Forming Apostles for Today

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P.O. Box 1339, Ft. Collins, CO 80522 (800) 651-1531 Table of Contents

Features Columns 3 2019 IRL National Meeting: 8 Back to the Basics: Forming Apostles for Today Q & A on the Essential M. Kathleen O’Brien Elements of Religious Life The Vocation to 7 2019 Pro Fidelitate et Religious Life—Part III Virtute Award Citation Rev. Thomas Dubay, S.M. Little Sisters of the Poor 11 Answering the Master’s 16 The Courage to Take a Call: A Prodigal Daughter Risk for God’s Promise Returns Home Message for the Sr. Elizabeth Miles, S.deM. 2019 World Day of 13 Holy Orders for Lay Prayer for Vocations People: Following in Pope Francis the Footsteps of St. John de Matha Departments Anne Tschanz 18 The Taming of the 2 Institute Insights Tongue: Practical 20 InnerView Spiritual Guidance to With Sr. John Mary Sullivan, Grow in Christian Virtue FSE, Program Specialist for A Daily Rule Life, Marriage & Family Dr. Elaine Murray Stone Office, Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia 28 Theological Reflections Christ is Our Hope 22 IRL News & Notes Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J.

26 Affiliate in Focus The Cistercian of Valley of Our Lady Monastery —Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin May/June 2019 Institute Insights Vol. XLIII No. 3 ur Mission: Religious Life is published R e v . T h o m a s N e l s o n , O.P r a e m . Osix times a year by the Institute on Religious Life, Inc. (IRL). The IRL is a na- he 2019 National IRL Meeting was a beautiful cel- tional organization founded in 1974 to ebration filled with Easter joy. The Pro Fidelitate encourage, support and assist authentic et Virtute award was given to the Little Sisters of consecrated life as set forth by Vatican the Poor for their faithful service to the Church II and its implementation by the Holy Tin America for the past 150 years. The Apostolic Nuncio, See. Membership in the IRL is comprised Archbishop Christophe Pierre, celebrated the Mass and of bishops, , religious and lay persons. shared some reflections on the Little Sisters at the Ban- quet. You can read more about the weekend in M. Kathleen O’Brien’s Religious Life is sent to active mem- article which encapsulates all of the talks. bers of the IRL ($30 per year for U.S. membership) or to those who request it. The Church thrives when vocations are strong and plentiful, especially Institutional or library subscriptions are vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Prayer is the primary way also available. Send all correspondence to promote vocations as Pope Francis reminds us in his address on the to Religious Life, P.O. Box 7500, Liber- occasion of the 2019 World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Rev. Thomas tyville, IL 60048, or call 847-573-8975. Dubay, S.M., answers questions about religious vocations in his typical- Executive Editor ly clear and practical presentation imbued with evangelical wisdom in Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. Back to Basics, Q & A on the Essential Elements of Religious Life. The Managing Editor surest way for a community to attract vocations is fidelity to the Gospel Mr. D. Wick and their particular charism. The Cistercian Nuns of Our Lady of the Assistant Editor/Circulation Valley Monastery in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, are attracting vocations. Mrs. Anne Tschanz Their contemplative way of life is austere but balanced and completely Layout & Design centered on Christ. You can read about them in our Affiliate in Focus. Catholic Creative Services, Inc. Religious vocations don’t arise out of a vacuum. They are most often IRL Founder from good Catholic families. As we know, the family is in crisis and the + Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J. Church is the family’s greatest defender and healer. Many religious wit- IRL Executive Director ness to this, like Sr. John Mary Sullivan, FSE. She heads a program for Mr. Jeffrey Karls Life, Marriage and Family in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Co- IRL Officers lumbia. We interview her in this issue. Most Rev. Robert F. Vasa Many struggle to find their vocation in life, even those from good fami- President lies. They are often lost in the culture which is far from Christ and even Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, S.C.M.C. Executive Vice President hostile to the Gospel. Fortunately, many find their way back to Christ and Mr. Paul Doetsch Treasurer the Church. Sr. Elizabeth Miles, S. de M. witnesses to this her Answering the Master’s Call testimony, “A Prodigal Daughter Returns Home.” Mr. Frederick R. Dempsey, Secretary Sr. Beth Ann Dillon, D.S.M.P. Hope is such an important virtue in this culture of death we live in. Faith Rev. Bob Lombardo, C.F.R. opens us to a biblical world view and hope strengthens the will to em- Rt. Rev. Austin Murphy, O.S.B. brace it with the cross as its centerpiece. Rev. John A. Mrs. Bonnie Quirke Hardon, S.J., with characteristic clarity, expounds on the virtue of hope Mrs. Patricia Sanders in his Theological Reflections. Mr. Patrick Spencer Faith leads to justification and confession leads to salvation, as Executive Committee Paul teaches us. Confession requires speaking the truth in love and that

© 2019 Institute on Religious Life, Inc. All requires controlling our speech. Dr. Elaine Murry Stone gives us some rights reserved. Religious Life is printed practical suggestions to help us grow in this virtue of veracity in her in the U.S.A. Reproduction of material ap- column, The Taming of the Tongue. pearing in Religious Life is prohibited with- About the Cover: A collage of photographs taken during the 2019 IRL out written prior permission. Unsolicited articles, poetry and other original works National Meeting at the University of St. Mary of the Lake–Mundelein may be submitted for consideration. Seminary, The theme of the weekend conference was “Forming Apos- Please email submissions to: irlstaff@ tles for Today” and took place on April 26-28, 2019. The recipients of religiouslife.com. Submissions may be the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue award were the Little Sisters of the Poor. edited for length and style. See back cover for audio CDs.

2 May/June 2019

2019 IRL National Meeting Forming Apostles for Today By M. Kathleen O’Brien

eligious and other consecrated persons from Love, and have taught a very well-received course for across the United States and Canada gath- the IRL’s Vita Consecrata Institute on the same subject. In , they said, the directee’s rela- Rered at the University of St. Mary of the Lake tionship with God is the fundamental reference point. on Divine Mercy weekend for the 2019 IRL National A spiritual director is not just an auricle answering questions. As Father Boniface put it, “If Google can Meeting. The theme was “Forming Apostles for To- do it, it’s not spiritual direction.” Every human being, day” and the program featured perfectly interwoven because he or she is created in the image and likeness presentations on many facets of that topic. And a Sat- of God, is created with the capacity to know, love and be in relationship with God. ’s “original solitude” urday afternoon/evening snowstorm! tells us the relationship with God is most fundamental, The Following of Christ before any relationship with any human being. Sound On Friday morning during the Special Session spiritual direction never looks at the self apart from for Religious, Priests and Consecrated Persons, Revs. one’s relationship to God. Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., and Boniface Hicks O.S.B., The spiritual directee needs to have the courage of Saint Vincent Archabbey, spoke to a large and very to share from within, with a great deal of vulnerability. appreciative audience on the art of spiritual direction. The director, too, must have what the priests termed The speakers are co-authors of a recently published a “vulnerable attentiveness,” often simply listening at book, Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s length. Doing so, he enters into the role of Jesus, into His

May/June 2019 3

2019 IRL National Meeting

crucified love, able to express God’s mercy to the direct- gical celebrations that are monumentally important for ee. Non-verbal sharing can be profound, so the director our spiritual formation. Virgins, martyrs, pastors, holy needs to resist filling the periods of silence when the men and women—a cloud of witnesses—accompany us directee is not speaking and sharing information. This throughout the year, lending color, texture and context has the added value of building trust. to the Gospel. They teach us what it is to be human. Often in religious life, the priests noted, people live Religious communities, Bishop Vasa said, must see closely and talk a lot, but the relationships can actual- their connectedness to the universal Church and its ly be “anything but transparent.” Consecrated persons liturgical year, and understand their charism in the often lose the sense of closeness with God and, as a re- context of the entire Church. He cautioned religious sult, with community, for true community comes from a to be careful about experimentation, and even manipu- personal relationship of the individual with God. Spir- lation, in substituting alternative devotions and narrow itual direction is for the purpose of building that sense personal spiritualities, for this risks separation from the of closeness. universal Church. Rather, he exhorted his audience to On Friday afternoon, the attendees had the op- enter humbly and deeply into the Liturgy of the Hours. portunity to hear from Michael Kenney, the Execu- tive Assistant Producer of the popular pro-life movie “Unplanned” and to view the wonderful documentary Glorious Lives on the life and legacy of Francis Cardinal George, presented by Executive Producer Mike Stark.

Immersion into the Liturgical Life Most Rev. Robert Vasa, Bishop of Diocese of San- ta Rosa and IRL President, opened the 2019 IRL Na- tional Meeting with his keynote address on “Allowing the Liturgical Life of the Church to Form Apostles for Today.” In forty years of praying the Liturgy of the Hours, he not- ed how fond he has grown of the prayers, psalms and seasons, Dependency on Digital Devices and especially the On Saturday the attendees had the entire morning patristic and hagiog- with Sr. Marysia Weber, R.S.M., D.O. She brought her raphic readings that special expertise to bear on the subject, “Called from are offered in the bre- the iGen and Millennial Generation: A Look at Chal- viary. He encouraged lenges and Opportunities to Form Future Apostles.” his listeners to be im- Her presentations left the audience both stunned and mersed in the Liturgy edified. of the Hours so that the richness of the liturgical year Sister Marysia gave a rapid-fire presentation on can provide “in a wonderfully objective way” forma- the statistics and psychosocial effects of the use of tion to become truly missionary disciples. The order digital media. Just a sampling: Adults check their that the liturgical year gives to the life of Christ, the cellphones 47 times per day and 65% sleep with their Church’s history and mystery, is an approach to litur- phones at night. High school students spend six hours

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Forming Apostles for Today

per day on texting, internet chat and the like, and then should a Catholic enter into Christ’s offering of 75% habitually check their phones at night. For- Himself to the Father in the Mass? By placing oneself ty-four percent of children under the age of one use on the paten with the bread in a free-will self-offering mobile devices daily. The consequences for the young as a victim. The way to actively participate in the di- include language delays, poor social skills, inability to vine mysteries of Christ and enter into the presence of pick up on nonverbal cues, a sense of isolation and God is, precisely, liturgically. even a discernable loss of empathy. Dr. McNamara urged his audience to foster beauty Sister Marysia addressed the impact on religious in the Liturgy: Sing the Liturgy of the Hours as a bride formation. “Disinhibition” results from Internet use singing to her Spouse; offer chant that is ethereal and because real-life repercussions are unlikely. “Internet lovely. The Liturgy is an apprenticeship to the life of regression” is related: people actually regress when Heaven, he said, so practice Heaven here! they feel free to express themselves in an all-too-unre- strained manner. The anonymity, accessibility and af- fordability of the Internet are contributing factors, and each operates in conflict with the evangelical counsels. All of this can harm communication and community life because it fosters isolation from the group. Religious decorum erodes as religious are drawn by the Internet into old familial dynamics and over-involvement with the outside world, making it hard to maintain the en- closure of the convent. Passivity is encouraged by the mind-dulling reception of images through electronic media, and a preference can develop for “virtual” rath- er than in-person, contact. Sister Marysia offered a helpful examen for re- Family as School of Discipleship ligious vis-à-vis internet Sr. John Mary Sullivan, F.S.E., a marriage and use, and concluded her family therapist, spoke on “The Domestic Church: superb presentations with The School of Discipleship.” Religious and laity alike, some precise, practical Sister said, are called to help families to live and tips for breaking the ha- preach the Word by preaching God’s love. A family bitual dependency on fully alive in discipleship, that truly knows joy, can digital devices. transform the world. To catechize effectively, religious need to know Apprenticeship for Heaven well the harsh realities of today’s families. For exam- Denis McNamara, Ph.D., Associate Director ple, though marriage preparation should begin for a of the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. child at birth, too many grow up having no sense of Mary of the Lake, gave an intriguing presentation on authentic family and marriage. By the time they are “Formed by the Liturgy: A Transcendent Participa- in a marriage prep program, they are already contra- tion in the Nature and Energies of Christ.” Dr. Mc- cepting, have never heard of natural family planning, Namara’s point of departure was the 1916 classic by and so they resist it. Therefore, Sister recommended, Dom Lambert Beauduin, O.S.B., originally titled Piety catechists should tell the young about NFP as early of the Church. Beauduin held that the real piety of the as the ninth grade, all in the context of teaching the Church is entering into the piety of the Liturgy. How fullness of Church doctrine on marriage and family.

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2019 IRL National Meeting

From Grief to Grace Parents are often absent in a spiritual way today, Theresa Burke, Ph.D., founder of Rachel’s Vine- so authority is difficult for the young to experience in yard, presented a retreat program called Grief to Grace. a positive sense. Most importantly, there is an inability This program focuses on healing the wounds of abuse. to feel free because one feels loved, to give one self Retreat participants have included priests and religious to another and to be involved in what’s happening in who seek to grieve community. Broken marriages impair the ability to see childhood wounds the religious counsel of perfect chastity as the surren- in a spiritually nur- dering of a good for the sake of something better. Yet it turing environment is the vows that make following Christ possible. that respects their Religious formation demands progress in prayer vocations. and contemplation, and Father Mullady offered sever- The innova- al recommendations for individuals and communities tive program is to avoid the trap of shortcuts. Apostolic zeal must flow designed to help from contemplation and the apostolate should engen- people open up der a humble spirit of service. Divine love must always so Christ can give shine through. them life to the full. It came about A Joyous Reunion and Celebration because in the course of her treatment of religious, Later in the day on Saturday the meeting attend- Dr. Burke found that many religious need help to ees were privileged to have the Apostolic Nuncio, overcome the traumatic effects of past abuse. The Archbishop Christophe Pierre, as principal celebrant cost to community life from unexamined trauma, she and homilist of the Mass. noted, can be great. The recep- tion and banquet The Pillars of Religious Formation dinner that are Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P., IRL theological consul- part of the IRL tant, spoke on “The Four Pillars of Formation”—hu- Annual Meeting man, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. Human for- weekend always mation today, he observed, is strangely problematic. have the qual- The qualities of human formation—maturity, inter- ity of a joyous personal skills, common reunion—cler- sense and others—ide- gy, religious and ally should be fostered long-time lay supporters of the IRL all gathered to- within the family. But gether in celebration of the consecrated life. This what used to be learned year, the IRL’s 2019 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award was at home is not any lon- bestowed on the Little Sisters of the Poor in honor of ger, even those every- their great witness as religious, and for their 150 years day disciplines such as of faithful service in the United States. Archbishop table manners, being on Pierre spoke with evident love about the life of St. time, and getting out of Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters, who was bed in the morning. In born not far from the Archbishop’s own hometown. his inimitable style Fa- In her banquet address on behalf of the com- ther punctuated his talk with humorous stories of deal- munity, Sr. Constance Veit, l.s.p., gave a particularly ing with “millennials” in community life. (Continued on page 10)

6 May/June 2019 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award It is a special privilege and honor for the

InstItute on RelIgIous Little Sisters of the Poor lIfe to bestow upon the annual award, Pro Fidelitate et Virtute. “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

On September 13, 1868, seven Little Sisters of the Poor arrived on the shores of the United States, having departed France on the paddle steamer Napoléon III. The first home was established in Brooklyn, New York, to be fol lowed by homes in Cincinnati, New Orleans and Baltimore. Thirteen homes were founded within the first —Mtfour 25:40years. Anewspaper said of them: “They came unheralded, with the very handsome endowment of ten cents, and unlim ited faith in Divine Providence, under the patronage of the great and glorious Saint , in whose intercession they have unbounded confidence…” One of the distinctive characteristics of their homes in America was the mixture - of beliefs, languages and nationalities amongst their indigent elderly residents, united by the universal language of charity. One of the Sisters recalled: “The public appear delighted to see that we are willing to work for the poor; that we ask no endowment; that we desire to trust in Providence and in the generosity of the public.” - The Little Sisters of the Poor were founded by St. Jeanne Jugan (†1879) in 1839 in Saint-Servan, Brittany, France, to care for the aged poor. Jeanne formally began her work at age 47, when she carried an elderly, infirm, and blind woman up the stairs to her room and placed her in her own bed, the first of many to come. Joined by other women, she supported their charitable work by collecting or begging for their necessities, a practice still followed today. “To be good Little Sisters, we must be very little, very humble,” she said. Jeanne accepted this self-emptying in the fullest measure when she was unaccountably removed as superior and eventually recalled to the Motherhouse, where she lived in obscurity until her death 27 years later. Though hidden from the world, said Pope St. John Paul II, “she left on her Congregation the stamp of her spirit by the quiet radiance of her life.” Rev. Ernest Lelièvre, known as the “ambassador to the bishops in the New World,” secured episcopal approval for the new foundations in the U.S. In 1902, a novitiate was opened in Queens, New York. In 1998, they established Association Jeanne Jugan for lay people who wish to serve the elderly poor. Most recently, the Little Sisters have been steadfast in defending religious freedom from government intrusion. The Little Sisters have been involved with the Institute on Religious Life from its earliest days. They hosted IRL Board Meetings in Palatine, Illinois for many years. They welcome religious who come to town for the annual National Meeting. They care for retired, elderly religious and bishops in their homes. Several IRL Board Members lived out their final days in a Little Sisters residence. Today, the Little Sisters serve the elderly in over thirty countries around the world and twenty-four homes in the United States. Their reverence for the sacredness of human life, their joyful hospitality, their humble service, their compassion for the suffering and their trust in Divine Providence reflects what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. At Jeanne’s in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI said: “[She] focused upon the elderly a compassionate gaze drawn from her profound communion with God in her joyful, disinterested service, which she carried out with gentleness and humility of heart, desiring herself to be poor among the poor.” The Little Sisters carry on this work to day, offering the neediest elderly a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to Himself. It is then, with deep respect and great esteem, that the Institute on Religious Life bestows its Virtute Award upon the Little Sisters of the Poor. Presented at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein,- Illinois, on the Twenty-Seventh of April, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Nineteen.

Pro Fidelitate et

Most Reverend Robert F. Vasa Bishop of Santa Rosa

President

May/June 2019 7 Back to the Basics Q & A on the Essential Elements of Religious Life

The Vocation to Religious Life –Part III

By Rev. Thomas Dubay, S.M. ( 2010)

While encouraging us to pro- Qmote vocations by “beginning at the beginning” and by present- ing sound, not pragmatic, theology seems to be correct, do you think that such an approach is possible, and therefore practical, among today’s young people?

Yes, it is both possible and A practical ... if we believe in who we and what we are. No sales or pro- motional department in a giant cor- poration throws up its hands before a sizable public relations problem. They roll up their sleeves and do the . Of course it takes time to explain the “one or the many,” but what are we doing in our pulpits and in our schools? This is a basic Gospel school religion programs, a unit of life, there would be less unen- and human experience matter that dealing with consecrated virginity lightened resistance to religious cries for thorough discussion. How and poverty. These are part of the and priestly vocations when they does one get more ultimate? Are we New Testament revelation. They turn up among their children. And dealing with it in our high schools describe the lifestyle of Jesus Him- our young people would themselves and colleges or are we giving puff self. That alone merits close atten- have some sort of intellectual con- courses? tion. We have a unit on marriage text in which they might do their No doubt it takes time, much that everyone rightly takes. Every- thinking about the possibility of a time, to explain virginity in any one in the Church should likewise consecrated vocation. way approaching adequacy. This know the whats and the whys of is why there should be a unit of at dedicated celibacy. If our married In view of the fact that ecclesi- least three or four weeks in our high people knew something of this state Qastical law now leaves individ- 8 May/June 2019 ual institutes considerable latitude in the suggestion may strike some as ex- gustine’s Confessions, Saint Teresa’s their modes of formation, what would cessive and impractical, experience Life and Interior Castle; St. John of the you suggest as some guiding norms has taught me that the usual skimpy Cross’ Ascent of Mount Carmel and for the wise use of this freedom? Some treatment is just not sufficient in to- Dark Night of the Soul and the Spiritual new approaches have worked well day’s world. As I write these lines I am Canticle. The person leading the sem- and some have not. How can we now completing a 40-hour lecture series inar discussions must be knowledge- make some solid statements about a on contemplation, and I am confident able in the area of prayer and skilled renewed formation program? that those taking it would agree that in guiding seminar groups. we have not been repeating ourselves. d) Lectures on Gospel commu- Perhaps I should first delimit this Our chief problem has been to fit in nity. An adequate biblical and theo- Aresponse. We shall discuss here everything that really needs to be logical treatment together with prac- religious formation, not professional said. If young religious do not get the tical applications would require 15 or education. Although the novitiate royal treatment of prayer during the 20 lectures. remains the central focus of this reli- years of formation, it is not likely they e) Lectures on the theology of gious formation, it cannot care for the the apostolate and its relation to re- whole of it. Too much is necessary. ligious life, the Church, and prayer. The novitiate is a time for learning f) Study of one’s own religious and a time for leisure. Both of these as- congregation history, discipline, spir- sertions must be amplified. The learn- “If young religious ituality, constitutions. ing centers mostly on prayer and the g) History of the religious life as evangelical life. So much instruction do not get such. is needed today in these two areas royal treatment h) Lectures on each of the three that there is just no time available for vows. An adequate treatment would secular or professional studies during of prayer during probably require 20 lectures for each this critical year. Even if these studies the years of vow. These would be preceded by an were not to distract the novices from introduction to vows as such. the one thing, a complete program formation, it is One would like to think that the simply could not fit them in. Yet this need in our day for so thorough a for- thorough religious instruction may not not likely they mation would be obvious on a mo- exclude ample leisure for the experi- will ever get it.” ment’s reflection. Surely we ought to encing of a deepening prayer, liturgical understand our basic vocation at least worship, Gospel community. Novices as deeply as we understand the area need not only thorough intellectual will ever get it. And then we wonder of our professional competence. It is appreciation for the Gospel way of life, why we have so many dropouts and safe to say that most of us, leadership they need also to drink it in by being failures and mediocre members. included, pay lip service to the pre- still and knowing from experience that b) Lectures on the Sacred Litur- ceding sentence but in actual life we the Lord is God (Ps 46:10). gy. Little needs to be detailed here are skimpy with time expenditure and The content to be covered in an because we are all familiar with what financial allotments. We know well adequate initial formation program is this area might include. enough that our young candidates so extensive that it cannot be cared c) Seminar in contemplation (giv- will in their authentic living of the for in a single year of novitiate. Most en probably during the years of tem- vows face many more attacks on their institutes would have to devote parts porary commitment). By guided read- lifestyle, attacks both open and subtle, of the years of temporary commitment ing and set periods of discussion, what than we did. We know that if they are to the completion of what was begun was learned in the novitiate is deep- not to be swayed by every light breeze, during the canonical year. Among ened. Among the books to be read they need a solid grasp on what they areas that should be done thoroughly and discussed, I would recommend are about. We all know this in theory, the following would be included: Josef Piper’s Leisure, Basis of Culture, but when it comes to practice we are a) Lectures on prayer perhaps... and Happiness in Contemplation; Hans not ready to do the radical things that 30 or 40 hours are needed. Though Urs von Balthasar’s Prayer; Saint Au- need to be done.

May/June 2019 9

Forming Apostles for Today

IRL National Meeting (continued from pg. 6) cluded the re-evangelization of the baptized who do moving testimony on not practice the Faith. But it is particularly difficult. the meaning of Di- And now, Western culture is not only secularized but vine Providence. Sister full of demons. spoke of their suffer- The New Evangelization is the answer, but requires ings in wartime and in a new expression grounded in the “new ardor” called the gritty apostolate of for by Pope St. John Paul II,. Ardor must turn into zeal, serving the sick and a quality of love that overcomes opposition—zeal for infirm, but the Little souls and zeal for God’s honor. We must convince peo- Sisters “never doubt- ple by our good deeds that we love them with the love ed God’s loving solic- that comes from knowing Christ. Father termed this itude.” They learned “relational evangelization.” from their Mother General that God’s providential The means are twofold, Father Thomas explained: care can be seen in extremely difficult circumstances, the “rich means” (the natural human means to ac- not merely in the solutions, but in the very challenges complish a task, such as hard work, talent, money and themselves. Sister Constance drew a lesson from this institutions) and the “humble means” (the supernatu- for our times, in which fear abounds: This is the mo- ral means such as sacrifice, obedience and, above all, ment to believe in Providence! prayer). Jesus Himself is of course the example par ex- cellence, with His humble birth, thirty years of hidden Good News of Cosmic Proportions life, then forty days in the desert to prepare for His On Sunday morning, rounding out the weekend’s public life, even though He had all the rich means. presentations, Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem., spoke The National Meeting drew to a close after the on “Apostles in the New Evangelization.” He noted Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Mass. It had been that the Greek word from which “evangelization” is a weekend full of beautiful liturgies, gifted speakers, derived means not just good news, but good news of and presentations that were challenging, edifying and cosmic proportions. inspiring. The “New Evangelization” is not really new, Fa- M. Kathleen O’Brien, former IRL Director of Opera- ther noted, for the Church’s mission has always in- tions, is a lawyer who practices in the Chicago area.

10 May/June 2019 Answering the Master’s Call

Vocation Stories

A Prodigal Daughter Returns Home

By Sr. Elizabeth Miles, S.deM.

y name is Sr. Elizabeth Miles Even though I was not going to with my life?” I told my boyfriend and I am a religious Sister Church, I often stopped by a little that either we are going to get mar- Mfrom the congregation Ser- Catholic gift shop, named Casa Saint ried or let’s stop wasting each other’s vants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick. I Francis, to buy holy cards and plaques time. He did not want to get mar- was born and raised in California and with the Footprints poem. The part ried, thanks be to God. Not because in the Catholic faith. As a young girl I that had a lot of meaning for me is marriage is bad. It is a special calling had some things happen to me which when the Lord is asked why there and a Sacrament in the Church, but effected my self-esteem. I attended was one set of footprints during the it was not my vocation and if I would catechism classes up until my Confir- most difficult times and He replied, have married it would not have been mation in the Faith, but shortly after “The times when you have seen only a good situation. receiving the Sacrament of Confir- one set of footprints, is when I carried Shortly after I broke up with mation I stopped going to Church. you.” I would give the poem to peo- my boyfriend, I went to Casa Saint I fell into the thinking that God was ple going through difficulties. Francis. The owner, whose name was everywhere and that I did not have I had everything that the world Ruth, was talking with a customer to go to Church to pray. But the truth said was important—a job, my own about the Catholic Faith. Listen- is that I was not praying anywhere. It place to live, a car, a boyfriend etc., ing to them, I said, “People say that was not that I did not believe in God but I was still missing something. Catholic services are boring and or love Him, but it was that I did not Of course, it was because I did not that we do not read the Bible.” Ruth believe that I deserved His love. have a relationship with God. When looked up at me with tears in her I started hanging around with I turned thirty years old, I final- eyes and said, “What?” She preced- friends of whom my mother did not ly asked myself, “What am I doing ed to explain to me that the readings approve. I remember getting for the Mass are from Scripture, so upset with her because she that Scripture is throughout the would not accept my friends. prayers in the Mass, and that the Some parents end up going explains the Scripture read- along with their children’s be- ings in his homily. Then she spoke havior because they are afraid to me about Jesus being in the to lose them and their love. My Holy . I was thirty years mother felt the same way but, old and I did not know. I do not by the grace of God, she never know if my ignorance of the Faith stopped telling me when I was was due to having problems as a wrong. child, or bad catechesis. All I can

May/June 2019 11 say is that I was thirty years old, con- could have been so different.” She firmed in the Catholic Faith, and I looked at me and said, “I could not did not know. let you lose your soul.” Then she said, “There is a par- I thank God that both of my par- ish down the street named St. Peter ents and my sister never gave up on Chanel. The priests are in the con- me when I was young and confused. fessional every day. Why don’t you go Recently I was asked, “Who has and talk to one?” And so, I did. After been the greatest influence in your receiving the Sacrament of Reconcil- ministry as a religious?” My answer iation, I started going to daily Mass, was, “My mother.” Her zeal for the praying the Rosary and the Divine salvation of my soul is what I have Office with the priests and lay people. towards the souls that I minister to. I was asked to be a Eucharistic minis- Before I entered the convent, I ter to the sick in the parish and I vol- used to say, “What can I do?” Once unteered visiting the sick at a nurs- I started working in our mission with ing home for religious sisters. One of the sick and the dying, I realized that the priests from my parish asked me, I receive so much more from my pa- “When do you feel closest to God?” I tients and their families than I could knew it was when I was with the sick. ever give. That is what Jesus meant The priests from my parish are when He said, “In truth I tell you, from the religious congregation of there is no one who has left house, the Oblates of the Mary. It was I visited other communities but I brothers, sisters, mother, father, chil- their joy and dedication that caught knew that God was calling me to be dren or land for my sake and for the my attention. They had something a Servant of Mary. sake of the gospel who will not re- that I wanted. They helped me to After one year and ten months ceive a hundred times as much…” realize that Jesus Christ was not of returning to the Catholic faith, on (cf. Mk 10:29-30) just a story in a book. That He was the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, The more you know Jesus, the real, that He loved me and that my October 7, 2000, I entered the con- more you love Him. And the more sins were not greater than His love vent. My religious name, Elizabeth, you know and love Him, the more and mercy. So, I went back to Ruth has much meaning for me. During the you want others to know and love and asked her if she knew anything Visitation, when Saint Elizabeth said Him. Please pray for my sisters and about religious sisters. She handed to Mary, “Who am I that the mother I that we live true lives as spouses me a directory for men and women of my Lord should come to me?” I say of Christ and servants of Mary. It is religious communities in the Arch- the same. Looking back on my life, I through authentically living out our diocese of Los Angeles and said, can see how Our Lady has protect- vocation that we will bring knowl- “Why don’t you take this home and ed and guided me. She led me to her edge and love for Jesus to others. call and ask questions?” And so, I Son. When I received my ring on the May all of us be the we are did. The first name I saw when I day I made my solemn vows to God, I called to be. To God be the glory! opened the directory was Servants can honestly say that I felt embraced of Mary, Ministers to the Sick. See- by my Heavenly Father. The Prodigal ing Ministers to the Sick stood out Daughter was home. How great is the because, as I mentioned previously, love and mercy of our God! I knew that I felt close to our Lord Before I entered the convent, when with the sick. I called the Sis- I had the opportunity to thank my ters in Los Angeles and went to vis- mother. I told her, “Thank you mom, it them. When I looked into their for never giving up on me. My life eyes, I had the same feeling that I For more information visit: had with the priests from my parish. SisterServantsofMary.org They had something that I wanted.

12 May/June 2019 Holy Orders For Lay People

Religious Life for the Laity

Following in the Footsteps of St. John de Matha —The Third Order of the Most Holy Trinity—

By Anne Tschanz

uring the early centuries af- Few details are known about captives by the hands; one a Moor ter the first millennium, two the life of St. John de Matha, born (Muslim) and the other a Christian, Dgreat orders founded for the to noble parents in 1160 in Fau- who held in his hand a staff with the redemption of Christian captives held con-de-Barcelonette, in the area of Trinitarian cross. by Muslim pirates arose in Europe— Provence, France. Named after St. Discerning a call to rescue Chris- the Mercedarians and the Trinitar- , he received his early tian captives from enslavement and ians. The Order of the Most Holy education at Aix-en-Provence, lived possible apostasy and death, John Trinity (O.SS.T.), better known as the for a while as a hermit and then stud- retired in solitude to prepare for his Trinitarians, is the oldest, founded in ied theology at the University of Paris life’s work. He sought out St. Felix of 1198 by St. John de Matha. On their where he received a doctorate. He Valois, a holy hermit living in north- white habit is the distinctive blue and was very generous to the poor with ern France, for instruction on the way red cross of the order, the subject of a money given to him by his parents of perfection. Though some historians poem called “The Mantle of St. John and weekly devoted time to the sick. question Felix’s existence since the de Matha: A Legend of ‘the Red, According to tradition, while cele- Bull of his canonization from 1262 is White and Blue’” by John Greenleaf brating his first Mass after his ordina- no longer extant, it is the firm tradi- Whittier (1807-1892): tion on January 28, 1193, Our Lord tion of the Trinitarians that this holy …And on the walls the watchers appeared to him holding two chained man and St. John de Matha are the co-founders of the Trinitarians. The ship of mercy knew, — Felix and John obtained the ap- They knew far off its holy cross, proval of Pope Innocent III in 1198 to found a new community called The red, the white, and blue. the Order of the Most Holy Trinity And the bells in all the steeples for the Redemption of Captives. The Trinitarians were dedicated to works Rang out in glad accord, of mercy, with one third (“the tertia To welcome home to Christian soil pars”) of the alms they collected re- The ransomed of the Lord…. served for the ransom of Christian captives. To raise the large and ongo- These colors are ancient symbols ing sums needed to redeem those en- of the Holy Trinity, representing God slaved, the Trinitarians relied on their the Father (white), Jesus the Son patroness, Our Lady of Good Reme- (blue) and the Holy Spirit (red). dy. She is often shown in hagiography

May/June 2019 13 handing a bag of money to St. John Trinitarian Family. They have been de Matha. so since the Order’s beginnings and The first monastery was built in throughout its tradition.” Cerfroid, near Paris, considered the One of the most remarkable sto- Motherhouse of the Order. John de ries associated with the Trinitarians Matha, the first minister general, is the eventful life, death and burial died in 1218 in , though his of Miguel Cervantes (1547-1616), relics now reside in Madrid. Felix author of Don Quixote. When Cer- died at the Motherhouse in France vantes was a young man, he was cap- in 1213. tured by pirates, held in captivity as The Order grew rapidly and people with disabilities. Interestingly, a slave in North Africa for five years during the Middle Ages had 150 besides the vows of poverty, chastity and redeemed and brought home by houses across Europe. In 1599, a re- and obedience, they also promise not the Trinitarians. Though a Francis- form by the Spanish St. John Baptist to canvass for office, emptying them- can tertiary, he was buried in a tomb of the Conception (canonized by Pope selves like Christ Who took the form in the Monastery of the Discalced Paul VI in 1975) restored observance of a slave (Phil 2:6-7). They avoid Trinitarians, now a cloistered con- to the primitive rule with the estab- earthly honors (cf. Gal 5:26) and live vent of 12 nuns. Over time, the loca- lishment of the Spanish Discalced their life “hidden with Christ in God” tion of the crypt tomb was lost, but Trinitarians. But by the late 1800’s, (Col 3:3). with the help of modern technology, suffering from the effects of the Prot- Lay involvement with the order, researchers announced in 2015 that estant Reformation, revolutions and both women and men, has been doc- they discovered a crumbled wood- government suppression, only a few umented from the beginning. The en casket marked “MC” containing Trinitarians were left. Today, however, Rule of 1198 says that the laity are the remains of a man whose bones over 500 Trinitarians, priests, broth- to receive instruction every Sunday showed evidence of the wounds ers and many congregations of sisters and there are early references to lay Cervantes received in the Battle of (cloistered and active) are found in confreres and a confraternity, offi- Lepanto many years before his death, over 20 countries around the world. cially approved by the Holy See. The including ribs grazed by bullets and a In 1906, the Trinitarians came first known statutes for the laity were crippled left arm. His remains were to the United States where today published in 1584. In 1987, the Trin- laid to rest with the nuns in the Trin- they serve as missionaries, pastors, itarian Minister General said: “We itarian monastery once again, this counselors and chaplains in prisons, are very aware of the need to have time marked with an impressive me- hospitals, schools and residences for lay persons be an integral part of the morial. Members of the Trinitarian Third The Trinitarian Laity Order include Bl. Innocent XI and St. Founder: St. John de Matha in 1198 Louis of France, who was accompa- nied by Trinitarians during the Cru- External Sign: Trisagion Chaplet & Trinitarian Scapular sades and who had a Trinitarian chap- Motto: Gloria Tibi Trinitas et captivis libertas lain at his deathbed. Two remarkable (“Glory to Thee, O Trinity, and liberty to the captives”) members of the Trinitarian Laity are Bl. Elisabeth Canori Mora (1774- Spirituality: Striving to model the love and unity 1825) and Bl. . Elis- of the Trinity in prayer, communal living and ministry expressed abeth was a wife, mother and mys- in works of mercy and redemption tic, married to an abusive man who Mission: A ministry of redemption and mercy on behalf of those squandered their money. Considered persecuted for their faith, the oppressed and the poor a martyr of charity for her fidelity in marriage, she became a Trinitarian Formation Program: Postulancy, Novitiate (1 year) tertiary in 1807. Her mystical visions foretold of future chastisements to Website: Trinitarian.org come because of unobservant reli-

14 May/June 2019 gious and priests, and parents who spirituality. They then may petition this may mean assisting the margin- were derelict in their duty to prop- to become a professed member of the alized, the poor and the many whose erly form their children in Christian Trinitarian family. Christian faith is in danger. Trinitari- virtues. Immediately after her death, During the Rite of Admission, ans look to the Holy Trinity as the “pri- her husband experienced a profound a candidate acknowledges that love mary source and the exemplary model conversion, became a Trinitarian ter- “for the Trinity and the desire to of their redemptive love for all, and tiary and was ordained a Conventual commit ourselves to brothers and the highest motivation for the same” Franciscan priest. She was beatified in sisters in need” has led them to live (Const. 36). They pray and work so Rome by Pope John Paul II in 1994. their baptismal commitment more that so that every person may know Bl. Anna Maria Taigi (1769- intensely as members of the Trini- and love the One-and-Triune God. 1837), was also a devoted wife, tarian family. The candidate is then During the General Chapter of mother, mystic and Trinitarian ter- entrusted with the Trisagion Chaplet 2013, reflecting on their founding tiary who was beatified in 1920. (from the Greek tris [three] and ha- charism, they proposed the recovery She turned away from her world- “of the practice of the Tertia Pars and ly lifestyle to devote her life to her the operation of the ‘Redemption family and the poor and suffering. Fund.’” Unfortunately, many forms According to her de- of slavery, like human trafficking and cree, among other gifts “the most re- “Today, the different forms of persecution, still ex- markable was that for a space of for- Third Order mission ist. “Whoever loses the poor,” said St. ty-seven years she saw a kind of sun John Baptist of the Conception, “is in whose light she described things of mercy continues lost.” at hand and things afar off, foresaw ‘to proclaim liberty In 1998, Trinitarians celebrat- future events, scrutinized the secrets ed 800 years since the founding of of hearts and the most hidden and to captives...and the Order. Describing themselves most inward impulses.” This includ- to let the oppressed as the “human meeting place of the ed seeing ship wrecks and prisons in Church with the World of Islam,” China and Arabia, “where confes- go free’ (Lk 4:18).” they can look back with joy on the sors of the faith, slaves and prisoners redemption of tens of thousands of languished in agony,” testified Carlo gios [holy]), consisting of three sets people, both Christian and Muslim, Maria Cardinal Pedicini. St. Vincent of nine beads separated by a larger liberated from different forms of Pallotti, founder of the Pallottines bead. The Trisagion originated in captivity. and a Trinitarian tertiary, called her the Eastern Church and contains Reflecting on their contribu- “his secretary, his plenipotentia- the beautiful refrain: “Holy God! tions, Pope St. John Paul II said: ry, charged with all the interests of Holy Strong One! Holy Immortal “Your Order has brought about the his congregation in the presence of One, have mercy upon us,” recited liberation of the oppressed and by the Most Holy Trinity.” Today, her three times in honor of the Trinity. the love for the poor showed the very wax-covered remains, with the Trin- With the bestowal of the Holy Trisa- mission of the Church in the world.” itarian cross on her breast, can be gion chaplet, the Trinitarian tertiary In an address to them in 2001, he seen in a glass coffin at the Basilica is asked to “live in such a way that, said: “In a time marked by a worry- of San Chrysogono in Rome. with the help of the Virgin Mother ing ‘culture of emptiness’ and of life A lay person interested in becom- of Good Remedy, you may more and ‘without meaning,’ you are called ing part of the Trinitarian Third Or- more put on Christ who redeemed to announce without compromise der must be 18 years old and in good us by His blood, for the glory of the the Trinitarian God, the God who standing with the Church. A period Holy Trinity and for the service of hears the cry of the oppressed and of Postulancy follows, after which the the Church and of your neighbor.” afflicted. …The Church is counting candidate may petition to enter the Today, the Third Order mission of on you! Work in union with Christ, novitiate where they receive the Trin- mercy continues “to proclaim liberty ‘Revealer of the name of the true itarian scapular, participate in regular to captives…and to let the oppressed God, Glorifier of the Father and Re- meetings, and learn about Trinitarian go free” (Lk 4:18). In modern times, deemer of man’” (Const, 2).

May/June 2019 15 The Courage to Take a Risk for God’s Promise

The following is a message was issued by Pope Francis in anticipation of the annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations celebrated on May 12, 2019.

uilding on what I shared with the young people we wanted to marry, or when we first felt the attraction of a in Panama, I would like to reflect, on this World life of consecration: we were surprised by an encounter, and BDay of Prayer for Vocations, on how the Lord’s call at that moment we glimpsed the promise of a joy capable of makes us bearers of a promise and, at the same time, asks bringing fulfillment to our lives. That day, by the sea of Gal- of us the courage to take a risk, with Him and for Him. ilee, Jesus drew near to those fishermen, breaking through I will do this by reflecting briefly with you on these two the “paralysis of routine.” And He immediately made them aspects—promise and risk—as they appear in the Gospel a promise: “I will make you fishers of men” (Mk 1:17). account of the calling of the first disciples The Lord’s call is not an intrusion by the sea of Galilee (Mk 1:16-20). of God in our freedom; it is not a “cage” Two pairs of brothers—Simon and or a burden to be borne. On the con- Andrew, and James and John—are going trary, it is the loving initiative whereby about their daily tasks as fishermen. In “The Lord’s call is not God encounters us and invites us to be this demanding work, they had learned an intrusion of God part of a great undertaking. He opens the laws of nature, yet at times, when before our eyes the horizon of a greater the winds were adverse and waves shook in our freedom.... It is sea and an abundant catch. their boats, they had to defy the ele- God in fact desires that our lives ments. On some days, the catch of fish the loving initiative not become banal and predictable, im- amply repaid their efforts, but on others, whereby God prisoned by daily routine, or unrespon- an entire night’s work was not sufficient sive before decisions that could give it to fill their nets, and they had to return encounters us and meaning. The Lord does not want us to shore weary and disappointed. invites us to be part to live from day to day, thinking that Much of life is like that. Each of us nothing is worth fighting for, slowly los- tries to realize his or her deepest desires; of a great undertaking.” ing our desire to set out on new and we engage in activities that we hope will exciting paths. If at times He makes us prove enriching, and we put out on a “sea” of possibil- experience a “miraculous catch,” it is because He wants ities in the hope of steering the right course, one that us to discover that each of us is called—in a variety of will satisfy our thirst for happiness. Sometimes we enjoy ways—to something grand, and that our lives should a good catch, while at others, we need courage to keep not grow entangled in the nets of an ennui that dulls our boat from being tossed by the waves, or we are frus- the heart. Every vocation is a summons not to stand on trated at seeing our nets come up empty. the shore, nets in hand, but to follow Jesus on the path As with every call, the Gospel speaks of an encoun- He has marked out for us, for our own happiness and for ter. Jesus walks by, sees those fishermen, and walks up to the good of those around us. them... The same thing happened when we met the person Embracing this promise naturally demands the cour-

16 May/June 2019 age to risk making a decision. The Lord, to devote ourselves complete- first disciples, called by Jesus to be ly to Him, and to share in His work. part of something greater, “imme- Many kinds of interior resistance diately left their nets and followed can stand in the way of making this Him” (Mk 1:18). Responding to decision, especially in highly sec- the Lord’s call involves putting our- ularized contexts where there no selves on the line and facing a great longer seems to be a place for God challenge. It means being ready to and for the Gospel. Places where it leave behind whatever would keep is easy to grow discouraged and fall us tied to our little boat and prevent into the “weariness of hope.” us from making a definitive choice. We are called to be And yet, there can be no greater joy than to risk one’s bold and decisive in seeking God’s plan for our lives. Gaz- life for the Lord! I would like to say this especially to you, ing out at the vast “ocean” of vocation, we cannot remain the young. Do not be deaf to the Lord’s call. If He calls content to repair our nets on the boat that gives us secu- you to follow this path, do not pull your oars into the rity, but must trust instead in the Lord’s promise. boat, but trust Him. Do not yield to fear, which paralyzes I think primarily of the call to the Christian life which us before the great heights to which the Lord points us. all of us received at . It teaches us that our life is Always remember that to those who leave their nets and not a fluke but rather a gift: that of being God’s beloved boat behind, and follow Him, the Lord promises the joy of children, gathered in the great family of the Church. It a new life that can fill our hearts and enliven our journey. is precisely in the ecclesial community that the Christian Dear friends, it is not always easy to discern our vo- life is born and develops, especially through the Liturgy. cation and to steer our life in the right direction. For this The Liturgy introduces us to God’s Word and the grace reason, there needs to be a renewed commitment on the of the Sacraments; from an early age, we are taught the part of the whole Church—priests, religious, pastoral art of prayer and fraternal sharing. In the end, the Church workers and educators—to provide young people in par- is our mother because she brings us to new life and leads ticular with opportunities for listening and discernment. us to Christ. So we must love her, even when we see her There is a need for a youth ministry and a vocational pro- face marred by human frailty and sin, and we must help to motion that can open the way to discovering God’s plan, make her ever more beautiful and radiant, so that she can above all through prayer, meditation on God’s Word, Eu- bear witness to God’s love in the world. charistic adoration and spiritual accompaniment. The Christian life thus finds expression in those deci- As was made clear several times during the World sions that, while giving a precise direction to our personal Youth Day in Panama, we should always look to Mary. journey, also contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom Also in the story of this young woman, vocation was both in our world. I think of the decision to marry in Christ a promise and a risk. Her mission was not easy, yet she and to form a family, as well as all those other vocations did not allow fear to prevail. “It was the ‘yes’ of someone associated with work and professional life, with the com- prepared to be committed, someone willing to take a risk, mitment to charity and solidarity, with social and politi- ready to stake everything she had, with no more security cal responsibilities, and so forth. These vocations make than the certainty of knowing that she was the bearer of us bearers of a promise of goodness, love and justice, not a promise. I ask each one of you: Do you see yourselves only for ourselves but also for our societies and cultures, as bearers of a promise? What promise do I bear within which need courageous Christians and authentic witness- my heart to take forward? Mary’s would undoubtedly be a es of the Kingdom of God. difficult mission, but the challenges that lay ahead were no In encountering the Lord, some may feel the attrac- reason to say ‘no’. Things would get complicated, of course, tion of a call to the consecrated life or to the ordained but not in the same way as happens when cowardice par- priesthood. It is a discovery that can excite and at the alyzes us because things are not clear or sure in advance.” same time frighten us, since we feel called to become On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, let us “fishers of men” in the barque of the Church by giving join in prayer and ask the Lord to help us discover His totally of ourselves in commitment to faithful service of plan of love for our lives, and to grant us the courage to the Gospel and our brothers and sisters. Such a decision walk in the path that, from the beginning, He has cho- carries the risk of leaving everything behind to follow the sen for each of us.

May/June 2019 17 The Taming of the Tongue Practical Spiritual Guidance to Grow in Christian Virtue

A Daily Rule

“...Let no morning pass without thinking upon some frailty and infirmity of our own, that may put us to confusion, make us blush inwardly, and entertain a mean opinion of ourselves.” –William Law A Serious Call to the Devout and Holy Life

By Dr. Elaine Murray Stone ( 2005)

ow that we have covered so turn love for love by overcoming our in a position to introduce brief pe- many of the different types wayward mouth which we use too of- riods of disciplinary silence into our Nof sins of speech and provid- ten in a spirit that is directly opposite daily lives, this is the safest way to ed some suggestions for correcting of love. strengthen the will. This is particu- them, we must plan, if we seriously We should review our plans for larly important if we have offended want to overcome these sins forever, the day and identify situations that many others with past speech. to subscribe to a fixed daily rule. have given us difficulty in the past. Naturally, we should speak Upon rising in the morning, we They may trouble us again, so we whenever courtesy requires it, but should offer up—in addition to our need to make provisions to deal must not create “occasions of chat- regular devotions—a prayer some- with them. And if we know that we ter,” which are basically sessions of what like the following: face circumstances that will be es- promiscuous gossip and criticism. “O God who knows how often pecially trying, we might keep our Newcomers to the discipline of con- we sin against You with our tongues, program for the day open to change, trolling their speech, should keep keep us free from all untrue and un- remembering: generalized social conversations to a kind words; consecrate our speech “If evil speaking, scandal, or minimum. to Your service; and keep us often backbiting be the conversation where “Certain it is that at no time is silent that our hearts may speak to you happen to be, keep your heart overmuch talking compatible with You and listen to Your voice through and tongue to yourself; be as much spiritual growth...” (A Serious Call Jesus Christ Our Lord.” grieved as if you were amongst curs- to the Devout and Holy Life). Then we might make the Sign of ing and swearing, and retire as soon Our daily rule also must include the Cross often upon our mouths— as you can” (A Selection from the a renewed decision to control our sealing them for the day from any- Spiritual Letters of St Francis de thoughts. Like many things, mastery thing that would be displeasing to Sales—trans. by H.L. Sydney Lear, over thought-control is achieved God or to our neighbor. London: Longmans, Green & Co., only through constant and sustained This physical motion will help us 1909). practice. In the course of each day, to cement in our minds the intention During the day we should try to we want to seek opportunities for re- to overcome our sins of speech. It will be silent as much as possible. This fraining to pass judgment on some- also remind us that the symbol of the is not necessary for everyone—and one. By day’s end, we could then Cross represents God’s love for us. It there are many occupations that pre- recollect the number of times we will tell us each day that we must re- clude it—but for those of us who are were able to close the door of our

18 May/June 2019 mind and redirect our thoughts more can give sincere praise. Everyone has profitably, and we can give thanks to some pleasing traits or unusual tal- God accordingly. Controlling our ents. If we take the trouble to notice thoughts is difficult to do­—a habit these qualities in people, it will give Points to Remember that is difficult to acquire and then them much more pleasure, and also practice, but it is one of the most • Once we have identified will be beneficial to us as we recog- bountiful in the fruit it can offer our the sense of speech to nize we are centering our thoughts thirsty souls. which we fall victim, we on others rather than upon ourselves. Because we are imperfect, we are must subscribe to a plan When the day has ended and we likely in the course of a day to suc- to overcome them; are saying our evening prayers, we cumb, so we shouldn’t set our stan- should review the events of the day dards so high that we spend more • Keeping silent during the and try to remember each time we time in despair over our failures than day as much as possible sinned through speech. Then with in humble effort. When we fall we and seeking to control our attention focused on God’s lov- can only ask God’s forgiveness, take our thoughts will help us ing mercy, we must confess these sins courage from the fact that He is al- strengthen our will; individually trying to understand why ways there to help us, and promise we forgot the methods of prevention • We must apologize and Him that in the future we will try a that we have been discussing and try- ask forgiveness from little harder. ing to work in our daily lives. those we insult We now come to what to many After thanking God for the many or hurt through our people is perhaps the most difficult times He has helped us to be success- sins of speech. role of all—difficult because of the ful, we must reread those accounts of huge part that pride plays in our We can be quite sure that this relevant remedies which have come hearts. Yet, the rule is one of the part of our nature will be wary of so to us through Christian experience ones that produces results almost informing our speech on another oc- in which this series of reflections has immediately. If we offend anyone by casion that it again lays itself open to tried to weave into a pattern. And our words, either in contradicting, such grueling punishment. Which is then we should promise to make a insulting, criticizing, or in any other all, of course, to the good. greater effort tomorrow. As a self-im- manner, we must apologize as soon A positive way to eliminate the posed penance, we should read as possible. We must humbly ask for- negative aspect of our talk is to in- Psalms 15, 39, and 51, and Chapter giveness. The “old man” within us, clude in our little rule a daily decision 3 of the Letter of St James. which is our pride, will groan under to always look for the best in every- How wonderful for us that God the weight of our humility, and we one we know and meet. We need to has granted us the restful night to di- will feel powerfully virtuous. Pride try to find something in them that vide our tongues from the sin-filled has a notorious memory. truly appeals to us and to which we day! Gaining Rhythm for Life by Writing a Personal Rule of Life rule of life is an intentional to be formed. Spiritual disciplines are differ. Thomas à Kempis writes, Apattern of spiritual disciplines means of grace by which God can “All cannot use the same kind of that provides structure and direc- nourish us. Ultimately a rule should spiritual exercises, but one suits tion for growth in holiness. It helps help you to love God more. this person, and another that. Dif- establish a rhythm for life which Rules will vary widely, depending ferent devotions are suited also to is helpful for being formed by the on the character and life situation of the seasons [of life]....” Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a a person. Not only will people choose The rule of life which you love for God and respect for how different disciplines but how the dis- write should include three things: He has made us. The disciplines ciplines are practiced will also vary. a self-assessment, an explanation which we build into our rhythm of Although every believer should of how you will practice your cho- life help us to shed the “old self” pray, for example, the frequency or sen disciplines, and your form of and allow our “new self” in Christ length or times or kind of prayer will accountability.

May/June 2019 19 InnerView

With Sr. John Mary Sullivan, FSE, Program Specialist for the Life, Marriage & Family Office, Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia

Sister, tell us how you initially be- What was your experience with fam- Also, when my family lived came interested in marriage and ily life growing up and what impact through the death of my brother, it family therapy. did it have on your own vocation? enkindled in us a deep love and re- In my undergraduate studies, at My parents had a loving and joy- spect for life. The fact that my com- the University of Dallas, I was in- ful marriage, but this was not without munity has a strong commitment to troduced to the works of Pope John experiences of great suffering. I am upholding the dignity of life from Paul II on marriage and the family, one of ten children, and my oldest conception to natural death, reso- and through my studies I came to brother, John, eleven years old at nated within me and helped clari- a deep appreciation of my own up- the time, was fatally struck by a car. fy that it was precisely through the bringing and the importance of the John’s death had a deep impact on Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist family for our Church and the entire my parents and our entire family. Al- that God was calling me into a reli- society. I then had the great gift of though it was a cause of tremendous gious vocation. studying at the John Paul II Institute sorrow, it was also, through the grace on Marriage and the Family, which of God, the source of a deepening of It is said that the seedbed of voca- deepened my appreciation for the our faith as family, and the recogni- tions is the domestic church, ie, the beauty and goodness of marriage and tion of our need to rely on God and a family. Is the lack of vocations in family life rooted in a Christian an- faith community in times of suffering. some areas of the Church a reflection thropology and thus a full vision of My parents taught us children of a crisis in family life today? the human person. that our Catholic faith gives us a big- I believe that the lack of voca- After my studies, I entered my ger context for both the joys and sor- tional responses to priesthood and Community, the Franciscan Sis- rows of life, and that our God loves religious life can find it roots, at least ters of the Eucharist. One of our us and can bring good out of all sit- in part, in the breakdown of marriag- Community’s outreach is provid- uations even the greatest tragedies. es and a culture that has redefined ing counseling services through the Their commitment to each other, to marriage and family. Franciscan Life Center, a licensed their faith, and to God’s will, laid a Sacramental marriage, which outpatient mental health facility. strong foundation for me in my un- is the foundation of the domestic Our Sisters and lay staff work with derstanding of love, relationships, church, is a vocation to a life of love each client based on a belief in the and the importance and gift of my that is a free, total, faithful and fruit- inherent dignity of each individual Catholic faith and a faith communi- ful gift of self for the sake of the oth- and the potential for growth in each ty. This in turn allowed me to recog- er. It is a call to a love that is greater person. I began my studies towards a nize in my own community a group than any sacrifice one may have to Marriage and Family Therapy degree of religious women who are commit- embrace, as a husband or wife seeks to be able to enter into the wound- ted to each other, love our God and the good of his or her spouse and edness of and to support individuals, His Church, and experience joy in children. The calls to priesthood and marriages and families towards heal- doing God’s will, even when it was in religious life are also calls of love for ing and a human flourishing. the context of sacrifice and suffering. the sake of the other. They are vo-

20 May/June 2019 cations that reflect and embody the redemptive process where his or her recommend that help build strong love of Christ for His Church. Like own family wounds become an en- marriages? every vocation, priesthood and reli- try point for a depth of relationship There are some great Catholic gious life require a sacrificial gift of within his or her Religious Commu- resources and programing that aim self. nity and can serve, through the grace to support and strengthen marriag- At this cultural moment, many of God, in a glorified way as a means es and family life. A great website to define marriages as a dissolvable to relate to a wounded world. find some of these resources is For contract between individuals com- Your Marriage (ForYourMarriage. mitted to each other, as long as each Do you find that your witness as a org). This is a USCCB sponsored are experiencing personal fulfill- consecrated religious woman is help- website and can connect you with ment. Personal gratification and ful- ful in your ministry? Catholic resources that provide local fillment become the measure of what It is my experience that my call support. is good and what one should pursue. has a profound impact on the mar- Many dioceses and parish com- This understanding of marriage cuts ried couples, families and individuals munities are moving towards a across a true understanding of love I encounter through my apostolic “small faith community” model to and leads to a crisis within the fami- work. So many people are desper- provide support for families. This is ly. If a man or women is brought up ately seeking purpose and mean- an initiative that sees value in bring- within a family that is not rooted in ing in their lives, and as a religious, ing families together within the par- a true definition of love, then he or I witness to a life of commitment ish or at parishioners’ homes, to con- she may experience barriers that can and total gift of self to a mission of nect families through a faith study or hinder his or her ability to answer a love that is so much greater than my social gathering. It allows families to call to priesthood or religious life. Of own limited and small vision of life. journey together as they experience course, God’s grace is greater than Marriage and family life lived well is the joys and sorrows of daily life. any obstacles that our culture, fam- a great good, but religious men and However, I believe the great- ilies or each of us place between us women remind others that they are est way religious men and women and His love. made for an infinite love that God can actively support family life, is alone can provide. This can free through our prayer life and radically People entering religious life may husbands, wives and their children living our own vocation so that we not come from healthy family back- to not expect those they love to be can be a witness of the joy that comes grounds—divorce, neglect from be- their “god,” and to instead help each from a life given in service and out ing a latch key kid, violence/abuse, other grow deeper in their relation- love for our God and His people. We selfishness that comes from being ship with our God, who is Love. are reminded by Pope Francis, that the center of attention or not having I have also found that most peo- religious men and women are called siblings, lack of social interaction ple seem to instinctually trust a re- to be experts in community life. The skills, poor etiquette and manners, ligious woman. They have a sense greater effort we make in strength- etc. How does this impact religious that my life is a life of service, and ening our own community life, the formation? that I serve simply out of the moti- greater impact we will have as we Every family experiences a cer- vation to help others become who support families become who they tain level of woundedness, whether they were created to be. If I live this were created to be, a community of self-afflicted or because of societal life of service with humility and joy, life and love. disorder. As we face an increase in I do believe it can awaken others to family break down, Religious Com- the fulfillment that comes from an- WHERE THERE’S A WILL, munities may have to provide an in- swering their particular vocation and THERE’S A WAY! crease in “human formation” during unique way of service. Remember the IRL in the formation process, in order to your will or estate plan. help the young woman or man work How can religious men and wom- through the limitations of what en actively support family life? Are Our legal name is: they received in their family of ori- there programs for dioceses or com- “Institute on Religious Life, Inc.” gin and ultimately be released into a munities or schools that you would

May/June 2019 21 IRL News & Notes Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart Celebrate 125th Anniversary

n February 2, 2019, the ing with pastors in parish ministry, Feast of the Presentation schools, and religious education pro- Oof the Lord, the Oblate grams, instilling in those they serve Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus a love of God and an openness to celebrated the 125th anniversary God’s vocational call. Two hundred of their foundation. The year 2019 Oblate Sisters serve in six countries has special added significance for (, United States, Brazil, India, all involved for it marks the 70th Guinea-Bissau, Peru) on five conti- anniversary of the sisters’ arrival in nents. Ministry in the United States America and the 75th anniversary began in 1949 in the Diocese of of the diocese itself. In honor of the Youngstown and in 2015 in the Dio- occasion, Holy Mass was celebrated cese of Joliet in Illinois. by Most Rev. George V. Murry, S.J., atonement to the Heart of Jesus for Reflecting on this anniversary, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Ba- the human failings of priests, they their General Superior, Mother M. silica in Youngstown, Ohio. Carried eventually established schools for Arcangela Martino, said: “Remem- in the procession was a Mercy Cross, young people to help them spiritual- bering does not mean simply to re- one of 33 pilgrim crosses blessed by ly and to cultivate vocations to the member facts from the past, but ac- Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year of priesthood. tualizing, today, the events that ‘hap- Mercy. The charism of the Oblate Sis- pened’ at the origin of our history in The Oblates Sisters were found- ters is to console the Pierced Heart order to continue to live the charism ed on February 2, 1894 by Bl. Maria of Jesus through prayer and repa- given by the Spirit to our Blessed Teresa Casini in Grottaferrata, Italy. ration. They live this through the .” Originally a cloistered community daily offering of themselves, caring For more information please visit dedicated to prayer and sacrifice in for elderly priests and collaborat- OblateSister.org.

ONSEC C R A A T T 2019 VCI Summer Courses at Christendom College I A For more information call 703-658-4304 or visit Christendom.edu/vci V

I N E S T Session I (July 1 – July 12) Session II (July 15 to July 26) T I T U SPIR 801 Theology of the Body CONL 622 Liturgy and the Consecrated Life (Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P.) (Rt. Rev. Marcel Rooney, O.S.B.) An in-depth examination of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theolo- The liturgy as the source and summit of the consecrated gy of the Body in light of its relationship to the thought of life, with examination of various liturgical texts and magis- St. and the scholastic tradition. terial documents on the liturgy. CONL 626 Consecrated Life and Canon Law SPIR 633 Christian Asceticism (Rt. Rev. Eugene Hayes,O.Praem.) (Rev. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.) A close examination of the various canons of the Code of The ascetical life of penance and self-denial and the role it Canon Law concerning the consecrated life. plays in the Christian life of virtue and prayer, taking as its CONL 802 Psychology in Support of Religious Life primary framework the teaching of St. . (New Afternoon Elective!) CONL 801 Introduction to Themes in Aquinas (Mark Glafke, Ph.D., HSSP) (New Afternoon Elective!) An integrative approach to psychology, spirituality, the (Rev. Anselm Rodriguez, O.Praem.) moral life, and anthropology, this course explores avenues An introduction to the philosophical thought of St. Thom- of psychological growth and healing to resolve natural im- as Aquinas, covering major themes that figure prominently pediments to moral and spiritual flourishing. both in Philosophy & Theology.

22 May/June 2019 IRL Midwest Regional Meeting Focuses on Strengthening One’s Relationship with Christ

n Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Othe Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence, Missouri, the Insti- tute on Religious Life sponsored the annual Midwest Regional Meeting hosted by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist. The event was well-attended by several religious communities, priests and a good number of lay people. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Forming Apostles for Today,” a topic that has many facets but one central focus—a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Our Lord is the one who sends men and women into the mission field. Forming apostles today begins as always with prayer and per- sonal conversion: a lifelong conver- Regina van den Berg, L. M. She be- ways for a contemplative relationship sion of turning towards Christ. longs to the Labor Mariae Sisters, a with God: 1) mental prayer; 2) active To quote Pope Francis, “The private association, who live a Mar- prayer; 3) a schedule that allows for mission is important, but to form to the ian, semi-contemplative traditional contemplation of divine things; 4) a mission is just as important, to form form of consecrated apostolic life. monthly day of recollection or retreat to the passion of the proclamation, The title of Sr. M. Regina’s talk was: day; 5) a desire to go beyond what is to form to that passion of going ev- “On the Contemplation of Divine required of us; 6) a desire for silence; erywhere, to every periphery, to tell Things and Assiduous Union with 7) detachment from everything but everyone of the love of Jesus Christ, God in Prayer.” God; 8) a spiritual director; and 9) a especially those far away, to tell it to In her talk Sister quoted Canons good library of sound spiritual reading. the little ones and to the poor, and to 662-663 from the Code of Canon Law. Her talk concluded with: “The end or let oneself be evangelized by them.” “Religious are to have as the supreme goal of our religious life is not primari- The mission of the Apostles was to rule of life the following of Christ pro- ly the accomplishment of works of the till the soil and to plant the seeds posed in the Gospel and expressed in apostolate. The end of our religious that would bear a rich harvest. In the constitutions of their own insti- life is union with our divine Spouse. our age consecrated men and wom- tute. The first and foremost duty of Our union with Him will make our en bear a rich harvest; consecrated all religious is to be the contemplation apostolate exceedingly fruitful.” men and women are in the unique of divine things and assiduous union The second speaker, Rev. Sean position of forming apostles spiritual- with God in prayer.” She expressed, Salai, S.J., is a native of Indiana and ly, intellectually and apostolically to “We may not force contemplation... worked as a news reporter before be sowers of the Word of God. it is a gift. When the soul is faithful to joining the in 2005. Each of the three speakers at virtues and prayer, God provides the The title of Father Salai’s talk was the 2019 Midwest Regional Meet- grace.” Sister added, “If we remain “Forming Apostles for the Margins: ing presented different approaches attached to our own will, we will not The Call of Pope Francis to Vowed to Forming Apostles for Today. The obtain contemplative union with the Religious.” first speaker of the day was Sr. M. Almighty.” She provided a list of nine (Continued on next page)

May/June 2019 23 Midwest Regional (cont. from pg. 23) John Paul II constantly reminded us. The highlight of his presentation Father opened his talk with a Father closed by saying: “We need to was the list of all the positives that prayer from IRL founder Servant of be indifferent to earthly things; what have happened since the Pontificate God Rev. John Hardon S.J. He then will make me more loving toward of Pope John Paul ll. The list includ- posed two questions: “What does it God, neighbor, and self.” ed: Mass in the vernacular; renewal mean to go out to margins and how The third and final speaker of of the Sacraments; devotion to Di- do we evangelize without compro- the day was Mr. Tom Hoopes. Mr. vine Mercy; Catechism of the Cath- mising contemplation and prayer? Hoopes is a graduate of the St. Ig- olic Church; theology of the body, Do I get caught up in unreflective natius Institute at the University of Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, action?” San Francisco with an MBA from canonization of Mother Teresa of Similar to Sr. M. Regina’s talk, Benedictine College. He was former- Calcutta; Eucharistic adoration on Father Salai provided a checklist ly editor of the National Catholic Reg- the rise and the strengthening of the of ways to evangelize. The first was ister and Faith and Family magazine. pro-life movement which continues longing—longing to be an instru- He is currently writer-in-residence, to attract young people. ment of grace for others. Second, Vice President for College Relations The list went on, however, but closeness—being able to listen and and Adjunct Professor at Benedic- what was most astonishing is that accompany others. Third, recognizing tine College. The title of Mr. Hoopes the positive growth in Christiani- dignity—all are created in the image talk was: “Christianity is Still on the ty is rarely recognized by the media and likeness of God. Fourth, weari- Rise.” or even among faithful Catholics. ness—transforming our work into Mr. Hoopes’ opening statement The Holy Spirit is intervening and prayer and prayer into action. Fifth, was that we are facing a culture that we must be a culture of hope. Mr. tenderness—how do we respond needs to be cured and healed. He Hoopes presentation provided “good to those who don’t agree with us? went on to provide amazing statistics news” and many in attendance of the Sixth, be close to Mary—Our Bless- of the growth of Catholic populations meeting were inspired and grateful. ed Mother, she who was nobody said throughout the world. Listing Africa, The day concluded with Eucha- “yes” to God and became the mother China and India as prime examples, ristic Adoration, Rosary and Bene- of His only begotten Son. Seventh, he went on to explain that “nominal diction. Special thanks to the Sisters courage—what have we done for Christianity is dying,” while inten- of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist Christ? “Be not afraid,” as Pope St. tional Christianity is on the rise. for their hospitality and support. Parish Visitors Open New Convent in Philadelphia n February 1, 2019, Mass was celebrated for the Majoros, Rev. Dennis Gill and priests from the Ca- Ofirst time in St. Joseph’s Convent of the Sacred thedral in Philadelphia, and the Sisters of the Blessed Heart, the newest convent of the Parish Visitors of Sacrament who donated furniture and appointments Mary Immaculate in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, a for the chapel. suburb of Philadelphia. For this Mass, Sr. Mary Luchia, local superi- Mother Maria Catherine brought or, Sr. Susan Marie and Sr. Theresa from Marycrest the chalice that was Marie are assigned to this new mis- used at the first Mass in 1921 in the sion, along with Novice Sister Alina Parish Visitor’s original convent in Marie who is there temporarily for ap- Manhattan, also named St. Joseph’s ostolic experience. Convent of the Sacred Heart. The Parish Visitors of Mary Im- Following Mass was the En- maculate are contemplative-mission- thronement of the Sacred Heart, aries, founded in 1920 by Servant of after which the new convent was blessed room by God Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, to seek out stray room. The community is most grateful to all the vol- Catholics in imitation of the Good Shepherd. unteers, especially from the parish, various councils For more information, please visit ParishVisitor- of the Knights of Columbus, the pastor, Msgr. George Sisters.org.

24 May/June 2019 Convent and Chapel Blessing for the Sisters of the Holy Cross n February 1, 2019, Most Diocese of Steubenville dedicated ceive vocations and pass on the ORev. Jeffrey Monforton of the the new convent and chapel of the spiritual mission of the Sisters for Sisters of the Holy Cross generations to come. It is cen- of Carrollton, Ohio. The tered, first of all, on Eucharistic community is aggregat- Adoration; it is a place of quiet ed to the Order of Can- solitude and the contemplation ons Regular of the Holy of divine things, to the glory of Cross and is a semi-con- God. Strengthened by Him, the templative institute of daily Bread of Life, they offer all consecrated life founded their thoughts and works, joys and in 1970. The next phase sufferings, for the sanctification of of the building project the priesthood, the Holy Father, is a monastery for the the needs of the Church and for priests. the salvation of all souls. With this new con- For more information, please vent, the sisters can re- visit AveCrux.org. Sister Given Community Service Award for Support of the Poor n 1995, after spending 17 years Iworking as a missionary in a remote area in Brazil, Sr. Andrea Kanter, OSF, of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist in Independence, Missouri, returned home with a re- quest from the people she served: “Please send Pepto-Bismol for the stomach ailments that plague us.” Photo Credit: The Leaven After some phone calls and perse- verance, Sister Andrea was able to secure two pallets of Pepto-Bismol, but also received enough donations to fill a twenty-foot container with household goods, clothing, food, and In appreciation and in recognition of all people to follow. First, be open to school supplies. 25 years of delivering necessities to God’s call. He doesn’t call those who This was the beginning of the those less fortunate, Sister Andrea have all the answers by themselves. Franciscan Mission Warehouse. To- was awarded the prestigious Inter- He calls those who know they don’t day, they operate a fully functional national Community of Christ Peace have answers and so need Him. Sec- warehouse and have completed over Award (below) on April 6, 2019. ond, when times get difficult, remain 300 shipments of medical supplies Everything the warehouse does, faithful and trust. Third, don’t hesi- and equipment, school and household said Sister Andrea, depends on God. tate to ask those around you to join supplies, to over 31 countries around She offers these three principles for you in your mission. Many times, the world and stateside areas in need. they only need to be asked. “One by Many thousands of individuals have one, step by step,” she said, “this is been helped, received medical care, how the world is changed.” an education, felt hope and have For more information, please visit been given a chance for a better life. FranciscanMissionWarehouse.org.

May/June 2019 25 Affiliate in Focus

Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

Praying and Laboring to Attain Purity of Heart, Tranquillity of Mind and Spiritual Union with God

he Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery in the TDiocese of Madison, Wiscon- sin, are currently facing a problem: the grounds on which the commu- nity has been living and praying and laboring since the 1950s are no lon- ger adequate to meet their growing number of vocations! As a branch of the Benedictine family, Cistercian spirituality is ora et labora, i.e. “pray and work.” Founded in France in 1098, the Order of Ci- teaux is one of the Church’s ancient monastic orders. The sources of Cis- tercian monasticism are the Sacred Scriptures, the Rule of St. Benedict, the traditions of the , which they hope to attain to purity the spirituality of the Order’s own of heart, tranquility of mind, and 12th century Abbot Fathers (Saints spiritual union with God. Robert, Stephen, and Alberic), and The nuns keep silence, speaking the treasury of lived wisdom hand- to one another only during a half- ed-on by each succeeding generation hour period each evening and a brief of monks and nuns. recreation period two or three times The daily life for the nuns is a a week. They live simply and frugal- balanced alternation between the ly, making their own clothes and sub- opus Dei, the Divine Office prayed sisting on a simple diet. Their man- in Latin with Gregorian Chant, the ual labor in the form of various tasks Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, lectio divi- around the monastery and also the na, and manual labor. Beginning each work of making altar breads is how day by rising at 3:30 am, silence, soli- they support themselves. tude in community, ascetic practices, Nationwide, the number of reli- the cultivation of continual interior gious and priests has decreased dra- prayer, together with the monastic matically. In spite of this downward vows of obedience, stability, and un- trend, the Monastery in Prarie du ceasing conversion, are the means by Sac is flourishing. In an age when so-

26 May/June 2019 In the Spirit of the Foundresses. . . Under the Blessed Virgin’s Mantle

n 1956, Bishop William O’Connor Iof Madison, Wisconsin requested of the Cistercian generral house in Rome that contemplative cloistered cial media, career advancement, and nuns be sent to his diocese. When general busy-ness can overwhelm the first six nuns arrived from the daily secular life, the simplicity and Abbey of Frauenthal in Switzer- beauty of the quiet, contemplative land, they moved onto a farm 112 Cistercian lifestyle is attractive for acres in size. At the time, there many young women. As of this writ- were only two buildings on their all had chosen to return to their ing, a third of the group is considered portion of the property, which were homeland. From then on all the Millenial, which is someone belong- initially intended as a temporary vocations to Valley of Our Lady ing to the generation born between residence until the nuns could con- were American women. 1981 and 1996. struct a permanent monastery. On Since 1960, the monastery’s The young sisters come from di- January 6, 1958, Bishop O’Connor main work is to bake, package, verse academic backgrounds, some blessed the renovated farm home- and ship altar breads. Dona- finishing college after studying such stead and established the enclosure tions allowed them to purchase subjects as education, computer as a daughterhouse of Frauenthal second-hand baking machines. science, entomology, and theology. (Frauenthal means “Valley of Our Through a donation in 1980, the Some are home-schooled, while oth- Lady” in German). sisters were able to acquire a larger ers went to public or private schools. The first years were financially baker and thus their business grew. The community enjoys an enriching very precarious. The sisters began By 1984 there were six bakers pro- range of talents in their members, with an unsuccessful attempt to ducing sheets of bread under the among whom are musicians and earn their living through farming, eyes of several young sisters. The artists of every kind—photography, but in 1959 they auctioned off the nuns currently produce over 12 drawing, poetry, and writing. machinery and cattle, choosing to million altar breads annually. bake and sell altar breads. In the past 15 years, nine sis- In June, 1960, the sisters were ters have entered and made their within days of foreclosure. Fortu- solemn profession. Today, there nately, a donation allowed them are over twenty nuns, with several to pay the annual interest on their temporarily professed sisters and mortgage and avoid the worst. On novices arriving from all over the the evening of All Souls Day in country and even outside of the 1960, fire engulfed the main barn United States. For more information contact: which burned to the ground. The Valley of Our Lady stands at a money received from their insur- pivotal moment in its history. It is Vocation Directoress ance was sufficient to pay off the no longer a dependent foundation, Valley of Our Lady Monastery entire mortgage on their property. but rather a genuinely self-stand- E 11096 Yanke Drive In spite of serious financial ing priory. Under the mantle of the Praire du Sac, WI 53578-9737 instability, the nuns quickly at- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 608-643-3520 tracted American vocations. In Mary, God has blessed Valley of ValleyofOurLady.org the 1970s, the Swiss nuns began to Our Lady with vocations and a [email protected] return to Switzerland, and by 1978 thriving work.

May/June 2019 27 Theological Reflections

By Rev John A. Hardon, S.J. Servant of God/IRL Founder ( 2000) Christ is Our Hope

hen we speak of Christian We are to hope for our own Easter But Christ is especially our hope in hope we must know what Sunday, when God will wipe away the grace He is always pouring into Wit does not mean. It does all tears from our eyes, where there our hearts to give us the strength we not mean looking forward to an end will be no more death and no more do not have of ourselves to cope with. of trial and tribulation. It does not mourning, or sadness; when the world I do not say the great trials of life, but mean expecting to be delivered from of the past—which for us is still the even such minor problems as putting suffering and pain. It does not mean world of the painful present—will up with a person who talks too much, living in a dream world of unreality, have gone. How is Christ our hope or who acts on the impulse of the mo- which our drugs, and drink, and fic- in a world—at least our own personal ment, or who forgets to thank us for a tion, and movies, and media are fos- world—that sometimes seems to be favor received. tering. so hopeless? He is our hope because He is the The correct understanding of hope He is certainly our hope in the almighty power of God who lives in is beautifully illustrated in the episode example He gave us of how we are the center of our being, ever ready described by the evangelist Luke in to bear up under God’s visitations, and always at hand to help us bear the disciples on the road to Emmaus. whether they are physical pain, or with the crosses of our life, especially Rereading this account of the dia- spiritual dryness, or social estrange- with the heaviest cross that we carry, logue of Christ with the two disciples ment or even open opposition from which is ourselves. reveals that authentic hope centers perhaps sincere people who, for that But we must do our part. Jesus is on the example of Christ. Like Him, very reason, can cause us more suffer- our hope, indeed, but we must trust we are to expect to suffer, and so, ing than people who are notoriously Him, and not belie by our actions which means “and therefore,” enter acting in bad faith. His patience is the what we profess with our lips. If we into glory—Christ into His, and we model of what ours should be, even trust Him, we shall distrust ourselves, into ours. to excusing the murderers who nailed which means we shall not worry, be- Do not tell me this is an easy lesson the innocent Lamb of God to the cause worry is a sign of reliance on to learn. It is the hardest conclusion Cross. self to the forgetfulness of God. If we we have to reach from the premises of Christ is moreover our hope in the trust Him, we shall not be anxious, our faith. All our natural instincts cry words of explanation—He went out because anxiety is a sign of expecting out for relief and our natural desires of His way to teach us why the ser- self to cope with difficulties that only aim to be freed from oppression or vant is not greater than the Master, God can overcome. If we trust Him, misunderstanding or non-acceptance and why we should be merciful, which we shall not be sad, because sadness by those we love—in a word, to be de- means forgiving, to others, if we want is a sign that we think we are some- livered from pain. Yet that is not the God to be merciful to us. If there is how still running the world, that is, way Christ lived nor should we expect one lesson that Christ never tired of the little world we occupy, whereas to live that way ourselves. repeating all through His public life God is behind, beneath, and beyond What are we to hope for then? We and to the day of His ascension, it was everything that we thoughtlessly say are to hope for the light we need to the insistence that souls are redeemed “happens” to us and in us. Christ is see the dawn over the horizon—in a only by suffering, that sins are remit- therefore our hope because He is our word, to see that God has an all-wise ted only by shedding of blood, and only source of joy—now during these purpose of giving us the privilege of that man is reconciled to his Maker few short years on earth and then for joining with His Son in His Passion. only by undergoing pain. all eternity.

28 May/June 2019 Faith, Reason and Catholicism

◆ HANS URS VON BALTHASAR ◆ FAITH AND REASON ◆ THE INDISSOLUBILITY ON THE IGNATIAN Philosophers Explain eir Turn OF MARRIAGE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES to Catholicism Amoris Laetitia in Context Ed. by Jacques Servais, S.J. Ed. by Brian Besong and Matthew Levering he proli c writings of Balthasar, Jonathan Fuqua his well-researched book explains Tthe acclaimed Jesuit-formed theo- oo smart to believe in God?  e Twhy the Catholic Church teaches logian and spiritual writer, are imbued Ttwelve philosophers in this book are marital indissolubility and address- with the in uence of St. Ignatius of too smart not to, and their  nely honed es numerous contemporary challenges Loyola.  roughout Balthasar's priestly reasoning skills and advanced educations to that teaching. It surveys the patristic life, he led countless retreatants in the are on display as they explain their rea- witness to marital indissolubility, and Ignatian Exercises.  is anthology is an sons for entering the Catholic Church. Orthodox and Protestant views, as well aid for those making, or giving, an  e twelve converts include well-known as historical-critical biblical exegesis Ignatian retreat. Full of citations, and professors like P e t e r K r e e  , Edward on the contested biblical passages. It with four indexes, plus many texts nev- Feser, J. Budziszewski, Candace Vogler, also surveys the Catholic tradition from er before translated into English, it si s and Robert Koons. Each story is unique; the Council of Trent through Benedict Balthasar's writings for insights into yet each one details the various per- XVI, and it examines a Catholic ar- almost every element of Ignatius' "li- ceptible ways God drew these lovers of gument that the Catholic Church's teach- bretto", including themes scarcely wisdom to himself and to the Church. ing should change. It explores Amoris explored by others. FAREP . . . Sewn So cover, $19.95 Laetitia, Pope Francis’ exhortation on HVBSEP . . . Sewn So cover, $19.95 marriage, and the various major re- "These philosophers stand as powerful wit- sponses to it, focusing on the issue of “It is refreshing to see how the deepest of spir- nesses to the beauty of Catholic truth.  eir marital indissolubility. itualties is never separate from the most intellectual pilgrimages reveal the irresistible robust of orthodox theologies.  ese pages are attraction that the Catholic Church holds for IMP . . . Sewn So cover, $18.85  lled with the deepest convictions of Balthasar's human reason." heart and mind, bringing the reader through — Michael Augros, Ph.D. “Lucidly written, wide in its historical reach, and many encounters with grace as well as with some Author, e Immortal in You and powerful in its engagement with contempo- rary theologians.  e best engagement I’ve seen real darkness." Who Designed the Designer? — Meconi, S.J. with the important questions raised by Amoris Director of Catholic Studies, "If philosophy is in league with Catholicism, Laetitia." Saint Louis University and if 'philosophy always buries its under- —Dr. Christopher Kaczor takers', as Gilson famously said, is it too much Author, e Seven Big Myths about Marriage "A singular service to scholars of Balthasar and to see in this volume the first buds of a to those with signi cant interest in the Spiritual second spring—a new civilization based upon Exercises. A treasure chest for contemplation philosophizing that is wise as well as clever?" and for profound theological research." — Michael Pakaluk, Ph.D. — Sister Gill Goulding, C.J., Ph.D. Professor of Ethics, Catholic University Professor of Systematic  eology, of America University of Toronto

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