As we begin our Lenten journey may your hearts be filled with joy.  These were the opening words of our Chaplain, Fr. Thomas Baxter, at the Mass of Ash Wednesday.  These were not exactly the words I expected to begin our 40 days of penance and sacrifice in the desert of Gobernador, but as Mass continued I became aware where Fr. Thomas was going.  Lent is the process to Easter and not an end to itself.  

 

Terrence Kardong explains in his Commentary (Liturgical Press, 1996), in his reference to the Rule of St. Benedict on Lent that…All of monastic life depends on a willing and spontaneous spirit of joyful love...what is necessary is to purify one’s motives so that the Spirit can work freely in one’s heart.   Sufferings and catastrophes happen worldwide, and we recount especially the earthquake in Haiti, the economy, addictions, cancer, and the list goes on.  With the help of the Holy Spirit may we have the grace to support one another through all the challenges we face.

 

We invite you to visit the monastery during this holy season. We have Mass at 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

May the practices of Lent purify our hearts in preparation for the joy of Easter Sunday.

 

God bless you,

 

Mother Benedicta Serna, OSB

Prioress

On February 2, 2010, we celebrated the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and our 20th year anniversary of our founding, 1990.  Hope you enjoy the pictures.  Thank you to all who were here for the Mass. (Click on Winners of Anniversary Raffle)