memory-singer Posted July 13, 2006 Posted July 13, 2006 [quote name='puellapaschalis' post='1023695' date='Jul 13 2006, 10:48 AM'] It's random link time... has anyone heard of [url="http://mountcaritasmonastery.org/index.htm"]Mount Caritas Monastery[/url]? Love and prayers, PP [/quote] I saw their web-site and was impressed. It sounds like they are wanting people who already have a depth of religious formation/experience in order to build a strong community. Love and prayers and PAX, Dare
stlmom Posted July 13, 2006 Posted July 13, 2006 Here's another link of interest: [url="http://www.queenofpeace.info"]Queen of Peace[/url] They have recently clothed their first novice--you can read more in their newsletter .
memory-singer Posted July 18, 2006 Posted July 18, 2006 Please remember to pray for the women attending the monastic experience at St. Emma's this week. Alas, I am not one of them...however August 13 is coming closer Pax, Dare
puellapaschalis Posted July 19, 2006 Author Posted July 19, 2006 [quote name='Mercy's Child' post='1026803' date='Jul 18 2006, 06:26 PM'] Please remember to pray for the women attending the monastic experience at St. Emma's this week. Alas, I am not one of them...however August 13 is coming closer Pax, Dare [/quote] Dare, prayers from here! And you should do a countdown on this thread...it's how it originally started out, after all! Why don't you also pick the Rule readings for a day and comment on them? Love and prayers, PP
puellapaschalis Posted July 19, 2006 Author Posted July 19, 2006 Hello all, please remember me in your prayers; I'm meeting with the bishop at the beginning of next month. I'm a [i]wee[/i] bit nervous because he is, after all, the , the meeting won't be in English (although hardly any part of my daily life outside the internet is in English these days) and, well, it's a topic close to my heart. I admire him a lot, and put great store by what he says, so - unlikely as it might sound - if he shoots me down I'd have to take it in obedience, albeit heartbroken. Join me in praying that I keep my heart open. Although it does feel as though if I pray much more for an open heart, my ventricles will fall out (that's my latest lame attempt at a joke). Love and prayers, PP
memory-singer Posted July 19, 2006 Posted July 19, 2006 OK . Today begins the countdown to my visit at St. Emma's. July 19 --25 days to go. As I pack my suitcase to got to my college room-mate's wedding, including the bridesmaid's dress in its special bag, I think about the next time I will pack (for St. Emma's) and of another "special dress" I hope to wear some day. "This, then, is the beginning of my advice: make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile that you attempt. Persevere and do not weaken in that prayer. Pray with confidence, because God, in his love and forgiveness, has counted us as his own sons and daughters." PROLOGUE, RULE OF ST. BENEDICT Pax, dare [quote name='puellapaschalis' post='1027250' date='Jul 19 2006, 01:40 PM'] Hello all, please remember me in your prayers; I'm meeting with the bishop at the beginning of next month. I'm a [i]wee[/i] bit nervous because he is, after all, the , the meeting won't be in English (although hardly any part of my daily life outside the internet is in English these days) and, well, it's a topic close to my heart. I admire him a lot, and put great store by what he says, so - unlikely as it might sound - if he shoots me down I'd have to take it in obedience, albeit heartbroken. Join me in praying that I keep my heart open. Although it does feel as though if I pray much more for an open heart, my ventricles will fall out (that's my latest lame attempt at a joke). Love and prayers, PP [/quote] Praying away. Dare
jkaands Posted July 20, 2006 Posted July 20, 2006 [quote name='Mercy's Child' post='1023727' date='Jul 13 2006, 01:05 PM'] I saw their web-site and was impressed. It sounds like they are wanting people who already have a depth of religious formation/experience in order to build a strong community. Love and prayers and PAX, Dare [/quote] If Mt. Caritas Monastery is affiliated with the Still River Benedictine men's monastery, it is affiliated with a monastery with a "funny" past. A few years ago, I accessed their website, only to be hit with a huge banner of "EXTRA ECCLESIA NULLA SALUS" on its opening page, and a lot of references to Father Feeney and the Society of Pius X within. Father Feeney was a Jesuit, a conservative Catholic, who believed in salvation only thru literal baptism of water in the Catholic church, and an anti-Semite. He was excommunicated. He was active at a St. Benedict's Center in in Boston, and at Still River Benedictine Abbey. Recently the abbey appears to be reconciled with Rome; its website contained a discussion with the abbey and the Vatican, perhaps with the current pope when he was Cardinal and head of Congregation for Defense of the Faith. The abbey website still contains a photo of Father feeney and his family and a download of its archives from 2000. For more information on Father Feeney, consult google.com
memory-singer Posted July 20, 2006 Posted July 20, 2006 Hi. It's July 20 and 24 days to go until I get to St. Emma's. Right now I'm at the airport, waiting for my flight to San Francisco and Sammie's wedding. Getting through security with my harp (I'm playing at the reception.)made me think of judgement day (sheep to the right, goats to the left etc.) Thanks to frequent flier miles (yay work) I'm upgraded to first class which has me thinking of Heaven Anyways, this whole airport experience has put me in an eschatological frame of mind. (Which can only be good for the soul) Here's my selection from St. Benedict's rule for today: The first step of humility is to cherish at all times the sense of awe with which we should turn to God. It should drive forgetfulness away; it should keep our minds alive to all God's commandments. Chapter 7, Rule of St. Benedict Pax, Dare
daugher-of-Mary Posted July 20, 2006 Posted July 20, 2006 How exciting! Continued prayers! PM me if you think you'll have some free time and would like a tour of St. Vincent Archabbey. I'd be glad to oblige!
memory-singer Posted July 21, 2006 Posted July 21, 2006 Hi Everyone, It's me again. July 21 and 23 days till St. Emma's. Last night I met Sammie's fiance and his family. There was a big dinner for the families and close friends. Everyone seemed infused by the joy of this new beginning and Sammie and James' obvious love for each other. We are "infected" (wonderfully) by their love and willingness to commit their lives to one another. This morning after Mass I took a look at my own love and desire for commitment. How wonderful if someday we can "infect" people by the contagiousness of our love and commitment for the Lord and His Church. Well, in my case there's a way to go. But the Lord can do anything. Here's a bit from St. Benedict's Rule for today: We really must be quite clear that our prayer sill be heard, not because of the eloquence and length of what we have to say, but because of the heartfelt repentance and openness of our hearts to the Lord whom we approach. Chapter 20 Rule of St. Benedict (I'm just skipping around to whatever touches my heart on a given day.) Now to a day of shopping and lunch with the ladies. Wedding rehearsal this afternoon followed by the rehearsal dinner. (P.S. I'm wearing flats as I'm the same height--5'8" as my escort--of course I brought heels. ) Love and prayers, Dare
memory-singer Posted July 22, 2006 Posted July 22, 2006 Hi again, Happy feast of St. Mary Magdalen who was so close to Our Lord Jesus Christ. July 22 and 22 days until St. Emma's. Life is getting interesting. Last night my former room-mates and the Bride's mom gathered in my room to chat etc. after the rehearsal dinner. Id left my bible open on the bed and a card from Sr. Maria (novice mistress) fell out. Cress picked it up and "I was outed." After 20 minutes or so of "You're going to do what..." in several forms, we had some fruitful conversation and I am really touched and humbled by their loving support. What would we do without our friends? Still, it felt like I was skinless. I've noticed that this discernmnent/application process is really showing me parts of myself i'd rather not existed. When talking with Mother I mentioned how "absolutely sucky" this in between time in my life is. All this letting go....stuff. Her response was along the lines of "What did you think would happen when you offered the Lord whatever He wanted of you? (Great, huh ) Is this happening to anyone else? Please pray for Sammie, James and all of us who today witness their vows. And now from St. Benedict: The entry of postulants into the monastic life should not be made too easy, but we should follow St. John's precept to make trial of the spirits to see if they are from God. Chapter 58, Rule of St. Benedict Somehow it seems appropriate. Love and prayers, Dare
puellapaschalis Posted July 22, 2006 Author Posted July 22, 2006 Oh yes. Oh so yes. A few months ago one of the readings at Matins was from St. Augustine. He spoke about people being wineskins, about to be filled with new wine. First, however, we need to be emptied of all the vinegar...and that this emptying out is painful, especially when we're not totally convinced that it's all going to end ok. I'll look up the passage for you if you like - it really touched me and I blogged a bit about it. I think, though, that the pain of being emptied out and prepared for holiness is something that happens to everyone, several times in their life, [i]especially[/i] if they are believers. Maybe it's simply more emphatic or traumatic or painful for people discerning religious life because it's so bizarrely out of this world, and the wineskin gets scrubbed as well as emptied out. Being outed is freaky. My tactic is usually to "confide" in a few well-placed friends, including some whom I know really can't keep their traps shut. Then it'll slowly weave its way around my acquaintances, and the number of "confrontations" I deal with decreases drastically. It's pretty cowardly though. Love and prayers, especially for your friends joining to one another today. May God bless them abundantly in their new life together. PP
memory-singer Posted July 23, 2006 Posted July 23, 2006 Hello friends, Today is July 23. 3 weeks from today I'll be flying to St. Emma's. I flew home early this morning from the wedding (which was all that such an occasion can be.) In an hour I'll be driving to a memorial for my friend and her mother who were killed 12 days ago. I've been asked to play something for that too. I hope when the time comes I can do it in away that brings comfort. I'm too wrung out to do more than quote a particulrly appropriate (for me today) part of St. Benedict's Rule. Only those...should come forward to sing and read who have the ability to fulfill this role in a way that is helpful to others. Chapter 47, Rule of St. Benedict That's Benedict--moderate and tough. No ego, no performance, no personal grief to be displayed; just serve as you can. Let's continue to pray for one another. Pax, Dare
puellapaschalis Posted July 23, 2006 Author Posted July 23, 2006 I was talking to my landlady earlier this evening, and we were talking about the word [i]overtuigen[/i], which in English means to convince or to persuade. Over the past few years I've come to a different understanding of the word: no longer simply using reasoned arguments, or putting forth points of view in a debate, but instead helping people to open their hearts, especially to the longing for God that sits deep inside of us all. This latter approach does, I believe, better what you spoke of, of Benedict: people come [i]as they are[/i], without excessive pomp or ceremony, and Benedict helps us all mould ourselves to Christ. Is a huge personality change necessary? No, but a growth into one's [i]true[/i] personality is. Love and prayers, especially at this tough time for you. PP
julielizabet Posted July 24, 2006 Posted July 24, 2006 In response to an earlier post on this thread... Just FYI, the St. Benedict Center Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (both sisters and brothers live there and they're not Benedictines), if that's who you're referring to, are absolutely not outside the Church, although they do advocate EENS and are "Feeneyites," as they are commonly called. I've visited there, receive their publilcations, and consulted our parish priest about them. The Slaves of the IHM have even visited our church for our home school curricula fair. I attend a traditional Catholic church in South Jersey that has Latin mass ONLY and we are part of the diocese. We would not have ANYONE at our Church who was in schism, rest assured. St. Benedict Ctr is not SSPX-affiliated, they are in full communion. Now as far as the Benedictines on the corner next door, I cannot speak about them because I know nothing about them. Just wanted to clarify in case there was any confusion. God bless, Julie
julielizabet Posted July 24, 2006 Posted July 24, 2006 Update: I did a little research on the whole issue, for anyone interested in the monastics, etc. at Still River. The Benedictines do not appear to be schismatic. I consulted their website. They quote Fr. Feeney. There is more than one picture on their site with what appears to be the head of their monastery with the current pope and Pope JP2 also. Moreover, they have mass in English (seems to be daily) and in Latin. NO SSPX would EVER have mass in English! Here is a link to their horarium: [url="http://www.abbey.org/horarium.html"]http://www.abbey.org/horarium.html[/url] On the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, next door in Still River, MA and Fr. Feeney... Here is a section of their lengthy bio/controversy surrounding Fr. Feeney in the middle of the last century. QUOTE In 1972 all the apparent censures were lifted from Father Feeney, without his having to retract any of his teachings. Had he been, as some say, “condemned for his doctrine” he would have been required to repudiate his error. The reason for this is clearly stated by Pope Innocent I who taught that “Communion once broken off cannot be renewed until the persons concerned give proof that the reasons for which communion was broken off are no longer operative.” On January 30, 1978, Father Feeney died, a Catholic and a priest in good standing, united to the Church from which, he rightfully claimed, he never had been separated. X Father Feeney’s legacy lives on. In the turbulent years following Vatican II, The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary retained their steadfast adherence to the traditions of the faith, in particular the Tridentine Latin Mass and the dogma “no salvation outside the Church.” Under Mary’s protection, the congregation was preserved from the devastation that has plagued the post-conciliar era. The last 25 years have been highlighted by constant growth and development at Saint Benedict Center END QUOTE Here is a link to the article, if you are interested in learning more. It seems highly accurate as I've read elsewhere on this subject. [url="http://www.saintbenedict.com/Articles/get_articles.php?item=1"]http://www.saintbenedict.com/Articles/get_...cles.php?item=1[/url] So far as I know, believing in extra ecclesium nulla salus is perfectly acceptable and the weight of Church teaching is on the side of this teaching. I myself am not apologizing for this position as I am unclear on it. However I do know those who propound this view and they are not lacking in Church teaching on this subject that affirms their view. I only write this as I think we have to be very careful when we accuse a group of being not in communion with the Church or schismatic, and make sure we have all the facts. SORRY FOR THE INTERRUPTION OF THE THREAD!!! Please do continue.... God bless you all, Julie
puellapaschalis Posted July 24, 2006 Author Posted July 24, 2006 Thanks for the information, Julie! Love and prayers, PP
memory-singer Posted July 25, 2006 Posted July 25, 2006 Hi Friends, Today is July 24 and I'm 20 days away from St. Emma's. I live in a city where 77 F is normal in the summer and it's 95 today. Informal attire is totally acceptable at work. It was good to get back to work today. It's amazing how much one gets attached to a group of people. How I will miss them. It's a rare gift to work with such competent and talented people. I've got to go to bed.. ANd now from St. Benedict... Obedience is of such value that it should be shown not only to the superior but all members of the community should be obedient to each other in the sure knowledge that this way of obedience is the one that will take them straight to God. Chapter 71 Rule of St. Benedict. I'll try to do better tomorrow. love and Prayers, Dare
memory-singer Posted July 25, 2006 Posted July 25, 2006 July 25 and we are practically in August : . 19 days until i take off for St. Emma's. Today,at work, we are very concerned about the destruction in Haifa. Ours is an international company and many of us have friends and colleagues there. I know all phatmassers are praying for peace in the middle east. It's really hard for me to understand the level of hate, fear and revenge one hears expressed when dealing with people from those countries. Often we have to send two different teams in to do business because of issues of mis-trust and prejudice. Earlier, when I was praying about this ,I remembered that our Holy Father took the name of Benedict to honor another Pope Benedict known as a man of peace, as well as ST. Benedict who kept light alive in Europe during the dark ages. May both Benedicts intercede for those war-torn lands. Here's the Rule: The eleventh degree of humility is concerned with the manner of speech appropriate in a monastery. We should speak gently and seriously with words that are weighty and restrained. We should be brief and reasonable in whatever we have to say and not raise our voices to insist on our own opinions. Chapter 7, Rule of St. Benedict And a prayer for peace that I love (from some old liturgy book whose name I don't know) Child of Bethlehem, House of Bread, Man of Jerusalem, City of Peace, Be with us always thatt we may become bread and peace for each other. Amen Dare
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