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.

Nuns Stopping Traffic, again!

Back in June we stopped traffic when we unloaded 5,000 copies of our Jubilee-year book. Yesterday's record snowfall inspired some creativity. Above, Sister Anne E and Stephanie "recycle" some of the snow they shoveled in the morning.

The pile of "recycled snow" grew and Sister Mary Roberta made a "head" for the top. Little by little, our "Sister Mary Snowden" took shape.

A close up of the snow-sister's head and torso (which were knocked down by a loud and drunken bunch of young men at 10.30pm.)

Sister and Stephanie stand next to the finished snow-nun. Why "Sister Mary Snowden"? Of all the 300+ names of sisters who have lived and died in our monastery, we thought our Sister Anne Marie Snowden had the best name for the larger-than-life replica. Sister Anne Marie Snowden entered our community in 1847, made her profession in 1849 and lived here until she died of breast cancer in 1900.

Jubilee Year Event!

As part of our Jubilee year celebrations, we are having a special event on First Fridays: "Doughnuts with DeSales!" We are welcoming guests to Morning Prayer followed by light refreshments and a short talk on Salesian Spirituality. This coming Friday will be our first presentation.

Morning Prayer begins at 8.00am in the monastery chapel. After Morning Prayer, guests can then follow the sisters who will lead them to "Doughnuts with DeSales" -- sustenance for the inner and outer man (and woman!)

Those interested in attending may RSVP in one of three ways: become a fan of our Facebook page and "click" on the event; email us by clicking here; or call and leave a message at (202) 337-3350 ext. 2283.

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament will take place in our chapel from 9am-3pm. Those who wish may return to the chapel for quiet prayer time following "Doughnuts with DeSales!"

Feature Presentation

In many different places our Jubilee year has been promoted through multi-media, including videos and press releases about upcoming events. After viewing several inspiring video-announcements of our Jubilee year (in French) from some of our monasteries in Europe, our Federation President, Mother Susan Marie has put forth a message of her own, inviting viewers to consider the spiritual riches of the mystery of the Rosary which inspired our Order.

"O my dear Sisters, you who claim this Virgin for your Mother . . . what zeal you should have in imitating her, especially her charity and humility, which were the chief virtues which urged her to make this visitation. . . . be most careful to model your lives on hers. Be meek, humble, charitable and kind, and magnify the Lord with her during this life. And if you do so humbly and faithfully in this world, you will undoubtedly sing the Magnificat in heaven."
St. Francis de Sales

Blog the Good News

Most folks have probably already read that on Sunday 24 January the Holy Father, during his message for 44th World Communications Day, told priests to witness to the Gospel using the latest digital resources available. He did qualify, however, that priests who use the latest in social communications should be recognized for their Christ-like qualities more so than for their technological savvy. Striking a balance between an attractive medium in which to present one's message and keeping the message focused on Christ is a reasonable goal -- one which is met by many of the informative and spiritually enriching blogs already being published by priests.

It is quite fitting that this year's World Communications Day fell on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists (and that this post is published on his former feast day.) It is hardly an accident that he is named the patron saint of journalists. During his time in the Chablais, St. Francis de Sales copied, by hand, many of his sermons and distributed them widely by slipping them under the doors of those who had strayed from the faith. These sermons later became known as "The Controversies" and, more recently, (and more "politically correct") as "Meditations on the Church." His creativity in dissemination of information won him the patronage of journalists. It seems likely then that our Holy Founder would smile upon Pope Benedict's recent exhortation that the clergy use the multi-media available to them to show that "God has a rightful place in every age, including our own."

Jubilee Year Commences!

On Sunday morning at 10.00am, we joined Visitation Monasteries around the world in beginning the 400th anniversary year of the Order of the Visitation. From Annecy, France to Burundi, Rwanda and from Canada to Korea, Visitation monasteries the world over opened this jubilee year with a Mass to honor St. Francis de Sales.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl paid his second visit to our campus and celebrated Mass for the occasion. His homily was a masterful and didactic explanation of our charism, our history and our dual apostolate of prayer and education. His grasp of Salesian monastic life was so extraordinary, one might wonder whether he lived among us here in the monastery! The full text of his homily will be available on our school website in a few days. In the meantime, we invite you to share a few minutes of our opening Mass in the video below.

Being Green

Nowadays we hear a lot about how good it is to "go green." Indeed, it is always a good thing to make environmentally-sound choices. Today's first reading, however, reveals a different way to "go green" which is much less desirable.

Many people are rather embarrassed when they notice jealousy -- or envy -- rising in their hearts. And with good reason. If envy is a kind of sadness at the good-fortune of another person, then jealousy might be thought of as a kind of envy which runs a bit deeper in that it seeks to guard possessively that which we already have. We may be jealous when a friend of ours spends time with other friends: in that case, we guard the friendship as though we owned it. Envy, on the other hand, usually has to do with what someone else has, rather than something we already have. We might be envious of the gifted singing voice of another person: in this case, we are sad that we do not have what we admire in another person.

In today's first reading we are told that Saul is jealous of David. Saul, no doubt, was jealous because he feared that David would take his place on the throne. It is likely, too, that Saul was also envious of how the women praised David in their song. Jealousy and envy are very difficult vices to uproot. Brute force alone cannot tear out the long-winding roots of these afflictions. Love, however, can free us from their power. If we are honest enough to recognize when we sense jealousy or envy springing up in our souls, we can make an effort to be kind to the person of whom we are jealous. This can be difficult, but it is a powerful remedy for an age-old affliction. Small acts of kindness -- beginning with a smile and maybe a courteous greeting -- can stop the spread of jealousy or envy in the heart of one who sincerely desires to be rid of this affliction. Like weeds after a rainstorm, the ugly and unwanted thoughts of jealousy and envy will be dislodged easily if we treat the object of our jealousy with kindness. This is not easy, but it is good. Very good.

"Very few people are free of envy, however spiritual they may be. And the more spiritual they are, so much more the subtle and imperceptible is the envy."
St. Francis de Sales

Christmas Video

As promised a few posts ago, we have some highlights from our Advent and Christmas seasons to share. Our Epiphany Queen, Sister Philomena, can be seen in her earmuff-like crown. Cranberry juice and ginger-ale were used to toast the queen (they make for some high spirits!) Following the toast one should note that Mother read her charming cinquain from a piece of recycled paper (note the typing on the back of the paper from which she was reading her composition!) Enjoy a four minute window into our Christmas celebrations at the monastery!

Perfect Timing!

During this "Vocations Awareness Week" we could hardly ask for better readings! Today's account of young Samuel who hears the voice of the Lord calling him during the night is a beautiful vocation story of one who -- with some help from his "wise elder" -- responded to the Lord's voice.

Samuel's story is a familiar one: The boy awakens to the sound of his name. He approaches Eli and asks him what he wants. Only after waking Eli the third time does the old man realize what is happening; it is the Lord who is calling the young man. Eli points Samuel toward the Lord and instructs him to answer, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening" when he hears his name the next time.

How often is Samuel's story lived out in our own lives. How often do we need the experienced ear of another's heart to be able to discern which whispers are from the Lord and which are not from the Lord. Sometimes we can be torn between two seemingly good choices and we ask "what does God want me to do?" The answer does not always come as clearly as it did to Samuel but if we listen, it will come. The prayerful consideration of important decisions -- vocational discernment as well as other major decisions -- can sometimes require some assistance. Talking to a "wise elder" who has walked with the Lord for many years can be a helpful step when seeking to discern God's will in our lives. Just as Eli was able to point Samuel toward the Lord who was calling him, men and women who have said "yes" to the Lord and have cultivated lives of prayer and good works can serve to help us listen for the Lord's voice in our own lives.

Over four centuries ago, a young man who was discerning a call to the priesthood sought out a "wise-elder" and wrote to his bishop about how he should proceed. This was part of the letter he received in reply:

"Pray earnestly to our Lord to illuminate you, and say often to Him the words of St. Paul, 'Lord, what would you have me to do?' . . . If you feel the inspiration toward religious life gather strength and your heart urged by it, take counsel with your confessor . . . gradually dispose your [family] toward it, so that the annoyance and pain caused by your leaving may fall as little as possible on religion . . . . May God grant you his peace, His grace, His light and His most holy consolation."

St. Francis de Sales

The School of the Baptist

As we read in today's Gospel about John's ministry of baptizing and look ahead to the account of Jesus' own baptism tomorrow, one must wonder how the saintly precursor of our Lord might have felt about baptizing the Messiah. St. John the Baptist, as we heard today, understood well his role of preparing the way of the Lord. His famous imperative, "He must increase; I must decrease" tells volumes about how the Lord's cousin understood his role.

Yet when Jesus arrives to be baptized it is only in Matthew's Gospel that we read a hesitation: "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" What is so significant is what follows this question. Jesus answers him that this is how it needs to be to "fulfill all righteousness" and his cousin consents to baptize him. Immediately following the baptism of the Lord, the heavens open and a voice is heard, identifying Jesus as the Son of the Almighty God. John's consent to perform an act of which he deemed himself unworthy led to a manifestation from God. How many countless onlookers and bystanders, believers and skeptics, Sadducees and Pharisees were strengthened in their faith because of the manner in which God manifested himself after Our Lord's baptism.

Sometimes we may be hesitant to do something which is asked of us. Perhaps we are asked to be the godmother or godfather of a friend's child; maybe we've been asked to visit some of our homebound parishioners and pray with them. Whatever it is we are challenged to grow into, we might profit from being a disciple of St. John the Baptist. For if we believe that He must increase and we must decrease then we, like the Baptist, will consent to what the Lord asks of us and we will trust that our consent has the potential to lead many others to Christ. If we follow his holy cousin, he will lead us -- and those with whom we interact -- to the Lord.

"We must go to the school of the glorious St. John the Baptist and place ourselves ... among his disciples. For do you not see that this great saint sent his disciples to the Savior to be instructed by Him personally ... and our Savior kept them. If the glorious precursor receives us, he will surely place us in the hands of our Savior, who will in turn place us in the hands of the Eternal Father."
St. Francis de Sales

New Queen ... on the Kings' Feast

Our annual custom of drawing a BEAN in a slice of fruitcake on Epiphany eve took a new shape this year: we used a farfalle ... a piece of butterfly (or bow-tie) shaped macaroni. (Maybe one of the wise men was from Italy!) Above, Sister Philomena selects the cake which contains the butterfly-bean.

A very surprised Sister Philomena holds up the pink butterfly just moments before being seated on the Queen's throne. (To see pictures of sister wearing her earmuff-shaped tiara, you'll have to wait for the Christmas video ...) Toasts to the Queen included an epic future-foretelling poem by Sister Mada-anne, a Cinquain by Mother and a very inspiring impromptu display of homage by Sister Rose. A forthcoming Christmas highlight video will feature snippets of the first hour of the new Queen's reign (which, of course, included ice cream!) Below, Sister Rose begins her performance while Sister Mary de Sales adjusts the decorations on the throne. Stay tuned for our Christmas video!

Jubilee Year and a Disputed Antiphon

With today's Solemnity of Mary, the mother of God, we welcome the year about which we Visitandines -- and our friends -- have been talking for a decade. Later this month we will open our jubilee year with the Solemnity of Saint Francis de Sales and it will conclude on the death date of Saint Jane de Chantal, 12 December.

As we reflect on today's Solemnity, we share a *disputed* antiphon which is no longer included in the Roman breviary but used to follow O Emmanuel in previous incarnations of the Liturgy of the Hours:

O Virgo Virginum quomodo fiet istud: quia nec primam similem visa es nec habere sequentem: filiae hierusalem quid me admiraninimi divinum est mysterium hoc quod cernitis.

---

O Virgin of Virgins, how shall this be? For neither before was there any like you nor will there be any to follow after: daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel at me? That which you believe is a divine mystery.

Although this antiphon points toward Mary in that is addressed to her, it is striking how it points away from her as well: "Why marvel at me?" It points toward Jesus, the divine mystery which she and Joseph were privileged to carry in their arms. As we begin another year and look ahead toward all things new, let us follow Mary's example and let our words and our actions point away from ourselves and toward Jesus. For we may never know how our kind words or our good example can affect those around us.

A happy and healthy new year to all our faithful readers!

Christmas Ass is Retired

Perhaps some of our readers might remember last year's nativity billets where Sister Mary Blogger drew card no. 19, the "Christmas Ass." If you do not, don't be scandalized, just click here for the story. This year the sister erstwhile known as a beast of burden has been promoted to one of the shepherds. Although no one drew the infamous card no. 19, we did have two sisters who drew other animals, the lamb and the ox, to be exact. See picture below for the ox and lamb ... who kept time (cue Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.)

There are several shepherd cards to be drawn among the billets for the Court of the King and Sister Mary Blogger drew the following card:

No. 4
The Shepherds
Keeping watch over their flocks
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THERE WERE SHEPHERDS KEEPING THE NIGHT
WATCHES OVER THEIR FLOCKS.
(Saint Luke, II, 8.)
-----

At the court of the King JESUS you will have the office of the Shepherds who kept watch over their flocks.

Remark that it is to poor, laborious, vigilant men that GOD first reveals the mystery of His birth. If you wish to partake of divine communications, detach yourself from the goods of earth, love labor, and watch over the flock confided to you; that is, over your heart and over all the powers of your soul.

Practice -- Vigilance
Aspiration -- O my JESUS, be Thou the guardian of my soul.

Christus Natus Hodie!

We did it again! We cheated. We sang Christmas carols during the third week of Advent. This year our "Library Angels" and their musical companions were just stellar. Last Friday, some of our sisters gathered with our librarian (who manages to avoid the camera -- but for a cameo appearance seating people during "O Holy Night") and her angels as well as some alumnae and their families. As in the past, the hit of the afternoon was the "12 Days of Christmas" complete with illustrations and individual solos ... or in the case of the "partridge and the pear tree" ... it was a "Tree-O." We share three minutes of our fun time last Friday as we wish our readers a happy and holy Christmas.

Thirteen Years Later

After the fire of 1993, which consumed the inside of our school building and drenched the chapel which connects the monastery to the school, we had our sacred spaces -- our chapel and our choir -- rebuilt and rededicated. On 21 December 1996, His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey blessed and reconsecrated the familiar space where we gather six times a day. With the permission of the Office of Liturgy and in accord with the general norms provided by the Table of Liturgical Days, the 21st of December is a Solemnity for our community: a six-candle, Gloria and Creed, white vestments, proper office, and pull-out-all-the-stops (okay, except the oboe stop, that one sounds funny) kind of solemnity. We have a great deal for which to be grateful and marking the anniversary of our chapel's rededication is a special way to do that. Below is a snippet from the second reading at Office of Readings yesterday. It is from a homily given on the day after the rededication: the fourth Sunday of Advent 1996. Serendipitously, the theme from the Song of Songs is always particularly special for us on the 21st of December since it is the first reading given to us by the Church -- to say nothing of an equally-befitting Gospel!

"I would like to speak about what takes place in this chapel today which continues to make it a holy space. My image here are the two principal characters in the Song of Songs . . . . You know the story well. It is a love story. They spot one another and it's love at first sight! Then they lose one another and search frantically throughout the city looking for each other. When at last they meet, they embrace and speak, heart to heart, these poignant words: 'Tenui nec dimittam!' -- I have hold of you and I will never let you go! . . . . That same story, in one way or another, is the story of each sister here. . . . They speak of their mutual love many times each day in this sacred space. . . . In addition to community gatherings here, each sister finds herself in this space in quiet and brief moments many times throughout each day, from very early in the morning to deep into the night. . . . For it is here where the Beloved awaits them."

Very Rev. Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS

O Lord and Leader!

O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: Veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
---

O Lord, and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the red fire of flame and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

This antiphon refers to two accounts, in the book of Exodus, where God reveals Himself to Moses. The second encounter, when God gave the Law to Moses, is a very poignant encounter. The old covenant is ratified and the exchange between God and man is filled with imagery of fire and light. The fire which the Israelites saw atop the mountain was but an indication of the light that was to come in Christ.

The second part of the antiphon, "come and redeem us with outstretched arm," is an echo of Yahweh's promise to Moses that "I will free you from the burdens which the Egyptians lay on you. I will release you from slavery to them, and with my arm outstretched and my strokes of power I will deliver you" (Ex 6:6). The promise made to the people of Israel in the Old Testament is seen in its fullness when it is considered in light of Christ's redemptive death. As the people of Israel awaited freedom from their captors, so the Church awaits the birth of the Messiah.

What are some of the ways in which we can be held captive today? When we lose focus and replace Christ as the center of our work, our family, our ministry, etc., we are at risk of becoming a prisoner. Even something which is very good in itself, can cause us to lose focus. We can become so involved in one aspect of our life that it affects our relationships, our families, our ability to maintain balance and moderation, etc. Even a "good work" can be dangerous to our freedom if we do not keep Christ at the center all that we do. Whether we are students or teachers, parents or children, caregivers, social workers or soldiers ... we are free as long as we keep Christ at the center of all our actions.

Christmas Entertainment

Looking for a family-friendly classic that isn't warn out with air time? A monastery favorite is the one-hour opera (English) by Gian-Carlo Menotti. This Christmas story about a crippled boy whose family provides hospitality to the magi on their way to Bethlehem is as inspiring as it is charming. To be accurate, we happen to own the 1978 VHS edition by Kutler (and not the RCA recording of the original NBC production, as pictured above.) This quaint holiday tale will be our movie of the month this coming Friday for locals who would like to join us for pizza and a movie before all-night adoration. Movie starts at 7.15pm.

Religious Roadwork

You might stump the helpful worker in the orange apron if you walked into home depot and asked for a tool to help you "lower a mountain."

We hear so often, during this most sacred season of Advent, about the call to make straight the way of the Lord. We're told to fill in the valleys and level the mountains. And in today's first reading from Isaiah, we hear that the people of Israel, the beloved people of God (yes, believe it or not "worm" and "maggot" are terms of endearment ... lost somewhere in translation) will be made into an instrument to help along the roadwork: a sharp, new, double-edged sledge.

The Lord promises the impossible and asks us to trust Him. We are invited a clear a path for His coming. We are asked to discard all that is unworthy of the coming of the Lord. Perhaps we could think of that path as the road which leads to our heart. What do people encounter when they meet us? What kind of response do others receive when they ask us for a favor? Better yet: How do we greet those who inconvenience us? Are the mountains of our impatience and the valleys of our irritation stumbling blocks which might hurt someone who seeks our attention? Maybe we can't shave down all our mountains in one Advent season, but perhaps we can find a way around those we can't conquer right now -- a tunnel, perhaps -- which might help us to make a level road for all those who approach us. And when the waiting is over, may the newborn King find a smooth journey to our hearts.

"Fill up the valleys; that is, fill your heart with confidence and hope because salvation is near at hand. The sight of our great faults brings with it a certain ... shock ... which unnerves the heart and often leads it to discouragement. These ... ditches and valleys must be filled up for Our Lord's coming!"
St. Francis de Sales

A Conspiracy Afoot!

If you are not one of the 900,000 plus people who have viewed this video, it's worth the two and a half minutes. Not all of us are in an position to raise money to make global changes, but all of us are in a position to give more "presence" to those around us this holiday season -- and beyond. If St. John the Baptist were alive today, he'd probably be a "conspirator" too. Hat tip -- er, veil tip -- to our good friend, Christy, who had this video posted as her Gmail status message yesterday! Thanks, Christy!

"True servants of God preach and teach those whom they guide only so as to lead them to God, as much by their words as by their works. This is what St. John does today."
St. Francis de Sales

Indulge Yourself

Indulge yourself: come pray with us!

After two great announcements on the Zenit news service, (click here and here to read them) our Federation President, Mother Susan Marie from our Monastery of Brooklyn, has written a lovely response telling readers of our up-coming jubilee year and the plenary indulgence available to those who pray in a Monastery chapel during in coming year.

Here in Georgetown, we will be kicking-off the jubilee year on 24th January 2010 with a 10am Mass in our Nolan Center. All locals are welcome to join us for the occasion.

"Be strong, firm, constant and unchanging . . . . so that nothing may separate you from your heavenly Bridegroom who has united you with one another; may nothing take away from you that union which alone can keep you united with Him, so that, all of you having only one heart and one soul, He Himself may be your only heart and your only soul."
St. Francis de Sales
Introduction to the Book of Rules, 1618

Trio of Things to Celebrate

This past Thursday was a day chock-full of celebration! In addition to the usual Thanksgiving festivities, it was the birthday of our retreatant, Cynthia and the Feastday of our Mother Mary Berchmans. (Poor St. John Berchmans is often overlooked ... and this year he landed on Thanksgiving!) As a gift for Mother, our friend Stephanie (pictured above with Mother) produced this very exquisite sketch on silk-screen. The lettering around the picture is repeated below.

Holy Mary, Mother of God and Virgin, I choose thee this day for my queen, patron, and advocate, and firmly resolve and purpose never to abandon thee, never to say or do anything against thee, nor to permit that aught be done by others to dishonor thee. Receive me, then, I conjure thee, as thy perpetual servant; assist me in all my actions, and do not abandon me at the hour of my death. Amen.

St. John Berchmans

As we approach this most sacred season of Advent, we can have no better model to follow than Our Lady. She trusted in the Lord's promise even when earthly wisdom might have protested. When she uttered her "fiat" she gave back to the Lord her claim on shaping her life. And with the word "Yes" she changed the world. Forever. Deo gratias!

Ever New

This could be an advertisement for the "old technology" meeting the new.

At the conclusion of Saturday's Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of Mary, some of our sisters took the opportunity to sign the vow book. (It needn't be done immediately after Mass but some prefer to sign the book earlier in the day than others -- just so long as each sister has a chance to sign the book before the day is over.) Our venerable Sister Raphael, at 99 years young wheeled herself over to the book and, leaning on the lectionary for balance, signed the ancient vow book. A pen and a 197 year-old book -- it would seem -- qualify for "old technology."

Enter the new technology. As some of us watched Sister Raphael sign her vows we mused about how nice it would be if we had a camera to capture the moment. One of our Oblate seminarians who had joined us at Mass to renew his own vows was quick thinking and reached for his iPhone. Thanks to our very own Michael Castrilli, OSFS we have these lovely photos of Sister Raphael to share. In addition to our photo-snapping seminarian we were joined by three other Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. It was a delightful "family reunion" for a splendid Feast day.

"This is the way, my dear Sister. Grace will never be wanting to us if we are faithful in seconding its attractions; thus will God bless us and our labors."
St. Jane de Chantal

For Those Who Pray

... that's a literal translation of "Pro Orantibus" which is what the Vatican celebrates on Saturday 21 November, the Feast of the Presentation of Mary. Since 1955, the Church has dedicated the Feast of Our Lady's presentation as a day to pray for those whose contemplative vocations give them the great privilege of being available to pray for others.

Here in our monastery of the Visitation of Georgetown, we are blessed with the best of both worlds. We are steeped in a 400 year monastic tradition (okay: 399 years, 5 months, and 14 days to be exact) and our particular monastery was founded in 1799 for the dual apostolate of prayer and education. So, while we observe a monastic horarium and monastic customs, the "work" we do each day is done -- for the most part -- both in the monastery and in the school. It is a unique blend of contemplative life and the apostolate of education.

This beautiful feast is especially meaningful for us for two reasons:

First, since it is "pro orantibus" day, we are very mindful of the number of people who call, email, write letters, send faxes, etc., with special intentions. And we are grateful for the Church's prayerful support of this precious responsibility of praying for those in need.

Second, 21 November is a very special day for us since it is the day upon which all Visitation sisters around the world renew their vows. Each sister will rewrite and resign her vows (the short formula) in her monastery's vow book. Our vow book dates from 1812 and has the vows of every sister who has even been professed in our house -- or who has ever been visiting on this feast (we have a special page in the vow book for guests, visiting sisters who happen to be with us on this day.)

As is the custom of our Order, all Visitation monasteries observe a mini-retreat for the three days prior to the renewal of vows. Do pray with us as we prepare to reecho our "Yes" to the Lord on Saturday morning!

Our Friendly Neighbors

We were delighted to welcome members of Georgetown University's Catholic Daughters for a day of reflection on Saturday. After a morning of praying and listening to a spiritual conference ... and before their afternoon spiritual walk-n-talk, the group assembled some foam turkeys in the spirit of Thanksgiving: both the up-coming holiday and in a spirit of gratitude for the many blessings we receive in our daily lives.

How many Georgetown students does it take to assemble a foam turkey? Many, it seems. Turkey-making isn't as easy as it looks!

This is a pretty turkey in progress; her other eye is just about to be attached. She's wearing her finest collar for the day of reflection!

This poor turkey lost an eye during assembly. His owner wanted to emphasize that, despite his loss, he is still a "thankful turkey." A subtle reminder to all of us not to forget to count our blessings -- even during challenging times.