Send Forth...

Pentecost has to be one of the most astounding proofs that God works wonders when we are open and ready for whatever He so desires! A handful of questioning, weak disciples, facing their own fears and a nation opposed to their God (sounds too close to home) suddenly changed and transformed into totally free, bold men, eager to proclaim the grace of God ... Having received so much of the truth ourselves, there is every reason to be confident that God can do much more than we imagine – Pentecost is here!

            We were blessed to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Angels on May 19^th & 20^th – during the Pentecost novena. God has certainly poured out His mercy upon us and countless others who have met Him here. We can’t help but send our gratitude to all of you who have supported and prayed for us over the years. Here are some stanzas from a poem one of our Sisters in formation wrote for the occasion… and of course some photos of these festive days!

Considering the Lilies

The excitement around the monastery is building as the 50^th Jubilee approaches! With preparations accelerating for the anniversary Mass and the arrival of our fellow PCPAs from across the USA (and even France!), we thought we'd take a breather and “consider the [Easter] lilies.”

Before this glorious Easter Season concludes it would be very advantageous for us to consider a few of the prominent themes so beautifully weaved throughout the daily liturgy, specifically from the Church's Easter Prefaces. Lines like: “Overcome with Paschal joy” and, “[A] universe cast down is renewed, and integrity of life is restored to us in Christ” - call us to believe with greater pitch in God's plan of salvation for each of us. What this 'new life' means, what it demands, and what it promises, the Liturgy provides us with answers – everyday. It's neat – more than neat, it's incredibly awesome to awake to God's Word & Sacrament, which summon us to a higher, greater life in Him. But this life doesn't negate our personalities or suppress our desires but fulfills us to the brim by bringing us into contact with Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Who “never ceases to offer Himself for us”. There is a reason why the Easter Season is longer than Lent, if only to remind us that eternal gladness awaits us because “the True Lamb Who has taken away the sins of the world; by dying He has destroyed our death, and by rising , restored our life.” Christ gives us new life. The Easter readings, prayers and songs, uncover God's wondrous plan, a plan that cost our Redeemer everything. In response let us sing louder a new alleluia in praise... and be aware of His words.    

Grace in Action

What do I live on? It’s a rather simple question with layers of meaning. Besides the basics of everyday life, those things that motivate us, spur us on, give meaning and impetus to our thoughts, desires, aspirations – what are they? It’s not that complex really.  The answer lies behind who or what is the object of our thoughts and what it is that we seek in interacting with others. What lies behind our motivation for the things we do? 

     It’s always beautiful to witness someone of integrity – with flaws and imperfections to be sure, but nonetheless, living with genuine purpose and for Someone higher than themselves.  Today we give thanks for a community that gives the Word to others, allowing countless souls to live on and in the grace found in the Sacraments.  May 2^nd is the 25^th Anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. They certainly take after their foundress, Mother Angelica, in their courage and fidelity in preaching the Gospel - and in fact, living it! Thank you Fathers and Brothers for your countless sacrifices and hours of service to us and all the faithful.