NunEssential

Dear Family and Friends of Our Lady's Society, On behalf of Our Lady's Sisters, and in gratitude for all the gifts of love and prayer and support that come to us through you, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for the fullness of blessing, grace, peace, light and joy upon each and everyone of you. Enclosed is an excerpt from the book "Fire of Mercy-Heart of the Word" by Erasmo Leiva Merikakis, (which is a series of meditations on the Gospel according to St. Matthew). His words contain something of the joy, the hope and the promise we ask be fulfilled in each of you. "From within the darkness of the world and the vicissitudes of history, and yet rooted in them, the Word of God leaps forth by his own deliberate design. History has been for Him. Both the faith of Abraham and the royalty of David-who sum up the whole genealogy, are united and fulfilled in Christ. While in human generation, it is always the ancestors who ennoble the name of thei...

Just in case the commercialism of Christmas has convinced you that having all of the presents you want under the tree will bring you lasting happiness, Pope Benedict reminds us of the true meaning of life and happiness. I don't know about you, but I remember being a child and opening my presents on Christmas morning, only to find that everything I had asked for was not there. I remember at times, in spite of all of the other gifts that I received, being disappointed. Disappointed. After being given so many things, and after all of the hard work of my parents, I was disappointed. Something is seriously wrong with that attitude. I think that's one of the things that Jesus came to save us from. He came to save us from illusive happiness and empty promises. He came to bring true and lasting happiness. He makes promises that last and that never fade. God gives so many gifts during this season of Advent and Christmas. He has gifts for us. Unlike the ones that are under the tree, the ...

Wow. that's all i can say after reading this Too bad that's an all too frequent reality in many parts of the world. Say an extra prayer for the missionary religious of the world.

This was an interesting talk given by Pope Benedict yesterday. The world needs a GOOD witness of religious life. There is nothing more scandalous than a religious who is not living out their vows. It is so easy to get sucked into the ways and the thoughts of the world and forget who you really are. As religious, our light has to shine brightly before men and there is nothing that dims that light faster than watering down the truth and buying into the ways of the world. Being a Christian means that we follow Christ, not ourselves.

Okay, so after hearing so much controversy over the use of the word "Christmas", i thought you might find this interesting. One of my friends was telling me that at his place of work (which shall remain nameless) one of the employees crossed out "Christ" in Christmas that was written on a chalkboard and replaced it with an "X" as in, Xmas. Yikes. I guess we really don't understand from where we have come and to where are going at the end of our life (hopefully to heaven). So many people see God as an obstacle to their lives instead of a cornerstone. I remember seeing this one movie where the lead character makes a "prayer" to God in these words, "God, you don't have to help me but don't get in my way." holy cow. We'd be in a lot of trouble if God ever got out of our way. Be sure to wish someone a "Merry Christmas."

God bless you! Happy December and continuing Advent Season to you! As we get closer to the day when Jesus will be born in our hearts, I thought I'd share Pope Benedict's December Prayer Intentions with you! Don't hesitate today to show someone kindness and love. See the goodness in all of God's creation, including yourself! Blessed Day!

I found this after I posted the previous message about Lee Yoon-hyung. These are Pope Benedict's words to the youth

I know that so many people have cell phones. One of the biggest manufacturers of cell phones in the world is Samsung. Samsung makes many different kinds of electronics and does billions of dollars in business. So it was a shock to many when this news came to light Please pray for the soul of Lee Yoon-hyung. This reminds us that life is not about money, fame and power. Most of what young people see on TV is that if you are pretty, wealthy and famous then you will be happy. However, the most famous people are often the most unhappy people. May her soul rest in peace.

So we are embarking upon a BRAND NEW liturgical season with brand new graces. This Advent is not the same as last Advent. God has new gifts to give and new graces to bestow. One of the big gifts that God gives during this time is the gift of peace. He gives it in a special way during this time if we want to receive it. That's why Advent is a time of preparation, to get our hearts ready for the birth of Jesus. You wouldn't invite someone over to your house for dinner and then not clean your house and prepare it. So this time is a gift given to us by God to clean and prepare our souls for His coming. One of the ways we can prepare is by going to Confession at least once during this time. When we make a good confession, it cleans, heals and restores us to the friendship of God. There is no better way to prepare than by making a good Confession and living in that grace. So, I hope this Advent is one of peace, joy and quiet anticipation for the birth of Jesus within your heart. See ...

Today is the day before Thanksgiving and people are making mad dashes to the aiport and to their cars to reach their destination before the 4 million other people trying to get somewhere as well, reach theirs. We have so much to be thankful for. God showers down His blessings upon us in ways that we will not be aware of until we reach Heaven. Sometimes, in the midst of trials and tribulation, it is easy to forget all the ways that God tenderly cares for us. He even allows trials to make us into the masterpiece that He intended when He created us. How can we not be thankful?? God bless you, Have a happy, holy and thankful Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the NunEssential Blog of the SOLT Sisters. More posts to come! God bless you!