The day Sister Mary Virginia fell, my first monarch caterpillar of the summer began the final stage of its transformation. It entered into its chrysalis. The morning after she died, it emerged, its transformation complete. This was not only a timely sign of resurrection life, but an amazing one as Read more…
by Sister Karen Mohan on December 5, 2020 As our community enters into our last Advent/Christmas season at Fremont and Girard, we chose as our Advent theme: “Our Graced Crossroads: the Intersection of Suffering and Hope.” This year’s Cycle B readings for Mass focus on Mark’s Gospel which was written Read more…
by Sr. Brenda Lisenby on October 11, 2020 “You will be the sunrise.” These were the words that Jesus spoke to Sr. Mary Margaret one morning as she was at prayer and watching the sunrise. In her conversational prayer, she said she would miss the sunrise. And the response she Read more…
by Dave Nimmer,* Guest Blogger When I first heard about Sister Mary Margaret McKenzie’s idea to start a 12-Step Group to deal with the corrosive effects of white privilege on her life and on others, I was skeptical. I’ve been going to 12-Step meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for more Read more…
At Girard House, if you take the back stairs (the “servant stairs,” in the old days) from the kitchen to the second floor, you find yourself in a small alcove with chairs in a half-circle around an altar: the Chapel. You cannot rush through this quiet room: pause, bow to Read more…
by Sister Mary Frances Reis, VHM Greetings and, on behalf of all the Sisters, a most Blessed New Year to everyone “in the Cave and in the Cosmos”! Advent 2017 was a precious and sacred moment in our community (you can catch a glimpse in this blog). Believe it or Read more…
One of my favorite parts of the monastery lifestyle on Fremont and Girard is the Sisters’ prayerful attention to detail. Every flower, every candle, every table centerpiece is chosen with care. This spirit is especially evident during Advent, when the Christmas hustle and bustle must somehow be balanced by a Read more…
by Sr. Mary Frances Reis, VHM Theologian and retreat leader Sister Joyce Rupp reminds us that before we can say hello to new beginnings, we need to pray our good-byes. This wisdom applies to many of our life’s journeys as we move from dying to rising. For the past seven Read more…
by S. Suzanne Homeyer, VHM “We were, indeed, pilgrims on the same path, engaging each other in contemplative conversation. We were using the same concepts if not the same language and imagery, and saying so many of the same things. And that, after all, is what it’s all about isn’t it? Read more…
by S. Mary Frances Reis, VHM Isaiah 52:13-15; 53: 1-12 A Blessed Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion. This is the day to gaze on Love—a day, in the words of the Palmist, to “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps.46:11). What other stance can we take before Read more…