The Visitation
When the Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, to speak to a virgin betrothed to Joseph, the Angel delivered messages from God. The first and most important message announced to Mary was that she would bear a son and name him Jesus. A second message involved Mary’s cousin Elizabeth. Though thought to be sterile, Elizabeth […]
The Wedding Feast at Cana
We pray the Luminous Mysteries, the Mysteries of Light, on Thursdays. We meditate on the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary from the Baptism of Our Lord to the Last Supper. During the second decade we meditate on the Wedding Feast at Cana. Imagine the joy and celebration, the laughter, the good food […]
The Baptism of Our Lord
When I reflect on the First Luminous Mystery, the Baptism of Our Lord, I think of commitment. Here was Jesus perhaps saying to his Mother Mary “It’s time. My Father is asking me to do His work. Mom, pray that I always follow the will of my Father. And pray that I find good disciples.” […]
The Carrying of the Cross
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery offers a poignant glimpse into the relationship between Mother and Son. What unspeakable sadness pierced Mary’s heart as she watched her Son fall beneath the weight of the cross. Along the way the eyes of Jesus and Mary met, eyes that showed the depth of love, the fullness of compassion, […]
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
When I think of this mystery, I picture my brother holding his newly-adopted son Christopher. My brother looked so proud to be carrying his son, showing him off, I suppose. Anna and Simeon noticed a similar facial expression on Joseph—pride, joy, gratitude for what the Almighty could do. Mary demurely walked by Joseph’s side […]
Meditating on the Rosary Mysteries
When I pray the rosary, I think of the meaning of the prayers (Hail Mary, Our Father). Or I think of the mystery of each decade (Resurrection, Ascension, and so on). Occasionally I wonder how Mary would reflect on each mystery, actual events that she and her Son Jesus lived. What would she ponder? Scripture […]
A Toast to 175 Years
Yesterday, October 1, we celebrated 175 years since the founding of our Sisters of Notre Dame congregation, when our Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring and Sister Maria Ignatia Kuhling pronounced their vows. May I use this blog to raise a toast to 175 years. Imagine with me that you are holding up a glass as in […]
Do Sisters Celebrate Halloween?
In case you’re wondering whether religious sisters approve Halloween parties, decorations, and costumes; know that we most certainly do. Every year there’s a party, and some come in elaborate costumes that completely obscure their identity. Besides, Halloween is the vigil of one of the greatest feasts of the year, All Saints Day. I hope the […]
An Autumn Triduum?
Halloween is connected to the Christian observance of All Saints and All Souls Day. Although it’s not called a Triduum, it has similarities to the Sacred Triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter—three days but one celebration. In a somewhat similar way, the feasts of All Saints and All Souls with the vigil Mass […]
Thoughts on Eucharist
By the time you read this, Carlo Acutis will have been canonized! You may know him as the teenager who used his computer skills to tell others about adoration of the Blessed Sacraments and the many miracles of the Eucharist. Perhaps a revival in Eucharistic adoration led to a recent article in this month’s issue […]