Reflections
Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord
As we meditate on the scenes of Christmas, we see a peaceful scene of Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus in a stable. Soon they were visited by shepherds with their sheep from the nearby hills. It was to these poor Jewish shepherds that the heavenly host of angels gave the first manifestation, or epiphany, …
Christmas Blessings 2021
Sister Mary Murray, OP, president of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, reflects on the humble birth of Jesus and its meaning for our world. Sister Mary offers a wish for Christmas blessings to all on behalf of the Sparkill Dominican Sisters and Associates. Christmas Blessings 2021 from Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
When asked to reflect on Our Lady of Guadalupe, I felt confident that I would be able to sit and write effortlessly about the Patroness of the Americas. How could this be a difficult task when I know, so well, the story of Juan Diego and his encounter with the Virgin Mary on the hill …
O Mary, conceived without sin….
Angel Gabriel was first to proclaim Mary’s immaculate conception when he addressed her: “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!” God had a plan and had prepared her for it. From her conception in the womb of her mother Saint Anne, Mary was free from sin. This belief has been held and …
Light the Advent Candles
We need Advent, this time of hope, expectation, light shining in the darkness. We need to hear once again those Advent scriptures-of a lion lying down with a lamb, of valleys being raised and mountains made low, crooked paths becoming straight, the rough ways smooth, and the dawn from on high breaking upon us, guiding …
The power of a blade of grass…
Have you ever noticed a blade of grass coming through the middle of an asphalt driveway? The slender blade is so strong that it can push its way right through the asphalt. Yet that same blade of grass is so delicate that even a child’s fingers can pull it apart into a dozen pieces. A …
Footprints
The leaves are finally beginning to show their fall colors on the Motherhouse grounds here in Sparkill and they dazzle! Many of us are blessed to be able to walk this property for exercise and reflection each day. Last week, I attended the wedding in Sacred Heart Chapel of a young woman whose mother was …
Saint Francis Assisi and Laudato Sí
More than eight hundred years ago a man by the name of Francis fell in love with the God of creation through experiencing the gift of the natural world. He saw the face of his creator in every wildflower he touched and in the blades of grass his feet trod through the countryside of Assisi. …
Who We Are and Whose We Are
Once there was a lioness who gave birth to a tiny cub and then died. The little cub was lost, but he finally found a herd of goats who were bleating and eating grass. The cub stayed with the goats and learned to make bleating sounds and even learned to eat grass. One day another …
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
October, a brilliant season when the cool crisp days encourage the trees to turn yellow, red, and gold, brightens our spirits. Have you realized that our two loveliest months, May and October, are dedicated to Mary? Fittingly, during this beautiful month we celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary with a special day on October 7. …