Handmaids' News Blog
[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 …
As the summit in Rome on the crisis of sexual abuse approaches, we have been asked about which prayers people should be praying. What matters most is that you pray, not just what you pray. Each person’s state in life should dictate what they are able to do without undue pressure to get any number of prayers or devotions said each day. That …
How would you like to join 12,000 Knights of Columbus this Lent praying a special novena for priests? People sometimes ask Handmaids, “What do you do?” when they really mean, “What do you make?” Some monks and nuns make all manner of items to support themselves from caskets, to candies, to fruitcake, to soap, to wine and beer. Perhaps it …
If the abuse scandals are driving you almost to despair, let them instead drive you to help sanctify priests. Allow yourself to be drawn to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
If you are called to a vocation to sanctify priests, don’t expect it to be comfortable…because it is combat. So please pray for us as we pray for you!
While we have gotten used to bull dozers and other heavy equipment around the grounds, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mary, Mother of Priests Garden was the first time we had color-coordinated shovels on the property. Several wine-red shovels were on hand on our “Sound of Music” hill where we have plans to eventually build the Mary, Mother of Priests …
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 …
Its fun when we notice priests loving Jesus! This is especially delightful when they are unaware others have witnessed those precious moments. Identities of priests, if known, are withheld. [And we add the caveat that, just because a priest may not be seen doing these kinds of things, doesn’t mean he is a lesser priest or not in love deeply …
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, …