laetitia crucis Posted January 14, 2010 Posted January 14, 2010 In November (by some crazy amazing grace of God) I was able to spent two weeks visiting the [url="http://www.dominicansrs.co.uk"]Dominican Sisters of Saint Joseph[/url] in Lymington, England. I've only now just uploaded the pictures from my cell phone (hence, the not-so-fantastic quality -- I don't own a real digital camera) and wanted to share them with you all. To say the least, there's over 200 pictures, of which many are somewhat repetitive. The grounds (and the clouds!) are gorgeous, so I might have gone a [i]little [/i]overboard... (Or maybe it's just in my Asian blood... you know, sometimes we just can't help ourselves! ) Here are just a few of my favorites: The Chapel as morning dawns. [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image152.jpg[/img] The inside of the chapel view from the sanctuary, and from the back. [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image080.jpg[/img] [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image008.jpg[/img] Beautiful Rainbow and Chapel -- it was actually a [b]double[/b] rainbow, but my phone camera didn't pick it up so well! [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image217.jpg[/img] Candid shot taken in mid-morning of Sr Michelle and Sr. Julie [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image038.jpg[/img] Grotto Mary [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image095.jpg[/img] The Priory/Guesthouse (they're connected) from the outside [img]http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/Image011.jpg[/img] For all the rest, here's [url="http://s802.photobucket.com/albums/yy305/laetitia_crucis/DSSJ/?albumview=slideshow"]the slideshow[/url]. The [url="http://www.dominicansrs.co.uk"]Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph[/url] are a relatively new community in England and (so far) only eight Sisters. Like all Dominicans, they "contemplate and share the fruits of contemplation" through various means. Their day is centered around the Holy Mass, Adoration, the chanting of the Divine Office, meditation, and study. Their apostolates flow from this in various ways, such as hosting retreats and days of prayer and catechesis at the Priory; visiting parishes and groups around the country; working with children, youth, and adults; parish missions; pilgrimages; and their annual summer youth camp. Basically, if I had to describe their apostolate in one sentence it would be this: The Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph pass on the fruits of their contemplation by the teaching and preaching of Catholic doctrine by bringing the Extraordinary to the ordinary, whether through formal or informal opportunities. Unlike many of the traditional Dominicans here in the U.S., these Sisters do not teach as schoolteachers (though a few have this background) or nurses (a few have this background, too) -- this is exactly what drew me to them because I've always felt drawn to the Dominican charism, but [i]not [/i]to be a schoolteacher or nurse. While there I was able to pray with the Sisters and experience their apostolates - which was quite beautiful! I think my favorite part of being there was chanting the Divine Office every day. And of course, Compline and the Salve Procession in all it's Dominican glory is always a wonderful thing! I think one of the most striking things about this community is that each Sister is so beautifully distinctive. During my first week there, one of the Sisters said, "When I first entered, an older Sister said to me, 'O.P. doesn't only stand for Order of Preachers, but also Original Package.'" She was talking about her vocation to my friend and I -- and in this she really seemed to emphasize the beauty of [b]becoming more yourself[/b] when you find your vocation. That really spoke to me on many levels. I've heard it before, but I guess seeing it lived by these Sisters right in front of my very eyes.. it just made it all the more real and tangible. It definitely gave me something profound to bring to prayer. Anyhoo, I think I've already written a novel here. I will leave it at that, and if anyone has any questions about them or my visit with them, please feel free to ask! Oh! And if anyone is interested in visiting them, they're having a "Come and See" next month -- February 12 - 14th. Go spend the weekend of Valentine's Day with Jesus!
TeresaBenedicta Posted January 14, 2010 Posted January 14, 2010 I had such a great desire to "like" this, but then realized that phatmass is NOT facebook! Great pictures!
laetitia crucis Posted January 14, 2010 Author Posted January 14, 2010 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' date='14 January 2010 - 06:25 PM' timestamp='1263507916' post='2037181'] I had such a great desire to "like" this, but then realized that phatmass is NOT facebook! Great pictures! [/quote] I know the feeling!!
vee Posted January 14, 2010 Posted January 14, 2010 I was amused by the chapel Mary close, closer, even closer pics and was waiting for one to be extremely close like just her eye. Ive been known to take photos of clouds but I think you might need cloudaholics anonymous.. Great slide show though & Im looking for the like button too.
TeresaBenedicta Posted January 14, 2010 Posted January 14, 2010 I absolutely [i]love[/i] the chapel, by the way.
laetitia crucis Posted January 14, 2010 Author Posted January 14, 2010 [quote name='vee8' date='14 January 2010 - 07:37 PM' timestamp='1263512257' post='2037230'] I was amused by the chapel Mary close, closer, even closer pics and was waiting for one to be extremely close like just her eye. Ive been known to take photos of clouds but I think you might need cloudaholics anonymous.. Great slide show though & Im looking for the like button too. [/quote] Aahahahahaha! I am literally laughing [b]out loud[/b] -- very loudly, in fact! Oh, man! Sooo... I'm not very creative when it comes naming pictures; I just wanted them uploaded ASAP. Haha! And well.. I have been known to take pictures REALLYCLOSE to things... like eyeballs. [sup]And about three days ago I actually deleted two videos I took of the clouds moving extremely fast.... at least, faster than I'd ever seen them. I guess it was really windy. [/sup] Maybe I do need Cloudaholics Anonymous...
KeenanParkerII Posted January 15, 2010 Posted January 15, 2010 Beautiful!! It must have been awesome to spend two weeks there.
laetitia crucis Posted January 15, 2010 Author Posted January 15, 2010 [quote name='KeenanParkerII' date='14 January 2010 - 08:43 PM' timestamp='1263516234' post='2037279'] Beautiful!! It must have been awesome to spend two weeks there. [/quote] It totally was! Very peaceful, and a lot of time for personal prayer. If you're ever in England, you should definitely go! The Priory/Chapel is always open for people to come and pray.
vee Posted January 16, 2010 Posted January 16, 2010 [quote name='laetitia crucis' date='14 January 2010 - 06:48 PM' timestamp='1263512920' post='2037236'] Aahahahahaha! I am literally laughing [b]out loud[/b] -- very loudly, in fact! Oh, man! Sooo... I'm not very creative when it comes naming pictures; I just wanted them uploaded ASAP. Haha! And well.. I have been known to take pictures REALLYCLOSE to things... like eyeballs. [sup]And about three days ago I actually deleted two videos I took of the clouds moving extremely fast.... at least, faster than I'd ever seen them. I guess it was really windy. [/sup] Maybe I do need Cloudaholics Anonymous... [/quote] The photo names were fine I was just waiting for Macro Mary thats all . There was something else in the slideshow that had me laughing out loud too... I think it was the bottle of milk photo, or the in case of fire one. Could`ve been both. She`s not a saint but I really like St Therese`s sister Celine because she brought a camera into the monastery. I think at that time cameras were still in their infancy so for her to get one and take it in with her makes me a fan.
laetitia crucis Posted January 16, 2010 Author Posted January 16, 2010 [quote name='vee8' date='15 January 2010 - 08:07 PM' timestamp='1263600461' post='2037979'] The photo names were fine I was just waiting for Macro Mary thats all . There was something else in the slideshow that had me laughing out loud too... I think it was the bottle of milk photo, or the in case of fire one. Could`ve been both. She`s not a saint but I really like St Therese`s sister Celine because she brought a camera into the monastery. I think at that time cameras were still in their infancy so for her to get one and take it in with her makes me a fan. [/quote] Oh my goodness, I forgot I kept the milk bottle and "fire alert" sign in there! Call me silly, but I was SO amused about the bottle of milk! One of the ladies that comes to the Priory often gave the Sisters one of her extra bottles of milk -- bottles of milk that are delivered by a real MILK MAN! Every week! The Sisters probably thought I was a real nut case, but wow, I'm still astounded that this still happens in the world. I just [i]had[/i] to take a picture. I mean, here in the U.S. I'm happy to see milk still in cartons, as opposed to the chunky plastic bottles. And the "fire alert" one had me laughing out loud when I first read it. I did the close up so I wouldn't forget that it said, "Attack the fire if possible using the appliances provided." -- ATTACK! Ah, makes me laugh far too much I suppose! What can I saw? I'm easily amused. P.S. -- and I completely agree with you about Celine. Have you ever read the book by her, "[url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage/product_id/512/"]My Sister Saint Therese[/url]"? One of my absolute favorite books about St. Therese!
TeresaBenedicta Posted January 16, 2010 Posted January 16, 2010 I loved the picture of the sign about the library and chapel.
vee Posted January 16, 2010 Posted January 16, 2010 [quote name='laetitia crucis' date='15 January 2010 - 07:36 PM' timestamp='1263602200' post='2037995'] Ah, makes me laugh far too much I suppose! What can I saw? I'm easily amused. P.S. -- and I completely agree with you about Celine. Have you ever read the book by her, "[url="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/page/shop:flypage/product_id/512/"]My Sister Saint Therese[/url]"? One of my absolute favorite books about St. Therese! [/quote] lol attack the fire is awesome. If I was writing the sign Id probably just say put it out but that would be boring. Ive never seen milk in a glass bottle but I do like Coke in glass bottles and have the impression it tastes better too. Ive never read the book by Celine but now I want to! So many books so little time. I completely agree with the sign about spending time in the chapel and library because I really wish I could.
Tridenteen Posted January 16, 2010 Posted January 16, 2010 [quote name='vee8' date='15 January 2010 - 08:57 PM' timestamp='1263607038' post='2038044'] lol attack the fire is awesome. If I was writing the sign Id probably just say put it out but that would be boring. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif[/img] Ive never seen milk in a glass bottle but I do like Coke in glass bottles and have the impression it tastes better too. Ive never read the book by Celine but now I want to! So many books so little time. I completely agree with the sign about spending time in the chapel and library because I really wish I could.[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/book.gif[/img] [/quote] JMJ The photos are BEE-UTIFUL! I wish I was good with a camera, but I'm not. The sisters looked so kind, and the grounds looked so [i]peaceful.[/i] I would love for you to give a fuller account of your retreat, I love hearing about visits to convents![img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/love.gif[/img]
laetitia crucis Posted January 19, 2010 Author Posted January 19, 2010 [quote name='Tridenteen' date='15 January 2010 - 11:17 PM' timestamp='1263611861' post='2038098'] JMJ The photos are BEE-UTIFUL! I wish I was good with a camera, but I'm not. The sisters looked so kind, and the grounds looked so [i]peaceful.[/i] I would love for you to give a fuller account of your retreat, I love hearing about visits to convents![img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/love.gif[/img] [/quote] Hey, Tridenteen! Ask me some questions about the retreat! Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with what to talk about, even though I had such a great time, you know? Ah, and yes, you are absolutely correct -- the grounds are so very peaceful! Sometimes I could hear cows mooing. I really liked that. And there were always birds chirping away. So nice!
laetitia crucis Posted January 25, 2010 Author Posted January 25, 2010 [quote name='Muus' date='25 January 2010 - 06:42 AM' timestamp='1264416149' post='2044099'] Where's VA? [/quote] I kept hoping she'd drop in! However, I think she's definitely gone M.I.A. (Missing in Action). Perhaps when September 8th, 2010 rolls around, the Sisters will post pictures of her entrance!! [sub]P.S. When I typed in "ninja" for that emoticon, I first typed "[b]nun[/b]ja" -- AAAHAHAHA![/sub]
laetitia crucis Posted February 7, 2010 Author Posted February 7, 2010 I just found this lovely video on YouTube of their Salve Procession and O Lumen. When I was there I recorded the same thing on my phone, but it turned out [i]horrible[/i]. So, to say the least, I'm thrilled to have found this and thought some might like seeing and hearing it. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4o0GOb3D0g[/media] I also thought it was pretty interesting to see just how bright it is in the summer evening there (when that video was taken)... I visited in November/December and by the time we began evening Adoration (which concluded with Compline and the Procession), it was pitch black outside.
Tridenteen Posted February 8, 2010 Posted February 8, 2010 [quote name='laetitia crucis' date='18 January 2010 - 07:26 PM' timestamp='1263860798' post='2039903'] Hey, Tridenteen! Ask me some questions about the retreat! Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with what to talk about, even though I had such a great time, you know? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img] Ah, and yes, you are absolutely correct -- the grounds are so very peaceful! Sometimes I could hear cows mooing. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_grin.gif[/img] I really liked that. And there were always birds chirping away. So nice! [/quote] JMJ For instance: What did you do when you first got there.? What did you think to yourself when you went to your room for the first time/said the Divine Office with them/walked around the grounds? Did you take a few prayer walks around the grounds, when I did at my retreat at a convent, I imagined myself as a nun walking around (yeah, it is silly!)? Did you begin to feel a part of the monastary, or envision yourself living there? Did you participate in recreation with the nuns, did you get to talk to them alot? What time did you wake up and go to bed at, later than the nuns? In general, what was your horarium like!!! I might have some more, but I'm done pestering for now! Semper Fi Jesu, Tridenteen
laetitia crucis Posted February 8, 2010 Author Posted February 8, 2010 [quote name='Tridenteen' date='07 February 2010 - 09:06 PM' timestamp='1265591216' post='2052913'] JMJ For instance: What did you do when you first got there.? What did you think to yourself when you went to your room for the first time/said the Divine Office with them/walked around the grounds? Did you take a few prayer walks around the grounds, when I did at my retreat at a convent, I imagined myself as a nun walking around (yeah, it is silly!)? Did you begin to feel a part of the monastary, or envision yourself living there? Did you participate in recreation with the nuns, did you get to talk to them alot? What time did you wake up and go to bed at, later than the nuns? In general, what was your horarium like!!! I might have some more, but I'm done pestering for now! Semper Fi Jesu, Tridenteen [/quote] Hey Tridenteen -- thanks for the questions! Here are my attempts at answering: 1. [b]What did you do when you first got there?[/b] -- When I first got to the convent my friend and I were taken to our rooms for a nap. Our journey there took us almost 20 hours (thanks to various airplane layovers and problems with the train system) so we were pretty pooped. We had a little nap, then went to Mass for the Feast of the Presentation in the village church. When we returned we had a light dinner and joined the rest of the Sisters for Compline. 2. [b]What did you think to yourself when you went to your room for the first time/said the Divine Office with them/walked around the grounds?[/b] -- When I went to my room for the first time my literal first thought was, "Heeeey! That picture of St. Dominic (Fra Angelico's) is the SAME one I have for my cellphone wallpaper!! And heeeeey -- Guadalupe's here!!!" I was pretty excited about that. Also, when guests come to visit the Sisters, they stay in "retreat house" part of the convent/priory. Since I was staying for much longer than the other visitors, they placed me in the room they usually keep for visiting priests -- "St. Joseph's" room -- it has a toilet/bathroom attached to it. Because of that I felt really pampered actually and had to get used to it. The room itself, however, was very simple and had huge windows looking out to the chapel on the right and this beautiful, really old and big oak tree in front. Gorgeous view. Good for contemplating the beauty of God. My first time praying the Divine Office with these Sisters was.. well, I was literally [i]speechless[/i]. I don't mean to sound like a drama queen, but I found myself so overcome by the beauty of chanting the Office with them.. sometimes all I could do was work on holding back my tears. I've always loved chanting the Divine Office, but the way these Sisters chant it... it's truly PRAYER -- there's nothing [i]rushed [/i]about it, you know? Just breathing in the Psalms through music and letting those Psalms resonate within you... I don't know how else to describe it. My first time walking around the grounds was somewhat surreal. There I was in the English countryside... the wind blowing, the gorgeous clouds floating by, the birds chirping, and the cows moo-ing. I kind of felt like I'd just been transported to that opening scene of "The Sound of Music". 3. [b]Did you take a few prayer walks around the grounds, when I did at my retreat at a convent, I imagined myself as a nun walking around (yeah, it is silly!)?[/b] I liked to walk in their Mary Grotto a little down from the Chapel, but most of the time I really liked to be either in the chapel praying or in my room studying. It's peaceful wherever you go there. Aaaand, if it's silly imagining oneself as a nun living that kind of life while you're there, then I'm silly, too! I think it helps you to see if you could really picture yourself there. 4. [b]Did you begin to feel a part of the monastary, or envision yourself living there?[/b] -- I don't know if I'd say I felt like a part of the monastery there, but I can say that it felt very [i]natural [/i]being there...living their schedule and way of life, praying with them, and working with them. I felt very comfortable being there, and always welcomed by each of the Sisters. They really embrace you as you are and make you feel "at home" immediately. And well, I do think I could see myself living there. 5. [b]Did you participate in recreation with the nuns, did you get to talk to them alot?[/b] -- I didn't get to participate in the Sisters' normal daily recreation because this takes place within the cloister after dinner -- the Sisters eat all their meals in the cloister refectory. The only exceptions to this (at least to my knowledge) is when they're hosting a "Come and See" weekend and will have lunch and dinner with the guests in the guests' refectory. However, there was definitely plenty of time to speak with the Sisters! I was able to work with a few of the Sisters in their apostolates -- which was SO much fun and so good! (In one week, I "shadowed" one of the Sisters when a school came to the priory for a day-retreat; helped with another after-school "oratory"-type program; went to one of the Sisters' adult faith-formation groups; sat in on the boys' post-Confirmation group; and went to a really great talk/presentation given by one of the Sisters. It was fantastic!) I also worked with the Sisters in moving a LOT of furniture in the "retreat house" part of the convent, cleaning the convent and the chapel, and well, just being with them whenever I could. It was WONDERFUL! Before I went for my visit I was also able to speak to the Sisters, both the Prioress and the Novice Mistress (Vocation Director), quite a few times. They were always very helpful and so kind answering my questions. 6. [b]What time did you wake up and go to bed at, later than the nuns?[/b] -- I usually woke up about the same time as the Sisters. Since I was in a different part of the convent, I couldn't hear their morning bell, but I set my own alarm in the morning. I usually woke up around 5:15 - 5:30am (which is a little earlier than the Sisters' rising bell) because I liked to have some extra time for spiritual reading and studying. I went to sleep between 9:30-10:30pm. As the years have gone by, I think I'm definitely becoming a "morning person". In college, I think I would have found that shocking. (Haha!) Though I must admit, I'm still in need of caffeine for the wee hours of the morning. Here's the Sisters' daily schedule: [quote][u]The Horarium[/u] 05.45 -- Rising Bell 06.30 - 07.00 -- Meditation 07.00 -- Office of Readings and Morning Prayer 08.00 - 10.00 -- Study 10.00 - 12.00 -- Work 12.00 -- Angelus & Midday Prayer 12.15 -- Holy Mass (Sunday 09.30) 13.00 -- Lunch 14.30 - 16.55 -- Work 17.00 -- Rosary followed by Evening Prayer 18.15 -- Supper 19.45 -- Recreation 20.15 -- Adoration followed by Compline The Grand Silence follows Compline until after Morning Prayer the next day.[/quote]
Tridenteen Posted February 9, 2010 Posted February 9, 2010 JMJ THANK YOU! I felt horrible about putting so many questions, but your answers were very descriptive. I love convents!
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