PAX Summer 2016
Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus Gower, MO 64454 Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Dear Family, Friends and Benefactors, our chaplain, Fr. Carney and visiting Sisters from Clyde, we had a rosary procession with “Thou hast made all the borders of the earth: the a banner made for the occasion. A Holy Hour summer and the spring were formed by thee.” Ps.73:17 of reparation followed, ending with a rousing Indeed, the borders of our little monastery have “Christus Vincit” to Christ Our King. been bursting with life and God’s blessings. These have been very exciting months for us on Maryam-Thomas became Sr. Maryam- so many levels, so much for which to be grateful! Thomas on the Solemnity of St. Benedict, July 11th. Adelheid, our second non-American fol- In early June, we were privileged to receive lows close at her heels since she has also been first blessings and hear first Masses of many granted her visa. Now we just have one more of our newly ordained priests. There is nothing visa to be processed for Berdine, a young that touches us so deeply as this holy time when woman from Holland. And it’s looking like we Mother Cecilia with her niece Bridget, we see the personified bearers of our prayers! will receive a few more postulants to join them whom she met for the first time. It has before the year’s end. Fierce thunderstorms afflicted us all day been a joy to have many of our families on the feast of Corpus Christi, but the clouds visiting this Summer. It will be just in time too, since the postu- broke for a real “miracle of the sun” just for late and novitiate will be happily “depleted!” our procession. We were mindful especially of Sr. Rosina and Sr. Clara become novices and the apparitions of the angel of Portugal at Fati- Sr. Maria Michaela professes first vows on ma this year, the 100th anniversary of his visits Saturday, September 10th. All are welcome to the three children on this feast honoring to attend this two-fold ceremony at St. James Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. He showed Church in St. Joseph, MO at 10:30 am. Please them by his prayers and prostrations the esteem pray for these dear Sisters as they make their and reverence with which we all ought to honor final preparations for this blessed day. Our Lord in His Body and Blood. Guests are never lacking in a monastery The 240th anniversary of our nation’s as our Holy Rule says, and this has definitely founding took on a more monastic tone as we been the case this Summer! There has scarcely chanted the Mass “Da Pacem” in reparation for been a day when the retreat house is not oc- the sins of our nation, particularly the ones that cupied by priest retreatants from across the cry to heaven for vengeance. After a picnic with country (and beyond!) It is as of this writing full to capacity! We thank God and you, our dear benefactors, for this sacred space of respite.
Sr. Maryam-Thomas kisses her newly-blessed postulant medal on the Solemnity of the Translation of the relics of St. Benedict, July 11th.
After eleven months of patient waiting, a visa was granted to Adelheid from Germany. She helped Sr. Mary Josefa “de-eye” Sr. Maria Michaela petitions Mother potatoes during her visit. and the Chapter to make vows. We were privileged to receive first blessings and hear first Masses of Fr. Edward Brodsky, FSSP, Fr. Joseph Kelly (Springfield- Cape Girardeau), Fr. Christo- pher Mahowald, FSSP, Fr. Joshua Houck, FSSP, and Fr. Kent Poll- man (St. Louis) and at the end of May and early June. Fr. Carney recounted his recent travels to Europe at our picnic.
(Left) A banner was made in our country’s The Mass of reparation colors, depicting the “Da Pacem” was chanted, Merciful Heart of Jesus and Father read the Act of for this year of Mercy Reparation to the Sacred and the seven stars of Heart during Exposition. the Apocalypse. It was carried in procession before Sr. Wilhelmina energetically joined in a red-white-and-blue bedecked bier bearing patriotic songs that recall our Our Lady of Fatima, while the nuns prayed the rosary. Nation’s Christian roots. Our field corn for the animals was planted quickly and in good order with a tape measure and a row of nuns with good knees...... and God took care of the rest!
We put our front fields to good use in growing hay and alfalfa for the cows. The hay bales made a pretty picture until…
…Sr. Margaret Mary’s father and brothers helped us gather Our first mushroom them into the barn. crop!
Mr. Hugh Owen of the Kolbe Institute for Creation gives an expert and beautiful presentation on Genesis. Dr. Owen continues to offer us practical garden advice!
Efforts to Improve Our Plot We happily welcomed a “nun appreciated the young run” from the Fraternity ladies’ help in the garden, parish in Minnesota, and sewing room and dairy.
We are so blessed to live out our ora et labora, anticipating the life of heaven, singing God’s goodness in the liturgy, and seeing it as we bring order to our land. Manual labor reminds us of the innocence of our first parents, and our dependence upon God. Truly, without Him we could do nothing! It has been a good year, with rains in due season and a rich harvest thus far. As 2014 was the year of the tomato and 2015 that of the cucumber, 2016 will go down as the year of the blackberry! Finally, and most importantly, we stand in great need of your help for the con- struction of the church more than ever. We humbly ask you to please continue sustaining this project for God’s glory. Every dollar you give will go directly towards our church fund. Perhaps you know of some folks who might like to help with this worthy project. How grateful we would be for you to spread the word! Through your assistance and that of St. Joseph, may we soon be able to accommodate our growing community and ever increasing number of guests in our new Church, a beautiful house of God. May He bless and reward you! “The King of Love,” In His Merciful Heart, a gift given by one of our own Diocesan priests.
It has been a blessing to host our dear Benedictine Sisters from Clyde, Sr. Jane, Sr. Lynn and Sr. Rebecca for a few months this Summer (including Sr. Lynn’s birthday!) They were a tremendous help in all areas of work during their stay, and will be sorely missed by all. Architect Bill Heyer’s schematic plans Please help for the monastery us build Church. Floor plan, with a basement below for ceremony Cross section of the Church. receptions and The north transept next to the gatherings. guest wing will be for guests, and our church!!! the choir in the nave.
Upper view from the Northwest.
The North elevation, showing the entryway and vestibule (narthex) for visitors.
Cross section of the South side with the bell tower.
The sanctuary, with baldachin. Plans are already underway for the carving of the wood choir stalls. Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles Notice to our benefactors: We do not and will not sell, rent, Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus publish or in any way disclose your contact information to any P.O. Box 303 other list. We thank you for your continued support! Gower, MO 64454
Friday’s kittens: Eeeny Meeny, Miney and Moe