From the Friars Daily eLetter

October 10, 2008

Somehow, somewhere along the way, we, each of us, have heard the voice of God. Faintly perhaps, gentle and soft as a breeze, but persistent. Constant, like air itself, or the flow of a river.

And so, one by one we came. We’ve lifted our eyes and turned our gaze to the Source – toward the voice – “Follow me.” From as near as Brooklyn and as far as England – one by one He has called us. And we for our part with eagerness and with hesitation, with glee and with trepidation, we’ve made our way to the Bronx, to follow a call, to follow Jesus.

So too, our six sisters who professed their vows on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross experienced this mysterious call. From New York and Maryland, Ireland and the Netherlands, Kansas and Michigan – they’ve come to attempt a response – to offer their “yes.” To follow not so much an idea or a dream or even a way of life, but a Person. To continue a relationship which began a long time ago; and to be led deeper – to follow Him.

When the Word became flesh to dwell among us, He came poor, born in a stable, laid in a manger. When He calls, His invitation is to poverty. When love became incarnate His Bride was the Church. He pours His love out for every person from Adam and Eve until those at time’s end. Jesus invites us into the purity and passion of His love. When God became man He came as an obedient Son – faithful unto death. The invitation is to pick up our cross. Jesus asks us to follow close.

Hearing His voice, these six sisters have turned their gaze to Him. They’ve fixed their intent and said, “Yes, we will follow You Jesus in Your poverty, in Your chastity, and in Your obedience.”

Making vows, the bride crosses the threshold into the life of the Bridegroom. And the Bridegroom’s own life is lived out in her.

We can begin, in some way, to say with Saint Paul: “The life I live now is not my own; it is the life of Christ living in me.”

May this good beginning be brought to completion – in each and every one of us.

Please pray for our newly professes sisters.

Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent

Bronx, NY

Click here to view a slide show in medium format of the Mass of Profession.

Click here to view a slide show in large format of the Mass of Profession.



October 10, 2008 Somehow, somewhere along the way, we, each of us, have heard the voice of God. Faintly perhaps, gentle and soft as a breeze, but persistent. Constant, like air itself, or the flow of a river. And so, one by one we came. We’ve lifted our eyes and turned our gaze to the Source – toward the voice – “Follow me.” From as near as Brooklyn and as far as England – one by one He has called us. And we for our part with eagerness and with hesitation, with glee and with trepidation, we’ve made our way to the Bronx, to follow a call, to follow Jesus. So too, our six sisters who professed their vows on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross experienced this mysterious call. From New York and Maryland, Ireland and the Netherlands, Kansas and Michigan – they’ve come to attempt a response – to offer their “yes.” To follow not so much an idea or a dream or even a way of life, but a Person. To continue a relationship which began a long time ago; and to be led deeper – to follow Him. When the Word became flesh to dwell among us, He came poor, born in a stable, laid in a manger. When He calls, His invitation is to poverty. When love became incarnate His Bride was the Church. He pours His love out for every person from Adam and Eve until those at time’s end. Jesus invites us into the purity and passion of His love. When God became man He came as an obedient Son – faithful unto death. The invitation is to pick up our cross. Jesus asks us to follow close. Hearing His voice, these six sisters have turned their gaze to Him. They’ve fixed their intent and said, “Yes, we will follow You Jesus in Your poverty, in Your chastity, and in Your obedience.” Making vows, the bride crosses the threshold into the life of the Bridegroom. And the Bridegroom’s own life is lived out in her. We can begin, in some way, to say with Saint Paul: “The life I live now is not my own; it is the life of Christ living in me.” May this good beginning be brought to completion – in each and every one of us. Please pray for our newly professes sisters. Sr. Clare Matthiass, CFR Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent Bronx, NY Click here to view a slide show in medium format of the Mass of Profession. Click here to view a slide show in large format of the Mass of Profession.