Category Archives: News

News, Women's Communities

St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home – Rebuilding After the Fire

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On Sunday, May 16, 2021, St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home in East Chicago, Indiana, suffered a devastating fire.  Home to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, it also is home to children needing emergency shelter or longer term care, and expectant teen mothers. Their mission is the opening their hearts & homes to children in crisis from birth to 18. What a beautiful work of mercy!

Thankfully, everyone was safely evacuated, and no harm came to any of the residents.

As a result of the fire, the entire main building (built in 1920) was completely destroyed, and the interiors of their north and south building are also unable to be salvaged.   Due to limited space now,  the numbers of youth and children they can help has dwindled considerably. Many have been sent to other facilities or to foster homes.

“Grasselli Avenue has turned into a zone of massive reconstruction with huge trucks and equipment covering the entire street,” says Sister Maria Giuseppe. “At the present time, we have a construction crew in the Tauscher Center remodeling the entire area to be more user-friendly and in compliance with DCS codes.  This work is going smoothly and hopefully will be completed within a few months so that our doors may be re-opened to accept new children.  Our nuns are living in our Casa Maria in quite small quarters, with our chapel, dining and living area all blended into one. ”

“The sisters are grateful “beyond words to the many people who have poured forth upon us their love and interest in our Carmelite Home and have showered us with blessings of donations both monetary and material.  We are tremendously  grateful for each one and for the indescribable kindness of each donor – may our merciful Lord Jesus bless them in every way!”

The sisters ask only for prayers to deal prudently and successfully with the many decisions that have to be made so that they can continue on with their ministry among God’s children and youth.

But we also noticed on their GoFundMe page that they are only $5,000 short of their fundraising goal.  Go here if you would like to help!

“We are inviting the Holy Spirit to be present continuously in our Carmelite Home,” says Sr. Maria Giuseppe.  “We hold HIM to be responsible since the whole thing was made for Him and belongs to Him anyway!”

St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home
4840 Grasselli Ave.
East Chicago, IN 46312

News, Women's Communities

The Women of Jesus’ Merciful Passion – An Emerging Community Striving to Spread the Message of Divine Mercy

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The Women of Jesus’ Merciful Passion (WJMP) is a new expression of religious life in the Church, whose members desire to spread the message of Divine Mercy as revealed by Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska. The charisms of this community are Holy Hospitality and Spiritual Direction as they serve their apostolate at the Divine Mercy Center in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Besides the usual glorious events surrounding Divine Mercy Sunday, the sisters have an added reason to be happy this year as Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron has announced that he has granted the title of Archdiocesan Shrine to The Divine Mercy Center, in recognition of the Center’s service as a popular place of pilgrimage and its mission of sharing the mercy of God.

“With its designation as an archdiocesan shrine, we recognize that the Shrine of Jesus The Divine Mercy will continue its service as a sacred place of pilgrimage, a font of tremendous grace and aid for many of Christ’s faithful, and a welcoming reflection of God’s enduring mercy to all souls,” said Archbishop Vigneron.

The shrine will be open to the public from 2-4 p.m. on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, with Eucharistic adoration, access to the Our Lady of Guadalupe atrium, prayer request box, candle shrine, gift shop, outdoor Stations of the Cross, and the Our Lady of Sorrows rosary garden.

Archbishop Vigneron will celebrate a private Mass at the center that day, which will be recorded and available on the shrine’s website and social media channels.

The Center, founded in 2006, is under the care of the Servants of Jesus of The Divine Mercy, a lay association of the faithful whose mission is to encourage people to experience the mercy of God, to minister with love and compassion, and to open the door to healing through which all may pass. It is also home to the WJMP, the emerging women’s community aspiring to become a religious order.

In her book, A Call to Trust, Catherine M. Lanni, Foundress and Spiritual Moderator of the Servants of Jesus of The Divine Mercy and of the Women of Jesus Merciful Passion, describes how in 1994 the Lord requested that she establish and form a religious order of women. In 2012, Catherine received permission from Archbishop Vigneron to begin work on this new community of women. The Statutes and Bylaws for this community of women were approved in 2016. In 2019, Archbishop Vigneron gave his approval and blessing for the women interested in discerning this community to begin living in common on the property of the Divine Mercy Center. May 13, 2019 marked the inception of the WJMP and the call from the heart of Jesus became a reality.

The members of the WJMP seek to attain holiness and live in community while following the Rule of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They seek to imitate Mary’s life and virtues in thought, word, and deed, which are rooted in the Gospels.

If you are a Catholic woman 16 to 40 and are feeling called to the charisms of this community, they invite you to contact them at www.wjmp.org or 586-777-8591.

Most Pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph we implore your assistance to help guide humble, healthy, and holy women to this new community of women which is a call from the heart of Jesus. Help them to know the divine will of God and embrace the vocation which He has destined for them. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Cloistered life, News, Women's Communities

Carmelite Monastery in San Rafael Officially Closes on March 1st

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On March 1, 2021, the Carmelite Monastery of the Mother of God in San Rafael, California, officially closed its doors after 55 years in Marin County.  The four remaining nuns were informed in May after a decree of closure was issued to the archdiocese by the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. The sisters range in age from 59-98, the oldest being Mother Dolores Sullivan, OCD, 98, one of the founding sisters of the monastery, founded from the Carmelite monastery in Carmel, California.

The monastery resides on 45 acres studded with 400 redwood trees worth millions of dollars, all planted by Sister Vanni, the last Prioress. But when you have so few sisters, she said, “you really have to look at your vitality.”

The monastery has a distinctive “eastern” look about and for good reason, the sisters were entrusted with a very special mission – to pray for Russia. Here is how this came about:

We have a special call from (Jesus Christ) and from Mary, His Mother, to pray for our own Archdiocese and also for Russia. We were founded in 1965 in answer to a summons from Our Lady of Fatima, received by our Foundress, Mother Miriam of the Trinity. Our Lady has asked for prayers for the conversion of Russia. Mother Miriam responded to that call as though addressed specifically to her, and for those who would join her in founding his Carmel.

After the fall of Communism, two of our Sisters went to Russia to found a small “Carmel” in Moscow. However, it was eventually discerned that our vocation is to pray for Russia within our Carmel here in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Our former home in Moscow has since become the nucleus of a thriving Catholic parish, under the direction of the Divine Word Fathers. St. Olga’s Parish began there and now has expanded into a larger building nearby. There are already 350 parishioners who attend Catholic services there regularly.

It is obviously a very difficult and sad time for them and for the community who have loved and supported them. Two nuns will go to the Carmel of Mary Monastery in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and the remaining two will go the Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese in Clinton Township, Michigan.

We pray for the people of Marin County who are losing their beloved sisters, and we pray that the sisters will be blessed in and be a blessing to their new communities.

For more information:

https://catholic-sf.org/news/san-rafael-carmelites-to-resettle-in-separate-monasteries

https://catholic-sf.org/news/carmelites-pray-for-new-home-together

Men's communities, News

Transalpine Redemptorists to Build Monastery in Montana

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On October 7, 2020, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (or F.SS.R. : Filii Sanctissimi Redemptoris) was granted a canonical invitation to establish a monastery in the diocese of Great Falls – Billings, Montana. Most Rev. Michael Warfel and Fr. Michael Mary signed the papers bringing this flowering of religious life from Scotland to America.

Two months later, the community, also known as the Transalpine Redemptorists, purchased 200 acres in Forsyth, Montana, with the intention of building a future monastery there for their American foundation. The house will begin with four members of the order. The name they have given to the property is Montana Rosa Mystica. The Gospel on the day of the purchase read: Exsurgens autem Maria in diebus illis, abiit in montana cum festinatione (And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste). “

On June 18, 2008, the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (Transalpine Redemptorists) were received back into full communion with the See of Peter.   The F.SS.R. was founded in 1988 and erected as a Clerical Institute of Diocesan Right in 2012 in the diocese of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK, after the 2007 Motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI.  The Order has two other monasteries: one on the island of Papa Stronsay in Scotland and the other in the diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Papa Stronsay is a small island in Orkney, Scotland, and the name derives from Papey minni ( little Priests’ Island from the Old Norse).  After a 700 year absence, priests came back to Papa Stronsay and now they have a little island in rural Montana.

See the The Harvest, the diocesan newspaper for more information

News, Women's Communities

Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa Acquire Former Ursuline Property

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On this Feast day of St. Angela Merici, the Ursuline Sisters, who have served in the Diocese of Santa Rosa for more than 130 years, announced the sale of their property at 400 Angela Drive in Santa Rosa, California, to the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa.

After careful, sometimes painful discernment, the Ursuline Sisters determined that they are no longer able to carry on their ministries from this location. Three years ago, the property and buildings suffered severe damage from a wildfire. It took the Ursulines three years to repair the damage.

Recently, they decided to sell the convent, as well as the adjacent property, to the Marian Sisters.  The Ursulines expressed their deepest gratitude to all the people who have supported them and graced their halls and grounds. “We are truly blessed. It is our desire that the Marian Sisters enjoy the property and make it their home for many years to come.”

The Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa were established in 2012 and have grown readily since then. They serve in Catholic schools, the Chancery, and Parish offices, and do catechetical instruction, retreat talks, youth events, liturgical music, and sacristy care.

“We are honored to work with the Ursuline Sisters through this transition,” Reverend Mother Teresa Christe, MSSR, stated, “and we look forward to continuing to use this property for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The acquisition of the property is a big step in deepening our roots in this community.” The Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa hope to establish residence at Ursula Hall Spring 2021.

From the  Marian Sisters’ Blog:

As a result of the 2017 fires, the Sisters have worked hard to repair the grounds and bring the convent to a safe condition.
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It has been an honor to work with the Ursuline Sisters through this transition. The Ursuline’s have given so much to the community of Santa Rosa, and we pray that our religious family may be able to do the same. The acquisition of the property is a big step in deepening our roots and allowing us the room to grow, as many women are answering God’s call to religious life and wishing to join us.

We ask for your prayers in this transition, so that we – through the intercession of Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. Angela Merici – may give Our Lord a place where He is loved and served above all else.

For more information about the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa, visit www.mariansisters.com.

(Article adapted from the Ursuline Sisters Press Release)

News, Women's Communities

Magdala Apostolate Spring Courses – Registration Begins!

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The Magdala Apostolate offers free educational courses to women’s religious communities. They have top notch professors and incredible content. This spring, they are collaborating with the IRL to offer a  class on the Evangelical Counsels.

Registration for the Spring semester begins on Thursday, November 19th, and will close on Sunday, December 13th. Please register early as classes fill up quickly!

In addition to their classes specifically for religious sisters, the Institute of Catholic Culture also offers courses online for a wider audience. These classes include priests, religious, the lay faithful, and non-Catholics alike from the US and abroad and are open to any curious adult seeking to learn the faith. The format of ICC classes is very similar to Magdala, with some differences since the class size is usually quite large!

If you are new to the Magdala Apostolate, please take a few minutes to browse their website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kelsey Mcmanus at coordinator@magdalaapostolate.org or (540) 635-7155.
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EVANGELICAL COUNSELS
Spirituality 301
in collaboration with the Institute on Religious Life

Mondays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
January 18 – May 10 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P.

This class gives a comprehensive study of the evangelical counsels in relation to the spiritual life. Topics include: Original Justice, Original Sin, The Old and New Law, Christ, Concupiscence, Poverty, Chastity and Obedience for both religious and laity. This study includes both primary sources and modern reflection on these sources.

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SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY
Theology 302

Mondays, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
January 18 – May 10 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Matthew Tsakanikas, Ph.D.
This course will present the sacraments as the channels of the life of the Holy Trinity revealed and made present. We will focus on the scriptural, liturgical, and patristic origins of the “mysteries” which constitute the center of the inner life of the Church.

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HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSECRATED LIFE II
Spirituality 102 / History 202

Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
January 19 – May 11 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Mother Maria Regina van den Berg, Ph.D.
This two-semester course studies the development of the consecrated life, in its various forms, with an emphasis upon the living of the vows, the life of prayer, the enclosure, and the role of the apostolate. Within the context of Church history, we will read primary documents such as Rules and Church documents about consecrated life. The second semester will cover from the Council of Trent to the present.

Prerequisite: Introduction and Development of the Consecrated Life I.

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ETHICS
Philosophy 202

Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
January 20 – May 12 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Mark Wunsch, Ph.D.
This course on Aristotelian/Thomistic ethics studies the good human life: achieving the ultimate end of contemplative union with God through growth in virtue. Included is the study of the voluntary character of human action and moral good and evil.

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INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
Scripture 201

Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
January 21 – May 13 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D.
This course is a survey of the books of the New Testament as the fulfillment of the old covenant epoch, including the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline Corpus, the Catholic Epistles, and the book of Revelation.

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BIBLICAL APOLOGETICS
Scripture 502

Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
January 21 – May 13 (14 sessions, 28 hours)
Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D.
This course is designed to equip students with the tools needed to defend the Faith from Sacred Scripture and to expose the errors of various Protestant heresies effectively. This is accomplished through lectures on the most common biblical apologetic subjects, and a seminar-style study of the actual dynamics of debate.

Prerequisite: Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament

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The following two courses are offered through the Institute of Catholic Culture to all curious adults at no cost. While they are intended for a wider audience, you will find the content to be rich and the instruction intellectually stimulating.

PHILOSOPHY 101
The Pursuit of Wisdom
with the Institute of Catholic Culture

Thursdays, 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM ET
January 21 – June 24 (19 sessions, 24 hours)
John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
This course is an introduction to philosophy especially through reading dialogues of Plato. Since Socrates and Plato stand as foundational pillars of the great Western tradition of philosophy, in reading these dialogues we have occasion to consider the major areas of philosophical thought and many of the main questions of the greatest thinkers through the ages. The course will emphasize first principles of reasoning, foundational concepts, docility to reality and to the wise, and a philosophical habit of mind. Pre-Socratic thinkers will also be treated.

CATECHISM 201
The Art of Catechesis
with the Institute of Catholic Culture

Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
January 23 – March 27 (10 sessions, 10 hours)
R. Jared Staudt, Ph.D.
The Art of Catechesis provides an overview of the Church’s mission to hand on the Catholic faith to new generations. It looks at the history, principles, and methods of catechesis and how we can employ them within the growing challenges of a secular culture. It will look at how to teach the faith using the Bible and Catechism, complemented by an approach of evangelization and discipleship. It will also engage topics such as the New Evangelization, culture, beauty, and prayer.

News

40 Days of Prayer – Communities Praying for You!

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40 Days of Prayer
Help us to “Wake Up the World!”

From October 30th – December 8th, more than 40+ IRL communities will be praying for you!  Each day, a different community will praying intentionally  for the needs of the IRL, our friends and benefactors, and for the Church and the Nation, in this hour of need!!

We ask you in return to pray for religious life, especially for religious vocations! 

Please send us your prayer petitions so we can unite together in prayer!

Communities joined in prayer……

 

Oct. 30         Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey
                                       Conception, Missouri

Oct. 31         Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist
                                       Independence, Missouri

Nov. 1           Daughters of St. Mary of Providence
                                       Lake Zurich, Illinois

Nov. 2          Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church
                                      Baltic, Connecticut

Nov. 3         Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
                                      Salt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 4        Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn
                                     Brooklyn, New York

Nov. 5       The Poor Clares of St. Clare’s Monastery
                                     Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

                     Sons of Our Mother of Peace
                                     High Ridge, Missouri

Nov. 6       Cistercian Nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery
                                    Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

Nov. 7       Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary
                                    Snellville, Georgia

Nov. 8       Carmelite Nuns of the Ancient Observance
                                    Wahpeton, North Dakota

Nov. 9       Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
                                    Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Nov. 10     St. Procopius Benedictine Abbey
                                   Lisle, Illinois

Nov. 11     Sisters of the Most Holy Soul of Christ the Lord
                                   Stuart, Florida

Nov. 12     Discalced Carmelites Nuns  of Rochester
                                    Pittsford, New York

                      Carmelite Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace
                                     Lafayette, Louisiana

Nov. 13     Our Lady of Mt. Thabor Dominican Monastery                                    Ortonville, Michigan

Nov. 14     Carmelite Hermits of St. Mary of Carmel
                                   Houston Minnesota      All Carmelites Saints Day

Nov. 15     Dominican Friars – Most Holy Name of Jesus Province
                                  Oakland, California

                       Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters
                                   Saint Louis, Missouri

Nov. 16     Sisters of the Holy Cross
                                 Carrollton, Ohio

                       Abbey of the Genesee
                                 Piffard, New York

Nov. 17     Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker
                                Walton, Kentucky

Nov. 18     Sisters of the Visitation
                                Toledo, Ohio

Nov. 19     Poor Clare Colettine Nuns
                                Palos Park, Illinois      Feast of St. Agnes

Nov 19      Poor Clare Colettine Nuns
                                Cleveland, Ohio

Nov. 20      Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy
                                Belleville, Illinois

Nov. 21     Father Kolbe Missionaries
                                Peoria, Illinois

                        Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe
                                 Ada, Michigan

Nov. 22     Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Therese
                               Carmel, California

                       Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration
                              Hanceville, Alabama

Nov. 23     Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick
                               Kansas City, Kansas

                      Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus
                                Kirkwood, Missouri

Nov. 24     Discalced Carmelite Monastery
                                Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nov. 25     Olivetan Benedictine Sisters
                               Jonesboro, Arkansas

Nov. 26     Conventual Franciscan Friars
                               Ellicott City, Maryland

Nov. 27     Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ
                              Boys Ranch, Texas

Nov. 28     Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa
                             Santa Rosa,  California

Nov. 29     Maronite Monks of Adoration
                            Petersham, Massachusetts

Nov. 30     Discalced Carmelites Nuns
                             Dallas, Texas

                      Maronite Monks of Adoration/Fr Raphael Magee
                             Petersham, Massachusetts

Dec. 1         Little Sisters of the Poor
                            San Pedro, California & Palatine, Illinois

                      Maronite Monks of Adoration/Fr  Maron Henricks
                            Petersham, Massachusetts

Dec. 2        Carmelite Monastery of the Infant Jesus of Prague
                              Traverse City, Michigan

Dec. 3        Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy
                              Cleveland, Ohio

                      Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus
                               Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dec. 4        Carmel of the Assumption
                              Latrobe, Pennsylvania

                      St. Bonaventure Province/Conventual Franciscans
                              Chicago, Illinois

                     St. Clare’s Monastery
                              Mission, British Columbia

Dec. 5        Passionist Nuns of St. Joseph Monastery
                             Whitesville, Kentucky

Dec. 6        Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood
                             Manchester, New Hampshire             

Dec. 7        Congregation of Norbertine Sisters
                             Wilmington, California

                       Dominican Monastery of the Infant Jesus                                              Lufkin, Texas

Dec. 8        Knights of the Holy Eucharist
                           Waverly, Nebraska

                       Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate
                            Monroe, New York

May God bless us all!

 

Liturgical Year, Men's communities, News

Mercedarians Issue Purgatory Video Series

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Purgatory Video Series Is First of its Kind

A unique series of video prayers has been produced to help the faithful in praying for the holy souls in Purgatory.

The video series consists of 30 video prayers, one for each day of the month. The series was made in preparation for November, the month traditionally dedicated to pray for the souls in Purgatory. The YouTube series premieres November 1 and is the brainchild of Fr. Daniel Bowen of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.

“Many Catholics have forgotten about the souls in Purgatory. But they still need our prayers,” Father Daniel said. “Videos have become so widespread today that we have to use this new medium to help others pray.”

“This series breaks new ground; it seems to be the first series of 30 days of video prayers for the holy souls in Purgatory,” said Father Daniel said.

Father Daniel, who narrates the 30 days of prayers, took each day’s reflection and prayers from an old prayer book issued by his order, “Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead.”

The video meditations begin with this:

“When we love, we remember; and this memory, the effect of love, is not a barren thought. It resolves itself into DEEDS for the loved one…. Most pitiful Jesus, let thy Precious Blood flow down into Purgatory and refresh and revive the captive souls suffering there.”

Readers can sign up for email reminders of the 30 Days of Prayer at https://forms.gle/hN9xQnBXMBqmCLvv5. The reminders begin November 1st.

A new promotional video explaining the need for prayers for the dead is at https://youtu.be/hKnOxcz90go

Friars of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy are present in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and New York. Their charism is Redemptive ministry—setting Christian captives free.  Visit the Mercedarians’ website at www.OrderofMercy.org for more information.

Contact: Fr. Daniel Bowen, O. de M., 727-348-4060 frdanielbowen@gmail.com
Vocation Director, Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy

News

“Pray,” a Movie about the Life of Ven. Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC, Premieres Today!

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HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 1, 2020​ – ​A documentary film about Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., the famous Hollywood Rosary priest who was dedicated to inspiring millions of families to pray together and coined the famous phrase, “The family that prays together stays together,” will be released in select theaters nationwide Friday, October 9th. ​PRAY​ is produced by ​Family Theater Productions​, the same Hollywood organization founded by Father Patrick Peyton.

“We now have the opportunity to bring ​PRAY​ to theaters where families will be able to experience the powerful and hopeful message of family prayer,”  said Father David Guffey, C.S.C., national director of Family Theater Productions and executive producer of ​PRAY​. ​”PRAY​ is more than a movie, it’s a prayer movement. We want to encourage families to watch this remarkable movie that focuses on the transformative power of prayer. Father Patrick Peyton inspired millions with his message of family prayer. Our goal in the film’s accompanying ​”Pray Together Now​ movement” is 10 million globally pledging to pray daily with those they love.”

PRAY​ is an inspiring documentary about Venerable Patrick Peyton, a poor, uneducated Irish immigrant who set sail for America in 1928 with nothing but his faith and dreams of becoming a millionaire. Arriving in Pennsylvania and unable to find work, he accepted a job as janitor at the Catholic cathedral, which rekindled his long-lost desire to become a priest and changed the course of his life. Nearing ordination, his life took a radical turn when he was stricken with tuberculosis. Facing certain death, he sank into despair. A visit from his mentor, who delivered a simple message to pray, lifted the darkness. Taking his advice to heart, Peyton prayed fervently to Mary, the Mother of Christ, for her intercession and he experienced a miraculous recovery. Feeling a deep gratitude to God, Father Peyton dedicated his life to telling all the world about the power of prayer and encouraged families worldwide to bring prayer into their homes. He enlisted the aid of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities in radio, film and TV, and traveled the world sharing the message of family prayer and its healing and hope with millions.

“‘​PRAY​’ is an exceptional movie about an exceptional man, produced at an exceptional time in our history as a nation and Church,” said Julia M. Dezelski, S.T.D., Assistant Director, Marriage & Family Life, Laity, ​Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, ​USCCB. “It is absolutely vital for families to experience the ‘glue’ that is family prayer, especially the Rosary. As a child, my family was glued together by the Rosary. Still today, even with a toddler and baby, the Rosary has a daily place in our lives as a family. I recommend this movie to families everywhere: watch it and let it transform you into a family that prays together; it will make a lasting difference!”

For more information about ​PRAY​, or to schedule an interview, please contact Kevin Wandra(404-788-1276 or kwandra@carmelcommunications.com) or Alexis Walkenstein (561-445-5409or Walkensteina@gmail.com).

 

Cloistered life, News, Women's Communities

Dominican Nuns Launch First International Website

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Today, October 7th, the Nuns of the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Nuns, launched their first international website: www.monialesop.org, in order to make their mission of prayer within the heart of the Order of Preachers better known.

St. Dominic de Guzman founded the Nuns of the Order in 1206, ten years before the friars were founded in 1216,  when nine women who were Catholic converts from the Cathar sect, gathered together at the Monastery of Notre Dame de Prouilhe in southern France. From the very beginning St. Dominic associated the contemplative nuns with the mission of the Order to preach the Gospel for the salvation of souls through their lives of prayer and penance.

Although each Dominican monastery is autonomous, the Dominican nuns are bound together by a common Rule and Constitutions and their profession of obedience to the Master of the Order of Preachers, which is unique among the contemplative orders of nuns.

The new website www.monialesop.org is in the three official languages of the Order of Preachers: English, French and Spanish. Readers can learn about the different elements that make up the contemplative life of the Nuns and the particular way the contemplative nuns participate in the preaching mission of the Order.

There is an interactive map where one can locate any monastery in the world. Links to individual monastery websites as well as contact information can easily be found.

There is a resource page featuring various articles about the nuns’ charism as well as back issues of Monialibus, the international bulletin of the nuns.

Although the Nuns of the Order were always listed on the main website of the Order of Preachers, the information was very difficult to find. Sr. Lioba Hill, OP, of the Monastery of Our Lady of Prouilhe, France, representative of the French monasteries on the International Commission of Nuns, proposed the idea of a website totally dedicated to the nuns.

Sr. Mary Magdalene, OP, Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Summit, NJ, was commissioned to create the website. Despite the challenges of language, nuns from all over the world collaborated with Sr. Mary Magdalene making the website a fruit of sisterly communion on an international level.

There are approximately 2500 nuns in 190 monasteries in five continents of the world.

Contact: Sr. Mary Catharine Perry, OP
smc@summitdominicans.org