Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Decorating for Christmas
Some of our Sisters gathered to decorate the Huston Room, as well as have a few cookies and sing carols in preparation for Christmas.
In the process of decorating...
The final product...
Cookies and Caroling...
In the process of decorating...
The final product...
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| Sr. Victoria, Sr. Roseann, Sr. Verona |
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| Gloria, Sr. Mary, Sr. Jean Marie, Sr. Anne Daniel |
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| Sr. Rose Ellen, Sr. Rose Patricia, Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Eileen, Sr. Virginia |
Cookies and Caroling...
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sr. Didi Madden Celebrates Her Silver Jubilee
On December 3, 2011, Sr. Didi (Vivienne) Madden celebrated her Silver Jubilee. Didi's celebration began and ended with a morning and afternoon of contemplative prayer and faith sharing. Between the two sessions, she had a celebratory liturgy and supper for members of the Congregation.
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| Sr. Catherine Howard accepts Didi's renewal of vows. |
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| Sr. Didi extends her hands as Fr. Tony blesses the congregation. |
Saturday, December 10, 2011
December 11, 2011 Scripture Reflection
Third Sunday of Advent
December 11, 2011
Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28
How comfortable are you in your skin? How easily can you define the goals of your life, the motives for your actions, the pyramid of your loves? If asked, what virtue would you claim as the guiding inspiration for your life? How quickly and accurately could you outline your strengths and weaknesses?
Advent, a time of preparation; John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Christ, yet John was not the first preparer. Isaiah, centuries before John was even conceived, identified himself as one sent "to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners…" Isaiah was sent. How beautifully Isaiah proclaims and owns that "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me…" How blessed each of us would be if we could repeat those words as a mantra daily; for truly, the Spirit of the Lord is upon us and when we realize this, we too will "rejoice heartily in the Lord…" The imagery used by Isaiah portrays peace and joy; what is more beautiful than the image of the bride and groom to convey a deep joyous relationship?
How fitting it is that on this third Sunday of Advent, Mary's proclamation of God's greatness should be the refrain. Living in God's presence, living with God within fills Mary's soul with joy, yet are we not made in God's image, are we not temples of God? Why are we not rejoicing? Mary proclaims that "the Almighty has done great things for me…" God has not withdrawn nor retired! Today, God still does great things for each of us. None of us rose early today to pull up the Sun.
In the second reading, St. Paul calls us to "Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing…" This certainly doesn't mean we are called to be Pollyannas. We will all suffer pain, loss, disappointment, but calling upon the Spirit within us, we will be able to see the larger picture, to put things into perspective, to know that even in our suffering, we are not alone, but we are sustained, guided, and guarded by a God of infinite love and understanding. God never abandons us even when we turn away and choose our own way.
Then we meet John in the Gospel. John also "was sent from God" and like Isaiah, John was sent to prepare. When he was asked, "Who are You?" John knows the answer. No hesitation, no stammering, no beating around the bush - John tells who he is NOT. How often do we "play God" - trying to fix, to arrange, to change, to control… John's first answer sets the perimeters… "I am not the Christ." Do not make me more than I am; here's what I can do; here's what I cannot do; here's what you need to do.
Dear Lord, teach us to rejoice always in your loving presence grateful for who we are yet willing to do all we are called to do.
Miriam Catherine Nevins, OP
December 11, 2011
Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28
How comfortable are you in your skin? How easily can you define the goals of your life, the motives for your actions, the pyramid of your loves? If asked, what virtue would you claim as the guiding inspiration for your life? How quickly and accurately could you outline your strengths and weaknesses?
Advent, a time of preparation; John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Christ, yet John was not the first preparer. Isaiah, centuries before John was even conceived, identified himself as one sent "to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners…" Isaiah was sent. How beautifully Isaiah proclaims and owns that "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me…" How blessed each of us would be if we could repeat those words as a mantra daily; for truly, the Spirit of the Lord is upon us and when we realize this, we too will "rejoice heartily in the Lord…" The imagery used by Isaiah portrays peace and joy; what is more beautiful than the image of the bride and groom to convey a deep joyous relationship?
How fitting it is that on this third Sunday of Advent, Mary's proclamation of God's greatness should be the refrain. Living in God's presence, living with God within fills Mary's soul with joy, yet are we not made in God's image, are we not temples of God? Why are we not rejoicing? Mary proclaims that "the Almighty has done great things for me…" God has not withdrawn nor retired! Today, God still does great things for each of us. None of us rose early today to pull up the Sun.
In the second reading, St. Paul calls us to "Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing…" This certainly doesn't mean we are called to be Pollyannas. We will all suffer pain, loss, disappointment, but calling upon the Spirit within us, we will be able to see the larger picture, to put things into perspective, to know that even in our suffering, we are not alone, but we are sustained, guided, and guarded by a God of infinite love and understanding. God never abandons us even when we turn away and choose our own way.
Then we meet John in the Gospel. John also "was sent from God" and like Isaiah, John was sent to prepare. When he was asked, "Who are You?" John knows the answer. No hesitation, no stammering, no beating around the bush - John tells who he is NOT. How often do we "play God" - trying to fix, to arrange, to change, to control… John's first answer sets the perimeters… "I am not the Christ." Do not make me more than I am; here's what I can do; here's what I cannot do; here's what you need to do.
Dear Lord, teach us to rejoice always in your loving presence grateful for who we are yet willing to do all we are called to do.
Miriam Catherine Nevins, OP
Friday, December 9, 2011
Advent Joy - from South Africa
We are in the 2nd Week of Advent here and only a little wreath in the chapel and no decorations around, as we move into the quiet of the season with many sisters away with their families, and the girls went home the last day of November.
It has been wonderful sharing life with the sisters here in Montebello for three months and this morning was a very heartwarming experience.
I visited Vianney and saw Sisters Caritas and Valentine and a house full of children very alive after receiving gifts from a hospital staff in Durban yesterday.
Both of them face many challenges, and send their love and thanks for all that the Blauvelt sisters are for them.
Upon leaving in the rain I heard music coming from Sr. Ethel's place of ministry, so I went to partake in their weekly dance party. In the hall where she does her counting, coloring and singing classes, she provides music for them every Friday. Her assistant, Dominic. who is a high functioning resident, is in charge of the remote and he knows his people and treats them with respect and compassion. The happiness was flowing out the door as I entered and saw some up dancing, others in wheelchairs bouncing to the music or waving their arms, others standing and one one her knees bouncing in rhythm to music you might hear in any of the night spots around the world. As I went from person to person and danced with them I became infected with joy and they in turn were infected with mine. I started dancing with Sr. Reginald and then we discovered they broke into couples and were imitating us. It's the most fun I have had since our last party with the Australian volunteers one week ago.
They weren't expecting a baby when the Savior arrived, were they? Most of us would not expect to have a good time with people who can't count to ten, don't know their colors, or spell their name. Nothing is impossible with God. That is what Advent is about. Waiting for Jesus and finding him when and wherever he appears. I praise God for lifting all our spirits today.
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell
It has been wonderful sharing life with the sisters here in Montebello for three months and this morning was a very heartwarming experience.
I visited Vianney and saw Sisters Caritas and Valentine and a house full of children very alive after receiving gifts from a hospital staff in Durban yesterday.
Both of them face many challenges, and send their love and thanks for all that the Blauvelt sisters are for them.
Upon leaving in the rain I heard music coming from Sr. Ethel's place of ministry, so I went to partake in their weekly dance party. In the hall where she does her counting, coloring and singing classes, she provides music for them every Friday. Her assistant, Dominic. who is a high functioning resident, is in charge of the remote and he knows his people and treats them with respect and compassion. The happiness was flowing out the door as I entered and saw some up dancing, others in wheelchairs bouncing to the music or waving their arms, others standing and one one her knees bouncing in rhythm to music you might hear in any of the night spots around the world. As I went from person to person and danced with them I became infected with joy and they in turn were infected with mine. I started dancing with Sr. Reginald and then we discovered they broke into couples and were imitating us. It's the most fun I have had since our last party with the Australian volunteers one week ago.
They weren't expecting a baby when the Savior arrived, were they? Most of us would not expect to have a good time with people who can't count to ten, don't know their colors, or spell their name. Nothing is impossible with God. That is what Advent is about. Waiting for Jesus and finding him when and wherever he appears. I praise God for lifting all our spirits today.
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Go With God Sr. Rita Marie
Sr. Rita Marie Pino, OP
Born: September 22, 1917
Born to New Life: December 2, 2011
Wake: Monday, December 5th 3-8 p.m.
Evening prayer: Monday, December 5th at 6 p.m.
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, December 6th at 10:30 a.m.
Burial: St. Dominic's Convent Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, New York.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December 4, 2011 Scripture Reflection
Second Sunday of Advent
December 4, 2011
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8
"Prepare the way of the Lord"
Clear the path; remove the clutter. The message of Advent is clear. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." The challenge is to achieve a balance as we move through this busy, demanding season. Can we be more prayerful and reflective so as to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with our God while preparing to celebrate with God's people - family, friends, co-workers and others who can benefit from our presence and assistance?
In Catherine of Siena's Dialogue, Christ reminds us: "I have no intentions of parting you from myself, but rather of making sure to bind you to me, all the closer by the bond of your love for your neighbor. I have laid down two commandments: love of me and love of your neighbor…On (these) two feet you must walk my way."
Let us pray that we will be enabled to experience the many activities of this holy season as but one movement - that of love. Catherine reminds us that "God could easily have created each of us with all that we need, materially and spiritually," but did not this, so that we would be dependent on one another in meeting our needs and experiencing our joy.
In today's scripture we are reminded that each of us has been baptized not solely by water but most importantly, by the Holy Spirit. May God's Spirit draw us forward in a singular fashion, toward the love of our Savior and the love of all whom Jesus loves - our sisters and brothers. Let us not falsely choose between the loving service of one at the expense of the other but rather let us experience All, in an inclusive, loving embrace.
Let us pray:
Enable us, dearest God to experience the words found in today's responsorial psalm:
"May kindness and truth meet;
justice and peace kiss.
May truth spring out of the earth
and justice look down from heaven."
In loving God, may we encounter our neighbor; in loving our neighbor, may we look upon the face of God. Amen.
Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, OP
December 4, 2011
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8
"Prepare the way of the Lord"
Clear the path; remove the clutter. The message of Advent is clear. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." The challenge is to achieve a balance as we move through this busy, demanding season. Can we be more prayerful and reflective so as to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with our God while preparing to celebrate with God's people - family, friends, co-workers and others who can benefit from our presence and assistance?
In Catherine of Siena's Dialogue, Christ reminds us: "I have no intentions of parting you from myself, but rather of making sure to bind you to me, all the closer by the bond of your love for your neighbor. I have laid down two commandments: love of me and love of your neighbor…On (these) two feet you must walk my way."
Let us pray that we will be enabled to experience the many activities of this holy season as but one movement - that of love. Catherine reminds us that "God could easily have created each of us with all that we need, materially and spiritually," but did not this, so that we would be dependent on one another in meeting our needs and experiencing our joy.
In today's scripture we are reminded that each of us has been baptized not solely by water but most importantly, by the Holy Spirit. May God's Spirit draw us forward in a singular fashion, toward the love of our Savior and the love of all whom Jesus loves - our sisters and brothers. Let us not falsely choose between the loving service of one at the expense of the other but rather let us experience All, in an inclusive, loving embrace.
Let us pray:
Enable us, dearest God to experience the words found in today's responsorial psalm:
"May kindness and truth meet;
justice and peace kiss.
May truth spring out of the earth
and justice look down from heaven."
In loving God, may we encounter our neighbor; in loving our neighbor, may we look upon the face of God. Amen.
Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, OP
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