Christmas Newsletter
December 1, 2022
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
If June was all about Sr. Hildegard and our special visitors, July and August were all about the weather! This year’s Arizona monsoon season began a little early with our first good rainstorm occurring on June 20. The annual” green miracle”, as one of our sisters calls it, began to unfold, and by the day of Sr. Hildegard’s change
Step away from the noise and into the rhythm of monastic life. If you’re a Catholic woman discerning your path, our Monastic Experience Weekend offers a rare opportunity to explore contemplative life at Santa Rita Abbey.
Friday, October 4 – Monday, October 7