Summer Summons

Through obedience they [consecrated religious] find their deepest configuration to Christ
in the most fundamental expression of His union with the Father in fulfilling His Father's will:
​"I always do what pleases Him" (Jn. 8:29). It is especially through obedience that Christ Himself offers to religious the experience of full Christian freedom.
​~ Essential Elements

It is in obedience to God that we discover our most profound personal freedom. Each summer presents a unique opportunity for the Sisters to rediscover this profound truth as they are sent out in obedience to fulfill a variety of apostolic missions that are unique to the summer season. The first two weeks of July included excursions to Washington and Oregon as well as well as several events within our diocese, all opportunities to bear witness to Christ and bring those we encounter closer to Him through His Mother.

Early in the month, several Sisters had the opportunity to assist at Camp 12, the Diocesan camp for students in the 7-9th grades. In continuity with the diocesan efforts to commemorate this 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, the camp was focused on the message of Our Lady, allowing the Sisters to share our Marian charism in a particular way.

At the same time, several other Sisters were sent to participate in the Ignite Your Torch Youth Conference in Lacey, WA, an excellent Catholic conference for high school youth that engages enthusiastic religious men and women from all over the country to share the faith with the conference attendees through a variety of talks, small groups, communal prayer, meals and recreation. The conference generally invites one religious brother or sister or diocesan priest for every 10 attendees so that the young people have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and become familiar with the different vocations. The conference is always centered on the Eucharist and the Sacraments with a strong Marian dimension, but this year the theme of the conference specifically highlighted the message of Our Lady at Fatima and our Sisters' presentations were able to include aspects of the message. One Sister spoke on the value of redemptive suffering while another team of Sisters was able to share about sacramentals and the valuable place they hold in our spiritual lives. The Sisters utilized their experience with sacred music to join with other religious and staff to assist in making the conference prayers and liturgies beautiful and reverent for the glory of God.

Photos by Ignite Your Torch Staff

Each summer for the past four years, the Sisters have been blessed to spend a day with the young ladies attending the Little Flowers Girl's Camp. This year, the theme of the camp was "The Great Hot Air Balloon Race" to Fatima for the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady, so the Sisters spent the day presenting the message of Fatima and its importance in our lives today. They were also able to join Father, the campers and staff for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and a wonderful lunch.

Several of the Sisters were privileged to join Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Archbishops Alexander Sample and Salvatore Cordileone, our own dear Bishop, Bishop Robert Vasa, and other chant and liturgy experts for a three day immersion in sacred liturgy and Gregorian chant. This year's theme was "The Voice of the Bridegroom" and focused on the liturgy, Church history, and the role of Gregorian chant in the Church. The conference was intellectually, spiritually, and liturgically enriching and our Bishop gave an excellent conference on "The Heart of the Liturgy".

Picture gallery link here

The Sisters listening to Bishop Vasa speak 

Perhaps the most exciting adventure for the younger Sisters was Magnificat Days, a series of catechetical days for the youth of Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Fort Bragg. The Sisters were again privileged to share the story and message of Fatima with their students through catechetical presentations, music, activities, and prayer.

Full picture gallery of Magnificat days here

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

Mary, Queen of Religious, pray for us!

Mary, Model of Catechists, pray for us!