How can we live in harmony?
First, we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.
– Saint Thomas Aquinas –
The monastic structure of the life of the St. Mary Sisters bears fruit and leads to freedom when embraced with love. The externals of silence, the cloister, and other monastic observances lead to a deeper intimacy with Christ. In meeting the daily challenge to pass from what is visible to the invisible through fidelity to religious discipline – authentic communion is fostered and the heart is opened wide for mission.
In our day the divine fire has not been extinguished.
- Father Thomas Dubay, SM -
I rise before dawn and cry for help,
I hope in your word.
My eyes watch through the night
to ponder your promise.
- Psalm 119: 147-148
Office of Readings – 5:15 AM
The Sisters start their communal prayers by reciting the Office of Readings – giving them Sacred Scripture and the words of the Church to feed their meditation.
Meditation – 5:30 AM
Mental prayer, which engages the thought, imagination, emotion, and desire, becomes in its practice, a life-giving encounter with the Beloved, Who stands knocking at the door of the heart.
Lauds – 6:15 AM
The choral recitation of the Divine Office draws the Sisters more profoundly into the liturgical life of the Church, affording occasions for unceasing renewal in their zeal to sacrifice themselves unconditionally in continuous worship of God in love. Participation in Christ’s priestly work of praise and intercession to the Father nourishes personal prayer, and sanctifies the entire day. The Sisters chant in common the hours of Lauds, Daytime Prayer, Vespers, and Compline.
Holy Mass – 6:30 AM
The Eucharist is the very heart of consecrated life. The source and summit of the Sisters’ daily life of prayer is the community Mass, through which members offer and are offered in union with Christ’s Holy Sacrifice.
Breakfast – 7:00 AM
Morning & AfternoonVespers & Rosary – 5:00 PM
Seeking to contemplate the mysteries of Christ at the school of Mary, the Sisters pray together five mysteries of the rosary after Vespers.
Spiritual Reading – 7:30 PM
The Sisters engage in periods of spiritual reading of at least a quarter of an hour each day which serve as sustenance to their life of prayer and pursuit of Truth.
Compline & Salve – 7:45 PM
Every evening after Compline, the Latin antiphons Salve Regina and O Lumen are sung in procession to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Dominic.
Silence & Study – 8:00 PM
Aware that times of silence and study are necessary to listen to and recognize God speaking to their hearts, the Sisters embrace monastic silence and study creating the vital space for fruitful dialogue with Christ.