Last week we spoke of fire leaping down from the Bright Morning star to Mary and of our First Advent Candle holding that fire in its heart as light and warmth, reminding us of our call to be light bearers. This week, as we light the Second Advent Candle, our image is rain, life-giving rain. “He shall descend like rain
Stand tall, O Candle. You are an image of our advent waiting. Receive this tiny flame into your heart, and let it transform you into light. You mirror for us the maiden Mary. She received this Spark, leaping down from the Bright Morning Star and taking flesh in her womb, Jesus our Savior. Mary’s fiat, her welcoming yes, offered a
OCSO General Chapter, September 2-23, 2022 This year our Order, the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (a.k.a. the Trappists), held its overdue General Chapter in Assisi, Italy, in two parts. The first of these, held February 7 – 17, was for the election of our new abbot general: Dom Bernardus Peeters. The second part was held September 2-23 to attend
October 30, 2022: A Reflection for the 31st Sunday in O.T., Yr C Luke 19:1-10 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at you house.” Lk 19:4 You can always tell where there is a source of water out here in the southwest: look for sycamore trees. In
October 23, 2022: A Reflection for the 30th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 18:9-14 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. ( Lk 18:9) We humans are so multi-layered and complex. It takes us a long time to know ourselves and learn to love and live in peace with
October 16, 2022: A Reflection for the 29th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Lk 18:1) Jesus, how is it that you seek out the company of us, your little creatures! It seems your heart is drawn to us and wants nothing
October 9, 2022: A Reflection for the 28th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 17:11-19 The lepers stood at a distance from Jesus and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. Lk 17:12-14 Jesus is journeying on
October 2, 2022: A Reflection for the 27th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 17:5-10 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Lk 17:5 Jesus, if you were to appear before us right now and ask us, “Does anyone want more faith?” I’m sure there would be a flurry of hands waving, with myself waving the most. Who
WHO: Women ages 20 to 40 who are interested in or discerning religious life
WHEN: April 10 (Fri) 4 pm ~ April 12 (Sun) 6 pm, 2026
WHERE: Santa Rita Abbey, 14200 E Fish Canyon Rd Sonoita AZ 85637-6545
COST: No fee
REGISTER: Monastic Experience Weekend, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected] / 520-604-7972
FURTHER INFORMATION: Monastic Experience Weekend