Don’t tell the blossoming flowers it’s Lent. They seem to be eager for Easter!
Who is in the Priests Garden: Father Gregory McCormick
Among the first names placed in Phase I of our Mary, Mother of Priests Tribute Garden was that of our long time chaplain, Father Gregory McCormick, s.P. A joyous, generous soul deeply imbued with the spirit of our Founder, right down to sharing Father Gerald’s penchant for word puzzles and acrostics in his homilies. Now that Father Gregory is in …
Archive Treasures: A Eucharistic Life Since the Beginning
Our Founder, Father Gerald, was an entirely Eucharistic priest. He intended his spiritual daughters to live in community together focused and centered on the the Source and Summit of our Faith: Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Mass, benediction, and eucharistic adoration aren’t just staples; they are absolute necessities in our life. We echo the early martyrs of …
Archive Treasures: The Sound of Music
What is the sound of music like in a monastery and how has it changed over the last 75 years? Well, since the start Handmaids have been making ‘a joyful noise for the Lord’. In addition to whatever voices they had, our first pioneering Sisters had a pump organ. Women who came to the community, if they were musicians …
Happy SAINT Valentine’s Day!
Who said romance is dead? We’re not sure. But, as nuns, we don’t celebrate the world’s version of valentine’s day and instead remember the martyr Saint Valentine. But that does not mean we can’t honor Our Lord’s love for us. So we were the happy recipients this year of surprise valentines sent through the mail. It took us a day …
On Eagle’s Wings (Not the song)
We see them relatively frequently but it’s harder to actually photograph a bald eagle in flight. During a very windy day recently in a sky shared by hawks, black vultures and turkey vultures, a bald eagle also made an appearance. Though one hawk was not pleased to share the sky with this bald eagle (and he let the eagle know …
Archive Treasures: Nuns Can Play Games?!
Yes. For those who think its forbidden for nuns to enjoy proper levity and re-creation we want to clarify that the religious life is not without humor, fun, and games. When you give your life to God, he does not intend a life lived in union with him to be one of drudgery but one of deep joy. Joy that …
Feast of the Presentation: Special Holy Hour of Thanksgiving
Since its inauguration by John Paul the Great in 1997, the Church has celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life every year on February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this special day it is our custom to renew our vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience at Mass just before receiving Holy Communion. …
Archive Treasures: A Last Tiny Touch of Christmas: The Littlest Nativity Scene
With the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd, and the day set aside as the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, we end the last trimmings of the Christmas season by putting away our creches. In doing so we share one last glimpse of Christmas past with this tiny ornament that has graced our Christmas trees and niches …
Morning Rainbow in the Priests Garden
We had a delightful surprise one cool and rainy Sunday morning recently. A morning rainbow unexpectedly appeared and its beautiful double bow ended in the Mary Mother of Priests Garden. For Sisters out catching a quick walk or outdoor rosary, it was a thrill and a treat. Sometimes it pays to pray in the rain!
Archive Treasures: Creche from 2006
When it comes to Christmas, every nook and cranny can be filled with holiday decor that might be packed up come Ordinary Time but the creches can stay up through February 2nd. This late December photo from 2006 was taken at the Heart of Mary Priory in Lake Villa, IL. Sister Rose Anne stands next to a crib display by …
Gertrude’s Christmas Wardrobe – ribbons, for a moment
Gertrude, not to be outdone by Gunther’s little green bowtie, did tolerate a bit of Christmas color for a short photo shoot session. A dashing, yet feminine, red bow assembly with a flower, was (after some treat bribery) quite something against her diluted tortoiseshell coat of grayish brown. She even provided some reasonable poses before opting to remove said bow …