Awaited by the Father Sr. Thérèse, CFR Oh, Lent. It’s upon us again! I don’t know about you, but for most of my life, the approach and arrival of Lent has not exactly been a joyful occasion. It tends to bring with it a slight heaviness. However, this year has been different. Recently, I was giving a talk at a retreat day and shared a story about my brother and his little girl. A few years ago, while I was home visiting my family, I was playing in a park with my niece.

Lent Sr. Cecilia Jesse, CFR February 2026 Lent. As Ash Wednesday comes closer, perhaps you sense a kind of dread, or maybe it’s more like the feeling of having just gotten comfortable on the couch when the doorbell rings. Ugh, you have to get up and answer the door. The mention of Lent (especially when it is knocking at the door) elicits a groan from many a Catholic. And we all know why: Lent calls us to have discipline, to increase our prayer, to fast, to give of our

Jesus, Our Hope and Our Redeemer Sr. Catherine, CFR I don’t think we need to look too far or think too hard to remind ourselves that those we love the most - our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephew, brothers, sisters - could be struggling with their identity, namely, who they are and what is the meaning of their life. Distressed parents and grandparents often ask us to pray for their children and grandchildren who are suffering from gender dysphoria. As you read this r

The Word Became Flesh Sr. Thérèse, CFR The joyful season of Christmas is almost upon us! It’s amazing how the birth of one Man, 2,000 years ago, continues to affect our world in so many ways. We see this in the prayers, readings and hymns at Mass, but we also see it in the little festivities that many peo- ple love about Christmas. In addition to the beautiful prayers the Church gives us and the Christmas traditions in the convent, I enjoy catching a glimpse of a sparkling Ch

Poverty and Providence Sr. Catherine, CFR During rush hour traffic it is not unusual to pass someone begging in the middle of the interstate near Yankee Stadium. Since this is a regular occurrence all over New York City, we stock our cars with what we call “car packs” – a small Ziploc bag with a few granola bars, a napkin, and a Divine Mercy card. Recently on my way upstate for hermitage (two days of prayer which we take monthly), I was driving slowly enough in traffic to see

Christ the King Sr. Cecilia, CFR The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God. Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, ‘If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.’" (Lk. 23:35-37) This, the opening of the Gospel for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is not exactly what one expects to hear on such a triumphant day. Indeed, in th

Re-Creation Sr. Cecilia, CFR August is a month when many of us go on vacation. The kids are on their long summer break, the days are (hopefully) sunny and warm, and it is a good time for some relaxation. In our work-driven society, it is important to take time to slow down and rest. We have so many conveniences-just imagine washing clothes by hand or sending messages by someone on foot or horseback-yet we are busier than ever. We are all aware of the fast-paced changes in tec