Hi, just wondering if anyone has ever visited or heard of the Cistercian sisters at Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa?

I am also wondering why some communities will state on their web page that they are "faithful to the Magesterium of the Catholic Church" and others don't. I don't want to stir a controversy, it's just that I feel a call to the Benedictine and/or Cistercian spirituality and rarely see that on their web sites.

MS Abbey is a good one. I know their prioress has published some profound stuff.

"Faithful to the Magisterium"--exactly which sites are we talking about? Latin Mass communities?

Blessings,
Gemma

I would assume its merely that some orders want to emphasize their fidelity, since for other orders it is questioned at times. I would assume that other orders just think that their fidelity is evident by their way of life.
I would guess that there are a few that you are looking at (although probably not as much in the Cistercian school) that have struggled/are struggling with remaining faithful, in which case it should be evident when you visit them/talk to them.

Just my experience.

In Jesus and Mary,
Lauren

[quote name='the lords sheep' date='Jun 11 2008, 03:41 AM' post='1567865']
I would assume its merely that some orders want to emphasize their fidelity, since for other orders it is questioned at times. I would assume that other orders just think that their fidelity is evident by their way of life.
I would guess that there are a few that you are looking at (although probably not as much in the Cistercian school) that have struggled/are struggling with remaining faithful, in which case it should be evident when you visit them/talk to them.

/quote]


Agreed---and even before you get to the talking/visiting stage, you can look at what the community website emphasizes and make an educated guess. But try to avoid making a knee-jerk determination, in any case. If you are looking at a community with some serious interest, it's best to decide after making contact if they truly support the mission of the Church.

Actually, I was asking because it was after making contact that I began to see signs of...not unfaithfulness, but a questioning of Church doctrine. And, it seemed, of putting the rule of their order before the Church. It was subtle and it was hard to tell if it was a few sisters or if it was the way the order was progressing. I asked some direct questions, but I didn't get direct answers. I guess I'm feeling a little disheartened and untrusting now.

Don't let it get you down I know the phenomenon you mention: the idea that you can do x because "it's monastic and it's totally what St. Benedict would have liked" regardless of whether it's actually Catholic. It can be quite downheartening.

But rest assured there are Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries out there which joyfully live out the Benedictine Rule to its fullest - and that by definition implies that they are content and long to live their Rule nestled in the bosom of the Church. Keep seeking after peace and persuing it! God will bring you to where He wants you.

Thank you for your encouragement. I know God has a place for me. I just pray I find it and am willing to respond to it, wherever and whatever it is.

I have visited Our Lady of the Desert several times. They wear the habit and are certainly faithful to the Magisterium. their current postulant wears a sort of jumper rather than the full habit. They use a mixture of English and Latin in their liturgies and Divine Office. They have nuns from at least 3 countries other than the US of A, so if you are not in the states it shouldnt be too much of a problem for them. They just moved so things might e a bit busy for them for a while, but they are very good sisters.