Monday, November 24, 2008

Cloisterite Hermits begin formation

Albeit online, the Cloisterite Hermits have begun their formation.

We are going slowly, and have other hermits assisting us.

The hermits' blog is available at: http://reparatrixanchoresses.blogspot.com/

Before familial circumstances beyond my control popped up, we had been planning for the formation to take 2 years. Now, it may take 3. However, that being said, I would rather take things slowly than to rush into something that takes 10 years to undo. That is also the advice of someone who had been in a new foundation elsewhere.

Blessings,
Gemma

Monday, November 17, 2008

Pro Orantibus this Friday, Nov. 21

"Pro Orantibus Day" ('For those who pray') is this Friday, November 21.

Please remember your favorite cloistered religious orders and their vocations on this day.

We will also be starting the Cloisterite Hermits' foundation in earnest. There will be more information on the foundations' blog: http://reparatrixanchoresses.blogspot.com/

Blessings,
Gemma

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

British monasteries & American women

British monasteries have a lot to offer older women, but those who have grown up in warmer climates need to discern these monasteries a bit further.

An older vocation from South America, whom I just debriefed after her British "nun run," said that she would suggest those from colder climates look into the British monasteries. British heating systems are different from those in the U.S., also.

The situation in the UK is getting dire where vocations are concerned. There will be a few Discalced Carmelite monasteries who follow the 1991 Constitutions merging due to this shortage.

Cloister Outreach built an "unofficial" site for the Benedictines of the Immaculate Conception at Oulton Abbey, where a discerner we've been working with for several years has discerned as being her possible "True Home." Here's the link: http://cloisters.tripod.com/uk_osb_oulton/

Blessings,
Gemma