Category Archives: News

Men's communities, News

Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn Welcomed as New Affiliate

Leave a comment

At the most recent Board of Directors meeting, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn were welcomed as the IRL’s newest Affiliate Community.  In talking to two religious in the New York area, I was amazed to discover that each one of them had been educated and formed by the Brothers.  What a beautiful legacy to leave to the Church!

Formally known as the Congregation of the Religious Brothers of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, the community was founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1858.  They have been actively involved in the education of young men and women, primarily on Long Island, New York, serving the Diocese of Brooklyn (and later also the Diocese of Rockville Centre) since that time.  They are the largest congregation of Religious Brothers founded in America.  Formerly a diocesan congregation, in 1989, they became an Institute of Pontifical Right.

They pray the Liturgy of the Hours as a community at the Monastery, and each morning they attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They also pray the Franciscan Crown, glorifying God through the Blessed Virgin Mary, their patroness.

For those unfamiliar, the Franciscan Crown is a rosary consisting of seven decades commemorating the Seven Joys of Mary, namely: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding in the Temple, the Appearance of Jesus to Mary after the Resurrection, and finally, the Assumption and Coronation of Mary.

The Brothers serve as teachers, administrators, campus ministers, coaches, spiritual directors, lawyers, college professors, and retreat masters.  Their apostolates include St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, and St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights.  They also staff residences for low-income elderly, substance abuse recovery centers, parishes, and soup kitchens.

Faithful to the Third Order Rule, they profess the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  With their motto as Deus Meus et Omnia (“My God and My All”) they strive to live the Gospel, in humility and in joy, affirming Christ’s Kingdom of Peace as did their Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi.

 

 

News, Women's Communities

Lovers of the Holy Cross Celebrate 350th Anniversary

Leave a comment

The Lovers of the Holy Cross opened a Jubilee Year of celebration on September 14, 2019, with a Mass at Christ Cathedral in Orange, California, commemorating the 350th anniversary of their founding.  Founded in Vietnam in 1670 by Bishop Pierre Marie Lambert de la Motte, a French missionary, the congregation has faithfully endured despite experiencing a turbulent history of persecutions, wars and religious suppression.

On September 9, 1659, Pope Alexander VII signed the edict Super Cathedram establishing two apostolic dioceses in Vietnam, appointing Bishop Lambert to be Apostolic Vicar of South Vietnam.  This event marked the birth of the Vietnamese Catholic Church.   He received the vows of the first two Lovers of the Holy Cross in 1670.

In the ensuring years, the congregation went through a painful history of bloody martyrdom, where convents were destroyed, sisters dispersed and others killed for their faith. Today, they number 30 congregations in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the U.S., with over six thousand sisters serving the people of God.

The Lovers of the Holy Cross of Los Angeles, one of the autonomous and independent congregations that are part of the family, was established in 1992. Ministering in the Los Angeles area, they have 66 professed sisters, four novices, seven postulants and seven candidates in eight communities.

The spirituality of the Lovers of the Holy Cross is embodied in their love for Jesus Christ Crucified, believing that “in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His body, which is the Church.” (Col 1:24)

“Since the beginning,” said Sr. Grace Duc Le, Superior General, “our spiritual patrimony continues to inspire us to offer ourselves generously in serving the poor and homeless in shelters and on the streets, assisting the sick and lonely, and teaching the youth faith and morals.  May we passionately do everything for the sake of glorifying God and for the salvation of souls!”

For more information, please visit: www.lhcla.org

News, Women's Communities

Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus Open New Residential Home for Women

1 Comment

Last Fall, the Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus opened a new residence  for women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. This is a new apostolate for the sisters, who previously ran a boys home on the site that began as an orphanage back in 1916. The building can house 15 independent and ambulatory women in beautiful apartments designed to give the women their independence while building community though the common eating area, work assignments and spiritual nourishment.

As parents age, their desire to find a safe and nurturing home for a daughter or son with special needs becomes a worrying issue. They are looking for a place where their loved one will be safe, happy, busy and spiritually nourished. This home addresses that concern and then some with activities, religious education, daily Mass, beautiful accommodations, and a community spirit, all under the watchful and loving care of the sisters whose convent is located on the same grounds.

They also plan on opening a Formation and Enrichment Center in the Fall for men and women with IDD, offering a wide range of programs and activities for adults seeking to grow to their fullest potential. Many thanks to Fr. Al Veik, OFM Cap., Sr. M. Rose Therese, Carmel DCJ, and Teresa for their warm welcome.

Please visit their website for more information or email:  srrosetherese.stjo@gmail.com

The charism of their Foundress, Mother Maria Teresa of St. Joseph, was to put the CONTEMPLATIVE spirit of Carmel into the ACTIVE SERVICE of the direct apostolate, aggregated with the First Order of Discalced Carmelites…. A gift to the Church and the world and a new branch on the Ancient Tree.

 

News

Looking to become a Spiritual Director? Two New Opportunities!

Leave a comment

In spiritual direction, those who seek deeper intimacy with God open their hearts to a spiritual director who travels with them on their spiritual journey. But there is a definite shortage of spiritual directors and an increasing need for them in our wounded world.  Perhaps you are discerning that God is calling you to this important ministry, so more people can know the Father’s love.

Here are two new opportunities for people wishing to become spiritual directors from two very solid organizations.

  1. Franciscan University School of Spiritual Direction

In the fall of 2019, Franciscan University of Steubenville launched a School of Spiritual Direction. The school has taken as its motto:  cor ad cor loquitur—“heart speaks to heart.”

“This is a program for those who feel called by God to give what they have, which is an interior life of contemplative prayer and love for Our Lord,” said Robert Siemens, Director of the program. “While ideally applicants should be familiar with spiritual direction and have experienced the exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, they do not necessarily need advanced academic training in theology.”

The school operates under a cohort structure both during the academic year, in which students meet once a week for 24 sessions, and during the summer, in which students meet daily for two weeks.

Classroom sessions will focus on topics that lay the foundation for spiritual direction, while a practicum focused on prayer and discussion will help students discern and act as a conduit of the Holy Spirit working in their directees’ lives.

Applications are currently being accepted for the summer 2020 and fall 2020 terms. For more information on Franciscan University’s School of Spiritual Direction, including how to enroll in either the semester or summer cohort, visit their website or email inquiries to ssd@franciscan.edu.

2. Spiritual Direction Courses at the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary

Benedictine Fathers Thomas Acklin and Boniface Hicks will conduct two classes this summer on Spiritual Direction at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. Authors of the book Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, they will conduct 2 classes this summer:

  • Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment (May 18-22, 2020)
  • Spiritual Direction II: Advanced Topics in Spiritual Direction (June 22-26, 2020)

Through reading, lectures and discussions participants will learn the foundational dynamics of spiritual direction including:

The need for spiritual direction
The interior life
Listening that reveals and heals
Psychological insights
Qualities of a spiritual director, and more

The courses consist of five hours of instruction per day for five days. There will be time for private meetings with the instructors.

For more information, visit their website or email: IMF@StVincent.edu

PS. Father Acklin and Father Boniface will once again be presenting at the 2020 IRL National Meeting in Mundelein, Illinois.  Please join us from April 17-19, 2020!!

 

Cloistered life, News, Women's Communities

Cistercian Sisters Monastery Campaign

Leave a comment

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.

 

 

News

2019 Mystical Rose Gala – Pictures from a Glorious Evening!

Leave a comment

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!!

News

Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University Launches New Religious Discernment Mentorship Program

Leave a comment

New Mentorship Program Launching to Help Those Discerning Religious Life

To assist Catholics discerning a call to religious life, Values Outreach, an initiative of the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville, recently announced a new mentorship program for young men and women discerning religious life.

These discerners will receive online formation by watching workshops and completing tasks designed to help them grow in their spiritual lives. Workshops will feature talks from a variety of religious from different orders. Topics include the Theology of Religious Life, Monastic Practices, the Nature of Vocation, and the Desires of Our Hearts.

In addition, each discerner will be connected with a professed religious who will act as a mentor as they go through the formation program. Mentors will provide feedback on written tasks and will engage in long-distance, one-on-one communication throughout the program.

Cassidy Roderick, founder and team director of Values Outreach, said “This is an amazing opportunity to connect young adults with the people they need in their lives to help them discern well.”

Roderick noted that it is important for young discerners to relate directly with those in religious life. “It is extremely difficult to discern alone. Anything that can be done to connect them with someone to guide them is crucially important.”

The idea for the online formation program was spearheaded at a recent mentor-training meeting. The Catechetical Institute team was reviewing evaluations from learners taking their workshops, which indicated the workshops helped them to grow closer to God. Seeing this positive feedback, the Values Outreach Office and the Catechetical Institute decided to take the next step forward with this new program that focuses on vocational accompaniment.

The program will take place on the Catechetical Institute’s online learning management system: FranciscanAtHome.com.

This semester-long program is free and will begin in January 2020. The Values Outreach Office is currently accepting applications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and actively discerning consecrated religious life.

Questions? Email info@valuesoutreach.org. One of their team members would be happy to speak with you!

Or fill out the application to get started with a mentor now!

Men's communities, News

Servants of Christ Jesus Approved as an IRL Affiliate Community

Leave a comment

The Servants of Christ Jesus, founded in 2004 as a community of priests and brothers, are committed to advancing the New Evangelization through the praise, reverence and service of God. Consecrating themselves completely to Jesus Christ, in radical poverty, chastity and obedience, they live the Gospel through the evangelical poverty of St. Francis of Assisi and the apostolic formation of St. Ignatius Loyola.

They are trained in Ignatian spirituality, scripture, spiritual exercises, liturgy, evangelization and education to be preachers of the Word, teachers of the Catholic faith, and directors of souls. They seek particularly to announce Christ to souls who have yet to conform their lives to Him – youth, young adults, non-Catholics, and non-Christians. They do this by preaching, teaching, spiritual exercises, administration of the Sacraments, and assistance to the poor.

They were founded in the Diocese of Steubenville in 2004, transferred to the Archdiocese of Denver in 2006, recognized as a Private Association of the Faithful by Archbishop Charles Chaput in 2009 and a Clerical Association of the Faithful by Archbishop Samuel Aquila in 2013.  In the Archdiocese, they serve as chaplains in schools, including the University of Denver, and provide missionary training, family formation, parish missions and spiritual direction.

Their prayer life includes daily Mass and a Holy Hour, weekly Confession, the Divine Office prayed together and an annual 8-day retreat.  Pope Francis appointed Fr. John Ignatius and Fr. Paul Kostka as “Missionaries of Mercy” for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  This mandate was extended indefinitely in 2017.

Servants of Christ Jesus
4022 S Olive Street
Denver, CO  80237
Phone (720)458-3038
www.SCJesus.org
servants@scJesus.org

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Cloistered life, News, Women's Communities

Visitation Sisters Celebrate Jubilee Year for the 100th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

2 Comments

On May 13, 2020, the Order of the Visitation we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canonization of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM. To celebrate this occasion, they obtained from the Apostolic Penitentiary of Rome the grace of a Jubilee Year for all of the monasteries of the Order of the Visitation and the grace of a plenary indulgence to all those who pass through the doors of their Monastery chapels.

The year will open on October 16, 2019 and will close on October 17, 2020.

The usual conditions of a plenary indulgence apply:

  • To be in a state of grace
  • To go to Confession and to receive Holy Communion within 20 days preceding or following
  • To pray for the intentions of the Holy Father

… on the following dates:

  • October 16, 2019 Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM
  • January 24, 2020 Solemnity of St. Francis de Sales
  • May 13, 2020 100th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM
  • May 31, 2020 Solemnity of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary
  • June 19, 2020 Solemnity of the Sacred Heart
  • August 12, 2020 Solemnity of St. Jane de Chantal
  • October 16, 2020 Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM
  • Monthly First Fridays

A video was produced by VocationPromotion.com explaining the timeless significance of the messages of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary in support of this Jubilee Year.

When requesting this grace from the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Visitation nuns  expressed the reason for this Jubilee as follows:

“ [. . .] Desiring to be renewed (in the mission received by our Holy Order of the Visitation), so that the love of the Heart of Jesus might further shine forth over the world, we have thought that the grace of a Jubilee Year, with the possibility of a plenary indulgence, could also allow the numerous faithful who frequent the chapels of our monasteries to intimately experience the love of the Heart of Jesus, and to render him ‘love for love’ according to the desire that he himself had expressed to Saint Margaret Mary.

There are four Visitation Monasteries that are Affiliates of the IRL located in:

Snellville, Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

Tyringham, Massachusets

 

 

 

 

 

Toledo, Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile, Alabama

 

News

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) Celebrates 175 Years

Leave a comment

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN), formerly known as the Apostleship of Prayer (AoP), celebrated their 175th anniversary in June with Pope Francis. While remaining in continuity with their tradition and history, they now have a deeper engagement with the digital world.

They are the official platform for the Pope’s intentions, with a monthly 90-second video from the Holy Father: The Pope Video. The app “Click To Pray” is the official prayer platform for smart phones. The app invites users to brief prayers three times a day.

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network was born as the Apostleship of Prayer in 1844, in a house of formation for young Jesuits in Vals, in the south of France. Fr. François-Xavier Gautrelet, SJ, spiritual director of these young people, proposed to them a way of being apostles in their ordinary lives and encouraged them to be available for Christ’s mission through the offering of their lives. Fr. Henri Ramière, SJ, from 1861, guided the Apostleship of Prayer in the dynamic of the Heart of Jesus. Today, this proposal of service and prayer is 175 years old.

About The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a pontifical work with the mission of mobilizing Catholics through prayer and action, in the face of the challenges confronting humanity and the mission of the Church. These challenges are addressed in the form of prayer intentions entrusted by the Pope to the entire Church. Its mission is inscribed in the dynamic of the Heart of Jesus: a mission of compassion for the world. This work was founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer. It is present in 98 countries and is made up of more than 35 million Catholics. It includes a youth branch, the EYM: Eucharistic Youth Movement. In March 2018, the Pope constituted this ecclesial service as a Pontifical Work and approved its new statutes. Its international director is Fr. Father Frédéric Fornos, SJ. More information at:

https://www.popesprayer.va