Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters

Keeping alive the work of Dorothy Day

2011-11-11T07:59:00.003-05:00

By Sister Alodia Carney

November brings thoughts of Thanksgiving Day. We anticipate family gathering, food, drink, inside the house coziness.

Another scene emerges. Grocery bags of food to give away. Frozen turkeys available from church pantries. An excellent hot meal served Thanksgiving Day at the Rescue Mission. All are welcome. Our national heart is warmed as we willingly share what we have.

Dorothy Day left this world in November of 1980. It was always Thanksgiving Day with her. She wrote "Poverty is my vocation, to live as simply and poorly as I can, and never cease talking and writing poverty and destitution." She is considered by many to be the most influential Catholic of her time.

Dorothy Day's legacy is the Catholic Worker House, which if you look for, can be found in major cities. The outcast and the downcast find it. It provides a welcoming home, bed, board, companionship, with very few questions asked.

Victory Noll Sisters in Denver, Colo., together with Associate Members, taking turns with other groups, served a monthly supper to the household of the Catholic Worker. Groceries were procured, cooked with style and served with grace. Dorothy Day's legacy of caring continues through Denver Associate Members who are ever mindful of needy persons.

Memories of First Communion

2011-05-10T08:58:00.004-04:00

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Victory Noll Sisters experience the holy urgency of the First Communion morning from West to East. We have the joy, the angst, the satisfaction of seeking, encouraging, preparing children for the important day. Parents share with us in this mission.

It occurs on a warm Sunday May morning in a dusty town or in a congested parish compound in Inner City. Children gather like fluttering doves, little girls in white dresses and veils, boys in Sunday suit and neck tie. Mother gives the final positioning of the veil and the final straightening of the neck tie. Dad is parking the car.

One of our Sisters, very much a social observer, commented that an enduring icon of our community is the Sister photographed with the First Communion class. Those are the photos a Sister saves. Those are the stories a Sister tells.

Each spring young children are welcomed into the circle of those who come to the Table. Parents and community, learn from the children's innocence, to stay at the Table and acquire courage to face life's difficulties.

Our Church declares itself to be in solidarity with the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time. What do parents ask of their parish church? Whether members of several generations or recently arrived immigrants, they ask that their children be prepared for First Holy Communion.

Remembering Archbishop Romero

2011-03-24T10:15:00.002-04:00

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador witnessed the oppression of the poor people of his country. It became necessary for him to call the wealthy population to allow for justice in the distribution of the country's assets.

The Archbishop's determination was met with a violent response. On March 24, 1980, he was shot and killed as he offered Mass. His raised chalice fell upon him as he slumped to the floor.

Before his death, Oscar Romero announced the no matter what happened, he would live on in spirit among the people.

Come and see

2011-03-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

"What are you looking for?" Jesus asked the two disciples of John. Having heard John call Jesus "Lamb of God," the two disciples began to follow Jesus. "Where are you staying?" they asked him. Jesus responded, "Come, and you will see." (John 1:35-40)

Do I hear Jesus invite me?

-Sr. Ann Therese Plum, OLVM

Get informed about Indiana's proposed immigration legislation

2011-02-16T07:38:00.003-05:00

By Sister Joan Arnold, OLVM

An Indiana Senate committee is proposing legislation on immigration reform similar to the controversial law passed in Arizona. SB 590 passed the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee 8 to 1. It must pass the Appropriations Committee by February 16 and the Senate by February 23.

The proposed bill includes requirements for law enforcement to check for proof of citizenship if a person is suspected of being in the country illegally, for government paperwork to be in English, and for more severe consequences against companies hiring undocumented persons.

However, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller opposes this proposal and has joined a group of business, religious and university leaders in signing an "Indiana Compact" which states that immigration "is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries — not Indiana and other countries." Other leaders signing the Compact include Archbishop Daniel Buechlein of Indianapolis and Butler University President Bobby Furlong.

This is an opportunity to let state legislators know that we believe immigration is a Federal responsibility and that the solution is substantive immigration reform. Please go to www.indianacompact.com to review the five principles and sign the Declaration. Many organizations and groups, in addition to the Church, are supportive of these principles. Act now!

Celebrating Father Augustus Tolton

2011-02-01T09:05:00.003-05:00

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Sister Martha Wilke, based at Victory Noll Motherhouse in Huntington, Ind., could be considered retired because of the many years of mission service she has given beyond the setting where she now lives.

But this purposeful Sister has a mission that serves over 300 inmates in various correctional institutions. Each month she mails a newsletter which forms a bond between herself and the men and women who live "behind bars." The letter contains words of encouragement, interesting stories, jokes, bible readings, prayer and timely happenings worth a second look.

As a result the mail brings Sister Martha six or seven letters per week from inmates who write about their families, their dreams, their sorrows.

February is Black History Month and this will be noted in Sister Martha's newsletter. The story will be told of Augustus Tolton, born into slavery, to slave parents in Brush, Missouri, before the Civil War was fought. He was baptized in segregated St. Peter's Catholic Church.

As a devout Catholic young person he desired to become a priest. A sad episode follows. No seminary in the United States would accept him because of the color of his skin. With the help of some Catholic priest friends, Augustus traveled to Europe where he studied and was ordained a priest.

Father Augustus Tolton returned to the United States and was assigned to serve in St. Elizabeth Parish, Chicago. And serve he did, very faithfully, although he faced discrimination quite frequently. Father Tolton died in his 40s.

Currently, the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, is determined to remember and honor Father Augustus Tolton, who was the first black American Catholic priest.

The dilapidated St. Peter Church in Missouri where Augustus was baptized is being repaired in his honor. Friends from Chicago, very fittingly, are providing the thousands of dollars necessary for this work.

And there is more. It is possible that in the future Augustus Tolton will be named a Saint by the Catholic Church, which he served so faithfully.

The Celebration of Kwanzaa

2010-12-21T09:04:00.002-05:00

By Sister Alodia Carney

Be watching for mention of Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1. It will pop up unexpectedly. Kwanzaa (Swahili for first fruits of harvest) is an American Celebration for Black people.

As the event unfolds, it involves seven principles, one for each day, including Unity, Purpose, Faith and others. The goal of the Celebration is for the purpose of cohesiveness in the family and in the community.

The Celebration includes gifts, special foods and candle-lighting. The Kwanzaa Celebration takes place in the home, in church, or another public place.

In the largely black population of Detroit, Sisters Virginia Schmitt and I were on mission in parishes there and became educated and involved in the joy and good feeling of Kwanzaa. This being the case, Kwanzaa comes to mind each winter as one of the Holidays. It is probably the newest holiday in the USA. It was conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Kerenga in 1966. A US stamp has been issued in honor of Kwanzaa.

Celebrating the Miracles Galore

2010-12-07T14:08:00.001-05:00

By Sister Sharon Rose Eshleman

Recently I have been humming the following refrain from a song written by Carey Landry many years ago:

"Take care to wonder

At the world through which you wander. Never hurry by an open door

For you live in a universe full of miracles galore."

The memory of the refrain is prompted by the beauty of the autumn season at Victory Noll. Upon reflection, the tree leaves with their splendor and radiance of the bright colors; yellow, gold, red, rust, brown, prompt me to see them as Miracles Galore (greeting cards from God).

Fall is now giving way to winter, and the first snows remind us of the stark beauty of this new season and of the ever-changing cycle of nature.

It seems that far too often I am so busy hurrying past many open doors that I miss the miracles galore. Perhaps you and I are being challenged and invited to pause, to see anew, to be attentive to the open doors. This will more readily enable us to celebrate the miracles galore in each season of nature and of our lives. What kind of difference would that make in the world?

Anniversary renews commitment to work for human rights, justice and peace

2010-11-22T09:24:00.004-05:00

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Thirty years have passed since we heard the chilling news of December 2, 1980. Four American church women answering the call of Mission — Ms. Jean Donovan, Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clarke, Ita Ford — served in El Salvador. They assisted in food distribution, care of orphans and resettlement of displaced persons due to continuous combat.

Their abused bodies were found on a lonely road. Investigation proved they were murdered by National Guardsmen, following orders to do away with revolutionaries.

We Sisters, certainly in the USA, do networking well. On December 2, 1980, how quickly we gathered on hearing the heart-breaking news. By evening of that first day, Sisters and friends came together. Shortly, in cathedrals and chapels, the dedication and valor of the women was honored. It was difficult to find the right words. In a Latin American cathedral, "We did what we were expected to do." (Luke 17)

Thirty years later, in 2010, can we say a gossamer veil covers the four graves? Can we propose words with a hope for the future? "Kindness and truth shall meet. Justice and peace shall kiss." (Psalm 85)

Hope springs from the yearly gathering of faithful people, coming together in protest against education for insurrection, provided the military of Latin America at School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Victory Noll Sisters support the yearly protest, with Sister Angeline Walczyk annually taking part with thousands of others who turn out for justice and peace.

Rooted in our charism to proclaim the Gospel in solidarity with all persons, we commit ourselves to ongoing prayer, study and action on behalf of human rights, justice and peace.

Celebrating the end of the season

2010-11-09T11:08:00.001-05:00

By Sister Alodia Carney, OLVM

Texas Farm Workers come to Northern Indiana at the end of summer each year when tomatoes are ripe. They are not field workers. They are cannery workers, a very seasonal occupation.

I gathered with them at 5 p.m. on their final day of their work for the season, which was also pay day. It was their Despedida, Farewell. Spirits were high. The women had prepared a wonderful Mexican dinner. Men and youth set up chairs and tables on the parking lot. Young children were playing games, and thanks fo a creative Catechist, were coloring pictures of our Lady of Guadalupe on a table top until darkness took over. Music, of course, played on.

Sister Margarita Moreno and I were excited to be with them. We could tell them that we knew well their points of origin in southernmost Texas. Harlingen, McAllen, Rio Grande City, Edinburg, Pharr is a litany of former Victory Noll Mission Centers. The next morning they would start the long drive to South Texas, carrying with them warm wishes of Victory Noll Sisters.

Sr. Marilyn's Best Baseball Moment

2010-11-01T10:25:00.001-04:00

During this time of baseball's World Series, it seems appropriate to relate a baseball story from Victory Noll. Sister Marilyn Schatz is probably the biggest baseball fan among Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters. A native of Ellicott City, Md., Sr. Marilyn has followed the game all her life while her mission work took her all across the country.

"I'm a baseball fan. I love the game, period. I don't care who plays, I love to watch the game. I'm from Baltimore, so my favorite team is the Orioles. I know they fight every year for that last place, and every year they make it. But next year, it'll be different."

Sr. Marilyn relates her most memorable baseball moment:

"I was at a convention in St. Louis in 1968. My friend and I came down for breakfast and the place was jammed. There was one table with just one seat, so I told my friend to sit there, and I'd go over and sit at the counter. There was one space between all these businessmen around this circular counter. I hopped up and made an order, and then when I looked up, I gasped. The guy next to me asked me what was the matter. I said 'That's Bob Gibson!' He said 'Yeah, so what?' Then I looked at him and said, 'And you're the catcher!' I started looking around, and there was the whole team! I just sat there in awe. I can't remember what I ate, or even if I ATE my breakfast. As they all got up to leave, each one came by me and tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Pray for us, Sister.' "

Just as a side note, the 1968 St. Louis Cardinals were one of the best teams in baseball history, finishing 97-65 before losing to the Detroit Tigers in an all-time classic World Series. The Cardinals were led by Gibson, who won the Cy Young award that year and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. There were two other Hall of Famers on that squad in Lou Brock and Orlando Cepeda, as well as Roger Maris, the player who hit 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth's record. The catcher Sr. Marilyn sat next to at the counter was Tim McCarver, who is now a baseball broadcaster with FOX Sports.

Join the Fair Trade movement

2010-10-27T10:22:00.002-04:00

You visit college campuses, eat in hospitals, walk through airports. You search for a cup of coffee. Notice a logo that's becoming familiar. It's Fair Trade. A new awareness is traveling where you travel.

Fair Trade coffee, direct from the grower to you, is enhancing the lives of poor workers, mostly in Central America, who satisfy the great demand for the favorite beverage of millions. The expense of the middleman is avoided.

Search for Fair Trade coffee also in the grocery store. Join with Victory Noll and many others who seek for justice in the world of commerce. Be one of the "Justice and Peace shall kiss" Psalm 85 group.

National Congress of Hispanic Ministry

2010-10-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

Sister Guadalupe Flores, OLVM, attended the National Congress of Hispanic Ministry in Chicago from Sept. 23-26. She writes of her experience at the event.

First I want to thank the office of Hispanic Affairs and through them give my profoundest thanks to the Bishop of our Diocese, Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes, for allowing me to participate in this most marvelous event.

Present at the Congress were Catholic Hispanic leaders from different Catholic organizations in the United States. Some bishops from different dioceses accompanied us during the event as well as priests and leaders of different organizations.

For those who do not know, the Congress was organized by the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) in collaboration with the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB). The theme of the Congress was “Rooted in Discipleship: Enviados A Mision”. We had opportunity to reflect on the reality of Hispanic Catholic communities under priorities identified by the Catholic Bishops of the United States in six different areas. These are:

Ministerial Formation
Academic Formation
Priestly and Religious Formation
Youth Ministry
The Dignity of Life and of the Human Person
Matrimony and the Christian Family
Unity in Cultural Diversity

Personally, I had the opportunity to participate in the area of “Young Ministry”. Rev. Angel Perez accompanied us in this reflection. With his wide experience in the area of young adult and youth ministry, he helped us in theological reflection utilizing the method of SEE, the reality of the youth in light of the eyes of God and to know how to discern with wisdom this actual reality; Judge the reality of the youth intuitively and Act with prudence and charity in the face of this reality so overwhelming and disturbing. Father proposed some approaches for action which are the following:

Hunger for authenticity: youth hunger for authentic authenticity of their coordinators, that they live what they proclaim. That there be conversion and an authentic repentance that can radiate in them that sanctity, this in light of the light of Christ.

Present Vocation from Authenticity: one decides one’s vocation, that is to say, one has the freedom to decide and discover what God wants.

Promote In difference over the Different Vocations: This seems illogical and incoherent. What he proposed was to promote a sane indifference so as to enable reaching an interior serenity and in this way one can be free to make a good decision about one’s vocation.

Know how to Dialogue: In this society so chaotic and turbulent one has to have the power of dialogue; but this dialogue can only be done from the study and understanding of the Word of God. That youth learn from God the grammatical language, say the language of God with close attention and open dialogue and sincere word of God.

Promote Spiritual Direction: So as to enable an encounter with oneself and subsequently discover God in their lives.

Having completed the reflection and having listened to such sad experiences of how our youth, with their apathy and indifference, are shouting to us that we give them time and be open to their needs in this new technology age, that we may know how to respond authentically to their needs, we moved to action. To confront this reality is a great challenge, for this reason, we as the team for the area of Youth Ministry, we drew up some actions to promote a vocational culture for youth ministry. The following are some actions:

Youth Hunger for Authenticity. To be sent in mission one has to be united to Christ (cf. Mk 3:14). The youth Minister, sent on mission by Christ and for the Church must witness this by observing all the points that follow with his/her life not just by word. In this way he/she participate in the authority of Christ who, different from the Pharisee, lived all that Jesus taught (cf. Mt.7:28-29.
Promote a vision of vocation as a plan designed by God (cf. Eph 1:13-14). This requires the collaboration between pastoral agents and youth so as to discern such vocation; a collaboration that busies itself with youth in their concrete reality; like the individual and unique sheep, encouraging a missionary spirit that is not satisfied with those in the fold but rather goes out in search of the lost.
Present to youth vocation as a call to love shaped by God with whom we collaborate; a call to love that is expressed by the different states of life and where true happiness can be reached by the sincere gift of oneself (cf. Rm 8:29-30).
Promote a first contact between the experience of youth and the Word of God so that thereafter youth may attain the use of lectio divina, a lectio that proposes a believable reading of the real life of youth to serve as instrument—like a grammar—by which to understand the “language” of God in their daily lives; a lectio divina not just intellectual or sentimental but one capable of integrating all the dimensions of the person and at the same time present the youth as protagonist of his/her life in collaboration with God.
Promote the collaboration of priests in youth ministry, but especially in instances where here is no father figure in the lives of our youth and at the same time provide spiritual direction.
That the diocesan vocation director visit the youth groups as this is where we find the prime material for Christian vocations to each state of life.
Starting from attentive listening to the anxieties and interests of youth, without imposing or condemning, and valuing what positively youth can contribute, promote integral processes of formation on sexuality, processes that need the collaboration of parents and priests.

Personally, I can say that this Congress should implore and question us to take immediate action in responding to the needs that oppress our youth in our care, that none may be lost.

Rest in Peace, Chino

2010-04-27T12:58:00.006-04:00

By Sister Jeanette Halbach

Director, Julia Center

Chicago, Ill.

Chino was one of the small group of men and women who call the streets and alleys of our West Town neighborhood HOME. This memorial to Chino was spray painted on a garage along North Greenview, the two block street that we walk every day on our way to Julia Center. R.I.P. Chino appeared shortly after Chino's death. He collapsed on the sidewalk in front of a cheap liquor store just a few doors west of our Center on Chicago Avenue. Chino was taken to the hospital and died shortly afterwards. I was gone for several weeks and didn't learn of Chico's death until I returned, but I was told that he had a decent burial. I was glad to know that, as Chino was one of our street friends.

Chino and his companions are a community in the true sense of the word. They stay together, care for one another and share what they have with each other. They walk the streets or sit in the doorways during the day and sleep on benches in our park at night. During the winter they are allowed to huddle together for warmth under a porch roof in the park. I always greet them and they answer, "God bless you, Sister." How they know I am a Sister I don't know, but word travels fast on the street.

The members of this tight-knit community vary. There are several that have been in the group for years, others come and go. Chino had been on the street ever since we came to the neighborhood more than 20 years ago. They are a peaceful group, always polite and respectful. They are quiet and as far as I know they have never been accused of violence. Occasionally one or another will ask for "some change." I usually carry a little money to share with them and I suggest that they buy a cup of coffee. Whether or not they buy coffee, I do not know. Some would say it is not a good idea to give money, as all they will do is buy a bottle of wine. I do not ask what they do with the money. I'm glad it is not for me to judge. Scripture tells us not to judge, but rather that we share with those in need.

Just this week another memorial appeared on North Greenview. This memorial consisted of a little pair of toddler's shoes and a toy truck taped to a lamp post with a message written by the mother to her 29 year old son, Felipe. She said she would never forget him. I didn't know Felipe or his mother, and I don't know how Felipe died, whether from illness or gang violence. The toddler's shoes and little truck were her precious momentos of a son she loved.

Rest in Peace, Felipe. We pray for you and for all who roam the streets in search of some kind of happiness and understanding.

Earth Day at Victory Noll

2010-04-23T08:30:00.003-04:00

It is spring time and we call upon poems, songs and prayers we've known for a long time to celebrate the Season. "When It's Spring Time in the Rockies". "Consider the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin, yet not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these": Jesus.

Really, civilization is developing in some areas. EARTH DAY popped up, it seems simultaneously, on both sides of the Atlantic, for starters. Mother Earth must be protected and cherished. GO GREEN !!!

EARTH DAY is celebrated, gratefully, at Victory Noll. Local children are invited to join the Sisters in procession to the rose garden, the field, the pond, the orchard, the cemetery and the Peace Garden. These areas are blessed with holy water and with prayer.

The children, ever attentive, are taught how to plant a tree and each one is given a small tree to take home to plant. This way the family participates on home territory in EARTH DAY.

In earlier times, and presently, Catholic parishioners led by their priest move in procession during spring time, for the blessing of fields, praying for abundant harvest.

A popular prayer for this devotion is the Litany of the Saints. This gives the name of Rogation Days to the Observance, particularly when prayer was offered in Latin. Historically, Rogation Days were observed the three days preceding Ascension Thursday each spring.

Serving those needing eye care in El Salvador

2010-02-18T12:55:00.003-05:00

By Sister Clarita Trujillo, OLVM

Sister Clarita Trujillo, OLVM, assisted at the El Salvador Eye Clinic in Perquin, Morazan on her annual care mission to the facility from Jan. 23 to Feb. 6. She kept this journal of her experiences .

The trip was uneventful. There was no missing luggage and the drive from San Salvador to Perquin was ok. It was a bit hot but with all the bus windows open the ride was smooth. This year my roommate, Beatrice Vigil, and I shared a cabin so we did not have to climb up the hill to the other living quarters. We did climb about 70 steps to get to the dining area. The food was good and we got plenty of fruit which I loved.

We had two women surgeons for each of the two weeks. Two were there for the first week. These two left and two more came for the 2nd week. The first week mostly cataract and pterygium surgeries were done. Removal of pterygiums is not considered major surgery because it is a surface matter that grows from
the edge of the eye and moves toward the pupil. None the less, it takes time to remove it and then do a procedure so that it does not grow back. The second week reconstructive or removal of lesion etc and also strabismus (cross-eyed) corrective surgeries were done. Phil, the coordinator, said “Nearly every patient was seen by a doctor making it possible to diagnose more pathology. For the first time, we were able to provide copies of diagnoses to the patients and to the local health clinic. In addition to our ophthalmologists’ surgical operations, using local anesthesia, the surgical team performed surgery on patients without any complications.” The local anesthesia surgeries were for long reconstructive procedures and on younger patients getting corrective surgery for strabismus. One reconstructive surgery took 4 and a half hour, others took 2 to 3 hours. There were three Optometrists who screened thousands of patients and there were also 3 or 4 opticians examining or refracting. This year there were more professionals then we had in past years. Even the person who fits false eyes was a professional with some 30 years experience. Professional in eye care or not every team member has a role and is valued for what they can do.

This year Dr Larson brought her 15 year old son, he seemed shy, so I teased him. At one time I told him we always needed a young one like him to dig ditches. He opened his eyes real wide and I just laughed and laughed, he finally sort of giggled. He helped around us for the first two days, and then he asked me if I would talk to his mom to let him go work in the main examining part of the clinic. He wanted to be where the people first entered the process. She agreed and took him so that he could help with giving out reading glasses. He mixed wonderfully with the group, and said that he wanted to return next year.

Every surgery was impressive and it was a joy to experience the joy felt by the older patients when they could see again. One old man was very attached to his great grandson who used to take him by the hand and guide him in short walks. The child was probably only about 4 years old. Anyway his granddaughter was the one caring for him but it was the little boy that made his face light up when he saw him. Then there was a young girl, about 15 or 16 who got corrective surgery for strabismus. When she came for post-op she could not stop crying for the happiness she felt. Her eyes look as normal as anyone else and I am sure that having her eyes straighten will make her feel more in control of her life. But there are always the sad cases when no help can be given. But these persons readily accept the reason why surgery will not help their condition. They are grateful for what can be given to them.

The totals for the 2 week of service are:
• 1.563 reading glasses fitted
• 1,160 eyeglasses fitted by opticians
• 23 artificial eyes fitted
• 42 major surgical operations
• 9 minor surgical operations
• 255 patient’s discharges
• 3,042 total patients

First of all I want to thank the OLVM Sisters for their prayers, support and generosity in allowing me to join this most fruitful mission. The people from Perquin and the rest of El Salvador are always so gracious in offering thanks and prayers. Thanks also to family and friends who are also grateful that I can go on the Eye Care Mission. You are all in my prayer as I am sure that I am in yours. God has continued to bless us all.

Welcome, Bishop Kevin Rhoades

2010-01-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

Victory Noll Sisters welcome the new bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese, Most Reverend Kevin Rhoades. He comes to us from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We also thank Bishop John D’Arcy for his 24 years of dedicated service to our Diocese and to us.

Come, Oh Come, Emanuel!

2009-12-16T10:59:00.005-05:00

By Sister Ann Therese Plum

Now that we are in the Liturgical Season of Advent, we have come to a time of waiting as we anticipate and prepare for the coming of Jesus. What does this really mean for us?

At the Eucharist we hear "Christ has come. Christ is here. Christ will come again." Advent is the time in-between .. Now He is still with us: yes, here and NOW. Advent is thus a good time set apart to reflect, pray and prepare to celebrate the Lord's first coming at Christmas with great joy. May He grant us to realize his presence in and among us. Growth in our relationship with Him and one another during this in-between time will help prepare us for his glorious return.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and Advent

2009-12-08T09:48:00.004-05:00

By Sister Carmela Farley

Advent is a time of waiting, preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

At Tepeyac, Our Lady of Guadalupe pictured herself expecting Jesus, pregnant with Jesus. Our time of preparation — Advent — can put us in tune with Mary's expectation of Jesus. She appeared to the Indian people of Mexico on the tilma of Juan Diego as a Mother, to care for her children who had been neglected and abused.

Today as we prepare for Christmas — Christ's coming into this world — let us remember, in prayer, all the neglected, abused children of this world, and especially those in danger of being aborted.

Special Thoughts on Advent

2009-12-02T14:31:00.003-05:00

By Sr. Melanie Persche, OLVM

Advent is a Season of Hope. It is a reminder never to give up. There are so many things that could pull us down — in our personal life, in our country and in our world. We might feel small and powerless in the face of the big problems that we see every day. They seem insurmountable. When we feel powerless, it helps to look around and find signs of hope.

For me, meeting two young Mexican women has been a sign of hope. I’ll call them Maria and Isabel. Maria contacted the local library, asking for information about ESL classes (English as a Second Language). The library contacted Victory Noll to see if one of the sisters could teach them. I have been going to Maria’s house, fifteen miles from here, to have classes with Maria and her friend Isabel. We meet twice a week and sit around the kitchen table while Isabel’s four-year-old daughter plays in the living room. Isabel said that her sister-in-law would be moving to the area soon and then there will be three students!

These young families work hard, struggle to make a living and have strong hope for the future. They want to learn English, want a good education for their children and appreciate the small opportunities that come their way. It lifts my spirit to work with them. Their faith and hope is an inspiration to me.

Season of Advent begins

2009-11-30T15:06:00.002-05:00

By Sister Beatrice Haines

As the Church evolves and changes, so do the needs. We, as Victory Noll Sisters, strive to be aware of these needs and respond according to our gifts and talents. Thus, we are praying for and supporting a just reform of our comprehensive immigration legislation that is mindful of the needs of new immigrants as well as the needs of all who struggle to provide for their family's basic human needs.

"Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to … stand with confidence before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36