Chronicals

And Life Moves Along

Here's a peek into our current monastic days. We have three retreatants with us; two apostolic religious and a lay woman who was, many years ago, a Redemptoristine in Canada. It is gratifying to us that women such as these find our monastery a place of refuge and quiet, just perfect for a tryst with the Lord. One sister comes each year and receives guidance from a local spiritual director. The other wanted 3-4 weeks in a monastic community with a structure of prayer. All of these women keep the silence. Some participate in our Offices of the Liturgy of the Hours and others do not. It is a joy to have them among us and praying with us, all in keeping with the ancient monastic tradition of hospitality.

Last Sunday, July 20th, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Redeemer, the patronal feast of our Order and the Redemptorist Congregation. This is always a special day.

These days we are exchanging a lot of e-mail with others in the Order around the world as some sisters prepare for a meeting with the Redemptorist Father General in Rome. As part of this effort we experienced a great 'first' for us. We had our first SKYPE audio and video communication with the prioress of our Dublin monastery. Should you wish to visit their new web site AND check out their new webcam here is the link: http://rednuns.faithweb.com/ One of their sisters will be professing first vows this coming Saturday at noon their time. It will be available on their webcam. In the eastern time zone that will be at 7am.

This last weekend I was given permission to drive my elderly parents and two other relatives to the wedding of my sister's son. My father and mother are 87 and 84 respectively and preparing to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. It was a great gift to have them share in this delightful occasion. All took place in Gloucester, Massachusetts, an historic whaling port that remains very much a community oriented to the sea.

Here is a close-up of their famous monument to sailors lost at sea. The second photo shows the venue for the wedding reception. At the end of the festivities some guests, along with bride and groom, ventured out to wade in the ocean surf photographer in tow.

We are all so grateful to God for His protection and guidance during this trip. We pray God's every blessing on Vicki and Erich, the bride and groom. And I am very grateful to be a member of a community which permits me to assist my parents when help is necessary. God is good.