Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Over time, the Holy Spirit led the Church to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. This great privilege of Mary declares God’s grace and love to be greater than the destructive effects of sin. In 1846, the Church in the United States chose Mary as our patroness under the title of her Immaculate Conception. As we celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception, let us ask her intercession on behalf of our nation—that we might have the courage and perseverance to follow her example of fidelity to grace and obedience to God’s will.

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 7 and lasts until sundown on December 15. Hanukkah (Hebrew for “dedication”) is the Festival of Lights which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp. The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days.

Pope John Paul II was the first pope to make an official visit to a synagogue and made the first papal state visit to Israel. In a crevice in the Western Wall, he placed a note with the following words: “God of our fathers, You chose Abraham and his descendants to bring your Name to the nations: we are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer, and asking your forgiveness we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant.”

Today is the Memorial of Saint Ambrose who was elected bishop of Milan by popular acclaim and ordained on this date in 374. He was a zealous pastor, liturgist, champion of the poor, teacher of the faith, and a practical, fatherly priest. When Ambrose died at age sixty, he was greatly missed by his people who had known him to be, like Christ, a true shepherd of souls. We, too, are graced by God to live a life of love that is infinitely greater than ourselves.

Today is the Memorial of Saint Nicholas, a beloved fourth-century bishop whose reputation for helping the poor became associated with Santa Claus who brings presents on Christmas Eve. The practice of secret gift giving associated with Saint Nicholas is generosity at its purest, for it is giving without any hope of return or expectation of recognition. Today’s feast, like a little Christmas, is a reminder that the feast we will celebrate in 18 days has little to do with material gift-giving and everything to do with generous love-giving. Be generous today in honor of good Saint Nick!

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Wait, pray, be patient and persevering. The Lord will surely come.

The season of Advent begins tomorrow. We ask God to prepare our hearts the way God prepared all of history to receive the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us find moments to remember God’s incredible love for us and rejoice in it. Let us also remember to reach out in works of justice and mercy during this season of hope.

In this, the season of giving, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius are grateful for your generosity and continued support that enables us to carry out our mission and ministries within the community. Your thoughtful gift will allow us to continue our mission to spread the word of God, provide education, care for the elderly and develop closer relationships with many different people. Know that you are remembered in our daily prayers. May your generous heart be filled with the hope and light of Christ!

FEAST OF SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE
Andrew is said to have spread the Good News in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified at Patras on an X-shaped cross. According to John’s Gospel, Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist before he became a follower of Christ, to whom he also brought his brother Peter. With Philip, Andrew presented the Gentiles to Jesus. Before the miracle in the desert, it was Andrew who pointed out to Jesus the boy carrying the loaves and fishes. These few events show us a man who seemed to take delight in bringing others to Jesus. Through the intercession of Saint Andrew, may we live up to our calling as persons who bring others to Christ.

Throughout this month of November, our deceased loved ones have been remembered in loving prayer. Although our attention may now be drawn to other matters, our love for them is still nourished by the memory of how their lives touched ours.

In the name of Jesus, Teacher and Healer, and sensitive to contemporary needs, especially justice and peace, we reach out in compassion to
- Evangelize and teach.
- Care for the elderly, young, poor, sick, lonely, wounded families, and immigrants.
- Work and pray for the unity of all Christians.
So that the gospel vision of the Kingdom may be fulfilled in us and in those we serve.

Join the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius for Giving Tuesday 2023. Know that you are remembered in our daily prayers. May your generous heart be filled with the hope and light of Christ!
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E4391&id=1

SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. While governments come and go, Jesus Christ reigns as King forever. We have been claimed by and for Christ in our baptism. Christ reigns in us as Lord of our lives when we know and serve him by doing what he did among us—healing, teaching, reconciling, and loving those who long for forgiveness, wholeness, and peace.
Adveniat Regnum Tuum! Thy Kingdom Come!

Today we remember Saint Andrew Dung-Lac who was one of 117 martyrs who met death in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. During that time, between 100,000 and 300,000 Catholics were killed or subjected to terrible sufferings. Persecutions persisted into the 20th century, yet there are over 6 million Roman Catholics in Vietnam today. It may help people who associate Vietnam only with a war to realize that the cross of Christ has long been a part of the lives of the people of that country. May our actions today give honor to this “great cloud of witnesses.”

THANKSGIVING DAY
Happy Thanksgiving to all our relatives, Associates, friends, staff, co-workers and those we serve. May the light of gratitude burn brightly around your tables this Thanksgiving!

“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.”
– Pope St. John Paul II

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.”
– St. Gianna Beretta Molla

“Thank God ahead of time.”
– Bl. Solanus Casey

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart. It is a simple glance directed to Heaven. It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy.”
– St. Thérèse Lisieux

“In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.”
– St. Teresa of Avila

“Over the past 21 years, the congregation had honored over 1,350 teens in the Dioceses of Bridgeport, Charleston, Chicago, Gary, Harrisburg, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Scranton, Syracuse and Trenton with the Servant Leadership Award.”

Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius Confer Servant Leadership Awards for Service and Passion for the Faith On October 29, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville awarded the Servant Leadership Award to 20 outstanding high school juniors and seniors from the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Today we remember Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians. The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius have a long history of praising God through music and song.

Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy sanctuary;
give praise in the mighty dome of heaven.
Give praise for his mighty deeds,
praise him for his great majesty.
Give praise with blasts upon the horn,
praise him with harp and lyre.
Give praise with tambourines and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes.
Give praise with crashing cymbals,
praise him with sounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
give praise to the LORD!
Hallelujah!
~Psalm 150

Today is the Memorial of Saint Cecilia, a third-century martyr and patron saint of musicians. In art, she is often depicted with a musical instrument. Stories describe her as singing a song in her heart for God and rejoicing always in her faith, even amidst persecution and death. Cecilia reminds us of the deep connection between music and prayer. On this memorial of Saint Cecilia, sing a hymn of praise to God!

Even though there is no Gospel account of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, today’s memorial stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by human hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God’s saving work. At the same time, the holiness of Mary enriches her children. We, too, are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God’s saving work.

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
In the Gospel today (Matthew 25:14-30) we are urged to put our God-given talents to use for the sake of the Kingdom.

It was a joy to run into Bishop Edward Malesic formerly from the Diocese of Harrisburg at !

Blessings on Sister Deborah Marie, Director of Mission Integration for the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) and on the NRVC staff and members who are spreading the good news of religious life at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis!

Today is the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary who was known for her simplicity and her generosity. As queen, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects, yet daily she would take bread to hundreds of the poorest in the land. After the death of her husband, Elizabeth suffered mistreatment from his family who saw her outreach to the needy as squandering the royal purse. In 1228, she joined the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the remaining few years of her life caring for the poor and sick in a hospice she built in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. She died at the age of 24 in 1231. Her legacy of courage and compassion so touched the hearts of common people that she was canonized four years later.

Members of the Leadership Teams of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scranton), and the Sisters of Saint Casimir (Chicago), met earlier this month at St. Methodius Convent on the grounds of Villa Sacred Heart in Danville. The Tri-Community group has met regularly to discuss areas of shared interest, service and mission. The three Communities have a shared history in that the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary trained the first members of both the Sisters of Saint Casimir (1907), and the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1909). Our continuing relationship is a blessing for us all.

Sister Pamela Smith reflects on All Souls Day. Sister Pamela serves as Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Diocese of Charleston, SC.

Poor, Holy Souls and the Bootcamp for Everlasting Glory We cannot become holy on our own. As Christians, we cannot be a solo act.

Merciful Lord, turn toward us and listen to our prayers: open the gates of paradise to your servant and help us who remain to comfort one another with assurances of faith, until we all meet in Christ and are with you and with our loved one for ever.

Advent is a time of promise! Join us on Saturday, December 2, as Sister Nancy Iampietro, a Missionary Sister of the Precious Blood, invites us to explore the doors that await us as we prepare for this time of promise. God is waiting to meet us; waiting to show us the doors that will incarnate his promise to us. Click on the link below for more information and to register.
https://sscm.org/adventretreatday/

As a small and frail child, Maria Francesca made little paper boats, filled them with violets, and sent them off in the flowing water of a canal as “missionaries.” Today we remember her as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini who left Italy and set sail for New York with six other sisters in March of 1889. During the next 35 years, she founded nearly 70 institutions to serve the needs of thousands of poor immigrants. Although she had a deathly fear of water and drowning, she crossed the ocean nearly 30 times, bringing more sisters and establishing orphanages, hospitals, and schools for the abandoned, the ill, and the needy in over eight countries. She died in Chicago in 1917, and in 1946 she became the first naturalized United States citizen to be canonized. Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants, and a statue of her in lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City overlooks New York Harbor, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’” (Matthew 25:1-4, 6)

Ready to meet the Lord Jesus?

As National Vocation Awareness Week draws to a close today, our prayers continue for young people to remain open to God’s call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as a sister, priest, brother, or deacon. We, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, have before us always a vision of the Kingdom that has been revealed in Jesus in our midst and a vision of the Kingdom yet to come.

Today we remember Saint Martin of Tours, the patron of military chaplains. Tradition holds that while he was in the Roman army and a catechumen of the faith, Martin cut his cloak in half to share it with a beggar. That night he dreamed that Jesus himself was clothed with the torn cloak. Moved by this vision, he immediately finished his religious instruction and was baptized. Martin then left the military to become a monk. Evidence of his holiness led to his appointment as bishop of Tours. May we follow the example of Saint Martin by sharing what we have with those most in need.