It's White Outside!

Our Sisters in Steubenville, Ohio share some shots of the white snow they received...and lots of it!

A Star in the Heart

We cannot understand the significance of the Magi's journey to the crib of the Infant Christ unless we understand what it means that they were led by a star. In following that sign in the dark sky, those men followed the deepest longing of their own hearts. What did they long for? What do we long for? We want many things, but ultimately, we long to be sheltered and nourished within a great love - and to give our lives in its service.

And so, in order to encounter the newness that Christ brings into the world, we must not be afraid to pray and seek with all our desires. Come, Lord Jesus, into this poor heart that longs for the Infinite! Come, for without You I cannot be my true self!

By Sister M. Maximilia, FSGM

‘Twas the Night Before Weihnachtsmarkt" (vein-ahx-marh-ket)

…and all through the convent
Every creature was stirring
Especially the Novices and Postulants.

Sisters will travel from close and far
To enjoy this evening’s crepe bar

One PM, Two PM, Three PM, FOUR!
Sharing and giving
Who can ask for anything more!

The novitiate is busy preparing for our annual Weihnachtsmarkt – a German Christmas tradition in our Province. (Our Motherhouse, where we were founded, is in northwestern Germany!

Sisters from our mission houses in the United States helped out by contributing gifts (some handmade) that are to be sold for PM (Prayer Marks – convent currency). Let’s see if the Novitiate can make more Prayer Marks than last year!

Sister M. Simona departs for Rome!

When you surrender your life to the Lord, you never know where He will send you. Do you think Sr. M. Simona ever thought she would be serving in Rome? Today, she flies to Italy to serve at the Residence of Archbishop Raymond Burke. Please pray for her! You can check out some photos from her departure!

Christ Reigns!

Some of our Sisters volunteered at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City from November 19-21. How inspiring to be with 21,000 young people who are on fire for their faith. Check out some photos!

Happy Birthday to US!!!!

We don't look a day over 139, so we?

But on Wednesday, November 25, we will be 140 years old as the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.

Those who took the time to respond to our poll on the right of this blog entry will be pleased to know that most of you were RIGHT. Our congregation was founded on November 25, 1869, by Mother M. Anselma Bopp.

For some additional information about how we began as a religious family, check out our website. Here's the link to the history of our founding.

Mother M. Anselma is awesome! A simple woman who loved God with all her heart and soul, whom God used to begin a worldwide congregation that has spread from Germany to the Netherlands, Japan, Indonesia, the United States, Brazil, Albania, Rome and Assisi.

I doubt she would ever imagine the Lord would use her in such an amazing way: to make the merciful love of Christ visible in her Sisters' service!

Please pray for all our Sisters throughout the world on November 25 and always! We are praying for you!

Advice from a Postulant

To Women Discerning:

The most important thing is to be open to Christ's will, and to know that He loves you with an abounding love! During your discernment process, it can be so hard to keep a clear, focused mind. There are times when you are so upset and frustrated because you want to know what your vocation is now, and you don't know what it is. There are also times when you are peaceful and happy because during your time of prayer with Christ, you have been drawn closer to Him.

Place yourself in His loving arms and tell Him that you want to do His will. Give Christ the chance to tell you what He wants of you. Be patient with God and especially yourself. If you practice patience with yourself and put all your trust in Christ, He will put you on the right path towards your vocation.

Making use of the Sacraments of Holy Mass and Reconciliation bring you closer to Christ in His loving embrace and strengthens you along the way. Going to Eucharistic Adoration is helpful too. Make the time to talk to Him, or just being in His presence in Eucharistic Adoration is important too.

Spend time with Christ and tell Him everything. Let Him know your heart. Tell Him how much you love Him and allow Him to tell you what His will is for you in His own time.

- submitted by Monica McKenzie, Postulant