breath-taking it is to walk into the Square and see the Basilica.

On the video, it looks like a nice day in Rome today. Blue skies, some sun, a few clouds. There are lots of people walking around in the Square and you can hear the mixture of voices and street sounds, such as the honking horns of impatient drivers. I know from experience that there are also lots of pigeons in the Square, although they don’t show up in the live-stream.

I’m familiar with Vatican.va app, which has similar content, but in a side-by-side comparison, I found The Pope App way more user friendly. It's available not only for the iPhone and iPad but also for Android.

It's also very heartening that the Pope and the Vatican continue to reach out using social media and encourage others to do so as well!

So you may want to check out The Pope App and see what you think. Also, if you have a favorite app for prayer or reflection or church news, etc., we’d love to hear about it!

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saint peters basilica

rome

A movie meditation for Holy Week -- "We Shall Not Be Moved"

Sister Maxine — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:42:59 +0000

I just watched the documentary We Shall Not Be Moved. What a great story about perseverance and, ultimately, resurrection. It seems fitting that I saw it during Holy Week.

The film is about six Catholic orders of sisters in New Orleans at the time of Hurricane Katrina. It was written and produced by Sister Judith Zielinski, OSF. (BTW, she's joining us tomorrow on our In Good Faith podcast, 6pm CST, to talk about the film!)

The documentary features interviews of the sisters about their experiences and includes video taken by news crews during and after the storm. For example, the footage taken by helicopter after the storm shows the massive flooding that destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, including sisters’ residences and places of ministry.

In the midst of the wreckage, the sisters faced the question of whether to leave the area or to remain. The congregations had ministered in New Orleans for decades, serving in some of the city’s poorest areas. While wanting to remain, the sisters also weighed the enormous challenges of rebuilding in areas that might never rebound from the devastation.

I don’t want to give away the ending, but I imagine you can guess what the sisters did!

So if you’re looking for a great film to watch during Holy Week, check out We Shall Not Be Moved. It is airing on broadcast tv channels across the U.S., and you can see if it’s showing on your local channel by going to the We Shall Not Be Moved website and clicking on the “Broadcasts” tab. The film is also available by DVD.

If you’ve already seen We Shall Not Be Moved, share your thoughts about it in the Comment box below. Also, if you know of other good films for Holy Week, we’d love to hear about them.

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Nuns in the News

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we shall not be moved

The Prodigal Child: A Lesson on God's Unfairness?

Sister Katherine — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:33:17 +0000

The story of the prodigal child (Luke 15:17-24), which was proclaimed at liturgy earlier this Lent, is perhaps one of the most beloved parables regarding repentance and forgiveness. The richness of the teaching within grows as one takes the time to peel back the layers.

At its most obvious, this parable shows a parent's willingness to forgive and to embrace the child who had lashed out and who had hurt them deeply. The younger son insulted his father by asking for his inheritance while the father was still alive. This act said to the father that he was, in the eyes of this son, now as good as dead. Then he went off and squandered the inheritance through wild living.

Coming back to the father was an act of desperation for the son. He was homeless and destitute. The father stood vigil, watching for his son to return. He never gave up hope. He rejoiced and called for rejoicing among his family and friends at his son’s eventual return.

And then there's the perspective of the younger son. Like him, we might have taken a long journey and become painfully aware of our failings. In Saint Paul's words, we have “all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) If we had to stand before God on our own merit, we would fall short of God’s laws. Mercifully, forgiveness and redemption are freely offered to all who humbly seek it. Just as the father rejoiced over his son that was lost but then was found, we read in Luke that all of heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner. "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

By looking to the parent in our parable we also see our own need to forgive. We sin and are sinned against; over and over again. If we are to follow the parent's example we should not only be willing to forgive; but we should forgive joyfully and without hesitation. This is not an easy task. There are situations in my own life where I need to forgive and I tell myself that I’m “working on it.” Someday, after I’ve worked it through, maybe then I will be able to forgive.

What would have been the outcome of the prodigal child parable if the father had sent his son away while he worked on being able to forgive him? It would have been a very different story and much more to the liking of the older son. When the father greeted the prodigal son with open arms, the older “obedient” son was not happy. He began to pout and to wring his hands in disgust. This turn of events was not fair at all. He was the good son and was entitled to more of his father’s favor. He was the one entitled to an extravagant party because, after all, he had never strayed and he had worked on his father’s land, every day for years.

Even though it is sometimes easy to have these feeling of entitlement, after all “I am a good person,” on second thought, what am I really entitled to from God? I have been asked to keep God’s commandments, but have continually fallen short of perfection. Isn’t it odd that sometimes we don’t even feel like trying to be perfect. But then we are in good company. Recall the words of Saint Paul when he said, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19) As imperfect beings everything that we receive from God is a gift, undeserved, but freely given.

I think all of us have, at one time or another, been in a position to identify with each of the three characters in the parable of the prodigal son. All of us have sinned, granted forgiveness to another, and felt a sense of entitlement. The parable teaches us how to deal with these different facets of our self. The parable also teaches us that God is not fair. Rejoice in thanksgiving that God is not! A fair God would give to us only what we deserve and would offer forgiveness only if we were able to freely forgive others. Instead we have a God who loves us unconditionally and makes forgiveness and redemption available for the asking.

Which of the three characters in the parable of the prodigal child do you identify most with during this season of Lent? What's your take on the fairness or unfairness of God as seen through the lens of this parable?

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Those “Minnie Mouse” Gloves

Sister Katherine — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:40:49 +0000

Over half a century ago when I was just 5 years old, I appeared on the front page of our local newspaper along with my cousin who happened to be 5 years old too. What could have been the occasion you may wonder? Did we escape the clutches of some evil villain? Did we become lost and then found on a family camping trip? Nope!

We were photographed coming out of church on Easter morning dressed in our Sunday best. I was pretty in pink and my cousin was dressed in powder blue. We wore Easter bonnets that matched our dresses and white “Minnie Mouse” gloves on our little girl hands. The newspaper photographer gave my parents a black and white copy of that photograph, which I looked at periodically throughout my childhood.

The photo disappeared years ago and I have not thought about it in years, until today, that is. I started thinking about how it used to be way back when and to wonder “why don’t people dress up for church anymore?” The simple answer is that people don’t dress up for much of anything anymore.

I have no desire to pass judgment on anyone or to come up with some kind of a dress code for church; I’m just wondering why things changed? Now, you may be surprised to discover that there are some churches that do have a dress code. Churches in Rome, for example, often require women to wear skirts that reach at least to the knee, no bare shoulders, and have their head covered. Men are not allowed to wear shorts or tank tops. These requirements seem to be more about modesty than about wearing a special outfit. When I recall wearing my Sunday best to church I was dressing up for God because I was going to visit God at His house.

I understand that people are very busy these days and that they work all kinds of crazy shifts and that parents with school age children are always running all over town to take the kids who knows where. But I was just wondering what would happen if we were able to slow down for a couple of hours on Sunday. Sunday clothes need not be expensive or flashy to be special. And if someone needs to come to church on Sunday morning directly from the night shift then work clothes are preferable to not attending Mass at all. After all church is not meant to be a fashion show; church is meant to be time set aside to gather with your parish family to worship God and to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Does wearing particular clothing affect how one feels or behaves? Does wearing a special outfit make an occasion feel special? Should it matter how we dress to attend church?

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The Inaugural Mass Celebration with Pope Francis

Sister Julie — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:05:36 +0000

God bless, Pope Francis! What a wonderful mass as the pope celebrates the liturgy with the whole church and world! We give thanks for Pope Francis's "yes" to our God. Here are some photos from the mass this morning.

For more on the inaugural mass in Saint Peter's square on this Solemnity of Saint Joseph see the following:

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Scripture Birthday Blessings

Sister Julie — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:39:43 +0000

This weekend we celebrated not only the feast of Saint Patrick but what seemed like the natal anniversaries of half our family and friends! We were birthday-greeting machines! Sister Maxine's sister was one of the birthday celebrands and when they were talking, she noted that on her birthday -- 3/16 -- she always remembers the inspiring verse from the Gospel of Saint John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world
as to give the Only Begotten One.
that whoever believes may not die,
but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

So we wondered, what scripture verse correlates to our birthdays?

Sister Maxine is 1/4 .... so we picked the Gospel of John as well to parallel her sister's:

"In the Word was life,
and that life was humanity's light." (John 1:4)

My birthday is 1/27 ... but I wasn't sure which book of the Bible to choose from ...

"From the waist up, the figure looked like electricty, like metal glowing in a furnace; and from the waist dwn, it looked like fire surrounded by a brilliiant light." (Ezekiel 1:27)

I totally love that passage, though I'm not sure that should be my birthday Scripture passage!

While we keep searching, we would LOVE to hear what your birthday passage is! Simply take the numbers from your month and day -- the month is the chapter number and the day is the verse -- and pick any book of the Bible that has that configuration! Use the comment box below and write your birthday passage. And happy day of your birth, no matter what day!

Bible cake photo from Christine's Cake World

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Rejoice and Be Glad

Sister Katherine — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:26:33 +0000

White Smoke! Habemus Papam! We have a new pope! As millions of Catholics celebrate the election of our new Pope Francis, I am especially struck by how this change brings with it so much hope. In this age of instant communication we have an opportunity to share in our jubilation together. What will be the legacy of this newly elected pontiff? No one knows at this point and I do not plan on speculating. Our new Holy Father comes to us with a blank slate. Even though we may know of his past accomplishments we do not know what his future holds. There is such hope in the newness, in the starting over, in the change.

Many of us yearn for a fresh start; a new beginning. We long to rejoice with a clean slate. But such a thing is not possible for the ordinary person, unless we were willing to move away, change our name and truly start over. Unfortunately, we would soon discover that even such drastic measures would not ensure a blank slate. That type of change is commonly referred to as a geographical cure. We soon discover that the only problem is that we have brought ourselves along for the ride. And with us comes all of our baggage. We carry with us all of our past transgressions, guilt and self-loathing. Many of us are without hope that things can ever change. Even though we claim to believe in a loving, forgiving God, we don’t believe that it can to true for us. Our sins are too grave, our hearts are too dark.

Not too long ago I had a conversation with an elderly gentleman who shared with me his fear of eternal damnation because of the terrible things that he had done in the past. I asked him if he had asked God to forgive him and I said that he had. I asked him if he had celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation and he said “yes; many times.” Then I told him with great confidence that he was forgiven by God and that now he needed to forgive himself. “If we acknowledge our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing." (1 John 1:9) He still appeared somewhat dubious and didn't seem ready to forgive himself. I believe that his fears are not unique.

Lent is a time of prayer and fasting and almsgiving; but it is also a time of forgiveness. A clean slate is there for the asking. Lay down all of that baggage at the foot of the cross and come away rejoicing. Make this Easter different. Let this Easter be your new beginning.

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Blessings for Pope Francis

Sister Maxine — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:09:26 +0000

Share your blessings for our newly elected Pope Francis! When Pope Francis spoke from the portico above St. Peter's Square in Rome yesterday, he invited people worldwide to pray for him.

Being pope is a huge responsibility, especially at this time in history, when there are many serious challenges within the church and in the world.

Sister Julie and I join our prayers with those from people around the world. We pray that God will continue to work in and through Pope Francis to renew the church in a spirit of compassion, justice, and love, particularly for people at the margins of society.

Please share your prayers and blessings for Pope Francis by writing them in the comment box below!

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Life on planet Earth

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:23:58 +0000

We welcome writer Kerri Leigh Power as our guest blogger today.

I recently watched the BBC wildlife series Planet Earth. It's a breathtaking survey of the diversity of life on our planet. I loved the strange beauty of the foreign habitats—everywhere from deserts to grassy plains to ice caves to jungles.

But most of all, I was awed by the sheer force of life—birds of paradise in New Guinea, penguins in Antarctica, snow lions in the Himalayas, blind sea creatures in the blackest depths of the ocean. No matter how hostile the conditions, life was there, adapting and persisting, finding a path.

This seems to me a powerful message for Lent, and for our own transformation. The circumstances of our lives are often difficult—health comes and goes, friends, jobs, family, nothing stays with us. Ultimately we lose everything, but the force of life that forms us is unstoppable. It's a current we participate in even as we are swept along. I feel it sometimes in myself, or in those moments of connection with another person, when I recognize the force of life in them and in me. What can we call that, other than God?

This is something I'm contemplating this year in the story of the crucifixion—how to surrender to the current of life while playing our tiny part in it. I wonder if this is what Jesus shows us as he goes willingly to the cross? He must have felt great fear and pain. Within that experience, did he know that the life within him was greater than his individual life, and would continue? Is that what he was helping us to see?

How do you surrender to God or to life? What does this mean for you?

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The nuns address spatial racism

Sister Julie — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:46:47 +0000

I spent part of the weekend at our IHM Motherhouse for a webinar symposium on Spatial Racism. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about spatial racism as I had little familiarity with it. The symposium was offered through the "Undoing Racisim" committee which includes members from four religious communities -- the Oblate Sisters of Providence and the IHM congregations of Scranton, Immaculata and Monroe.

So what is spatial racism? Spatial racism refers to "the patterns of metropolitan development in which some affluent whites create racially and economically segregated suburbs or gentrified areas of cities, leaving the poor (mainly African Americans, Hispanics and some newly arrived immigrants) isolated in deteriorating areas of cities and older suburbs." This definition comes from the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Racial Justice in their Workshops on Racism and Ethnic Sensitivity (available in Spanish and in English on their website). The office was established by Cardinal George in 2000 and has provided many resources ways to stop the sin of racism.

Cardinal George wrote Dwell In My Love: A Pastoral Letter on Racism in 2001 where he outlined four patterns of racism that continue today: spatial, institutional, internalized, and individual racisim. In the area of spatial racisim, he wrote:

Spatial racism refers to patterns of metropolitan development in which some affluent whites create racially and economically segregated suburbs or gentrified areas of cities, leaving the poor -- mainly African Americans, Hispanics and some newly arrived immigrants -- isolated in deteriorating areas of the cities and older suburbs....

These disparities undermine the regional economy and the moral basis of the metropolitan area. Spatial racism creates a visible chasm between the rich and the poor, and between white people and people of color. It marks a society that contradicts both the teachings of the Church and our declared national value of equality of opportunity....

The spatial racism of our society creates a similar pattern in the Church. Geographically based parishes reflect the racial and cultural segregation patterns of neighborhoods and towns.

Professor john a. powell [sic], an internationally recognized expert on civil rights and civil libertiies, writes compellingly about spatial racism in the article Race, Place, and Opportunity published in The American Prospect (September 21, 2008):

We live our lives trying to gain as much opportunity as our circumstances will allow. Space and place have always been important to pathways (and roadblocks) to opportunity, but they became even more important for the distribution of opportunity after World War II, when national policies began to shape the racial dimensions of housing and economic development. Today, we live with the legacies of a deliberately segregated past.

Where you live usually determines the school your children attend, your degree of neighborhood safety, your access to public transportation or highways, the availability and quality of finance and credit, your employment opportunities, and your social network. These spatial arrangements of opportunity are contoured by our past, and if not changed, they will have serious implications for our future. The geography of opportunity has significant influence on the choices available to us as well as on the shape of the culture we inhabit. Unfortunately, in our society these arrangements continue to carry a footprint of race whether currently intended or not.

At our webinar symposium on Saturday, we had participants from multiple locations. The speaker was Freda G. Sampson who was joined by her colleage Stacey Stevens, both from Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion.

Ms. Sampson is the project manager for Housing Project: Truth & Justice, "a project that examines the challenges of race and space in this region, its history and its direct effect on wealth disparities between whites and African Americans and the polarizations of race in our urban - suburban communities."

There's a lot more to learn about spatial racism! I encourage you to check out the resources mentioned above and also a list of resources on spatial racism compiled by the OSP IHM Undoing Racism committee.

What's your entry point into "spatial racism"?

(Images: "We don't want them" banner brought by Freda Samson; photo of Monroe participants)

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And then God said, "Pay it forward."

Sister Katherine — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:09:54 +0000

I heard a news report a couple of days ago about an Ohio teen who began an amazing quest to honor the memory of her beloved 89-year-old great-grandmother who recently passed away. She pledged to perform 89 random acts of kindness for total strangers over the next 18 months.

She began her crusade by paying the $5 bill for the customer behind her at a McDonald’s drive-thru. The woman cried tears of joy at her kindness. The teen repeated that deed a few days later and the act created a chain reaction of kindness at the drive-thru that day. Surprised by the satisfaction and happiness that she felt, the teen decided to “branch out” and donated items to the local homeless shelter, baked a cake for an elderly neighbor down the street, and volunteered at the Humane Society.

These acts, while commendable, are not unique. I recall the 2000 movie Pay It Forward. Young Trevor McKinney comes up with a plan to complete an assignment from his new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet. The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action. He comes up with the idea of “paying it forward.” He does good deeds to three complete strangers for no reason other than the hope that they, in turn, will do good deeds to three other new people. The plan creates a ripple effect that serves to change the lives of an ever-widening circle of people.

Every now and then there is a news report similar to that of the Ohio teen. The results are always positive and uplifting and I am always temporarily inspired to “pay it forward” myself. But then I get distracted and life gets in the way, or whatever, and I forget about it until the next similar report.

Sacred Scripture tells us repeatedly to look out for one another and especially to look out for the needs of the poor and marginalized. We are told to be kind to one another. We are taught the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31). Is that another way of saying “pay it forward”? I am thinking that God came up with this idea long before the writers of the above mentioned movie.

Could random acts of kindness really change the world? What would happen if every person on the planet did one unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness every day?

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Let go and let grow

Sister Maxine — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:55:37 +0000

Is it Spring yet? Even though the calendar says it’s not, I’m seeing early signs here in Toledo. Robins hopping gingerly through patches of snow. Sprigs of green grass daring to poke through at the edges of ice.

What I especially love about the transition of winter into spring is the sense of letting go and letting grow, so to say. It’s great that this transition occurs during Lent, a time for some spiritual spring cleaning and renewal.

I have to be able to let some things go in order to grow. Maybe it’s a spiritual practice that was really meaningful at a certain time in my life, but as my relationship with God deepened, I had to be open to change so as to foster new growth in the relationship.

And change can be challenging as well as exciting. Moving from the "what was" to the "what is not yet" can be unsettling. And somewhere in the midst of change, I'm bound to wonder if anything is different as a result, or if I was better off before.

These kinds of questions led me to adopt a new spiritual practice a few years ago -- reflecting on a poem that gave words to the challenges and excitement of transition. Maybe the poem will offer words that will be helpful to you!

What particular prayers or poems or spiritual practices do you find especially meaningful in seasons of transition?

Yes it hurts

Yes it hurts when buds burst.
Why otherwise would spring hesitate?
Why otherwise was all warmth and longing
locked under pale and bitter ice?
What fever for the new compels it to burst?
Yes it hurts when buds burst,
there is pain when something grows
and when something must close.

Yes it hurts when the ice drops melts.
Shivering, anxious, swollen it hangs,
gripping the twig but beginning to slip –
its weight tugs it downward, though it resists.
It hurts to be uncertain, cowardly, dissolving
to feel the pull and call of the depth,
yet to hang and only shiver—
to want to remain, keep firm –
yet want to fall.

Then, when it is worst and nothing helps,
they burst, as if in ecstasy, the first buds of the tree,
when fear itself is compelled to let go,
they fall in a glistening veil, all the drops from the twig,
blinking away their fears of the new,
shutting out their doubts about the journey,
feeling for an instant how this is their greatest safety,
to trust in that daring
that shapes the world.

Karin Boye

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Simplify: Finding the Line

Sister Julie — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:21:17 +0000

I have been going at a pretty fast clip these last weeks and months. A lot of stuff can get piled up when you are out and about with life! It always seems that the first thing I want to do when I have a moment or two is to simplify. So I spent the weeken sorting, organizing, and dispossessing. Of course it did include using power tools to build a rather clever custom workbench/shelf -- but any project worth its salt has to have some degree of creativity and danger!

Simplifying for me is not just having less stuff, it is also developing a habit of finding "the line" through projects or situations. The line, in bicycle and car racing terminology, is typically the fastest path between two points. While going fast is not my primary objective (at least not always!) there are other kinds "lines" that I look for when approaching a unexpected curve or bump in the trail.

One line in particular is the line of traction. In cycling, for example, if your wheels hit a slick part of the trail, you are not going to be able to grip the road -- you might lose speed, swerve, or wipe out. So you might need to find a line that seems less direct, more on the edges, in order to keep that traction -- and remain upright! That part of the trail might not be as obvious nor well-traveled, but it might be just the thing!

(For more on "the line" metaphor from the world of cycling, see the article How to Mountain Bike Faster by Michael Frank.)

For me, finding that line of traction means being willing to go off the acceptable route to be able to find more of what is necessary, or efficient, or meaningful -- whatever the primary value is for a given situation. For example, I love the rhythm of the praying of the psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours. But I am not a monastic. I can't chant. I mess up the ribbons. And sometimes, I don't know if it's morning or daytime. This was the "slick part of the trail" for me -- getting so focused on getting it "right" that I was not focused on God. It was not the fault of the Liturgy of the Hours, but rather my own inability to be okay with not doing it fully and perfectly! For me to find that line of traction meant finding a way along the edges where I could regularly pray the rhythm of the psalms that worked for me.

What kind of traction are you finding with a "line" that you've recently pursued?

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Christ Carries Us in Our Poverty

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:23:46 +0000

We welcome Sister Julie Myers, OSF, of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Sylvania, to A Nun's Life this Lent. Sister Julie along with a number of other Catholic Sisters in and around the Diocese of Toledo have joined together to offer daily reflections during Lent. We are grateful to be able to offer these reflections to you, the A Nun's Life community! Today's scripture readings are Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1:1-4,6; and Luke 16:19-31.

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.” Luke 16: 19-20, 22

Today's readings certainly complement each other in meaning and lesson. Jeremiah puts forth the gift of trust. Who do we give our trust to — the human person or the Lord? The season of Lent calls us to stop our busyness and reflect upon our works and efforts and daily life. What empowers or gives energy to your work and efforts? Is it a source that fills you to overflowing in order that you are able to continue giving joyfully or is it self-fulfilling that keeps you empty and always working to fill that which can never be full? “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” Hope is like water for the soul which nourishes and refreshes and gives life!

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is telling a parable and makes it clear that his compassion and love is what carries us in our poverty. He also reminds us that our possessions, wealth, and greed can bury us, create chasms, and eventually prevent us from reaching out to others. So, who do you trust and hope in?

How do I share or even give away what I have? Do I do it willingly or begrudgingly or not at all?
Do I create chasms by my lived choices and responses to situations?
What must I do to allow Jesus to be a bridge and to fill the empty spaces in my life?

Sister Julie Myers, OSF/S
Sisters of St. Francis
Sylvania, Ohio

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An Unconventional Nun

Sister Julie — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:23:08 +0000

As I was reading a news story about a Catholic sister doing some awesome stuff, I realized that we had actually met one another a couple years ago at World Youth Day! Sister MaryAnne Francalanza, FCJ, belongs to the Faithful Companions of Jesus, a religious community from the tradition of Ignaitan spirituality.

God calls us to follow the Son in faithfulness, to stand at the foot of the cross with Mary and the holy women, there to be one with Jesus who thirsts for the coming of the kingdom. We live an Ignatian spirituality and, as Faithful Companions of Jesus, our missionary spirit urges us to adapt our work to the changing needs of Society and to the culture in which we live.

So the article I was reading is The Unconventional Nun by Sarah Carabott for The Times of Malta (February 24, 2013). I love what Sister MaryAnne says about being a Catholic sister in the world:

Sr Francalanza has been working with young people to “discover themselves in ordinary things, not just in prayer”.
“That’s what I do: I find God in the public sphere, not just in prayer or in churches,” the young woman says ...

“You just do what you can. Our main mission is companionship, and we see God in every person – that’s why it doesn’t matter who the people are... rich, poor... we’re faithful companions of Jesus not just in prayer."

“Injustice breaks my heart, but God calls me to be compassionate and act on it.”

I encourage you to read the whole article -- Sister MaryAnne makes some great points about how she "knew" that this was her calling, and how to be open to following your call -- wherever it leads!

Here's one of our photos from our meeting back in 2011 in Madrid -- The A Nun's Life media team interviewed Sister MaryAnne (right) and Sister Lynn (left) about calling and discernment at the Vocation Fair at World Youth Day.

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"Turn our sorrow into wholeness"

Sister Maxine — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:46:15 +0000

Queen Esther rocks the scripture reading today! I love the stories about women in the scripture, and Esther’s is action-packed.

So here’s a quick look at the story. Esther goes, uninvited, to the Persian king and asks him to remedy an earlier decision he made that brought much suffering to her people. The king had given authority to Haman, an official who uses his position to take revenge on Esther’s people. But in the end, Esther prevails and she saves her people.

First of all, going uninvited to the king could have resulted in her death. And then to ask for something so bold—again, very risky. But she does these things anyway…and manages to keep her life.

Along the way she also takes another bold action. She prays to God for what seems like an impossible thing in the midst of suffering: she asks God to turn the people’s mourning into gladness and their sorrows into wholeness. Esther’s prayer reflects a sense that God is with us on the path of transformation, bringing mourning and gladness, sorrows and wholeness, to full circle within us and our world.

As I consider this story, I am thankful for the many “Esthers” who’ve graced our world. They are women who took bold steps on behalf of others, even at great personal risk. They are women who believed in the God of transformation.

So in the spirit of our scripture reading today, I give thanks to some of the Esthers who’ve deeply impressed me with their boldness and faith, among them Saint Teresa of Avila, Dorothy Day, writer Tillie Olsen, my grandmothers, and many, many more.

Who are some of the Esthers you give thanks for today?

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Sister Sharon Holland reflects on Pope Benedict's resignation

Sister Maxine — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:33:39 +0000

The news of Pope Benedict's resignation elicited many reactions from Catholics around the world. Sister Julie and I had the opportunity to talk Sister Sharon, who served at the Vatican for 21 years, about her reaction. The following are highlights from the conversation. Click on this link to hear the full conversation with Sister Sharon Holland,

A Nun’s Life Ministry: What was your reaction to the news of Pope Benedict’s resignation?

Sister Sharon: I had a mixed reaction of sadness in a way-- because I have great respect for this Pope and I’ve met him personally and that makes a difference--and a great respect for his decision.

A Nun’s Life Ministry: What are some perspectives on the issue of whether a Pope could or should resign?

Sister Sharon: There’s a canon that says what you do in the event that a Pope resigns. He can resign as long as it’s free and it’s properly announced, and nobody has to accept the resignation. Even in his statement, it’s very carefully worded--he said he’s doing it freely….There’s great integrity in it, a great sense of putting the church before himself and whatever criticisms he’ll get… I think there’s a little reference back to John Paul II in saying he realizes that carrying out the work of the Holy See is also done by prayer and suffering. But his accent was that you need energy and strength of mind and body, and his are declining, and he thinks [his resignation] is best for the church.

A Nun’s Life Ministry: What can people do now?

Sister Sharon: I was just reading the Pope’s message for Lent. He talks a lot about charity. The Lenten message is, faith is believing in God’s love and then it becomes love or charity acting out of that whole cycle. One of his earliest encyclicals was along the lines of charity, and I think that’s something he has tried to promote in the church…Praying for the cardinals and praying for the church for greater communion, union--not uniformity, but communion in charity--would be a tribute to a legacy he’s given us.

A Nun’s Life Ministry: Recently Pope Benedict went on Twitter for the first time. Could you reflect on that in light of what it might mean in terms of his legacy to the church.

Sister Sharon: Sometimes he’s been accused of being negative about the modern world but it seems to me he’s moved right into and encouraged this era of technology and of using it for the gospel , using it for evangelization, using it for good….I think we’ve gained a lot from his short pontificate.

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The Spiritual Life

Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and Life

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:17:13 +0000

We welcome Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP, of the Adrian Dominican Sisters to A Nun's Life this Lent. Sister Durstyne along with a number of other Catholic Sisters in and around the Diocese of Toledo have joined together to offer daily reflections during Lent. We are grateful to be able to offer these reflections to you, the A Nun's Life community! Today's scripture readings are Leviticus 19: 1-2,11-18; Psalm 19: 8-10, 15; and Matthew 25: 31-46.

In this first full week of Lent, the readings lay out a path for our whole lives. First, we have the Ten Commandments in Leviticus and in the Gospel of Matthew; Jesus tells us what we must do to inherit the kingdom:

“I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you game me drink,
A stranger and you welcomed me,
Naked and you clothed me,
Ill and you cared for me,
In prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-39)

I’ve just become introduced to a new spiritual practice called “Visio Divina” or “Divine Seeing.” In this practice one is invited to slowly, prayerfully, and contemplatively behold a piece of visual art (e.g.: an Icon, holy card or painting), by gazing upon the art and reflecting on how God is speaking to you. You may discover surprise, excitement, or even disturbance.

In the next few weeks, find some Icons or photos or paintings that remind you of the Gospel today and contemplate what new insights God reveals to you through art. The Psalm refrain today is a meaningful one to sing or carry in your heart during Lent: “Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and Life.” Why not adopt this as a mantra for yourself this week?

How might you adopt this mantra? How does God speak to you through art?

Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP
Adrian Dominican Sisters
Adrian, Michigan

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Beginning Lent

Sister Julie — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:46:52 +0000

As we move into the Lenten season, we often take on different practices to help us grow in our relationship with God. The church calls us to three ancient spiritual practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The three of course are inter-related but it's helpful to move into this season with an awareness of how we might embrace each one. Here are some thoughts as I reflect on my own Lenten journey:

Prayer

move more deeply into a prayer practice that you find particularly meaningful
try a new form of prayer as a way to discover new dimensions of relating with God
spend a bit more time each day, or a longer period on the weekend (or whenever you have more of a break) in prayer
go on retreat
pray the Stations of the Cross -- pray outdoors, on an iOS app, as a virtual guided reflection, at any Catholic church, by reading a book, and probably many other places! (image: Iraq War Stations of the Cross, Station 5, by Gwyneth Leech)

Fasting

give something up -- or have a friend choose for you -- and allow the sacrifice to meaningfully inform your life
bother to love -- another great reflection by Father James Martin, SJ
inculcate new habits of how you want to be in the world
sacrifice words that are unkind or unjust -- especially in the sometimes free-for-all of social media
don't forget to be joyful!

Almsgiving

volunteer at a soup kitchen ... and stay throughout the year
put a rice bowl on your table to collect funds for our people in need
make a difference in someone's life by just showing up and being present
smile kindly at a complete stranger
help someone in their search for adequate and meaningful employment
reduce your "footprint" so others may also experience the splendor of creation
develop a habit of being tuned in to caring for others

What practices are meaningful to you during this season of Lent? What is your desired goal as you move through Lent? Please use the comment area -- log in or register following the links below.

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Online Tour of the New A Nun's Life Website

The Nuns — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:43 +0000

Today we are hosting an online tour of the new website! The tour will be live-streamed on our "On Air" page at aNunsLife.org/live, beginning at 6 p.m. Central Time (check your time zone). The podcast will include a live chat room so that you can interact with each other and with us!

The tour will introduce the fully redesigned website - including new functionality, navigation, and content. The website tour will also introduce a new podcast series, Random Nun Clips. The series features recorded segments and outtakes from the Ask Sister and In Good Faith podcasts. The clips range from serious to lighthearted and span a variety of topics.

We hope that you can join us! It's a great way to join in community while finishing off the last of the pączki on Mardi Gras!

Let us know if you have any questions about the new website or about A Nun's Life Ministry in general! Please comment below! (Note: Our commenting system works a little differently from the previous incarnation -- to comment, login or register for your free account and then comment away!)

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Appearances can be receiving!

Sister Julie — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:46:35 +0000

It is not the easiest thing in the world to tell people (let alone yourself!) that you've had an apparition! Any kind of appearance that is totally unexpected and indeed quite improbable can make us wonder if our own senses deceive us. Yet on this day we remember a young woman who had a remarkable experience when she encountered a bit of heaven while out gathering wood with her sisters just outside of Lourdes, France.

Bernadette's openness to hanging in there with how God was choosing to communicate to her and to others is a good reminder to us -- God is always in our midst and sometimes reveals Godself in unexpected ways and in ways that are unique to our relationship with God.

Sometimes we brush off these "appearances" as our imagination working overtime or we decide that God couldn't possible want to connect with us that personally. This is where prayer and spending a little time discerning can be of great benefit. We might then be able to see more clearly and receive more openly what God is revealing to us albeit in unexpected ways!

While we may not all have epic experiences like Bernadette where we there is an enduring message for generations, each of our encounters with God -- when we are conscious of God's presense already with us -- is indeed epic! Take time this day to be open to however God choose to be present to you and to the family or community in which you live.

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The Rapture is Over! Welcome to the new website of A Nun's Life Ministry!

The Nuns — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:40:31 +0000

Welcome to the new home of A Nun's Life Ministry! We are glad you are here and invite you to explore the website and be part of this growing community of faith.

Be sure to comment below so we know you are here too! To do so, register for a free user account by clicking on the "Login" link at the upper left of the website.

We are delighted you are here and can't wait to hear what you think of the new website!

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A Nun's Life Ministry Sporting New Shorts

The Nuns — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:47:06 +0000

A Nun's Life Ministry is not only rolling out a new website within the week, but we have new shorts as well! No, it's not a new fashion line -- it's a new podcast series called Random Nun Clips!

Random Nun Clips are a series of shorts -- brief audio clips from across our live and downloadable podcasts that are short and sweet! Some are quick Q & A's like "What's the most unexpected part about being a sister?" (6-ish minutes):

And some are a little more, well, unpredictable, like "Send your Ask Sister questions … by Millennium Falcon?" (just under 2 minutes).

We still have full episodes of Ask Sister and In Good Faith -- a lot of nunly goodness happening in those! But for your quick hits, your focused Q&A, and even some never-before-heard bloopers, Random Nun Clips is the ticket!

Speaking of podcasts, we also have updated smart-phone and tablet apps for our full-length episodes! Check your iTunes and Android app store for more details! A portion of the sale of every app goes to supporting the ministry!

We've got lots of new features, updated resources, and more at the new website. Stay tuned for more info on the launch and festivities!

And be sure to join us and the A Nun's Life community for prayer tonight! We sure could use some extra prayers sent this way as we cruise through the final fixes on the new website! Join us at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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Extreme Makeover: A Nun's Life Edition!

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:05:17 +0000

aNunsLife.org is home to A Nun's Life Ministry and a fabulous faith community of folks from around the world who gather for prayer and conversation around real-life spirituality and religious life. And of course you'll find Catholic sisters and nuns from a variety of religious communities and regions of the world who are walking with you.

We've had this home since 2006 -- when it originally started as a blog. Over the years we've added a forum, chat, live-streaming broadcasts, podcasts, social media, guest bloggers, and a variety of resources -- all within the confines of a blog framework. Needless to say, the website has been bursting at the seams! (photo of garlic chives bud flowering by Sheralee)

Thanks to the support of this online community and a grant, we were able to plan for and construct a new website! It'll still be the same hospitality and nun goodness, but with a little more ease to get around the website and some cool new features. Over the next few days, we'll share a little bit of what's coming soon!

We are in the final stage of the website development and expect the new site to be live sometime next week. We'll let you know the exact date as soon as we wrap up a few more pieces. There's nothing you need to do -- no changing of bookmarks, no new web address. A Nun's Life Ministry will continue to be right here at aNunsLife.org! Just keep us in your prayers!

Speaking of prayer, join A Nun's Life community tonight and every night for chat and a live broadcast. Just visit aNunsLife.org/live at 6 pm CST (check your time zone).

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National Vocation Awareness Week

Sister Julie — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:17:18 +0000

Today begins National Vocation Awareness Week, an annual celebration of promoting vocations in the Catholic Church in the United States. During the week, it’s a great time to think about how God is calling you to live out your faith! One simple way to be part of this is to join us in praying the following vocations prayer:

Gracious God,
You have called me to life
and gifted me in many ways.
Through Baptism You have sent me
to continue the mission of Jesus
by sharing my love with others.
Strengthen me to respond to
Your call each day.
Help me to become all You desire of me.
Inspire me to make a difference in
others’ lives.
Lead me to choose the way of life
You have planned for me.
Open the hearts of all to listen
to Your call.
Fill all with Your Holy Spirit that
we may have listening hearts and
the courage to respond to You.
Enkindle in my heart
and the hearts of others the desire
to make the world a better place
by serving as
Lay Minister, Sister, Priest,
Brother or Deacon.
Amen.

(Find this prayer and other vocation prayers at the USCCB website)

This week is a special invitation to consider how God is calling you — of course God is always calling you, but this week is a good time to tune into that invitation! Maybe it’s time to revisit and reimmerse yourself into a commitment you’ve made, and maybe it’s time to move into that tug at your heart that you’ve been feeling. Whatever it may be, you can be assured that God is drawing you close and is always wanting the best for you and for the common good. Our prayers are with you. And we are with you! If you’ve got questions about how you feel God is calling you, or what to do with a “nudge”, or how to go about figuring stuff out, let us know. We’re glad to be with you on the journey.

* * *

A Nun’s Life community gathers at aNunsLife.org/live every weekday for a live podcast and chat at 6 p.m. CT. Wednesdays are our Ask Sister show or In Good Faith interview show. All other weekdays, including tonight, we join in prayer and conversation.

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The Ministry of Presence

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:14:34 +0000

A Nun’s Life welcomes guest writer Marguerite Krupp to the blog today. As you read her post, consider how you’ve experienced this ministry of presence in your own life.

Image** "Joyful Mystery #2: Visitation" by James B. Janknegt 2008

I’ve often thought that it was quite selfless of Mary to travel to her cousin’s home to help Elizabeth through the latter months of her pregnancy (Luke 1:39-56).

It must have been hard for her to make that journey alone, perhaps suffering from morning sickness herself. By going to Elizabeth, Mary brought her cousin joy, good company, and real help with the daily chores.

Just before Christmas, I heard another twist on the story, and this also makes sense. Nazareth, where Mary lived, was a pretty small village. Here was Mary, unmarried and pregnant, surely the topic of local gossip. Everywhere she went, she might have felt that people were talking about her, clicking their tongues in disapproval.

By going to another town, Mary was able to escape, for a time, from the constant pressure and scrutiny in her own village. The visit, therefore, was a two-way street. Elizabeth was able to give respite and comfort to Mary, even as Mary did for her. They gave each other the gift of presence.

Fast-forward to 2001. Following the events of September 11, in cities and towns across the United States, people came to prayerful gatherings, not only to pray, but to be present to and with one another. There was a swelling of support and solidarity, a bonding born of sadness, solemnity, and shock. A ministry of presence to one another.

Following the recent tragedy at the Sandy Hook School in Connecticut, people came together in towns across the country, again offering a ministry of presence to one another and to the people of Newtown.

More commonly, being present to each other doesn’t require a major catastrophe. We gather at a wake after a death and offer each other condolences. We celebrate the birth of a child or the birthday of a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or good friend. We go to visit someone in a nursing home. We simply listen to someone at work or even in the supermarket produce aisle who just seems to need to talk. Being present, really caring and listening to one another, is one of the most available … and sometimes one of the hardest …ministries that each of us can do.

How has someone been present for you when you needed it? How can you be present for the people you encounter in your life?

* * *

Note: We will not have a prayer podcast tonight, but we of course keep you in our prayers. The community will gather again tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday nights for prayer at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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The grace of seeing what’s right in front of us: a nun’s-eye view

Sister Maxine — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:11:36 +0000

At first glance, the photo in this post shows an ordinary tree in winter. No leaves. Some snow. Grayish sky in the background. But when I neared the tree, I saw robins! Lots of them!

I managed to get a photo, albeit not a good one, of at least of few robins before they flew to the next tree. If you look at the right side of the photo, you’ll see five somewhat pixelated robins.

I was surprised to see the robins, partly because I was thinking about my to-do list for the day and wasn’t paying attention to what was around me. Also, I didn’t expect to see robins, a springtime bird, in the middle of winter.

Also unexpected was how the image brought to mind a phrase in today’s reading (John 1: 29-34). No, not the part about the Spirit coming down from the sky like a robin, errr, a dove. It’s when John the Baptist was near enough to see Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God.”

John saw the goodness that was right in front of him.

I think there’s a lot of grace in simply being present to what’s present to us.

What goodness have you encountered today?

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Finding the “New” in the “Already”

The Nuns — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:04:48 +0000

With the new year on our doorsteps (and already here for our friends in places like Australia), we’ve been reflecting on the usual stuff — taking stock of the last 12 months and envisioning our hopes for 2013.

**Image: Light in Woods, taken at the IHM Motherhouse by Sister Maxine Kollasch

Sometimes as we think about the new year, we imagine we have to make some big change or find something totally new in order to achieve our “resolutions” or to mark this “new” year.

Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, offers us some wisdom that can help us as we enter into this new year:

“The simplest and most practical lesson I know…is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow. Let us take one day only in hands, at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow, thus we may hope to get on taking short, careful steps, not great strides.”

– Letter to Sister M. de Sales White, February 28, 1841
(source: Sisters of Mercy website)

As we look at what is in our lives today, and tomorrow, we see that the seeds of newness are already there. We don’t have to imagine that the new year will magically bring something totally new — we just have to look at what is, and, as Catherine notes, take short, careful steps.

What might those steps look like in terms of discovering the “new” in the “already”?

go deeper in a choice or commitment you’ve made by looking at it in a new light or shifting your perspective
accentuate the good and what’s working echoing Catherine’s resolve “to be good today but better tomorrow”
remember your original passion and inspiration and let that guide you — in religious life we talk about this as returning to the original charism, a reference to our Vatican II commitment to re-energize and re-envision ourselves in light of the spirit of our founders and the Spirit’s call to us today
ask a good friend what they think are your areas of strength and gift for the world

What comes to mind as you consider the “new” in the “already”? What bits of wisdom have you encountered as you’ve taken short, careful steps into the new?

* * *

Join the nuns and A Nun’s Life faith community for prayer on this doorstep of the new year! Today at 6 p.m. CT right here on our website at anunslife.org/live.

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What nuns talk about at parties

Sister Maxine — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:02:13 +0000

When was the last time you were at a party with lots of nuns? For those who’ve had little or no experience with that, here’s the inside scoop based on my Christmas day

Image** Local IHM gathering, Christmas Day 2012

In the morning, I de-iced the sidewalk at the apartment so my neighbor wouldn’t wipe out, then I went to the Motherhouse for Christmas festivities. At brunch, the dining room was a sea of red, green, and silver sweaters. The conversations were as lively as the Christmas colors. We talked about education and how it’s changing; about the global economy; about nieces, nephews, and siblings; about the wonderful sweet potatoes we were eating. With so much great conversation, it was hard to imagine that prior to the 1960s, the sisters often ate meals in silence.

Later, I went to dinner with other IHMs from the local area. One had delivered Meals-on-Wheels earlier in the day. Some had visited people who were ill. Others had prepared our potluck meal for the evening. From mid-afternoon to early evening, we talked about what it means to be faithful Catholics in a world of increasing complexity. We talked about new theological ideas and the expansiveness of God. And we talked about family and friends, parish life, green beans and potatoes, vocations to religious life, the Second Vatican Council, the fiscal cliff, the tragedy at Newtown, and many other things.

By the time I drove home, I was totally talked-out, but I had a lot to think about. I had prayed several times throughout the day, and as I drove, I added one more prayer – a prayer of thanksgiving for community.

What do you give special thanks for as you reflect on 2012?

* * *

Join us for prayer tonight at 6:00 p.m. Central Time. Your presence is gift!

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“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:59:27 +0000

My Gramma Anne died in 1986 so it always surprises me when she chooses to pass back from the other side and visit. Gramma often visits during those times when I am in need of something to write about. She is also around to give me a shot of gumption when I need to get in front of a group of people to talk – she always seems to find the right words for me.

Gramma lost most of her possessions in a horrific tornado in 1968. She was in the basement of her beloved Methodist Church prepping for one of their Women’s Club dinners when the tornado came roaring through our town. Gramma and the other ladies survived by closing themselves in a walk-in cooler just before most of the building caved in from the wind. As Gramma and the others made their way through wreckage, Gramma picked up a lone Hymnal that had not budged from where it had been placed the Sunday before. She took it “home” with her, but she found quickly there was no home to go to. My Gramma and Grampa stayed with us until they could find their own place again.

As years passed my Grampa died, and Gramma lived on for 14 more years. As my sisters were going through her things after she passed, they found the hymnal and sent it to me, along with other things I was not sure what to do with. As I opened the book the first thing I saw was that Gramma had written her memories of what happened that day in May inside the book covers, and it was dated it two days after the tornado. The other thing I noticed were little pieces of paper stuck in to mark what I assume were some of her favorite hymns. I keep “her” hymnal on a shelf with many other books.

Recently I was having “one of those days.” While passing the bookshelf I noticed her hymnal sort of hedged out from the rest, so took it out and started reading through the hymns that were marked. Gramma loved music; and these must have been like favorite scripture passages. I know that these hymns must have calmed Gramma and helped her through difficult and lonely times. The hymn on the last page was “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.” As I read through the lines, I could imagine Gramma humming it, and even sharing it with the children that attended the Sunday school class that she occasionally taught at the Methodist Church. Those imagined sounds and images brought a smile to my face, a soothing wind to my soul, and a shot of gumption to get me through the day.

How does God “visit” you? Are there people in your life that have passed to the other side that come to visit and bring God’s love to you?

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Lights Before Christmas

The Nuns — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:57:02 +0000

Holy Toledo has quite a light show for the holidays! This past weekend we took the nun mobile out for a roll around town to see the lights. We found two spectacular light shows — Light-a-Palooza by a home owner near Olde Town and Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo. We love the tradition of lighting up the night during the holidays and saw many displays with Christmas themes, Hanukkah themes, winter themes, and random themes of shiny goodness (what is not to love about a giant lighted-up Winnie the Pooh?).

What makes us decorate our homes, build life-size nativity scenes on our front lawns, and dangle precariously from rooftops to get the perfect drape of the rope of lights?

Ever since the tradition of putting lit candles in trees (not a very safe tradition, we might add), people have been fascinated by lighting up their trees, houses, and anything that moves slow enough to throw some decorations on! It gives a sense of joy, of awe, of light in the darkness, of something mysteriously good afoot.

And so we bring you some of our favorite finds around Toledo. We’ve got a bunch more on our Pinterest page too! Enjoy!

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Jesus’ People

Sister Julie — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:53:35 +0000

Today’s Scripture reading is one of my favorites. It is 17 glorious verses naming the ancestors of Jesus. The fun starts with Abraham and Sarah and goes through Judah and Tamar, Ruth and Boaz, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, up to and including Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. “Of her,” writes Matthew, “was born Jesus who is called the Christ.” (Matthew 1:1-17)

Image** Genealogy of Jesus, church ceiling painting in Saint Michael, Hildesheim

Why a lengthy genealogy of Jesus? Read Robert P. Maloney, C.M., of the Congregation of the Mission, The Genealogy of Jesus in America Magazine (December 17, 2007).

Why do I love it so? Through there are controversies around the genealogy and how it adds up, how it matches the genealogy in Luke’s gospel, and what it all really means, there is a simple truth that speaks loud and clear to me. The genealogy gives us a sense of Jesus’ people and of how anticipation of Jesus has been interwoven throughout history long before Mary first got word from the angel that she was carrying the child of God. The genealogy of Jesus also reminds my of my people, of how my life is rooted in my family, my grandparents, great-grandparents, and so forth.

In my IHM congregation, there is a saying that we use often: “Everything before us brought us to this moment, standing on the threshold of a brand new day.” In light of today’s reading, we can also say “Everyone before us brought us to this moment …” Like any family “everything” and “everyone” in our history hasn’t always been that pretty, but still, it has all brought us to this moment. Even Jesus had some racy ancestors yet I’d say he turned out okay!

So today let us celebrate our people — our own ancestors and our spiritual ancestors through Jesus the Christ born of Mary.

What familial or spiritual ancestor do you celebrate today?

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Feast of Saint John of the Cross

Sister Julie — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:50:30 +0000

Happy feast of Saint John of the Cross! Here’s a bit of John’s story from Saints and Feast Days: A Resource and Activity Book by The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio.

John of the Cross was locked in a cell six feet wide and ten feet long for nine months, with no light except that which filtered through a slit high up in the wall. He later forgave the men who had imprisoned him. How could he do that? He explained, “Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.”

John’s father had been disowned by his wealthy Spanish family when he married a poor weaver rather than a woman of equal economic status. Living in poverty proved to be too much for him, and he died shortly after John was born. John spent much of his youth in an orphanage, where he was clothed, fed, and given an elementary education. At the age of 17, he found a job in a hospital and was accepted into a Jesuit college. In 1563 he entered the Carmelite Order. Eventually he enrolled in another university, where he did so well that he was asked to teach a class and to help settle disputes.

When he met Teresa of Avila and learned from her about the reform of the Carmelite Order, John decided to help with it. As part of this decision, he wore sandals instead of shoes and lived very simply in prayer and solitude. In 1577 the attitude toward the reform shifted.

John was caught up in a misunderstanding and imprisoned at Toledo, Spain. During those months of darkness in that little cell, John could have become bitter, revengeful, or filled with despair. But instead, he kept himself open to God’s action, for no prison could separate him from God’s all-embracing love. During this time he had many beautiful experiences and encounters with God in prayer. Later he would describe these experiences in poetry. In 1578 John escaped to southern Spain to join the reformed Carmelites. There he held leadership positions and wrote reflections on his experiences, which showed his deep spirit of prayer. When he became ill, he chose to go to the city of Ubeda, where no one knew him. It was there that he died.

On this feast day, if you encounter a place of no love, put love, and you will find love.

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Canada’s First Deaf Priest

Sister Julie — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:44:25 +0000

I am delighted to read of the ordination of Father Matthew Anthony Hysell in Edmonton, Alberta, on December 7, 2012. Father Matthew is the first deaf priest in the Canadian Church.

“It is with some trepidation that I find myself in this position,” Hysell said at a news conference at the office of the Archdiocese of Edmonton… “Honestly, I think this is more about the church than it is about individual achievement. It is a signal of the solidarity the church feels for people who live in a world of silence.”

(Marty Klinkenberg for the Edmonton Journal, December 7, 2012)

Father Matthew is from Michigan and ended up in Edmonton when the Sisters of Providence invited him to give presentations on spiritual topics for the deaf community at Saint Mark’s Catholic Community. (BTW, be sure to check out their website — Most Rev. Richard Smith, the Archbishop of Edmonton, has a welcome video in sign language!)

At a news conference, Archbishop Smith said, “There are a number of things you can say about Matthew. He connects well with people, and not just those who are deaf. Parishioners have come to me and said, ‘Who is that?’ He really touches their hearts.”

Way to go, Father Matthew! You are a gift to the entire church and world!

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Discernment and Vocation

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Behold the kinglet!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:42:12 +0000

“I pray to the birds because they remind me of what I love rather than what I fear. And at the end of my prayers, they teach me how to listen.”
~ Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place, by Terry Tempest Williams

Walking in the park with Button the other day I heard a bird sound that I had not heard before. When I first started listening to birds I would always try and find them with my eyes. And while my eyes are pretty good, more often than not, I would not be able to locate the bird. My eyes would be so busy trying to find the singing bird that I would totally begin not to hear the sound of it’s voice. And then just as sudden as I heard it, it would be gone and my eyes would continue to search for something that was no longer there.

After a while–and I am a slow learner so it took some time — I began to let my ears find the bird before I would let my eyes begin to look. This made me have to stop and be still so I could really let my ears focus on where the sound was coming from. Sometimes the sound would not come again. Sometimes I could hear my own breathing. Sometimes I could hear rustling of squirrels in the leaves.

Image** Ruby Crowned Kinglet / photo by Cornell Lab of Orinthology

And sometimes – right beside me in a low branch – there would be THE bird sound I had heard. By standing still I could hear where the bird was and be able to slowly let my eyes find it. The first bird I let my ears find turned out to be the very tiny Ruby Crowned Kinglet.

(audio source: BirdNote)

When was the last time you stopped looking and just let yourself listen? What did you discover?

* * *
Join the online faith community for prayer tonight at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live. You are most welcome!

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Finding Your Numen

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:39:00 +0000

Guest Blogger Marguerite Krupp joins us this fifth day of Advent. Enjoy her writing and photography!

The deep need for a special place where one feels connected to a spiritual force seems to be inborn in humankind. According to Merriam-Webster, the ancient Romans used the term “numen,” (pronounced NOO-mun) a Latin term meaning a “nod of the head,” for this influence. They saw a divine force and power operating in the inanimate objects and nonhuman phenomena around them. They believed that the gods had the power to command events and to consent to actions, and the idea of a god nodding suggested his or her awesome divine power.

Eventually, Latin speakers began using “numen” to describe the special divine force of any object, place, or phenomenon that inspired awe—for example, a mystical-seeming wooded grove or the vastness of the night sky. So “numen” came to mean “divine will or power,” and the word came into English in the 1600s carrying the same meaning.

Image** Misty Pathway / photo by Marguerite Krupp

It seems to me that people in the 21st century share that ancient longing … not just for the connection to that spiritual force but also for a place that inspires that connection. Some find it in a church, some in the woods or the ocean, some on the seat of a bike. And that place, that object, may be different at different times.

I have felt that connection in a small corner at River House at the IHM Motherhouse. I have felt it in a luminous moment in the woods and in the ocean’s pounding surf. These numena are places where I feel a special connection with God, where I can listen and be peaceful.

Where do you find your own numen?

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Join us for prayer today at 6 pm CT. All you need is to turn the volume up on your computer, an Internet connection to aNunsLife.org/live and an open heart.

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Some fav Advent resources for prayer and reflection

Sister Maxine — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:33:41 +0000

The countdown to Christmas is on! I’m reminded of this daily by the flood of discount coupons in my email and online pop-up ads warning that there’s only a few shopping days left til Christmas.

I try to ignore these things, but their sense of urgency is very compelling. Should I be out there doing more shopping? Should I be taking advantage of the great discount deals? Time is running out! It makes me feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, watching the sand drain out of the hourglass, not sure that things will end well. To say the least, there’s a kind of expectancy about all this that’s not life-giving for me.

But that’s where Advent comes in! The sense of expectancy in Advent doesn’t compel me to shop or buy or make endless to-do lists. It invites me to think about how my life can help bring Christ anew into the world. For me, it’s a great time of reflection and life-giving expectation. It helps me focus on what’s most meaningful in my life when lots of other stuff is competing for my time and attention.

So today, I offer some resources for the Advent journey. I promise that they won’t make you feel like you should immediately run out to the Mall. But should you need to go shopping, they may help you feel more centered, more focused, and more joyful.

What resources have you found helpful for your Advent journey? Post your links and suggestions in the comment box below!

Prayers and Reflections by the Toledo Area Vocation Directors, daily reflections by women religious ministering in and around the Diocese of Toledo

A variety of Advent reflections and prayers here at A Nun’s Life

Daily Advent illustrations by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS

Sundays of Advent scripture reflections by theology professors at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

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Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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Brother Michael O’Neill McGrath – artist, religious brother, saint fan!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:31:01 +0000

Our guest on this month’s In Good Faith podcast is award-winning artist and author Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. Brother Mickey explores “the many deep-and fun-connections between art and religious faith.” Besides his many paintings, he has also authored and illustrated articles for many of today’s leading Catholic publishers. When not in his Bee Still Studio, Brother Mickey is also a popular presenter for retreats and conferences throughout the United States and Canada.

Brother Mickey is best known for his paintings, writings, and illustrations of saints. In a 2011 audio interview with America magazine he says, “I like to both introduce people and reintroduce people to the saints.” He goes on to say, “I love the human side of the saints, and that’s what I try to convey in my paintings and drawings of them, so they’re not just kind of pious, devotional images but real humans that are still with us. And that’s the message for everybody: ‘Well, take a new look at this person here; they may have something to share with you.’ When you hear their struggles and stories, it helps you walk through your own struggles better, I think.”

His most recent book, published this year, is Saved by Beauty, a visual journey with Dorothy Day. It is available from Bee Still Studio or from World Library Publications. You can learn more about Brother Mickey and his artwork by visiting his website Bee Still Studio. More samples of his artwork are also available in the slideshow gallery, and in the ”Faith Circles” article – both available through America magazine. And be sure to check-out the Annunciation Advent Reflection; created by the staff of Hopeworks ‘N Camden. It features reflections for Advent and uses some of Brother Mickey’s artwork.

Are there Saints that are central in your life? What are the ways you “create” a sense of the sacred in your life?

Do you have questions or comments for Brother Mickey? Email us or record your message!

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I laughed, I cried, I watched it again! The video “Sisters of Mercy: Going West on the Journey”

Sister Maxine — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:25:38 +0000

I just watched the video “Sisters of Mercy: Going West on the Journey,” about the Sisters of Mercy coming to the Americas in the 1800s. In a word, WOW!

Watching the film, I felt like I was on the ship with the sisters as they sailed from their Irish homeland to the Americas. After reaching shore, I set out with the “walking sisters” across the Americas.

The sisters’ purpose was to minister to the droves of Catholics who left Ireland because of famine and poverty. Having faced great hardship themselves, the sisters were prepared for life in the Americas, a place of huge challenges and enormous possibilities. Much of North, South, and Central America was still wilderness. In their new homelands, Irish immigrants often faced great poverty and much anti-Catholic prejudice.

The sisters responded to these circumstances with faith, perseverance, and creativity. They went beyond the convent walls to bring health care, education and other services to the immigrants wherever they were.

One of the many things I like about the film is that it is a metaphor for the adventure of life. The sisters set out on their journey, not knowing exactly where it would take them or what to expect along the way. They prepared as best they could and entrusted the rest to the Spirit. They were self-reliant and at the same time interdependent.

For my prayer today, I’ll continue walking with these early Sisters of Mercy, trying as best I can to follow in their footsteps of compassion, faithfulness, perseverance and creativity.

P.S. Many thanks to our friend and historian extraordinare Prof. Margaret Susan Thompson for news of the video’s availability online. The video was produced to commemorate the Mercy Sesquicentennial.

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Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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Pick up “Habits” by Susan Sink for your holiday reading

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:22:35 +0000

I love it when I stumble upon a book, take a risk, purchase it, and it turns out to be a wonderful read, and that is exactly what Habits by Susan Sink is. Sink worked as the Communications Director for the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, from 2008-2011.

During that time she “got to know a number of the Sisters, witness their lives and hear their stories.” Habits is a collection of forty, 100-word stories that offer a close look into the lives of these nuns from the 1920s to the 1990s. Having read a number of books featuring interviews with nuns, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a 100-word story.

Each story is tightly written and blended together from the memories of one sister or many sisters. The stories are entitled with experiences that have been common to many nuns such as: “Formation,” “Community,” “Charges,” “Home Visit,” and “Life’s Liturgy.” Her collection also includes stories about missions in Taiwan and those with Native Americans. In an interview with The St. Cloud Times, Sink said, “What really impressed me was the quality of this way of life, and the fact that they were ordinary women living in an extraordinary way.”

Here’s one of her short stories called “Vice”:

“I hear you smoke,” the aspirant director said.

“Yes.”

“Heavily,” she said. “When was your last cigarette?”

“In the car on the way here.”

After the talk on morality, she said, “I don’t know myself, but some priests tell me it’s hard to quit.”

When I needed a smoke three days later, I went to her with the pack.

“I’ll have Father Wilmer smoke his evening cigar in my bathroom,” Sister Rita said. “You go in afterward; no one will know.”

Sitting on her toilet, I smoked four Chesterfields, then left the pack.

It was the last time I smoked.

I love that the author has used only 100 words to tell these stories! I hope she writes more! Sink is currently an administrator at the Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville, Minnesota, and holds a Masters Degree in Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. She is the author of three books on The Art of the St. Johns Bible, and a book of poetry, The Way of All the Earth. Just released, Habits is self-published and is available from LuLu.com. Read more excerpts from the book from the Habits Facebook page. And check-out her blog to learn more about Susan Sink.

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Quick! Give me something to calm my nerves!

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:54:43 +0000

We’ve got cookies! While researching nuns in the news I somehow ran across Saint Hildegard’s Nerve Cookie Recipe via the blog for the Church of the Incarnation in Charlottesville, Virginia. The author of the blog was written by Johnclem Under who found the recipe via the blog for Catholic Cuisine. Now I don’t know about you, but I could eat cookies all the time. I know, I know, everything in moderation. BUT these are cookies have health benefits!

According to Under, Saint Hildegard of Bingen wrote a cookbook that included this recipe. As Abbess of her Benedictine community, she was also a scientist and healer who believed in a balanced diet and studied “medicinal uses of plants, animals, and trees.”

This recipe comes from one of her writings on medicine. Of the cookies she says, “eat them often and they will calm bitterness of heart and mind – and your hearing and senses will open. Your mind will be joyous, and your senses purified, and harmful humours will diminish.” She recommends eating them 3-5 times a day.

Ok, so the real recipe is called Saint Hildegard’s Spice Cookies or Hildegardplätzchen. I much prefer the Nerve Cookie name. Eating cookies to calm your nerves? Now that is something I can get behind! I say bake a batch of these cookies, grab a big glass of cold milk, and bottoms up!

What foods bring you a sense of spiritual comfort? What are the ways that you bring calmness to your nerves?

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It’s Thanksgiving here in the United States so we have a different podcast and blog schedule this week. We will have prayer on Monday and Tuesday only at 6 pm CT and will blog on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Have a great week! You are in our prayers.

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Learning to let it be

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:52:02 +0000

We welcome writer Kerri Leigh Power as our guest blogger today.

I’ve never really understood how to strike a balance between “being” and “doing.” Lately I’ve had some help in this, since over the past year, health problems have made it hard for me to “do” much of anything. All the things I once did so easily—walking, driving, housework—have become daily challenges.

In my vigorous attempts to “fix” my body, I’ve been slowly brought to the realization that healing won’t come simply from more doing—more physiotherapy, more exercises, more medical treatments. I’m coming up against the limits of action, and it has occurred to me that perhaps I’m not in charge here. Maybe I’m being called to a relationship with my body that’s more about accepting, listening and being present, in compassion, than about making things “right.” In learning to be with what’s happening, rather than trying to rigidly control it, I feel a sense of ease that, ironically, is probably more conducive to healing.

I recently came across the following passage in Evelyn Underhill’s short but rich little book The Spiritual Life. As a writer, I liked that she used a grammar reference when describing how we struggle to create meaning and coherence in our scattered lives:

“We mostly spend those lives conjugating three verbs: to Want, to Have, and to Do. Craving, clutching, and fussing… we are kept in perpetual unrest, forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance, except so far as they are transcended by, and included in, the fundamental verb, to Be, and that Being, not wanting, having and doing, is the essence of a spiritual life.” (p. 43)

How do you strike a balance between being and doing? Have you had experiences that jolted you out of compulsive “doing” and forced you to just “be”?

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For your holiday reading list

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:45:26 +0000

I’m about halfway through the newly released book Barat College: a Legacy, a Spirit, and a Name (Loyola Press, 2012). I’m loving it! It’s part of the larger history of how women religious in the United States played a huge role in the education of women in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The book traces the history of Barat College, begun in 1858 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) in Chicago. The school got its name from the founder of the RSCJs, Madeline Sophie Barat. The book is a story-telling, describing the ups and downs of the college and its ties with leading religious, economic, and political figures in Chicago.

There are some great photos in the book, too. My fav is the one shown here: three Barat College students wearing “Kennedy” banners and literally kicking up their heels in delight at the 1960 election of John F. Kennedy. BTW, the woman on the left is the sister of one of Barat College’s most famous students, former Chicago mayor Jane Byrne.

If you’re looking for a good book to read over the holidays, you might want to add this one to your list!

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Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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“Thank you, Lord, that I can be here if I’m needed”

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:42:58 +0000

For several years now I have been working on and off on a script about the women who served in the Armed Forces during World War 2. Mostly I have been reading about their lives and being a librarian, finding that one footnote leads to another great source that I have to find.

Image** Sister Joachim Mullen, OSU / more recent photo by Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer

Each year the period leading up to Veteran’s Day is especially rich with newspaper accounts about these women, highlighting their experiences during that time and providing a small follow-up to what they have been doing since. This week two Catholic Sisters crossed my research path who were part of that group of special women before they entered the convent.

Sister Mary Joachim Mullin, OSU, was a member of the SPARS, the women’s Reserve of the United States Coast Guard before she joined the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. Sister’s service involved driving cars and trucks and providing transportation to officers and soldiers. After the War she continued as a driving instructor, then as a teacher, and then worked with patients at a residential treatment center. She is now retired.

Image** Sister Mary Peter Slawinski, SSJ-TOSF / more recent photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer

Sister Mary Peter Slawinski, SSJ-TOSF, served with the Womens Army Corp as a nurse in the pacific before she joining the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Third Order of Saint Francis. She went into the service with a sense of openness and generosity saying, “Thank you, Lord, that I can be here if I’m needed.” Sister was stationed on the island of Tinian in the Pacific with the 303rd Army General Hospital. Sister worked with wounded patients on the island and continued to work with wounded soldiers at a Veterans Administration Hospital after the War. Continuing her work as a nurse has brought her to work at the Marymount Hospital, and now an organization called Womankind which offers prenatal care to women without insurance. Sister is 91.

To all Veterans who have served and are now serving, and to their loved ones, we offer you our continued prayers of safe-keeping.

Learn more about Sisters Who Served During World War 2 (Plain Dealer, September 1, 2012) and about Sisters Mary Joachim and Mary Peter:

Sister Mary Joachim Mullin

Profiled by WKYC (September 12, 2011) and in the Parma Sun Post (June 8, 2009)
Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland

Sister Mary Peter Slawinski

Honored by the Womankind Maternal and Prenatal Care Center – see Womankind Press Release (August 12, 2012) (PDF) and the news story in Catholic Universe Bulletin
Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Third Order of Saint Francis

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Celebrating 167 years of IHM life!

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:38:36 +0000

This week, 167 years ago, the IHM congregation was founded in Monroe, Michigan.

The founders were missionaries to the frontier town: Louis Florent Gillet, a Redemptorist priest from Belgium, and Theresa Maxis Duchemin, who had begun religious life with the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore. Within a short time, Theresa and the sisters who joined her opened a school and provided local youth with a Catholic education.

It can be tempting to romanticize early IHM life – the sisters lived in a quaint log cabin on the banks of the River Raisin, they were good teachers, they prayed. I can imagine the sisters as poster nuns for Currier & Ives!

In those early years, however, the sisters faced much poverty and hardship. One of the stories is that the sisters had so little that they all had to share one spoon, one fork and one plate. They dealt with tuberculosis, lack of money, and religious bias. In the midst of it, they accommodated new students, the school grew and so did the congregation.

How they managed to do so much with so little is amazing to me.

The stories remind me that Founders Day is about more than establishing a congregation or institution. It’s about finding the spirit within to be of service to others, to persevere, to do the best we can with the gifts and talents we have, and to entrust the rest to God.

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Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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NUNDAY The Original Flying Nun, Sister Mary Aquinas Kinskey, OSF

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:35:15 +0000

Most of us when we hear the words the “Flying Nun” immediately think of the 1960s comedy sitcom of the same name starring actor Sally Field as the Daughter of Charity, Sister Bertrille. Sister Batrille’s habit included a large, almost winged, head covering. Each time a wind came up it would cause Sister Bertrille to lift off the ground and fly. The comedy of course is that this happened at the most awkward of times.

But Sister Bertrille was not the original “Flying Nun.” Sister Mary Aquinas Kinskey, OSF (b.1894-d.1985), takes that title! Sister entered the convent in 1911 at age 17. She graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1926 and started teaching high school. According to the Notre Dame Archives and News, “She became a teacher and her interest in aviation stemmed from the enthusiasm for the subject from her students.” A former student fondly remembers Sister Mary Aquinas by her nickname, “Spike.” “Nobody every told me why, but we all understood. It reflected her personal strength, her dynamics, and her take-charge image.” (continued below photo)

In order to best teach her students, Sister Mary Aquinas earned her student pilot’s license in 1938 at the airport in Manitowoc, WI. In 1942, she earned a Master of Science in Physics from the University of Notre Dame. In 1943, Sister started teaching during the summer at Catholic University and was involved in training teachers and others through the Civil Aeronautics Authority. She often took her classes on inspection and demonstration tours through aircraft factories and airports. A great collection of photographs showing Sister and her students is digitally available via the Library of Congress. In 1957, Sister was given a special citation from the United States Air Force for her “outstanding contributions to the advancement of air power in the interest of national security and world peace.” Sister passed away in 1985 at the age of 91.

I think Sister Mary Aquinas continues to teach from her pilot’s seat above!

For more information about Sister Mary Aquinas:

Photographs of Sister Mary Aquinas at the Library of Congress
Sister Mary Aquinas in Notre Dame Archives and News, August 15, 2012
Three Sisters, Three Stories, Touching Lives, Silver Lake College New Directions, Fall/Winter 2008-2009 (PDF download)
‘No Glamor Girl,’ Flying Nun Says by Bob Considine, The Milwaukee Sentinel, September 8, 1957
Sister Mary Aquinas, ‘The Flying Nun,’ Says Air-Minded Child Is a Happy Child by Margaret Kernodle, AP Features Writer, Lewiston Morning Tribune, Lewiston, Idaho, August 8, 1943
Obituary, New York Times, October 23, 1985

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Pinning and Praying the Saints

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:32:29 +0000

Happy Feast of All Saints! This is one of our most favorite feasts of the year. We’ve all probably got our favorite saints and have seen dozens if not hundreds of holy cards, stained-glass windows, paintings, and other images of the saints.

This year, we decided to take a new look at the saints! We started collecting images of saints and holy people that are rendered in unusual styles or media. Because art has the power to communicate, different or unusual views of the saints can give us new or deeper insights about the saint — and about our own lives of faith!

During this past week of our annual Fall FUN!raiser, we’ve been posting these images to our Pinterest board “Saints Redux” and will be posting all through today and tomorrow! We invite you to check them out and let us know if you have links to other art we can pin!

And please, join us for a live podcast tonight — we will be praying the Litany of the Saints. We invite you to add the name of any special saint or holy person who is particularly special to you. We will include their names in the Litany tonight.

Tomorrow is the last day of our Fall FUN!raiser — please help this ministry by pledging your support with a one-time donation or a “Halo Club” monthly donation. We rely on the grace of God and your support! You can donate online or send a check directly to the ministry.

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Join us for Today’s FUN!raiser activities throughout the day and @ 6 p.m. CT

We’ll be on our “Saints Redux” Pinterest board through the day, pinning the saints with abandon. Be sure to check out all the interesting images of saints we’ve found and re-pin to your heart’s content!
We’ll also be on Twitter with an all-day focus on the Doctors of the Church — visit twitter.com/aNunsLife
Join us at 6 p.m. CT for prayer with a special Litany of the Saints podcast. We’ll also announce the winning All-Star Saint and chit-chat about the results! Oh, and did we mention MORE GIVEAWAYS! Donate now to be sure your name is in the box for the drawings!

On Friday, All Souls Day, poet Thomas Lynch joins us @ 6 p.m. CT for a special In Good Faith webcast.

More details on our FUN!raiser page.

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In praise of everyday saints

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:25:33 +0000

Last weekend, during my marathon of meetings, I met some saints!

I didn’t know it at first because they looked like ordinary people sitting around a table and drinking coffee. During the course of the meeting, I got to know them better. I heard their stories–and realized that I was in the presence of holiness.

One guy, a successful professional, talked about his family. He and his wife, grateful for the opportunities they’ve had in life, wanted to give back by helping others. One way was to work with not-for-profit organizations who seek to help people at the margins of society. He does that.

In addition, he and his wife have reached out to a struggling single mother with two young children. They are helping the family meet day-to-day expenses and get an education for a better future. They are a source of encouragement and support for the family. He spoke of this with the kind of humility that comes out of deep gratitude.

As All Saints Day approaches, I invite you to share stories about the everyday saints you meet. Write a few lines about them in the comment box below, and throughout this week, we’ll keep them especially in our prayers.

Join us on All Saints Day this Thursday for a special “Litany of the Saints” prayer podcast. And check out our website for other events during our annual Fall Fun!Raiser.

Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at A Nun’s Life. Your presence is a gift!

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All-Star Saints: Tweets, Pins, and Podcasts

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:19:19 +0000

As we near the triumvirate of Fall FUN!raising events — Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls, Regina Heater from A Nun’s Life community has a few tricks and treats up her sleeve!

**Image: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - stained glass window detail from the Holy Name of Jesus (Oxton, Birkenhead).

I confess: sometimes the wild stories of hagiography make me deeply uncomfortable. Perhaps it is because I know that I am no saint; perhaps it is because I as much as I love a good miracle, the traditions inherent in some of our saintly traditions (upside down Saint Joseph statues, anyone?) make me sigh with unsaintly disdain. I love a good saint story–and I even call upon Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany as my patrons–but I look at them as models for my hoped-for behavior, infrequently calling upon them for intercession. Why? Because I want to have the faith of Martha and Mary as they as she waited for Jesus while Lazarus lay dying, believing, knowing that if Jesus had been there, there brother would not have died. I look to Mary and Martha and think of the delicate dance I constantly make in my life, between wanting to hide myself in my books and music, sitting at Jesus’ feet, and knowing that I must also be about the work of the Kin-dom. I know that I am no saint, but I pray that I might one day have the love for Jesus that Mary and Martha had.

Next week, we’ll be sharing the stories of Saints through Tweets, Pins and podcasts as during our 2nd Annual FUN!raiser. For all you Tweeters — on Halloween, we’ll learn about patron saints you never knew you needed. On November 1, the Feast of All Saints, we’ll focus on some “All-Star Saints.” And on All Souls Day, we’ll explore some saints who, while not canonised, can inspire us in the way they lived and in the way they died.

As part of our All Saints Day festivities, we’ll be honoring a few “All Star Saints” of the Church — the Doctors of the Church. And we’d like your help! Vote on your favorite Doctor of the Church below, and during our podcast on November 1, we’ll announce the winner!

Check out all of the events — including podcasts, famous people (well just one, unless you count Sister Chloe the Convent Cat), and Saint Redux on Pinterest — at FUN!Raiser Central!

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Countdown is on for Fall Fun!Raiser Extravaganza!

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:42:42 +0000

The Fall Fun!raiser is underway, and the 3-day extravaganza of events is just around the corner. The fur is flying as Chloe the Convent Cat is getting her outfit ready for Halloween and the Scary Music-A-Thon (see our FUN!raiser Central page for all the details)!

We’re getting ready for the Extravaganza too. In preparation for our podcast with Thomas Lynch on All Souls Day (check out the details), I’m reading his latest book, The Sin-Eater, and I gotta say… WOW!

I started reading Thomas’ books several years ago, intrigued by the idea of an undertaker writing about death and life. He’s also grew up Catholic and was taught by Catholic sisters and brothers, which for me added to the intrigue. I didn’t know what to expect. What I found were stories that are insightful, challenging, and yes even humorous.

So, back to The Sin-Eater. I’m now three-quarters through this book of 24 poems about Argyle, a sin-eater in Ireland. Folklore about sin-eaters dates back many years. A sin-eater is a figure who ritually takes on the sins of others. The sin-eater is paid by the family of the deceased to attend the funeral and, while standing over the deceased, to eat bread and drink ale, thus taking on the sins of the dead.

Because of this service, the sin-eater exists at the edges of society, until such service is needed again. In Thomas Lynch’s book, Argyle the sin-eater shares with readers a unique perspective on death and especially on life.

If you get a chance, grab a copy of the book and take a read – you won’t be disappointed! Many public libraries also carry other books he’s written, including The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade. There’s also a PBS documentary based on Thomas’ work, featuring scenes from the Lynch & Sons funeral home and Thomas reading excerpts of his writing. It is a beautiful and poignant look at what it means to take care of the living and dead. You can see the award-winning film in its entirety online.

Be sure to check out all the details and events of our Fall Fun!raiser and how you can participate.

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Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at A Nun’s Life. Your presence is a gift!

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Band of Sisters, Mary Fishman, and the Nuns

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:40:54 +0000

I cannot wait for our podcast tomorrow with Mary Fishman whose documentary about U.S. Catholic sisters just came out. Sister Maxine and I have known Mary for a few years now and are delighted to have her on In Good Faith. The documentary, “Band of Sisters is about Catholic sisters in the United States from the perspective of our commitment to furthering the Gospel mandate of social justice.

Though this is the primary lens, Band of Sisters gives insight into the every day lives of Catholic sisters and nuns, our spirituality, our community life, our ministries. The film also helps to bridge a major gap in people’s understanding of “what became of the nuns they knew in habits and convents many years ago.”

Now of course I would be remiss if I did not mention that Sister Maxine and I are not only fervent supporters of the film, but we are actually in the film! Truly an honor! Mary along with her film crew Ines Sommers (also a fabulous filmmaker) and Ben (who got to wrangle with the boom mic) visited us at the convent studio back when we had just started our Ask Sister podcast. Here’s a clip from our little webcam that shows the filmmakers at work! Keep in mind we were still getting the hang of audio and video and podcasting so it’s a bit fuzzy, but awesome nonetheless!

Band of Sisters had its world premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago this past month to a SOLD OUT AUDIENCE, and it continues in venues across the country! Look for a screening near you!

Also be sure to check out the following for more on Mary Fishman’s film Band of Sisters:

Band of Sisters movie website
Melba Lara of WBEZ Chicago Public Radio interviews Mary Fishman - Chicago filmmaker explores new roles for U.S. nuns (September 13, 2012)
Heidi Schlumpf of National Catholic Reporter - Documentary on U.S. nuns chronicles transformation into world citizens (October 10, 2012)

We’d LOVE to have you join us for tomorrow’s free webcast of In Good Faith with Mary Fishman. For more information and details of how join the webcast, check out our In Good Faith web page. One of the beauties of A Nun’s Life podcasts is that you can participate by sending in your questions and comments ahead of time (just comment below!) and by using our chat room during the live broadcast which allows you to interact with Mary, other listeners, and the hosts — Sister Maxine and myself!

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NUNDAY with a Catholic Sister creating “New Life” for Foster Children

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:35:54 +0000

Monday is NUNDAY with today’s guest blogger, Karol Bartlett.

For fifty years, Sister Claire LeBeouf, CSC, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, has been working hard in Tampa, Florida to find homes loving and safe homes for foster children. In the past five years Sister Claire had been dreaming and praying about building a place that would be a “multigenerational community for foster children, where people who are willing to adopt kids over age 8 can rent homes at a reduced rate, and seniors who don’t have family nearby can move into their own subsidized homes to help with babysitting, cooking and playing ball.” According to an August 30th news item in the Tampa Bay Times by Lane DeGregory, those prayers have paid off!

Five years ago, Sister Claire created a non-profit called New Life Village and raised $20,000 towards her dream. Not bad but when your dream is a whole community, you need much more. Last fall one prayer was answered in the form of an email telling her about a 12-acre “development of Townhouses that had been foreclosed upon. More prayers were answered when “an anonymous donor contributed $500,000 and a bank offered her a 1 percent loan.” In this case, the townhouses were almost ready to move into and more affordable than starting a community from scratch; Sister Claire signed “signed papers to purchase 30 townhouses, plus a playground, pool and a 3,000 foot clubhouse. Already she has had a number of volunteers come forward to help, many of them adults who are former foster children she helped in the past. Sister Claire says of her project, “It takes a village, and that’s what we’re building.”(source)

What have you been “dreaming and praying about” that you can take a step toward making happen?

To see all the NUNDAY stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we’ve posted, visit NUNDAY at aNunsLife.org.

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The nuns are going to be on air tonight for prayer — please join the community at 6 p.m. CT ataNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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NUNDAY with “The Biking Nun”

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:32:58 +0000

A special Friday edition of NUNDAY with Sister Janice Iverson, OSB.

The Fitness Coordinator for the Police Department in Watertown, South Dakota, inspires the staff she works with every day. Sister Janice Iverson, O.S.B., volunteers her time to work with the Department staff and coordinate their fitness programs. Sister Janice rides her bike into town, five days a week. As Healthcare Coordinator for the Mother of God Monastery, she walks the talk. In a recent video for Keloland Television with Angela Kennecke called the “Biking Nun,” Sister Janice says, “I try to burn a thousand calories per day. That’s at least five times a week. Sunday I’ll just go out and ride my bike 20 miles.”

Her background includes two Masters degrees, one in in Exercise Science & Cardiac Rehab/Therapeutic Preventive, and the other in Exercise and Human Movement. She has taught and has an extensive background in sports and coaching basketball. Sister Janice was the youngest of 10, had many older brothers and developed a love of sports early. “My brother taught me all the finer points. We’d play games in the neighborhood, and he’d always chose me second because he didn’t want to be accused of choosing his sister who was better than the other boys,”

Each day, 71-year old Sister Janice works with individual staff members to coordinate fitness programs they can stay with and make a part of their regular day. Sister Janice does not define what most of the folks think of as nuns. Sister Janice knows that “people are a little taken aback” by her athletic prowess, she says. Sister Janice enjoys what she does, and when asked about retiring said, “Nuns don’t really retire, but does anybody doing good ever retire?”

You totally rock Sister Janice!

For more info on Sister Janice

see Sister Janice in action!
read “The Biking Nun” by Angela Kennecke for Keloland TV (September 13, 2012)
also check out “Sister Janice Iverson: None like this nun” by John Kubal for Brookings Register (July 21, 2011)

For more about Sister Janice’s community

visit the Benedictine Sisters of the Mother of God Monastery in Watertown, South Dakota

To see all the NUNDAY stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we’ve posted, visit NUNDAY at aNunsLife.org.

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The nuns are going to be on air tonight for prayer — please join the community at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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Wearing a Nun costume for Halloween

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:29:30 +0000

Nun costumes. Good, bad, or ugly? Over the years we’ve received emails from people wondering if it is respectful to wear a nun costume for Halloween. As always, the answer is “it depends.”

First I’d like to just mention a little bit about Halloween itself. Though Halloween is “a mixture of pagan, Christian, civic, and cultural influences” it does hold opportunities to celebrate one’s faith and Christian values. See Celebrating Your Values on Halloween (Loyola Press) for more info and practical suggestions. Halloween (“hallow” as in “blessed” or “holy”) is also the eve of All Saints Day, a great day in the Church because we celebrate all of those saints of God, living or dead, who are part of our big family of faith through Jesus Christ. Traditionally children have dressed up as their favorite saint and today many continue this tradition. Today of course, we extend this tradition to children’s favorite heroes too.

So, in this context, it is perfectly acceptable for a child to wear a nun or monk costume because she or he is living the best of the tradition of Halloween. It is a chance for children to emulate the people around them (nuns that teach them at daycare or a friar helping out at the soup kitchen) or the saints they read about. This is also a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about these ways of life and explain the respect that the should have when dressed up as a nun, sister, monk, priest or saint. For example, be sure that rosaries aren’t slung at fellow trick-or-treaters. I would also encourage costume-wearers to explore the diversity of dress of Catholic sisters and nuns — there are many ways to show visibly that you are a sister or nun that go beyond a habit. Be creative! Parents could also teach their children how to say a prayer of blessing so that the children have concrete ways to really get into their character. As a Catholic nun, I personally would be honored to see children respectfully and joyfully wearing nun costumes!

Now, here’s the other side of nun costumes: adults wearing nun costumes. Pretty much all of the above information applies to adults. If you are going to a costume party and the wearing of a nun (or other religious) costume is done out of genuine respect, than I don’t think there is a problem with that.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of adults wearing religious costumes at Halloween are purely for pranks, shock value, and laughs. This is indeed offensive and unacceptable. Rarely are such costumes created or worn respectfully. Do a quick Internet search for “nun costume” and you’ll see that most of the image results are of nun costumes that look like lingerie and come with descriptors such as sexy or naughty. In addition, some pranksters wear nun costumes and pretend to be pregnant or they partner up with guys in priest costumes so as to look like a romantic couple. Others wield rulers or don boxing gloves. There is NOTHING respectful about these costumes. They participate in the worst of nun stereotypes and are offensive to Catholic nuns and the Church. I’d like to tell these people to “grow up” but even children have better sense and than these folks.

Join us for our 3-day Fall FUN!raiser! Check out all the details and please, consider supporting this ministry. We rely on donations from people just like you.

Image** Darth Kitty says you should join the FUN!raiser and donate! (Click photo for more Star Wars pet costumes)

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Celibacy, the Movie!

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:27:13 +0000

Looking for a good DVD to watch? Something a bit different? You might want to check out this one: Radical Love: Consecrated Celibacy, produced by WordNet Productions.

Ordinarily a person might wonder how exciting a DVD about celibacy could possibly be. In a lot of movies, romance and sexual tension add zip to the story line. They’re like spices in food, and without them, the food would be bland. Such is not the case with Radical Love – it has plenty of zip!

Radical Love features 12 sisters and nuns from different orders, talking about the vow of celibacy. Even before I watched the DVD, I knew it would be good. I know some of the sisters who are in it—lively, funny, articulate women including Sister Lovina Pammit, OSF, Sister Elyse Marie Ramirez, OP, and yes, our own Sister Julie of A Nun’s Life!

Here’s some examples of what I mean. In the DVD, Sister Lovina talks about the experience of God’s love, and how it’s essential for religious to be able to express that love and be passionate. “We are not the “Frozen Chosen,” she remarks.

When Sister Elyse Marie is asked, “Is celibacy crazy?” she replies, “Falling in love is crazy. Period. It always does something to you that you never thought you would do. Celibacy is like that–so it’s as real as any other kind of falling in love.” Sister Julie talks about celibacy as part of the adventure of religious life (and lets face it, when was the last time you heard “celibacy” associated with “adventure”…)!

And did I mention that Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHM, is also featured? Yep, and her direct, insightful and witty comments add even more seasoning to the food for thought in the DVD. One of Sandra’s quotes I especially like is this one: “We’re living in a culture that is sex-saturated, not love-saturated. But where sex is largely detached from love, largely detached from fidelity, largely detached from relationships, to have people living their sexuality with intentionality…not driven by it and not deprived by the choices they make, but to have people living their sexuality in a loving, self- giving, life-giving, mature way offers an alternative vision of sexuality.”

So, if you’re looking for something different to watch, Radical Love might be just the ticket.

Join the A Nun’s Life community for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at A Nun’s Life. Your presence is a gift!

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Discernment and Vocation

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Why I love life as an Associate of the SSND Sisters

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:15:19 +0000

We welcome Kimberly Grady, a regular in the A Nun’s Life Community as today’s guest blogger. Kimberly shares her journey as an Associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

A couple years ago I began a process that is changing my life in ways I could have never imagined. I began the process of becoming a Lay Associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. I had kept in contact with a few nuns that taught me in grade school in Saint Paul, Minnesota, but never dreamed I would be joining the charism, mission, and community of SSND in a faith changing way.

The sisters I knew were in their 80s or older and they could, sorry to say, walk circles around me. As I visited the various communities of SSND in Mankato, Minnesota, Chicago, and Saint Louis, I began to look at my own longing which seems like a lifetime ago. I was just 8 years old when I first sensed that longing and over the years I have discerned if I wanted to live my faith by being a religious sister.

Since that first longing, my journey has taken many wonderful turns. I married, raised a family, and have a full time career as a medical scientist, all the while I always kept close to my faith in many ways of commitment, service, and prayer. I really did not envision that my faith needed to gain any more momentum, as I was so involved in a variety of faith activities from being in the choir, a sacristan, a lector, a Eucharistic minister to being part of small group prayers, leading retreats, and even shepherding the scouts were a love and commitment.

That all had to adjust as I started separation and divorce proceedings this last year after been together 32 years and married 27 to my high school sweetheart. There was no turning back as I continued with the process, and discerned all that is entailed with it.

During those months I really tended to draw on my faith and the SSND community I had come to love for support. This was so important to me because during the separation and divorce, some of my own friends and fellow parishioners chose not to remain in contact with me. It became so tough that I eventually had to switch parishes. It was a very sad time for me, but I knew there was no going back.

Things got tougher. Just a week after deciding to move out, my mother passed away. After the funeral there was no place to go in my mind, except the great longing to go to the Motherhouse in Mankato and retreat for a couple days, the sisters welcomed me with open arms, as is their charism.

Several months later, living on my own and creating a whole new life for myself, I was covenanted as an Associate in Chicago. It was a wonderful ceremony with lots of unexpected surprises only God could orchestrate. Joining with the School Sisters of Notre Dame as an Associate means so much to me in carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ with the spirit of the SSND foundress, Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. As Sisters and Associates we strive to bring all into oneness with God and assist others to grow into the fullness of their potential. This reminds me of the fact I am always learning, growing, and stretching myself to experience all God has to offer.

I invite you to get to know the SSND Community as I have come to know and love them. For more information visit the SSND website and check out the information on the SSND Associate Program.

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The 2nd Annual Fall FUN!raiser starts NOW

The Nuns — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:10:40 +0000

Announcing the second annual Fall FUN!raiser in support of A Nun’s Life Ministry! Starting right this very second, the Fall FUN!raiser is ON! Checkout A Nun’s Life FUN!raiser Central with all the details!

This ministry started from the grassroots and has been tended and nurtured by Catholic sisters and nuns, by a dedicated online community of faith, and by each person who visits the website, listens to a podcast, reads an article, shares or re-pins a photo, or any of the other may ways that folks interact through A Nun’s Life.

You don’t have to be a nun to find A Nun’s Life a place of hospitality, encouragement, and (we daresay) a bit of fun! Life is real, and so are nuns!

During the FUN!Raiser, we’re not only raising money, but we’re raising fun too! Join us for three days of “Scares, Saints, and Souls” on October 31 through November 2.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come!

Lots of tweeting, Facebooking (is that really a verb?), praying, and occasional bursts into Michael Jackson “Thriller” moves

Wednesday, October 31: Halloween Scary Music-a-Thon

Thursday, November 1: All Saints Day with a special Litany of the Saints podcast and a Pinterest Saint Extravaganza (yep, we’re on Pinterest)

Friday, November 2: All Souls Day live podcast with Thomas Lynch, poet, essayist, and funeral director. Thomas Lynch is an internationally acclaimed author (BTW did we mention he was taught by Catholic sisters and brothers…), and among his works are The Undertaker and The Sin Eater: A Breviary. Of his work, the Poetry Foundation says, “By using his own daily routine as poetic fodder, Lynch has transformed the mundane task of preparing the dead into a life-affirming event.”Also on Friday after our conversation with Thomas Lynch, we’ll have our FUN!raiser Finale to conclude the fundraiser.

Plus, we’ll have drawings for fun prizes on all three days. Make a donation between now and the end times (of the FUN!Raiser, that is), and you’ll automatically be entered into the drawing.

Your donations are a major source of support for A Nun’s Life. You make it possible for A Nun’s Life to continue its two-fold mission: to help people discover and grow in their vocation by engaging questions about God, faith, and religious life, and to show the life of faith and adventure of Catholic sisters and nuns from the perspectives of those who live it.

Let’s get this fundraiser up and running! Donate now – online at aNunsLife.org/donate or send a check to A Nun’s Life at P.O. Box 8704, Toledo, Ohio 43623. A Nun’s Life is a not-for-profit (501c3) organization, so your donations are tax-deductible. Thank you so much — and stay tuned for more!

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NUNDAY Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:07:01 +0000

NUNDAY is usually Monday unless we have a holy intervention — like a nun becoming an official saint and Doctor of the Church! Our own Sister Hildegard Pleva, OSsR, writes about her namesake this day. Visit her community at the Redemptoristine Nuns of New York.

Although never officially canonized this 12th century Benedictine nun achieved renown during her lifetime which propelled her by acclamation into the ranks of those highly esteemed. She has been listed in the Martyrology for centuries. In 2010 Pope Benedict XVI began to speak about her in his more private gatherings, a hint that this fascinating medieval woman was finally going to find an official place in the sun.

On May 10th of this year the Pope announced her official elevation to sainthood via equivalent canonization; no rigid process but recognition of holiness and rich spirituality. Today, the first day of the current Synod of Bishops focusing on evangelization, the Pope declared Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 1179) and John of Avila Doctors of the Church. Hildegard joins her sisters Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena and Theresa of Lisieux who already hold this title.

The broad scope that variety of Hildegard’s talents and endeavors make her worthy of inclusion in any list of creative geniuses. She was arguably the most celebrated woman of the end of the middle ages. In addition to being a visionary, she was also a naturalist, playwright, poet, and composer. She produced two books on natural history and medicine, wrote the first known morality play, and between 1141 and 1151, was occupied writing the first book describing fifty visions (Scivias – Know the Ways of the Lord) which followed by another record of her mystical experiences (De Operatione Dei – The Works of the Lord).

I have tried to think of a modern woman, or man for that matter, who could match Hildegard in the scope of her achievements. We must consider that by virtue of her correspondence with saints, popes, and kings she was a politician; by virtue of her corpus of advant garde compositions was a musician; by virtue of her vocation and her constant awareness of God’s majestic presence she was a mystic; by virtue of the texts of her visionary experiences she becomes theologian and cosmologist; by virtue of her works concerning medicine and natural history she becomes physician and scientist; and lastly, by virtue of her leadership in the establishment of new foundations of her Benedictine order she becomes administrator; I could not come up with anyone, male or female, of recent history whose curriculum vitae included politician, musician, mystic, theologian, cosmologist, physician, scientist and administrator.

What our Pope has focused upon is the theological depth of Hildegard’s interpretation of her visions which emphasize the cosmic Christ, the Incarnation of the Son of God as a cosmic event that penetrated all of creation, and the struggle between human beings and the forces of evil in which humanity can triumph and overcome evil. He has also praised her for her public and very unusual critique of corruption within the Church, particularly abuses and neglect in the hierarchy, and also her fierce defense of the Church, the Bride of Christ , by Leaders outside the Church, the most notable being Frederick Barbarossa.

Links below offer a more complete introduction to this fascinating woman. Her life offers inspiration and encouragement to women today. Her feast day is September 17.

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Litany of the Pets, in honor of Saint Francis’ feast day!

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:02:53 +0000

When you think of Saint Francis, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For me, it’s an image associated with nature, especially animals.

There are many legends about Saint Francis sharing the gospel message of love with animals. A story I vividly recall from childhood was about Saint Francis calming a hungry wolf so it could live peaceably with local townspeople, their dogs, and their flocks of sheep. (The legend deeply impressed me in part because of the way it was illustrated in my little storybook–an enormous snarling wolf with saliva dripping from its teeth, faced by a calm Saint Francis, reaching his hand out.) There are also legends about Saint Francis preaching to birds, who listened with utmost attention.

The feast day is a time to remember Saint Francis’ love for animals and for all of God’s good creation. To honor the feast, Sister Julie and I will read a Litany of the Pets during the prayer podcast this evening.

We invite you to include your pets in the Litany. Just write their names in the “comment” area below and we’ll bring them into prayer this evening.

Join the nuns for a live prayer podcast and chat tonight at 6 pm CT
at aNunsLife.org/live.

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You Are Invited: The Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:58:45 +0000

Today is one of my most FAVORITE sacred days. Franciscans honor this day as “The Transitus” — that is, the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi from this life to the fullness of life with God. This night is the vigil of the feast of Saint Francis which is tomorrow, October 4.

So special is this day to me, that I talked to my Franciscan buddy Sister Julie Myers, OSF, over at the the Sylvania Franciscans and we’re going to live stream their prayer service online tonight! You are invited to join us right here — online — for the Transitus tonight at 6 p.m. CT (your time zone) — same time as our usual gathering online. We will be joining the Franciscan Sisters and the faith community at Lourdes University. The live stream will happen at www.aNunsLife.org/live.

My first experience of a transitus was back in grad school. My friends Michelle, Meghan, and I had a lot of Franciscan buddies so one October 3rd we went to a Franciscan parish to celebrate with them the Transitus of Saint Francis. There are other transitus celebrations for other saints, but the transitus of Saint Francis was the first for me!

The three of us not only made it to the suburbs to honor Saint Francis but we eventually made it to Assisi too! There we followed in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. One of the things I loved so much was the story of how Francis spent his last few days on earth:

In the early autumn Francis, feeling the hand of death upon him, was carried to his beloved Porziuncola, that he might breathe his last sigh where his vocation had been revealed to him and whence his order had struggled into sight. On the way thither he asked to be set down, and with painful effort he invoked a beautiful blessing on Assisi, which, however, his eyes could no longer discern. The saint’s last days were passed at the Porziuncola in a tiny hut, near the chapel, that served as an infirmary. The arrival there about this time of the Lady Jacoba of Settesoli, who had come with her two sons and a great retinue to bid Francis farewell, caused some consternation, since women were forbidden to enter the friary. But Francis in his tender gratitude to this Roman noblewoman, made an exception in her favour, and “Brother Jacoba”, as Francis had named her on account of her fortitude, remained to the last.

On the eve of his death, the saint, in imitation of his Divine Master, had bread brought to him and broken. This he distributed among those present, blessing Bernard of Quintaville, his first companion, Elias, his vicar, and all the others in order. “I have done my part,” he said next, “may Christ teach you to do yours.” Then wishing to give a last token of detachment and to show he no longer had anything in common with the world, Francis removed his poor habit and lay down on the bare ground, covered with a borrowed cloth, rejoicing that he was able to keep faith with his Lady Poverty to the end. After a while he asked to have read to him the Passion according to St. John, and then in faltering tones he himself intoned Psalm 141. At the concluding verse, “Bring my soul out of prison”, Francis was led away from earth by “Sister Death”, in whose praise he had shortly before added a new strophe to his “Canticle of the Sun”. It was Saturday evening, 3 October, 1226, Francis being then in the forty-fifth year of his age, and the twentieth from his perfect conversion to Christ. (Catholic Encyclopedia)

Join us tonight for prayer to honor the Transitus of Saint Francis and to bring before God all of the “passings” that happen in our own life. Prayer for the Transitus begins at 6 p.m. (your time zone) at www.aNunsLife.org/live.

NOTE: To have a good experience watching live-streaming video, it’s helpful to check the following on your computer:

Make sure you close all other programs that are running in the background on your computer as well as any other windows or tabs that are open in your Internet browser.
Make sure that your Internet connection has a download speed of 500kbps to 2Mbps. Anything on the lower range will cause you to not see the video or to have choppy or lagging video and audio. You can check your Internet speed at speedtest.net.

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Guardian Angels: The Bouncy, The Bold, The Freaky

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:54:30 +0000

On this Feast of the Guardian Angels, I’ve been thinking a lot about the angels, people, and other creatures who’ve had my back — watched over me, gave me hand, protected me, accompanied me in tough times, and kept me safe.

BTW, on an angel note, while I’d like to think I’ve got an Archangel up there as my guardian angel, I’m pretty sure God gifted me with a wild and crazy angel — maybe one of those strange winged creatures rolling around in Ezekiel or possibly even the grandmotherly yet fierce Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. I don’t know why … it’s just a feeling given the very interesting “saves” I’ve had in my life!

While in general I like to think of myself as self-sufficient and independent, the fact of the matter is that I really wouldn’t get anywhere without the great Communion of Saints — those living, those dwelling now in light, and those wonderful spiritual creatures we call angels!

We probably each have many guardian angels, both of the pure spirit variety, and the very human variety. I think first of my parents who amazingly got me through childhood! Having three beautiful nephews now, I am in awe at the vigilance needed for watching over these little ones (not so little now!) and the worries and fears and “up all night” moments that raising a child entails! People who care for little ones are guardian angels indeed!

I think also of my siblings and my nuns too as guardian angels in my life, always there for me, always pulling for me. And what’s cool is just knowing that they are there, even without any “work” on their part. Just knowing they are in my life is such gift.

There are many others of course and I think for each of us we find our Bold Archangels, our Cute Bouncy Angels, and our Mystical and Kinda Freaky Angels wherever we need them. They are there whether we know it or not, want it or not, like it or not! And for this we give thanks, for even in spite of ourselves and our own rugged individualism or “self-made” exterior, we need one another and we need our angels.

So what’s your Guardian Angel looking like these days? kinda freaky? quiet and peaceful? grandmotherly? “This Present Darkness“-esque”? Describe how you image your angels to be like!

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NUNDAY: A Carmelite writes about her nun, Saint Thérèse

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:51:27 +0000

Happy Feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux! We are delighted to have with us Sister Judy Long, OCD, of the Carmelite Nuns of Baltimore. It seems only fitting to have a Carmelite write about one of her own on this feast day!

“…I wanted to be a religious since the dawn of my reason, and I wanted Carmel as soon as I knew about it. I find all the aspirations of my soul are fulfilled in this Order.” So speaks Thérèse Martin, a young girl of 14, to the Bishop Hugonin of Bayeux and Lisieux, France on Oct. 31, 1887. Her desire will be fulfilled on April 9, 1888, a mere six months later, as she enters the Carmel of Lisieux. Nine years later, she would die of tuberculosis on September 30, 1897 at the age of 24. What were the aspirations of her soul? Why was Carmel the place where she felt they would be fulfilled?

The aspirations of her soul can be summed up in one word: love. In Manuscript A of her autobiography Story of A Soul, she tells us, “I wanted to love, to love Jesus with a passion, giving Him a thousand proofs of my love while it was possible.” Thérèse feels this in the depths of her being. Love is the hallmark of the teaching she will develop later in Carmel, what some call her little way or the way of spiritual childhood. This is a young woman who is madly and deeply in love with Jesus. She relates on the day of her First Communion, “I felt that I was loved and I said: I love you, and I give myself to You forever!…That day it was no longer simply a look but a fusion; there were no longer two, Thérèse had vanished as a drop of water is lost in the immensity of the ocean. Jesus alone remained…” Therese’s heart and soul were totally open to receive the grace of love that Jesus offered her that day. She would never waver from returning that love even during her dark night of faith a year before her death.

Thérèse knew early in her life that Carmel was the place where her desires could be filled. Her older sister Pauline had told her of her plan to enter Carmel and explained the life she would be living there. Therese realized she wanted that life also. Again from the Story of A Soul, “I felt that Carmel was the desert where God wanted me to go also to hide myself. I felt this with so much force that there wasn’t the least doubt in my heart; it was not the dream of a child led astray but the certitude of a divine call; I wanted to go to Carmel not for Pauline’s sake but for Jesus alone. I was thinking very much about things that words could not express but which left a great peace in my soul.” A life of solitude, silence and prayer coupled with community life would fulfill her desires.

Today Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is one of only three woman doctors of the Church (with one more on the way!), co-patroness of France, patroness of missionaries and beloved by people of many faiths all over the world. She continues to teach us her way of confidence and love. Her shower of roses is still poured on those who ask her intercession.

Thérèse’s vocation of being love in the heart of the church continues to be fulfilled. Is that your vocation too?

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To get in touch with Sister Judy and for more information about the Carmelites, visit the Baltimore Carmel website.

The nuns are going to be on air tonight for prayer — please join the community at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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Best Laid Plans

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:49:06 +0000

I asked a colleague how her day was going and she responded that “today, everything is on the bottom shelf.” When you work in a library that translates to everything is just harder to get done than you originally thought. I could relate. Due to one thing and another, it became my job this week to get two office spaces including my own, moved, and a third office space readied for a new staff member. So because getting this project done would involve several others, I did what any good organized person does – I made a plan.

Well plans are a lot like maps. Maps tell you how to get to a place, but quite often they show several different ways you can get there. Long and short of it is, nothing went as planned. Yes everything is moved and where is it’s supposed to be, it was just done a little quicker that we had planned for. To say the least, there are many things we have to deal with now that if we had gone by the plan, we would have dealt with them before all things got moved and things would have been perfect. Or would they?

Perfect to me means that all edges have been smoothed and all stray strands of yarn have been interwoven. For me perfect also means the end result is totally flawless and finished. The reality of perfect for me though is that it is not a good description for my world and how I live in it. I do like to think of myself as organized. It is when I apply my planning to others that things can and often do go awry.

Taking slow breathes and making sure that my feet are firmly placed on the ground, helps me in situations like this. Grounding my feet makes me think of the roots of a tree and how they hold the tree strongly in place when, especially in storms, they are tested for their strength. Breathing slow helps me think logically about what needs to be done first so that I can find calm amid the chaos of what the unexpected has brought. Doing both allows God to work miracles in me and helps me respond in calm, and not react in anger because things are not going my way.

How do you describe a day when things are going awry? How do you fit time for God in when things are not going as planned?

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The New Evangelization and the Year of Faith

Sister Julie — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:45:25 +0000

As the church gets ready to embark on the Year of Faith in just less than a month on October 11, 2012, many Catholics are wondering how to more fully understand this “new evangelization” and how to actually go about this in their every day lives. This will be the topic for our In Good Faith podcast tomorrow — Joe Paprocki, a catechetical leader for over 30 years, will join us to talk about the New Evangelization and what it means for Catholics.

So what exactly is the New Evangelization? The “New Evangelization” is the Church’s call to “each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message and go forth to proclaim the Gospel. The focus of the New Evangelization calls all Catholics to be evangelized and then go forth to evangelize. In a special way, the New Evangelization is focused on ‘re-proposing’ the Gospel to those who have experienced a crisis of faith.” (USCCB)

This concept of the New Evangelization was used frequently in the writings and addresses of Pope John Paul II, especially in his 1990 encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, “On the permanent validity of the Church’s missionary mandate”. Here is a brief quote from the beginning of this letter:

“Twenty-five years after the conclusion of the [Second Vatican] Council and the publication of the Decree on Missionary Activity Ad Gentes, fifteen years after the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi issued by Pope Paul VI, and in continuity with the magisterial teaching of my predecessors, I wish to invite the Church to renew her missionary commitment.

The present document has as its goal an interior renewal of faith and Christian life. For missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church’s universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support.” (Redemptoris Missio, §2)

Pope Benedict XVI formally picked up on his predecessor’s desire for renewal with his announcement on June 28, 2010 about the creation of a new council to help the Church promote the Gospel.

A year later, the pope announced a Year of Faith beginning October 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to “study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.” (USCCB) Coinciding with the start of the Year of Faith, the Synod of Bishops will meet along with various experts and observers to discuss the New Evangelization.

“… the celebration of the Synod is expected to enliven and energize the Church in undertaking a new evangelization, which will lead to a rediscovery of the joy of believing and a rekindling of enthusiasm in communicating the faith. The question is not simply devising something new or undertaking unprecedented initiatives in spreading the Gospel, but living the faith in the spirit of it being a divine proclamation …” (New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith, §9)

As the Church moves into the Year of Faith, what are some of your thoughts on the New Evangelization? How has your parish or you individually been approaching this? Where does this fit within your overall faith journey? How is this related to your relationship with God? We’ll bring your questions and thoughts into our In Good Faith conversation tomorrow! Please join us at our “On Air” web page at aNunsLife.org/live at 6 p.m. CT. For more info on the podcast check out the In Good Faith page.

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The Silence in a Storm

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:43:13 +0000

A beautiful meditation from guest blogger, Karol Bartlett. Take a moment of quiet and then read on …

Silence is a place where I go to when I need to still myself. If I can get to that stillness point, it will be quiet there, and whatever has been churning about in my head will stop. It’s a place I go to that helps me let go, and let God.

Sometimes though, I don’t take the time for silence and an inner storm often develops.The storm comes when I get stressed, and busy, and try to handle everything and everyone that comes along. It comes from all the little things that build up that I have internalized or decided not to or can’t deal with, but probably need to. Becoming engulfed in this storm makes me edgy and reactive to everyone and everything around me.

For me, that kind of storm causes a torrential rain where distance grows and becomes a forest of tangles. It’s within the process of trying to find my way through those tangles that I become exhausted, and stop trying to find my way out because I’ve finally realized I am lost.

I stop. And in that moment I can hear my heart, and the steady, fast rhythm of its beating. It helps to still my whole being into silence.

I feel God’s presence inside me.
I feel God’s slowing of my racing heart.
I feel God calming my each breath.

The rain has stopped.
The tangles have disappeared.
God is with me.
God is with me.
Let go, let God.
Let go, let God.

It is quiet now. I open my eyes and the way has been made clear for me.

Sometimes hearing and trusting that God is with you, means you have to get through the silence of a storm.

How does God talk to you? What keeps you from listening to God? Does your “seven day outlook” include some time to be silent?

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The nuns are going to be on air tonight for prayer — please join the community at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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NUNDAY with Sisters Rosina and Alison celebrating important formation landmarks

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:47:26 +0000

We celebrate Nunday today with Sisters Rosina Pham and Alison Green of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon (SSMO). The sisters recently professed vows, continuing their fabulous journey of religious life. Our thanks to Sister Alison and her nuns for the blog post and photo.

Three vows, two Sisters, one ceremony. On August 15, 2012 (the Feast of the Assumption) Sisters Rosina Pham and Alison Green both professed vows as Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon. Sister Rosina made vows for the first time, trading in her white novice veil for the black veil, and receiving a gold ring as a symbol of her fidelity to our loving God. Sister Alison, already a temporary professed Sister, renewed her vows for another three years, and is waiting in joyful hope to make her final vows on this same day in 2015.

Traditionally, the first vows ceremony is a public event while the renewal of vows ceremony is held at a private ceremony. Staying true to the community’s spirit of simplicity, the Sisters combined these ceremonies into one. This took some degree of creativity to keep the ceremony uniform, yet unique to each Sister. For example, while both Sisters wore matching garb, they each wore a corsage in the color of their choice (pink and purple respectively).

Both Sisters are delighted to continue their spiritual journeys in the consecrated life. This community is characterized by simplicity, Sisterly love, compassion, joy, and service; and it is distinguished as the only religious community founded in the state of Oregon. Sister Rosina is continuing her education, ministers to English language learners, and is seeking to minister in social work as well. Sister Alison teaches middle school religion courses, and she volunteers her time in vocation, social justice, and youth ministries.

Congratulations, Sisters! To learn more about their community, visit the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon. To see all the NUNDAY stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we’ve posted, visit NUNDAY at aNunsLife.org.

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The nuns are going to be on air tonight for prayer — please join the community at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. Your presence is a gift!

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Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:45:08 +0000

A Nun’s Life is delighted to be joined today by guest blogger Sister Hildegard Pleva, OSsR, of the Redemptoristine Nuns and the blog Contemplative Horizon.

The Feast of the Exultation of the Cross is one of a cycle of twelve great feasts celebrated in the liturgical cycle of the early Church. Legendary stories of the discovery of the true Cross in the 4th century and the patronage of Saint Helena, mother of Constantine, are often told in relation to this feast. More important is the tribute offered here to the Cross as the instrument of our salvation. The entrance antiphon for Mass on the feast declares, “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection, through which we are saved.”

This day is an important feast for Redemptoristines, my community of contemplative monastic women in the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer. September 14 is also the anniversary of our foundress’ death in 1755. The Venerable Maria Celeste Crostarosa (1696-1755) made of “her will an echo of Christ’s will.” (Florilegium 64. Colloquies II, 7 (11)) She was united with him on the cross in many trials endured throughout her life. Therefore, it was apropos that she should die on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and be united with her Beloved in heaven as she was on earth.

Jesus invited his disciples, Celeste, and us as well with these words, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Celeste responded, “Oh with what love I embraced the cross, loved it, desired it and took pleasure in it — all for your love.” She continues, “Likewise those who love bind themselves to the cross … savor the true and solid sweetness of God and the true peace found therein.” (Florilegium 118. Rules. Love of the Cross, 9r-9v (188-189))

Cynthia S.S. Crysdale in her book Embracing Travail: Retriving the Cross Today (NY: Continuum, 1999) suggests that in order to unite ourselves with the cross of Christ and his suffering we must correctly identify the real suffering in our lives. This is not the suffering created by our ego needs but rather the suffering necessary for transformation, that transformation of the false-self which enables us to attain the promised freedom of the children of God.

For consideration in prayer:

Does my ego cling to a particular suffering? Is my clinging misplaced?
Is there another suffering being called for as I seek union with the Cross of Christ?
Is there an effort toward true transformation in Christ that I choose to ignore?

May the Holy Spirit guide us in this meditation of love, this exaltation of the Cross of Christ.

For more information about Sister Hildegard’s community, visit the Redemptoristine Nuns of New York. And be sure to catch Sister Hildegard’s blog, Contemplative Horizon.

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Join A Nun’s Life faith community for prayer tonight at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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NUNDAY Sister Noel Devine: Pure inspiration

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:42:29 +0000

Looking for inspiration? Look no further than at the Maryknoll Center for Retired Sisters in Ossining, New York. That’s where Melanie Burford, a Pulitzer and Emmy-Award winning photojournalist, found someone who can “still inspire millions.”

Sister Noel Devine, MM, has led a life of prayer, mission, community, and service. She continues to this day, even though she is unable to speak or move around without assistance. She has an amazing ability to “touch others through her engaging smile” and her presence (see Maryknoll article).

Sister Noel is 85 years old and has been a Maryknoll sister for 67 of those years. She retired in 1998 after teaching in Chicago and Hong Kong. Melanie Burford produced a wonderful video of her visit with Sister Noel, and it was recently featured by the BBC on their website (BBC April 2, 2012).

Watch the awesome video of Sister Noel Devine by clicking the image below.

Thanks Melanie for bringing such a wonderful Sister to our attention, and thanks BBC for seeing the inspiration that Sister Noel offers.

After watching the video, please share your thoughts below. What struck you? How does something in Sister Noel’s story relate to something in your life?

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A Sister Candidate on being a Mom and a Nun

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:38:41 +0000

A Nun’s Life Ministry welcomes guest blogger Diane Brown, who writes about her experience of discerning and of being a candidate with the IHM Sisters of Monroe, Michigan. Be sure to read her other blog posts and join the conversation.

Being a Mom and a Nun, by Diane Brown

It’s not the way it used to be. Fifty years ago when young women showed up at the Motherhouse, they had a few interviews, kissed their parents and siblings goodbye, and were not seen again for months. They lived, mostly in silence, with dozens of other women their age and older. They were often homesick and lonely until they adjusted to their new lives.

Time has passed and things have changed. Now a candidate continues with her life, her job, and her family throughout candidacy. In some ways, this is much easier; in other ways, much harder. Like a tightrope walker juggling plates and bowling pins, I move in tiny steps from my old life to my new.

The most difficult transition for me, so far, is that from mother to Sister. As a widow with a 24-year-old son, I drop everything when my son’s name appears on the phone in my pocket. Dead battery or broken heart, mom is the one who has always been there.

I pray for his welfare and safety, I hurt that I cannot be with him, and I have a huge problem turning off the phone when I need to be fully present in Mass, in meetings, or just being a good listener.

I know I’m not alone in this — anyone with a vibrant family life, a fulfilling work life, and a rich faith life does a balancing act, too.

It is my hope that during my candidacy I will slowly untie the electronic apron strings, that my son will become increasing more mature and able to deal with life’s difficulties, and that his calls will more often be about something wonderful or funny and less often about something which needs to be replaced or repaired.

I feel very fortunate that I have the time in candidacy to learn how to walk the tightrope and balance family and faith. I am very thankful that the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary understand that, like Mary, I will always be called mom, even as I am called to serve God in this new way.

In what ways have you had to untie various “apron strings” as you’ve transitioned into a new chapter of your life? What questions or comments do you have Diane and one another?

We welcome you to join the faith community for prayer and chat tonight at 6 pm CT
at aNunsLife.org/live.

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Discernment and Vocation

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A Road Trip Retreat – Part 3 Bugs and Footprints

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:37:42 +0000

Guest blogger Mariko Kisada Kinikin, a member of the A Nun’s Life community, writes the final in a series of three blog posts on “Road Trip Retreat.” We invite you to journey along with Mariko and consider the “road trip” retreats and landmarks of your life.

Part 3 – Bugs and Footprints

I knew there would be bugs up North, so I made sure my camping hammock had a mosquito net and preset straps for super fast setup. Even with my express setup, I was still swarmed by crazy hungry killer zombie mosquitoes during those two minutes of frantic setup. I’d quickly fling myself into the hammock and zip up the mosquito net, kill the three that made it in with me, and settle down for the night.

But this particular night, I eventually got bit from below. Mosquitoes were actually biting me through the hammock fabric onto the bottom of my legs. I wiggled around to try and put my blanket on the bottom of the hammock to protect my backside. Not completely thrilled with my result, I decided to flip on the headlamp and reposition the blanket one more time.

I was super repulsed. There were hundreds, maybe thousands of mosquitoes outside on my mosquito net. I didn’t see them until I had turned on the headlamp. I immediately freaked out, but then realized that I was in a cocoon of protection and that none of them were getting in (although all of them were trying) I lay there for a few minutes with the headlamp on, wondering if it was ok. If I went outside, surely I would look like the Animal Planet time-lapse of the mouse devoured by insects. But I lay there, and not a single one got into my hammock fortress. I wasn’t freaked out before, when I didn’t know they were there, only after when I shined the light.

It reminded me of that famous poem, “Footprints”, when the man realizes that Jesus was carrying him during the toughest times. Although I didn’t realize it, I was completely protected. How many times have I been protected from hordes of crazy vampire mosquitoes—and worse—but I didn’t even know it because I didn’t turn on my light? How many times was Jesus carrying me, and I didn’t even realize it?

Nun Note: Be sure to check out Part 1: Philalaska and Part 2: Say It NOW in the Road Trip Retreat blog post series about Mariko’s journey home to Alaska.

We’d love to hear your reflections on this “road trip retreat” … what thoughts pop up for you? Any similar stories or aspirations?

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You are most welcome to join us for prayer at 6 p.m. CT in the chat room today. See you there!

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A Road Trip Retreat – Part 2 Say It NOW

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:44:35 +0000

Guest blogger Mariko Kisada Kinikin, a member of the A Nun’s Life community, writes the second in a series of three blog posts on “Road Trip Retreat.” We invite you to journey along with Mariko and consider the “road trip” retreats and landmarks of your life.

Part 2 – Say it NOW

Last year, deep in Canada’s Yukon Territory, I dislocated my ribs fixing my car on the side of the road. I didn’t know it at the time; actually, I thought I was having a heart attack. I had to drive 600 miles to the nearest town with a doctor.

When I got to Dawson Creek, none of the doctors would squeeze me in, until I came to a little office tucked in the back alley of a strip mall. The chiropractor moved around her appointments to get me seen right away and jammed my ribs back into place. She had me come back periodically throughout the day and adjusted more parts of my upper body until she was satisfied that I’d live. I forgot to take her business card, and so the thank you letter I had planned never made it.

I sought her out on this trip back through the Yukon, and brought a card and candies from Hawaii as a thank you. But the office was now a forestry service office and they informed me that she had closed up shop and moved away the month before because business was slow, and she couldn’t afford the lease. I left with card and candy, kicking myself for not just mailing it when I had the chance. It made me remember the fight I had with my best friend, Jen, and the fatal car crash that robbed me of my chance to make up with her.

Why do we wait? Why can’t we just say the things that need to be said right away? The doctor will never know how she pretty much saved my life, Jen will never know how sorry I was that the fight was really a misunderstanding. I had no good reason to wait, yet, I did, and then the chance evaporated.

Saint Paul said, “Never let the sun set on your anger.” I’m learning never to let the sun set on expressing my gratitude.

Nun Note: Be sure to check out Part I of Road Trip Retreat: Philalaska. Watch for Mariko’s next blog post on Thursday as she posts the concluding piece in the blog post series about her journey home to Alaska.

UPDATE: Here’s the concluding post of A Road Trip Retreat … Part 3 Bugs and Footprints.

We’d love to hear your reflections on this “road trip retreat” … what thoughts pop up for you? Any similar stories or aspirations?

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You are most welcome to join us for prayer at 6 p.m. CT in the chat room today. See you there!

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The Spiritual Life

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A Road Trip Retreat – Part 1 Philalaska

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:33:33 +0000

Guest blogger Mariko Kisada Kinikin, a member of the A Nun’s Life community, writes the first in a series of three blog posts on “Road Trip Retreat.” We invite you to journey along with Mariko and consider the “road trip” retreats and landmarks of your life.

Part 1 – Philalaska

I embarked on this trip a year ago, wondering how a girl from Alaska ended up getting a job offer and leaving the next day for Philadelphia. I kept coming up with signs from God, I received a “divine word” from a “prophet” in a tent at the State Fair.

The year turned out to be not what I had imaged at all, and at the end of that year, I was back in my car heading north to Alaska. I don’t listen to music or the radio, so I had ample time to think, reflect, and ponder … and pray. I had prayed for this move back to Alaska … is that why I got to go back? I had others pray for me. I attended Mass and lit candles. I volunteered for stuff and recycled and donated money and goods. Did that earn me my trip back to Alaska?

As I drove the thousands upon thousands of miles, it became clearer to me that it wasn’t the rosaries that were said, it wasn’t a sign that I acted upon, it wasn’t because I had toiled in agony for so long that I had earned it. It was simply that what I was being led back to was my life’s vocation. I can’t pray for it, I can’t follow signs, I can’t ask others to put me there. What you are meant to do, God will place you there. Not really sure why I had the year hiatus in Philadelphia, but I know that I am back on the right track, living and working in rural Alaska.

I had ample time to reflect during my journey, so please join me as I share some insights from the road in this blog series.

Hospitality

One of the best parts about roadtrips is experiencing hospitality. That’s when you really get to see God manifested in random people. I met up with friends, with friends of friends, with random family of random friends, with nuns, and with friends of nuns. I stayed with them, dined with them, laughed with them and prayed with them.

Sometimes I feel guilty, that I am taking more than I am giving. How can I pay it forward? Will I be able to “pay it forward” now that I am living in rural Alaska? Pay your hosts with kindness, with engaging conversation, with laughter, and with interest in all their family pictures. Pet their dog, eat the things from their garden, and don’t forget to put the seat down.

Meeting all these wonderful friends, families, and nuns makes me so happy to be part of a community like A Nun’s Life. Whoever thinks that humanity is doomed needs to take a road trip and discover the innate goodness of people, as you bounce from friend to friend, every interaction a recommendation given in love and hope from a friend far away.

If you want to know Jesus, he lives in little suburbs, stays up late watching game shows, picks tomatoes from the garden, has a leaky faucet in the bathroom, keeps three different kinds of cereals in the cupboard, and most importantly, he keeps waving until your car turns the corner and heads to the next town.

Nun Note: Watch for Mariko’s next blog post on Tuesday as she continues her journey home to Alaska.

UPDATE: Here are links to the remaining two posts:

We’d love to hear your reflections on this “road trip retreat” … what thoughts pop up for you? Any similar stories or aspirations?

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Eating Biblically

Sister Julie — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:31:03 +0000

Some meals are fabulous, some meals are bland — my breakfast this morning was absolutely biblical! In fact, I ate a verse right from the prophets — Ezekiel 4:9.

“Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it …”

I found this bread — actually this particular product is pita, or as the package says, “Prophet’s Pocket Bread” — in my local grocery store and figured it’d be great to have a religious experience during a meal. “Prophet’s Ezekiel 4:9″ is made by Food for Life Baking Co., Inc. which has many other natural foods from bread to pasta and tortillas.

This could be the new meal for monastics and non-monastics alike who don’t always have time to sit quietly for a meal while listening to spiritual reading.

Side Note: Sometimes in monasteries or at retreat houses, there is some kind of “spiritual reading” that accompanies a meal. The tradition comes from the Rule of Saint Benedict, a rule of life for monks and nuns living in community. In Chapter 38, the rule says the following (adapted for a women’s community):

The meals of the sisters should not be without reading.
Nor should the reader be
anyone who happens to take up the book;
but there should be a reader for the whole week,
entering that office on Sunday.
Let this incoming reader,
after Mass and Communion,
ask all to pray for her
that God may keep her from the spirit of pride
And let her intone the following verse,
which shall be said three times by all in the oratory:
“O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare Your praise.”
Then, having received a blessing,
let her enter on the reading. (Source: OSB.org)

Now you can have your spiritual reading and eat it too! Although the downside is that you’d be stuck with the same “reading” each week, unless you can find a few other recipes in the bible (FYI you might want to stay away from anything with locust).

I am now fortified with wheat, lentils, spelt and carrots — what??? Ezekiel didn’t say anything about carrots — and ready to tackle my day. What tasty biblical nugget is fortifying you this day?

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Continue the conversation using the comment area below. And be sure to join A Nun’s Life Community for prayer at 6 p.m. CT in the chat room today. And tomorrow night is In Good Faith with our guest Jana Reiss, author of Flunking Sainthood. Join us for the free live broadcast right here!

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Weaving a Portrait of God with Raspberries

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:27:51 +0000

A Nun’s Life is blessed to have today’s post written by guest blogger Karol Bartlett.

I have always loved reading about is food; be it the history behind recipes, food culture, food memories and all the places in-between. Recently, I picked up the summer 2012 issue of Gastronomica: the Journal of Food and Culture and was unexpectedly delighted to find an article entitled “Of Raspberries and Religion” by Susan H. Swetnam, a Professor of English at Idaho State University.

Professor Swetnam writes about the Benedictine Sisters at the Monastery of Saint Gertrude in Cottonwood, ID, from their arrival in Cottonwood in 1909 through the present. Integral in her discussion is the importance of a raspberry patch that started with canes donated by laypeople about the time of Vatican II. Through dedicated hard work and loving care, the patch grew and in the 1990s began to produce more raspberries than the nuns could consume.

Surplus berries are now made into jam and are also the main feature at the Saint Gertrude’s Annual Raspberry Festival where people come from miles around to enjoy raspberry shortcake. All proceeds go to support the work of the Sisters.

The story of the raspberries offers a glimpse into how these Benedictine women embraced the challenges set forth by Vatican II. With a joyfully optimistic theology based on God’s unconditional “loving kindness,” to use Saint Gertrude’s word, the sisters have incorporated the raspberries into their Benedictine lives of work, hospitality, ecospirituality, and even the story of Saint Gertrude herself, “taking delight in the sweetness of God’s love.” Professor Swetnam writes “Every time the sisters enter their garden, kitchen, and dining room, they are invited to enact a hybrid sense of vocation, simultaneously affirming their loyalty to the spiritual concerns of their tradition, to temporal priorities, and to the spirit of their founder.”

As I finished reading the article, I found myself going back to something the author had quoted—a single sentence from the Philosophy of Land Use, written in 1993 by the Sisters of the Monastery of Saint Gertrude: “Listening with the ear of our heart to the wisdom expressed through creation opens us to the deeper reality of God in our lives.”

What is the “raspberry” in your life that continues to draw you to God? When was the last time you worked physically close to the earth and “heard” God’s voice; do you remember the message? Do you have something in abundance that can be shared with someone?

Click here to read the article “Of Raspberries and Religion” by Susan Swetnam.

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Retreat Time of the Year

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:20:32 +0000

Today’s guest blogger is Sister Julianna Vagnozzi, CSSF, belongs to the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice. The Felician Sisters are part of the Franciscan tradition through the life and charism of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska.

In exactly 40 minutes and 30 seconds, my annual 6 day retreat will begin.

This past year has been one of (hmmm, what word shall I use?) survival from one event to crisis to health challenge to ministry demands to this, that, and the other thing all blessed year!

When the schedule of community retreats was issued last autumn, I decided that this was the year I would treat myself to a retreat (pun definitely intended!) at a location other than the convent in which I live. Remember, since 2009, the Felician Franciscan Sisters of North America reconfigured from 8 (count ‘em!) provinces into 1. All the former provincial houses have been renamed “central convents.” My home is in New Mexico. Now we are encouraged to go to any of these central convents across the US and also Canada for annual retreat. Since I am both the Liturgist and Kitchen Supervisor at our location, it is impossible to really make a retreat while staying home.

So, while the July retreat was going on in my house, I worked hard in my two departments to see to my sisters’ needs. During that time I could hear the words, “Come away and rest awhile,” in the back of my head luring me away for my time of retreat.

Why retreat? It’s so easy to get lost in being like Martha–busy about many things. A time of retreat allows a person to step back, to let go of that busy-ness that keeps us from noticing the gentle nudges from God.

Why six days? For me, it takes a good day or two to really go deeply into my inner self, and another to really emerge. That leaves three days to listen to the Creator, to dance with the Spouse, to re-stoke the fire of the Spirit which empowers me for whatever the next year will bring.

I pray that I will listen attentively and respond honestly. I promise to hold gently the intentions of whomever reads this entry in my encounters with the Beloved.

I can’t remember ever being so ready and eager to retreat! I am so looking forward to resting in the Lord.

T-25 minutes and 3 seconds, and counting!

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Join A Nun’s Life Community for prayer tonight at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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When the heart goes dark

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:24:05 +0000

We welcome writer Kerri Leigh Power as our guest blogger today.

When the heart goes dark

Recently my husband came home with a stack of movies that he borrowed from the library. “I got one for you,” he said, handing me a DVD case. I looked at the cover and saw nuns in black robes, walking the halls of an oak panelled monastery. I guess he has caught on that I have a soft spot for Catholic sisters.

The movie, called No Greater Love, is a beautiful, meditative documentary about a group of Carmelite nuns living cloistered in the middle of London’s Notting Hill. The filmmaker spent 10 years corresponding with the convent before receiving permission to film their daily lives of prayer, silence, work and community.

In interviews, several sisters talk openly about the challenges of a life of faith and self-sacrifice. They’re touchingly honest about the times when God’s presence seemed to withdraw completely, leaving them in a spiritual desert. For one, this “dark night of the soul” lasted two years, and for another, eighteen years. Though they suffered greatly during these times, they seem to have come out the other side with a simpler and deeper sense of God in their lives. One sister describes the experience as “God’s way of progressively leading a person deeper into a truer relationship with him, which involves letting go of all earlier concepts and constructs about God.”

I don’t think I’m far enough along in my spiritual journey to have faced this kind of loss of faith—I’m still just putting my feet to the path. But the movie made me wonder if the “dark night” is a necessary part of our spiritual growth, whether we seek to know God as members of a religious order or in secular life. If I commit to a more authentic relationship with God, is the dark night awaiting me somewhere down the road?

Have you experienced (or are you now experiencing) a time when the faith that once comforted you seemed to be lost? What did (or does) it mean for you?

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Continue the conversation using the comment area below. And be sure to join A Nun’s Life Community for prayer at 6 p.m. CT in the chat room today.

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Women entering religious communities with and without habits

Sister Julie — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:18:22 +0000

For the past few years a lot of misinformation has been spread asserting that only “traditional” communities whose sisters wear the habit have been receiving new vocations, while religious communities whose sisters do not wear the habit are “dying out”. Typically this misinformation is accompanied by rather equally untrue and rather uncharitable claims regarding Catholic sisters and nuns who do not wear a habit.

Frankly, the ” who is growing v. who dying out” game says A LOT more about the people who spread such misinformation than it does about the sisters and nuns themselves. I can understand (though not condone) media attention that likes particular angles and over generalizes rather complex issues. More reprehensible, however, is the attitude of a handful of Catholics who relish in perpetuating this misinformation. It’s as if they want to see a smack down so much that they are willing to bypass fact and the Gospel to see that it happens.

The assessment has been conducted by Mary Johnson, SNDdeN, and Patricia Wittberg, SC, both of whom are noted sociology professors and women religious. Their “fact-based assessment” is a welcome light on a serious and complex issue in the church in the United States. The assessment is grounded in actual data from the Official Catholic Directory, the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, and a 2009 study of religious institutes in the U.S. by CARA and NRVC. It is interpreted by experts who actually know the landscape of religious life and the Catholic Church in the United States.

Interestingly, one thing that the assessment highlights is that “numbers” alone do not tell the whole story of the charism of and attraction to religious life. Johnson and Wittberg encourage readers to look at the whole “ecology of religious life” and the diversity of charisms that serve as a great gift to the church and the world. Sister Susan Rose, CSJP, notes this too on her blog Musings of a Discerning Woman:

“It affirms my experience that women are hearing the call and answering it. Not in huge numbers, but they are coming both to communities that belong to LCWR and communities that belong to the CMSWR. In other words, some women are attracted to a more “progressive” flavor of religious life. Others are attracted to a more “traditional” flavor.”

I encourage readers to “spread the word” about this assessment of U.S. religious life so that we might begin to unseat the misinformation and truly appreciate the gift of religious life and of God’s calling.

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NUNDAY with Gouda Nuns

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:15:27 +0000

Monday is NUNDAY! Today we’ve got Gouda Nuns by guest blogger Karol Bartlett. Nunday is an opportunity to explore and imagine and experience the many ways Catholic sisters and nuns pray, live, and minister.

When I was a child in Iowa, my dad ran the local Creamery and made wonderful dairy products from the cream that came from the cows on local farms. Growing up with this wonderful abundance has made me really appreciate dairy products, especially ice cream and cheese, made by local farmers from their herds.

So when I ran across a news item from The Washington Post (July 3, 2012) called “Virginia’s Cheesemaking Nuns Keep Their Gouda in the Red (Wax)” by Martha Miller, you can bet I hopped right on it!

Image** Sister Barbara Smickel, head cheese maker at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Crozet, Virginia / photo by Norm Shafer for The Washington Post

In 1987 six Cistercian sisters were sent from Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey in Massachusetts (makers of Trappist Caramels) to Crozet, Virginia where they opened Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. From the outset, the Sisters had a plan for supporting themselves by making cheese. The previous owner had set up the property to make Gouda cheese, so it was an ideal situation. In 1991, they produced 10,500 pounds of cheese and rolled out the first wheels of Monastery Country Gouda. Since then, their production has almost doubled to 19,000 pounds! The Washington Post stated that “from now until the end of August, the sisters will produce and stockpile an additional 650 pounds per week in preparation for the Christmas rush.” The same article quotes Sister Barbara Smickel, OSCO, saying “We produce only what we need to support ourselves so that we can remain focused on our life of worship.”

There are now 12 sisters at Our Lady of the Angels, and they will continue to make cheese as long as they are able. Sister Barbara “is focused on training the next generation of Gouda cooks.” This training includes being able to “feel” the cheese-making process of breaking up large curds, a process that Sister Barbara says is “very prayerful,” and “like a communion with the Lord and what is becoming cheese under my fingers.”

When was the last time you learned something on the job that made you prayerful? Have you ever taught another person a skill that helped them become self-sufficient? When was the last time you ate something and could taste the prayers that went into making it?

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To see all the NUNDAY stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we’ve posted, visit NUNDAY at aNunsLife.org. If you’ve got a photo and story of a real Catholic sister or nun, check out the details on submitting a Nunday story. Join the Nunday movement!

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Join A Nun’s Life Community for prayer tonight at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. And this Wednesday is the fun yet edifying Ask Sister live podcast at 6 p.m. CT.

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The Personal ‘Hurdles’ in Religious Life?

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:13:52 +0000

A Nun’s Life Ministry welcomes guest blogger Sister Hildegard Magdalen Pleva, OSsR. Sister Hildegard is a contemplative monastic of the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer. Visit Sister Hildegard at her blog Contemplative Horizon.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal co-founded the Order of the Visitation with Saint Francis de Sales in the 17^th century. The founders sought to create a community of women drawn to religious life some of whom might not be acceptable to other orders due to age and circumstance but desiring the discipline of the monastic lifestyle. Both founders envisioned a ministry of apostolic service primarily in education but also in other works of charity. In their historical period fully apostolic religious life for women was struggling to be born in the Church. Eventually Saint Frances de Chantal was forced to accept full monastic enclosure in the cloister and end virtually all apostolic outreach except for education. Visitation schools within the monastic grounds gained a high reputation.

Saint Jane Frances had been married and was a mother. She had to arrange for the care of her almost grown children when she established the order. I am a mother who entered contemplative monastic religious life beyond middle age. My three sons were grown so there were no plans to be made for them. In a well-known story Saint Jane Frances’ son lay across the threshold to prevent her departure for the convent. Not to be deterred, she stepped right over his body. In my case there was not body to step over because I was blessed with the full support of all my sons.

Yet, it cannot be denied that for anyone determined to pursue a religious call, there will be any number of obstacles to ‘step over’. In my experience it is not so much a matter of hurdling obstacles but rather the effort to put aside some things that may once have been primary in life. Possessions easily come to mind but more difficult to put aside are ingrained ways of doing things or thinking about things. It is the ego centered preferences and opinions, the expectations about life and people which we carry with us that will have to be gently nudged out of pride of place.

Question to consider for those in discernment: What may I have to ‘step over’ in order to become a religious, a member of a community? What things, habits, preferences, expectations, beliefs may I be asked to go beyond as I walk the path to which God is pointing?

Read more about for the biography of Saint Jane Frances and insight into the spirituality she shared with Saint Francis de Sales.

And be sure to join the faith community for prayer and chat tonight at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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A Sister Candidate on applying and becoming a nun

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:11:16 +0000

A Nun’s Life Ministry welcomes guest blogger Diane Brown, who recently was accepted as a candidate with the IHM Sisters of Monroe, Michigan. Today, Diane talks about what it was like to formally apply for religious life and how it feels to begin candidacy. In yesterday’s post, Diane described her experience of discerning a call to religious life.

Applying for religious life, and becoming a candidate, by Diane Brown

After more visits to Monroe, I finally became a Catholic (although I had attended Mass with my father, I had never taken the necessary steps), and I made first contact with Father Justin Kelly, a Jesuit who took on the job of my spiritual direction. Through Father Kelly, I began a more formal and conscious prayer practice and began, in a small way, reading about prayer.

Then, things got serious. I began traveling to Monroe every Sunday for Mass and to visit with the retired sisters. I couldn’t imagine a more welcoming bunch of women. And smart!!! And still very active in righting the wrongs in the world.

At first, it seemed like a mountain too tall to climb. To put my home, educational, and religious story onto paper, knowing that this story had to be 100% honest and knowing that it would be read by nuns, was overwhelming.

After I finished, things happened quickly — physical, dental and eye exams, psychological exams, and six interviews. I felt it was probably easier to become a CIA agent than to become a sister!

Finally, the first big day — a Mass at which I would be formally recognized by the community as a candidate. I stood before the congregation prior to Mass, and all of the sisters reached out a hand to pray for me. It was overwhelming and joyful.

Then, right before the Mass ended, the priest asked to speak to me. I was afraid he expected me to stand up. There was no way I was going to rise.

Finally, after searching the congregation for my face, he began to speak. He said that people enter religious life thinking that they already know God’s plan for them. He said it was important to drop this pretense and just live in the moment.

What a charge — probably the most helpful direction I’ve ever received.

In my case, candidacy will be between one or two years. I hope to be able to write here regularly and to share this journey. I invite you to come along.

We welcome your comments and questions. And we welcome you to join the faith community for prayer and chat tonight at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live.

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A Sister Candidate on discerning a call to religious life

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:07:07 +0000

A Nun’s Life Ministry welcomes guest blogger Diane Brown, who recently was accepted as a candidate with the IHM Sisters of Monroe, Michigan. Today, Diane describes her experience of discerning a call to religious life. Tomorrow, she talks about what it was like to formally apply for religious life and how it feels to begin candidacy.

Discerning a call to religious life, by Diane Brown

Becoming a candidate (also called “postulant”) with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (the IHMs), is not a rapid process. It shouldn’t be. This is the first public step of a very long, very personal journey toward sisterhood. I was glad the process was not rushed.

Although I gave my life to God while in elementary school, family pressures required me to put my dream of sisterhood on hold. I went to college, took my first teaching positions, then fell in love, married, and had a son.

At 49, a widow with a grown son, I moved to Detroit to take a job at Marygrove College (the IHMs’ first sponsored college). For two years, I commuted on the weekends to Indiana to care for my father, who was suffering the ravages of Parkinson’s. Through his illness and passing, when I had 10 seconds to myself, I wondered how I could more fully serve God. But my hands were full and my heart was heavy.

At my father’s funeral, the priest spoke about things my father did for his parish, like designing and landscaping a courtyard garden in honor of my mother’s passing, years before. I was very sad, but also more than a little inspired.

Returning to Detroit after the funeral, I took a vocations match quiz. To my surprise and despite my age, there were 62 religious institutions that matched for my interests and abilities. Top of the list — Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A happy surprise — I was still employed at Marygrove, now as a program director, and I knew a number of IHM sisters.

Over the next three years, I made several visits to the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe, Michigan, one during a “Come and See” weekend. I moved out of a house-sharing arrangement into an apartment, began attending Mass, and learned that I was in discernment — working to discover my place in God’s plan.

Stay tuned for the second part of Diane’s story on her journey to become a Catholic Sister. We welcome your comments and questions. And be sure to join the faith community for prayer and chat tonight at 6 pm CT at aNunsLife.org/live

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NUNDAY Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, Olympics Nun

Sister Julie — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:02:27 +0000

It may be Tuesday, but we’re always good for a bonus NUNDAY here at A Nun’s Life Ministry! Our friend Sister Catherine, OSM, a member of the Servite Sisters and Servants of Mary, from across the pond in the UK sent us a Nunday story of Olympic proportion!

Sister Mary-Joy Langdon, a Catholic sister belonging to the international community of the Infant Jesus Sisters, was a torch bearer for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Sister Mary-Jo participated in the Olympic Torch Relay as the torch passed through Acton in west London.

Sister Mary-Joy is no ordinary nun – if there is such a thing. In 1976 she became Britain’s first female fire fighter when she joined the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in Battle. In 1984 she joined the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, who themselves are celebrating their 350th anniversary this year.

**Image: Sister Mary-Joy Langdon / photo by Catholic Church (England and Wales) on Flickr. Click to see more photos of Sister Mary-Joy's adventure.

The invitation to carry the Olympic Torch has been extended to this ground-breaker for her energetic and inspirational work of running the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre for inner city children and young people with disabilities. Already an accomplished horsewomen, Sister Mary-Joy set up the Centre to provide riding and equine therapy opportunities for the disabled and inner city children. (Source: “Nun to Carry Olympic Torch for the Disabled” in Independent Catholic News, July 19, 2012)

We give thanks for the presence of Sister Mary-Joy at the Olympics Torch Relay and at her ministry with children, young people, ponies, horses, and the whole community! What a beautiful witness to the Gospel!

To see all the NUNDAY stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we’ve posted, visit NUNDAY at aNunsLife.org.

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Join A Nun’s Life Community for prayer tonight at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. And this Wednesday is unpredictable yet always compelling Ask Sister live podcast at 6 p.m. CT.

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Live a Life Worth Remembering

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:58:57 +0000

Today, A Nun’s Life welcomes guest blogger Karol Bartlett, aka Kbart!

We found out last Friday that a good friend and neighbor down the street passed away. He had been declining in health, but as recently as the day before he passed, he was out walking with the help of one of his sons.

The first thing I did after I found out was to make brownies and run them down to his house, where his sons and their families were beginning to gather. Any kind of loss, you gotta have comfort, and brownies fit the bill! As I made those brownies I thought of Dick and the conversations that we would have from time-to-time when he walked by our house or I walked by his. Dick walked each day, a slow, steady-paced and thought-filled walk.

They were just bits of talk, but in those bits we learned about each other. We would talk about how well or how awful the major Boston sports teams were doing. He told me how he met his wife Anne while running a race in college and hearing her cheers in the bleachers as he ran past, and he shared ever so briefly that he missed her. We talked about the frustrations of mowing the lawn…just right.

He would often take care of one of his son’s dogs, so we would talk about dogs. And we worked as a team after one of those “yearly dump a foot of snow” storms – I would chop the snow bank at the end of his driveway with a shovel and he would use his old snow blower to move what came loose away from the rest.

As part of my journey forward I will remember Dick. I will remember that walking at a slow pace gets you incredibly far, and working with a sense of purpose and detail will make the job done well. I will remember a gentle man with a quiet sense of humor.

Share a story with someone today, or listen to someone else’s story. Pull a couple of chairs up to a table and invite someone to sit down with you and really listen to what they have to say. Talk about the weather with whoever is next to you and see where the conversation goes. Remember, Jesus too shared many stories and parables….and lived a life worth remembering.

Join us for prayer this evening at 6 p.m. CT at aNunsLife.org/live. All you need is an internet connection and to turn up the volume on your computer! You can also share your prayer requests in the chat room.

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Team Rosary wins Prayer Olympic gold!?

Sister Maxine — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:56:08 +0000

What would Prayer Olympics look like? The question occurred to me while biking this morning (NunCam). Would there be a Team Rosary event? Maybe a Centering Prayer balance beam event? A Pool of Bethesda swim event? The possibilities seemed endless!

I imagined that the Prayer Olympics wouldn’t be competitive, with judges, winners, losers, and huge advertising dollars. The Prayer Olympics would be collaborative and oriented to a deeper relationship with God.

The question of Prayer Olympics also made me wonder what the faith communities in the United Kingdom are doing during the Olympics. I found an answer on the website More Than Gold. The site is sponsored by more than 60 Christian organizations in the U.K., including the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.

They have a ton of resources on the website. My favorite was Section 5 of the Prayer Guide: Praying for Social Justice Issues. The section includes prayer suggestions, and it opens with these words:

Experience shows that a vast event like the 2012 Games is likely to create significant social issues. As the result of consultation, More Than Gold’s Social Justice Team has highlighted the following as significant issues:

• Homelessness
• Human Trafficking and Prostitution
• Fair Trade
• The Environment
• 100 days of peace

Where there are major social issues at stake, there are also major opportunities for God’s Spirit to intervene. When so many nations gather for an event like the Games, we have an unparalleled opportunity to impact global issues and change
the world, if only we are ready and active in prayer.

During the remainder of the Olympics and beyond, I will keep in prayer the people whose lives are most affect by the five issues that the Social Justice Team highlighted. Today, on the Feast of St. Alphonsus, who suffered greatly in life, I pray especially for women and men forced into prostitution, and for a conversion of heart and mind for human traffickers.

What is your Olympic Prayer for today?

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Bishop Blair interviewed on Fresh Air

Sister Maxine — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:15:50 +0000

This week on the public radio show Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviewed Bishop Leonard Blair regarding the doctrinal assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Ms. Gross talked with him about the criticism of LCWR by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Last week on Fresh Air, LCWR president Sister Pat Farrell, OSF, was interviewed about the assessment.

One of the things I was most struck by was the difference in the tone of the remarks by Bishop Blair and by Sister Farrell. I pray that true dialogue can occur and that it will be a source of healing in our church.

Here are some excerpts from Bishop Blair’s comments during the interview. These and other excerpts are on the Fresh Air website:

On the dialogue that the LCWR would like to have with the Vatican

“If by dialogue, they mean that the doctrines of the church are negotiable, and that the bishops represent one position and the LCWR represents another position and somehow we find a middle ground about basic church teaching on faith and morals, then no, I don’t think that’s the dialogue the Holy See would envision. But if it’s a dialogue about how to have the LCWR really educate and help the sisters appreciate and accept church teaching and to implement it in their discussions, and try to heal some of the questions or concerns they have about these issues, that would be the dialogue.”

On contraception

“We do recognize the validity of natural family planning but not artificial contraception. And admittedly, that involves more of a personal investment as a couple or individual, but that would be based on the moral grounds of what church teaches about marriage and human sexuality.”

On the ordination of women

“The church doesn’t say that the ordination of women is not possible because somehow women are unfit to carry out functions of the priest, but because on the level of sacramental signs, it’s not the choice that our Lord made when it comes to those who act in his very person, as the church’s bridegroom. And you can say that sounds like a lot of poetry or you know, how do we know that’s true, but if you’re a Catholic, this is part of our sacraments and practice for two millennia, and it’s not just an arbitrary decision of male oppression over women.”

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3 Siblings become Catholic Priests

Sister Julie — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:45:23 +0000

Catholic priests are bountiful in the Strand family of Wisconsin. Luke and Jake are already ordained priests and Vincent is in formation with the Jesuits. This is a heartening story about how these young men felt drawn to the Gospel, outreach, and faith … and how each in their own way wrestled with and embraced their unique path to becoming priests and a Jesuit.

I love the honesty of the parents in talking about their children and their decisions as well as how they stress, “no we really are a normal family!” Society is so quick to think that any kind of call to faith or service or consecrated life or ordained life must somehow mean that there’s something fishy going on — dysfunctional family, out-of-touch with reality, unhealthy religious tendencies, or some other crazy aberration.

And imagine how their sister feels with three ordained brothers! While some have joked that that must mean she’s going to become a nun (she’s married, by the way), Theresa keeps it real saying, nothing has changed with her older brothers. “I think they swear more than I do,” she said. Yep, it’s definitely a normal family!

Check out the story by Carrie Antlfinger of the Associated Press that is making its way across the media — here’s her article at the Huffington Post.