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Features Columns 3 Beacons of Hope 8 Back to the Basics: —Witnessing to the Infinite Q & A on the Goodness & Power of God Essential Elements Rev. Gregory Dick, O.Praem. of Religious Life The Role of Spiritual 6 Divine Mercy Rediscovered Direction—Part II —God Desires to Heal Our Rev. Thomas Dubay, S.M. Hearts with His Infinite Love Sr. Gaudia Skass, OLM 11 Answering the Master’s Call—Good to Have a 16 “Branded” By Your Mission: Place to Call Home To Live and Proclaim the Sr. Veronica of the Memory of Christ’s Passion Immaculate Heart of Mary, —Message to the O.Carm. General of the Passionists 13 Religious Pioneers in Pope Francis America: Trailblazers of Faith—Rev. Peter-John Departments De Smet, S.J. Rev. William Pearsall, S.J. 2 Institute Insights 18 Doctor of the Heart, 20 InnerView Healer of the Soul: With Sr. Faustina Maria The Spiritual Counsel Pia Bianchi, S.V., Assistant of Dr. Conrad Baars Vocations Director for the Kinds of Repression & Composer Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P. of the Litany of Trust 28 Theological Reflections 23 IRL News & Notes Practical Recommendations 26 Affiliate in Focus for a Fruitful Lent Poor Clare Colettine Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J. —Santa Barbara, California Institute Insights January/February 2021 Vol. XLV No. 1 R e v . T h o m a s N e l s o n , O.P r a e m . ur Mission: Religious Life is published Oby the Institute on Religious Life, Inc. (IRL). The IRL is a national organization e are in the midst of a pandemic and political founded in 1974 to encourage, support happenings that cover us like a black cloud. and assist authentic as We are in need of God’s mercy and that gives set forth by Vatican II and its implemen- W us hope, since He always shows mercy towards those tation by the Holy See. Membership in who humbly ask Him. Rev. Gregory Dick, O.Praem., lifts the IRL is comprised of bishops, priests, up our hearts in hope with his article “Witnessing to the religious and lay persons. Infinite Goodness & Power of God.” Then, Sr. Gaudia Religious Life is sent to active mem- Skass, OLM, reminds us of God’s goodness to those in need in her bers of the IRL ($30 per year for U.S. article “Divine Mercy Rediscovered.” God’s mercy is not cheap. It membership) or to those who request it. was bought with the Most Precious Blood of Christ. The Passionists, Institutional or library subscriptions are who are celebrating their third centenary, remind us of this truth. also available. Send all correspondence Pope Francis in his address to them says they are to live and pro- to Religious Life, P.O. Box 7500, Liber- claim the “memory of Christ’s Passion.” tyville, IL 60048, or call 847-573-8975. Trust is at the heart of Divine Mercy. Sr. Faustina Maria Pia Bianchi, Executive Editor S.V., of the Sisters of Life, wrote a beautiful Litany of Trust which Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. we include along with our Interview with her. The Passion has al- Managing Editor ways been at the center of Franciscan life. It is manifested in the Mr. Michael D. Wick Resurrected fruits of love, joy and peace so typical of true follow- Assistant Editor/Circulation ers of St. . The Poor Clare Colletine in Santa Mrs. Anne Tschanz Barbara, California, manifest this Franciscan spirit with Saint Clare Layout & Design as their mother. We present them in our Affiliate in Focus. Clois- Catholic Creative Services, Inc. tered life in the Church bears the special fruit of missionary zeal IRL Founder and Rev. Peter-John De Smet, S.J., had lots of apostolic zeal. He + Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J. was a true American missionary to the Native Americans in the Wild IRL Executive Director Mr. Jeffrey Karls West. Pope Francis would be proud of this fellow Jesuit since he was a great peacemaker among them. Rev. William Pearsall, S.J., IRL Officers Most Rev. Robert F. Vasa introduces him to us in our column Religious Pioneers in America: President Trailblazers of Faith. Father De Smet’s missionary fruits are found Mr. Paul Doetsch, Treasurer all over the West, including North Dakota. There, Sr. Veronica of the Mr. Frederick R. Dempsey, Secretary Immaculate Heart of Mary has a place she calls home in her clois- Most Rev. Bob Lombardo, C.F.R. tered Carmelite monastery. She shares the story of her vocational Rev. Robert McDermott calling in Answering the Master’s Call. Mrs. Bonnie Quirke Religious life is above all an inner journey of the heart. The heart Mrs. Patricia Sanders needs healing and direction. Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P., continues his Mr. Patrick Spencer column on the Doctor of the Heart, Healer of the Soul in giving us Executive Committee an explanation of the teaching of Dr. Conrad Baars. Rev. Thomas Dubay, S.M., writes on the “Role of Spiritual Direction—Part II” in © 2021 Institute on Religious Life, Inc. All Back to Basics: Q & A on the Essential Elements of Religious Life. rights reserved. Religious Life is printed Lastly, Servant of God Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J., prepares us for in the U.S.A. Reproduction of material ap- Lent in his Theological Reflections on “Practical Recommendations pearing in Religious Life is prohibited with- for a Fruitful Lent.” out written permission. Unsolicited articles, poetry and other original works may be submitted for consideration. About the Cover: The central panel of the Tri-Centennial Jubilee Icon com- Please email submissions to: irlstaff@ missioned by the Passionist Community to celebrate their 300th anniversary religiouslife.com. Submissions may be of founding. For more information, see the article on page 17 or please visit edited for length and style. PassionistNuns.org.

2 January/February 2021 Beacons of Hope –Witnessing to the Infinite Goodness & Power of God–

Saint Paul summarizes well the most basic principle of the theology of salvation when he speaks about the condescension of God’s love made manifest in Christ Jesus. We, as children of God, must become beacons of hope and trust in the invincible power and goodness of our Triune God to allow the saving light of Christ to penetrate and scatter the darkness of sin and death.

By Rev. Gregory Dick, O.Praem.

rothers and sisters, I am speaking in human To be sure, Saint Paul had tested the capacities of human language in his attempts to express what he terms because of the weakness of your nature.” had beheld in the Seventh Heaven, for example in “ his ecstatic run-on sentences in Ephesians describing BHere the Apostle to the Gentiles summarizes per- “the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the Saints and haps the most basic principle of the theology of salva- the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who be- tion: the condescension of love, the highest stooping lieve…” down to the lowest, like a loving parent to a toddler, But because he knew well the depths of the wound- in order to make known the truth of love in a manner edness in the human heart, he was moved out of shear that can be grasped. compassion to pare down his expressions and his man-

January/February 2021 3 ners, indeed his very manner of living, in order to be- and hearts and lives of others so that the Fire may be come all things to all men in his burning desire to bring passed on—Tradition. at the very least as many as possible to salvation. Saint It is a glorious thing, comparable indeed to what Paul made every attempt to reach the minds and hearts takes place in the Seventh Heaven, unfolding in and of his listeners, no matter how far he must stoop. It is from the heaven of souls. But it comes at a cost: the the genius of mercy, of love at its best. And he had precious cost of self. I must decrease, so You may in- experienced it firsthand. crease. Everyone, from the highest (God Almighty) to Saint Paul was not the author of this way. He the lowest (the sinner) must follow the God-given ped- learned it from God his Father, Who from the dawn agogy. And to do this we must surrender what Saint of creation “spoke” in every least grain of sand bring- Paul calls the slavery of sin. ing to the knowing light of mortal men the unfath- Now this sounds like a no-brainer. Surrender the omable depths of His Trinitarian Love. He learned it slavery of sin? Who wouldn’t?! from the Word, stooping from the first Well, I wouldn’t; and you wouldn’t; moments after the cataclysm of the and none of us would, if we are not Original Sin to encounter man, first willing to accept healing. Because by words and gestures to be handed on to be healed of sin, we must do more through sinful memories in tradition, “Jesus summarizes than repent. Or more correctly, to be then to be committed to writing in the healed of sin, we must truly repent, Scriptures, finally to be expressed in the ardor and the fully repent, invest our anger in the the fullness of time when He did the profundity of God’s way anger is given to be invested: unthinkable: took on the likeness of in the hatred of sin so as to be done His creatures in order to appear among compelling love in His with it and to humble ourselves to be them as one of them and to take on healed of its bondage, which it wields even the likeness of sin, there where seemingly exasperated over the flesh. Yes, humble ourselves the order of representation seemed to exclamation: even beyond the confessional door be turned on its head! Finally, Saint and seek healing to whatever extent Paul learned it from the Holy Spirit, ‘I have come to set the God sends His healing agents, and He the Counselor, Who in His maddened earth on fire, and how has generously spread them around in love plunges incessantly into the most our wounded age. Humble ourselves precarious depths in all of creation, I wish it were and stop saving face, such a very silly the human heart, there to keep the already blazing.’”. thing to save, especially as it is so easy ceaseless vigil of love, so as to be “at to contrive—even cheap makeup does hand” when the insensible soul at long the trick. last comes to its senses, at least long enough to cry out What keeps us away from healing and enslaved for mercy in its final gasping breath. to sin, to its vicious cycle of dysfunctional behavior Jesus summarizes the ardor and the profundity of that spreads like wildfire and undoes the work of the such a compelling love in the Gospel passage with Holy Spirit? More than anything else: fear, that pu- His seemingly exasperated exclamation: “I have come trid air in the galley of the empire of darkness. Oh, to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already the evils that have been allowed to spread because blazing!” of fear, loathsome fear, choking the life breath out of He speaks this not alone. Therein the Father cries the children of God. out. Therein too the Holy Spirit, Who is the Fire sent Begone, you diabolical spirit of fear, in the Name of Je- and burning in its fervor to give life and light and sus Christ! love. And this exclamation from the Heart of the And what enables the bondage of fear? The un- Trinity resounds in the words and actions and lives ruly imagination. The power of wonder reinforced by of His Saints down through the ages, saints known representation, but fueled by fear that compulsively and unknown, canonized and uncanonized, souls who gravitates to… to wherever my wounded nature or allowed the Holy Spirit dwelling within them to have the spirit of darkness inclines it to go to. Drama en- His Way and to pass through them into the minds sues, and fear is only intensified, and the vicious cy-

4 January/February 2021 cle spins wider and deeper and drags more victims into its grip. But it doesn’t need to. Look about you, and see that our gracious Father has planted, all around us in this world of His, countless beacons of hope. You will know them by their au- thenticity, their faithfully fol- lowing the way of condescend- ing love, the love that gives hope. Hope, not wishful think- ing, not fantasy which is but dreaming, but rock solid hope, the hope of Christ and of the Trinity. These beacons of hope are the witnesses of His mercy, like Saint Paul, following the divine example of condescend- ing love, making itself known to the children of a crooked generation—in the 21st centu- ry, the children of a whole suc- cession of crooked generations, offspring of a culture of fear- run-rampant, the logical result of the modern global version of Babel. These giants of hope come in very simple attire, the children of God living the spiri- tuality of childhood. They trust in the invincible power of the goodness of their Father over the empire of evil, in the triumph of His light piercing but they were glad to be thought so if only to make through the tunnel of darkness to scatter the demons known Christ to a people groping in darkness. of fear and bring the passage to freedom to the chil- Brothers and sisters, as we begin this new year and dren of God. as we anticipate the season of Lent, hear once more Pope St. John Paul II was one such giant of hope, the words of Pope St. John Paul II at the dawn of and a mighty one indeed. And like every true proph- his pontificate: “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the et, he was widely misunderstood, under-appreciated, doors to Christ!” With his pontifical motto, he add- indeed especially by the very ones who should have ed the definitive way of this trustful opening: Totus recognized his message. But alas, fear poisons the rea- Tuus! Mary, the most merciful of all God’s instru- soning mind and blinds the heart and even leads men ments, pray for us. to crucify their Savior. But the likes of John Paul and Fr. Gregory Dick is a Norbertine his namesake popes John and Paul, like their name- priest of St. Michael’s in Sil- sakes, Saint John and Saint Paul, grasp the divine verado, California. For more inspir- way. And they carry the divine pedagogy to its logical ing articles, as well as audio and vid- conclusion: sacrifice of self to make love known to a eo reflections, please visit TheAbbots- wounded age. Yes, people even took them for fools, Circle.com.

January/February 2021 5 Divine Mercy Rediscovered –God Desires to Heal Our Hearts with His Infinite Love–

By Sr. Gaudia Skass, OLM

“There is nothing more that man needs than Divine Mercy— that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises men above his weakness to the infinite heights of the holiness of God.”

hese striking words of Saint John Paul II—and and Easter. And to crown these most holy days, we’ve even more his life­—show us his deep understand- been given the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on Ting of the mystery of the heart of God as well the last day of the Easter octave (this year April 11th). as the mystery St. John Paul II of the human instituted this heart. From the solemn feast for depths of our the universal being, we cry out Church during for someone who the Great Jubilee will look upon Year 2000: he us with empa- died on its vigil thy, seeing our five years later imperfections in 2005; he was and struggles beatified on Di- and also seeing vine Mercy Sun- beyond them. day in 2011; and Whether we are he was canon- aware of it or ized on the same not, our hearts feast in 2014. are crying out By establish- for the merciful ing this feast, on God, and His the same day he heart is filled with compassion for us. He is not scandal- canonized Sr. Faustina Kowalska, St. John Paul II fulfilled ized by our misery and brokenness, and He never tires the desire that Jesus expressed in a vision to Saint Fausti- of forgiving. He is always ready to generously bestow na nearly 70 years earlier. As recounted in her Diary, graces upon us, even more than we dare to ask for. Jesus said: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My We meditate upon God’s infinite, merciful love— inconceivable Mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy most powerfully revealed in Jesus’ Passion, Death and be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for Resurrection—in a special way during the seasons of Lent poor souls.... The soul that will go to Confession and

6 January/February 2021 receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgive- grace to see what God has done for us and is doing for ness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine us; the grace to see that our very lives are the work of floodgates through which graces flow His mercy. are open. Let no soul fear to draw near It is also an occasion to examine our to Me, even though it be as scarlet” conscience and to ask: How am I using (Diary, 699). my time and encounters with others to Jesus’ words recorded in Saint “St. John Paul II share the good news of God’s great mer- Faustina’s Diary are filled with pas- encouraged all of us: cy? St. John Paul II encouraged all of us: sionate love for us. The phrase “I de- “Be apostles of Divine Mercy!” Let us sire” appears approximately 70 times in ‘Be Apostles of Divine humbly turn to our Merciful Father in her journal! The message is that God prayer, asking Him to open our eyes and gives Himself to us fully; He offers us Mercy!’ Let us humbly hearts to gratefully receive and enthusi- His own heart, first and foremost in turn to our Merciful astically share His mercy so that, through the Sacraments. In the Divine Mercy us He may heal all wounded souls. image we see rays pouring forth from Father in prayer, asking Sr. Gaudia Skass (photo below) is a Jesus’ heart. They symbolize the purify- Him to open our eyes member of the Congregation of the Sisters ing and self-giving sacraments—most of Our Lady of Mercy, founded in War- of all His merciful presence in the Sac- and hearts to gratefully saw, Poland. The community is now also raments of Baptism, Confession and receive His mercy.” represented in the United States, Italy, Is- the Eucharist. He patiently waits for rael, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and us, His hands overflowing with gifts. the Czech Republic, Sister Gaudia gives For some of us, it may be a temptation to undervalue talks and works with pilgrims at the St. John Paul II Na- our own personal need for Divine Mercy. if this is the tional Shrine in Washington, D.C. For more information, case, may this feast day be an occasion to ask for the please visit JP2Shrine.org. “Chosen Souls” and the Mission of Divine Mercy n her Diary, Saint Faustina notes, “I learned that the If My death has Iworld’s existence is maintained by chosen souls; that is, not convinced you the religious orders. Woe to the world when there will be a of My love, what lack of religious orders” (Diary, 1434). Our Lord also re- will? Often a soul vealed to her the tremendous pain that “chosen souls”­ wounds Me mortal- cause Him when they did not fulfill their sublime voca- ly, and then no one tions and fail to serve as instruments of His Divine Mercy: can comfort Me. On a certain occasion, the Lord said to me, “I am They use My graces more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of cho- to offend Me. There sen souls than by the sins of those living in the world.” are souls who despise My graces as well as all the It made me very sad that chosen souls make Jesus proofs of My love. They do not wish to hear My call, suffer, and Jesus told me, “these little imperfections are but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what souls plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I I suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so am, I cannot help such a soul because it scorns Me; many graces is My Heart’s constant food, on the part of having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, [such] a chosen soul. Their love is lukewarm, and My who are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them. about My goodness, and thus you will comfort My Others distrust My goodness and have no desire to ex- Heart. It will tell you when you converse with Me in perience that sweet intimacy in their own hearts, but go the depths of your heart. Here, no one can disturb My in search of Me, off in the distance, and do not find Me. actions. Here, I rest as in a garden enclosed” (Diary, This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. 560).

January/February 2021 7 Back to the Basics Q & A on the Essential Elements of Religious Life The Role of Spiritual Direction –Part II– By Rev. Thomas Dubay, S.M. ( 2010) One of the major shifts in the of theology, at least the theology of Qtheory and practice of the vow discernment. of obedience centers on discernment. Techniques, good as they may In some institutes, the favored way be in themselves, cannot replace of reaching decisions is the discern- “A realistic doctrine of obedience to human superiors in ment process. Rather than seek and discernment flourishes the Church and in religious congre- depend upon the permission or pre- gations. The first reason is the New cept of a human authority, this ap- in this ekklesia precisely Testament. There is not a shred of proach focuses on finding the divine because the inner, invisible evidence to support a contrary con- will without the mediation of a hu- tention. As a matter of fact the evi- man person. Is this a valid devel- workings of dence we do find supports the prin- opment? May we now for the most the Holy Spirit have an ciple that they hear Jesus who hears part dispense with the visible supe- His representatives (Lk 10:16). He rior because we now have perfected outer, visible authority that who has a special message from God techniques for getting to the mind of (e.g., Paul from the Risen Lord) must God Himself? can protect submit it to the “leading authori- the genuine invisible ties” (Gal 2:2). He alone is listening One can only wonder if the to the Spirit who obeys the leaders Aquestioner has sensed the gross workings from the the Spirit has placed in the Church dose of magic in the last assumption. inner illusion and (Acts 20:28). And I fear it is a common assump- The second reason we may not tion in some circles. No one gets to counterfeits of dispense with obedience is that the the mind of God by “perfected tech- untrammeled subjectivity.”. New Testament is replete with re- niques.” God is neither a trick nor quirements for this virtue. Christ did a toy. He cannot be manipulated. rying the cross, frugality of lifestyle. not establish an angelism, an airy in- At best, techniques get only to the The proud man or woman may have visible Church. He did not set in mo- surface areas of human life. They followed the best discernment pro- tion a structureless community each do not, they cannot delve into the cesses, but he will find at the end of whose members has a private pipe- depths. The New Testament says of it only his own human wisdom, line to the Holy Spirit. He took our nothing about discernment process- which Saint Paul tells us is fool- human weakness seriously and set es. It does say a great deal about the ishness to God. The proud person up a visible ekklesia with a govern- conditions of getting to the mind will baptize his decision and call it ing, teaching, sanctifying structure. of God: love, humility, conversion, listening to the will of God. He so A realistic doctrine of discernment obedience to human superiors, car- speaks only because he is innocent flourishes in this ekklesia precisely be-

8 January/February 2021 One of the apostolates of the Servants of Christ Jesus includes Spiritual Direction and retreat masters to direct the Silent Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Visit: SCJesus.org for more information. cause the inner, invisible workings of holy, pondering Sacred Scripture in the directions of a superior (provid- the Holy Spirit have an outer, visible prayer, reading solid books, praying ed, of course, they are not obvious- authority that can protect the gen- for light. Saints do all these things. ly sinful). Scripture itself makes this uine invisible workings from the in- Discernment processes and tech- clear as we have noted above. Hence ner illusions and counterfeits of un- niques may aid a religious communi- in the practical order there can be a trammeled subjectivity. Over twenty ty and its efforts to live according to clash between listening to the Spirit centuries of Church history bear el- the mind of God. There is room for and obeying one’s human leader. oquent witness to the dire need for a meetings, committee studies, discus- In the theoretical order, the or- principle of visible verification. sions. But it is odd how these have der of theological principles (and in been overdone in an age that has the practical order if we live our the- Could you say more about the sought to reduce structures and re- ology), there is no clash at all. It is Qconditions for getting to the turn to Gospel simplicity. Without the same Holy Spirit who leads the mind of God in our living of reli- genuine sanctity and its sensitivity to sons of God (Rom 8:14) and estab- gious life? You spoke earlier about the indwelling Spirit, meetings and lishes the hierarchical authorities in humility, love, conversion, obedi- committees can achieve only human the Church (Acts 20:28). The two ence to the human superiors, carry- solutions and human insights. are meant to work hand-in-hand. ing the cross, frugality of lifestyle. Even more, each is to promote the This amounts to saying, does it not, Is there a clash between listen- functioning of the other. On one that we are to get to the divine mind Qing to the Spirit indwelling and hand, the human person who is led only to the extent that we approach obeying a superior in everyday life? by the Holy Spirit desires to obey his genuine sanctity. What do we do in Superiors are neither infallible nor human leader (God prompts obe- the meantime? impeccable. Although no responsi- dience, not disobedience), and on ble theologian says that there is a the other the hierarchical authority Yes, the biblical doctrine of dis- clash between Spirit and structure who himself is being led by the Spir- Acernment does indeed suppose in the Church, many people have in it will direct the community accord- that only the holy perceived the di- recent years spoken as though there ing to the divine mind. Hence if the vine mind perfectly. Saint Paul makes were. members of the community and its this point in Romans 12:2; the only leader are what they ought to be, way to know the perfect will of God A distinction must be made. there is no opposition between free- is to undergo conversion. What, you ABecause we are limited in dom and obedience, between medi- ask, do we do in the meantime? knowledge and only too often selfish ated and unmediated obedience. It The obvious answer: become in practice, there can be a clash in is only when the persons involved, a saint. . . rapidly. There is no sub- the concrete circumstances of life. It one or both of them, are worldly stitute. Always we are to use the is entirely possible that a person may (Saint Paul’s “men of the flesh”) ordinary means of knowing God’s be forbidden by a human superior to that clashes occur. The Holy Spirit will: listening to and accepting the do what the Holy Spirit wants done. brings to a community love, peace, teaching of the Church, seeking Yet at the same time this same Holy harmony, joy and self-discipline advice from the competent and the Spirit wants the individual to follow (Gal 5:22).

January/February 2021 9 For the Sake of the Kingdom: Examination of Conscience for Priests & Religious By Rev. Thomas Weinandy, OFM Cap. Priests and religious dedicate their lives to the service of the Gospel for the sake of the Kingdom of God (cf. Mt 19:12). Despite their sinfulness and human frailty, God has honored them with a high calling. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is immensely important for it helps sustain and nourish their calling and commitment. It holds them accountable for the vocation and graces the Lord has given them. Also, through this sacrament, priests and re- ligious take responsibility for their lives before God and His Church. Responsibilities to God • Have I preached and witnessed • Have I overworked, not taking • Have I participated at Mass or to the Gospel, or have I compro- time for exercise, relaxation, prayer have I daydreamed or been pres- mised it in some manner? & reading? ent with a blank mind? If a priest, • Have I engaged in sexual fanta- Responsibilities to Others have I said Mass with reverence sies? Have I looked at others lust- and attention? fully? Have I read inappropriate lit- • Have I lied to or deceived others? • Have I been faithful in praying erature or looked at pornographic • Have I been arrogant & stubborn? the ? pictures, shows or movies? Have I • Have I gotten angry, nurtured & • Have I participated in communi- masturbated? held grudges and resentments? ty prayer and been faithful to daily • Have I flirted with anyone? Have • Have I refused to forgive others? personal prayer & meditation? I lustfully kissed or sexually touched • Have I cultivated hatred? • Have I read the Bible? someone? Have I had sexual inter- • Have I gossiped about others— • Have I studied the truths of our course? in my religious community? faith & allowed them to become • Have I allowed worldly things to • Have I slandered anyone? more part of the way I think & act? captivate my heart & mind? • Have I told lies about others? • Have I read any spiritual books • Have I used things or spent • Have I mocked or made fun of or religious literature? money not in keeping with Gospel others? • Have I told God that I want to poverty? Have I witnessed to Gos- • Have I lied or cheated? love Him with my whole heart, pel poverty in my ministry? • Have I stolen anything? Have I mind, & strength? Do I hold any re- • Have I desired to identify with the paid it back? sentments toward God? rich rather than with the poor? Does • Have I been selfish or spiteful to- • Have I recognized my need for my life—how I think, speak & act— ward others? Jesus & His salvation? bear witness to the reality & primacy • Have I been jealous? • Have I asked the Holy Spirit to em- of Heaven & eternal life? • Have I gotten drunk or abused power me to live the Christian life? drugs? Responsibilities to My Ministry • Have I held resentments toward • Have I fulfilled my pastoral re- Responsibilities to Society the Church or Church authorities? sponsibilities with attention & care? • Have I born witness, in word & Have I forgiven them? • Have I been half-hearted, lazy or deed, to the social implications of • Have I participated in anything cynical in my ministry? the Gospel? that is of the occult (New Age)? • Have I been sarcastic & negative • Have I allowed the Gospel to in- Responsibilities to Promises & Vows toward those with whom I work or fluence my political & social opinions? • Have I been faithful to the prom- with those that I serve? • Have I had a proper Christian ises & vows I have made to God? • Have I been loving, patient, kind, concern for the poor and needy? • Have I been rebellious, disobe- gentle, & self-controlled? • Have I been unethical in my busi- dient or disrespectful to those in • Do I have a real care for God’s ness dealings? authority over me—the Pope, bish- people, desiring their salvation & • Have I fostered or nurtured ha- ops, superiors? eternal life? When my conscience tred toward my social or political • Have I caused others to be dis- informs me to do something in re- enemies either local, national or in- respectful to those in authority? lationship to my ministry, did I do it ternational? • Have I been faithful to the truth or did I ignore it? • Have I been prejudiced toward of the Gospel & the teaching of the • Have I allowed apostolic work to others because of race, color, reli- Magisterium? control my life? gion or social status?

10 January/February 2021 Answering the Master’s Call

Vocation Stories Good to Have a Place to Call Home

By Sr. Veronica of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, O.Carm.

grew up in Maryland. My parents said to me once while visiting in Ithe Carmel of Mary Monastery in Wahpeton, “When we brought our first baby home from the hospital we never thought that 22 years later we would be dropping her off at a in North Dakota.” Really, my moth- er should not have been so surprised because she knew my cherished childhood dream of moving out west to become a pioneer on the frontier like Laura Ingalls Wilder. By the time I was a teenager, finding no way to realize such a desire at the turn of the 21st century, I determined instead to passionately in love with the land of ite community went through a tran- go either to Africa or to China as a North Dakota. I love the snow and sition as two of our members, one of missionary. Then, when I was 19 go- the vast, open horizon. I love all the whom is the most beloved friend I ing on 20, God Himself solved my di- people who dwell here, those whom I have ever had, received a call to bring lemma through my discovery of Car- have met and those whom I have yet the riches of Carmelite spirituality mel of Mary out on the prairie. to meet. Please do not mistake me for to a different diocese further south. From the moment when my re- a naïve romantic. I know all too well My experience of being left behind ligious vocation became clear, I fell that every land has its darkness and has been a blessed occasion for me its heart-rending con- to penetrate in new and ever deeper tradictions, its trage- ways the sacred meaning of my pres- dies and its tears; but ence here in this place as part of the it is these very shad- Father’s magnificent plan for salva- ows that are destined tion history. I like to think of myself to be transformed into as living in one of the far distant four glory through Jesus corners of the earth to which the sav- Christ, on the Last ing power of the Holy Spirit has been Day, when all will be extended. revealed. Every time that Most Rev. John Some of you may Folda has visited Carmel of Mary, I know that a few years have wished that I could speak to him ago our little Carmel- of what is in my heart, of my love for

January/February 2021 11 Our Prior General cel- and to give my niece a copy of Roxane ebrated Mass there. Salonen’s charming book, The Twelve During the chant for Days of Christmas in North Dakota. I Holy Communion, as was only away for a week, but it was all of us were united in one of the longest weeks of my life, so the Blood of the Word reluctant was I to be absent from the Made Flesh, the tears unique place on earth where I have were flowing from my promised to remain in prayer, day and eyes. From the depths night, year after year, until death. of my being, I prayed Yes, it is good to have a place for all of my sisters in to call home, but the region where the Diocese of Fargo. One of my fa- America that the Lord’s plan for we live during our earthly life is only vorite things about being a cloistered us would unfold and that we would a sign, ephemeral and imperfect, of is that one is not ordinarily trans- always say yes to Him. I am certain our heavenly home in the New Je- ferred from place to place. My conse- that my prayer was heard. rusalem. The who lived on crated life belongs in a special way to A second adventure took place Mount Carmel were soon obliged to the local Church, to the priests and in October 2018. I was asked to help abandon the place of their origins, people of our beloved Diocese. with an event in hon- There is much change, instabili- or of St. Thérèse of ty, and uncertainty in today’s world. Lisieux at the Car- All this has an impact even on the mel in Allentown, centuries old tradition of religious Pennsylvania, from life. The signs of the times may re- which our Communi- quire us to go, in charity and obedi- ty in Wahpeton was ence, beyond our boundaries. founded. Together St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi with 85 year-old Sis- (1566-1607), a Carmelite nun in ter Gertrude and Sis- Florence, Italy, understood this well. ter Arlene from the She used to call Jesus “Truth, Old Philippines, I helped and New.” The truth does not change to prepare over a but it is revealed differently in differ- thousand roses of many colors to be but they brought with them, as a ent times. In May 2017, in honor of blessed and distributed to pilgrims. living and life-giving memory, the the 450th anniversary of the Saint’s One day while I was there, my family beauty of the holy mountain, jewel birth, I and about 50 others attended from Maryland stopped by to visit just of the Promised Land, symbol of the the first ever International Ongo- long enough to give me a chance to Virgin Mother of God, who has pre- ing Formation course for Carmelite kiss my sister’s three-month-old baby ceded us into paradise. Our Lord has Nuns of the Ancient Observance. told us that the meek shall inherit For me, after having been totally the land and that the Kingdom of cloistered for over 12 years, making Heaven is already in the possession a pilgrimage was a life-changing ex- of the poor in spirit. The title of our perience. It was both a death and a diocesan magazine is New Earth, resurrection, an unasked for gift and reminding us that the new creation a call to transformation. for which we long begins here and On May 25, 2017, the feast day now. Through the Blood of our im- of St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi, all mortal King, Jesus Christ, we have of us participating in the course been gathered into the Holy City. In traveled by bus to Florence to ven- hope we taste and see already the erate her incorrupt body and visit For more information visit: joys of our everlasting homeland. the monastery where she had lived. CarmelofMary.org Alleluia!

12 January/February 2021 Religious Pioneers in America Trailblazers of Faith

Rev. Peter-John De Smet, S.J. —True Apostle of Peace— By Rev. William Pearsall, S.J.

eter-John De Smet was born in for the first time, in order to arrange Dendermonde in the Flemish a peace between the two tribes­—the Ppart of what is now Belgium first of his many peace missions. 1840 on January 30, 1801. His father was saw the real start of his life’s work as the owner of a ship-outfitting busi- he ventured north-west to the Flat- ness whose fortunes had prospered head tribes. As early as 1831, some of and young Peter grew up in the sight the Native Americans of the Rocky of ships and the shipping trade. His Mountains had arrived in St. Louis mother was gentle and loving; his fa- where they asked for “Black-robes” ther was loving and strict. The fam- to be sent to them. Influenced by Ir- ily atmosphere was one of tradition- oqouis who had descended from con- al Catholic piety. The boy grew up verts made by the French missionar- strong, lively and devout. Eventually, ies of the 17th century, the Flatheads he was enrolled in a school in Mech- continued to send delegations to St. elen which served as a preparatory Louis until finally, in 1840, De Smet seminary, and it was while he was was missioned to the Rocky Moun- there that his beloved mother died. tains to explore this possible mission He was 18. prompting of the U.S. government, field. He set out on a journey through In 1821, inspired by the preaching the Society of Jesus opened a mission largely uncharted wilderness and was of a visiting Jesuit missionary, he found at Florissant near St. Louis, Missouri, eventually welcomed by the Flathead his vocation. Together with several and it was there that Peter was sent af- people. On his return journey to St. other students, he prepared to leave ter taking his vows with the intention Louis, he visited other tribes, includ- for America under the auspices of of working among the Native Ameri- ing the Crows and the Gros Ventres. some of the college Fathers. His own can tribes. As he was among the first In all he covered 4,814 miles. At St. father discovered this plot and sent Pe- Jesuits to establish this mission, Peter Louis, after giving his report, he was ter’s older Charles to intercept De Smet is considered a co-founder of charged with establishing permanent him before he could reach the ships the Missouri Province of the Society missions in the North West. Togeth- bound for America. So, far from dis- of Jesus. He would remain at Floris- er with Fr. Nicholas Point he founded suading Peter, Charles ended up giv- sant until 1833. After a return visit to St. Mary’s Mission on the Bitterroot ing him money and wishing him God’s his homeland, the new priest made his River (Montana) adding the Coeur blessing. Peter’s father died in 1827 first tour of the interior of the country d’Alene tribe to his apostolic family. without ever seeing his son again. to the west, establishing in 1837 St. De Smet conceived at this time the Peter joined the Jesuit Joseph’s Mission at Council Bluffs for possibility of founding “reductions” at White Marsh in Maryland and the benefit of the Potawatomis. It was for the American Indians along the remained there until 1823. At the then that he went among the Sioux lines of the experiments in commu-

January/February 2021 13 nity life made by the Jesuit became known by all who missionaries to Paraguay in took an interest in the Amer- the preceding century. These ican West and in the way of communities would provide life of the Native tribes. He a settled base for the tribes might have “retired” from ac- while enabling them to carry tive duty at this point in his on traditional pursuits and life, but providential circum- livelihoods. They would help stances were to call him into to ensure peace between an even more public role. the tribes and to legitimize The growing movement their claims on territory al- of white settlers across the ready under threat from the Plains on their way to the Cal- westward expansion of the ifornia and Oregon territories American whites. In order to or less until his death. His mission was causing increasing alarm realize this vision, resources would be work would be carried on by others, among the Native Americans and in- needed. De Smet therefore returned who continued to live with the Native creasing hostilities between them and to Europe in 1843 to acquire funds Americans of the North West and to the settlers. In 1851, a “general con- and volunteers. In 1844, he made a establish permanent missions among gress of the Tribes” was summoned by remarkable sea voyage to the west them. The idea of “reductions” never the U.S. Government with a view to coast of Canada, rounding the south- came to fruition. establishing the conditions for peace. ern tip of South America. After con- During his years in the wilds, De The congress would assemble near ferring with the regional bishop, he Smet lived the classic life of a mis- Fort Laramie (Wyoming). The gov- established the mission station of St. sionary explorer. He endured incred- ernment, having been impressed by Ignatius, near the mouth of the Co- ible hardship, relying on basic surviv- De Smet’s reputation as a negotiator lumbia River, in order to serve the al skills to deal with the terrain, the among the Indians, requested his as- Kalispels of the Bay. At this time, climate and the wildlife. He also had sistance. His superiors acceded to the De Smet became increasingly con- to deal with the attendant emotional request and he made the long jour- cerned about the Blackfeet, a warrior and psychological stress of such a way ney from St. Louis. The 10,000 Na- tribe who were a constant menace to of life. In his interaction with Native tive Americans gathered at this place their neighbors. In 1846, following a Americans he constantly needed in- came, as it was said, “under his spell” battle between the Blackfeet and the terpreters in order to communicate— and treaties were duly signed. As a Crows, he decided to appeal personal- an added frustration. Nevertheless, it result of this success, the government ly to the Blackfeet and after meeting is evident that his personal presence requested that De Smet be commis- with them in Yellowstone Valley, he had a powerful and positive effect on sioned as chaplain to the U.S. Army accompanied the chiefs to Fort Lewis those around him; and although he so that he might help defuse the many where peace treaties with the other might have felt himself to be in danger critical situations that were arising in tribes were concluded. from time to time among unknown the course of the westward expan- De Smet’s return to St. Louis in and potentially hostile peoples, he sion. In 1858, he was asked to medi- 1847 marked the end of his time of seems never to have been treated with ate a dispute with the Mormons, who “going among the Indians” in the sense violence of any kind. On the contrary, were refusing to accept a governor in of living and working side by side with he appears to have been welcomed Utah. He accompanied General Wil- them in their own tribal communities. and trusted wherever he went. liam Harney, although the dispute This was not by his own choice. He Throughout his travels, De Smet was settled before their intervention had been appointed by his superiors wrote many letters and kept journals. was needed. De Smet was invited to to be a part of the newly-founded St. He had a gift for lively prose and he deploy his peace-making skills among Louis University. In addition to this, was soon able to get his writings pub- the tribes of the Oregon and Wash- he was ordered to be procurator (trea- lished. These were met by an eager ington territories who were becoming surer) for the newly-emerging Jesuit market in Europe and in the United increasingly nervous of the threat to province. He held this position more States. The name of Peter De Smet their lands and their way of life. He

14 January/February 2021 carried out this assignment until the habitation. By 1868, he had crossed increasing likelihood of a war between the Bad Lands to reach the main the Northern and Southern States camp of the redoubtable Sioux at made it necessary for him to resign his Powder River and, in the presence of commission. The War itself gave an 5,000 members of that tribe, he met opportunity for some of the tribes to with Chief Sitting Bull. The Chief re-assert their rights and, in 1862, a was rightly skeptical, but treaties were Sioux uprising led to a punitive expe- again concluded. The “Indian Wars,” dition by the Union Army. De Smet however, did not come to an end and, had worked among the Sioux in the in 1870, De Smet was again in negoti- preceding year at the request of the ations with the Sioux. By this time he Jesuit Superior General, but he re- had come to see that the government, fused the government invitation to be for all its good intentions, was unable a part of such an expedition. to prevent the white settlers from The years following the Civil War taking whatever lands they were able saw the great tragedy of the American to. The Peace Mission was a doomed Indian unfold, as the United States effort. In fact, some 500 treaties were continued to grow and the white pop- made with the Indians over a period ulation began to settle on all available extending from the foundation of the lands. The pioneer families, in no every promise made by the whites. In United States until the early years of doubt as to their entitlements over this poisoned atmosphere, De Smet the 20th century. All were ultimately the virgin territories of the American himself could do little. He was called broken. De Smet died at St. Louis on West, were in continual conflict with in 1867 to represent the government May 23, 1873. the indigenous peoples and there was Peace Commission to the Indians Fr. Peter-John De Smet was a equal courage and determination on and, on yet another tour of the Plains Jesuit with great qualities and a hero both sides. Unfortunately, the Native and the North West, he spoke with in the classic missionary mold. Al- Americans were not in a winning po- thousands of Native Americans on though occasionally in trouble with sition. Treaties were made and then behalf of the government’s proposals his own colleagues about the use of broken. The Indians came to distrust for tribal homelands and peaceful co- funds and about his own somewhat independent style of operation, he The Prairie of the Mass was acknowledged by his peers to be a model of the vows. He possessed a he rich history of Catholicism child-like cheerfulness in the face of in Wyoming began in 1840 T every adversity. In his tireless efforts when Rev. Peter-John De Smet for peace, he relied entirely on faith, celebrated the first Catholic Mass hope and charity to achieve the im- in present-day Sublette County. possible. His was a delicate balance On July 5, 1840, in the presence of between the interests of the Native 2,000 Native Americans, trappers Americans, the interests of the Amer- and traders, Father De Smet offered ican Republic and the interests of the Holy Mass on an altar of native tacle truly moving to the heart of a . To this must be stone decorated with wildflowers. missionary that this immense family, added his first and greatest concern: The congregation was addressed composed of so many different tribes to make known the Gospel of Christ. in both French and English, with should prostrate themselves in equal In the service of this calling, he trav- the Native Americans using an in- humility before the ‘Divine Host.’” eled 180,000 miles and devoted every terpreter. The French Canadiens The site is on the National Register waking moment of his life. christened the site La Prairie de la of Historic Places and a Commemo- Fr. William Pearshall, S.J., is a Jesu- Mess (The Prairie of the Mass). Fa- rative Mass is offered there annually, it priest serving at Sacred Heart Parish in ther De Smet said: “It was a spec- usually on the second Sunday in July. Edinburgh, Scotland.

January/February 2021 15 “Branded” by Your Mission:­­­ To Live and Proclaim the Memory of Christ’s Passion The following is a message that was given on October 15, 2020, by Pope Francis to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists) on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of their Founding by St. Paul of the Cross. he Jubilee celebrations for the third centenary of enriched it so far, but a­lso the intimate constitution of its your Congregation offer me the opportunity to being. Nature and the cosmos, subject to pain and decay Tspiritually join in your joy at the gift of the voca- due to human manipulation (cf. Rm 8:20), take on worry- tion to live and proclaim the memory of Christ’s Passion, ing degenerative traits. You too are asked to identify new making the Paschal Mystery the center of your life (cf. lifestyles and new forms of language in order to proclaim Constitutions, 64). Your charism, like ev- the love of the Crucified One, thus giv- ery charism of consecrated life, is an ex- ing witness to the heart of your identity. pression of the saving love that springs In this regard, I understand that your from the Trinitarian mystery, is revealed recent Chapter reflections have led you in the love of the Crucified One (cf. Vita “Only those crucified to commit yourselves to renewing your Consecrata 17-19; 23), envelopes a per- mission, focusing on three elements­— son chosen by providence and extends by love, as Jesus was gratitude, prophecy, and hope. into a given community, to be implant- on the Cross, are able Gratitude is the experience of re- ed in the Church in response to specific membering the past within the context historical needs. For a charism to endure to help the crucified of of the Magnificat and walking toward over time, it is necessary to adapt it to the future with a Eucharistic attitude. new needs, keeping alive the creative history with effective Your gratitude is the result of the memo- power of its beginnings. words and actions.... ria passionis. Those who are immersed in This significant centennial anniversa- contemplation and engaged in the proc- ry represents a providential opportunity to Concrete actions are lamation of the love that was given to us move towards new apostolic goals, with- needed to make us from the Cross, perpetuate this historical out giving in to the temptation to “leave reality, and life is fulfilled and happy. things as they are” (Evangelii Gaudium, experience this love Prophecy is thinking and speaking in no. 25). Contact with the Word of God in in our own love.” the Spirit. This is possible for those who prayer and reading the signs of the times experience prayer as the life breath of in daily events will enable you to perceive their soul and can grasp the movements the creative presence of the Spirit whose outpouring over of the Spirit in the depths of their hearts and in all of cre- time, points out the answers to humanity’s expectations. ation. Then the word that is proclaimed is always adapted No one can escape the fact that today we live in a world to the needs of the present moment. May the memoria where nothing is the same as before. passionis make you prophets of the love of the Crucified Humanity is in a spiral of changes that call into ques- One in a world that is losing its sense of love. tion not only the value of the cultural currents that have Hope is the ability to see in the seed that dies the

16 January/February 2021 sprout of wheat, which yields thirty, sixty, one hundred but mysteriously He is also in every human being, to fold. It is a question of perceiving that in your religious whom He is joined in a unique way in the Incarnation, and parish communities, which are increasingly diminish- (cf. Gaudium et Spes, no. 22)—that­ He suffers and dies ing, the on-going generating action of the Spirit which again. Do not tire of accentuating your commitment to assures us that the mercy of the Father will not be lacking. the needs of humanity. This missionary calling is directed Hope means rejoicing in what exists, instead of complain- above all towards the crucified of our age—the poor, the ing about what is missing. In any case, do not allow your- weak, the oppressed and those discarded by many forms selves to “be robbed of the joy of evangelization” (Evan- of injustice. The implementation of this task will require a gelii Gaudium, no. 83). sincere effort of inner renewal on your part, which derives I hope that the members of your Institute will feel from your personal relationship with the Crucified-Ris- “branded” (ibid., no. 273) by the mission rooted in the me- en One. Only those crucified by love, as Jesus was on moria passionis. Your Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, calls the Cross, are able to help the crucified of history with the Passion of Jesus “the greatest and most overwhelming effective words and actions. In fact, it is not possible to work of God’s love” (Letters II, 499). He felt consumed convince others of God’s love only through a verbal and by that love and wanted to set the world on fire with his informative proclamation. Concrete gestures are needed personal missionary activity and that of his companions. to make us experience this love in our own love that is It is very important to remember that “Mission is at once offered by sharing the situations of the crucified, even to- a passion for Jesus and a passion for His people. When we tally spending one’s life, while remaining aware that be- stand before Jesus Crucified, we see the depth of His love tween the proclamation and its acceptance in faith there which exalts and sustains us, but at the same time, unless is the action of the Holy Spirit. we are blind, we begin to realize that Jesus’ gaze, burning The Mother of the Crucified-Risen One, a figure of with love, expands to embrace all His people. We realize the Church, a Virgin who listens, prays, offers, and gener- once more that He wants to make use of us to draw closer ates life, is the permanent memory of Jesus, especially of to His beloved people. He takes us from the midst of His His Passion. I entrust you to her and, invoking the inter- people, and He sends us to His people; without this sense cession of your Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, and of the of belonging we cannot understand our deepest identity” Passionist Saints and Blesseds, I wholeheartedly impart (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 268). the Apostolic Blessing upon the entire Passionist family As our Master and Savior, Jesus is risen and no lon- and on all those who will participate in the various cele- ger dies in His Body­—which mystically is the Church; brations of your solemn Jubilee. The Traveling Tri-Centennial Jubilee Icon special Jubilee icon has been traveling all over the the moon, the angel A world. The sacred triptych icon, written by Lou- of final judgment and kas Seroglou, contains an image of the mystery of the water as the current Trinity and much rich symbolism. of the life of the Holy In the center is presented Jesus’ death on the Cross. Spirit, represented in At the foot of the Cross is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. In the form of a dove. place of Saint John, is St. Paul of the Cross. He places On the left is his right hand on his heart, the place where the Pas- Saint Gemma who sionist habit bears the symbol of crucified love. represents the entire Above, there are two images under the cross, un- female component of der the extended arms of Christ—two­­ angels. They the Passionist Congregation, and Blessed Isidore, with lament and weep before the Passion of the Son of God. a heart wounded by love. On the right, St. Gabriel The trunk of the cross penetrates into the ground, into Possenti, with the skull, symbol of the mortality of a the underworld, where Satan awaits the moment of his human life without God and the lighted candle, sym- defeat. bolizing the relativity of every human dispute. Beneath Above the cross is the symbol of the Passionists, him is Blessed Dominic Barberi with an open book and surrounded by the hand of God, which blesses, and two pens. God speaks through the heart and through the symbols of creation and recreation—the sun and the intellect (PassionistNuns.org).

January/February 2021 17 Doctor of the Heart, Healer of the Soul The Spiritual Counsel of Dr. Conrad W. Baars

Kinds of Repression By Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P.

here are two kinds of repres- behavior in one who is afraid of the life. If the intellect were more appar- sion: the hysterical and obses- whole idea of sexuality, to physical ent in this neurosis, the repressed Tsive compulsive. They are dis- paralysis. The latter is the result of emotion would not be so free. He tinguished by personality type and by what is known as conversion reac- maintains that in his experience peo- which predominates, the repressing tion. “Conversions may affect every ple who suffer from this often do not or repressed emotion in the soul. Af- area of the sensory life: the sensibil- have an acute intelligence, although ter repression occurs the repressing ity, the voluntary motor system, the this is not without exception. emotion may allow the repressed external senses, the vaso-vegetative The obsessive-compulsive neu- emotion to do as it pleases. In this system, the consciousness, and oth- rosis has a different cause because case the repressed emotion becomes there the repressing emotion is much more pronounced in the character. more evident. The repressed emo- This is the hysterical neurosis. On tion has little influence in this neu- the other hand, the repressing emo- rosis. Generally, Dr. Baars divides tion may be more dominant. This is “There are two kinds of this neurosis into three types, all de- the obsessive-compulsive neurosis. repression: the hysterical termined by which of the repressing The distinction is important because emotions is most evident: fear also they truly involve different sorts of and obsessive compulsive. called anxiety, energy (courage in personalities and also different guid- They are distinguished by the Scholastic sense) and a combina- ance on the part of the therapist or tion of fear camouflaged by energy. confessor. personality type and Repressive neuroses are acquired In the hysterical neurosis, the re- by which predominates, and not innate and so may develop pressed emotion is allowed to go as it even in normal and healthy children pleases and is not under the control the repressed emotion under the right circumstances. In of intellect and will. The person who the fear neurosis, for example, fear in the soul.” suffers from this is unaware that their can show itself in somatic signs like emotional attitude and often their tremors and shivering or in psychic behavior are pathological. They ers. No matter where they become signs. One can be excessively fear- have no self-knowledge and very lit- manifest, neither reason nor the re- ful of making bad confessions even tle insight into their condition. The pressing emotion has any influence though one’s sins are only venial or uncontrolled nature of the repressed over them.” For example, a person where there is no sin at all. There are emotion can show itself in many ways suffering from repressed fear may be- many similarities between this sort of from hypersensitivity and a patho- come paralyzed. person and the person with the scru- logical need to be recognized in one Dr. Baars is of the opinion that pulous conscience. who has repressed the assertiveness this neurosis is due to a lack of in- This unreasoning fear is not emotions, to uncontrolled sexual fluence of the intellect on emotional only seen in strange reactions but

18 January/February 2021 the whole of life is penetrated ple of a woman who suffered by fear including the imagi- great fatigue and irritability nation. These emotions may because she was living over a show themselves powerfully in carpenter’s shop with a buzz dreams. They may also have saw. She wanted to move. strange and powerful phobias In the course of therapy, Dr. to things, persons or circum- Baars understood the woman stances of life. Sometimes was practicing birth control these fears may turn to anger through sexual withdrawal. and this demonstrates that the He explained the psycholog- person is trying to resist the ical harm of this practice be- fear. When the fear cannot be cause of the frustration of the resisted any longer, then the purposes of the act and the person has states of depression. which are very important in distin- true natural ends to which The opposite of this is the ener- guishing them. Only a trained psy- it is oriented. When she began to gy neurosis. Not every overachiever chiatrist who is a medical doctor practice natural family planning, the is an energy neurotic, but one who should undertake to diagnose them. situation changed and her problem has an energy neurosis is excessively Things like decreased or absent disappeared. She now enjoyed living assertive and domineering. “If this muscle-stretch reflexes and systolic over the carpenter’s shop. ambitious attitude is not directed at and diastolic blood pressure as well The therapy for each of these external objects, but at emotions and as blood sugar levels are important neuroses is different because the feelings, this driving force will also indicators. Again, this is because of condition is different. The most im- take a prominent place in the clin- the unity of the human soul. portant aspect of the therapy for the ically observable psychic manifesta- The third type of neurosis is a hysterical neurosis is to bring the tions. The undesirable emotions will sort of double repression. First, plea- repressed emotion into conscious- be radically repressed, so effectively sure is repressed by fear and then fear ness because the person is largely in fact that the victor seems to be a by energy. The difference between unaware of the tension that exists in balanced person.” this and the ordinary energy neu- this regard. The classic psychoanalyt- Though this masks as reason- rotic is that this person has a great ic method of Freud seems indicated able self-control, it is not. An energy desire to achieve but his fear affects here. Once this occurs cure can only neurotic’s whole life is characterized his effective pursuit of this desire. be accomplished when the cause not by inner peace, but by inner re- This type of fear neurotic is more in- of the excessive passions is identi- straint and coldness. Though one is telligent and the passions are more fied. This includes a proper moral efficient, there is no natural warmth subject to reason here. But the same education to substitute for the bad in relationships. “Tenderness and condition is generally present as in one. One may do this “by eliminat- compassion disappear,” especially all the others: the emotional life can- ing an external cause, by removing in women. A man or woman may not be controlled and directed by the ignorance, by substituting correct outwardly appear a great success, intellect and will. insights for erroneous ones, and by but all of their relationships are only There is one last point which helping the patient to see things in superficial. They are unable to expe- is important for religious. Dr. Baars their true light and to appreciate rience the true empathy symptomat- identifies what he calls “pseudo-neu- their true value.” ic of a virtuous life. Religion should rotic reactions.” These are emotion- Therapy for obsessive compulsive not make people cold and tense. al reactions and strange behaviors neurosis is very different. To attempt Nor should morality do so. “[T]heir which are caused by a passing sit- to force the repressed emotion back self-restraint is nothing but a forc- uation and not by a deep-seated into consciousness by a method like ing back, a certain attitude imposed emotional conflict. The person is psychoanalysis would only increase from the outside.” otherwise completely normal ex- the illness since it would increase Each of these forms of neu- cept for the emotionally troubling the action of the repressing emotion. rosis has physical manifestations situation. Dr. Baars gives the exam- (Continued on page 23)

January/February 2021 19 InnerView

With Sr. Faustina Maria Pia Bianchi, S.V., Assistant Vocations Director for the Sisters of Life & Composer of the Litany of Trust

Tell us a little about your family but also scared that I wouldn’t be to trust, and what was impeding me background. happy if I was a sister. In that mo- from trusting. My baptismal name is Faustina. ment of speaking honestly and vul- Jesus gently seemed to lift my My mom grew up in Germany as a nerably with the Lord about what chin to make me look at Him, and nominal Catholic. Her father left I wanted, He broke in and said, “I in an instant, there was a grace. He her family and so she had a lot of want you for Myself.” seemed to say, “I don’t want your pain growing up. God seemed dis- Suddenly, I tasted that love and ‘yes’ to go to a bunch of circumstanc- tant. She came across a pamphlet that joy and peace of what His love was es. I want you to give it to Me. I don’t on Divine Mercy very early on. She really like. I immediately said “yes,” to want your trust to be in the safe realm read one page and in this graced mo- not only give up nursing—which I re- of your understanding, but in Me.” ment, realized that there was Some- ally loved—but to be a nurse in His At that moment, I realized that one immensely in love with her; that eyes. To help the sick and the dying this is love, and it moved my heart nothing could stop Him from loving on a moral level. To bring the healing so deeply. That Jesus was pursuing her; and she immediately felt the that His love brings in the spiritual life my love, this pure gift I had to give love of the Father that she had nev- as well as the physical. Him, if I would choose Him above er really known. Her life changed. everything else. Which is what my So I grew up in a Catholic family So how did the Litany of Trust come heart wanted, although I didn’t rec- with a mother who loved my name about? ognize it. and instilled good values. After I made my first vows, I And then I felt as if there was a had grown a lot in my spiritual life billowing cloud coming up behind Had you always felt called to reli- but I was still very much a beginner. me, a desire not only that I would gious life? I encountered a situation that was trust, but that everyone would trust, As a young woman, I went to particularly difficult. It took me to a that everyone would realize that the school for nursing and hoped to be new frontier of trust because I didn’t invitation of love was for them. married someday. But there was an know what to do. Every time I tried As I sat there in the midst of inner restlessness growing inside me. to pray about it, I felt blank, like these desires, I heard Jesus in my I got home from the hospital one there was complete darkness and in- heart say, “Write the Litany of Trust.” night, and I fell into my bed, and just security about myself and about what I grabbed my journal and wrote: “Lit- started to cry. I said, “Jesus, I feel God was asking. This went on for a any of Trust” on the top of a page. It like I’m living my life like a car going number of months. all came so quickly! down a hill with its brakes on. I want When I went to prayer, I saw Je- to live, and something’s holding me sus in the Gospels and He was asking, Did you know right away that you back!” I realized it was my own con- “Do you believe Me? Do you trust would share the Litany with others? stricted view of happiness. Me, that I am the Lord?” I kept grap- I think deep down, I did know it I soon came to realize that God pling with what trust was and why it was for others, but it felt so vulner- had been pursuing me my whole life. was important. He kept showing me able to share that I kept it to myself Whenever I had seen (religious) sis- how crucial it was to trust Him, and for about a year. I prayed it myself. ters, I had been captivated by them yet I didn’t know what I had to do And although I had a sense it would

20 January/February 2021 be for others, I didn’t know it would nothing to give, it is enough. You are ment. Even though we feel heroic, it be for this many others! the one who shows me my worth.” is not spiritually fruitful because it has About a year later, I was at a When we don’t have the energy, the to be met in a state of love, it has to young adult talk speaking about space, the words, the time—when- be brought before His gaze and given mercy. I decided to end my talk with ever we feel like we have nothing to Him. For me, what really removed the Litany of Trust, and I led them to give, that is the moment of grace. the wedge between the relationship through the responses. After the talk, Now God can work. Now God is free with me and the Lord, which allowed I had a line of people asking for the because I’ve gotten out of the way! me to trust Him more deeply and be- prayer, and I didn’t have copies! Two lieve in His words and promises, was of the other sisters were there when Is it easier to trust God since you being upfront and saying, “I really I shared it. They asked, “Where did wrote this powerful Litany prayer? hate this.” “I feel so helpless here and you get them from?” I told them that It’s a learning curve, I still have I feel good for nothing.” “I have been I wrote it, and that one of our sisters struggles, but the more I trust Him, placed in a situation that has been who is a graphic designer created a the more I desire to trust Him, and difficult, I have ideas and why are pocket-size version of it to distribute. the greater my confidence to be real- you not allowing any of those things ly vulnerable with the Lord and hon- to happen” or whatever it is, saying, When did you realize that the appeal est with Him and myself and honest “God, I want to believe you and trust of the prayer was bigger than you with others. I have the desire to live you, but these negative thoughts are ever thought? life in the purest sense, to not sug- coming into my head. I want to trust I don’t remember that exactly, ar coat anything, or avoid anything, You, help me to trust You.” God can but I do remember being touched at to have wholeness, that God is good handle these things and He wants to certain points when I’d hear things— and He’s in it. He offers in every mo- lead us from the real reality of where like when a woman called to say she ment an exchange of love that is be- we are. was bringing it into the prisons—I ing offered no matter if I think there The second thing that I would lost it. And when I see it translated should be one or shouldn’t be one. suggest is learning from St. Thérèse into so many different languages, in He is offering everything at every of the Child Jesus and how she saw Africa, all over Europe. But the indi- moment, to really live the present her weaknesses change the whole vidual stories have touched me the moment in its integrity and there is landscape of our encounter with God. most. For example, a priest who was great peace and freedom that believ- Under the Torrent of His Love is a short struggling with his vocation called to ing that brings. book about her spirituality being tell me that it was the only prayer he linked to her understanding of mer- was able to pray in that darkness. As we continue to endure this pan- cy. Basically, the whole of it is, when demic, what suggestions do you have we understand that God is a merci- How do you see the Lord using this for those still struggling to trust Jesus? ful Father, the necessary spirituality prayer to teach others? First thing, which I have seen in that emerges is spiritual childhood. I have come to realize that it is my own life and has been a catalyst If we experience God’s mercy then such a gift to be a part of and yet de- for graces, is to have a really open di- we can TRUST Him. Everything tached from it, in the sense that God alogue with Jesus, silent prayer time that Thérèse writes is understand- had used me in my weakest point—a­ where you are really speaking to Him ing God’s mercy. A huge combo of testimony to the fruitfulness of our as a friend. Don’t worry about saying learning about trust is between Saint “yes.” Whatever God has called us things the right way, say things as you Faustina and Saint Thérèse. to, He asks nothing more than our are feeling them. You won’t be able to This interview was adapted from consent and the space in our soul to move beyond it (if you don’t) because ones published by Claire Dwyer move. But that requires our humili- it is not healthy to swallow things. (EventheSparrow.com) and Bonnie ty…and our trust. The saints could suffer things in si- Kate (GodisMyGlue.com). Used with When we have nothing else to lence because they were really and permission. give, that is enough. We simply have truly offering it in love but for most of to say to God, “I believe in Your love us when we suffer in silence it usually For more information visit: SistersofLife.org so much, that when I feel like I have leads to bitterness, anger, and resent-

January/February 2021 21 The LitanyWritten by the Sisters of of Life Trust rom the belief that I have to earn rom the belief that my life has no FYour love... Fmeaning or worth... Deliver me, Jesus. Deliver me, Jesus.

rom the fear that I am unlovable... rom the fear of what love demands... FDeliver me, Jesus. FDeliver me, Jesus. rom the false security that I have rom discouragement... Fwhat it takes... FDeliver me, Jesus. Deliver me, Jesus. hat You are continually holding rom the fear that trusting You Tme, sustaining me, loving me... Fwill leave me more destitute... Jesus, I trust in you. Deliver me, Jesus. hat Your love goes deeper than rom all suspicion of Your words Tmy sins and failings, and trans- Fand promises... forms me... Deliver me, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you. hat You give me the grace to ac- rom the rebellion against child- hat not knowing what tomor- Tcept forgiveness and to forgive Flike dependency on You... Trow brings is an invitation to others... Deliver me, Jesus. lean on You... Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. rom refusals and reluctances in hat You give me all the strength Faccepting Your will... hat you are with me in my TI need for what is asked... Deliver me, Jesus. Tsuffering... Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. rom anxiety about the future... hat my life is a gift... F Deliver me, Jesus. hat my suffering, united to Your TJesus, I trust in you. Town, will bear fruit in this life rom resentment or excessive pre- and the next... hat You will teach me to trust Foccupation with the past... Jesus, I trust in you. TYou... Deliver me, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you. hat You will not leave me or- rom restless self-seeking in the Tphaned, that You are present in hat You are my Lord and my Fpresent moment... Your Church... TGod... Deliver me, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you.

rom disbelief in Your love and hat Your plan is better than any- hat I am Your beloved one... Fpresence Tthing else... TJesus, I trust in you. Deliver me, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you. Permission granted to reprint for per- rom the fear of being asked to hat You always hear me and in Your sonal or parish use; not to use for sale. Fgive more than I have... Tgoodness always respond to me... Please cite: written by the Sisters of Deliver me, Jesus. Jesus, I trust in you. Life (SistersofLife.org).

22 January/February 2021 IRL News & Notes Ann Arbor Dominicans Release New Music Album he Dominican Sisters of Mary, new musical album is dedicated to Mother of the Eucharist in Mother Assumpta Long, O.P. The ded- Ann Arbor, are happy to re- ication reads: Tlease a collection of hymns composed “From the very beginning in our for peaceful reflection and contem- Community’s history, founded plative prayer. The Mother of Fair over 20 years ago on the inspira- Love album is a crossover between tion of Pope Saint John Paul II’s traditional and original hymns, and call for new evangelization in the sung by the Sisters’ choir with the Third Millennium, Mother has intention of giving the listener a led us through thick and thin with glimpse into their monastic life. wisdom, strength, gentleness, and Available as a digital download courage. This music is offered to own Mother Assumpta, whom only, Brad Michel, Grammy-winning help raise hearts to God and His our gracious Lord gave us in His producer and audio engineer, recorded Blessed Mother. We dedicate to abundant generosity.” all the music on the album in the Sis- them this offering of song and For more information please visit, ters’ Motherhouse chapel. The brand- praise, in thanksgiving for our SistersofMary.org,

Kinds of Repression (cont. from pg. 19) The therapy for the energy neu- The most important thing is not Psychoanalysis is then not in- rotic is based on the contrast between a threatening demand that these dicated here. In each instance the the two types of personality. Here the people understand what is happen- therapy for this neurosis is some- utility appetite is out of all bounds. So, ing to them, but a gradual and spon- what distinct but oriented to the therapy demands that one must try to taneous process where the hyper- same goal. diminish and end the excessive ener- trophied emotion can reduce and In the fear neurosis, trust is the gy, but also try to restore the repressed the repressed emotion can again be key. The therapist does not have emotions to their natural place. This assimilated into the higher self. The to worry about transference here as is very hard for the energy neurotic therapy for fear camouflaged by en- trust in the therapist is key so that the because he is convinced that his way ergy is also based on a flawless expla- fear can diminish. “This necessary of life is ideal. “Rest is one of the first nation of the philosophy of man and feeling of confidence presupposes the things that the therapist should pre- the place of the emotions therein. presence of two conditions in the pa- scribe for the energy neurotic.” Both Catholic doctrine in general tient: first, trust that the therapist’s The person’s lack of rest can be and Thomistic philosophy in partic- understanding of emotional disor- caused by his willed determination to ular are especially helpful. ders and their related moral aspects succeed in whatever he wants. These Footnotes: is correct; and second, confidence in people are so successful that only a 1 Conrad W. Baars, Psychic him as a person.” This indicates that complete psychological collapse will Wholeness and Healing, New for a Christian the patient must have convince them there is anything York: Alba House (1981), p. 66. confidence that the therapist has a wrong. If the energy neurosis is deter- 2 Baars, Psychic, p. 73. true understanding of the teaching mined by the intellect, which is the 3 Baars, Psychic, p. 72. of the Church on morals. This must case when the person is intellectually 4 Baars, Psychic, p. 73. be coupled with an almost intuitive convinced that it is his moral duty to 5 Baars, Psychic, p. 80. trust that the therapist has a sincere suppress his feelings, then a good ex- 6 Baars, Psychic, p. 90. affection for him as an individual and planation of surrender to God in im- 7 Baars, Psychic, p. 93. is interested in his good. perfect man is needed. 8 Baars, Psychic, p. 104.

January/February 2021 23 , Lufkin Dominicans Celebrate Diamond Jubilee ongratulations to the Domini- Although the Ccan Nuns of the Monastery of people of the East the Infant Jesus in Lufkin, Texas, Texas Bible belt who celebrated their 75th anniver- were not famil- sary this past November. iar with cloistered In 1945, their foundresses nuns, given that left their home, the Monastery of the Catholic pop- the Blessed Sacrament in Detroit ulation was very (now Farmington Hills), Michi- small, they respect- gan, and arrived in Texas. They ed and valued a life of prayer and oress. “I think that’s what has moved into a farm house out in dedication to God. “We are so bound us together.” This spirit the country, and were soon able thankful to be in Lufkin, where we of ecumenism continues to be a to live a regular monastic life, have been planted, where God’s distinctive and cherished mark of including adoration of the Bless- Word was already cherished and their Dominican community. ed Sacrament. On November 9, where we could join our prayers For more information on the 1945, papal enclosure was official- with the prayers of the communi- Monastery of the Infant Jesus, ly established. ty,” said Sr. Mary Margaret, pri- please visit LufkinTxNuns.org.

2021 VCI Summer Courses Scheduled The 2021 Vita Consecrata Institute summer session will take place June 28–July 23, 2021, on the campus of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. We certainly hope that the COVID-19 restrictions will be eased enough by then to have a fruitful time of instruction, fellowship and prayer together. The following is the planned schedule.

Session I: June 28–July 9, 2021 • CONL 621—History of the Consecrated Life —Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. • SPIR 634—Virtues and the Spiritual Life —Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P. • SPIR 805—St. Joseph and the Consecrated Life —Rev. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.

Session II: July 12–July 23, 2021 • CONL 623—Scriptural Foundations of the Consecrated Life —Rev Gregory Dick, O.Praem. • CONL 625—Vatican II and the Consecrated Life —Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. • SPIR 803—Heart Speaks to Heart —Rev. Alphonsus Hermes, O.Praem.

For more information, please call 703-658-4304 or visit Christendom.edu/vci

24 January/February 2021 Pope Francis Declares Year of Saint Joseph arking the 150th anniversary and her life” also serves as an exam- right to a life of dignity for them- Mof Saint Joseph being declared ple for men today, Pope Francis add- selves and their families. patron of the universal church, Pope ed. “In our own day, when employ- Francis proclaimed a yearlong cele- “Today, in our world where psy- ment has once more become a burn- bration dedicated to the foster father chological, verbal and physical vio- ing social issue, and unemployment of Jesus. lence toward women is so evident, at times reaches record levels,... In a December 8th apostolic let- Joseph appears as the figure of a there is a renewed need to appreci- ter, Patris Corde (“With a Father’s respectful and sensitive man,” he ate the importance of dignified work, heart”), the Holy Father said Chris- wrote. of which St. Joseph is an exemplary tians can discover in Saint Joseph, Pope Francis also highlighted patron,” he said. who often goes unnoticed, “an inter- Saint Joseph’s “creative courage,” As a “just man,” the document cessor, a support and a guide in times not only in finding a stable and mak- continued, who guarded “the inti- of trouble.” ing it a “welcoming home for the son mate secret that lies at the bottom “Saint Joseph reminds us that of God (who came) into the world,” of the heart and soul,” Saint Joseph those who appear hidden or in the but also in protecting Christ from practiced the virtue of justice in “full shadows can play an incomparable the threat posed by King Herod. adherence to the divine law, which is role in the history of salvation. A “The Holy Family had to face the law of mercy.” word of recognition and of gratitude concrete problems like every other “Therefore, those who, follow- is due to them all,” he said. family, like so many of our migrant ing the example of Saint Joseph, will As Mary’s husband and guard- brothers and sisters who, today, too, perform a corporal or spiritual work ian of the Son of God, Joseph turned risk their lives to escape misfortune of mercy, will also be able to obtain “his human vocation to domestic and hunger. In this regard, I consid- the gift of the plenary indulgence,” love into a superhuman oblation of er Saint Joseph the special patron of it said. himself, his heart and all his abilities, all those forced to leave their native Indulgences will also be granted a love placed at the service of the lands because of war, hatred, perse- to couples, families and communi- Messiah who was growing to maturi- cution and poverty,” the Pope said. ties who recite the together ty in his home.” As a carpenter who earned “an and thus imitate the “same climate Despite being troubled at first honest living to provide for his fam- of communion, love and prayer lived by Mary’s pregnancy, he added, ily,” Christ’s earthly guardian is also in the Holy Family.” Other acts of Saint Joseph was obedient to God’s an example for both workers and devotion are encouraged to deepen will “regardless of the hardship in- those seeking employment and the one’s love for Saint Joseph. volved.” “In every situation, Joseph de- LA Regional Meeting–Save the Date! clared his own ‘fiat,’ like those of The 2021 Los Angeles Regional Meeting Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus will take place on May 15, 2021, at Sts. Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane,” the & Paul Catholic Church, in Wilmington, Cal- Pope noted. “All this makes it clear ifornia. The theme of the meeting is: “With that Saint Joseph was called by God a Father's Heart: Saint Joseph, Guardian of to serve the person and mission of the Redeemer.” Jesus directly through the exercise of Religious, priests, consecrated persons, his fatherhood and that, in this way, laity and students are most welcome to he cooperated in the fullness of time attend. The cost is only $20 per person in the great mystery of salvation and and includes lunch. Registration begins at is truly a minister of salvation.” 8:30 a.m. and the day concludes with Ben- Joseph’s unconditional accep- ediction at 3:30pm. For more information tance of Mary and his decision to please visit ReligiousLife.com. protect her “good name, her dignity

January/February 2021 25 Affiliate in Focus Poor Clare Colettine Monastery Santa Barbara, California

Set Apart for God in a Personal Covenant of Love

he Colettine Poor Clare Nuns By religious con- of Santa Barbara live a bal- secration, the Poor Tanced contemplative life of Clares are totally prayer and work. As enclosed nuns, set apart for God in their primary work in the Church a personal covenant is to offer praise to God, principally of love, making a through their participation in dai- complete gift of self ly Mass and the celebration of the to the Divine Bride- Liturgy of the Hours seven times a groom. To the ordi- day. Eucharistic adoration has al- nary vows of obedi- ways been a hallmark of Franciscan ence, poverty, and spirituality; not only their own eyes, , the nuns but their very lives are turned to Je- add a fourth vow sus in the Blessed Sacrament. From of enclosure. These the time of their holy Mother Saint vows draw them Clare, they have maintained the cus- deeply into the life of Jesus and are of God, who emptied Himself and tom of rising for prayer in the middle the source of profound and enduring became poor for our sake, that we of the night. joy. God is always faithful, and His fi- might become rich (cf. 2 Cor 8:9). Saint Francis and Saint Clare delity makes theirs possible. By the vow of poverty, the sisters saw work as a grace. This is the spir- By the , mem- claim nothing as their own in order it with which the nuns apply them- bers share in the redemptive mission to be emptied of worldly things and selves to their tasks, cooperating of Christ, who was surrendered to filled with eternal riches. Their iden- wholeheartedly with God in His cre- the will of the Father in all things, tification with Jesus in His poverty is ation and uniting themselves to Our even to death on the Cross. They are shown both by outward signs such as Lord in His life of humble human la- obedient to the Holy Roman Church simple furnishings and their type and bor at Nazareth. Members do the or- and all her teachings, as well as to manner of work, and in their interior dinary tasks of any household: clean- their . There is a marvelous disposition of continual availability to ing, cooking, sewing and ironing. spiritual freedom in obeying God’s the Spirit of the Lord. Thus focused Some sisters put at the service of the will as it comes to us daily through on the “one thing necessary” (Lk community secretarial, maintenance the Rule and Constitutions, their su- 10:42), the life and love of Jesus can and gardening skills, and others their periors and the needs of their sisters. fill the nuns completely. musical talents and nursing abilities. Living this vow opens their hearts to The Poor Clare love for Jesus is Whatever the task, all contribute to place themselves at the loving service a bridal love. Their vow of chastity is integrity and the common good, in of God’s plan. the response to being chosen to enter which work is carried out in such a The Franciscan concept of pov- into a spousal relationship with Jesus, way as to serve their prayer. erty is based on the life of the Son to Whom they pledge themselves

26 January/February 2021 In the Spirit of the Founders. . . Bearing Witness to Christ’s Love he Poor Clare Nuns of Santa Barbara are part of Tthe second branch of the Franciscan Order, founded in the thirteenth century by Saint Clare under the inspiration and guidance of St. Francis of Assisi. with an undivided heart. Union with Over eight hundred years ago, a Christ endows their lives with a re- poor man named Francis Berna- markable spiritual fruitfulness, as the done preached the holy Gospel sisters become the mothers of souls. to a young noblewoman, Clare By living the vow of enclosure, Offreduccio. Francis kindled the the are conformed to fire of Christ’s love in Clare, and Christ’s hidden and Eucharistic life. the flame that was lit in her heart Physical separation from the world continues to burn brightly in her provides the atmosphere of silence spiritual daughters throughout the and solitude necessary for a life ded- world. icated to contemplative prayer, and As cloistered contemplative nal support to the community just it is their very particular way of living nuns, they are a sign of the exclu- as Saints Francis and Clare desired and expressing the Pascal Mystery of sive union of the Church as Bride them to be. Christ. This liberating gift leads those with her Lord Whom she loves The sisters strive to remain who receive it over that threshold above all things. Their hidden life faithful to the ideals of Francis and which opens upon a life of profound is a silent proclamation of God’s Clare, adapting to modern times union with God. Within the Heart of existence and says that He is wor- without accommodating to the Christ, the nuns embrace the world in thy of all our love. Their vocation ways of the world. The commu- a sacrificial love which unites them to is a precious gift within the mys- nity observes the reform of Saint it in an eminently spiritual way. tery of the Church and a source Colette, dating back to the 15th of grace for the world. They dwell century. As Poor Clare Colettines, “hidden with Christ in God” (Col they have retained the traditional 3:3) at the missionary heart of the habit, night rising, perpetual fast Church, and through constant and the observance of papal enclo- prayer and joyful penance they sure. The nuns also continue to go strive to be “co-workers of God barefoot as a sign of Gospel pover- Himself and a support to the frail ty and in witness to the transcen- and failing members of His ineffa- dence of God. ble Body” (Saint Clare). The infinite Love which the Founded from Oakland, Cal- nuns contemplate each day in For more information contact: ifornia in 1928 at the request of prayer flows out to their sisters in Mother Aimee Marie of the the Franciscan of the St. community and in a mystical way to Eucharist, P.C.C., Abbess Barbara Province, the Poor Clare the whole world. Living in love as a 215 E. Los Olivos Street Monastery is located near Old religious family in an enclosed com- Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Mission Santa Barbara, and the munity, they bear witness to Christ Tel: 805-682-7670 friars have been their chaplains and are a sign of hope and healing PoorClareSantaBarbara.org over the years. They are a frater- to a torn and fragmented world.

January/February 2021 27 Theological Reflections

By Rev John A. Hardon, S.J. Servant of God/IRL Founder (1914–2000) Practical Recommendations for a Fruitful Lent here are two guiding prin- • Occasionally reciting the Litany • By going through the spiritual ciples for the observance of of the Precious Blood. and corporal works or mercy, and TLent. During this penitential • Spending some extra time before selecting one or more on which season, the faithful are to grow in the Blessed Sacrament, asking we wish to concentrate during their love of Jesus Crucified, and they Our Lord to grow in the under- Lent, as our form of penance-as- are to practice extra penance for their standing of His continued Passion love, offered to the loving but of- own and other people’s sins. Both as- now in the Church, which is His fended God. pects deserve some explanation. Mystical Body on earth! On the second level, our pen- Love of Jesus Crucified. The spir- • Making an occasional entry into ance should strive to endure some it of Lent is the spirit of Christ Cruci- one’s spiritual journal about, pain in order to expiate the sinful fied. Therefore, whatever enables us “How much the Passion of Christ pleasure that is always the substance to better understand Christ’s Passion means to me.” of sin. This can take on a variety of and Death, and deepens our respon- Reparation for Sin. In practicing forms, and no two people are the sive love for His great love toward us penance, we should keep in mind same in this matter. The following should be fostered during the Lenten that there are two levels of repara- are merely examples. season. Some recommendations: tion we are to practice­—for our own • More frequent reception of the • Meditation on the Gospel narra- and other people’s sins. We are to Sacrament of Penance. tives of Christ’s Passion. expiate the guilt incurred by failing • More frequent attendance at • Spiritual reading of books like in one’s love for God. And we are to Mass. Goodier’s Passion and Death of Our repair the harm done ­by disobeying • Sacrifice of some hours per week Lord Jesus Christ, Marmi- the will of God. that would otherwise have been on’s The Way of the Cross, Edward On the first level, our penance spent in watching television, lis- Leon’s Why the Cross?, Fulton should be the practice of a deeper tening to the radio, reading sec- Sheen’s The Seven Last Words. and more generous love for God: ular newspapers, magazines, or • Recitation of prayers like the An- • By making acts of divine love. fiction. ima Christi. • By doing our ordinary work with • Walking instead of driving, and • Besides making the daily Way of more selfless love for God. walking upstairs instead of using the Cross, encouraging others to • By putting our heart more sincere- an elevator. make the Stations on Fridays. ly into whatever we are doing, and • Doing without some delicacy, or • Having some symbol of Christ’s periodically telling our Lord we not eating between meals. Passion, like the crucifix, to re- are doing it out of love for Him. • Getting up promptly in the morn- mind us of the Passion at odd • By deciding before Lent, what ing, and retiring in good time at moments of the day. form(s) of charity to practice to- night. • Having some short aspiration wards those with whom we live • Answering letters or writing to which is recited (at least men- or work. Nothing is no more persons who would appreciate tally) a few times during the day, pleasing to God as expiation, hearing from us. like, “My Jesus Crucified,” or especially through selfless love • Gauging one’s time in telephone “Heart of Jesus, obedient unto shown to others whom God puts conversation or conversation in death, have mercy on us.” into our daily life. general.

28 January/February 2021 Wisdom from Peter Kreeft ◆ WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS he Psalms are the most popular and universally loved book in Tthe Bible. They are hymns, songs, poems, and prayers— formal and informal, liturgical and spontaneous – and have many layers of meaning.  e brilliant Kree focuses on a dozen of the best-known psalms and leads us through his personal explorations of this deep ocean of divinely inspired spiritual water, pulling up treasures for our soul along the way. WFPP . . . Sewn So cover, $17.95

“ ese wise, winsome, and lyrical commentaries will enthrall Christian students of Scripture with their rich insights and luminous lessons." — Patrick Madrid, Host, e Patrick Madrid Show

"Kreeft is the foremost living apologist for God's existence. I urge you to read his perennially youthful and always fresh cra ." — Scott Hahn, from the Foreword

◆ PROBES: Deep Sea Diving into ◆ HOW TO BE HOLY John’s Gospel Using the insights and experiences of saints and great No ordinary book, this is a set of probing questions (1,450) spiritual writers throughout history, Kreeft shows what designed to help individuals or groups to dive deeply into holiness is and how it can be achieved. He stresses the John’s Gospel. No answers are provided, but the questions are simplicity of his approach to holiness, which focuses phrased in such a way as to set a person in a reliable direction mainly on the virtue of love. for nding the answers. HTBHP . . . Sewn Softcover, $16.95 PRBSP . . . Sewn Softcover, $17.95 ◆ DOORS IN THE WALLS ◆ SYMBOL OR SUBSTANCE? OF THE WORLD A Dialogue on the Eucharist Signs of Transcendence in the Human Story In this engaging fictional conversation, Kreeft gives With razor-sharp reasoning and irrepressible joy, Kree helps credible voices to C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Billy us to find the doors in the walls of the world. Drawing on Graham as they discuss one of the most contentious ques- history, science, psychology, philosophy, literature, and art, tions in the history of Christianity: Is Jesus symbolically or he invites us to welcome what lies on the other side so we can substantially present in the Holy Eucharist? begin living the life of Heaven now. SSP . . . Sewn So cover, $16.95 DWWP . . . Sewn Softcover, $15.95

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“Institute on Religious Life”

Save the Date! 2021 IRL National Meeting Saturday, April 10, 2021

“With a Father’s Heart: St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer”

he 2021 IRL National Meeting will be held on Satur- Tday, April 10, 2021, at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Depending upon current COVID restrictions, in-person attendance may be limited so please register early. The meeting will be live-streamed for those who can- not attend in person. Attendees are welcome to book extra nights to spend a little quiet time on retreat. There will be four talks during the day, Mass and a din- ner on Saturday evening where we will honor Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, SCMC, with the 2021 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award. The talks will focus on Saint Joseph, To register, contact: who in his silence, humility, and faithfulness to God, is a model for the Christian life.

Institute on Religious Life P.O. Box 7500 The 2021 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award will be bestowed upon Mother Libertyville, IL 60048-7500 Marie Julie Saegaert, S.C.M.C. Mother is the Superior General of the Sisters (847) 573-8975 of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the [email protected] Church and was a long-time IRL Board Member and Executive Vice-President.