Trusted Love and Protection

Only two things can save us in such a grave hour: devotion to Mary and frequent Communion.
— St John Bosco

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! The Church dons full regalia in October.  There are treasures and a rosary in every pocket! The liturgical calendar is overflowing with Feast days and in this month mother Church reminds us to turn toward Our Lady of the Rosary and pray as she repeatedly prompts us. Our Lady also reminds us to make frequent and good Holy Communions.

Recently my husband and I reminisced about a scene in our early family years.  The four of us were being seated in a restaurant.  My husband and I chose seats opposite one another at the round table.  Our son hopped in a vacant chair, looked across at his older sister with a big grin, and announced, “I get to sit between mom and dad!”  In a millisecond something else dawned on him, “Oh,” he mumbled in a whisper, “you get to sit between mom and dad too!”  The truth of the matter is – security and joy are fittingly found near those who love and will protect.

Italian priest, St John Bosco, had vivid dreams from childhood onward, which helped guide his life and proved to be prophetically accurate.  One of his more remarkable mystical dreams was in the Spring of 1862. He had a vision of the near-term future of his beloved Catholic Church.  Following are excerpts from Forty Dreams of St John Bosco, compiled and edited by Fr J Bacchiarello, SDB:

“Try to picture yourselves with me on the seashore, or, better still, on an outlying cliff with no other land in sight. The vast expanse of water is covered with a formidable array of ships in battle formation, prows fitted with sharp spear-like beaks capable of breaking through any defense. All are heavily armed with cannons, incendiary bombs, and firearms of all sorts — even books — and are heading toward one stately ship, mightier than them all. As they try to close in, they try to ram it, set it afire, and cripple it as much as possible.

This stately vessel is shielded by a flotilla escort. Winds and waves are with the enemy. In this midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a short distance apart, soar high into the sky: one is surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Virgin at whose feet a large inscription reads: Help of Christians; the other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a [Communion] Host of proportionate size and bears beneath it the inscription Salvation of believers. …

The entire enemy fleet closes in to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs. They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets, incendiary bombs, firearms, cannons. The battle rages ever more furious. Beaked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no avail, as, unscathed and undaunted, it keeps on its course. At times a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole into its hull, but, immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the gash. …

Very grave trials await the Church. What we have suffered so far is almost nothing compared to what is going to happen. The enemies of the Church are symbolized by the ships which strive their utmost to sink the flagship. Only two things can save us in such a grave hour: devotion to Mary and frequent Communion. Let us do our very best to use these two means and have others use them everywhere.”

Through the grace and strength of the Holy Eucharist and the assured intercession of Our Lady, the Church has and will withstand raging squalls and assaults of every type.  “Trust things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and Mary, Help of Christians,” encourages St John Bosco, “and you will see what miracles are.”

From its inception, the Apostolate has held in its simple mission of beseeching sanctity for all bishops and priests, the encouragement of staying close to both the Eucharist and the Madonna.  It is built in! Our weekly prayer is ideally as near as can be to the Blessed Sacrament. (While in the current pandemic milieu this is not possible for all right now, but please keep fidelity to prayer, even in your domestic oratories.  Return to the Chapels and Tabernacles when you are able).  Within that offered Hour we intentionally seek prayer for the recipient bishop/priest for a greater devotion to Mary.  Don Bosco is worth repeating: “these two things… can save us in such a grave hour.”

As Divine economy would have it, over and again, Seven Sisters tell me they too are growing in knowledge and love of both our Eucharistic Lord and Our Lady. As Seven Sisters we come to trust a growing inner fortification and peace of being near the Blessed Sacrament and Mary.  When we experience a hiatus from one or both we develop a longing that goes unsatisfied until remedied!  Like my son’s epiphany, like St John Bosco’s detailed dream… we desire to be harbored safely (or at least seeking this sweet spot) between trusted Love and Protection.  Please keep fidelity to your Hour.  “Where humble obedience reigns, grace will triumph” (St John Bosco).

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
+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!

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SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups that registered in SEPTEMBER to cover more priests in daily prayer:  NEW country: ISRAEL!  Additional groups in Canada, Italy, Spain and in these USA states: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. One USA state does not YET have the benefit of a Seven Sisters group:  Rhode Island.  We are praying daily in 6 continents and 21 countries.

NOTE to Anchoresses:   Please inform of all NEW groups and Anchoress/priest/other changes (including updates in your contact info) thru Web site.  One woman as Anchoress for one group only – let us share the joy of leadership, keeping the focus on prayer!  Bishop groups begin with 7 intercessors and grow to three groups of 7 in six months’ time or less.  One Anchoress for all 21 intercessors in a Bishop group.

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  Note from Fr James Boric to Anchoress of his group (permission given to share): “I wanted to sincerely thank you and the other 6 women for praying for me-offering a holy hour every day of the week.  I feel those prayers-and they are so, so appreciated. Could you pass on my gratitude to the women? What you all are doing for me is beyond value. I truly, truly am grateful.” (Rector, National Shrine of the Assumption of the BVM, Baltimore, Maryland)

Ø  “I was approached by an acquaintance in a neighboring parish who asked if I would be interested in starting a group. I said yes! Our priests are facing such trying times. I have had women committed to participate refer others I don't know and they have answered the call. Praise God! The Holy Spirit at His finest!!” (Ann, Michigan)

Ø  “Magdala Center was founded for the heart of the woman, through the heart of Father Juan. As the homeland of Mary Magdalene was unveiled, this group of women had the profound blessing of being healed in this special place. We want to cover the Founder in prayers as the site is still in its beginnings.” (Meghan, Israel)

Ø  “I wanted to have a more prayerful life. I prayed for God to send me a sign and in my parish women's fellowship meeting, a woman shared this with the group and I said YES! I never turned back. It was a sign from God that this ministry was sent as an answer to my prayer.” (Bonnie, Pennsylvania)

Ø  “This Apostolate has been on my heart since I first read about it in an article in the Diocesan newspaper in Dec 2018. I felt called to do a holy hour for my bishop and began Jan 2019. I am excited to finally be starting this at my parish (Sept 2020). Intercessory prayer is my main charism, and I love to pray for others.  Nativity of Mary is our start date because Father has a devotion to Mary.” (Barbara, Indiana)

Ø  “A lady and her daughter with a couple of children (not members of our parish) showed up during the time I was doing Adoration. While talking to her afterwards she began to tell me about this and asked if I was interested. I said yes and approached the parish staff. We looked it up and that is when I decided to start a group. It is interesting that I haven't seen her since.” (Bonnie, Illinois)

FASTING BROTHERS: 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. (Groups number as six - no fasting on Sunday) Our Chaplain, Fr Joseph Johnson, 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:  Now available for purchase.  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). Tri-fold Brochures (informational) available for purchase in Spanish (25 for $10).