Oblates of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill., blog about Benedictine values, prayer and life.
Posted in Psalms on Jun 27th, 2011
“Let the crimes of their ancestors be held against them before God, and their parents’ sins never be erased” (Psalm 109:14). This is a curse – whose vivid vengeful energy is true, even if none of us would wish to bear the guilt of our ancestors’ crimes. It snagged my thoughts a bit during lectio, [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Jun 25th, 2011
Someone about whom I care deeply, is drawn to a deeper faith, but is repelled by the institutions of the faithful—the Church. How do I play a part in his struggle, especially when, in some measure, I share it?
Yesterday I found two dead young possums in my yard. Sensing there might be more, I went investigating this morning and found a third. The two I picked up via gloves and a bag yesterday felt warm still (if fly covered), their small bodies flexible. The third I picked up today was stiff. So I [...]
Posted in Benedictine prayer on Jun 4th, 2011
A few months before my confirmation in the Catholic Church, several years ago now, I bought myself a Rosary and proceeded to use it as a tool in my prayers. The little leaflet that came with the beads succinctly covered the basics of praying the Rosary and I was quickly enjoying a—for me—new way to [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Jun 2nd, 2011
Our great friend, alumna and oblate Noreen McDermott Haiston died May 31, 2011. We all will miss her tremendously. Obituary