My Journey to the PCPA!

[zunshynn]

[color="#FF9900"][size=3][b]I have 40 days left![/b][/size][/color]

And today, I want to share St. Francis' exhortation to the Poor Ladies, from [url="http://www.desertnuns.com/aboutus.htm"]www.desertnuns.com/aboutus.htm[/url]:

[center][quote]Listen, little poor ones, whom the Lord has called
who have come together from all parts of the world;
May the truth unite you, so that when you die,
on complete obedience your trust may rely.
Look not to the outside for the life you live;
better far the bounty that the spirit will give.
In great love, I beg you; use God's gifts with grace,
and that those who suffer ills may bear them in peace.
You will sell your burdens at a higher price,
and as queens in heaven you will wear crowns of life
[/quote][/center]

The reality that contemplative life doesn't cut us off from the world, but rather unites us more intimately to it, was difficult and important for me to understand, because it was really hard for me to get beyond that mentality that says contemplative life is a waste, and that I should be "doing something." And I know that I still only have the slightest idea of what that means. It's awe-inspiring to me.

That God will be using me to serve those of his children that suffer the most, without me even fully understanding how, is incredibly humbling. What a challenge to grow in love and faith like that! We're a community of faith that is diverse in most every way, but we are united by the Truth of this beautiful Faith of ours, even in an age, or perhaps all the ages of time, that says there is no Truth. And we are in a great battle, and we do undergo great trials... but the life that God offers us to spend together with Him for all time is a gift beyond our imagination's ideals

Because I that's kind of ultimately why we're here isn't it? I mean, certainly God could give us anything under the sun, even redemption, without requiring anything. He doesn't [i]need[/i] us to pray or to love each other. And yet, he asked us to. And I think that's because of the beautiful and glorious triumph of loving, because it is such a challenge to truly love each other as He loves, and He wanted to let us experience that victory that is love. He wants us to choose love freely, because that's the only time it really means anything.


Anywho, enough with the philosophical stuff. I turned my passport papers in today! Well, sort of. I have to go back again tomorrow, because apparently you can only pay the 30 dollar fee with cash, and the other 67 dollar fee has to be paid for by check. Bureaucracy.

Edited September 21, 2006 by zunshynn

[brandelynmarie]

[quote name='zunshynn' post='1069524' date='Sep 21 2006, 07:19 PM']
Anywho, enough with the philosophical stuff. I turned my passport papers in today! Well, sort of. I have to go back again tomorrow, because apparently you can only pay the 30 dollar fee with cash, and the other 67 dollar fee has to be paid for by check. Bureaucracy.
[/quote]



Ah, the government....

[zunshynn]

[size=5][font="Blackadder ITC"][color="#330033"]39 days!!![/color][/font][/size]

And today, a short little quote from the PCPA constitutions about the beautiful vocation of PCPA externs...
[quote]By their special vocation our Extern Sisters are called to live as contemplative Eucharistic adorers fulfilling the external service of the monastery.[/quote][url="http://www.olamshrine.com/olam/externs.htm"]from the OLAM Extern Page[/url]

I can't tell you how much I love the idea of being an extern... I love the idea of working to give other people a beautiful place to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. There's just such a wealth of graces that flow from Perpetual Adoration that I know Jesus is dying to give us! I firmly believe that Eucharistic adoration will save, and is saving, the entire world. I want so much for every person to realize how wonderful it is to spend time with Him...

And as an extern, I'll have the opportunity to witness to people the love that Jesus has waiting for us in the Blessed Sacrament. And the chores that I have to do, I think in humble but important ways give people a place to simply come and fully experience His Presence there at the Shrine... And perhaps when they leave, their lives will be completely changed by that one experience there, and maybe will even go and bring the practice of perpetual adoration elsewhere.

And in serving the community as an extern, I'm helping to make it possible for the other nuns to be more completely hidden away for the constant adoration of Our Lord, and yet, also giving people that link to the contemplative life that we're starving for in a world that is constantly on the go. How awesome! And what a blessing for me, to have these small encounters of meeting the people whose lives God has so powerfully affected... The externs give us just a tiny glimpse of the life we have waiting for us. I mean of course, they have their own difficulties in growing closer to God... but I think the challenge of that is precisely what makes it such an awesome thing to strive for.

Edited September 22, 2006 by zunshynn

[zunshynn]

Ooh! In other, exciting news, they're updating the website, and they've put up [url="http://www.olamshrine.com/olam/25th%20anniversary_6%20birmingham.htm"]new pictures[/url] of the nuns at the EWTN celebration in Birmingham!

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='zunshynn' post='1065671' date='Sep 17 2006, 11:59 PM']
So I wanted to start my official countdown on a big Franciscan day... so I thought I'd start it on the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis which is September 17th (except today is a Sunday, so I don't know if that makes it not the feast after all or what.) But then I haven't even had a chance to go online today because I was at my parish's harvest festival working at the Perpetual Adoration booth where, unfortunately, we only had one person sign up.

Anyway, so today would have been 44 days until my entrance ceremony, which is, of course, on the Solemnity of All Saints but the day is pretty much gone. But I felt like starting it anyway, so here it is. Chaos like the rest of my life! My life isn't really that chaotic.

And I'm stealing Puella's idea about putting stuff from the Rule of St. Benedict up. Well, except as cool as St. Benedict is I'm gonna put Franciscan stuff up, because yeah... I'm going to be a Franciscan of course. That still makes me laugh. Me, a contemplative Franciscan. Go figure.

So our first Franciscan tidbit is the first chapter of the Rule of St. Francis:

( [url="http://www.franciscan-archive.org/patriarcha/opera/rules.html#RegB"]from the Franciscan Archives[/url] )

During my aspirancy I was reading [i]The Franciscan Life in Christ[/i] and this quote really resonated with me, and I think sums up my surprising attraction to the Franciscans. I was struck by the sheer simplicity of it. Our rule of life is "to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ." Like, wow. On the one hand that's kind of a [i]duh[/i] thing. Like that's what we're all supposed to do. But I think we forget that sometimes. I know I have a tendency to make things more complicated than they should be. And yet, as basic as that is, it's that very simplicity that makes it a challenge. It's so simple it demands everything of you, because there is no other measure of how you're living up to it but putting everything you are into it. And I think the Christian life, Franciscan or otherwise, is about giving yourself completely to God. So I think I needed that, and I think that's why God drew me to the Franciscans even though that wasn't my natural inclination. Opposites really do attract!

p.s. Just so my address at the Monastery is in an easy to find place, here it is:

Sr. Jennifer
Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
3222 County Road 548
Hanceville, AL 35077
[/quote]
It IS kind of a 'duh' thing isn't it? I love Saint Francis. I can't wait to write to you!

[zunshynn]

I'm sorry, I just can't think of anything to put today. I was at work all day, which is why I didn't put anything up this morning... And then when I got home I found out that a friend of mine from high school went missing Friday in the ocean, and he's been presumed dead... I'm just so stunned. You here about things like that happening to people, and you never imagine it could happen to someone you know.

Anyway, if you could please pray for him and his family and friends... his name is Enrique Jiminez, I'd really appreciate it.

I promise I'll have something for you guys tomorrow. I just can't think right now.

[shortnun]

for you, and the friends and family of Enrique

[ThyHolyLove]

Many prayers for you Jen, Enrique and his family.....God be with you all.....

[zunshynn]

Hey guys,

I've actually decided to "fast" from the internet and some other things for my friend Enrique. I don't know exactly what's going on with the searches for him, but I've chosen not to give up hope for a miracle that he will return safely and that whatever happens, that God may use this tragedy to bring all of his friends closer to God. Please continue to pray for him and his friends.

I will still be checking myspace occasionally, because that's where I'm getting most of my updates about him, so if you want to message me [url="http://www.myspace.com/factus_sanctus"]there[/url], you can.

I'm not sure how long I will be gone, but we'll see. I'll resume my countdown then.

In the peace of Christ, Jen

p.s. Although I won't be here, you all will still be in my prayers.

[brandelynmarie]

[zunshynn]

Thank you all for your prayers. I appreciate it so much, and I know his family would too.

They found my friend's body this afternoon, about 100 yards from the rock he fell off. It was hard to hear. I mean, I kind of knew already... but it made it so much more real. It'll be good to not be wondering though.

[brandelynmarie]

[Jennifer]

[quote name='zunshynn' post='1075230' date='Sep 26 2006, 05:16 AM']
Thank you all for your prayers. I appreciate it so much, and I know his family would too.

They found my friend's body this afternoon, about 100 yards from the rock he fell off. It was hard to hear. I mean, I kind of knew already... but it made it so much more real. It'll be good to not be wondering though.
[/quote]
So sorry to learn of this sad news.I am praying for you all

[zunshynn]

Blessings to you on this wonderful Feast of St. Francis!

[img]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/zunshynn/33-francisblack.jpg[/img]

I decided to resume my countdown. And my entrance is... [color="#666666"] [b][size=4]27 days away![/size][/b][/color] Jeepers!

And in honor of this glorious anniversary of St. Francis' birth into Blessed Eternity, our Franciscan tidbit is an excerpt of the Testament, a letter Francis wrote to the Friars Minor before he died to sort elucidated the Rule further:

[quote] The Lord granted me, Brother Francis, to begin to do penance in this way: While I was in sin, it seemed very bitter to me to see lepers. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I had mercy upon them. And when I left them that which seemed bitter to me was changed into sweetness of soul and body; and afterward I lingered a little and left the world.

And the Lord gave me such faith in churches that I would simply pray and speak in this way: "We adore You, Lord Jesus Christ, in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You, for through Your holy cross You have redeemed the world." ...

And after the Lord gave me brothers, no one showed me what I should do, but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the form of the Holy Gospel. And I had this written down simply and in a few words and the Lord Pope confirmed it for me. And those who came to receive life gave to the poor everything which they were capable of possessing and they were content with one tunic, patched inside and out, with a cord and short trousers. And we had no desire for anything more. We who were clerics used to say the Office as other clerics did; the lay brothers said the Our Father; and we quite willingly stayed in churches. And we were simple and subject to all.

And I used to work with my hands, and I still desire to work; and I firmly wish that all my brothers give themselves to honest work. Let those who do not know how to work learn, not from desire of receiving wages for their work but as an example and in order to avoid idleness. And when we are not paid for our work, let us have recourse to the table of the Lord, seeking alms from door to door. The Lord revealed to me a greeting, as we used to say: "May the Lord give you peace."
[/quote]

The whole thing may be found [url="http://www.franciscanfriarstor.com/stfrancis/stf_st_francis_the_testament.htm"]here[/url] but I'll be posting more of this later.

I've got nothing to add to this... I just totally want to learn to live like St. Francis... and really, I guess all of the saints, with no attachment but Our Lord. He just lives it so radically, and so beautifully, and so simply and with such humility.

Oh, and thank you all so much for your prayers for my friend... I went to the funeral on Saturday... and it was really beautiful... God has given me a confidence that it was not just some freak accident, but was really a part of God's plan, and it had meaning, and purpose. I think I have a new friend in Heaven now. Please continue to pray for his parents and family especially. They were already having a really tough time, and I just pray that this ultimately brings them closer.

Edited October 4, 2006 by zunshynn

[zunshynn]

My grandmother is coming out today to fit me for my aprons!

[cathoholic_anonymous]

Your excitement is getting contagious. Good luck and God bless.

[VeniteAdoremus]

[quote name='zunshynn' post='1083833' date='Oct 4 2006, 07:47 PM']

I've got nothing to add to this... I just totally want to learn to live like St. Francis... and really, I guess all of the saints, with no attachment but Our Lord. He just lives it so radically, and so beautifully, and so simply and with such humility.

[/quote]

Darn you woman, I was going to be a Dominican!

I can truthfully say that I really, really am so excited for you! All the best for your final time of preparation here - and check back with us often while you still can, we need that.

Prayers,

VA

[zunshynn]

[quote name='VeniteAdoremus' post='1084191' date='Oct 4 2006, 03:56 PM']
Darn you woman, I was going to be a Dominican!

I can truthfully say that I really, really am so excited for you! All the best for your final time of preparation here - and check back with us often while you still can, we need that.

Prayers,

VA
[/quote]

Aww, well Dominicans are uber cool too! Especially my dear friend Thomas Aquinas!

I'll be sure to come back often still. I love y'all... I'm glad you're enjoying my countdown. I was wondering if anyone was really reading it.

[Jennifer]

Good luck with your final preparations.... the next weeks will fly by !! God Bless

[zunshynn]

[font="Impact"][size=5][color="#CC0000"]!!!26 DAYS!!![/color][/size][/font]

Today we have a second excerpt from St. Francis' Testament, on his reverence for the Holy Priesthood. It's so wonderful, how, as holy as St. Francis was himself, he was still so humble towards, the priesthood, even priests that were not known for holiness, simply because it was from them that God had chosen to give us the sacraments, and chosen ultimately to give us Himself, and to give us instruction upon the Word of God. Oh how wonderful. Personally, I find myself so incredibly shy around priests... I find it so difficult to talk to them, because I'm just in such awe of the way Our Lord works through them. lol. Anyway, without further ado:

[quote]Afterward the Lord gave me and still gives me such faith in priests who live according to the manner of the holy Roman Church because of their order, that if they were to persecute me, I would still have recourse to them. And if I possessed as much wisdom as Solomon had and I came upon pitiful priests of this world, I would not preach contrary to their will in the parishes in which they live.

And I desire to fear, love, and honor them and all others as my masters. And I do not wish to consider sin in them because I discern the Son of God in them and they are my masters. And I act in this way since I see nothing corporally of the Most High Son of God in this world except His Most holy Body and Blood which they receive and which they alone administer to others. And these most holy mysteries I wish to have honored above all things and to be reverenced and to have them reserved in precious places. Wherever I come upon His most holy written words in unbecoming places, I desire to gather them up and I ask that they be collected and placed in a suitable place. And we should honor and respect all theologians and those who minister the most holy divine words as those who minister spirit and life to us.

...And I firmly wish to obey the minister general of this fraternity and another guardian whom it might please him to give me. And I wish to be so captive in his hands that I cannot go anywhere or do anything beyond obedience and his will, for he is my master. And although I may be simple and infirm, I wish nonetheless always to have a cleric who will celebrate the Office for me as it is contained in the Rule. [/quote]



I ordered my stationery yesterday! Well, sort of. I ordered my notecards, envelopes and some stationery last week, but then when it came I realized I'd actually ordered the wrong stationery sheets. I was going to send it back and order the right one, but then my grandmother really liked the one I'd accidentally ordered, so I gave it to her and then ordered the right one. I'm glad it all worked out though. I'd been so frustrated trying to find good stationery to take with me, and I just didn't like what I was seeing, evening at the stationery store where I worked.

So then a while ago, I googled "Catholic stationery" and came across this company Trademark Catholic Stationery and Gifts, and they had the most beautiful notecards. Then, the next day after mass, this lady gave me a note on some stationery by that company! And I was like, ooh, this is exactly what I needed! The envelopes are beautiful too, and they said they've had postal workers comment on how they hadn't thought about the saints and stuff in years until they saw those envelopes! What an awesome, silent tool of grace! Anyway, [url="http://www.catholicstationery.com/4/439.htm?105"]here is a link to the stationery I bought[/url]. Isn't it beautiful? You can't really tell in the picture, but around the edges it has the words of John VI. I also bought both notecard sets and the heavenly family envelopes.

Edited October 5, 2006 by zunshynn