Be light!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
— John 1:5

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! Advent arrives in hopes of rousing us from our spiritual drowsiness.  A wide-eyed keenness of heart reminds, renews and revives! We are then readied to remember and recognize the true brilliance of our Emmanuel.  A retired priest shared recently a nugget from his seminary professor on how to summarize Advent for each Sunday:  1) Wake up.  2) Shape up. 3) Cheer up. 4) Hurry up. 

Liturgical seasons offer timely perspective. In nature’s darkest period of the year, there happily arises the celebration of the arrival of the Light of the World.  It hearkens to the bolstering reality that even in spiritually dark times, the darkness will not overcome the Light! (John 1:5) 

Our Catholic heritage merits pondering.  What mighty and deep roots we have, often strengthened by prayers and courageous sacrifices.  In 2014 a visit to Ireland awakened in me an awareness of Mass rocks.  Under the odious penal times (1695-1756), the Catholic Faith was outlawed.  Priests were hunted like criminals and killed.  Holy Mass was celebrated secretly atop large rocks in fields and wooded areas.  The faithful secretly fashioned the settings and acted as protectors and sentinels during Mass.  The Irish priests and faithful kept the flame of Faith alive!

In an earlier period, under the reign of terror of Elizabeth (1558+), the English also hunted priests and any laity who hid them or taught the Faith to others.  Ingenuity and carpentry skills shrouded the clergy in “priest holes” built in walls, recesses, under floors and staircases, even behind fireplaces, to conceal their presence during countryside manhunts. Our Apostolate patron, St Margaret Clitherow, commissioned a priest hole to be built in her home.  Here she also hid vestments, elements for Mass and her personal catechetical materials.  She was discovered and martyred in 1586.  Her two young sons later became priests and her daughter a religious Sister.   St Nicholas Owen, a Jesuit brother, was a master at constructing ingenious priest holes.  He too was eventually captured, tortured and martyred in 1606.  His Memorial is celebrated March 22, fittingly close to our patron, St Margaret Clitherow on March 26.  The English priests and faithful kept the flame of Faith alive!

Moving even further back in history, one might regard the well-recognized statue of a lean, youthful David balancing a lamb upon his shoulders.  Seen traditionally as a prototype of Christ and His brother priests, the image conveys a symbiotic strength.  While David is sure and steady in his grip, the lamb, though docile to being carried, stretches its head high, with an upward, hopeful glance.  One senses a mutual benefit of vigor.

What a fitting marble piece to study as Seven Sisters, who resolutely keep the flame of Faith alive along with the shepherd, who is armed in your prayers and sacrifices.  Like the ever-ready and courageous help of the Irish and English in earlier times, your work vivifies.  Your endeavors aid to perpetuate the Faith in untold ways.  Your sacrifices support both the priest and yourself.  Whatever darkness may surround or attempt to settle in our midst will not overcome the Light! 

The Church is set to be fortified in the shower of graces in these Advent and Christmas seasons.  Let us continue to pray in earnest as protectors and sentinels of our priests who steadfastly celebrate holy Mass and serve as conduits of those graces through the sacraments and their countless acts of mercy and love.  In the fitful fluctuating pandemic restrictions throughout the world, the clergy everywhere need intensified sacrifices of prayer.  Let us take up arms (and knees) in response, knowing full well that in Divine economy we too will be strengthened in the acts.

The resolve of the priests and faithful alike will continue to fuel the light of Faith.  Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matt 5:15).  Be light!

United in prayer and mission...that our prayers may find the heart of every bishop and priest...

... eternal gratitude continues as you each remember to offer a wee Hail Mary for me every day....  “One Ave Maria makes hell tremble” (St John Vianney). Pray that I will not 'spoil the beautiful work that God has entrusted...'  (St Teresa of Calcutta)

... your kind emails and notes and phone calls and generous support always arrive to my heart door at the right moment! Your financial sacrifices are for 100% furtherance of Apostolate.  THANK YOU!  The letters of testimony are so beautiful and edifying! What glory is given to God through your writing! Eternal gratitude is mine for YOU! Be assured of my continued daily prayers for you at the altar.

 Janette Howe
+JMJ+   
sevensistersapostolate@gmail.com

Let us TOGETHER continue to prepare a Birthday gift for Our Lord: 2020 active groups by 12/25/20

Prayer will make things clear as to who, when, where and how to encourage new groups!

SUPPORT:  The Website is getting a fresh look and expansion!  Seeking help in three ways: (1) Prayers for Mary as she sets to the work of the new design.  (2) Photos of Seven Sisters groups and/or events.  (3) Financial support to cover the project ($3400).  Very grateful! Checks to Seven Sisters Apostolate designated for Web Design project.   

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in NOVEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional group in Columbia (South America) and in these USA states: Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. One USA state does not YET have the benefit of a Seven Sisters group: Rhode Island. 

Anchoresses:   Please inform of all NEW groups and Anchoress/priest/other changes (including updates in your contact info) thru Web site.  Know of my special and steadfast prayers for Anchoresses who serve such an indispensable and exemplary role in the Apostolate!

RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> Gratitude for the gift from Archbishop Hebda who offered holy Mass and a homiletic reflection at Cathedral of St Paul (MN) on 7 Nov 2020.  (Unfortunately, the taping had glitches.)

> BIG news: Spanish Facebook page has been launched!  

> The new annual Holy Card (year 4) exclusive to the Apostolate is available.  It is beautiful!! The image is a unique stained glass of a priest offering Mass.  The prayer on the back is a traditional prayer offered by the faithful when a priest receives his Communion during Mass.  If you would like a card or one from any of the previous years, please send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to Janette Howe, 43 Nord Circle Road, St Paul, MN 55127.

> In the works: Chaplet for Priests in Purgatory.  The Chaplet already exists.  We hope to design a pamphlet or holy card for encouragement and ease in praying it.  Praying for those in purgatory: “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” - Catechism of the Catholic Church (958).

> 7-8 May 2021: Retreat at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly, NE. Theme: Real Women wear Armor (Eph 6:10-18) Janette will lead this Retreat.  NOTE:  Retreat is not exclusive to Seven Sisters members.  Registration through the Retreat House.

 MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  “We learned about this apostolate and were very motivated by the idea of accompanying and strengthening with a daily Holy Hour the priestly mission of Father FM who directs our center for formation and spirituality in Cali, Colombia. We hope with the contribution of our prayers that his labor be blessed with abundant fruit in our community.” (Diana, Columbia, South America)

Ø  “I am so happy to be a 7 Sister! Our prayers are so needed for priests especially now!  One decade of the Rosary is offered by my husband and I each evening for this Apostolate.” (Kathy, Minnesota)

Ø  “I feel really strong about wanting to do something to help build up the church, and priesthood. There is so much negative on the internet and TV news at times, I just feel it is so important to do something positive towards our priests. I like the simplicity and silence/quietness of the Seven Sisters Apostolate. I feel so grateful for this Apostolate and to be a part of it.” (Marjorie, Indiana)

Ø  “A previous priest from our parish told me about the apostolate and encouraged me to start a group. It was immediately something of which I started praying. Each woman I asked was very enthusiastic and honored to be able to do this intentional prayer for this new, young priest. I am happy and committed to start.” (Stephanie, Minnesota)

Ø  “Seven Sisters came to our parish two years ago, and we have groups for all of the priests here.  What a blessing it has been!! Now we have finally been able to start a group for our Bishop. Praise be to God!” (Jane, Pennsylvania)

FASTING BROTHERS is growing: Groups of men offering various forms of fasting to augment the prayer efforts of a Seven Sisters group.  Each man prayerfully discerns the unique type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups to fortify our prayers and sacrifices. He also wants to keep track of the groups forming.  No formal registration necessary.  Anchoresses: simply let us know of the group start date and the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked. 

LAMP-BEARERS: In January, Lamp-Bearers, so-named for their action of continually ‘filling of their lamps with the oil of prayer’, was launched to pray for the Apostolate at large.  Each intercessor prays a minimum of once per week, but many are offering prayers every day.  Intentions are gleaned from topics and calendar points in the monthly Communique and also sent to members on the second or third Sunday of the month.  Additional intercessors welcomed.  Those desiring to learn more, send an email of interest/inquiry through the Website.  Grateful to those that generously responded – so many, so quickly! Let us expect continued and multiplied blessings!

APPRECIATED and LOVED quilt project:  A double cloaking for RETIRED PRIESTS: Seven Sisters prayer and a quilt!  To learn more regarding a single quilt for a retired priest or on how to get this started in your Diocese, contact QuiltsBySevenSisters@gmail.com 

SEVEN SISTERS Guideline BOOKLETS: Available as free download from Web site.  Hard copies passed on for printing cost of $2 each + P/H. Order thru Web email with amount desired/address

SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold BROCHURE:   Effectively used in parish pamphlet stands (ask pastor’s approval prior), Adoration Chapels, Retreat Centers, Bags/Packets for Women’s Conferences/Retreats, Women’s clubs, Serra clubs – or simply handing out!  Available on Web as free download.  Recommend 80# silk for best printing results.  May also order through Web site.  Indicate address/quantity.  25 for $10 + P/H.  Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH. 

SEVEN SISTERS Tri-fold LITANY for PRIESTS: Beautifully printed on 100# silk (a bit thicker than brochures).  Original artwork (inspired by the Diary of St Faustina) by Seven Sister in Minnesota, Litany by Richard Cardinal Cushing.  25 for $10 + P/H. 

REMEMBRANCE of those SEVEN SISTERS who have PASSED: We want to remember those Seven Sisters in name and in prayer, who have gone before us to their eternal rest. Visit the Web site. Click on ABOUT folder and scroll to bottom, choose: IN REMEMBRANCE.  Follow prompts… OR you may submit info via the Website email. Please check site monthly for additions!  

PRIEST who has PASSED to ETERNAL REST: If the priest for whom you pray has entered eternal life, the group may be led to continue to pray for a length of time for the soul of that priest. Perhaps a novena of Holy Hours or the offering of holy Mass(es) for the priest.  You will know.  Some groups have/are offering Holy Hours for an entire year for their beloved deceased priest.  Groups may be started following the death of a priest that did not have a group prior.  This is commendable and welcomed.  Please register these special groups through the Web site.

SPANISH translation of Communique:  Generously done every month by Zahyra B, Anchoress for a Seven Sisters group in Venezuela.  Posted/archived on the Website.  If it is easier to receive through an email account, please let me know. Expect 2-4 days for translation. Commitment Prayer/Guidelines Booklet in Spanish (on the Web - free download).