Anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Chapel

Greetings,

Every year we celebrate the anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel.  This year marks the 65th year of our prayer and worship in this chapel dedicated to the praise of God. The dedication candles are lit, the sisters have gathered for statio, and our prayer of thanksgiving begins.  But first, it behooves me to share the story of how the chapel was built from our sisters hopes and prayers, lead by Mother Jerome Schmitt, and told by our historians from a time much closer to celebration… 

“…By far the crowning point of Mother Jerome’s external accomplishments was the erection of the magnificent Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel which rose steadily, stone by stone, throughout the difficult war and post-war years of 1946 to 1950 and was solemnly consecrated in the spring of 1950. The Chapel stands not only as a monument to the saintly Bishop through whom God called the Benedictines to Dakota but also as a living symbol of the faith of a community” (Travelers on the Way of Peace, 1955).

"There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord." ~ Benedictus Antiphon

The chapel's very completion was an act of faith. It was built in the years after World War II; when building materials were both scarce and precious, M. Jerome and the contractors found a way through their trust in God. Bishop Martin Marty Memorial Chapel was completed and consecrated in the year 1950. The chapel has been filled with the voices of our sisters giving God praise since that day.

“…The construction, begun after frustrating delays, was nearing completion. With justifiable pride, she had watched the raising of the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel which now crowned the cluster of building on the western elevation of the city of Yankton. It was something that…she had dreamed about at a time when realization seemed impossible. But, there was the stone steeple, rising to a height of 187 feet, directing heavenward the thoughts of motorists on Highway 50. This house of God was both artistic and functional: it was an imposing work of stone in modified Gothic design, which could take its place among thee architectural masterpieces of Europe.

“…The Most Reverend William O. Brady, assisted by five bishops, four abbots, and about 180 monsignori and priests from the Midwest carried out the colorful and symbolic ceremonies, which set apart forever this building for the sole purpose of giving glory to God…Bishop Brady in his closing remarks paid tribute to the pioneer members of the community and all members who had given reality to a dream of raising a fitting monument to the Provident of God, “under the shadow of Whose wings” the community had prospered” (Sr. Claudia Daratschek, Under the Shadow of His Wings, 1971).

“This is God’s holy temple, and we are the living stones. Let us bow down in prayer, singing God’s praises.”
~ Benedictus Antiphon, Anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Chapel

Father Thomas explained some of the Church teaching on how churches are dedicated through a special ceremony.  Then he shared some reflections on the meaning of this dedication for those who worship in those churches.

"The feast of the Dedication of a church is celebrated annually only in those church buildings which have been consecrated by a bishop. The dedication sets the building aside as a sacred, holy place which cannot be used for other purposes. Among other things, the building must be debt-free when dedicated, so most church buildings are not consecrated. The ceremony is one of the most beautiful of all the ceremonies of the Church...

...Also part of the ceremony is the blessing of the walls. They too are anointed with the Chrism Oil at twelve locations throughout the church building. The twelve locations represent the twelve apostles on whose foundations the Christian faith rests and are marked with a cross and candle (called the consecration candles). Traditionally, those candles are only lit on the anniversary of the dedication of the church building.

The ceremony of dedication has similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism, especially regarding the anointing and candles. Those entering the church through Baptism are also anointed as a symbol of their being set aside (dedicated) to and for God. Those baptized receive a candle representing the Light of Christ. They are to receive and be the Light of Christ to the world" (Father Thomas on the anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, 2014).

This dedication of a place apart for prayer alone also appears in the Rule of Benedict.  In Chapter 52, Benedict orders that the Monastery have an Oratory for the monks' and nuns' Work of God, their life of prayer...

Let the oratory be what it is called, a place of prayer; and let nothing else be done there or kept there. When the Work of God is ended, let all go out in perfect silence, and let reverence for God be observed, so that any sister who may wish to pray privately will not be hindered by another's misconduct. And at other times also, if anyone should want to pray by herself, let her go in simply and pray, not in a loud voice but with tears and fervor of heart...

Solemnity of the Annunciation

T'was the day before Christmas Eve...

Greetings,

Following our monastic tradition, the sisters don't begin to decorate for Christmas in their personal spaces and common rooms until after the "O Antiphons" have begun.  However, we don't decorate the refectory, Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, or main hallways until the day before Christmas Eve. The flurry of work is made light (and a bit fun) with many helpful hands...

Wondering how it could all be done in one afternoon?  CLICK HERE!

Christmas Eve Blessings to you,

Christmas Season Liturgies

We invite you to join us in prayer throughout the Christmas Season...

Gaudete!

Our week of Advent Gaudete (rejoicing) brings the 'rosy' light of hope
to our winter days. May their light brighten your Advent too. 

"Rejoice O Jerusalem, with a great joy,
for your Savior will come to you, alleluia!" ~ Vespers Antiphon

These stained glass works of art light the Sisters' Advent Wreath as we gather
for the Liturgy of the Hours. The candle-lit designs progress
from deep purples and blues in the first week to lighter tones and shades.

May their light brighten your Advent too...

A Reminder from Pope Francis...

Greetings,

"Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart (Rule of Benedict, Prologue: 1).

Are you seeking to listen more deeply? We would be happy to share our Benedictine life of prayer, offer times of listening and retreat, and walk with you on the way.  

Monastic Chapter, August 2014

Greetings,

This weekend of Monastic Chapter includes more celebrations for the monastery.  After the first day of meetings, we will gather to honor our Diamond Jubilarian Sisters at the Celebration of the Eucharist.  Sisters who have lived our Benedictine life for 60, 70, and even 75 years will renew their Monastic Profession.  At the end of Saturday, we will gather to welcome Postulant Terry, the newest seeker of God's Will in our community.  Chapter ends that Saturday night; however, the sisters will continue to gather through Sunday Vespers to join our praise with Novice Peggy's as she is called forward to promise her first Monastic Profession as a vowed sister.

 We also ask for your prayers as all of our sisters, from prioress to novice, travel home to discuss the "important business [that] has to be done in the monastery" RB 3:1. 

Whenever any important business has to be done in the monastery, let the Abbot call together the whole community and state the matter to be acted upon. Then, having heard the brethren's advice, let him turn the matter over in his own mind and do what he shall judge to be most expedient. The reason we have said that all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best. 

Let the brethren give their advice with all the deference required by humility, and not presume stubbornly to defend their opinions; but let the decision rather depend on the Abbot's judgment, and all submit to whatever he shall decide for their welfare. 

However, just as it is proper for the disciples to obey their master, so also it is his function to dispose all things with prudence and justice.

Rule of Benedict 3

The changes in our prayer schedule during Monastic Chapter, all celebrated in Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel.
Friday:
~ Morning Prayer 8:30 AM
~ Mass (private) celebrating Diamond Jubilarians 4:00 PM
~ Evening Prayer 7:15 PM
Saturday:
~ Morning Prayer 8:30 AM
~ Entrance Ritual for Postulant (private) 5:15 PM
~ Evening Prayer 5:30 PM
Sunday: 
~ Morning Prayer 8:30 AM
~ Mass 10 AM
~ Evening Prayer & First Profession of Novice Peggy (private)  5:00 PM

Celebrating the Dedication of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel

Greetings,

"There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord."
~ Benedictus Antiphon

Every year we celebrate the anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel.  This year marks the 64th year of our prayer and worship in this chapel dedicated to the praise of God. The dedication candles are lit, the sisters have gathered for statio, and our prayer of thanksgiving begins...

"From the beginning of the community, the sisters spent long hours in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The liturgical prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharistic celebration, became ever more important in their prayer life. The need for more worship space became imperative. Mother Xavier Fischlin included an adequate chapel in the 1908 addition to the convent. With the help of our chaplain, Father Ignatius Forester, OSB, and the contribution of many benefactors, she led the way in the construction of the first Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel dedicated in 1919.  

Thirty-one years later, Mother Jerome Schmitt realized our dream of building a house of prayer that reflects the lives and hopes of all our sisters, while at the same time memorializing Bishop Martin Marty. The modified gothic structure, with the cross atop its spire soaring 188 feet above Yankton, stands etched in stone as a magnificent expression of our dedication to prayer "(One Heart One Soul booklet 2002).

The chapel's very completion was an act of faith. It was built in the years after World War II; when building materials were both scarce and precious, M. Jerome and the contractors found a way through their trust in God. Bishop Martin Marty Memorial Chapel was completed and consecrated in the year 1950. The chapel has been filled with the voices of our sisters giving God praise since that day.

"The feast of the Dedication of a church is celebrated annually only in those church buildings which have been consecrated by a bishop. The dedication sets the building aside as a sacred, holy place which cannot be used for other purposes. Among other things, the building must be debt-free when dedicated, so most church buildings are not consecrated. The ceremony is one of the most beautiful of all the ceremonies of the Church...

...Also part of the ceremony is the blessing of the walls. They too are anointed with the Chrism Oil at twelve locations throughout the church building. The twelve locations represent the twelve apostles on whose foundations the Christian faith rests and are marked with a cross and candle (called the consecration candles). Traditionally, those candles are only lit on the anniversary of the dedication of the church building.

The ceremony of dedication has similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism, especially regarding the anointing and candles. Those entering the church through Baptism are also anointed as a symbol of their being set aside (dedicated) to and for God. Those baptized receive a candle representing the Light of Christ. They are to receive and be the Light of Christ to the world" (Father Thomas on the anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel).

Sacred Triduum Schedules

Greetings,

The holy days of Triduum call us to a deeper sense of prayer and quiet in our monastic life.  While many of our times of Liturgy of the Hours (prayer) and Mass are open to the public, some of our celebrations are reserved for members of our Benedictine community.

Holy Thursday:

• 5:00 p.m. Footwashing ~ Monastic Community
• 5:30 p.m. Agape Meal ~ Monastic Community
• 7:00 p.m.  Eucharistic Celebration and Procession ~ Public Welcome
• Triduum Silence begins...

Good Friday:  

• Triduum Silence continues...
• 8:30 a.m. Lauds ~ Public Welcome
• 3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service ~ Public Welcome
• 7:00 p.m. Culpa Chapter ~ Monastic Community

Holy Saturday:  

• 8:30 a.m. Lauds ~ Public Welcome
• Triduum Silence lifts during the day...
• 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil ~ Public Welcome
• All are welcome to coffee and treats in the Refectory after the Vigil.

Easter Sunday:  

• 9:00 a.m. Lauds ~ Public Welcome
• 5:00 p.m. Vespers ~ Public Welcome

Lent...a time for growth

Greetings,

Lent is a time for growing in our love for God.  The symbol greeting us outside our Chapel continues to illustrate this call to conversion of heart.  How have you been growing in love this Lent?

A Lenten Tour...

Greetings,

The Lenten season isn't known for its decorations, but here at the monastery Lent finds its way into many places.

Rule of Benedict:  chapter 49
On the Observance of Lent

Although the life of a monk out to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance...we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep their lives most pure and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the negligences of other times...and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.




The sisters have set a reminder at the entrance to Bishop Marty Chapel, "Grow in the Understanding of the Riches Hidden in Christ!"

Rule of Benedict:  chapter 49
On the Observance of Lent (cont'd)

During these days, therefore, let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service, as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink.  Thus everyone of his own will may offer God "with joy of the Holy Spirit" something above the measure required of him.  From his body, that is he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking, and jesting; and with the joy of spiritual desire he may look forward to holy Easter.

The monastic dinning room and even the hall leading to its doorway have reminders of Benedict's call to sisters' personal offerings and sacrifices for Lent.



Rule of Benedict: chapter 52
On The Oratory of the Monastery

Let the oratory be what it is called, a place of prayer; and let nothing else be done there or kept there.  When the work of God is ended, let all go out in perfect silence, and let reverence for God be observed, so that any sister who may wish to pray privately will not be hindered by another's misconduct.

Lenten purple in St. Joseph's Chapel for our sisters in the Care Center.  The bulletin board outside the chapel reminds our sisters, old and young, to continue the Lenten work of conversion of heart .

Rule of Benedict: chapter 58
On the Manner of Receiving Sisters

After that let her live in the novitiate, where the novices study, eat and sleep. A senior shall be assigned to them who is skilled at winning souls, to watch over them with the utmost care. Let her examine whether the novice is truly seeking God, and whether she is zealous for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials. Let the novice be told all the hard and rugged ways by which the journey to God is made.

The sisters in formation shared a variety of symbols that reminded them of Lent for their reflection table and prayer.

A group of professed sisters also set a table for reflection and prayer with simple purple, rough burlap, and the call to the cross.









Rule of Benedict:  chapter 52
On The Oratory of the Monastery (cont'd)

And at other times also, if anyone should want to pray by herself, let her go in simply and pray, not in a loud voice but with tears and fervor of heart.  She who does not say her prayers in this way, therefore, shall not be permitted to remain in the oratory when the Work of God is ended, lest another be hindered, as we have said. 

The hallway to our Peace Chapel is dominated by our Good Friday Cross announcing the message, "By His Holy Cross He has redeemed the world!"  Each day of Lent new groups of the "Heavily Burdened" are added to the Cross calling us to loving prayer for those in need.

Our daily Mass and Liturgy of the Hours are celebrated in the Peace Chapel amid the simple stone and purple banners of Lent.

Rule of Benedict:  chapter 49
On The Observance of Lent (cont'd)


Let each monk, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be done with his blessing and approval.  For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory and will merit no reward.  Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval.

Our Lenten resolutions, received and blessed by the Prioress on Ash Wednesday, remain before the altar throughout the Lenten season as a reminder to us and a continuous offering and sacrifice to the Lord.

Blessings,

Holy Triduum Schedule

Greetings,

Consider joining us in prayer near or far as we celebrate the Holy Triduum...

Holy Thursday~

5:00 p.m. Footwashing ~ Monastic Community

7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Celebration & Procesison

Good Friday~

8:30 a.m. Lauds

3:00 p.m. Good Friday Services

7:00 p.m. Culpa ~ Monastic Community

Holy Saturday~

8:30 a.m. Lauds

5:00 p.m. Vespers

8:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil Liturgy

*Easter reception with Guests after the Vigil

Easter Sunday~

9:00 a.m. Lauds
5:00 p.m. Vespers

Celebrating the Exaltation of the Cross

Greetings,

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.  A reminder that we honor and rejoice in the cross that brought us our salvation.  At the monastery we join the Church in commemorating this feast, it is a good day to spend some time in Bishop Martin Marty Chapel and our beautiful carved crucifix of Christ surrounded by detailed vines and the symbols of the four Evangelists.  Our responsorial at Lauds expresses well the joy of the Church...

For our sake, Christ bore the sins of many.
Precious the cross, and glorious the sign.
He was pierced for our offences,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Precious the cross, and glorious the sign.
Sweet the wood, sweet the nails,
sweet the burden they bore.
Precious the cross, and glorious the sign.

Have a blessed Feast Day!

"We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,

because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world." ~Lauds Antiphon.

"The cross is the power of God, the God who saves!

One and only noble tree, the tree of life and peace." ~Vespers Responsorial

Blessings,

Monastery Mystery Four Revealed

Greetings,

Our sisters dutifully held back while some interesting considerations were given via Facebook and a good guess on our blog.  The mix of metal and wood patterning reminded some of choir stalls and others of decorative church railings.  But these are combined elements of our Reservation Chapel in the Peace Chapel at the monastery. 

We hold our daily Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic prayer in the Peace Chapel while we celebrate feasts and Sundays in the Bishop Martin Marty Chapel.  As we gather for prayer early every morning and return too prayer again every evening, our sisters pause to reverence Christ present among us in the Reservation Chapel.  Throughout the day, sisters have the opportunity to come and sit in the cool quiet to reflect and pray.  If you find the opportunity to visit us, consider taking time in your day to rest in this prayer spot for some silent listening with God.



In the dailiness of our processing in and out of chapel, we can easily forget the work that it took to create the beautiful simplicity of this prayer space.  The Tabernacle and the stands were all designed by our Sr. Mary Kay, who now serves the monastery as procurator.  The icon of our Blessed Mother was written by an artist who at one time was also a sister of our monastery.  Even the stained glass (unseen on the right of this photo) was designed by one of our sister artists at the time the chapel was being constructed. 

Blessings,

The Feast of the Ascension

Greetings!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.  We join the Psalmist today in proclaiming:

"God mounts his throne
to shouts of joy:
a blare of trumpets for the Lord." 

High above our sisters and congregation, the clerestory angels of Bishop Martin Marty Chapel illustrate this joy.  The angelic trumpeters alternate with those swinging censers with clouds of sweet incense rising.  They fill the entire length of the chapel with light and color.

Blessings,