A Nun Walked into a Bar . . .

It sounds like the beginning of a joke. It could be, but in this case, it is not. On 12 August, one of our number will be speaking about "Freedom vs. Obedience" at the Office of Young Adult Ministry's (Archdiocese of Washington) Theology on Tap program. We'll keep readers guessing who it is (unless you'd like to download the flyer.)

We might consider for a moment what our holy father, Saint Francis de Sales, might say about this. Considering that he earned his title "Patron Saint of Journalists" not by the voluminous writings he produced but, rather, by his act of slipping handwritten copies of his sermons under the doors of those who did not attend Mass, we would like to think that he might welcome an opportunity to share the faith in a setting where Church-goers and non-Church-goers alike gather to listen, discuss, and be challenged in their daily living.

Any locals who attend will most likely see sister drinking a glass of her signature "room temperature" water but we have a little joke about nuns and beer we would like to share, given the content of this post. We take no offense at this and hope that the same is true for our readers. Enjoy!

While shopping in a food store,
two nuns happened to pass by the beer, wine, and liquor section.
One asked the other if she would like a beer.
The second nun answered that indeed, it would be very nice to have one,
but that she would feel uncomfortable about purchasing it.
The first nun replied that she would handle that without a problem.
She picked up a six pack and took it to the cashier.
The cashier had a surprised look, so the nun said
"This is for washing our hair."
Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter and put a
package of pretzel sticks in the bag with the beer and said "The curlers are on me."

A Day in the Life . . .

. . . of a retreatant: pray, eat, rest, read, walk outside, repeat. So far this summer we've welcomed 6 retreatants and we expect a few more before the school year starts up again. A cursory check of the above picture shows one of our magnolia trees, our second cemetery (iron crosses in the back left) and an outdoor swing (back right). A careful study of the picture, however, reveals a happy retreatant in the tree.

If a retreatant's schedule is of interest to any of our locals, email us to schedule some quiet time for prayer and rest (and some pretty good food!)

"We pray best before beauty!"
St. Francis de Sales

"Bean" Busy!

Some of us have "bean" busy in the garden: feeding the mosquitoes (and spiders) as well as the squirrels. Once upon a time, in a garden very close by, the bipeds and squirrels could race for ripened fruit. And then, just a few years ago, the squirrels became more simple, less picky, and they began to eat the fruit just as it began to ripen. Now, the squirrels have decided that they are tired of sharing their fruit with the selfish bipeds who live in the building which lies in the shadow of their trees . . . and they have decided to eat green tomatoes (unfried, too!) So, the bipeds have worked out a very equitable solution: the squirrels can have ALL the tomatoes that have teeth marks in them (which are MANY!) and the bipeds can have all those that don't. Needless to say, the kitchen windowsills are loaded with ripening tomatoes (since the tomatoes are picked as soon as they reach their full size and just before they develop teeth marks.)

A somewhat defeated Sister Anne E holds up a half-eaten tomato.

On a brighter note, it seems that our squirrel friends do not like peppers, onions, leeks, basil, lemon verbena or sage. Above, Sister Leonie Therese prepares to trim the "rosary beans" (technically called "red-seeded asparagus string beans") which mature between 12" and 18". They look nifty tossed into spaghetti and they can also be braided and baked as a side dish. Thankfully, our furry friends have not yet discovered them!

A "Moving" Feast

In dioceses of the United States, the Commemoration of St. Camillus de Lellis is moved from the anniversary of his death, 14th July (to allow for the Memorial of Bl. Kateri), to the 18th. As we recall this patron of doctors and of the sick who himself suffered from in infirm leg, an injury sustained in battle, it is a good reminder for us to recognize and to minister to the sick among us.

Some of us are daily surrounded with the physically sick who need our care. Others of us may not have the physically sick in our midst but surely we have people in our lives who suffer from spiritual or emotional maladies. It is not always easy to care for those who suffer. Often a person who is physically ill or who is spiritually sick and, perhaps, feels rejected or hurt can be unpleasant when approached. Yet, when one considers that it is Christ whom we serve in our suffering brothers and sisters, the inconvenience of an ill temper or the sting of having our kindness rejected or received ungratefully is easier to bear. The Lord will not ask us how our service to His people was received ... He will ask only how it was rendered. St. Francis de Sales suggests that performing our acts of charity -- all our actions, really -- in a spirit of devotion will help us to accept the sometimes challenging circumstances which we may encounter when caring for the sick.

"The world, looking on, sees that devout persons . . . minister to the sick and poor, restrain their temper, . . . and do many other things which in themselves are hard and difficult. But the world sees nothing of that inward, heartfelt devotion which makes all these actions pleasant and easy."
St. Francis de Sales

What Next?

Even if this were only a joke -- and a joke in very bad taste, at that -- one would be convinced of the urgent need to pray for all those who do not believe that man is created with an immortal soul. It seems, from the CNN report, that the peddler was really interested in collecting on his soul ... and the unfortunate appellation of the pizza joint which purchased the deed is a mere suggestion of the agony awaiting those who may be tempted to treat immortality with such disrespect: more than greasy pizza and, likely, a different kind of heartburn.

All kidding aside, it is hard to miss the fact that this story originates in New Zealand, very close to where World Youth Day 2008 is will begin tomorrow morning. Perhaps it is a gentle reminder to pray for all those who will be participating in the event and all those whose lives will be touched (even if inadvertently) by the pilgrims, the prayer, the witness and all the events of these days. May World Youth Day 2008 and its "afterglow" be far-reaching and long-lasting in the work of preaching the Kingdom of God on earth and drawing many minds and hearts closer to the Lord.

A Helping Hand

On Tuesday morning, Father Valentin Viguera, SDB, our religious assistant to the Vatican arrived for his official visit. Tuesday evening he shared with us photos of different Visitation monasteries he has visited in Africa, Spain and Central and South America. On Wednesday, Father gave us two conferences; perhaps the highlight was his discussion of the spiritual virtues which are most important to our life as Visitandines. During his conference he used his hand as a tool for us to remember the virtues about which he spoke. The palm, he explained is essential; without the abnegation of our own will, we cannot embrace the will of God and live out the virtues which are represented by the fingers. Beginning with the pointer finger, the virtues he discussed are: accepting God's Good Pleasure in all circumstances, humility, gentleness, simplicity and joy in the common life. All were impressed with the originality and clarity of this "handy" tool which Father (through our faithful interpreter, Sister Leonie Therese) explained during his second conference. The hand -- and all its virtues -- will, no doubt, become the subject of many future discussions in community. We are grateful to Father Viguera for his time spent with us and his interest in the Visitation.

"The spirit of this little congregation is one of gentleness, littleness, simplicity and poverty; we should not depart from this, but so completely subject our inclinations to its spirit . . . always allowing gentleness and humility to prevail in what we say or do."
St. Francis de Sales

Fair Trade

In today's Gospel, Our Lord invites us to take up his yoke and learn from his gentle and humble heart. The weary are invited to approach him and (one can only presume) trade their heavy loads for his light burden. Hardly a fair trade -- but such a bargain for the unworthy mortal!

Surely each of us can think of someone we know who has been relieved of a burden: perhaps a mended relationship, a project completed, a responsibility removed, etc. There is a often a visible sign of a person's relief: steps are lighter, smiles come more easily -- an all-around air of gratitude. It is this to which the Lord invites us today. Our responsibilities and concerns will not disappear when we respond to the Lord's invitation to approach him, but they will be disarmed of their power over our hearts and our peace of mind.

We can only take up the sweet burden of the Lord if we first lay down what is already on our shoulders so that, in wearing his yoke, we may learn to become more like him who is gentle and humble of heart. When we surrender our own burden to wear his yoke, we know that our burden cannot help but to be lighter because it is shared . . . for it is his yoke and it is the Lord to whom we are joined.

"Certainly nothing can humble us so effectually before the mercy of God as the multitude of His benefits . . . the lively consideration of graces received makes us humble because a knowledge of them excites gratitude."
St. Francis de Sales

Patriotic Preparations

As we prepare for our annual 4th of July family (and friends) picnic, we share a few happy memories from our Memorial Day cook out. While we were preparing for the picnic, we realized that the only indoor/outdoor tablecloths we have are for Halloween: unusual but practical decor for a patriotic picnic!

We were blessed to have with us two vocational retreatants during the month of May. In addition to the phenomenal table-rolling skills of our sisters, the video portrays an impromptu "air instrument" contest. (We would have called it an "air guitar" contest, but it features mostly air piano and air drums ... evidencing that a good time was had by all.) Click play for a two-minute visit to our Memorial Day festivities.

The Two "Raphaels"

Pictured above is our venerable Sister Raphael whose age is a poorly kept secret despite the lack of a single gray (or white) hair on her head! Permit us simply to remark that her years are closer to 100 than they are to 90! In Sister's lap (and visibly inspecting his namesake) is Baby Raphael, son of Spanish teacher, Giovanna. Baby Raphael is a "student" at Visi daycare and enjoys visiting his mom between classes ... her classes, that is!

Above, Sister Immaculata looks on as the "Two Rapheals" enjoy a moment together (and Baby Raphael enjoys a graham cracker.) It is a treat having the day care children so close on campus; their presence is always a joy to behold!

Foundation Day!

Two hundred and nine years ago today our monastery was founded. We share here an excerpt from the letter which Archbishop Leonard Neale wrote to our Monastery in Annecy, France on March 6, 1817, in an attempt to formally establish us as a Monastery of the Visitation and to receive information about the daily life and customs:

"The total want of such schools as were calculated to impart to the female Youth of this country, both the accomplishments suited to their respective stations in life, and also the Christian principles and sound piety . . . When behold! it pleased the Divine Providence to inspire some women who were under my direction, to unite and consecrate their abilities and time to the education of young females. . . . This work commenced on the 24th of June, 1799, and has been most faithfully carried on with great zeal and patience, and a most ardent desire of becoming members of the precious Order of the Visitation of our Lady, and a lively confidence that God in his infinite goodness would not fail to crown their ardent wishes with success!"

Baby Beanies

At risk of boring our faithful readers, we thought we would share the miracles that God works in the vegetable garden. We've been enjoying fresh salad for a few weeks now ... but we are excited to see the eschatological sign of more fresh vegetables on the horizon. Above is a picture of a baby string bean (purple variety).

Despite torrential rains earlier this week, the tomatoes plants are still standing strong. Thanks to some 90+ days last week, the tomato flowers have begun to set fruit in great quantities.

This is a particularly big "baby" among the tomato patch.

Last, but not least, pictured above is our herb garden, located on the north side of the vegetable garden. We have added one or two boxwoods a year for the last few years and this year we "rounded out" the remaining spaces along boarder of the herb garden. (The sporadic adding of boxwoods accounts for the great variety in their sizes!) The birds frequent the bath in the center (when they think the bipeds aren't looking) and splash around during the day. Behind the herb garden is the parsnip and carrot patch. Of all the miracles that take place in the garden, perhaps one of the biggest miracles is that the squirrels can't find more of the vegetables among the ubiquitous weeds!

Free Gifts

In today's Gospel the Lord tells us that because we have received without cost we should give without cost. It is easy to associate that maxim with material items. We can consider that all the things we "have" are really ours to "use" -- and that they are gifts from God -- and so we should share them freely. True enough.

One could, however, go a bit further and suggest that what we have received "without cost" from the Lord is his mercy and his love. We have done nothing to earn these gifts. And it is these same gifts we are to give "without cost." We do not need to wait for someone to "earn" our affection, our kindness, our willingness to overlook shortcomings. It is easy to act this way toward those we love and those whom we respect; it can be a challenge to act this way toward those for whom we do not have such positive feelings. Let us ask for the grace to be grateful for this "free gift" and for the grace to share it with those around us -- at no cost!

"The sweet support of our neighbor consists in gently bearing with him in the trying things he does and says, in all that goes against the grain and is distasteful to us, in not wondering at his failings and imperfections and in no wise entertaining any depreciation of him or dryness of heart against him . . . but bearing in our hearts a tender and loving compassion which will soften us towards him."
St. Jane de Chantal

Commencement!

Mother Mary Berchmans confers a crescent pin during the graduation ceremony last Tuesday.

Sisters process toward the tent for the graduation ceremony on McNabb field.

U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, addresses the graduates.

At 11.00am last Tuesday morning the graduation procession, led by administration, sisters, faculty and the Board of Trustees, approached the tent on McNabb field. Just a few moments later, the graduates entered to Elgar's familiar processional.

The Honorable Margaret Spellings had thoughtful, humorous, serious and appropriately brief words of wisdom for the soon-to-be graduates. Amid her remarks, she spoke about the Salesian "little virtues" (which we hope our graduates have learned!) She remarked that "These same virtues have been the hallmark of this school for centuries. In a world full of change, the traditions and values of this institution remain constant -- and they're now more important than ever." She referred to the Holy Father's words during his visit in April and voiced agreement with his sentiment that we live in an age of great promise. In ending her remarks, she quoted one of her favorite sayings, "Well behaved women rarely make history." She qualified it by warning the graduates to behave but not to edit themselves, not to wait for anyone's permission to begin using their education.

Following the witty and insightful address the graduates were awarded their diplomas and their crescent pins. The weather was beautiful -- not as beautiful as our graduates, however, but perfect for the occasion. We pray that our newest crop of alumnae will bring "little virtues" to every corner of creation as they embark on new adventures.

A belated, but heartfelt, thanks to our Publications Director, Billie, for the snappy photos!

Preaching Season

We've got the four seasons, planting season, harvesting season, sports seasons . . . when is "preaching season?" It's always preaching season!

A previous translation of today's first reading used to read, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season . . ." Surely there are times when it might not be welcome if we were to reference the Gospel in a very direct manner. For instance, it might not be well received, when being cut off in traffic, to announce to the driver of the offending vehicle, "The first shall be last!" Our actions, however, can also be an instrument for preaching the Gospel to those around us.

If we accept the misfortunes that befall us with a calmness and a resignation that belies a deep trust in the Lord's care for us, we may very well attract the attention of those around us. When the vicissitudes of daily living do not leave us untied and anxious, gradually it may pique the curiosity of those who work with us and live with us. In doing so, we have already begun to preach the Good News. Perhaps this might stir in our neighbors a desire to cultivate a similar posture. We may even find that we are answering questions about our relationship with the Lord, about our prayer lives, about going to Church. It is always preaching season ... especially for quiet sermons delivered by our good example.

"Do you wish to know how I test the value of a preacher? If the listeners go away saying, 'Today I will do better'; not by their saying, 'What a wonderful sermon!'"
St. Francis de Sales

A Foundress in our Midst!

Last summer, Sister Marla Marie Lucas, a Parish Visitor of Mary Immaculate moved into a guest room just off our retreat passage. She's been a friend (and frequent retreatant) of our monastery for close to 30 years. (She started coming when she was five!) During her time with us the Holy Spirit was very much at work. Yesterday, 1st June, Sister Marla Marie became the foundress of the first Maronite Rite Catholic Congregation for women, founded in the United States. She came to supper in her new habit (see above) which has the Maronite Cross embriodered on the scapular (thanks to the creativity of our own Sister Leonie Therese).

You can read all about this budding congregation here and you can visit Sister's blog here. But you can read all about Sister Marla right here ... because we've been living with her.

Sister Marla Marie is a very prayerful religious and a very "fun nun." She is always quick with a smile or a joke and when she joined our community for a meal, she fit in so well, we hardly thought of her as a guest. Despite the formidable challenge of founding a religious community in today's culture, Sister Marla never loses sight of Him for whom she works: the light in the St. Joseph Retreat Chapel is often on late at night and early in the morning. Sister is faithful to prayer and faithful to her daily Holy Hour. On top of everything else, Sister makes a mean apple cobbler.

It has been a blessing for our community to have Sister Marla Marie as a friend for these many years and it has been a privilege to support her in this exciting new mission.

Let's Pray Two

That's not an accidental misuse of a homonym for "too" -- it's a reference to Ernie Banks' famous quip, "It's a beautiful day, let's play two!" (If you don't know who Ernie Banks is, click here.)

Following Sunday's beautiful Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this eighth week of Ordinary Time is punctuated by the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Feast (Solemnity, for our Order) of the Visitation of Holy Mary. In a way, this "doubleheader" may be seen as a seamless celebration.

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us to contemplate and imitate the deep and abiding love of the Lord which was made manifest in Jesus Christ. When the son of God took flesh and pitched His tent among us, His heart visibly became vulnerable to the continuum of human emotions. It knew pain, sorrow, rejection and betrayal. It experienced joy, delight, peace and it radiated love. This gentle and humble Jesus calls us to bear his yoke; he invites us to enter into his Most Sacred Heart. The door is narrow; we must leave behind our judgments, anger, jealousy, and all unkind or negative thoughts, words and deeds. Only those free of this baggage may enter fully because only those who are truly free can imitate the Lord's gentle and humble manner of selfless living. For most of us, our daily pilgrimage to the Heart of Jesus is one of "coming and going", as we struggle against temptations which bring unwelcome baggage.

It seems fitting, in a way, that the Visitation follows on the heels of the Heart of Jesus. Mary carried, in her womb, this Most Sacred Heart. She bore His flesh in her Immaculate body, for she bore the graces of his gentle and humble yoke from the moment she said "Yes" to the angel. In Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, she personifies all the qualities of one who dwells always in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us make a daily journey to someone in need. Let us go, in prayer -- if not in person -- to one who is in need of comfort, company or something we might be able to offer. Let us journey toward that Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by seeing and responding to those around us who are in need. When our hands are extended to help those around us, they have no opportunity to carry the baggage which will keep us from pitching our tents in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

And let's pray, too!

"We shall be steeped, as it were, in sweetness and gentleness toward our sisters and our neighbors in general, for we shall look upon all these souls as resting in the Heart of our Savior."
St. Francis de Sales

The Miracle of Bolsena

As if the Real Presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament is not enough of a mystery to ponder, one may add the institution of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ -- the feast erstwhile known as "Corpus Christi" -- for yet another layer of complexity.

Legend has it that in the 13th century, a German priest, on pilgrimage to Rome, was celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Christina in Bolsena when, at the words of the consecration, the host began to bleed. Historians dispute the accuracy of this account since no mention of the miracle appears in the 1264 Bull instituting the feast. The corporal, onto which the blood of Christ dripped, is preserved in a reliquary in the Cathedral of Orvieto, a neighboring town to Bolsena where Pope Urban IV was residing at the time of the miracle.

Because abundant details of this miracle do not appear in writing until two centuries after its occurrence, many historians have dismissed this as an "urban legend." A cursory check of biblical history, however, might suggest that the accuracy of oral tradition is far greater than its paper trail counterpart. In fact, anyone who has grown up in a culture, a tribe, a family in which stories of grandparents, great-grandparents and other relatives are told and retold, can appreciate how these "urban legends" point toward great truths. The details may be wrong, but the essence is intact.

So why is there a picture of naked people at the top of this post? It is a panel from Luca Signorelli's "Last Judgment" which appears in the chapel opposite the one in which the reliquary of the Corpus Christi miracle is enshrined. It is curious to notice that the "saved" are coming out of the ground, limb by limb, as angels (not shown) are carrying others to heaven. Michaelangelo is said to have spent time in Orvieto, studying the four murals of Signorelli's "Last Judgment" before beginning his own opus of the same name.

Whether this "Umbrian" legend is true or an exaggeration of a smaller event is, perhaps, of little consequence when one considers the truth to which it points. There is a large (blood) stained corporal in a reliquary in the Cathedral of Orvieto which has drawn countless pilgrims for over 7 centuries. Across the way, in the Chapel of St. Brizio, are the exquisite murals of Signorelli, depicting the last judgment and the end of the world. If but one pilgrim returned with a renewed faith in the Lord's presence in the Eucharist and a renewed hope in the promise of salvation, we would do well to praise the Lord for the mysterious ways in which He works and the myriad instruments He uses.

"O, my very dear Sisters, how you should be overwhelmed with joy when you are visited by this Divine Savior in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar and by the interior graces . . . and words which He speaks to your hearts."
St. Francis de Sales

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ...

... graduation! When Sister Mary de Sales is not around in the afternoons and is seen emerging from the basement before Evening Prayer, we know that graduation is on the horizon. One of the harbingers of our commencement exercises is the all-school awards ceremony that takes place two nights prior to graduation. For years now, our Sister Mary de Sales is the engraver for all the prizes given on awards night (and it seems as though there are more prizes each year!) Above, Sister works at a St. Margaret Mary Spirit award and below, her fingers trace the letters.

Sister Mary de Sales' handiwork can be seen all around the monastery as she has engraved the saints' names for each room and the sisters' name plates for our doors. Click here to read about how she started this adventure.

Give Life

This Sunday, local parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna, VA is sponsoring a bone marrow registration drive for one of our recent alumnae, Elizabeth White.

Elizabeth is an '02 graduate and just eleven months ago was diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is in need of a stem-cell bone marrow match. Elizabeth teaches second grade at OLGC. To read a bit more about Elizabeth, click here.

The National Marrow Donor Program has waived the $52 registration fee for this drive. If you are a local reader, consider stopping by: registration begins with a swab of cells from your cheek to test determine tissue type.

Please join your prayers to ours for this most promising young woman.

Our Lady of Fatima

Today we celebrate the Commemoration of Our Lady of Fatima. At left is a copy of the beginning of the third secret as it was recorded for Bishop of Leiria. There is much which can be said of this most extraordinary appearance of Our Lady. It is an especially attractive devotion because its revelation occurred so close to the times in which we are living.

During his tenure as Prefect for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Benedict XVI offered a theological commentary on the revelations of Fatima. We share here his concluding remarks:

I would like finally to mention another key expression of the “secret” which has become justly famous: “my Immaculate Heart will triumph”. What does this mean? The Heart open to God, purified by contemplation of God, is stronger than guns and weapons of every kind. The fiat of Mary, the word of her heart, has changed the history of the world, because it brought the Saviour into the world—because, thanks to her Yes, God could become man in our world and remains so for all time. The Evil One has power in this world, as we see and experience continually; he has power because our freedom continually lets itself be led away from God. But since God himself took a human heart and has thus steered human freedom towards what is good, the freedom to choose evil no longer has the last word. From that time forth, the word that prevails is this: “In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). The message of Fatima invites us to trust in this promise.