To start this text on our religious life at the Monastery, let us first speak of the great spiritual retreat that we, the Servants and Handmaids of Our Lady, have had in another
Monastery, the one of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, in Peoria, Illinois, about 3 hours away.
One week of retreat means facing our vocation again and telling ourselves like St Bernard, desirous to rekindle the ardor of his monastic life: "Bernard, for what have you come here?"
As for us, with His
Excellency Bishop Jean Marie
|as our leader, we have the
inestimable grace to hear him preach loud and clear the
supernatural pieces of truth, and to see the items that need to be amended, in order to fully live our religious life, which we cherish more than anything else.
We cannot reveal
everything when it comes to the retreat, in order not to disclose the secrets of the King. But what we can say is that it was magnificent,
that we fervently renewed our vows of religion into the hands of our Founder, Bishop
Jean Marie, and that we have experienced intense
moments.
This annual retreat resulted
in arming us with courage to pray better, and improve our love and help for our brethren in need. In short, to be better Servants and Handmaids of Our Lady, under the staff of our venerated Superior.
After Mass, a meal was enjoyed by the pilgrims who gathered with the Nuns, Friars and Priests and the Superiors of Fraternite Notre Dame, to
celebrate this beautiful event. What a reward for the parents, to be with their children religious! They did appreciate it a great deal.
Another great day of ceremony was the Vesture of Brother Marie Emilien of the Lord's Transfiguration. Bishop Jean Marie explained that this was the first step in the religious life. He said that in the history of the Church, it was common to see young Friars in the Religious Orders. This used to add a special vitality and joy. Numerous saints had joined the religious life very young, and this is the best path towards sanctification, living a life of sacrifice, prayer and abnegation, rich in fruits of grace.
After having received his cassock, Brother Marie Emilien carried the Cross and requested to be admitted in the Order of the Servants of Our Lady.
HERE IS THE ADDRESS TO OUR MONASTERY: St. Francis and St. Clare Monastery, 3737 N Marybelle Ave, Peoria, IL 61615 - Phone: (309) 681-1247
