First Duty

"The first and foremost duty of all religious is to be the contemplation of divine things and assiduous union with God in prayer." - Code of Canon Law, 663

For many, the "Shelter in Place" order issued by Sonoma County will disrupt daily duties. For the Sisters, it provides more opportunity for our first duty: prayer. We hold our Diocese and the whole world in our loving converse with our Spouse, begging His clemency in these uncertain times.

With our external apostolates closed or functioning largely from "home", the professed Sisters who are ordinarily away from our Convent home are happily engaged in domestic duties. A lovely spring garden is being put in, habits are under construction, studying continues - including online courses, spring cleaning is well under way, and best of all, Jesus is loved above all else.

A habit underway

The closure of Churches and the cancellation of public Masses is a great grief, but it provides an opportunity for a revival of love and appreciation for Our Lord's Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. We rejoice to know that our priests are still offering the Holy Sacrifice, and that the great graces of the Redemptive Mysteries continue to flow upon our poor Diocese and the whole world.

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There, where my dear Jesus dwells,
where He is enthroned in the tabernacle,
there I wish to be kneeling continually.
There, I wish to pray unceasingly.
Jesus, I love You deeply.
Hidden Love, I adore You.
Abandoned Love, I adore You.
Despised Love, I adore You.
Love trampled underfoot, I adore You.
Infinite Love, dying on the Cross for us, I adore You
My dear Lord and Savior,
make it be that I am all love and expiation 
toward the Most Blessed Sacrament
in the heart of Your most loving Mother Mary. Amen.

Prayer of Maria Stang, from Dominus Est