A Month (or two) in Review

It has been two months now since our last “Month in Review” – what a full and grace-filled time it has been for us Sisters! Lent and Easter brought a time of deeper prayer and conversion of heart for each of us, but also a time of fervent apostolic activity. 

​Once again the Sisters hosted the freshman class of Cardinal Newman High School for the annual Freshman Retreat. Local diocesan speakers addressed the students on authentic femininity for the girls and authentic masculinity for the boys. Students were also able to participate in Holy Mass here at our Convent Chapel, hike to the Cross in our “Back 40”, play games and make faith-inspired crafts – all in the company of the Sisters!

​March also brought the joy of visits from several young women interested in discerning Religious Life with our Community. We shared our prayer life and apostolates with them. It is a privilege to see their openness to God’s Will and to help each discern what this might be for her.

At the end of March two of our Sisters drove down to Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA to give a vocations talk and be a religious presence on campus. Visiting with the faithful faculty, staff, and students of this Catholic college is always encouraging and inspiring. On the drive home, the Sisters were able to see two of our historic California Missions: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura and Mission Santa Barbara.  

April brought big events for our two Marian Sodalities. The Our Lady of Grace Sodality in Santa Rosa had their first retreat at Mater Dei Convent. At the end of the retreat morning, several young ladies officially became candidates by receiving the Miraculous Medal.

​Just a few days before this, the Roses of Mary Sodality at Kolbe-Trinity Academy in Napa saw four of their members make their Consecration to Jesus through Mary and receive their Sodality’s blessed garment. Thanks be to God for His graces at work in each of these young women through Mary’s intercession!

Holy Week is often full of intense Liturgical planning and preparation. This year was no exception, and yet the Sisters all agreed that it was very peaceful and prayerful too. We joined the Cathedral parish for Palm Sunday Mass with our Bishop. Holy Thursday and Good Friday were observed in the intimacy of our Convent Chapel, with an exquisite Altar of Repose prepared for our Lord. Between Holy Thursday evening and the Veneration of the Cross the afternoon of Good Friday, our Eucharistic Jesus was rarely alone. 

​The Easter Vigil brought a particular joy for one of our Sisters – one of her former students received the Sacraments of Initiation! Another highlight of Easter Week was a visit to Sacramento, the capital of our state. The entire Community had a tour of the state capital before visiting the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament just a block and a half away. Following this, we went to the parish of our good friend, Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo. He and his niece gave us a two hour class on the Eastern Churches and Byzantine chant before we participated in Divine Liturgy to honor our Risen Lord and their parish patron, St. George. What a joy to celebrate part of Bright Week with some of our Eastern brothers and sisters!
Christos anesti! Alithos anesti!