Cistercian Sisters Monastery Campaign

The Cistercian nuns of Our Lady of the Valley Monastery in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, are in the midst of a building campaign for a new monastery.  Arriving in 1957 from Germany to the newly formed Diocese of Madison, the sister currently live in what was intended to be temporary housing.  As you can see from the picture, the monastery, while quaint, it is not adequate for the 22 sisters currently residing there and has needed a lot of maintenance recently to keep it inhabitable.

As you can also see from the building plans, a monastery such as this rising up from the beautiful rolling hills of central Wisconsin will be a glorious reminder to all who pass by that there are women within who have dedicated their lives to prayer and penance for the Church and the world.

“Dwelling in the very heart of the Church, the Sisters offer their lives to God in a hidden oblation of self,” said Bishop Donald Hying of Madison. “We will never know this side of heaven the blessings and graces we have all received through the life and prayer of our beloved Cistercian nuns!”

The completed monastery complex will include a chapel for nuns and guests; quarters and parking for guests; living, working and other liturgical and ceremonial spaces for the nuns; an altar bread production building, garage and various outbuildings.

For more information, contact: Sister Bede, Valley of Our Lady, E11096 Yanke Drive, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578 or email: nmfund@valleyofourlady.org.

 

 

2019 Mystical Rose Gala – Pictures from a Glorious Evening!

The IRL’s 3rd Annual Mystical Rose Gala was held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at the beautiful Cuneo Mansion & Gardens, in Vernon Hills, Illinois.  With a glorious setting, delicious food, and so many wonderful people, how could it be anything but a great evening.

We were especially pleased to welcome the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, who were honored this year for their work in restoring the sacred within the Church and their witness as faithful religious in the heart of Chicago and beyond.  Fr. Joshua Caswell, SJC, gave a heartfelt and humble talk about the longstanding relationship between the IRL and the Canons, going all the way back to their foundation.

Many thanks to our President, Most Rev. Robert Vasa and our National Director, Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem., for traveling all the way from California to be with us.  And all of the guests, sponsors and religious who so generously supported the evening with their presence, prayers and support.

Finally, we would like to congratulate Sr. Julia Ray, SSC, the winner of the pilgrimage for two to Poland. Sister said she was “overwhelmed” and it was the nicest thing ever!!