Combing the historical significance of the Christmas Nativity with the diversity of cultures and artists that have interpreted it through the ages, "Finding Bethlehem" guides you thoughtful commentaries of theologians and collectors alike, to artist statements and the voices of "behind-thes-scenes" participants in the Festival, the book explores the spiritual and artistic meaning of the Nativity.
Abbot Stan at General Chapter Sept 23
Abbot Stanislaus
Dear Brothers:
I begin with the great news that Dom Timothy shared with the Chapter at the beginning of today’s session. When the new head of the Congregation for Religious was here to celebrate Mass on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he asked to speak privately with Dom Eamon. It was to give him a report on the three petitions we have given to the Congregation three times since 2005. They were refused twice. But he let it be known that one of them, the petition that the monks and nuns of the Order form ONE SINGLE GENERAL CHAPTER has been granted. On Wednesday, Dom Timothy, Mother Danièle and Dom Armand went to the Congregation to get the official word. Now we have to work out just what that means! The assembly broke into spontaneous and prolonged applause at this news!
Wednesday was the one free day we have been given this Chapter. Not even a half day so far. I used it to walk up to the Carceri — Francis’ hermitage — and spending about four hours all alone at a picnic spot. It was a great place to pray for all of you, to read the Scriptures and the Psalms and to relax. The view was absolutely spectacular, looking out over the fertile valley in which Assisi is located.
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Thoughts of a Monastic Guest
Weldon Nettles
The clock read 2:55 am. I put on the many layers of clothes which I had set down on a chair the night before. I combed my hair, took a look at myself in the mirror, and left into the terrible February cold, flashlight in hand. It was raining. I sloshed through the puddles, a parking lot, a foot bridge, and finally the winding sidewalks.
At 3:20 am, one of them stood up, walked about two feet, and activated the bells from an electronics box. They rang from a tower right outside, and the noise pierced the 50 foot ceiling of the church. Everyone stood, and I followed suit. As the bells died down, a knock emanated from somewhere.
Read More »The Feast of the Birth of Mary
given by Fr. Kevin
9/8/11
1st rdg Rom 8:28-30 all things work together for those who love God ,Psalm 13 with delight I rejoice in the Lord; Gospel Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 genealogy/child from the H Sp/God w/ us
Since today’s readings speak so powerfully, allow me to offer a few thoughts to stimulate some further reflection and then sit with you in silence as we make room for God’s Word to draw us to new insight.
Celebrating Mary’s birth is an act of acknowledging God’s saving work, for Mary’s importance to us is in her relationship to Jesus, her cooperation with God’s saving work in Christ. (Mother Theresa of Calcutta was asked about her frequent references to Mary. She responded quite simply: “No Mary, no Jesus.’)
- Are we so in love with God that we become so steeped in prayer that we come to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and impregnated by God?
Mary’s unique faith is a rich gift in our monastic vocation. We end each of the hours singing a commendation that expresses our admiration for her and asks her intercession in our behalf and in behalf of humanity.
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