laudare, benedicere, praedicare TO PRAISE, TO BLESS, TO PREACH
November, 2020
Only when we humbly acknowledge that "we do not know how to pray as we ought," are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. Catechism of the Catholic Church 2559 In this Issue:
The First Pillar - Prayer continued... Interview - Sister Mary Louis, O.P.
Saint Dominic's Nine Ways of Prayer Keeping our faith strong - Gratitude Photos from our Jesu Caritas Retreat
The Four Pillars of Dominican Life Prayer A Communal Perspective
In these past months, it has been difficult to gather in large groups for our common liturgical celebrations. Church buildings were closed for weeks or months and, even after reopening, remain limited in capacity. Couples have celebrated weddings and families have laid loved ones to rest with only a handful of their closest friends present. This time of isolation has made our ability to worship together even more precious, and more necessary. We are made in the image and likeness of the God who is a communion of Persons and, and so, in addition to our private prayer, we are called to pray and worship God in communion with others, as well as privately.” But there are communal dimensions to prayer and the liturgy that transcend the size of a physical gathering. When parish churches had to close their doors, the doors of the domestic church remained open, and families responded with creativity and fidelity to keep the Lord’s Day holy. Still longing for the Lord’s Eucharistic presence, they had His promise that, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Technology, too, played its part to connect parishioners through live-streamed Masses, and many around the country and around the world participated in broadcast events such as the renewal of the consecration of the United States to Mary led by Archbishop Jose Gomez from the Los Angeles Cathedral and the Rosary led by Pope Francis from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens. As we enter into November, a month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory and the Saints in Heaven, we recall that the liturgy incorporates us into a communal gathering larger than any imaginable on earth. We glimpse this vast multitude through St. John’s vision of the heavenly liturgy: “I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11). This reality is present at every Mass no matter the size of the congregation in the pews.
San Marco Altarpiece (Madonna and Saints), by Fra Angelico (1395-1455), Museum of San Marco. Public Domain.
“All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” Acts 1:14
Our identity as adopted children of God through Baptism makes us members of the communion of saints, which exists in its three-fold state on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that, “at the present time some of [the Lord’s] disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating 'in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is"' (CCC 954; cf. LG 49). Our prayers for our deceased loved ones and our invocation of the saints strengthens this real bond with those who have gone before us in faith. As we continue to desire ardently and work ceaselessly for the full restoration of our ability to worship in common, we remember that we are never completely alone even when we are by ourselves. Jesus who promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) also promised, “I will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32), and the closer our union with Him, the deeper our communion with each other.
Prayer
as a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia An interview with Sister Mary Louis, O.P.
Sister, Thank you for sharing with us about prayer. How long have you been a St. Cecilia Dominican? I entered St. Cecilia Congregation the fall of my year of graduation from St. Cecilia academy 63 years ago. Was there anything in particular about the Sisters' prayer life that drew you to the Community? I felt very much at home with the Dominican prayer life since I was taught by the Dominican Sisters from 1st-8th Grade. In High School, I was a member of the Solidarity of Mary and the Junior Third Order of St. Dominic. Do you have any favorite personal devotions? During my school years, there were opportunities to attend Mass daily, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and to participate in Eucharistic adoration and processions. Do you have any advice for people who are new to We made the Stations of the Cross during Lent, recited prayer, or who are feeling discouraged in prayer? the rosary and attended various novenas, which were Recall Saint Pope Paul VI's advice that when you also part of my family's prayer life. These opportunities don't know how to pray, just pray. Be faithful to for prayer are still part of the structured prayer life of the your devotions, and maybe try reciting short Dominican Sisters. aspiration prayers Has the Sisters' prayer life changed over the years since you What about for those people who don't feel as if they first entered? How so? have time to pray? The most notable change following the Second Practice the presence of God as you work, Vatican Council was the move from Latin to English, the offering all you do for the greater honor and recitation of the Divine Office in place of the Little Hours glory of God. Work, of course, is not a of the Blessed Mother, and the adaptation to the new substitute for formal prayer but work done in order for the celebration of Mass. His name is a saving action.
Dominic's Nine Ways of Prayer Witnesses of Saint Dominic have described his different postures of prayer which have come to us as the Nine Ways of Prayer. He prayed with his whole mind, heart and body. Three of these postures of prayer are described below with ideas for how we can incorporate them into our own prayer lives. Bowing deeply to an altar, Dominic used this gesture to humble himself before the Lord. Bowing deeply is an ancient monastic practice, still used in the Liturgy of the Hours. A deep bow can be made as an act of reverence before the Tabernacle, or in one's private home before a Crucifix or family prayer altar. Pray the Glory Be prayer while bowing, rising at the words, "...as it was in the beginning." Eyes and hands raised to the Crucifix, Dominic prayed silently words of gratitude and love. Mount a Crucifix on the wall in your family room or bed room. Raise your eyes and hands as you pray from the heart. Holding our hands open to the Lord reminds us that we need to receive everything from Him. Spiritual reading was a mainstay in Dominic's life as he sought to be consumed by the Word of God. Dominic would often reference the Holy Bible as he read it; kissing the page or bowing his head. Find a quiet place where you can settle yourself down to read the Word of God. Pray to the Holy Spirit as you read, asking him to enlighten your mind through the sacred text.�.
For additional information about Saint Dominic's Nine Ways of Prayer, click HERE.
"I have prayed that your faith may be strong..." Luke 22:32
Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving Day and the season of gratitude, we can consider gratitude in the Christian context. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has several references to gratitude, in particular man's gratitude to God, but also in human relationships. The Fourth Commandment reminds us to be grateful to our parents (CCC 2219), as well as those who passed onto us the gift of faith (CCC 2220). Gratitude to our country is also appropriate (CCC 2239), and thus Thanksgiving Day is a perfect opportunity to express gratitude to God, to family and to nation. Through acts of gratitude, may we grow in our faith that as God has provided in the past, so again shall He in the future.
What are you grateful to God for?
From one of our Finally Professed Sisters Sister Agnes Clare, O.P. final profession of vows - 2020 I was born and raised just outside of Manchester, NH, and I am the oldest of six children. The Lord gave me a thirst for prayer at a young age, and the more I prayed the more I wanted to spend time with Him. Yet, for years, I doubted the tug I felt toward the religious life, fearful that it could never make me happy. Through the witness of the joy of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, I was given the courage to respond to God's call to consecrated life. It took trust to let go of my other desires- to have my own family, to be a lawyer, to have the freedom to travel, etc- but He showed me that He is enough, and that His call in my life is deeper than any other desire. This summer, by the mercy of God, I made my final vows on July 25. It was the happiest day of my life and I know the security of belonging completely to Jesus. He has shown me in the past seven years as a sister that He will answer my prayers, He will purify my heart, and He will transform me as I continue to say 'yes' to the grace of the present moment. I love being a Dominican, and am grateful for the joy, simplicity, and zeal of our sisters, as we live poverty, chastity and obedience together. As we hear the priest pray during the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass: "It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Oh Lord!"
Mission Spotlight Stillwater, MN
St. Croix Catholic School P3 - 8th Grade Our Sisters have taught at SCCS since 2001. L-R: Sr. Maria Ivana, Sr. Maria Catherine and Sr. Anna Maria
School started back after Labor Day, allowing Minnesotans the full advantage of their beautiful summer. With a plan in place, St. Croix Catholic School was open and ready to welcome the next generation of scholars, disciples and servant leaders. The first week of school saw an outdoor all-school Mass, and Faculty Talent Show - a huge hit for all! Thankfully, the beautiful fall weather makes subjects like science great fun to have outside. Staff, faculty, families and students have worked hard together to continue the wonderful learning opportunities that have long marked St. Croix Catholic School.
Dominican Prayers and Liturgy
Polyphony Singing
While chant has been an ancient tradition in our Church, and is practiced regularly by the Saint Cecilia Dominicans, polyphony is another musical form which aids our prayer and lifts our minds and hearts to God. Several Sisters at the Motherhouse have been gathering on Sunday afternoons for some polyphony practice. They were able to lead in prayer the young women joining us for our Jesu Caritas Retreat in October during our Eucharistic Holy Hour. Sister Mara Grace says, "In singing polyphony music, I am drawn into the mystery of the Triune God. The various parts form a unity which directs our minds and hearts to God." A few of the Sisters' favorite polyphony pieces include: Sicut Cervus - Palestrina Cantantibus Organis - Ravanello Duo Seraphim - de Victoria Ave Verum - Tappert Click the above link to listen
Online Jesu Caritas Retreat
October 2-4, 2020
Retreat Day at Mount de Sales
October 25, 2020
The sisters offered a vocation retreat at our convent in Catonsville, Maryland