Window #1 commemorates the foundation of the Passionist Congregation in 1720, when St. Paul of the Cross made his 40-day retreat in Castellazzo, Italy, and wrote the first Rule. We couldn’t resist giving you a sneak peek at some of Donna Baldacci’s beautiful work in progress!
Read MoreThis Wednesday marked the beginning of a momentous occasion for the U.S. Catholic Church - the 10th National Eucharistic Congress! This “climax” of the National Eucharistic Revival has brought 50,000 Catholics to Indianapolis for 5 intense days of prayer, fellowship, and learning about our incredible Faith
Read MoreIf we participate actively and fruitfully in this seemingly small part of the liturgy, it will open our hearts to receive God’s grace more fully in the parts to follow. Let’s focus on just two elements of the Penitential Rite …
Read MoreOn June 15th, we held our Mass of Thanksgiving for Sr. Mary Veronica’s Golden Jubilee. It was a joyous occasion, and a chance for Sister to reconnect with many of her extended family members and friends - including some she had not seen in 50 years!!
Read MoreOne of the central goals of the Vatican II Council Fathers was to promote active participation of the congregation in the sacred liturgy. This term has been subject to much interpretation - and misinterpretation! - over the years.
Read More2024 sure is rolling by quickly — it seems we were just hosting our March vocation retreat, and here we are sharing about our June retreat!
Read MoreWelcome, precious Fruit from Eden’s perfect Garden;
Those who taste the Tree of Life, when granted pardon,
Yea! Who eat this Bread will fear of death no longer —
God’s love is stronger.
On April 29th, our beloved Sr. Mary Veronica celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Passionist Profession —50 years as a bride of Jesus Crucified!
Read MoreFor years we’ve been trying to “spruce up” the plants and rocks that were already there, but things just weren’t working out. So this spring, our friends Jean and Terry, and an army of other generous volunteers, helped to give that area an “extreme makeover!”
Read MoreLast week we celebrated the 253rd anniversary of the founding of the Passionist Nuns in Corneto (now Tarquinia), Italy. That special day also marked one year until the Second General Chapter of our Monastic Congregation.
Read MoreEnjoy some long-belated photos of the progress on our construction. It’s been hard to keep up with all the different subcontractors — as soon as we manage to get some photos, they are already out of date! That’s the kind of “problem” we like to have …
Read MoreBeginning tomorrow (April 23rd), our first group of Sisters will begin their annual 8-day retreat. As we’ve shared before, we like to refer to the nuns on retreat as “Marys,” while those who take on extra duties to allow for this are called “Marthas.” The roles will swap for the second retreat, which falls in mid-May this year.
Read MoreThis year, we decided to do something a little different for our spring vocation retreat. The Advent-themed retreat in November has been a hit with discerners, so this March we debuted our Lenten vocation retreat! The talks, prayer materials, and sharing were focused on Lenten themes, which tie in beautifully with our Passionist charism.
Read MoreAlleluia! He is risen! The New Creation has begun in the Person of our Resurrected Lord, and every created thing shows forth His glory in a unique way. One of our novices caught a glimpse of this while visiting some of our spring flowers, and she was inspired to write the following hymn of praise — think Daniel chapter 3, Kentucky-style!
Read MoreA palpable air of expectancy and excitement hovers around the crowd. These Passover pilgrims, gathered near the gates of Jerusalem, are awaiting more this year than just the annual festivities. As they converse among themselves, their eyes frequently turn to the road leading up to the city. What do you think? Will He come to the feast?
Read MoreLooking for some spiritual reading for Holy Week? Check out our latest newsletter, which includes reflections on the sufferings of Christ and how YOU can learn to pray with the Passion.
Read MoreTwo Gentiles, two Galilean fishermen, and one Galilean carpenter-turned-Rabbi are standing on a hilltop just outside the city, slightly away from the surging crowds. The two Jews gesture towards the Greeks, who stand with awkward yet expectant eyes fixed on the Rabbi.
Read MoreAt this late hour, restless Jerusalem is finally beginning to quiet herself. One by one, the lamps shining in windows are extinguished as the inhabitants of the Holy City turn in for the night. Yet in one large, villa-like house, the glow from the upstairs window remains undimmed. Within, a most extraordinary conversation is taking place.
Read MoreThe gentle Teacher has been transformed into a fiery Prophet. He strides quickly around the Temple court, shouting and using his makeshift whip to send the veritable herds of sheep, goats, and oxen running. With a particularly disgusted look, He approaches the money-changers and summarily knocks their boxes of coins to the floor.
Read MoreSome of our younger Sisters were out on a walk recently and were delighted to discover these little signs of an early spring. Perhaps nowhere in the world are crocuses so thoroughly appreciated as here at St. Joseph’s Monastery … the first yellow and purple blooms are always heralded with great excitement.
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