Dear friends,

Good things are happening at Sacred Heart! Perhaps by now you have received our “Behold, we are doing something new‒ mailing. As stated in the memorandum, the discernment of this transition has led us to great peace of mind and less responsibilities for us. Although we have given over our property and buildings, we have chosen, for as long as we can, to take care of the Grotto and ministries in the Chapel.

Good things continue to happen. Along with Father Becket, our beloved chaplain for 24 years, and myself, John and Therese Zigmond are beginning a program called “Mission and Spirituality Committee‒ where we will be addressing ways we can meet the spiritual needs of the residents. Likewise, although we have had an active recycling program, residents and staff, urged on by Lorraine Pachankis and now assisted by Jack Flowers, are trying harder to respond to Pope Francis’ “ Laudate Deum ” plea to take care of our Common Home the Earth, now in a major climate crisis, by enhancing our recycling efforts.

During this Advent season, I urge all of us to pray for peace. I am proud to say that my family prayed the rosary almost daily - and most still do - as Our Blessed Mother asked of us. In my growing-up days, among our intentions was praying for the conversion of Russia, urged on by the appearance of Our Lady of Fatima. With the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other parts of the world, the need for prayer has never been greater.

Ordinary time in the Church year can be anything but ordinary. VSB resident Tom Shilgalis often enjoys taking sunrise photos looking from his window when the clouds are pretty, and the photo featured on our cover is one of his favorites. The crucifix hanging in his window was given to him many years ago when Tom participated in a Cursillo retreat weekend. Thank you, Tom! This is an awesome photo!

The crucifix, no doubt present in our homes, is a constant reminder of an opportunity to stay in touch with our rootedness in Christ Jesus who came into our world to share Himself, to challenge us to believe in and partake of his gift of the Eucharist, where we can receive his body and blood and find ongoing nourishment to grow and live out our life with a joy-filled giving Spirit.

Speaking of joy-filled life, you will read in this issue of celebration moments: our international student Sister Alberta graduating from Benedictine University and the Jubilee celebration of Sister Karen’s 60 years of vowed monastic life. We had planned a celebration for two sisters with 75 years of monastic profession on June 13; however, Sister DePaul died a few days short of that momentous occasion. Sister Margaret Mary was in rare alert form that day, enjoying conversation and interaction with about 30 friends and family. More details in our next issue!

For our Sisters’ annual retreat, Sister Mary Jo Polak, OSB presented on the “cor” (Latin for heart) mentioned 31 times in Benedict’s Rule, and challenged us to engage in serious reflection of how we are living that “cor” teaching and how we can improve. We also engage monthly in “Wisdom Circle conversations, “ prefaced with meals like pizza or chicken wings, and then sharing happenings and suggestions for making our lives informed, exciting and prayerful. All this provides for ongoing meaningful conversations as our numbers decrease but our lives remain energized.

In July, my dear friend Renata and I will drive to Warren, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA to bring our Sisters Barbara Pavlik and Marion Dobos to Lisle for a visit. They are members of our community, having received their formation in Lisle, but are of the Byzantine rite. It has been a long time since they’ve been to Lisle.

Our next issue will also cover The Lisle Woman’s Club and day-long experience of touring select gardens in Lisle - where our Grotto and Peace Garden were featured. During the garden tour, some participants were intrigued by the opportunity of having a tribute brick planted along the edge of our Grotto’s fence. (see photo)

You may order tribute bricks for you or your loved ones for a small donation. Contact me by email mbratrsovsky@shmlisle.org
or by mail: Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB
1910 Maple Ave
Lisle, IL 60532

If interested, please submit your order as soon as possible, and indicate whether the person whose name is to be inscribed on the brick is living or deceased.

May the Risen Christ continue to energize your life!

Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB
Prioress

Cell Phone: (630) 750-6010 or mbratrsovsky@shmlisle.org