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Spirituality

A Lenten Observance for Benedictine Families

The Rule of St. Benedict “Although the life of a monk ought to…” Chapter 49: On the Observance of Lent “Although the life of a monk ought to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance, yet since few have the virtue for that, we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep

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Reflections on the Gospel

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”

Ash Wednesday (Year A, Feb 18. 2026) Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”   BLESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly ask God our Father that he be pleased to bless with the abundance of his grace these ashes, which we will put on our heads in penitence.   O God, who

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Reflections on the Gospel

“You are made for far more than that …”

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, Feb 15. 2026) Matthew 5:17-37 “I have come … to fulfill”   “Oh! How shall I find rest in You? Who will send You into my heart to inebriate it, so that I may forget my woes, and embrace You my only good? What are You to me? Have compassion on me, that

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Reflections on the Gospel

“Your light must shine before others ….”

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, Feb 8. 2026) Matthew 5:13-16 “…  that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (5:1) “Ah! brothers, look where the candle burns in Simeon’s hands; that is the light to light your tapers from, those lamps which the Lord would have you holding. Go to him and you will

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Reflections on the Gospel

“Jesus, seeing the crowds, went up into a mountain”

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, Feb 1. 2026) Matthew 5:1-12a “Jesus, seeing the crowds, went up into mountain…” (5:1) “Jesus, seeing the crowds, went up into a mountain.” If only we could sometimes do the same; see the crowds, dismiss them, and then “place ascending steps in our hearts”! But it is difficult in a crowd to see

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Spirituality

Happy Cistercian Founders’ Day~~!

“Thank you Sts. Robert, Alberic, and Stephen!”    “Here begin the Usages of Cistercian monks It is well known that in the episcopate of Langres there is a monastery, Molesm by name, of the most celebrated renown, and remarkable for monastic observance. From its origin, God’s clemency within a short while made it illustrious by the gifts of his grace,

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Reflections on the Gospel

“While he was walking there….”

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, Jan 25. 2026) Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 “As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee…” (4:18)     When his father and mother were dead, Antony went on living with his sister who was quite young. He was eighteen years old. He was responsible for the house and his sister.    

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Reflections on the Gospel

“He is my first and foremost….”

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, Jan 18. 2026) John 1:29-34 “Because He was before me (ὅτι πρῶτός μου ἦν).” (1:30) He himself is my meditation; he is my delight; him for his own sake I seek above me; from him himself I feed within me. He is the field in which I labour; he is the fruit for which

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Reflections on the Gospel

“Allow it now”

The Baptism of the Lord (Year A, Jan 11. 2026) Matthew 3:13-17     “When Jesus comes to be baptized, he leaves the hidden years behind, the years of safety and of peace, to bear the sins of humankind, to bear the sins of humankind. The spirit of the Lord comes down, anoints the Christ to suffering, to preach the

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Monastic Experience Weekend

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

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