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Fulton Sheen House of Formation presents...
Thomistic Studies: Causality
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This year's Thomistic Studies were held from March 13th to
the 16th at
the Incarnate Word Bishop Sheen House of Formation in Chillum,
MD. The theme
was "Causality" which was addressed by 33 speakers
including Priests, Seminarians, and Sisters along with three guest
speakers. Dr. Ralph McInerny of the University of Notre Dame
presenting on "Preambles of the Faith," Dr. Peter Simpson of
City University of New York presenting "On Formal
Causality," and Dr. Jude Dougherty the Dean Emeritus CUA,
School of Philosophy presenting "Uses and Abuses of
Metaphor."
The presentations included topics such as: Agreement of "The
One" and "The Many," Historical Works including Modern
Philosophers, and Saint Thomas Aquinas: Synthetic Thomistic
Causality. Under Doctrinal Works
such themes as Predicamental Causality, Transcendental Causality,
Integration of Both Causalities were presented. Finally under
Applications we heard talks on Instrumental Causality in the
Sacraments, the Magisterial Teaching on Biblical
Inspiration, and Divine Presence Supernatural
Participation and Causality.
We thank God again for this year's opportunity to continue
the Thomistic Studies in order to grow in our knowledge and
understanding of Truth, striving to serve and glorify God.
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California
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Third Order Meeting
“The Cross in our Lives” was the theme for the monthly Third
Order meeting that took place at Our Lady of Peace on March
3, 2007. Members and friends from Our Lady of Peace and
Saint Leo the Great met in the Family Learning Center for
our traditional potluck dinner and news from around the
world. This night we had a special presentation from Father
Gustavo Nieto, IVE provincial superior and Father David
Vidal, rector of the IVE seminary outside of Washington, DC.
They brought us pictures and news from the formation houses,
as well as the greetings from our family on the East Coast.
Sr. Maria de los Angeles then presented some news from our
missions around the world, and like last meeting, we saw the
fruit of our fundraising dinner! The sisters at our high
school in Argentina sent us a thank you letter with pictures
of their new floor that they were able to purchase with the
money they received! Father Walter Mallo and Mother Ana de
Jesus then gave the talks about the “cross in our lives”
while the kids enjoyed themselves as always outside with the
sisters and members of the youth group. We commend our Third
Order members to the care of Our Lady that she might bring
them closer to the heart of her Divine Son Jesus.
First Anniversary of Monsignor John Sweeny
To honor the first anniversary of the death of Monsignor John Sweeny, the first pastor at Our Lady of Peace, we had very special activities to honor his memory on Sunday March 4, 2007. Although he did many amazing things for Our Lady of Peace, the greatest gift he left us was the
establishment of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament ever since August 15, 1976. After all the morning Masses, we had tables set up outside all the entrances of the church inviting people to spend time with our Eucharistic Lord during the week, and also to stop by the Family Learning Center to find out more about Adoration and also to see a slide show on the life of Monsignor Sweeny. After the noon Mass, we gathered in the gym for a potluck lunch and also to watch a video of Mother Angelica interviewing Monsignor Sweeny on EWTN! The gym was packed as we watched the video and listened to the words of his brother who came to have lunch with us. Throughout the day, we had many new people sign up for one or more hours of Adoration--clearly,
our prayers for more adorers are being answered through the intercession of Monsignor Sweeny. May he rest in peace and continue to intercede for us through his prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Catechist Formation Classes
The catechists at Our Lady of Peace and Saint Leo the Great united for two catechist formation classes on January 17 and February 16, 2007. On the first night, Sister Maria de los Angeles and Mother Ana de Jesus explained basic teaching methods and ways to get the children to learn actively, that is, by asking questions, reinforcing the ideas, etc. The second class was originally scheduled for another topic, but ended up being a continuation of the first class and dealt with discipline problems and different reinforcement games and activities to reinforce the previous lessons. Many of the attending catechists brought lots of
fun game ideas. Everyone was taking notes and during that
week, trying out the new ideas with their students! We ask Our Blessed Mother, the Queen of the Missions, to continue to intercede for our catechists as they bring our children closer to their heavenly home.
Boys' Confirmation Retreat Equipped with team leaders and patron saints, about 40 Confirmation boys from Our Lady of Peace and Saint Leo the Great had their retreat day at Mission San Jose. There is a Dominican convent located right behind the Mission with a large playing field, a large conference room, and a chapel to celebrate Holy Mass. The theme of the day was “who am I and where am I going.” Father Walter Mallo and Father Anthony Hernandez (one of the priests that help at Our Lady of Peace) gave the two main talks. The boys also had Confession, the Holy Rosary, and an intense dodge ball and soccer tournament. Besides the beautiful grounds, cemetery for the Dominican sisters, and Stations of the Cross on the sisters’ property, there was also a flock of wild turkeys that caught everyone’s attention!
We ask Our Blessed Mother to continue to keep her maternal
mantle over our Confirmation students as they prepare to
receive their last sacrament of initiation.
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Confirmation Retreat in Canada
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The youth in Canada had
 their annual confirmation retreat with the sisters and Fr. Hugo who gave talks
and presentations. The retreat went very well and all the
candidates are looking forward to receiving the sacrament of
confirmation and coming into the fullness of the Faith this Easter.
We thank God for all the benefits received and ask for
prayers for those preparing to be confirmed.
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Baptisms in Harlem and Catholic Schools Week |
St. Paul’s Elementary School, in East Harlem, New York,
enjoyed a variety of fruitful celebrations during the last
month. On February 16, 2007 they were very grateful to welcome
9 new members into the Church who received the sacrament of Baptism.
Seven students from the school (many
of whom had requested to receive the sacrament on their
own) and 2 younger siblings who were 3 years old with their
godparents and family members witnessed the sacrament before the presence of the whole school, teachers and staff members.
It was a very joyful celebration.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we prepare many other children for the reception of the sacraments this year.
 They also celebrated
Catholic Schools Week. The theme was “Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education.” The week began with a Catholic
competition, in which each grade sent representatives to
compete regarding their knowledge about the Church. All
grades, Pre-K through 8th, participated in this event.
During the week there was also a speech competition from
which the winners will also compete on an archdiocesan
level later on in the year. There were also art and music
competitions as well as the most widely celebrated sports
competition. The students competed in basketball, hockey,
jump rope, soccer, balloon popping (with the balloon tied
around the ankle), relay races, and much more.
We look forward to the remainder of the school year with
great enthusiasm and zeal!
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College Visitors to St. Gabriel's
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 A
group of students from Williams College located in
Williamstown, MA, in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains
visited St. Elizabeth Ann Seton community in Brooklyn. This
group of young people are from different backgrounds but all
Catholic.
All of them came offering voluntary work as members of the Newman Association,
which provides liturgical prayer, social, and service
opportunities to Catholic students at Williams. They arrived early in the morning in order to participate at the 8:00 A. M. Mass.
After Mass, they had breakfast in the
 convent
and learned about our foreign missions a power-point.
When breakfast was over, Fr. Leonardo assigned them to
them the clean of the basement--a large hall used for the
soup kitchen, youth group and parish activities. For lunch
all enjoyed a variety of delicious pizzas, compliments
of the Pastor, Father Leonardo.
Everyone had the opportunity to share and ask questions. Sister Jesus Doliente
played the guitar and everyone sang. Once lunch was finished
the studenst returned to the basement to prepare sandwiches for
the homeless in the Bronx. We thank all the students
for their generosity and charity!
The students : Senior students: Kathryn Rowland, Joseph Shipper, Marina Uribe and Ana Correa.
Sophomore student: Stella Onochie. Freshman
students: Melissa Kemp, Peter Tierney, and Anthony Nguyen. |
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New Mission Opens:
Charity, Guyana!
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While the majority of the sisters of the U.S.A. Province were participating in the Annual Pro-Life March in Washington, DC,
four sisters in New York City were preparing for the new foundation of the SSVM
in Guyana. Mother Mercy, our Provincial, and Sr. Mary Ark of the Covenant,
a sister from the Juniorate, went along to help get things
ready, while Mother Maria Rosa Mistica and Sister Maria del Santo Niño
were leaving in order to become the first permanent members of the
new mission. Here is their chronicle.
The 23rd of January at 1:30 in the morning, in the company of Fr. Gustavo Campo,
IVE, a missionary in Santa Rosa, Guyana, we began the flight toward the new mission.
We arrived at the airport of Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, at 7:30 in the morning. The Guyana that was waiting for us was very hot
with a temperature of 100 ° F (38°
C) and very humid--the priest told us “this is the
Guyanese winter.”
It was a challenge to arrive at Charity, our final destination, with the 10 suitcases that we brought for the new foundation (besides 3 small suitcases and 5 backpacks!). Really, all of it was an adventure while Fr. Gustavo and Mother Mercy
negotiated with the drivers of the boats that the rest of the luggage must be carefully watched so that nothing disappeared.
But at the end we and our bags happily arrived to Charity at 2 PM.
Once in Charity after passing by the Parish of St. Francis Xavier to greet the
priests, we went to our new house and got to work. While one was cleaning, the
others went to buy some things, and another made the beds with the mosquito nets. That is how we passed the first day of our trip.
Two days later Fr. Mariano Varela blessed our new convent.
 The people of Charity and the surrounding towns of Queenstown, Suddie,
Henrietta, St. John, etc. were very happy with our arrival
and very anxious to be able to help us with whatever we
might need. As we get to know the 10 communities that the
IVE priests attend to, we are becoming familiar with the
customs, food, and even the Guyanese English. The priests
have asked that we take care of all of the catechesis and
preparation for the liturgy in the communities under their
pastoral ministry.
The second week in Guyana we spent in Georgetown, where we had to arrange our immigration papers.
During the four days that we were there we stayed in the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, an American congregation that founded
a mission in Guyana in 1894. These sisters, with ardent charity, not only housed us but also organized a welcome gathering with all of the religious that are working in this city. We visited the Ursuline Sisters
who have a primary school, a secondary school, and an orphanage. We also visited the Carmelite Sisters of St. Joseph, a congregation from Trinidad-Tobago
who have a home for university students.
The next day we visited the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, who take care of the elderly
poor and have an infant home. That same day we were received by the Jesuit Fathers, whose superior was one of the first
Guyanese vocations.
Finally, we were received by Bishop Francis Alleyne, our bishop, who was very happy with our presence in Guyana.
He sent us on our way with a blessing asking God the grace for us to be faithful to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit in our missionary work.
We give thanks to God for this new foundation of the SSVM, and while we say goodbye until the next
Guyanese chronicle, we ask that you do not forget about us in your prayers and sacrifices.
Photo Gallery
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Fulton Sheen House of Formation & Marie Joseph Lagrange Present
The Second Annual Biblical Conference
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The 2007 Biblical Conference was held February 8-9th at
the Fulton Sheen House of Formation in Chillum, MD. The speakers for
this years conference included: Dr. Robert Miller from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg,
MD who gave a talk on "The Triumph of Grace in the Old
Testament"; Fr. Joseph Poggemeyer STD, from the
Pontifical
College of Josephinum, in Columbus, OH giving two talks,
one on the "Aspects of knowing God in Rom. 1:21 and 1 Cor.
1:21" the other "A Meditation on Psalm 1";
Dr. Joseph Atkinson STL, STD, from the John Paul
II Institute in Washington D.C. who spoke on "Inerrancy
as the Hermeneutical Foundation for Catholic Exegesis";
and finally Dr. Scott Hahn, from The Franciscan University
of Steubenville and the St. Paul Center for Biblical
Theology who spoke on "The Biblical Theology of Pope
Benedict XVI."
The Conference is held annually to provide a forum
for the on-going education and formation in Catholic
Biblical Studies.
We are very grateful to our speakers and thank God
for this opportunity to grow in the knowledge and love
of His revelation to us in the Sacred Scriptures.
Dr. Scott Hahn
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World Day of the Sick in Canada
February 11, 2007
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St. Augustine's youth group in Toronto, Canada found a way
to participate in the World Day of the Sick, a world-wide
day of prayer and charity held on the Feast of Our Lady of
Lourdes. Along with two sisters and a priest, the group of
youth and young adults visited a retirement home close to their parish, which is
generally visited weekly by other members of the parish. With this visit the youth group united
their prayers with the residents and also practiced one of the most beautiful works of
charity of our faith. The time together was very fruitful
for both the residents and the visitors and all thank God
for this opportunity to share the mercy of God's love under
the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes.
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News from California: A New Chapel, Girls' Oratory
and 3rd Order Up-Date
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With much anticipation, we received our new tabernacle during the first week of February! It was through the generosity of many benefactors over the past two years that our chapel was refurnished with a new floor, fresh paint, a monstrance, a beautiful tabernacle, and a Saint Joseph statue. When the sisters returned in December, 2006 from the Third Order pilgrimage to Mexico, they also brought back a beautiful crucifix for our chapel. A couple days after the tabernacle was installed, Father Walter Mallo brought the Blessed Sacrament for us, and also blessed the tabernacle, crucifix, and monstrance. Our latest edition came to us all the way from Ecuador! Through the generosity of a sculptor in Ecuador, we received a beautifully painted wooden Saint Joseph statue! We pray for all the intentions of our benefactors and ask God to bless them abundantly for their generosity.
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Girls Oratory
Since the beginning of September, the girls’ oratory at Our Lady of Peace has been steadily increasing in number and activities! Every Friday night from 6-8PM, anywhere from ten to fourteen girls, aged twelve to seventeen, come to the Family Learning Center for prayer, pizza, and games. The traditional schedule is to first make pizza and set the table, then a short talk, followed by games, and lastly a pizza party. We close the night with a song to Our Lady. We completed our first service project in December by visiting a local nursing home and singing Christmas carols for the elderly. It was an adventure reaching the nursing home due to rush hour traffic, but through it all, the girls manifested their joy by singing and having fun in the car. Our more recent addition to the schedule is that on first Fridays we take away some of our time for games to pray the Holy Rosary and make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Our plans now are to present a play on the life of Saint Bernadette for the feast of the Annunciation. We pray for the fruit of the girls’ oratory that through the intercession of Saint Bernadette and Saint John Bosco, our girls will be closer to Jesus and His Most Holy Mother.
Third Order Meeting
 Many members and friends of the Third Order
at Our Lady of Peace gathered on February 3,
2007 for our monthly meeting. After the
traditional potluck dinner, Sister Maria de
los Angeles presented a slide show with
pictures from our missions in Papua, the
Holy Land, and Siberia. The pictures of
Siberia were of particular interest to our
group because during our fund raising dinner
last September, Siberia was one of the
recipients of the funds.
Our priests there
used the money to purchase two new boilers
for the church! Then the groups split up
into English and Spanish for the main talks.
Father Walter Mallo’s English topic was “The
mystery of the Incarnation and imitation of
Christ in our daily lives” using Father
Alphonsus Rodriguez’s “The practice of
perfection and Christian virtues”. In
Spanish, Sister Angeles presented the
“Little Virtues” of Saint Marcellin
Champagnat. While the adults enjoyed their
presentations, their children remained in
the gym for fun and games. We pray for the
fruit of our Third Order meetings and ask
Our Lady for the grace to always be faithful
to the charism of our religious family.
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Third Order Meeting
Many members and friends of the Third Order at Our Lady of Peace gathered on February 3, 2007 for our monthly meeting. After the traditional potluck dinner, Sister Maria de los Angeles presented a slide show with pictures from our missions in Papua, the Holy Land, and Siberia. The pictures of Siberia were of particular interest to our group because during our fund raising dinner last September, Siberia was one of the recipients of the funds. Our priests there used the money to purchase two new boilers for the church! Then the groups split up into English and Spanish for the main talks. Father Walter Mallo’s English topic was “The mystery of the Incarnation and imitation of Christ in our daily lives” using Father Alphonsus Rodriguez’s “The practice of perfection and Christian virtues”. In Spanish, Sister Angeles presented the “Little Virtues” of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. While the adults enjoyed their presentations, their children remained in the gym for fun and games. We pray for the fruit of our Third Order meetings and ask Our Lady for the grace to always be faithful to the charism of our religious family.
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Mother Anima Christi's Interview with
ZENIT January 9th 2007
(Our
translation from the original interview
published in Spanish by ZENIT.)
Read Article
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Pro-Life From Coast to Coast!
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
(John 14:6)
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Photo Gallery
Washington D.C. March
The 34th March for Life was held on January 22, 2007
with an outstanding turn-out of faithful pro-lifers from
many locations across America. The Institute of the Incarnate Word’s
parishes brought marchers from near and far. They made their way from the local DC area,
as well as from Pennsylvania, New York (Harlem and Brooklyn), Connecticut, Canada and as far away as California. On the Vigil of the March, Sunday 21, all the
arriving marchers gathered at the parish hall of St. James'
Church in Mount Rainier, MD for dinner and recreation.
Following dinner, everyone prepared for the March with a
Vigil of Eucharistic Adoration and the recitation of the
Rosary while ten priests heard confessions.
Early on the morning of the 22nd our group headed for the Youth Rally and Holy
Mass at the Verizon Center where the new Archbishop of
the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, Archbishop Donald Wuerl,
presided, for the first time. Our 400 strong
delegation of parishioners, youth, IVE priests, sisters
and seminarians marched down Constitution Avenue to the
Supreme Court testifying to our firm conviction that all
human life is sacred--from conception to natural death.
We all returned home late and exhausted but with
gratitude and hope that this public act of faith and
freedom will bear fruit of visible legislative change
based on the change of hearts and minds. Many came
for a pilgrimage of faith; all came to defend the gift of life,
most especially of the unborn.
The Nation's capitol was flooded for some days with families, university students,
clergy and religious all proudly and peacefully proclaiming there stance in the “One Nation Under God” as PRO-LIFE!
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Visit http://www.iveamerica.org for more photos
and information about the
National Pro-Life March in Washington, DC as
well as about the 2nd Annual Pro-Life March
in San Francisco.
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San Jose's Pro-Life Chain
Every year to commemorate pro-life Sunday, there is a “pro-life
chain” on one of the most traveled roads in San Jose. Some of
our parishioners from Our Lady of Peace and Saint Leo’s joined
in the prayerful two hour demonstration of our stance against
abortion and the culture of death. What the pro-life chain
consists of is dedicated people who stand with signs while praying silently for an end to crimes against life. This year we had something extra to offer up: as soon as we pulled out of the church’s parking lot, it began to rain. Nevertheless, towards the end, the rain stopped, and although the clouds remained, they weren’t able to dampen our spirit of joy. May Our Lady, the Mother of Life, grant us the grace of perseverance in spreading not only the Gospel of Life, but offering mercy to those who have lost children due to the sin of abortion.
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St. George's parish in Bridgeport,
CT |
Saint George's Hispanic and Lithuanian communities celebrated Advent and Christmas with "Posadas
Portorriqueña" which is a visitation of homes in the parish community that lasts for nine days. During these nine days
those faithful participating choose houses that they will go to visit each of
the nights during the nine days, those who visit come asking for entrance
into the house on behalf of the Holy Virgin Mary and St. Joseph in memory of
them seeking shelter. Upon entrance to the homes they pray the Rosary with the family and celebrate Mass. In some homes the youth put on a live Nativity scene and sang to the Child Jesus.
The parish community also participated in a pilgrimage for
the "Feast of Lights" at shrine of Sanctuary of La Salette.
During this time of the year the decoration of is beautiful.
We thank God for our time spent together in celebrating the
birth of His Son our Lord Jesus.
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Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Empress of America - December 12th, 2006
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In the days leading up to the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
the Sisters in Avondale, PA organized activities in Her Honor. First, Mrs. Elvira Araiza came from Mexico
give a talk about Our Lady, explaining the history and the mysteries of the Tilma of
St. Juan Diego, a true code and a living Gospel.
Next, there was a day of activities for the youth in which 100 young people participated.
There was also a family day which included two expositions on Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Finally, on the morning of the Feast Day, the people gathered at the convent at 6:00 AM
to sing the famous mañanitas and to begin a candle-lit procession singing to Our Lady.
The procession even included visits to some of the mushroom fields where many of the faithful work.
The morning concluded with two Masses attended by close to 4,000 people. We give
thanks to Our Lady and for all the blessings she has bestowed on us and on all her devoted children!
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum
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Photo Gallery
On December 7th, 2006, the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception, eleven novices received the Religious
Habit. At the same Mass celebration, six sisters renewed their vows, and
six IVE novices received the Black Cassock. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC and was
presided by Fr. Gustavo Nieto, IVE Provincial Father.
During the Mass when the novices receive the Religious Habit, they also
receive their Religious Name. The names of the eleven new novices are the following:
Sr. Maria Parousia (Maryland)
Sr. Maria Uriui Kipum (Kentucky)
Sr. Mary Dawn of Salvation (Texas)
Sr. Maria Virgo Offerens (Kansas)
Sr. Mary Our Lady of Peace (California)
Sr. Maria Templum Divinitatis (California)
Sr. Marie de Prouille (Washington State)
Sr. Mary of Ephesus (Washington State)
Sr. Mary Missionary of the Cross (Illinois)
Sr. Maria Nadiya Beznadiynych (Philadelphia)
Sr. Maria de Chiquinquira (Colombia, Bridgeport, CT)
Following the Mass, a reception was
held at St. John Baptist de la Salle in Chillum, MD where approximately 300
friends and family members attended.
We thank God and the Blessed Virgin Mary for
the many graces and blessings granted to our Religious Family.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary bless and protect our new novices.
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Funeral Mass and Burial of Deacon Dermot Francis McLaughlin, IVE (1945-2006)
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
St. Patrick
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On November 27th, 2006 at St. John Baptist de la Salle in Chillum, MD,
the Funeral Mass was celebrated for Deacon Dermot McLaughlin, IVE, who died
November 22nd, 2006 from lung cancer at the age of 61. On the afternoon
preceding the Mass, Deacon Dermont’s coffin
was received at the Church where a vigil was held. Family,
Seminarians and Sisters of our Religious Family, and friends participated in the wake during which Masses were offered every
two hours throughout the night and the Holy Rosary was prayed between Masses.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Theodore Cardinal McCarrick with fifteen IVE priests
from the Province of the Immaculate Conception concelebrating along with several diocesan priests. Following
the Mass, the coffin was taken to the Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in
Silver Spring, MD where Fr. Gustavo Nieto, IVE Provincial Father, performed
the burial rite.
We give thanks to God for the vocation of Deacon Dermot to our Religious Family and we pray for the consolation of his family.
Please visit http://www.iveamerica.org to read more about Deacon Dermot McLauglin, IVE.
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All Saints Day Pilgrimage
"I looked up in wonder at God's wonderful ways and thought how little we imagine what
may be the result of listening and acting on a desire God puts
into the heart." - St. Katharine Drexel
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On All Saints Day, November 1st, the Juniorate Immaculate Heart of Mary (House of Studies) made their annual
pilgrimage traveling to five different Shrines in Pennsylvania:
- Shrine of St. John Newmann, Philadelphia: Born in Bohemia, St. John Newmann(1811-1860) became a missionary in the United States, entered the Redemptorist Order and eventually
was named Bishop of Philadelphia. He established parochial schools, worked with youth, and promoted the 40 hours devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
- National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, Philadelphia: Augustinian nun (1381-1457)– Saint of the Impossible and advocate of difficult cases.
http://www.SaintRitaShrine.org
- The Miraculous Medal Shrine, Philadelphia: - In 1830, Our Lady appeared three times to St. Catherine Laboure(1806-1876), a Sister of the Daughters of Charity, and asked
her to form the Immaculate Conception medal which is now universally known as the Miraculous Medal.
- The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doyestown, PA: The Shrine dedicated to Our Lady was built in Pennsylvania
by the Polish faithful living in America. It includes a main upper church, as well as many small chapels and an especially
beautiful chapel with Our Lady of Czestochowa which is an exact replica of the chapel and sacred image found in the original Shrine in Jasna Gora, Poland.
http://www.czestochowa.us
- Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, Bensalem, PA: St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955), a native of Philadelphia, founded the Religious Order of the Sisters of the
Blessed Sacrament dedicated to apostolic work with the African American and Native American
people. St. Katharine Drexel is known for her love of the Eucharist and her contribution to social justice.
http://www.katharinedrexel.org
Mary Queen of All Saints - Pray for us!
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Dinner at the Procura in Rome, Italy
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The International Juniorate "Saint Teresa of Jesus" in Segni, Italy is home to newly professed sisters in first, second and third years of study.
Additionally a large group of students from other Juniorates around the world come
to Rome to finish their third year of studies. Three sisters from our Province are currently studying there:
Sr. Mary of the Annunciation, Sr. Mary Mother of the
Eucharist, and Sr. Mary Mother of Faith. Once a month,
Mother Anima Christi, our General Superior, and the
community of the General Council
invite the third-year sisters for an evening together at the
Procura in Rome.
On October 20th, a group of 18 third-year sisters spent the first evening of the 2006-2007
academic year at the Procura for Adoration,
Evening Prayer, and Dinner.
After Evening Prayer, Mother Anima Christi van Eijk, gave the "Good Nights,"
a little talk given in the tradition of St. John Bosco. Mother Anima spoke on the way to live our Fourth Vow
of Marian Slavery, living as "Apostles of the end times" drawing from a homily of our founder, Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela, found in his
book Las Servidoras I. He writes, "It is is our most
fervent desire to be able to arrive at being like the apostles in these last days according to the teaching of St. Louis Maria
Grignion de Montfort in his famous book True Devotion (#46 to #59), so recommended by the Holy Father John Paul II. Our Fourth Vow must move us to this ideal."
Who will they be?
- "True disciples of Jesus Christ": "imitating His Poverty,
His Humility, His contempt of the world and His Love...As their Teacher, they too will be signs of contradiction."
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"Singularly devoted to Mary": They will be souls "illumined by her light, strengthened by her
food, guided by her spirit, supported by her arm, and sheltered under her protection...they
will be...servants, slaves and children of Mary." They will "look up
to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
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"Very united to God": through Charity: "They will be ministers of the Lord who,
like a flaming fire, will enkindle everywhere the fires of Divine Love...They will carry the Gold of Love in their heart."
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by an invincible confidence in Providence: They will live
"so firmly convinced in the Divine Favor…that they will be able to
bring about the Triumph of Jesus Christ."
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by a firm resolution: "They will have the silver wings of the dove
enabling them to go wherever the Holy Spirit calls them, filled as
they are, with the only resolve to seek the glory of God and the salvation of souls."
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by a great desire of holiness: They will be
"the souls most rich in grace and virtue, full of grace and zeal, rich in the grace of God, that Mary abundantly distributes to them,
superior to all creatures for their great zeal."
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by their magnanimity: "The greatest
saints - great saints who will surpass in holiness most other
saints as much as the cedars of Lebanon tower above little shrubs, great and closely joined to God in Holiness. Great men
- for that
reason are models by their words and examples, they will lead the world to the true devotion of Mary."
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by their prayer: "They will be the most
assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin. They will carry the incense of prayer in the spirit, especially, the rosary."
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by mortification: They will carry
"the myrrh of mortification in their bodies. They will be as the children of Levi, thoroughly purified
by the fire of the great tribulations."
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by their sense of freedom: "attached to nothing."
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by being peaceful: without becoming "troubled at anything."
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by being courageous: without "being afraid
of anything, will not spare or heed or fear any man
however powerful he may be."
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by being just: "They will not show favor to anyone."
(Servidoras I – Rev. Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela)
Following the Good Nights, the sisters came together for dinner
together when they had the opportunity to speak
with all the mothers and to learn more about the missions of our Institute and the future foundations. They also shared songs from their
native cultures.
This year, the 18 third-year sisters are of 10 different nationalities. The sisters have come to Rome from Argentina, Brazil,
Chile, Ecuador, Peru, United States of America, Italy, Ukraine, Russia, and the Philippines.
May Jesus and Mary protect each of the sisters and fill them with many graces for their holiness and their future missions.
To Jesus through Mary!
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Academic Achievement
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Mother Maria Gema, Sr. Maria Auxiliadora,
Sr. Maria de Jesús, Sr. Auxilio de los Christianos,
and Sr. Mary Mother of Hope are currently studying at Hostos University
(New York) to earn their teaching degrees as part of a
project to contribute to the teaching presence of religious
in parochial schools.
In October, Hostos University awarded academic achievement
awards to the following sisters: Mother Maria Gema, Sr. Maria Auxiliadora,
and Sr. Maria de Jesús. These sisters
were able to do an outstanding job in their studies at the
University along with their other responsibilities. Congratulations!
May the Blessed Mother guide and protect each of the sisters in their studies.
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First Profession of Vows - World Mission Sunday
"I commit all my strength so as not to be elusive to the missionary adventure,
in order to inculturate the Gospel in the diversity of all cultures, in order to prolong
the Incarnation of the Word...(Const., 254)"
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Photo Gallery
On Sunday October 22nd, 2006, World Mission Sunday, eight novices made their first profession of vows.
Through the religious vows "...the religious offers herself and all that is hers to God, without
keeping anything back: through the vow of chastity, she offers the goods of her body; through the vow of
poverty, external things; and through the vow of obedience, the goods of her soul (Const., 51)."
During the same ceremony, the IVE novices received their habit, the black cassock, and
a group of IVE seminarians made their first vows. We congratulate the Whiting family of Mobile, Alabama who came
to be present for a double celebration. Their oldest daughter, Sr. Mary Mother of Light Whiting, made her first profession
of vows and one of their younger sons, Brother Andrew Elija Whiting, IVE Novice, received his religious habit, the black cassock.
Congratulations!
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The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by Fr. Gustavo Nieto, IVE Provincial Father
at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The following eight novices
made their first profession of religious vows:
- Sr. Maria de Coromoto
- Sr. Mary Pearl of Virgins
- Sr. Maria Espejo de Paciencia
- Sr. Maria de la Revelacíon
- Sr. Mary Mother of Light
- Sr. Maria de Talpa
- Sr. Mary Our Lady of OstraBrama
- Sr. María Panagía
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Immediately following the Mass, a reception for family and friends was held at St. John Baptist de la Salle in Chillum, MD.
We entrust each newly professed member of our Religious Family to Our Blessed Mother, who is the perfect model of living out the religious vows.
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Jubilee Festival of
St. George's Catholic Church, IVE Parish |
St. George's parish in Bridgeport,
CT began 100 years ago with a community of Lithuanian priests
attended by a mixture of both Lithuanian and American parishioners.
In the course of the years, different communities joined St. George’s most notably those
of Hispanic origin: Mexicans, Colombians, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Ecuadorians,
Guatemalans and others.
On Sunday October 15th the Jubilee festivities began at St. George’s parish. The celebration began with the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass which was presided by Monsignor Edmundas Putrimas, the delegate of the Episcopal conference of Bishops in Lithuania.
Concelebrating was Pastor Fr. Julio Lopresti, IVE, and his vicar Fr. Jorge Randle, IVE.
The Mass was celebrated in English, Lithuanian, and Spanish.
Following the Mass, the festivities began. They included beautiful dances particular to each culture organized by various
parish groups and continued through the Sunday afternoon with lunch.
We give thanks to God for the benefits that we have received over the years,
and we look forward to the possibility of a parish
pilgrimage to Rome, the "Holy City," next year.
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Pilgrimage to St. John Vianney in Merrick, New York
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Our sisters in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Community (St. Gabriel's,
Brooklyn) were recently privileged
to venerate the Heart of the Holy Cure of Ars.
The community traveled on October 9th, 2006 to the
parish of St. John Vianney in Merrick, NY.
Fr. Charles Mangano, the pastor, invited deacons,
seminarians, religious brothers, and sisters to
take part in the solemn vespers during the visit of the relics.
Following the liturgy, the consecrated men and women went forward
to honor the saint’s heart. Special intentions were
offered for the sanctification and perseverance of
all priests, and especially for the recently deceased
Fr. Benito Lagos.
We give thanks for this grace, and ask St. John Vianney to
grant us the grace to have a pure and holy heart capable
of loving Christ as he has loved us.
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Remembering Fr. Benito Lagos, IVE Priest (1957-2006)
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit (Lk 23:46).
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On Monday, October 16th, 2006 in San Rafael, Argentina the Funeral Mass was
celebrated for Fr. Benito Lagos, IVE, who died in Rome, Italy on October 8th after a heart attack at the age of 49.
Before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Fr. Benito's coffin was
placed in the church at the IVE Seminary in San Rafael where a vigil was held.
During the vigil, family members, members of our Religious Family, friends, and other religious took turns to keep watch until
the Mass. Among the seventeen family members were Fr. Benito's two brothers: Pablo and Juan; and his sister María Elena with
their spouses and children.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was presided by Fr. Gabriel Zapata, Provincial Superior of Argentina,
along with 25 priests who concelebrated. After the Mass, the coffin was
taken in procession to the cemetery of the IVE Seminary where all the members of our Religous Family are buried.
Fr. Benito Lagos was ordained to the priesthood on October 9, 1993, and served as a missionary in Fall River, Massachussetts; Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain),
as well as in Tarquinia, Italy where he was pastor of a parish at the time of his death.
Please pray in thanksgiving for Fr. Benito's thirteen years of priesthood, and for the consolation of his family.
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Mother Anima Christi's Visit: September 7-30, 2006
Mother Anima Christi van Eijk, our General Superior, has come to visit our province for the month of September. She will be
visiting all the convents in the United States and Canada. This will give the sisters a chance to meet and
to talk with our General Superior.
We pray for the fruits of her visit.
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Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
"We worship your cross, O Lord, and we commemorate your glorious passion. You suffered for us;
have mercy on us." (Liturgy of the Hours)
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Photo Gallery
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14th, 2006, is celebrated by
the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará in order to commemorate the Cross of Matará.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY.
The Mass included:
- Profession of Perpetual Vows of: Sr. María Di Canneto
- First Profession of Vows of: Sr. Mary Ark of the Covenant
- Renewal of Temporary Vows
- Reception of the Cross of Matará by the Postulants
A reception immediately followed the Mass where about 300 people attended, including
friends, family and benefactors.
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Argentina Trip 2006
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Photo Gallery
As part of our formation, newly professed sisters in their first year of
the Juniorate make a trip to Argentina to visit San Rafael (Mendoza)
where our Religious Family was founded. This year Mother Mary of the Immaculate
Conception led the trip during the month of August for Sisters Mary of the Angelus, Marie Rue Du Bac, Maria Donglü, Mariam Annai Vailankanni, and Maryam
Sub Diloo Ki Malka.
The visit in San Rafael included the Formation Houses: Aspriancy, Novitate House, Juniorate, Minor Seminary (IVE),
and Major Seminary (IVE); the Works of Mercy: Home for Abandoned Children, Home for Teenage
Girls and Home for Teenage Boys (IVE), and two houses for the Disabled (women and children, and men (IVE)); the Apostolic Houses:
the schools (primary and secondary), the Hospital where sisters work as nurses and provide pastoral care;
and the Contemplative Houses: our Cloistered Nuns, and the Monastery of Monks (IVE). We also visited our sisters in Alvear (Mendoza), our mission
in La Plata (near Buenos Aires), as well as the Carmelite Nuns in Buenos Aires. We were especially blessed to celebrate the Solemnity of
the Assumption in the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, Patroness of Argentina and the special Patroness of our Religious Family.
We thank God and the Blessed Mother for giving us the opportunity to go to Argentina and for
the many graces and blessings we have received as we grew in our knowledge and love for our Religious Family.
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The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
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As part of our spirituality, each member of our Religious Family
participates in the month long Spiritual Exercises. These Exercises are preached
following the formula given by St. Ignatius of Loyola. The purpose of these Exercises
is so that we can know the will of God and form resolutions to draw us closer to Him.
This year during the month of July, the month long Spiritual Exercises was held at St. Patrick's IVE Retreat House
in Cario, NY. Twenty-seven sisters, Professed and Novices, participated in the Exercises.
We are very thankful to Fr. Edgar Dias, IVE, and Deacon Anthony Jesus Melendez, IVE, who preached and guided us in the Exercises.
We also thank Mother Mary of the Sacred Heart, Mistress of Novices, Sister Mary of the
Annunciation and
our Postulants for assisting and meeting all the sisters needs. And we thank our Benefactors who provided
for us to make this retreat possible.
The Spiritual Exercises are also offered regularly for laity by the priests of our Religious Family. The next Spiritual Exercises preached
for women in English will be held from September 1-4, 2006 at St. Patick's IVE Retreat House, Cairo, New York (2 hours north of New York City).
To find out more information on attending this or other week-end silent retreats, please visit http://www.ivespiritualexercises.org
We are grateful to God for the gift of our recent Spiritual Exercises and we entrust all graces received to Our Blessed Mother.
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Mass of Installation of His Excellency The Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, S.T.D
as Archbishop of Washington
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We said farewell to His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick (photo on the left). We thank him for all his great works and efforts
he has done for the Archdiocese of Washington.
On June 22, 2006 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Mass of Installation of His
Excellency The Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl as the new Archbishop of Washington was celebrated (photo on the right with the sisters).
Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl was appointed the sixth Archbishop of Washington on May 16, 2006. He was the 11th
Bishop of Pittsburgh for eighteen years.
We welcome His Excellency The Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington
and pray for all his intentions.
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Ordination to the Diaconate
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You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
On Saturday June 10th, 2006 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception Theodore Cardinal McCarrick presided over the Holy Mass in which
he ordained three seminarians from the Institute of the Incarnate Word to the diaconate.
We congratulate the following new deacons (in photo from right to left):
- Deacon Dermot Francis McLauglin
- Deacon Anthony Jesus Melendez
- Deacon Jeffrey Ronald Obniski
We were also grateful for the presence of Fr. Carlos Walker, IVE, the Vicar General of
the Institute of the Incarnate Word, who came from Rome to join us in this joyous occasion.
We pray for the perseverance of our newly ordained deacons.
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Canonical Visit 
The Servants of the Lord and the
Virgin of Matará celebrated their 19th year since being
founded in 1988. The sisters prayed Matins together on the
Vigil of the 19th at St. Gabriel's in Brooklyn. On the day
of the Solemnity the Mass was presided by Fr. Gustavo Nieto
the Provincial Superior of the Institute of the Incarnate
Word. 
