Dear friends,

Good things are happening at Sacred Heart! Perhaps by now you have received our “Behold, we are doing something new‒ mailing. As stated in the memorandum, the discernment of this transition has led us to great peace of mind and less responsibilities for us. Although we have given over our property and buildings, we have chosen, for as long as we can, to take care of the Grotto and ministries in the Chapel.

Good things continue to happen. Along with Father Becket, our beloved chaplain for 24 years, and myself, John and Therese Zigmond are beginning a program called “Mission and Spirituality Committee‒ where we will be addressing ways we can meet the spiritual needs of the residents. Likewise, although we have had an active recycling program, residents and staff, urged on by Lorraine Pachankis and now assisted by Jack Flowers, are trying harder to respond to Pope Francis’ “ Laudate Deum ” plea to take care of our Common Home the Earth, now in a major climate crisis, by enhancing our recycling efforts.

During this Advent season, I urge all of us to pray for peace. I am proud to say that my family prayed the rosary almost daily - and most still do - as Our Blessed Mother asked of us. In my growing-up days, among our intentions was praying for the conversion of Russia, urged on by the appearance of Our Lady of Fatima. With the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other parts of the world, the need for prayer has never been greater.

When I was a senior in a public high school in Fort Morgan, Colorado I remember hearing the phrase “I would rather be dead than be Red”. My English teacher challenged us by asking if we knew any Russian persons. We all said no. She then taught us not to categorize everyone, and that governments initiate wars not their citizens.

My daily Monastic prayer schedule gives lots of attention and time to a contemplative prayer process called Lectio Divina (reading and prayerfully reflecting on the scripture readings of the day, and challenging myself to an action), praying the Divine Office three times a day, and celebrating the Eucharist daily.

While praying the rosary is not a required activity for the Sisters, there are many opportunities to do so: praying individually, joining in any one of the three prayer groups where the residents gather daily, on a bench outside, at the Grotto, or as I do when driving in a car - with a Rosary CD to keep me and any passengers with me centered. I urge patience and prayer for an end to war, for a conversion of heart from those who view war as a necessary power struggle or even as a peacemaking event. War does not bring peace.

December is Mary’s month. Contemplating the celebration of her Immaculate Conception, her journey to Bethlehem, giving birth to our loving Savior and becoming an immigrant in Egypt are ways to learn from her that life is not without difficulties, but prayer will sustain us. Let us ask her to teach us to pray and help us to grow closer to her Son. May the celebration of His birth renew our hope in our own Resurrection.

A joy-filled Christmas and a hope-filled blessed New Year to all.

Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB
Prioress

Cell Phone: (630) 750-6010 or mbratrsovsky@shmlisle.org