Christ In Our Midst

Bishop Baker with Bishop Foley, Abbot Cletus & (now)
Fr. Patrick & Fr. Leonard at the OLAM Jubilee Mass

 So it begins! A new life, a new ministry, a new grace. Congratulations to our MFVA Friars - Fr. Patrick & Fr. Leonard who were ordained to the Priesthood today, and to Br. John Paul & Br. Paschal, now deacons! The Holy Father’s words on the priesthood are most apt on this great occasion:  “Ours is an indispensable mission, for the Church and for the world, which demands full fidelity to Christ and in unceasing union with him this to remain in his love means that we must constantly strive for holiness, this union, as did St. John Mary Vianney… To let oneself be totally won over by Christ! This was the purpose of the whole life of St. Paul… this was the goal of the entire ministry of the Holy Cure d’Ars,.. may it also be the principal objective for each one of us. In order to be ministers at the service of the Gospel, study and careful and continuing pastoral and theological formation is of course useful and necessary, but that “knowledge of love” which can only be learned in a “heart to heart” with Christ is even more necessary. Indeed, it is he who calls us to break the Bread of his love, to forgive sins and to guide the flock in his name. For this very reason we must never distance ourselves from the source of Love which is his Heart that was pierced on the Cross.”

             It’s the least we can do, beneficiaries of the mysteries of God given through priests, to ‘make a return’ of some prayers and offerings on their behalf to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest!

Send Forth...

Pentecost has to be one of the most astounding proofs that God works wonders when we are open and ready for whatever He so desires! A handful of questioning, weak disciples, facing their own fears and a nation opposed to their God (sounds too close to home) suddenly changed and transformed into totally free, bold men, eager to proclaim the grace of God ... Having received so much of the truth ourselves, there is every reason to be confident that God can do much more than we imagine – Pentecost is here!

            We were blessed to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Angels on May 19^th & 20^th – during the Pentecost novena. God has certainly poured out His mercy upon us and countless others who have met Him here. We can’t help but send our gratitude to all of you who have supported and prayed for us over the years. Here are some stanzas from a poem one of our Sisters in formation wrote for the occasion… and of course some photos of these festive days!

Considering the Lilies

The excitement around the monastery is building as the 50^th Jubilee approaches! With preparations accelerating for the anniversary Mass and the arrival of our fellow PCPAs from across the USA (and even France!), we thought we'd take a breather and “consider the [Easter] lilies.”

Before this glorious Easter Season concludes it would be very advantageous for us to consider a few of the prominent themes so beautifully weaved throughout the daily liturgy, specifically from the Church's Easter Prefaces. Lines like: “Overcome with Paschal joy” and, “[A] universe cast down is renewed, and integrity of life is restored to us in Christ” - call us to believe with greater pitch in God's plan of salvation for each of us. What this 'new life' means, what it demands, and what it promises, the Liturgy provides us with answers – everyday. It's neat – more than neat, it's incredibly awesome to awake to God's Word & Sacrament, which summon us to a higher, greater life in Him. But this life doesn't negate our personalities or suppress our desires but fulfills us to the brim by bringing us into contact with Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Who “never ceases to offer Himself for us”. There is a reason why the Easter Season is longer than Lent, if only to remind us that eternal gladness awaits us because “the True Lamb Who has taken away the sins of the world; by dying He has destroyed our death, and by rising , restored our life.” Christ gives us new life. The Easter readings, prayers and songs, uncover God's wondrous plan, a plan that cost our Redeemer everything. In response let us sing louder a new alleluia in praise... and be aware of His words.