Our dear little warrior, Sister Rose Anne of Jesus, had a surprise for us on July 1st, 2017, First Saturday and the traditional Feast of the Precious Blood. Though we knew Our Lord was drawing her closer to his eternal abode, we did not anticipate how swiftly the Master would enter the garden of souls and select his Handmaid on “the day he liked her best” as one of our chaplains used to describe birthdays into eternity.
Bishop teaches Sister Rose Anne all about “selfies”. She was a great sport about it.
Last year, Sister Rose Anne of Jesus, enjoyed the milestone of her Golden Jubilee of Vows and, by her very witness, provided proof for a confused world terrified of commitment, that perseverance is not only possible, it is JOYFUL. Radiant in renewing her vows, smiling in her vocation, Sister Rose Anne pressed on, always forward, never back (just like the Saint whose Feast we also marked on the day of her passing, Junipero Serra) eager to meet her Beloved in the end. Willing to give him everything…for Christ in His Priest.
Sister Rose Anne shares a laugh with Bishop Stika just after the Mass.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Although we pray for her repose of soul, we hope as well that already the Master is delighting in the fragrance of his Rose, accepting her long life’s oblation for the sake of priests.
Excerpted from our Founder’s Poem “Crimson Robes”:
Why is Thy Apparel red my Bridegroom?
The bleeding grapes make answer on Thy way.
Oh, tread the wine press not alone, Beloved.
Behold I follow, Jesu, trahe me!
Thy own most Precious Blood adorns Thee, Jesus.
This “garment” I desire – Oh, make it mine!
Immerse me in Thy overflowing Chalice
That I find raiment, too, in Love’s Pure Wine.
Thou art Thyself the one Eternal High Priest,
And yet thy boundless Goodness doth impart
To many souls a Sacerdotal calling,
To offer LOVE to LOVE with LOVE’S own Heart!
For such as these accept my life’s oblation—
I daily pray their number be increased,
And beg for each already consecrated,
The grace to live and die a Holy Priest.