More friends!

Above: Fr. Scalia directing bishops

Below: You can see Fr. James Cuddy, OP and Fr. David Sharland

Sisterly Sightings

Sister Joan Marie (center) and Sister Maris Stella (lower right) of the Sisters of Life order celebrate after meeting Pope Benedict XVI following an ecumenical prayer service at the Church of St. Joseph in New York on April 18, 2008. The Pope addressed 250 Protestant and Orthodox leaders and 50 Catholics involved in ecumenical efforts. The parish was founded in 1873 to serve German immigrants in the area.
(Photo from Getty Images by AFP/Getty Images)















Look closely at the bottom center and you can see our Rachel who I'm sure is talking to Sr. Mariana as the Sisters of Mary were also present at the Pope's address to youth and seminarians at Dunwoodie Seminary.
(Photo from Ivy Catholic's blog)

Wretched Reunion

March 13-16 was a Come & See weekend for the Sisters of Life and as an added bonus, a mini-reunion for several Wretches in various discernment stages. Pictured clockwise starting from the left is Shamrock, Fire (Rachel, S.V. postulant), Dawn, Light and Sr. Joan Marie (Rain).

Light was gracious enough to play the song she wrote inspired by St. Therese for all of us as it has become a favorite amongst the postulants (my apologies for the bootlegness of this video).

Our dear Rachel passed along an incredible piece of text written by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on the root of our wretchedness,

"In what does man's wretchedness actually consist? Above all in his insecurity; in the uncertainties with which he is burdened; in the limitations that oppress him; in the lack of freedom that binds him; in the pain that makes his life hateful to him. Ultimately there is, behind all this, the meaninglessness of his existence that offers satisfation neither to himself nor to anyone else for whom it might have been necessary, irreplaceable, consequential. We can say, then, that the root of a man's wretchedness is loneliness, is the absence of love - is the fact that my existence is not embraced by a love that makes it necessary, that is strong enough to justify it despite all the pain and limitations it imposes...What man needs is a communion that goes beyond that of the collective; a unity that reaches deep into the heart of man and endures even in death. The human unity that man requires by nature must know how to answer the problem of death in which it must find its truest confirmation...Man cannot identify himself with God, but God has identified himself with man - that is the content of the communion that is offered us in the Eucharist. A communio that offers less offers too little."

Article worth reading

From the Post Magazine, about marriage amidst suffering: The Vow

Project Clean out Closet: Accomplished

Here you see a picture of my closet. WIth the exceptions of coats/jackets, every piece of clothing I own is in there,

and boy does it feel great.

Leave it to me

...to be in the middle of the biggest disciplinary/cheating mess the school has seen in 30 years. Cheating in theology class; who knew it was so popular?



Happy Christmas!

Gossip Girl

Open Letter to (Anonymous Student) about Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar


Dear Student,

Thank you so much for letting me borrow your book and enter into this "teenage world" for a brief time. I truly appreciate it. I hope that you enjoy Mr. Blue.

As I mentioned already in class, I did not "enjoy" reading Gossip Girl. Some of the reasons you already know or have guessed, but others I am sure you have not. Firstly, as a piece of literature, it is very poorly written. It uses teen language; I can see why that may be attractive, but it means that it does not teach you how to write better. In fact, it encourages a certain mediocrity in writing. There is no intellectual challenge in reading a book like this. I know, you're saying, "That's the point," but it is worth thinking about. There is not depth to the story, the characters or the situations. They are not complex; They are not truly dramatic. Drama requires tension, confusion, subtlety... this book lacks all of those things.

The characters are fairly superficial. I am not sure why I should care about what happens to any of them, or who I am supposed to identify with. Their personal struggles or issues are trivialized (Blair's eating disorder, Jenny's body image, everyone's family situation). They are one-dimensional: Serena is mysterious; Blair is envious and insecure; Nate is attractive but doesn't seem to have a personality; Vanessa is a proud artist; Dan is "brooding" and has a superficial crush; Jenny is a size 34D; Chuck is horny and likes to use girls to satisfy himself; That's all we really know about these characters.

Friendships in this book are superficial, even while they are supposedly lifelong. They are focused on material things, looks, and rumors. Serena and Blair, supposedly "best friends," did not even speak when Serena was away. Serena never told Blair about her fling with Nate. The way the other girls tear Serena down is sad and reveals serious lacks of self esteem. (If you are secure in yourself and in your beauty/worth, you have no need to tear others down. That is why most people grow out of that unattractive and destructive habit.) Love means building others up. I wouldn't want to be friends with any of these girls because I would be constantly judged and my every action scrutinized. I would always have to be performing for them.

Male-female relationships in this book are likewise superficial. None of these girls are being loved by the guys they are "with"; They are being used. To be fair to the guys, the girls are using them right back. (For example, when Blair decides that she wants to have sex with Nate, she does not even consider that he might want to talk first, or might have something to say [which we discover he does]; She undresses even before he arrives. Was that out of love for him?) Even setting aside the most obvious problem (that sex is considered casually as a natural next step, as "no big deal" and nothing special, which you already know is untrue), it is clear that the characters are not interested in what is good for the other person, only in what they want for themselves.

Would any of these characters suffer for another? If you think that someone loves you, you should ask yourself, "Would they suffer for me?" Most of us have at least one or two examples of this love in our parents. But it doesn't seem like any of these characters know that kind of love- even from their own parents- and that is tragic. They want to be loved but they do not even know or believe that true love- the kind that suffers for and with the one loved, and lasts forever- exists and is for them. This book is full of characters settling for less than they deserve. It worries me that you read this book because I want to tell you that LOVE is REAL! It does not require a certain body type; It does not require fancy outfits or cars or sex; It does not demand or seek to use you in any way. This is the truth. This is what doesn't sell and isn't on TV— because it also hurts. But it is what is most beautiful and, in the end, the only thing that matters.

Jesus is way better, way more dramatic, and way more interesting than Gossip Girl.

Our Novena for Matthew!

October 6-15

Dearest Blessed Mother Teresa,
loving friend and guide from darkness to light,
thank you for your life of service to the poorest of the poor and the witness you gave to the power of love triumphing through Christ.

We, who are wretched and poor, place ourselves in humility and total confidence before our heavenly Father. We ask you to stand with us before Him, knowing that your selfless service to Him on earth must endear you to Him still in heaven. By the merits of your life, and in view of your special mission to enlighten those in darkness, please ask God with us to heal Matthew Coles of his cancer in time for the birth of his son. Desiring only to be conformed to God's will, we ask you for this healing that God may be glorified and that we might have the joy of calling you our wretched saint and friend in heaven.

In your letters, Mother, you revealed a vow you made to not refuse your Spouse even the smallest request. Could He now deny you? Would He refuse the prayer of one who gave her life so completely to Him?

We have seen many fruits of Matt's suffering and his family's, and know that this time has been full of grace and God's presence. If it be best for the salvation of souls, let it continue. But please, Mother, ask Jesus yourself. We surrender to and love His will above all other things and shall endeavor to love Him as you did. Pray for us that, wretched though we be, we may allow His love to bring light into our lives more each day.

Glory be,,,,

Quotes of the week

"oh my gosh, I like never wanted to have kids until you just said that."

"(the kingdom of God is like) being with my mom. She's the most amazing person."

Sisters of Mary video

Hey all! My former JPII classmate Alton was involved in a short film festival recently- check out the video he and his team made (team Caritas) on the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist: http://www.pahnation.com/theater.php
(click on team caritas on the list below the screen)

You can even see our Sr. Mountain a few times :)

Let the Heavens rejoice!

Sr. Heavens and precious Jake were married on Friday! Praise the Lord for a beautiful wedding and great celebration. The heavens opened and closed throughout the evening as well, which just seemed appropriate.

Lauren walked down the aisle to the praise and worship song "Agnus Dei"- which was just so right. It was awesome to sing that "Alleluia" while she appeared from behind the limo man with her dad! (glass walls in the church = big, tall limo man concealing Lauren until the right moment) There were lots of wet eyes in that church.

Jake's dad shared a couple great stories. He was visiting CUA once and went out to Ellis Island with Jake and his friends. The food came and he dropped his napkin; when he had picked it up, he looked up to find a group of young men making the sign of the cross to pray before the meal. He said he was very proud that his son had chosen such friends.

Happy marrieds!

They clean up well ;)

Un beluh ble

Letter to the Editor in the April 25th Washington Post:

"Where is the outrage over the Supreme Court decision banning intact dilation and evacuation? Why aren't women screaming in anger in the streets?
This decision by five male Supreme Court justices doesn't really mean anything about abortion rights. What it means is that women are less important than the fetuses they carry. To these justices, women are passive vessels for bearing the next generation.
I am a woman and a human, worth infinitely more than what the highest court in the land has deemed me to be: a semi-sentient being meant for bearing young and little else."

JANE FANDREY, Arlington

Lord have mercy. I'm a woman too, and I don't think there is anything "worth infinitely more" than bearing new life. I am blown away by her use of language there. Infinitely more. I just don't know about this world sometimes.

Happy Retirement, Sr. Fire!

Tonight we celebrate the happy retirement of our Sister Fire, who is leaving her nursing career after a long and dedicated 9 months; which was just the right amount of time for her calling to gestate, apparently! Our Firey gal will join one of her (biological) sisters and one of her wretched sisters (Rain) in the Sisters of Life this September. I couldn't find a good picture in my computer to post! We'll have to take care of that tonight.

Me and DC will miss you big time!!!!!!!!!!

Benedict reading my mind

So far, as I'm reading Jesus of Nazareth, the Pope has touched on lots of things that I have always wondered. For example, what does it mean when Jesus says that He speaks in parables so that others 'may see and yet not see, hear and yet not understand, unless they turn and God will forgive them'? Seems kine mean...

"Prophets fail: Their message goes too much against the general opinion and the comfortable habits of life. It is only through failure that their word becomes efficacious... Above all, it is also again and again the destiny of Jesus Christ: He ends up on the Cross. But that very Cross is the source of great fruitfulness." (p.189)

Or why do they call it the story of the Prodigal Son when really there's a lot more going on?

"In reality, though, the parable has three protagonists... the most accurate designation would be the parable of the two brothers." (p. 202)

Keep it coming!

Help Wanted

WANTED: Professional Schedular for wretch

DUTIES:
Scheduler will determine calendar and minute-to-minute activities of said wretch. He/She will pay particular attention to evenings and weekends, though helping the wretch know what to do during 8 hours at work when she has been given nothing to do will also be essential. Scheduler will learn to balance personal life/ friends and giving of self to the poor, as wretch will, without fail, drop the latter for the former if not. In fact, if scheduler could keep constantly reminding wretch of poor, would be helpful. Scheduler will also balance physical activity with resting-physical, musical with non-musical, baby with not-baby and silly with not-AS-silly. Scheduler will monitor wretch's prayer, books, movies and food intake. He/She will accurately estimate amount of time things like laundry take and plan accordingly. Scheduler will ensure that only for very important reasons (illness, por ejemplo) will wretch sit with roommate for hours watching House then Anne of Avonlea. He/She will make all travel arrangements to/from the weddings and/or vows and/or needed vacation weekends of summer '07. He/She will also find wretch a place to live and make sure wretch is prepared well for classes in August. Will also take account of liturgical seasons and feast days. Scheduler will do all these things willingly and happily.

PAY: None

BENEFITS: Of the baked variety

INQUIRE BY COMMENT!

POSITION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY.

Happy Feast Day!

Blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord!

The Feast of the Visitation is, once again, a special one to wretches. (Who says so? I say so!) Here we have two women bringing joy to one another; and much more than that. Mary brings within her the Savior, the hope of Israel and the Way of salvation. She brings Love Himself! She went in haste to her cousin after the Annunciation, eager already to give Life to the world.

Today we pray especially for our pregnant wretches, Sr. Mud and Sr. Sea, that they may be filled with the Spirit as Elizabeth was and look forward with joy to meeting their little ones; That they may have women (and men, especially husbands ;) to help and rejoice with them, bringing the presence of Christ. We also keep in prayer Sr. Spice and Duston and their little one Josiah who has raced past us all to the Child in the womb of Mary.

I guess the Visitation is the first inkling we get that Jesus desires to use His people to meet the world. He chose to become, well, a zygote, and could already touch Elizabeth through Mary. God wants to reach man through man. How crazy. But we all know the truth of it!

Mercy is falling

Y'all know that song? Mercy is falling, is falling, is falling; Mercy, it falls like a sweet spring rain; Mercy is falling, is falling all over me.

It's not my favorite but it was in my head often this weekend as I drove around Illinois; the sky is amazingly wide there, since it's, well, FLAT. See picture. You will notice the cloudiness. It was such a funny thing; I was driving along and then suddenly I could hardly see because it was raining these huge drops and then just as suddenly my windshield wipers would start squeaking because it was over. This happened a few times on my 2.5 hour journey. Snap and the weather changes! It seems to be somewhat analogous to the mystery of the Holy Spirit; being the Gift of God, He blows where He wills. Suddenly He's there and He shows Himself; just as suddenly He hides and waits. As Fr. Antonio always puts it: We beg Him to show Himself, to come again. That's what prayer is.

It was a rainy ordination day in Peoria. Bishop Jenky is so lovable and such a joyful father and shepherd to his flock. The music filled the small cathedral with power- brass instruments and all. There were so many young men walking around in cassocks that you wondered what was in the water. An older lady behind me in line for the bathroom spoke about her 10 children- 6 biological and 4 adopted- as well as her pride that one son is in the seminary, and I knew that that was what is in the water in Peoria. The Knights were in their full regalia, with swords guarding the center aisle. Red tabernacle lights were brought out to frame the altar at the consecration; incense filled the air. One of my favorite arrangements of "For the Beauty of the Earth" was sung, along with classics like "Veni Creator Spiritus". It was beautiful and true- attractive. As funny as the hats of the Knights were, they were real men. The Bishop was a real father. The cantor was a (not effeminate) man as well. The brass instruments rang through the place and with the choir in the loft, filled it from above. Nothing distracting and all directed toward God.

In line for a blessing (out the door, times 2), I was adopted by some of Fr. Ryan's family and was generously offered a place to stay for the night. I knew that God would provide a place, but I could not have anticipated such total hospitality. At the dinner in honor of the occasion, it was wonderful to hear stories about Fr. Ryan's childhood and how he has touched so many lives. They made a collage of pictures, and in the picture of his First Communion, I'm tellin' you, it was right there in his face: an undivided heart! Praise God for the beauty of the priesthood and for His particularity which opens to all.

And of course, it was such a grace to be with Sr. Wind in her city. I like Chicago a lot! And just being with her was wonderful; our throats were sore from talking. I miss you already!

Father Ryan!

Tomorrow is Ryan's ordination to the priesthood!

Keep him in your prayers, with all the other faithful men who will be ordained tomorrow.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

CAUGHT!

Dear Ones,
It has been brought to my attention that lately you have been eating outdoors at the entrance to the Pastoral Center. I have been asked to remind you that lunch is to be eaten in the Dining Room; it is not proper to have a picnic on the Pastoral Center grounds. Let’s keep in mind that the Archbishop’s office is here, and we are professionals.
Thanks,


Well, it was bound to happen at some point! I've written a nice response letter, citing the human person's natural desire to be outside and other such things. I will only be here for one month more- but it is the BEST time of the year to sit outside, since it's not too hot yet! Sad face.