Renewing our Commitment
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"Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so. Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God."
- Pope St John Paul II
Greetings dearest Sisters...
The appointed calendar time meets our heart readiness! The reward of our time of discernment in the month of May regarding the Seven Sisters Apostolate now encounters the reality of the time of commitment. New beginnings and renewals hold great things.
Please let your Anchoress know today (if you haven't already) whether you will continue with the Apostolate or depart from its schedule and commitment. To both those continuing or departing - eternal gratitude. Every breath of prayer has merit.
The founding Chaplain of the Apostolate, Fr Joseph Johnson, has composed a beautiful prayer for your commitment/re-commitment. The prayer is below. Keep spreading the good news about this Apostolate! The winds of the Holy Spirit blow where they may....
United in prayer and mission -
that our prayers may find the hearts of every bishop and priest
Janette+JMJ+
Madonna of the Grapes, pray for us!
St John Vianney, pray for us!
St Margaret Clitherow, pray for us!
Prayer of one's personal annual commitment to fidelity of prayer
within the guidelines of the Seven Sisters Apostolate.
Composed by Fr Joseph Johnson, Archdiocese of St Paul-Mpls
The prayer may also be easily adapted for use any time when forming a new Seven Sisters group outside of the month of June.
O Jesus,
You perfectly revealed the Merciful Love
of Your Sacred Heart on the Cross.
At the Last Supper You gave us the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist
and of Holy Orders to perpetuate Your Loving Presence in our midst.
Help us to keep a sense of awe and gratitude
at Your hidden presence in the Host
and respect for how You come to us through
the human instruments of priests and bishops.
On this Your feast and the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests,
I, __________ (your name),
commit myself to making an hour in Your Eucharistic Presence
each week for the coming year
to intercede for and raise up before Your throne
_____________ (name of priest/bishop)
begging for him:
Strength when he is tired or weak,
Perseverance when the spirit of prayer or apostolic zeal wanes,
Guidance when he is discerning or lost,
Consolation when he is suffering,
Hope when the sacrifices seem too heavy,
And manifold blessings upon him and his ministry.
Give me the grace to be like Our Lady and Saint Mary Magdalene,
faithful at the foot of the Cross.
May I be selfless and humble in this work of adoration
and in all the ways you lead me as Your disciple.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Have mercy on our Holy Father Pope Francis,
Have mercy on _________ (name of priest/bishop),
Have mercy on all bishops and priests,
Have mercy on me and all Seven Sisters,
Have mercy on the whole world!