Intense Longing

Greetings to dearest Sisters in Christ! How fitting in this 10th anniversary year of celebration that June marked the greatest growth of more groups for more priests (3-5 per day average!) in the Apostolate’s history.  Together let us be grateful and heartened in God’s Will, Way, and Work!

St Peter Julian Eymard (pronounced A-mard) had a yearning to be near our Eucharistic Lord. At age five, young Peter wandered from home. His family, frantically searching, finally located him in the church, peacefully perched atop a tall stool near the high altar tabernacle. In response to their flurry of questioning, he whispered, “I am here listening to Jesus.”

During the pandemic days, many Seven Sisters have expressed a shared intense longing to be in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord for their Holy Hours.  Special graces abound in the reach of His holy rays.   We acquiesce to a matchless quietness.  The company of innumerable angels adoring our Lord as Jesu Hostia welcome us.  The heart has its reasons – as does the Lord…

 In July 2019, the Apostolate hosted a pilgrimage traversing beautiful France and visiting her holy sites. A stop was made at the Blessed Sacrament Congregation’s Corpus Christi Chapel in Paris where the remains of St Peter Julian Eymard rest.  We pilgrims offered a Holy Hour.  My heart was stirred during that Hour to sense an almost-tangible encouragement for the Apostolate toward heightened Eucharistic fervor through St Peter Julian, friend and contemporary of St John Vianney.  Months later, the pandemic.  Chapels closed.  Despite, Eucharistic love has intensified.  As Chapels now open, this “Apostle of the Eucharist”, has every encouragement for us – to return to the Chapels!

Despite persistent health challenges, Fr Eymard was energetic and zealous, and especially enlivened and effective in preaching Eucharistic devotions. On Corpus Christi, 25 May 1845, while carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession in Lyons (France), he felt a deeply compelling attraction to Christ in the Eucharist and resolved to “bring all the world to the knowledge and love of our Lord; to preach nothing but Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Eucharistic.”  Time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament guided this new mission. “The Object of Eucharistic adoration is the divine Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament. There is nothing greater or holier we can do on earth than this adoration. Eucharistic adoration is the greatest of actions. … The Eucharist is everything, because from the Eucharist, everything is.”  He emboldened others to make the sacrifices to be before the Eucharistic Lord because it held gifts beyond measure: “The Holy Eucharist is like a divine Storehouse filled with every virtue; God has placed It in the world so that everyone may draw from It.” … “Have a great love for Jesus in His divine Sacrament of Love. It is the divine oasis of the desert. It is the heavenly manna of the traveler. It is the Holy Ark. It is the life and Paradise of love on earth.”

Fr Eymard’s time with our Eucharistic Lord fueled his clear and passionate preaching which also came to be recognized as prophetic in nature.  “Today solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the grace and need of our time. Society will be restored and renewed when all its members group themselves around our Emmanuel. …Society will again someday become Christian won to Jesus Christ by the apostolate of Eucharistic Prayer.” He resolutely connected the most important aspect of fruitful Christian living with the Blessed Sacrament: “Love cannot triumph unless it becomes the one passion of our life. Without such passion we may produce isolated acts of love; but our life is not really won over or consecrated to an ideal. Until we have a passionate love for our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we shall accomplish nothing.”

 Three years prior to death, Fr Eymard made a lengthy retreat in Rome.  He was powerfully struck by the strength of Christ’s love within him – a love he felt taking over his whole person.  He attributed this to his visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Love Himself.  Many Seven Sisters write of a sure and growing transformative strength of love within themselves and also for the priests for whom they pray.  It is collectively described as linked to their time in Adoration.  The current aching to return to the Chapels is heart-led and heart-felt – and now may it be heart-satisfied!  Every sacrifice to return to the Chapels will be met with reward.

 St Peter Julian Eymard flourished in sanctity and love.  His profound love for Mary was cultivated by Eucharistic Love – and vice versa.  And so, it will follow for we as Seven Sisters. Listen: “Not everybody can preach Jesus Christ by word of mouth, but every adorer has the mission of Mary at the feet of Jesus: the apostolic mission of prayer, of Eucharistic prayer at the foot of the throne of grace and mercy. Eucharistic prayer has an excellence all its own; it goes straight to the Heart of God like a flaming dart; the adorer prays through Jesus Christ and unites himself to our Lord’s role as Intercessor with the Father and divine Advocate for His redeemed brethren. …Pray for Jesus’ Kingdom of holiness in His faithful, His religious, His priests. Pray for the Sovereign Pontiff. …Thus, adorers at the foot of the Most Blessed Sacrament carry on a universal and perpetual mission of prayer, and thus render to God the most perfect homage He can receive from a creature.” St Peter Julian Eymard (Feast Day - Aug 2), pray for us, as we render the most perfect homage to God for your brother priests!  Increase our Eucharistic love and love for Mary!

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

10th Anniversary Year of our Founding Graces (03/24/11 – 03/24/21)
In celebration:  Prepare a simple card for the bishop or priest for whom you pray –
in remembrance of the Feast of St John Vianney (August 4), patron of all priests. 
Express your gratitude and love.  Share a quote or two from this exemplary shepherd!

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Monstrance Borne by Angels - Giacinto Calandrucci (17th c)

SEVEN SISTERS – in and out and about:

Heartfelt welcome: New groups registered in JUNE to cover more priests in daily prayer:  Additional groups in Argentina (NEW country!), Canada (Thunder Bay and Ottawa), Hong Kong (NEW country!), Washington, DC and in these USA states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.  We pray daily for priests and bishops on 6 continents, 25 countries, all 50 USA states, almost every Province in Canada and in over 2000 groups! Happy fact: on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, NINE new groups registered in that one day!

DAILY prayer for GROWTH: During this Year of St Joseph (12/08/20 to 12/08-21) every Seven Sister is asked to offer DAILY the Act of Confidence:  Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee. Heart of Mary, I implore thee. Heart of Joseph, meek and just. In these three Hearts I place my trust. Two Seven Sisters (Karen, PA, and Lisa, MN) have created beautiful prayer aids.  See Website for downloads.

RECENT … and AHEAD on the calendar:

> Gratitude to Carrie, volunteer St Cloud (MN) Diocesan Coordinator, for organizing a Time of Reflection and Renewal (06/13/21) “Plug into Adoration – Keep Our Priests Charged!”

> Gratitude to countless Anchoresses who described June gatherings of Seven Sisters for Mass together, annual commitment prayer, testimonies and fellowship.  Such great joy in the reports!

> 06/28/21, 9amEST: Skype interview on Catholic Family Network (CFN Live) - New York (Janette)

> 07/29-31/21, Informational booth at 40th Annual Chesterton Conference, Chicago

> 08/20-22/21, Denver – National Conference for Single Catholics – inviting feedback from anyone in the know about this event.  Possible info booth or packet insert. (Email Apostolate with comments)

MATTERS of the HEART:

Ø  I'm 24-years-old and a nursing student. I've recently joined a parish that is absolutely beautiful and beginning to thrive again. There are many young people and families joining because Jesus is so loved there, and the priest is such a good Father. My friend who is in another group of 7 Sisters group in my area told me about this, and I got so excited about it! I want to give my time and prayers for Father who is so good to us, and wrap him in the protection of prayer.” (Maria, New York)

Ø  “I am so very happy to be a part of this and feel confident it is making a difference in the lives of our priests – our current priests and those yet to come.” (Lisa, Minnesota)

Ø  “Seven Sisters Apostolate is a joy and an inspiration.  I have received wonderful and fruitful feedback from the women that have been a part of it.  This is a work of the Holy Spirit.  He is spreading the Apostolate so joyfully in our town and area.” (Janet, Maryland)

>  “I have been feeling called to do something more to serve God. We love our new pastor.  I have a great deal of respect for him as he genuinely cares about catechesis and the sacramental life of the Church. I believe Our Blessed Lady led me to the Apostolate.” (Shannon, New Jersey) 

>  “A couple years ago a friend from Minnesota sent me the website link. I said great idea! That was it, but I kept feeling promptings from the Holy Spirit to learn more. I spoke with my Spiritual Director about it and received his blessing. I then reached out to my pastor and received his blessing. Now I’m ready to reach out to other women. I’m excited! (Kelly, Oregon)

> “Father has 2 parishes, 2 schools, and getting his Canon Law degree. His plate is very full. He needs our physical and spiritual support. How better to do this than to flood heaven with our prayers each day. Father is young and full of love, knowledge, and zeal. As his flock we need to give him support. Our prayers will hopefully give him strength, fortitude, and courage to continue inspiring us to live as Jesus taught us. Projected start date: his ordination anniversary!” (Donna, Missouri)

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 

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 type of fasting he will offer and commits to fast a designated day of the week (excepting Sunday/Solemnities). Our Chaplain, strongly urges formation of these groups for the benefit of the priests/bishops. He also wants to keep track of the groups forming.  Anchoresses: let us know the Seven Sisters group to which the Fasting Brothers are linked, name of lead Brother contact and the start date. 

LAMP-BEARERS: In January 2020, 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. 

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.  Available in ENGLISH and SPANISH. 

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).