Handmaids' News Blog
When we take our final vows, part of the ceremony is receiving and wearing a crown of thorns. A real one. We use pyracantha (otherwise called, very appropriately, firethorn) to fashion the crown. Since our veils are white, symbolizing the Eucharist, the Mother Prioress tries not to draw any blood either through the thorns or when pinning the crown to …
Did you know our profession rings, while simple, were designed by our Founder to incorporate two hearts and a chalice and that we all have the same words inscribed inside them? The hearts pay tribute to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary while the chalice reminds us of our mission in the Church to offer …
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 …
A reflection for priests: Father, you’ve got a nail in your hand. right there. Between the radius and the ulna bones below the wrist. That nail is capable of bearing the weight of a body hanging in crucifixion. Grab onto that nail, Father. Never quit. Never let go of it. That nail, painful as it is, conforms you to The …
Rest in peace, Father Michał Łos, FDP Professed May 23rd, 2019 Ordained May 24th, 2019 Died June 17th, 2019 24 days a priest here on earth…but a priest forever! We share our reflection below on his inspiring ordination to the priesthood on his deathbed. Now that he has returned, like another Polish priest of note, “to the House of the Father” …
[Originally published September 2018] When we upgraded our website a few years ago, a photo was purchased for our use of a man with his head bowed and knuckles in his eyes and we added the caption: Our Priests Carry Not Only The Full Weight of Our Burdens But Their Own As Well. Today, in these days of renewed …
During the Abuse Summit, as we prayed and fasted for all those gathered in Rome with the Holy Father from Feb 21st to 24th, we developed a short Litany for Healing. As our charism is to offer our lives to Christ for the sanctification of his priests, we understand that our prayers extend to all those impacted by the actions …
[Originally published August 22, 2018] Too often we neglect to see Christ in His Priests, blinded as we can be with righteous anger and rage as we react to the sins of some of our priests in whom it is hardest to identify Christ. Rightfully we demand accountability and justice and strive to have it carried out but too often …
[Originally published in August 2018] We don’t post much on what people would call current events or news. 1. We don’t follow it as others in the world do though we know what is necessary to know and 2. It can devolve into divisive viewpoints that deflect attention from the real problem. But we are hearing from people who have …