“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come,” begins the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent. As we unite ourselves with Our Lady’s anticipation of Our Lord’s birth in that first Advent, we also think back to the long waiting of the people of Israel. The Old Testament prophets predicted the calamities that would befall God’s people if they failed to repent, and the mercy with which God Himself, Emmanuel, would redeem them from their misery and sin. And now, our Savior, Jesus Christ has come! It is for us to welcome Him in our hearts and to put everything at His disposal with great love. In these days of challenge and darkness, let us be like the Wise Men, who followed the light of Christ, believing in His mercy and His promise to lead us from darkness into His marvelous light and love. Venite adoremus!
Storms and More Storms
As you read our news from the past few months, you might wonder if you have tuned into a reenactment of the Perils of Pauline or Adventures of Calamity Jane! Besides the trial of Covid-19, which all have endured, on August 13th the monastery was struck by lightning, which blasted the cupola of our chapel and did extensive damage to the carillon bell system, intercom, air conditioning units, telephones and internet, etc. Although the Sister praying in church saw flames shooting out of the wire mold at the time of the strike, by the mercy of God, we were spared a fire.
Before we had completed the repairs from the lightning damage, Hurricane Zeta came storming through our area of Alabama in the very early morning of October 29th. The winds felled many trees and power poles, and a huge hickory tree fell on our cloister wall. We were fortunate that we had large lanterns to light up the choir for us to pray our Divine Office, and a gas grille to cook on during those days without power. We were delighted when just as we were finishing Mass on November 2nd, the power came back on!
Many years ago, we were gifted with the electronic bell system which not only called us to prayer, but delighted our neighbors. After the lightning silenced our bells in August, we contacted the company which now makes an updated system. While the electricians were installing the new speaker drivers, our mail carrier saw the men on the roof and exclaimed how happy she would be to hear the bells again. Our bells were blessed with these powerful words: At its sound let evil spirits fly in terror, let thunder and lightning, hail and storm be banished, let the power of Thy Hand crush the powers of the air, thus hearing the sounding bell they may tremble and vanish at the sign of the cross engraved thereon. Yes, we do trust in the mercy of God to continue to protect us. And when the peal of this bell penetrates the clouds, may the angelic legion guard the assembly of worshippers.
Walks and Pears
Sister returned from her walk and left a big note on the kitchen counter for the other Sisters to see: “Our pears are RIPE and falling off the tree! Need to pick them!” The other Sisters, who had made their own visit to the pear tree earlier, left a bigger note in return, propped up next to three large buckets overflowing with amazingly plump, good-looking pears: “WE DID!” The old pear tree, mostly forgotten behind our cemetery, produced such a bumper crop this year that we had several pickings, good not only for pies, but table eating as well.
Archdiocesan Year of the Eucharist and the Parish
It was with great joy that we learned that our Archdiocese is celebrating The Year of the Eucharist and the Parish. As Dominican nuns we build up the community of the Church first in our own monastic community, as we offer ourselves to God each day in union with Jesus in the Eucharistic Sacrifice, receive Him in Holy Communion, and adore Him in Eucharistic Adoration. We pray that the Eucharist as a source of grace will be appreciated even more as Christ’s inestimable gift to us.
Assurance of Christmas Prayers
Please know that as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, we enfold you and your intentions in our prayers. There are many uncertainties in the year ahead. May our gracious Infant King grant you many blessings and peace of heart this Christmas and always.
Mother Mary of the Precious Blood, O.P. and Sisters