Friday, June 24, 2011

A very happy day...

This evening Sister Cecilia Dwyer was installed as prioress – her sixth term! In a private ceremony (our custom if the prioress is continuing service) we asked God to bless her with wisdom, strength and every grace needed to be Christ in our midst. Elected for the first time in 1987, Sister Cecilia served three consecutive four-year terms. Then, ineligible canonically after 12 years in office, she enjoyed a sabbatical year at St. John’s School of Theology – Seminary and then served three years as Vocation Director until her reelection in 2003. Please join us in thanking God for the gift of Sister Cecilia’s leadership and her willingness to serve time and time again. The new monastic council (sisters elected and appointed to advise and support the prioress) was blessed after the installation rite. Council members beginning service are Sister Lisbeth Cruz, Sister Veronica Joyner, Sister Lisbeth Cruz, Sister Vicki Ix and Sister Glenna Smith.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Now I know why...



Now I know why Jesus loved the little children. Yes, parts hurt that I never knew I had, but the marathon is over and I am left to contemplate the blessings. Spending five days with 12 little girls forced me to remain in the present moment – ok, barely two steps ahead of them. But, inside, I had the feeling that they were my only work and in them, the Christ was in our midst. When they sang to us, I think the angels stopped to listen. When they prayed, their desires were pure like rain water. And, when they danced at Evening Prayer, we were moved by the reverence of little bare feet moving in a graceful circle. In them I got a glimpse of the purity of heart we long for as adults. I saw the child I was and long to be again. “WONDER WEEK” was BIG fun, physically exhausting and a time of grace. These 12 little girls will remain in our hearts and in our prayers until next summer. Now I know Jesus loved the little children. "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Mark 10:14)”

Our annual silent retreat begins today. Next blog from the Monastic Institute at St. John's next week. Blesings and love to you all...


- Sister Vicki