Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The way of the cross constitutes a kenosis (emptying) not only of power, but of wealth, influence, even life. This emptying calls for radical trust in God, since it means surrendering those possessions and powers that create a defense against misfortune. To be emptied of the things of the world is not an end in itself but a prelude to participation in eternal life.

Since we use "repent" to mean being sorry for something, it is a poor translation for what Peter expects from his audience. The Greek word metanoia describes a basic change of mind, heart and attitude that transforms our self and our life by turning toward God and away from evil.

We can live as God's children! This means that every day we must let Christ transform us and conform us to him. It means striving to live as Christians, endeavoring to follow him in spite of seeing our limitations and weaknesses. Our relationship to God must be nourished every day with listening to the word of God, with prayer, with participation in the sacraments, and with love.

April 22nd is Earth Day. Respect for ourselves and our environment leads to respect for others. Appreciation of our environment leaves a legacy that benefits generations to follow. God sends us each day to enlighten our path We learn respect for all life, through appreciation of the great gift of creation.

Don't miss the first webinar in the series "Dreaming of a Single Human Family" Themes from the Life and Spirituality of Mother Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants Presented by: Dr. Nick Rademacher, Chair, Religious Studies Department, Cabrini University Michelle Sherman, Director of Retreats, Villanova University... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 9:00 am MST/10:00 am CST/11:00 am EST/* Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94980725342 Passcode: 281493 Webinar ID: 949 8072 5342 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acpfSoTzsk If you would like, upon entering the webinar, you have the option of introducing yourself to webinar participants via the CHAT feature. See more

We ask God's blessing upon the new President and Vice-President of the United States. May the Holy Spirit guide them in their decision-making. May they be protected and kept safe from harm. May they promote unity and equality for all. And, may peace prevail in this nation and throughout the world.

In every life there is a crossover moment, after which a person will never be the same again. Somewhere, somehow the challenge comes that sets us on a different path: the path of purpose, of integrity, of transcendence that lifts us - heart, mind and soul - above the pitiable level of the comfortable and the mundane. It is the moment at which transcending the mediocre, the conventional, the pedestrian, becomes more impacting, more holy-making than any amount of beige-colored political success. As a culture, we may have come to that point. As a people, we are at a crossroads moment. It is a call to all of us to be our best, our least superficial, our most serious about what it means to be a Christian as well as a citizen. ~ Joan Chittister in "Oneing"

Windows to the holy are all around us if we will stop and gaze. You need not go to the mountains or the seashore to find a piece of creation with which to pray. A houseplant will do, a single flower or a fallen leaf. Take time just to be and gaze at the colors, shapes and movement around you. See creation with new eyes and see God. ~ Jane Vennard

Let us think about this as we enter these long months of darkness. "I must decrease," John said, "and he must increase." Kind of like what we will experience now as we leave the celebrations of the birth of Jesus, placed at the winter solstice, and move slowly to the birth of John the Baptist, on June 24th, near the summer solstice. It's all connected with the Annunciation. John is born three months after March 25th, at the summer solstice and Jesus is born nine months after March 25th, at the winter solstice. At the birth of Jesus the days begin to increase. At the birth of John, the days begin to decrease. Of all the carefully placed dates on the liturgical calendar, this is perhaps the most beautiful. ~ Kathy McGovern

For most people, voting is a sacred obligation and also a privilege. With this simple, brief act, citizens express their values and priorities for government and society. Exercise the sacrament of the vote, like every sacrament, as an act of worship. ~ Alice Camille

Compassion thrived in Jesus' heart and teachings. If there is one virtue that most exemplified his life, it is this one. Everywhere he went his awareness of people's suffering became evident. He poured out his love and gave generously of his time, energy and concern to relieve their pain of body, mind and spirit.

God's guidance is not a GPS device, but, perhaps, a compass. God never promised an easy ride, with all decisions made for us by some divine website in the sky. But, God promises to travel every mile with us, helping us pay attention to the terrain, to notice the signs - to read the compass. ~ Margaret Silf

Jesus constantly emphasizes the reversal of values expected for those entering into God's kingdom community. Jesus knows the reality of poverty and hunger. Jesus recognized that God is affronted by the fundamental injustices of an economic system - and that God will take the side of the poor and oppressed. Jesus made no blanket condemnation of wealth. He did, however, point out that wealth and material satisfaction have nothing to do with true happiness.

On October 12th, Governor Andrew Cuomo dedicated a magnificent statute of Mother Cabrini in Battery Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. How fitting a location - reminiscent of Mother's arrival in New York on March 31, 1889. Here she came to serve the immigrant population of the United States. A proud moment for the Missionary Sisters and everyone in the Cabrinian community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxk3fBXpwxg&feature=youtu.be

In 1917 on this day, the miracle of the sun which appeared to change colors and rotate like a wheel occurred before 70,000 witnesses as Fatima, Portugal. This was the last of 6 apparitions to the three shepherd children by the Blessed Mother, who asked for conversion, penance, prayer and the recitation of the rosary. ~ Words of Grace

The first Frances Xavier Cabrini Day state holiday in Colorado was marked by celebration and pageantry. It was a beautiful and heartfelt celebration in which Bishop Jorge Rodríguez spoke to us, as Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of our commitment as daughters of the great Mother Cabrini in today's world. May this event be an opportunity for many more to draw closer to the person of Mother Cabrini and for many young women to feel inspired to respond like Mother Cabrini to the Lord, who calls them to follow Him.

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Let us ask for God's grace that we may emulate Our Lady in our thoughts, behaviors and actions.

Never be in a hurry. Do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even it your whole world seems upset. These are words spoken by St. Francis de Sales centuries ago, yet, they are so relevant for today's turbulent times.

The first Monday in October has been declared Frances Xavier Cabrini Day in Colorado and will be a Colorado State Holiday. The first paid state holiday in the nation that recognizes a woman, Cabrini Day will be observed in Colorado annually on the first Monday in October, this year on October 5, 2020. The Cabrinian Community is proud to have our foundress and namesake honored in such a manner. Mother Cabrini dedicated her life to helping the poor, the sick, immigrants and those less fortunate. Her story is rich with determination, grit and an unshakable faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This day is about her story and we are eager for people to learn of it and be inspired by her life and all she accomplished.

This Sunday, September 27th is the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year's theme is Forced like Jesus to Flee. Please keep our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters in your prayers. Explore ways in which to lend assistance.

Poverty makes us free. That is why it is necessary when we are working with the poor, we have to go down and lift them up. It opens the hearts of the poor when we can say we live the same way they do. Food, clothing, everything must be like that of the poor. ~ St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

It is difficult to become a saint. Difficult, but not impossible. The road to perfection is long, as long as one's lifetime. Along the way, consolation becomes rest; but as soon as your strength is restored, you must diligently get up and resume the trip. ~St. Padre Pio