Fisher-nuns!

We sent out a dynamic duo, Sister Mary Roberta and Sister Jacqueline, to represent our community at the Benedictine College Vocation Fair this week. Hallmark Benedictine hospitality marked their stay from delightful transportation service to and from the airport by their ever-helpful campus ministry angel and lovely accommodations at St. Benedict's Guesthouse. The kindness of the hosts was rivaled only by the attentiveness and interest of the students with whom they interacted.

Above, Sister Jacqueline spoke as part of a vocation panel which followed the 9am-2pm vocation fair. For more pictures from their exciting trip, visit our Facebook page here.

" Let every one then, having once found out God's holy will touching his vocation, keep to it holily and lovingly, practising therein its proper exercises, according to the order of discretion and with the zeal of perfection."

St. Francis de Sales

Vigil Video 2010

After two weeks -- and some very alliterative problems (computer-codex-complications) we have a two-minute highlight video from our Easter Vigil Mass. "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" was sung during the sprinkling rite after the renewal of our baptismal promises. Our faithful Father Heet, OSFS, made sure that Sister Mary Videocamera got enough holy water for her AND all the viewers of the soon-to be video! Do enjoy a short visit to the summit of our Sacred Triduum.

Movie Night Moved!

Our April movie night and all-night Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is moved from this coming Friday until Friday 30 April. This month's movie will be "Ocean of Mercy" -- an apt theme for the Easter Season -- and will be accompanied (as always) by some yummy pizza and fixin's thanks to our Sister Mary Roberta and Sister Anne Francis, the bringers of the cart-of-goodies!

This film chronicles the lives of St. Faustina, St. Maximilian Kolbe and the Venerable Pope John Paul II. It includes rare footage of the trio as well a fascinating explanation of how closely linked were the lives of these three followers of Christ -- even though they never met one another. Movie starts at 7.15pm and Adoration continues until 7am in the chapel. Be sure to RSVP on FB or to our email account so we can be sure that we have ample pizza and goodies for all!

Thomas Takes a Thumping

Poor St. Thomas the Apostle will take a beating in many a homily today as the often-dubbed "Doubting Thomas" Gospel is read on this Divine Mercy Sunday. We might do well to consider a time when we have uttered a similar cry of disbelief. Perhaps we can recall saying, "I won't believe it until I see it." St. Thomas' reaction is quite normal and, in fact, very human. It is the humanity of his statement which makes room for Jesus' mercy. Jesus not only appears to Thomas but he comes to him in the precise manner in which Thomas needed to see him in order to believe it was really the Lord Himself. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, in his weakness, in his humanity and he met him with tenderness; he invited Thomas to touch his wounds. Even after his victory on the cross, the Lord continues to heal his followers by his most sacred wounds. Those of us who seek to follow the Lord today are no exception. Christ comes to us in our brokenness, with all our faults and failings and he offers us the gift of his mercy -- and He does this in a special way in the sacrament of confession.

As we celebrate this Octave day of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, let us, with Thomas exclaim with gratitude: My Lord and my God!

"But in order that the sweetness of his mercy might be adorned with the beauty of his justice, he determined to save man by way of a rigorous redemption. And as this could not properly be done but by his Son."

St. Francis de Sales

Hearts on Fire

"Were not our hearts burning within us when he spoke to us?" At some point we've all felt a tug, a burning, a feeling much deeper than the quotidian joys and sorrows which await us each day. It's usually something connected with our deepest sense of who we are and who we know we were created to be. Former Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice, spoke at our commencement exercises a few years back and she described how she felt when she walked past a Russian history class that was overflowing with students; she described how it changed her life and she talked about the challenges of switching her major from music to political science. She described the experience as following her passion -- something which she encouraged our graduates to do as they leave us.

How many married couples can pin-point a moment when they had a *sense* that they would like to spend the rest of their life with this particular person. It's usually not a logical conclusion or the result of a mathematical equation. Most of us in religious life, similarly, can speak about a moment when we had a deep sense of the Lord calling us to this or that particular community, a feeling which cannot be rivaled by the outcome of a vocation-match placement test or a personality index.

Like the disciples, we do not always recognize the significance of our "burning hearts" in the moment when we're set ablaze. Sometimes it is only after the fact that we realize just how important a particular experience was for us. Perhaps, as we begin our Easter journey, we can recall with gratitude those times when the Lord has set our hearts on fire with His love. Sometimes it is helpful to revisit scripture passages or spiritual writings which may have served to "fan the flame" in our hearts.

Holy Week Highlights

As we have done in the past we try to provide our readers with a little window into our celebration of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. Here we share some snippets from Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Preparations and celebrations show the time and care that go into making the liturgies of Holy Week prayerful and solemn; our sisters and visiting retreatants all lend a hand where it is needed to be sure that everyone has sufficient time to pray amid the busyness of these days.

The music in the video is the Litany of the Passion which we use as the opening hymn for Night Prayer on Holy Thursday. The video ends with the "crossing of the buns" for supper on Good Friday. They were not crossed quite as amply as they were last year, but they were consumed just as readily!

A blessed Easter to all our readers.!

In the Footsteps of Christ

Take a three and a half minute meditation break during holy week and have a trip around the monastery crypt's Stations of the Cross. Fourteen Visitation students reverence each station and follow in the virtual footsteps of Our Lord. It might interest our readers to know that these stations, which are found in the crypt under our monastery chapel, were repainted and refinished by our very own Sister Mary Austin.

Since the monastery will be observing the Triduum as a time of retreat, we wish our readers a happy and holy Triduum and a grace-filled Easter! A copy of our Triduum schedule can be found here as well as on our Facebook page.

Gabe the Babe

A little update about our littlest member: Gabriel -- or "Gabe the Babe" as our students like to call him -- is doing very well. He seems to be adjusting to monastic life very smoothly. He does love to pose for the camera, so we might have to have a little talk with him about the perils of vanity, but probably when he's a bit older.

Sister Philomena is pictured taking him for a walk around the monastery garden after Night Prayer on the Solemnity of the Annunciation. We're pretty sure that he will celebrate his Feast Day with our Sister Mary Raphael (and the other archangels) but since the angel Gabriel figures prominently in the Annunciation, Gabe deserved a bit of a fuss.

As most of us had to learn the boundaries of monastic life, Gabriel is learning the perimeter of the monastery garden. Above, sister shows him a flag so he'll know when he's getting close to the school fence. Gabriel seemed to catch on quickly that every time he ran away from a flag, he got a "good boy" and a piece of puppy chow. Gabe is showing great promise that he will be as attentive a watch dog as his mentor, Nicholas (see below).

Palm Sunday and Planning Ahead

Next Sunday we will celebrate the Lord's Passion at our 9.00am Mass in the monastery chapel of the Sacred Heart. The Sacred Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday, will be celebrated as follows on the schedule listed below. All Liturgies of the Hours and Masses are open to the public. From the conclusion of Mass on Thursday until the Gloria at Mass on Holy Saturday, we do not ring our tower bell to signal prayer time ... so, if any locals plan to attend the Liturgy of the Hours, arriving a few minutes early is greatly appreciated as a sister will be able to arrange books and music for you to pray with us.

Holy Thursday

5:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

7.30pm Night Prayer

Adoration until Midnight

Good Friday

7.30am Office of Readings

8.45am Morning Prayer

11.00am Daytime Prayer

3.00 Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion

7.00pm Night Prayer

Holy Saturday

7.30am Office of Readings

8.45am Morning Prayer

11.30am Daytime Prayer

5.05pm Evening Prayer

8.00pm Vigil Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection

In the Holy Night of Easter

"Give Ups" -- The Gift that Keeps on Giving

For most Lenten disciplines of giving up coffee, chocolate, cable TV or chewing gum -- such as the case may be -- Easter Sunday and the days that follow are times when we enjoy anew the cherished pleasure which we resolved to avoid forty days before. This longed-for return to the delight from which we fasted can have a lasting spiritual effect if we savor the fruit from our Lenten season.

How can this be? Perhaps it was difficult to attend the St. Patrick's Day party at the office and refrain from a shamrock cookie. Maybe we wondered about what happened on our favorite TV shows. The tension between what we desire in a given moment and resisting the temptation to indulge ourselves is a healthy one. For what we "practice" in Lent we may have the opportunity to "perform" in the months that follow. At first it may be difficult to pass up dessert or TV or coffee but we may notice that with each opportunity our resolve grows a bit stronger. This will serve us well when the time comes that we have to forgo a certain pleasure for a reason other than that of a freely-chosen discipline during Lent.

Imagine having unexpected company which might preclude watching a favorite TV show or perhaps realizing that there is only one chocolate chip cookie left in the jar as you are packing lunch for yourself and your spouse. If our Lenten disciplines have served us well, then we will be able to be gracious about things when they do not go our way. We will be able to welcome the unexpected visitor as though it is not at all inconvenient; we will gladly give away the last cookie without feeling a sense of regret. It's not really about the TV show or the cookie, it's about graciousness. And if we "succeed" in our Lenten resolutions to give-up this or that then we will, indeed, have a gift that keeps on giving.

Laetare Sunday!

It may seem a bit odd to think of this "Rejoice Jerusalem" Sunday as a day when we hear the Gospel about the Prodigal Son -- or the merciful Father -- depending upon how we approach the reading. We can think of few better reasons to rejoice, however, than a retelling of the Lord's mercy for those who return to Him with hearts that have been softened by compunction.

There is a big difference between dejection and compunction. Perhaps the most significant difference is that the heart which has been pierced by compunction is aware of its great need for mercy and is deeply grateful for the Lord's compassion. There is an abiding peace in a heart softened by compunction. A heart beset by dejection, however, is often anxious and inconsolable -- even by the most tender acts of compassion.

As we take a break from our Lenten violet and enjoy the radiant rose vestments and fleeting-floral additions to the bare altar, let us be aware of those in our midst who are unable to "rejoice" freely in the Lord's mercy. Perhaps we may know someone at work or at school who is in need of a special kindness to help soften his heart. Maybe we have a family member whose troubles and challenges have contributed to a growing feeling of dejection. Let us look for opportunities to show kindness and mercy to those who hearts are hardened by hidden trials or difficult circumstances. We can pray that our effort to imitate the Lord's mercy may stir in our neighbor's heart a desire to seek -- and to find -- the Lord.

More Shameless Promotion

Sister Mada-anne, hard at work in the monastery kitchen, is trying out different kinds of fish to see which will be the most delectable to serve at our second annual Lenten Fish Fry. We are teaming up with Georgetown's CSA to serve fish, mac-n-cheese and other yummy foods to our guests on Friday 19th March from 6.30 to 8.30pm in our school dining room. Last year's Fish Fry was such a big hit that we've added more door prizes and some "fishy" party favors for our guests! Locals who are interested in coming can email us to RSVP by Monday 15th March. Mark your calendars and bring a friend!

Boundless Mercy

It has often been remarked that today's Gospel about the prodigal son should really have been named after his compassionate and merciful father. True enough.

If we consider the three main characters: the father, the prodigal son and the older son, we might notice different times in our lives where we have identified with each of the characters. Sometimes we are the one who has transgressed and acted foolishly. How many times have we rehearsed our apology over and over, to ourselves, as the prodigal son did? In the Gospel account, the son didn't even get a chance to finish the last line of his well-practiced apology before his father ordered the servants to bring him a robe.

At other times, perhaps, we are awaiting the return -- physical or otherwise -- of one who has strayed. Maybe we have parted hearts with a friend who has injured or offended us and we stand ready to welcome someone back into our life. One can almost imagine the "merciful father" peering out the window every day, hoping to see a sign of his son in the distance. When we find ourselves in his shoes, we model the Lord's mercy by showing compassion to the penitent soul who has returned to life.

Last and certainly not least is the uncomfortable role of the elder son. Most of us feel a certain shame when we realize that we, like this pouting sibling, have dug our heels into the quicksand of moral superiority. We have convinced our egos that we are blameless and that another is not worthy of the mercy shown to him. Our self-righteousness occludes our ability to perceive a situation from the vantage-point of the merciful father and ultimately, from the vantage-point of our Heavenly Father. In these moments, let us ask for the gift of magnanimity so that we may be generous in forgiving others and exceedingly lavish in showing mercy.

"So then, when you have fallen, lift up your heart in quietness, humbling yourself deeply before God by reason of your frailty, without marveling that you fell;—there is no cause to marvel because weakness is weak, or infirmity infirm. Heartily lament that you should have offended God, and begin anew to cultivate the lacking grace, with a very deep trust in His Mercy, and with a bold, brave heart."
St. Francis de Sales

March: Doughnuts with DeSales

First Friday is just around the corner. That usually signals an all-day adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and a renewal of our vows at Mass ... but during our Jubilee Year, there's an added bonus: "Doughnuts with DeSales." Come join us for a one-hour program including morning prayer, delicious doughnuts and a taste of the timeless wisdom of St. Francis de Sales. Locals interested in attending may click here to reply to the invitation on Facebook or may click here to reply to the monastery via email.

"Among friends, bitter things are sweet, while among enemies sweet things are bitter. In a heart that is God's friend all virtuous acts are dedicated to God."

St. Francis de Sales

Lenten Challenge

Today's Gospel calls us to a uniquely Christian challenge: to love our enemies. It is easy for us to take a cursory check of our acquaintance list and declare ourselves enemy-free. Most of us associate "enemy" with a hostile situation or a person with whom we are "at war." This is neither uncommon nor incorrect; it's just a bit too narrow. If we were to revisit today's Gospel and to consider prayerfully that anyone who disturbs our peace is an 'enemy' we might find that we have a Lenten challenge.

It's easy to dismiss the concept of 'enemy' as someone far away who, in theory, we have to love, but in reality someone with whom we may never have to associate. When we consider the many ways in which we may be irritated by the actions or word of another our list of enemies, in this sense, can grow quickly. Let us not be discouraged when we realize this, let us rejoice that we have an opportunity -- and one not to be missed -- to grow into and to live out this great commandment of the Lord!

"In meditating on Our Dear Lord’s first word from the Cross, you will no doubt be roused to the desire of imitating Him in forgiving and loving your enemies. But that is not enough, unless you bring it to some practical resolution, such as, 'I will not be angered any more by the annoying things said of me by such or such a neighbor, nor by the slights offered me by such an one; but rather I will do such and such things in order to soften and conciliate them.' In this way, my daughter, you will soon correct your faults, whereas mere general resolutions would take but a slow and uncertain effect."
St. Francis de Sales

Motown at the Monastery

The rumors are true ... it's Motown at the Monastery. The eleventh annual dollars-for-scholars gala is here and all proceeds go to our scholarship fund! This year, it's easier than ever to participate in the gala. Those who would like to help purchase needed items may go to amazon.com and just type "Georgetown Visitation" in the search box and you can click on a purchase of your choice. Your contribution will be shipped directly to the SUPREME and wonderful chairs of this year's gala who wait for the mail each day, singing "PLEASE MR POSTMAN bring us some gifts from amazon!" If you are interested in bidding on items in the on-line auction, the bidding begins on 1 March and if you click here, you can SHOP AROUND until you drop (on-line bids accepted only through 10 March)! Visi parents: don't miss the opportunity to purchase a "tuition" raffle ticket. Imagine a year without tuition bills!

We are so grateful for the countless parents, alumnae and friends who have given their time to help us GET IT TOGETHER!

Puppy Pictures

At some point in our monastic life most of us have had the following words addressed to us: "In the world you were called ... and from now on you shall be called by a new name: Sister ...." Today we had a first: Our new puppy arrived and he heard those words, too ... well, almost those words.

When he was born on 26 December 2009, the puppy was named Nicholas as all of his litter mates received seasonal names (he has brothers named Forrest and Rudy and a sister named Peppermint Candy). Since our faithful guard dog of seven years already has claim to that moniker, we had to tell puppy that his new name is "Gabriel." He didn't get a habit and veil with his new name but he got 20 new sisters and a canine brother.

Flying Franciscan

As many might know, St. Joseph of Cupertino was known to levitate when he prayed. As amazing a gift as the grace of levitation is, St. Joseph of Cupertino is a model of perseverance and charity for all of us today. We may not find ourselves brushing the ceiling when we pray, but we do find ourselves in situations where we struggle to be charitable in the face of injustice or unkindness; in this, we find a sterling example in the "flying Franciscan."

February's "movie and pizza" preceding our monthly all-night adoration will be "Reluctant Saint: St. Joseph of Cupertino." Locals may RSVP on FB or by sending an email. The movie will start at 7.15 in our school's "Little Odeon" on the 3rd floor.

A Rich Harvest for the Heart

As we approach this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the way in which St. Francis de Sales invites us to traverse the 40 days which lead us to the Lord's Passion. For many of us, Lent may seem like a season of privation -- a dry, dusty road which begins with ashes and ends on Calvary. To St. Francis de Sales, Lent was a "spiritual autumn" -- a time in which we are invited to gather a rich and bountiful harvest so that it will serve to nourish our souls for the rest of the year until the next Lent begins. Those of us who do not stock root cellars with a winter's worth of squash and beets may have a hard time finding this image "fruitful" but perhaps a suggestion might help.

There are many ways to observe the season of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the primary means suggested to us by the Church. They are all good and fruitful for our souls. It seems, however, that most often we hear people speak of "giving up" something for Lent. When done in the correct spirit, foregoing something to which we have a right is a very good way to fast. In many cases, this fast -- say for example giving up chocolate or some other delectable food -- kept for the season of Lent, usually finds a happy reward when Easter Sunday provides a banquet of pastel-colored M&Ms and other traditional candy. In addition to fasting from something to which we are entitled, we might want to consider refraining from something that we do not want to resume on Easter Sunday. In this case, it might be more appropriate to call it a discipline rather than a fast (since a "fast" usually implies foregoing something which is good for us or pleasing to us from which we deliberately refrain.) Perhaps we find ourselves speaking uncharitably about someone with whom we work. If this is a habit we would like to uproot from our lives, making it a Lenten discipline means that we are training ourselves to continue this practice when the season of Lent is over. If, by the grace of God, we are able to practice a discipline during Lent which helps us to grow in virtue then we have begun to stock the "root cellar" of our hearts with a sort of fruit which will nourish our us -- and those around us -- for a long time to come.

Let us, this Lent, seek to fill our hearts with spiritual fruit which will transform our lives and help us to see the Lord in all those around us. "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God" ... everywhere!

"His heart is the King of hearts and he keeps his eyes fixed on our hearts."
St. Francis de Sales

Snow Nun Video

Someone once attributed this to Mother Teresa: "What you spend years building can be destroyed overnight. Build anyway." We'd have to agree here at the corner of 35th and P Streets ... it may only have taken a few hours to build Sister Mary Snowden but the effort -- despite the destruction -- was worth the camaraderie with countless pedestrians (and even a few drive-by conversations!)

We've finally collected some footage of the building -- and rebuilding -- of the Sisters Mary Snowden. Not to be missed is the acrobatic move of one of our neighbors at the 1.00 minute mark. He bounced back very dexterously and even managed to take a couple of pictures before continuing along his way.

Among the delightful neighbors we met during our time creating Sister Mary Snowden, were some who came by to help us rebuild after the first snow nun was demolished. We were greeted with suggestions from passers-by about how to get the "new snow" to stick to the "old snow" and we chatted with neighbors who posed with Sister Mary Snowden for a picture. Despite the frustration of seeing sister leveled twice over, we enjoyed meeting neighbors and seeing local families and students.