Among the most colorful “nun myths” are those that have to do with our lives of penance and self-denial. Popular imagination throughout the ages has painted a grim picture of the deprivations in store for any young woman unfortunate enough to find herself in a monastery.
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Posts by CP Novitiate
Many a young woman who is feeling the call to religious life has struggled with the thought of giving up marriage and children. Very often she feels torn between a deep desire to belong to God and an equally deep desire to be a wife and mother. Can the two possibly be reconciled?
Read MoreWith the Christmas season coming around, worry about this “Nun Myth” may be on the mind of many parents and family members of cloistered religious. While most people are making plans to travel home for the holidays, the families of nuns know that they will always be missing one member around the table.
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… Most excitingly, the steel “skeleton” for the archways was installed a few weeks ago, giving us a clearer picture of what the finished product will look like. It is thrilling to see our dream taking shape before our eyes, and we are beyond grateful to all those who continue to make this project possible by their time, talent, treasure, and prayers!
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The cool autumn weather has brought beautiful fall colors here to Western Kentucky — just in time for our weekend vocation visitors to enjoy! From October 7-9, we welcomed three young women to our monastery for one of our semiannual discernment retreats
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Weren’t able to make it here for Sr. Frances Marie’s final vows in August? Then we have the next best thing — a video of the joyous occasion, filmed by our friend Mel Howard! You can watch the entire Profession Mass here, as well as on our YouTube channel.
Read More“Sisters, you sounded like angels at Mass today. Do you need a music degree to enter here??”
“I don’t think I could be a nun… I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!”
“Is there a vocal audition as part of the application process?”
At long last … photos of the official groundbreaking ceremony for our cloister walkways and Holy Family Wing! It was a joyous occasion and a perfect climax to Mother John Mary’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. Our fundraising goal is within reach, and it is so exciting to see work trucks in our yard again!
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On September 10th, we had the great joy of celebrating Mother John’ Mary’s 25th anniversary of Profession! A large crowd came from near and far to attend the Jubilee Mass and reception. The “theme” of the celebration was Cherish the Flame of His Love — because that is exactly what a Passionist Nun is called to do!
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Most people would be upset to discover wheel ruts, deep holes, and debris in their yards … but this week, we are VERY happy to see just that, since it means that excavation has begun for our cloister walkways!!
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September 14th and 15th are very special days in the heart of every Passionist, and we look forward eagerly each year to the “double feasts” that so beautifully sum up our charism.
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Sr. Mary Elizabeth of the Holy Spirit, our beloved “most experienced” nun, always refers to this special milestone with a sense of humility and gratitude: “I can hardly believe it — sixty years! It seems like yesterday … It’s just a miracle!”
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The title says it all — we hope you enjoy these snapshots of a glorious, joyful, and grace-filled profession day on August 15th!
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August 15th was a day full of graces and blessings, and a large group of family and friends came to share in the celebration of Sr. Frances Marie’s perpetual profession. We thought you would enjoy reading the homily given by Deacon Matt Wenke (Sister Frances Marie’s father) at Solemn Vespers that evening.
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I know what you’re thinking … “They misspelled ‘Clementine’!” Well, as a matter of fact, the unusual spelling is 100% intentional … Introducing Clementein, our new einkorn sourdough starter! Wait, what does that mean?? Perhaps a little explanation is in order …
Read MorePerhaps the most pithy refutation comes from one of our Sisters shortly before she entered the monastery in the early 1960s. In response to the young man who told her “You’re too cute to be a nun,” she shot back, “Do you think God only deserves ugly ones??”
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“Since Our Lord dwells in our souls, His prayer belongs to us, and I wish to live in communion with it unceasingly, keeping myself like a little vase at the Source, at the Fountain of life …”
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There is rarely a dull moment around here — we have yet another piece of exciting news to share with you all! On August 15th, our own Sr. Frances Marie of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus will profess her PERPETUAL VOWS as a Passionist Nun!
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As we mentioned in our previous post, Aspirant Hannah has now officially entered the monastery! On May 31st, she knelt at the enclosure door with her parents for the simple but beautiful entrance ceremony.
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Unlike the elections most people are familiar with, a monastic election does not involve campaigning, lobbying, or opposing parties seeking to gain power and influence. Quite the contrary! The members of the Chapter are seeking to choose the leadership that God Himself wills for the community in the coming three years.
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