Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “HISTORY”
COVID-19 can’t kill Christmas 2020 COVID-19 may have radically changed 2020 but it can’t really touch what we celebrate at Christmas, or rather WHO we celebrate at Christmas. Certainly the “how” has been modified for many. So let’s remember Jesus as we share what it’s like as a typical monastery Christmas approaches. We have told you some of these customs …
Thank you for the prayers! The leak was found. The water is back on and the well is producing.
It seemed perfectly fitting that it would be during the month dedicated to the Holy Souls that one of our dearest chaplains in our community’s history was finally called home. After a long lifetime of selfless sacrifice and cheerful service the Lord began to prepare Father Gregory McCormick, s.P. for his final journey. We received news of his passing on …
Before concluding her second term of office as our Mother Prioress, Mother Marietta enjoyed one of her last ‘official’ acts as Mother in late September 2019: Taking a powered screw driver in hand and attaching the very first name plate of a priest we intended to honor in our Mary Mother of Priests Tribute Garden. Naturally, the priest in question …
Occasionally you may hear of someone “counting up years” in a cemetery. There is a story of one priest visiting a convent graveyard in which the sisters date of profession of vows was included on the tombstones so he added them all together as he walked the graves praying for their souls, thanking God for their steady perseverance and he was …
We thank everyone for their prayers for our recent Chapter of Elections in early October. As we do for each Chapter, the meeting itself was preceded by a prolonged period of more intense prayer and silence as the community invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Stika presided over the election of our new Mother Prioress, Mother Sarah Michael …
Our Handmaid charism has called us to give our lives in Eucharistic adoration, prayer and sacrifice for the sanctification of priests since our founding in 1947. Under the guidance of the Servant of God John A. Hardon, S.J. we began prayer associations in the 1970s to offer the opportunity to others throughout the world to spiritually hold a particular priest by name …
A close observer of our contemplative community once gave a brief description of our life to a friend as follows, “These Sisters don’t just pray for priests; they live for them!” What are we doing here in Knoxville? We are here to live and give our lives most particularly for priests and their sanctification. Each priest has been called to live …
Thanks to the generosity of our Chaplains, we were able to have Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter at “home” for the first time since our move to TN. In fact, its the first time since 1950 all Handmaids could celebrate these high holy days together in one place. Since our move to the Diocese of Knoxville in 2013, Holy Week …
Easter approaches! It’s Holy Week! Our Crucifix and statues are covered in Chapel. We are unpacking and digging out processional crosses, candles and bells, dusting, scrubbing, and polishing. We are preparing and printing out booklets with hymns, music, and prayers for each wonderful event that marks Holy Week and the Triduum. Choir practices are brushing up on Passion and Paschaltide …
Having our dear Sister Rose Anne of Jesus pass away on July 1st, with her funeral on July 3rd so close to Sister Christiana’s profession of solemn vows as a Handmaid on July 7th has kept us very busy. Now, we take an opportunity to share some of the photos from our farewell to Sister Rose Anne, her funeral. Celebrating …
When the first Handmaid of the Precious Blood to pass away was buried in New Mexico in the Spring of 1962 a tradition began by the hand of Providence. The cemetery had been an apple orchard and the remaining trees were in bloom. The Archbishop of Santa Fe celebrated the Mass. At the graveside, just as the casket was lowered, …