Tag: Carrying our Cross

The Divine Sculptor

The Divine Sculptor

Time passes and here we are at the beginning of the sacred season of Lent! Often we receive emails asking about Lent: "Dear Sisters, what should I do for Lent? But outside of the Penances we do, there is God’s plan for our souls: His Providential arrangement for each soul, in all that He sends in the way of pain, inconvenience, annoyance, misunderstanding, disappointment, frustration, regret - troubles and problems of all kinds. Rather than active suffering, these afflictions require more passive suffering. We discuss one of St. John’s lesser known writing “The Precautions,” and the detachment that he recommends.

In WEBSITE NEWS we give the history behind the St. Benedict Crucifix which has become known as the Happy Death Crucifix. We also give suggestions for good Lenten reading and an update on our new website.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we give an update on our new building project and share with you some stories and pictures. We hope to move in soon! Read more…

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

In the face of the terrible scandals rocking the Church, we bring to mind some of the words and meditations of the Saints in similar times : “You asked Me to do mercy to the world... you prayed for the mystical body of Holy Church, that I would remove darkness and persecution from it... I promise you, that through the long endurance of My servants I will reform My Spouse (Holy Church, Bride of Christ). This is why I invite you to endure, Myself lamenting with you over the iniquities of some of My ministers....” – Our Lord to Saint Catherine of Siena. The Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross also gives many important lessons in the face of this crisis.

In WEBSITE NEWS we discuss the history and symbolism behind wearing devotional religious rings and have added many new styles to our website. We have expanded our selection of rosary bracelets and give many important recommendations for spiritual reading which highlight Church history and the difficulties the Church has passed through in the past.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we remember the renewal of our vows that is made on September 14th. Read More….

The Shortness of Time and the Length of Eternity

The Shortness of Time and the Length of Eternity

"Time." What is it? And what is its worth? Understanding time, and its value, is perhaps done best by realizing what time is not: time is not eternity. How often is it that we do not realize the value of the time that we have, time that will not always be available to us. “The present moment is ever filled with infinite treasures; it contains more than you have capacity to hold. “ – Father Pere de Caussade There will come a time for judgment and for eternity. "If men knew what eternity is, they would do everything to change their lives." - Our Lady of Fatima

In WEBSITE NEWS we are excited to introduce a new foundry, Vexilla Regis, which will be manufacturing wood laid crucifixes by hand in the same style (and in fact taught by) the famous Bancel company in France which has since closed. The story behind this undertaking is an interesting one! Also see our new selection of children’s books.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we describe our recent days of retreat and have finally finished the sewing/embroidery project that has occupied us the last two years. The Immaculate Conception vestment was based off one worn by Pope Pius XII, and is the most ambitious embroidery project we have yet undertaken. Read More….

The Reason for Lent and the Stations of the Cross

The Reason for Lent and the Stations of the Cross

“We should remember that Lent is not an isolated personal affair of our own. The Church avails herself of the whole of the mystery of redemption. Each year, following Christ its Head, the whole Christian people takes up with renewed effort its struggle against evil, against Satan and the sinful man that each one of us bears within himself, in order at Easter to draw new life from the very springs of divine life and to continue its progress towards heaven.” What can we do to fully profit from the immense graces offered to us during Lent? What penances have been recommended?

We focus in particular on a devotion given to us by the Blessed Mother, the Stations of the Cross. We discuss the history of this devotion and how to practice it well. “ There is no practice more profitable for the entire sanctification of the soul than the frequent meditation of the sufferings of Jesus Christ.” - Saint Alphonsus de Liguori

We also study the life of St. Andrew Corsini, a virtually unknown Carmelite Saint, whose Feast Day is around this time.

In WEBSITE NEWS we look at the history and symbolism behind the Pardon Crucifix, a sacramental that was loved and promoted by St. Pius X. We also have several suggestions for good Lenten spiritual reading.

In COMMUNITY NEWS we document the arrival of our latest member, a mischievous and energetic german shepherd puppy names Zelie. We also finished our latest vestment project just in time for the Feast of the Purification. Read More….