Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 19, 2025: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8
In today’s Gospel, we encounter a widow who refuses to give up. Despite repeated refusals, she persistently approaches the judge until he finally gives in and renders a just decision. Her perseverance is a powerful gift of prayer—remaining steadfast even when answers seem delayed.
Too often, we pray with hope for a specific intention, only to feel discouraged and abandon our prayers when our requests are not granted. This raises a question: How strong is our faith when faced with waiting? I recall my mom’s enduring example. She would continue praying faithfully, regardless of the outcome, trusting that if her request wasn’t fulfilled, God surely had something better in store for her. Let us be inspired by the widow’s persistence and my mom’s trustful patience. May we persevere in prayer—giving thanks, petitioning, and glorifying God—confident that our prayers are heard. Thank you for all your prayers and ongoing support to our community. God bless you, MK
Chapter of Election: October 14, 2025
A formal chapter for the election of the Prioress of the monastic Congregation of the Mother of the Incarnation was held in the Chapel. We give thanks to the proceedings which were presided over by Sister Aileen Bankemper, OSB, Prioress and Facilitator, and Mother Mary Elizabeth Kloss, OSB, Prioress and President of the Congregation.
The ceremony began with a beautiful hymn and a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, setting a reverent tone for the election process. Following this, Mother Mary Elizabeth read from the Rule of St. Benedict, specifically Chapter 64, which emphasizes the importance of choosing a leader who is selected by the community who is motivated by reverence for God rather than personal ambition. The Rule underscores that the prioress should be chosen based on spiritual merit, and it is the community’s responsibility to ensure that their leader is someone who will guide them faithfully and not lead them astray.
After careful deliberation and prayerful reflection, Mother Kateri Lovato was elected as the new Prioress. Mother Mary Elizabeth formally asked Sister Kateri if she would accept the office of Prioress for the upcoming six-year term. Sister Kateri graciously accepted the responsibility, committing herself to serve the community for the next six years.
Mother Mary Elizabeth, Mother Kateri, and Sister Aileen are all smiles after the election of a new Prioress. This is the first election as Mother Julianne, Mother Benedicta, and Sister Hilda were appointed over the years since 1990.
Gratitude for Past Leadership
Sister Hilda Curuchich, who had faithfully served as Prioress for eight years, was honored during the ceremony. Mother Kateri expressed her deep gratitude to Sister Hilda, acknowledging the lessons of faith and trust she had learned. She also conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of all the sisters for Sister Hilda’s dedicated service and loving leadership throughout her tenure. The chapter concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose as the community welcomed their new Prioress and expressed collective gratitude for the strong foundation provided by Sister Hilda’s years of service.
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms
The motto
Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.”
The phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of October 2025: Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October is For collaboration between different religious traditions
Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.
MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality