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if you wish, I am in the process of starting a new order with the help of those who would come later (fretes betanie) based on the charims of father lataste. If you would like to join us (even from the states) reach out to me we are open to all !! profesorluigi at gmail

could you give us an update and pray for my project now in its infancy Fraternita Betania (brothers of bethany)

stemming from the charism of the Dominican Sisters of Bethany, I would propose.....the following a secular (nonpriestly) institute of consecrated life “there is no past in Bethany, only the present and future hope” Bl Lataste “We are consecrated laymen, rooted in the charism of Bethany, building lives of prayer, brotherhood, and mercy—open to all, especially those whom the world has cast aside.” the project or institute of consecrated life would allow: Young men searching for meaning or healing Former prisoners or those working in prison ministry Lay Dominicans or spiritual seekers Volunteers in social justice, addiction recovery, and mental health Catholic men disillusioned with traditional structures but open to renewal catholic men who are married (and their spouses) to be full members there is no discrimination on color, sex, sexual orientation etc admittance on a case by case basis. I am based in Italy and I have already created a facebook page: brothers of bethany, Instagram brothers_of_bethany we plan to have a website as well. should you have any ideas, wish to join etc..shoot me an email at profesorluigi at gmail also available to chat via whatsapp or video conference members would wear a habit in private and eventually in public once official recognition is done full info? sureee ENGLISH We are consecrated laymen inspired by the charism of the Dominican Sisters of Bethany, founded on the vision of Blessed Jean-Joseph Lataste. Rooted in Dominican spirituality and mercy, we form a community open to all—especially the forgotten, the formerly incarcerated, and those living on the margins. Like the first brothers of the early Church, we do not live in a single monastery but in our own homes and cities, united in prayer, shared mission, and vowed life. We gather regularly, support one another in fraternal love, and live the Gospel through both contemplation and action. We believe that holiness is not reserved for the perfect, and that the wounds of the past are no obstacle to God's call. ITALIANO Siamo laici consacrati ispirati al carisma delle Suore Domenicane di Betania, fondato sulla visione del Beato Jean-Joseph Lataste. Radicati nella spiritualità domenicana e nella misericordia, formiamo una comunità aperta a tutti—specialmente ai dimenticati, agli ex detenuti e a coloro che vivono ai margini. Come i primi fratelli della Chiesa primitiva, non viviamo in un unico monastero, ma nelle nostre case e città, uniti nella preghiera, nella missione condivisa e nella vita consacrata. Ci riuniamo regolarmente, ci sosteniamo a vicenda con amore fraterno e viviamo il Vangelo attraverso la contemplazione e l’azione. Crediamo che la santità non sia riservata ai perfetti e che le ferite del passato non siano un ostacolo alla chiamata di Dio. ESPAÑOL Somos laicos consagrados inspirados por el carisma de las Hermanas Dominicas de Betania, fundado en la visión del Beato Jean-Joseph Lataste. Enraizados en la espiritualidad dominicana y la misericordia, formamos una comunidad abierta a todos—especialmente a los olvidados, los ex encarcelados y los que viven en los márgenes. Como los primeros hermanos de la Iglesia primitiva, no vivimos en un solo monasterio sino en nuestras propias casas y ciudades, unidos en oración, misión compartida y vida consagrada. Nos reunimos regularmente, nos apoyamos en fraternidad y vivimos el Evangelio a través de la contemplación y la acción. Creemos que la santidad no está reservada para los perfectos y que las heridas del pasado no son obstáculo para el llamado de Dios. OUR CHARISM We follow the path of Bethany: A place where the excluded are welcomed Where prayer meets real suffering Where mercy redefines identity Where no one is defined by their past We live by the truth that "the greatest saints have a past, and the greatest sinners have a future." Our community includes: Men in the free world Formerly incarcerated individuals Life-sentenced brothers called to contemplative life behind bars We are united by Dominican preaching, shared prayer, and the redemptive fire of Christ’s mercy. A HOME FOR YOU? This path may be for you if you: Seek to live a life of Gospel mercy Are drawn to contemplative prayer and community Feel called to serve the outcast and imprisoned Have a personal past in need of redemption and purpose Are a former prisoner, activist, or spiritual seeker FORMATION & LIFE Flexible. Honest. Real. We offer a path of formation that fits your reality: Inquiry & Discernment Initial Formation (remote or with brothers nearby) Private Vows (under a secular institute) Fraternal life in the world or in prison All under the umbrella of the Bethany charism. PRIVACY & DIGNITY In keeping with the GDPR and the fourth vow of our charism—that one's past should never be revealed unless duly authorized—we strictly protect the identities of our members. No last names, personal information, or photos of brothers will be made public. Our communication, storytelling, and imagery respect this sacred commitment to anonymity and mercy. if you made it this far, why don't you send me an email and see if you can help us? fra Anselmo of the SS Heart

ok I am game: Tagline: “there is no past in Bethany, only the present and future hope” Bl Lataste “We are consecrated laymen, rooted in the charism of Bethany, building lives of prayer, brotherhood, and mercy—open to all, especially those whom the world has cast aside.” the project or institute of consecrated life would allow: Young men searching for meaning or healing Former prisoners or those working in prison ministry Lay Dominicans or spiritual seekers Volunteers in social justice, addiction recovery, and mental health Catholic men disillusioned with traditional structures but open to renewal catholic men who are married (and their spouse) to be full members there is no discrimination on color, sex, sexual orientation etc admittance on a case by case basis. I am based in Italy and I have already created a facebook page: brothers of bethany, Instagram brothers_of_bethany we plan to have a website as well. should you have any ideas, wish to join etc..shoot me an email at profesorluigi at gmail also available to chat via whatsapp or video conference full info? sureee ENGLISH We are consecrated laymen inspired by the charism of the Dominican Sisters of Bethany, founded on the vision of Blessed Jean-Joseph Lataste. Rooted in Dominican spirituality and mercy, we form a community open to all—especially the forgotten, the formerly incarcerated, and those living on the margins. Like the first brothers of the early Church, we do not live in a single monastery but in our own homes and cities, united in prayer, shared mission, and vowed life. We gather regularly, support one another in fraternal love, and live the Gospel through both contemplation and action. We believe that holiness is not reserved for the perfect, and that the wounds of the past are no obstacle to God's call. ITALIANO Siamo laici consacrati ispirati al carisma delle Suore Domenicane di Betania, fondato sulla visione del Beato Jean-Joseph Lataste. Radicati nella spiritualità domenicana e nella misericordia, formiamo una comunità aperta a tutti—specialmente ai dimenticati, agli ex detenuti e a coloro che vivono ai margini. Come i primi fratelli della Chiesa primitiva, non viviamo in un unico monastero, ma nelle nostre case e città, uniti nella preghiera, nella missione condivisa e nella vita consacrata. Ci riuniamo regolarmente, ci sosteniamo a vicenda con amore fraterno e viviamo il Vangelo attraverso la contemplazione e l’azione. Crediamo che la santità non sia riservata ai perfetti e che le ferite del passato non siano un ostacolo alla chiamata di Dio. ESPAÑOL Somos laicos consagrados inspirados por el carisma de las Hermanas Dominicas de Betania, fundado en la visión del Beato Jean-Joseph Lataste. Enraizados en la espiritualidad dominicana y la misericordia, formamos una comunidad abierta a todos—especialmente a los olvidados, los ex encarcelados y los que viven en los márgenes. Como los primeros hermanos de la Iglesia primitiva, no vivimos en un solo monasterio sino en nuestras propias casas y ciudades, unidos en oración, misión compartida y vida consagrada. Nos reunimos regularmente, nos apoyamos en fraternidad y vivimos el Evangelio a través de la contemplación y la acción. Creemos que la santidad no está reservada para los perfectos y que las heridas del pasado no son obstáculo para el llamado de Dios. OUR CHARISM We follow the path of Bethany: A place where the excluded are welcomed Where prayer meets real suffering Where mercy redefines identity Where no one is defined by their past We live by the truth that "the greatest saints have a past, and the greatest sinners have a future." Our community includes: Men in the free world Formerly incarcerated individuals Life-sentenced brothers called to contemplative life behind bars We are united by Dominican preaching, shared prayer, and the redemptive fire of Christ’s mercy. A HOME FOR YOU? This path may be for you if you: Seek to live a life of Gospel mercy Are drawn to contemplative prayer and community Feel called to serve the outcast and imprisoned Have a personal past in need of redemption and purpose Are a former prisoner, activist, or spiritual seeker FORMATION & LIFE Flexible. Honest. Real. We offer a path of formation that fits your reality: Inquiry & Discernment Initial Formation (remote or with brothers nearby) Private Vows (under a secular institute) Fraternal life in the world or in prison All under the umbrella of the Bethany charism. PRIVACY & DIGNITY In keeping with the GDPR and the fourth vow of our charism—that one's past should never be revealed unless duly authorized—we strictly protect the identities of our members. No last names, personal information, or photos of brothers will be made public. Our communication, storytelling, and imagery respect this sacred commitment to anonymity and mercy.

Oh mon Jésus, pardonnes nous nos péchers, préserves nous des feux de l'enfer, conduisez au ciel toutes les âmes, spécialement celles qui ont le plus besoin de Ta miséricorde. Amen Notre Père, qui est au cieux, que Ton nom soit sanctifier, que Ton règne vienne, que Ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel. Donnes-nous aujord'hui, notre pain de ce jours, Pardonnes-nous nos péchers, comme nous pardonnons aussi a ceux qui nous ont offensé. ne nous soumet pas a la tentation, mais délivres-nous du mal. Amen

Cardinal Sarah!!!

On April 12, Franciscan Mike posted in last year's thread: "Archdiocese of Detroit ordained 4 to the Transitional Diaconate today!!!! I belie Arlington will have a big ordination class this year.. Anybody else have any information????" I include it here so no one has to look in two places. ################################################################ On April 14, Franciscan Mike posted the following in last year's thread; again, I copy it here so that all of 2025 will be in one place. "Arlington will Ordain 12!!!!!!! The Beauty of Catholicism (Facebook page) Abraham Tersoo Torji · Snetproods10525t9fcatul0h6f1m5a15icmh226fgcffcmg3h12la938h12 · Despite having a relatively small population of approximately 450,000 Catholics, the Diocese of Arlington in the United States is set to celebrate the ordination of 12 new priests next month. Image: Diocese of Arlington. Source: David Ndukwe" ################################################################## From the Jesuit Central & Southern province: https://www.jesuitscentralsouthern.org/event/priestly-ordinations/ Two men will be ordained priests in June 14th.

Who's your favorites!?

Franciscan Sister Sr Mary Teresa reflects on God's plans for us, and our own plans. Do they always coincide? How do we see and focus on the good that is, and not what is not. Since 1869, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have served in Catholic Health Care, Education, Campus Ministry and Parish-Community Service in Dioceses in Michigan, Wisconsin, the Midwest, Central and Southwest U.S. God Calls You. We Invite You Dios te llama. Te invitamos Visit us at fscc-calledtobe.org

J1.10 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

John’s Gospel ends with four appearances that the resurrected Jesus makes to different groups of disciples: four scenes of Christ revealed alive, four assurances that death could never contain the life that Jesus lived and lives. These appearances take place in Jerusalem, in the days just after Jesus’ execution. The terror of the preceding week has dissipated, but Jesus’ disciples are still filled with fear, not quite sure how to go on. They don’t know what’s coming next. But then life goes on, and many ordinary days follow. So it is with the fourth and final appearance that John records, in chapter 21. Some time has passed — John doesn’t say how much. But the disciples have left Jerusalem and returned to their home in Galilee, back to the safety of the countryside and away from the city. Jesus’ followers are home, but you get the sense that they don’t quite know what to do with themselves. Peter decides to go fishing, and several of the others decide to go out on the boat with him. They don’t have any luck, but the next morning, as they are coming back to shore, they find a man standing there who tells them to cast the net again, to the right side of the boat this time — and of course, the man is Jesus, and of course, they haul in so many fish that the net is nearly torn. And Jesus invites them to sit down around the fire he has made, to break bread with him once more. This is the last appearance of the risen Jesus that John records. But always, always, Jesus is challenging us to live lives of kindness and compassion, of sharing and generosity. In a word, the life that Jesus has brought us is a life of love: it comes from love and is intended to bring more love into the world. The English language has a poverty of words for love. Greek does a better job of this, as we can see in the conversation that Jesus has with Peter after they finish breakfast. Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” And Peter answers him, “Well Lord, of course, you know I love you.” But Jesus doesn’t seem satisfied with this answer, so he asks Peter again, and Peter again gives the same answer. In fact, this exchange happens three times. Now why would Jesus ask Peter this question three times? It turns out, in the original Greek, Jesus and Peter are using completely different words for love. What Jesus actually asks Peter is: do you agape me? And Peter answers: yes Lord, you know that I philia you. Agape and philia. Jesus wants agape: the kind of love that is life-transforming, that means real commitment beyond feelings. A self-giving love that sacrifices its own needs for the good of others. The kind of love that God has for us. This is the love Jesus showed us on the cross, and Jesus is asking for this kind of love in return. But all Peter can offer is philia: Lord. I like you, well enough. That’s what philia is — more like, than love. We shouldn’t be too hard on Peter though. Perhaps he was just trying to be honest about the kind of love he was capable of giving Jesus in return. Letting go of yourself for the good of the other is not an easy calling. A remarkable and beautiful thing happens at the end of this exchange though: the first two times Jesus asks the question, he says, “Do you agape me?” And Peter answers, “Lord, I philia you.” But the third time Jesus asks, he changes the question and uses philia instead of agape, the same word for love that Peter had been using all along. Peter is hurt, perhaps because he feels embarrassed by Jesus’ lowered expectations. But in reality, he has no need for embarrassment: the point is that Jesus loves us enough to meet us where we are. If all we can offer is philia, then Jesus will meet us there, and keep walking with us. Jesus knows that the agape love with which God holds together the universe is more than enough to go around: it can make up for our deficiencies in love. And as we walk with Jesus and our hearts grow more open, God’s agape love will come pouring in, until we are so full that it begins to flow through us and out into the world. This is the abundant life that Jesus wants for us: will we follow him into it?

About 18 years ago they were all called back to France. They had about 7 in the novitiate in MA at the time. Two of the American sisters finally decided to come to the US and entered the Dominican Nuns in West Springfield, Ma. From what I hear they aren't doing too well in France. Rumor Godden wrote a novel about them called "Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy" I don't know about the Dominican Brothers of Bethany. There is a 3rd Order group out in CA that is for deaf vocations. Hello: I used to be one of the brothers of Bethany. Sadly the order closed (is a very long story to post here) now at 55 years old, I still ask myself if some sort of revival can be done for the men. Too many souls to help, not enough workers. My idea would be to open a lay consecrated society so that men who otherwise would not be accepted, could be accepted. No walls, no bars..nothing but Bethany. If anyone wishes to give ideas I am all ears. you may contact me at profesorluigi at gmail If any former brother reads this, please get in touch with me especially the one from Italy.

corrections on spelling: Sister Mary Ancilda - Indonesian? Ruteng Sister Maria Dominika Nitra

J1.9 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

St. Joseph (1st c.) was born in Bethlehem in Judea and later settled in Nazareth. By Divine command he became the husband of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father to God Incarnate. We know from Scripture and Tradition that St. Joseph was a virtuous man and a carpenter by trade. It was he who was entrusted with the great mission to guard, protect, and provide for the temporal needs of God's most precious gifts, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, in the role of husband and father within the Holy Family. St. Joseph's mission continues from heaven as the patron saint of the Catholic Church. He is also the patron of many causes including fathers, laborers, and families. His feast days are: St. Joseph the Husband of Mary on March 19th, and St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st. Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955 to emphasize the dignity, meaning, and value of human work in the eyes of God, and to give all laborers a model of virtue as well as a heavenly intercessor and protector.

J1.8 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

J1.7 Je vous salut Marie, pleine de grâce, le Seigneur est avec vous, vous êtes bénie entres toutes les femmes et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant et a l'heure de notre mort. Amen

RIP papa Francis...

“ Jesus came and stood among them.” Anywhere else in the Gospel story and this would not be a strange statement. Yet this time was different. This time, the presence of Jesus in the midst of his disciples was not only unexpected, but it was seemingly impossible. It might be difficult for us to imagine ourselves in the place of the disciples. How many of us have risked our lives for something that we believe in or followed after? To be seriously threatened for our beliefs? In the midst of their fear, Jesus came and stood among his disciples. Jesus, the one whom they believed was not only their Messiah but their friend, was alive and standing in their midst. What great reversal, beyond the bounds of possibility, had occurred in the natural order of things? Jesus must have sensed their bewilderment. The first words he spoke to his friends were “Peace be with you,” reassuring them that his presence in their midst was not an illusion or hallucination. Their belief was not misplaced. Their hopes had been resurrected with Christ. Jesus, again, repeats, “Peace be with you,” and then continuing, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Put plainly, Jesus tells the disciples His story isn’t over, and because of this, their story wasn’t over yet either. This was always the plan, and the next step would require them to go out into the world and share the good news of the Resurrection with everyone. While disbelief had to have been at least one of the expected outcomes, they probably didn’t expect it to be the response of one of their own. Yet the next line in our passage reveals that Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, had not been present with the others when Jesus came and stood in their midst. While the other disciples had witnessed and come to believe in the resurrected Jesus, Thomas could not bring himself to believe without also seeing Jesus for himself. Thomas often gets a bad rap, but I am reminded of the words of Francis Bacon, the English philosopher, who stated in The Advancement of Learning, “If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.” Perhaps Thomas understood this when he said, “ Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.” Thomas knew what had happened to his friend and Messiah. He, like the other disciples, had carried the weight of fear and doubt that came from having his hopes dashed. He had not seen the resurrected Jesus as the others had and he would not be satisfied until he had seen him with his own eyes. He would take no one’s word for it. I cannot blame him. Can you? Who among us would not have responded in a similar fashion? A week later, the disciples were gathered together again in the same house. Only this time, Thomas was with them. Once again, Jesus came and stood in the midst of his disciples. He greeted them again, saying, “Peace be with you,” before turning and addressing Thomas directly. He said, “ Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.” The Greek word we translate to “doubt” is ἄπιστος (apistos), which means unfaithful, faithless or unbelieving, without trust in God. Jesus is touching on something deeper here than Thomas simply doubting that the person of Jesus was no longer dead and had resurrected. Jesus was touching on Thomas’ belief or lack of belief in the God who had sent Jesus into the world and who was capable of resurrecting not only Jesus, but the entire creation. Jesus’ words, “ Doubt no longer but believe,” are aimed not only at Thomas, but also at all those who encounter this passage, and are struggling to believe that God is able to do the thing which God has promised—call our world into new and unending, resurrected life. Thomas responds, saying, “My Lord and my God!” This too should be our response, as we so often find ourselves in Thomas’ shoes, struggling to believe and remain faithful when the world around us often seems hellbent on its own destruction rather than resurrection and new life. Jesus responds with all future generations, including us, in mind, saying, ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ Because what other choice do we have? We believe not because we have seen his wounds or placed our hands within his side, but because we have seen Christ in the face of another. It is in gathering together that Christ is made known. Jesus continues to stand among his disciples, beckoning us to believe not only in his resurrection but also in our own and in the resurrection of the whole world.

For the first time, our Blessed Sacrament Convent in Baguio hosted our Congregation's International Superiors Assembly from January 20 to February 8. Before going to Baguio, the superiors, with Mother Maria Magdalena and Generalate Councilor, Sister Maria Raquel, went to Lipa to visit the Convento del Divino Amor, the cradle of our Congregation in the Philippines 100 years ago. They had lunch with the Redemptorist Fathers who have since taken over the Convent. Their next stop was Tagaytay City, to visit our Convent, particularly our new Way of the Cross. On the formal invitation of Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, Rector of the Divine Word Seminary, they went to visit the vast and well-developed SVD Laudato Si Farm, with its vegetable and ornamental plant gardens, fishpond, restaurant and cafe as well as quiet spots for prayer and renewal, and the beautiful Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor. Late in the afternoon, our guests left for our St. Joseph's Convent in Quezon City, en route to Baguio the following day. From the Pink Sister's newsletter - WELLSPRING

In today's day and age, it is nearly impossible for a family to survive on one paycheck, granted. I myself raise my three children on my single income and my wife stayed home and made many sacrifices. We didn't have money for our Kids college tuition or new clothes or vacation to Disneyland like all my friends and neighbors but we got by. In the last 20 years, it's become much more difficult to live (support a family) , virtually all my family and neighbors, friends need two paychecks. Losing a spouse is a tremendous burden and money (or lack thereof) is only a small part of the pain.

I found TinyTherese to be more reasonable and honestly agree a bit with her in that point. I say that with my nativity based in having almost been a widow and being privileged upper middle class near relatives.

In your opinion, my thoughts about this subject are beyond your understanding. They are, however, relevant ( in my humble opinion,) you on the other hand,, be slightly naïve about this subject, no offense

foster care with relatives was done in the past.

And what could she do to make that easier should she find herself as a widow with young children? Is that something that women should be considering when choosing how to be at home? (I am posting on the assumption that there are things between being a full trad wife making homemade cereal every morning and being a career-driven mom who is barely at home).