One year ago this month, Pope Francis, in addressing the Union of Superiors General in Rome, announced that 2015 would be a year dedicated to consecrated life. The year would begin on the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014, and end on the Sunday for consecrated life on February 2, 2016 - in effect making it a year of 15 months!
I love the expression "all in God's good time" and it is a little bit how I feel as we enter the season of Advent and launch the Year of Consecrated Life on Sunday. Here at the monastery we have planned a few events throughout the year and have partnered with the College of Saint Benedict and the diocese of Saint Cloud. Three themes have been identified as the focus of this year:
- Praying with gratitude for our Sisters who have paved the way for us here in central Minnesota and supported us in our lives as Benedictines
- Embracing the future with hope
- Living in the present with passion
About now a question is probably beginning to take shape in your mind; something like: "That is all very nice but how does this affect me in my very busy everyday life?" It is true. If you do not have a personal connection with a sister, a brother, or a priest, or if you did not attend a Catholic school or college/university chances are that this year will not touch you directly but if you are reading this blog you do have some interest in or curiosity about the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict. I invite you to take on as a "project" this year to connect with one sister here at the monastery. Sister Karen Rose, OSB, is always happy to hear from people who comment on our Facebook and she is very quick in responding to those who write. Why not come for a visit if you are in the vicinity of St. Joseph, MN? We offer wonderful hospitality. This is the time of the year when we are grateful for the many blessings we receive from our friends and, so, as a "thank you" we promise to hold you in prayer and would be grateful if you would pray for our fidelity and perseverance in the life that God has called us to.
Hélène Mercier,OSB
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