What a month!
October 2019 proved to be a very busy month, with more than one special event, all due to God’s Providence, as these things just “happened” to unfold at the same time.
On October 1st, we welcomed our new chaplain, Fr. Augustine Judd, OP, whom we hope will be with us for several years.
On October 5th, our Sr. Mary of the Word Incarnate made her solemn profession. Fr. Reginald Lynch, OP was our guest homilist with our Bishop, the Most Rev. Michell T. Rozanski celebrant. Our new chaplain, Fr. Judd, and a former chaplain, Fr. John Allard, OP, were concelebrants. Sister’s parents and other family and friends were in attendance, as well as members of our Dominican Laity Chapter.
The next day, on October 6th, we held our annual “Rosary Sunday Devotions” at 1:00 p.m. This included a homily by Fr. Lynch, the blessing and distribution of roses, the recitation of the Rosary and Benediction.
We were happy that an article on the Rosary (with input from one of our sisters) was featured in the October issue of our Diocesan monthly magazine, the Mirror. We know staying close to Our Lady is a sure way of staying close to her Son, Jesus, and encourage all to develop a love of this simple, yet powerful prayer.
Later in the month, in view of our maintenance man moving to Florida, we were able to hire two part-time men to take over the maintenance work. A practical matter, but how important that we have good workers to support us in our life of prayer, keeping the grounds and buildings in good shape, so that we have a prayerful “space” for our contemplative life.
Also in October, we began preparations for a meeting to be held here at the monastery in early November. This is the first General Assembly of the newly formed Federation of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Monasteries of the Dominican Nuns in the USA. The Federation was formed in response to new legislation for contemplative nuns issued by the Vatican.
Obviously our newly elected Prioress has had her hands full! But we are grateful for all the blessings God gives us each day. May we continue to trust in His loving Providence.