As the community at Holy Wisdom Monastery approaches Christmas together, seeking the light of God’s love for our world, each person’s experiences and insights form an important part of a shared journey.
Sister Rosy Kandathil reflects in her recent blog post, Advent in a time of terror:
In Lynne Smith’s current post, Presence, she writes about being and receiving Christ’s presence in community: “I’ve been reflecting on ‘presence’ since Advent began. … Benedictine spirituality calls me to see Christ in every person I encounter.”
Our Benedictine Sojourners are experiencing Advent in new ways. For Paz Vital, “Advent in the US is a quiet, personal preparation for Christmas, for the re-birth of God’s love within us, versus the festive, noisy, communal preparations in Mexico.” She shares her personal experience of Advent in her blog post, Winter preparations. Denise West says, “Observing the season of Advent is not part of my tradition,” noting that preparations for Advent in the monastery “signaled for me a different way of being for this month.” She shares some very personal, thoughtful insights in Awakening to Advent.
Christmas Eve is a time of cherished worship traditions for many. Sisters Joanne Kollasch and Lynne Smith share the traditions of Holy Wisdom Monastery in Christmas with the Holy Wisdom community.
All are welcome! Holy Wisdom Monastery extends an open invitation to daily prayer during Advent (see schedule below) and to the Christmas Eve liturgy, December 24, 2014, at 8:30-10:00 pm, followed by light refreshments in the dining room, 10:00-11:00 pm, and Christmas Day liturgy at 9:00 am. Please note, there is no public daily prayer from December 24, 2015-January 3, 2016.