Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C Readings: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“Without trust, I cannot let myself be found. Trust is that deep inner conviction that the Father wants me home. As long as I doubt that I am worth finding and put myself down as less loved than my younger brothers and sisters, I cannot be found. I have to keep saying to myself, “God is looking for you. He will go anywhere to find you. He loves you, he wants you home, he cannot rest unless he has you with him.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming God bless you, SK.

Last week we were delighted to have Sister Joanna Burley, OSB, from the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. Sister Joanna gave our community members lessons on “Liturgy,” not only on how to sing but the history of Liturgy and the impact of St. Benedict in his Rule, Chapters 8-19, which is about the Divine Office, stressing its importance in monastic life. The sisters were also invited to have private lessons with S. Joanna, and also to find what type of voice each of us has: A trumpet voice, a flute voice, etc. Overall, it was a success and we hope to incorporate her ideas and suggestions because the Divine Office is the central work of our contemplative community, praising, praying in union with God.

The first meeting of the Benedictine Congregation of the Mother of the Incarnation, St Scholastica Priory in Petersham, Massachusetts, was held February 4-7, 2025. Here is a picture of Abbot Emeritus Anselm, from St. Mary’s Monastery, who came to preside over the election of our first president of the congregation. Prioress Hilda and Sister Kateri are next and from Our Lady of the Desert in New Mexico, Then Sister Gemma who was the secretary for the General Chapter, St. Scholastic Priory. Sister Elizabeth is next who is from Abbey of St. Walburga, then Sister Mary Frances and next, Mother Maria-Michael from the Abbey of St. Walburga and Mother Mary Elizabeth elected President of the Congregation, St. Scholastica Priory. Each community had their superior and one delegate for the meeting. There was much accomplished, and we are grateful and blessed for this encounter going over the Constitutions and appointing various officers.

Pope Francis Monthly Intentions for April 2025: For the use of the new technologies: Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”. Bishop Wall just completed his 6th pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago this October!”

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality