NEWSLETTER OF DECEMBER 1, 2019
Dear Friends,
When the Church celebrates the Liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for this second coming. By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to His desire: He must increase, but I must decrease. [Jn 3:30] (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #524) We ask God to bless you during this Advent season with continued faith, in preparation for the birthday of Our Savior. As St. Benedict reminds us about the truth of our existence in the daily occurrences of life. We recognize each moment is that journey. Let us see God in others, let us seek peace within ourselves, maintaining mindfulness of God in all things, especially prayer.
We give thanks for this past year, celebrating ten years of being in Gobernador, NM. It has been challenging, but joyful in continuing our monastic life. Thanks to each of you for all that you do for us in building up our monastery: Your prayers, your in-kind services, friendship and gifts. We are most grateful for those of you who participated in the June Ice Cream Social. Sister Julianne was admitted to the hospital with a serious UTI but is fine now. Our Sister Benedicta had a small stroke that affected her left hand only, but she is recovering and going to physical therapy. In September, Sister Frances was able to attend a Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB) meeting in Mexico for one week. This organization promotes mutual support and exchange of ideas and experience among Benedictine women, fostering the development of monasticism. Sister Hilda and Sister Kateri were invited to attend a meeting of the Subiaco Congregation, English Province meeting in Spain for seven days as an opportunity of exchanging mutual support between Superiors and delegates. Our retreat of course was one of rest with conferences given by Sister Ancilla from St. Walburga Abbey, Colorado. There has been much work done in getting the St. Scholastica modular ready. Ernest, Tommy and Arturo, have worked diligently knocking down walls, hooking up the electricity, making sure the outside of the building was stuccoed for weather purposes.
Giver of all gifts, you have made many promises to those who love you. As I await the birthday of your greatest promise, your own Son, help me to see the many ways in which He comes into our world and the many ways in which I can find Him today. Open my eyes and my heart to the graces of this Advent season so that I may prosper in goodness and holiness. by Judith Sutera, OSB, Advent and Christmas, Liguori Publications © 2010
