www.theleaven.com | Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas | Vol. 31, No. 22 january 15, 2010
A little home for the Little Sisters Story and photos by Jill Ragar Esfeld
Little Brother Christophe explains the drawings and small-scale model he made of the Little Sisters’ future monastery. Looking on are, from left, Little Sisters Dorota, Stephanie, Alma, Judith, Hallel and Marie.
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — After more than a year in the archdiocese, the home of the Little Sisters of the Community of the Lamb here has received its name — “Lumen Christi,” which means “the light of Christ.” “That light we wish to offer by being with the people of this neighborhood,” said Little Sister Lucie, one of the first of seven Little Sisters to arrive in Kansas City, Kan. The community hopes now to raise enough funds to build a modest monas-
tery on the land donated by the archdiocese, adjacent to the old St. Benedict rectory in All Saints Parish, where the Little Sisters currently reside. The Community of the Lamb has its motherhouse in France. It is a little monastery and, like most of the community’s houses established throughout the world, it is a simple structure with a low profile. “The little monastery in its style and architecture reflects the simplicity of the Gospel,” explained Little Sister Lucie. The community’s foundress, Little Sister Marie, recently visited the Kansas community to share in the joy of the Lit-
tle Sisters’ first steps here. Together with Little Sister Marie, the Little Sisters have established the plans for their future monastery. A small-scale model was designed by Little Brother Christophe. Little Sister Marie referred to the future monastery as a place of light. “When someone comes, the Gospel has to shine through the Little Sisters, but also through the architecture,” she said. “It must be very simple, but beautiful.”
Turn to “sisters” on page 4
How to help the Little Sisters build their monastery The little monastery in its design is inspired by ancient monastic tradition. It will accommodate all the needs of daily life and will include a kitchen, a refectory, and a parlor. There will be small hermitages, with places of silence reserved for prayer and study. There will be a chapel, open to the public, where the Little Sisters will pray. The Little
Sisters also hope to build three small hermitages in which priests can spend a few days of retreat. The Little Sisters ask first that potential donors pray, and then offer whatever help they wish. Those desiring to help can contact them directly at the following address and phone number:
The Little Sisters of the Community of the Lamb 36 S. Boeke St. Kansas City, KS 66101-3610 Phone (913) 621-1727