While the news is announcing the throngs of crowds going to the Malls and the specials for sale on the Internet (a $450 Starbucks card – 1000 were sold in minutes!) life is quiet at the Monastery. Each time we go to pray the Liturgy of the Hours or celebrate Eucharist, we are drawn into the mystery of this season. So many beautiful antiphons and prayers! I find that as I return to my quiet work, these words often continue to echo in my heart. Come Lord, Jesus! We are so blessed.
We are getting ready for guests next week. Hospitality is also part of Advent. Welcoming others and receiving them as Christ. We don’t often have other Poor Clare Sisters as guests but next we are having a Federation Council meeting at our monastery. We are excited! Each of our monasteries is autonomous but we through our Holy Name Federation we have a way of supporting and encouraging each other in the nine Monasteries in the USA and also our Monastery in Bolivia. Sr. Carolyn is president for this four year term and Sr. Nancy is on the council. They will be busy in two days of meetings but we will be able to pray together and also share meals and conversation. We don’t see each other often but it is very much like a family union when we get together.
Fr. Tom Hartle, OFM, the Religious Assistant for our Holy Name Federation, will also be with us. He will be celebrating Eucharist from December 8-11. If you live in the area, maybe you would like to join us for Eucharist at 9:00 on one of these days.
Sunday, December 8th, we will be having our Advent Healing Prayer Service in our chapel. It will begin with adoration at 4:00 and Evening prayer will be at 4:30. Many of the Advent readings early in December are about the healing power of Jesus. It is a good time to come together and pray for all of those who call on us to pray for this intention.
May you continue to be blessed this Advent with some quiet moments to savor the mystery!
Sister Mary Connor, OSC