Eleven. Eleven. Eleven. Updates: bits & pieces

Posted on November 11, 2011 by vicki
In the spirit of Eleven, we give thanksgiving for the Eleven Patronal Saints of St. Simeon Skete and NHA. 

  1. Holy Prophet, Elijah, who heard God in the stillness
  2. Holy Simeon, the God Receiver & Confessor, who found God to be enough
  3. John the Baptist, Forerunner & Baptizer of Jesus in the Jordan River where Heaven opened
  4. Saint Mary of Bethany, who chose the better part
  5. Saint John the Beloved who with Mary Magdalene & Mary, the mother of our Lord, bore witness at the foot of the cross
  6. Saint Paul,  the Apostle, who showed us the Way of the Name
  7. Saint Pachomius of the Rule who gave us the Angel’s holy Rule of Prayer
  8. Saint Arsenius, who fled, found solitude and prayed always
  9. Saint Mary of Egypt, for whom repentance was enough
  10. Saint Isaac the Syrian, who showed us the beyond to be in our midst
  11. Saint Gregory of Sinai, who stayed with the prayer
“Lord, Jesus Christ our God,  by the prayers of your saints, have mercy upon us and save us.”



Today’s blog post will be a bit of a “catch up” on recent events.  


At this writing James and Kadijah are tending to Roo who is experiencing a very high fever of 104.  Please keep him in your prayers. 


The NHA Matching Fund campaign has ended and was a success.  We have now received the matching funds to match all the donations.   Thank you so very much for all the support.  You’ll be hearing more about this very soon.


Nazareth House Apostolate has purchased 100 worm pills ($319) and they are on their way to Sierra Leone along with medications received from the Anglican Church Women of St. Augustine Church in Chico, California.



We want to send our love and congratulations to Mohammad Sanu and his family.  



His wife gave birth (successfully) to their youngest child. 





 Last year they lost a child at birth – it was too premature.  



Sanu has joined the NHA team and works with James to provide and do the work of Nazareth House in Kabala.  


James reports after Sanu’s wife’s surgery – c-section (thanks to NHA’s provision) that he met up with an adorable little dog sporting only three legs.   



“Old school is this dog’s name. Some say he suffered the amputation during the war, some say he was hit by a car but no matter what his history is, he is the sweetiest dog I have ever met in my life. Whilst trying to help Sanu out as he struggle to get his wife out of the hospital after her operation, we met Old School. I was so worn out but was so moved to play with him and  there he comes wagging his tale as if I was his owner. He did make my day and every one told me so much good stories of him. Old School, as he is called, living his life as a Freetonian and had no choice but to keep his three legs going and making life happen as it is. No complain at all…….  To me he represents a lot of my people, they have nothing, many times not even their limbs, but they smile, they are genuinely happy and they make life go on as if they were richest of the world” -James Mansaray


After prayerful consideration and much research, we have decided to transfer Lucy to a Boarding School in Freetown.   



Lucy, (James daughter) plans on being a doctor and with the scarcity of that vocation in Kabala we felt it was our duty to see that she gets the adequate education and training without delay.   Our NHA School in Kabala provides very qualified education however, we are just now growing into the high school level that Lucy has already obtained, therefore we didn’t want to hold her back. We tried the excellent homeschooling but since the internet in Sierra Leone is so intermittent these days, her learning was not consistent.  The boarding school tuition, room and board (including food) is right at $3,000 a year.  We have provided $500 of that as a downpayment and this has allowed her to begin school.  The school has asked that we pay $1100 this month and the rest within the next month.   We are taking donations for this cause.  If you wish to give please indicate “Lucy” on your contribution. 


Nazareth House again paid the yearly rent for Marianna Barrie, the wife of the late sufi saint, Pa Barrie.  

We promised Pa Barrie that  we would take care of his widow and we have kept our promise.   







Thanks be to God. 





Back at St. Simeon Skete, we are preparing for Winter.   The skies have been as colorful as the changing leaves.  Finally, the grass mowing is over until Spring.





   There is over 17 acres of grass to cut on the property and Seraphim has been keeping up with it.





   When time came for Louisville Tractor to come and take away the lawn mower for Winterizing,



 Seraphim was like a boy having his toy taken away.  



He explained to me that the Cheetah (Scags Zero Turn) was the best working tool he’s had in a long time.  “Its a fine machine”  He is very thankful for it, especially with this much grass to cut. 


And as they drove off with it, Seraphim watched it to the very end of the road.   Men and their tools.   …smile…




We cannot stress enough that Nazareth House Apostolate relies totally on God as he expresses Himself through our supporters’ prayers, compassion and generosity.  Through this assistance we are able to reach hundreds (families and individuals, doctors and hospitals,  teachers and students).   Join us, today.

donations should be made through the Paypal button on our website 
or 
mailed to
NHA
185 Captains Cove Drive
Taylorsville,  KY 40071

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The Wailing Wall at St. Simeon Skete

Posted on November 7, 2011 by vicki
As Autumn settles in at St. Simeon Skete, 



we’ve now completed a full year in Taylorsville, Kentucky.  


Much has been accomplished in establishing this space of prayer, yet; there is still much yet to do.
Upon purchasing the property, there was (and still is) many physical projects necessary to aesthetically conform the grounds to the atmosphere necessary for a skete.  That is … an atmosphere of prayer.  


We are working on these projects one at a time as funding, labor and weather permits.   
It cannot be said too often, or stressed enough that St. Simeon Skete is about prayer, everything we do stems, circulates and grows from that prayer.


 It is the heart of Nazareth House Apostolate which enables the blood to circulate through the body.  


Without the work at the Skete, the mission work in Sierra Leone could not continue.  


That work, the ongoing prayer, has been going on way before we relocated to Taylorsville, there has been no change in that, only the location is different.  It is at this new setting that we hope to expand that prayer with vocations.  Those who will give up all of the world to come and live this life of prayer at the Skete.  


There was a time when people believed that prayer at this level was necessary and vocations were plentiful.  As the world became more materialistic, vocations began to drop.  


At Nazareth House Apostolate we believe that it is the lack of places such as St. Simeon Skete, that the world is in such decline.  


People need to know that there is somewhere in the world where people are praying.  

When they are stuck in traffic, already late for work and suddenly their car overheats 


– people need to know that in the midst of their struggle there are those who are praying for them at the skete. 

On Sunday, November 6th, we officially opened the Wailing Wall of St. Simeon Skete.  


The Wall, containing a shrine with pieces of mortar from the original Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, lies hidden beyond the fencing 


overlooking Taylorsville Lake.  
Yesterday, it  was blessed and the first prayers were inserted into the cracks.  
The Notice on the Wailing Wall at St. Simeon Skete reads: 

“This wall is inspired by another wall, the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. 


Here generations have cried and prayed out their needs before God.  


Indeed to this day little pieces of paper with prayers and petitions are rolled up and inserted in the broken mortar between the bricks of the wall.



This wall serves the same purpose. 


It is here in order that needs, prayers and petitions may be stuck in the crevices that as they’re seen they will be prayed for.  


Also, you may take a petition from the wall, keep it for a week and pray for the unknown writer whose heart may be broken.  


Then you might initial and date it and put it back again so that the person who put it there originally may know that he or she is not alone; that someone gave comfort, sympathy and concern.
In any case, the Wailing Wall stands here as a shrine, a special place at St. Simeon Skete 


where we stand with deep devotion with you as we raise our hearts and minds to God with longing, tears and confidence. 
Feel free to stick your needs in the cracks and look over other’s needs.  


Most of all, stand, kneel or prostrate here with reverence, faith and quiet that deep sympathy and mercy always demands of us.  


Jesus Mercy dear friend.

Now it is time to go into the marketplace, do so with this commission: “…go ye and learn…I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” -St. Matthew 9:13”


Posted in Jerusalem, Kentucky, Prayer, Prayer Wall., skete, St Simeon Skete, Taylorsville, Wailing Wall | Leave a comment

The Wailing Wall at St. Simeon Skete

Posted on November 7, 2011 by vicki
As Autumn settles in at St. Simeon Skete,

 



we’ve now completed a full year in Taylorsville, Kentucky.


Much has been accomplished in establishing this space of prayer, yet; there is still much yet to do.
Upon purchasing the property, there was (and still is) many physical projects necessary to aesthetically conform the grounds to the atmosphere necessary for a skete.  That is … an atmosphere of prayer.


We are working on these projects one at a time as funding, labor and weather permits.
It cannot be said too often, or stressed enough that St. Simeon Skete is about prayer, everything we do stems, circulates and grows from that prayer.


It is the heart of Nazareth House Apostolate which enables the blood to circulate through the body.


Without the work at the Skete, the mission work in Sierra Leone could not continue.


That work, the ongoing prayer, has been going on way before we relocated to Taylorsville, there has been no change in that, only the location is different.  It is at this new setting that we hope to expand that prayer with vocations.  Those who will give up all of the world to come and live this life of prayer at the Skete.


There was a time when people believed that prayer at this level was necessary and vocations were plentiful.  As the world became more materialistic, vocations began to drop.


At Nazareth House Apostolate we believe that it is the lack of places such as St. Simeon Skete, that the world is in such decline.


People need to know that there is somewhere in the world where people are praying.

When they are stuck in traffic, already late for work and suddenly their car overheats


– people need to know that in the midst of their struggle there are those who are praying for them at the skete.
On Sunday, November 6th, we officially opened the Wailing Wall of St. Simeon Skete.


The Wall, containing a shrine with pieces of mortar from the original Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, lies hidden beyond the fencing


overlooking Taylorsville Lake.
Yesterday, it  was blessed and the first prayers were inserted into the cracks.
The Notice on the Wailing Wall at St. Simeon Skete reads:

“This wall is inspired by another wall, the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.


Here generations have cried and prayed out their needs before God.


Indeed to this day little pieces of paper with prayers and petitions are rolled up and inserted in the broken mortar between the bricks of the wall.



This wall serves the same purpose.


It is here in order that needs, prayers and petitions may be stuck in the crevices that as they’re seen they will be prayed for.


Also, you may take a petition from the wall, keep it for a week and pray for the unknown writer whose heart may be broken.


Then you might initial and date it and put it back again so that the person who put it there originally may know that he or she is not alone; that someone gave comfort, sympathy and concern.
In any case, the Wailing Wall stands here as a shrine, a special place at St. Simeon Skete


where we stand with deep devotion with you as we raise our hearts and minds to God with longing, tears and confidence.
Feel free to stick your needs in the cracks and look over other’s needs.


Most of all, stand, kneel or prostrate here with reverence, faith and quiet that deep sympathy and mercy always demands of us.


Jesus Mercy dear friend.

Now it is time to go into the marketplace, do so with this commission: “…go ye and learn…I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” -St. Matthew 9:13”


Posted in Jerusalem, Kentucky, Prayer, Prayer Wall., skete, St Simeon Skete, Taylorsville, Wailing Wall | Leave a comment

NHA School, Ismaia Road, Kabala

Posted on November 4, 2011 by vicki
Last year when James visited St. Simeon Skete in Taylorsville, Kentucky he was presented with a large sign for the Nazareth House Apostolate School in Kabala. 
During the Summer Break the school building was painted and the sign was framed and placed prominently for all to see.  
There is much to do to keep the school in Kabala and the Skete in Taylorsville  up to date, both administratively and in the way of building maintenance.  The weather presents harsh extremes on a building and we must tend to them accordingly. We count on your donations and support to do this. 

We have nearly 300 students in need of uniforms.  Unlike most schools in Sierra Leone, we provide our students with uniforms without charging their parents.

 This enables parents to send their children for an education without placing a financial hardship on the family.  We do not want a child kept from school because of lack of money or clothing.   The Children pictured above on the NHA School porch represent those uniforms we’ve been able to afford to have made so far.

We have a long way to go to fit them all in new uniforms.  Some of the children continue to make do with the old uniforms, although most are beginning to show much wear.

It costs NHA $25 to provide two (2) uniforms per student.  For  many students this is their only complete outfit they have to wear.   If you would like to provide a set of uniforms for a student (or more) you may do so by sending your donation of $25 to NHA, 185 Captains Cove Dr, Taylorsville, KY 40071 or via the Paypal donation link on our website.  And with the Holiday Season coming up, giving a new uniform triples the gift as it enables the proprietor that sells us the material to keep his Material Shop operating (stimulating the local economy), it allows the seamstress to make some money to buy her family a meal or two with every uniform she sews and a student receives new school clothing.  What a great gift!

This year we hope that you consider Nazareth House Apostolate for your Christmas Gift giving.  For the person who has everything, rather than buying more of what they don’t need, make a real difference in the life of someone in need by donating in the name of that person.  NHA will acknowledge your gift to them in a nice card along with a follow up and photo of how that gift was used.

Today is the Feast Day of St. Charles Borromeo.  
(After the death of his uncle, Pius IV (1566), Borromeo contributed materially to suppressing the cabals of the conclave. Subsequently he devoted himself wholly to the reformation of his diocese. It had deteriorated in practice owing to the 80-year absence of previous archbishops.  Borromeo made numerous pastoral visits, and restored dignity to divine service.  Turning his priests and people towards deeper and deeper prayer.

In conformity with the decrees of the Council of Trent, which suggested simplifying church interiors, Borromeo cleared the cathedral of ornate tombs, rich ornaments, banners, and arms. He did not even spare the monuments of his own relatives. 
He extended his reforms to the collegiate churches, monasteries and even to the Confraternities of Penitents, particularly that of St. John the Baptist. This group was to attend to prisoners and those condemned to death, to give them help and support.
Borromeo believed that abuses in the church arose from clergy ignorance. Among his most important actions, he established seminaries, colleges and communities for the education of candidates for holy orders. His emphasis on Catholic learning greatly increased the preparation of men for priesthood and benefited their congregations.
In addition, Borromeo founded the fraternity of Oblates of St. Ambrose, a society of secular men who did not take orders, but devoted themselves to the church and followed a discipline of monastic prayers and study. They provided assistance to parishes where ordered by the church.
n 1576, when Milan suffered an epidemic of the bubonic plague, Borromeo led efforts to accommodate the sick and bury the dead. He avoided no danger and spared no expense. He visited all the parishes where the contagion raged, distributing money, providing accommodation for the sick, and punishing those, especially the clergy, who were remiss in discharging their duties.
Borromeo met with much opposition to his reforms. The governor of the province, and many of the senators, addressed complaints to the courts of Rome and Madrid. They were apprehensive that the cardinal’s ordinances would encroach upon the civil jurisdiction.
Borromeo also faced staunch opposition of several religious orders, particularly that of the Humiliati (Brothers of Humility). Some members of that society formed a conspiracy against his life, and a shot was fired at him in the archiepiscopal chapel. His survival was considered miraculous. (Brothers of Humility tried to have him murdered – how humble of them…wow)
He successfully attacked his Jesuit confessor, Giovanni Battista Ribera who, with other members of the college of Milan, was found to be guilty of unnatural offenses. This action increased Borromeo’s enemies within the church.
Borromeo’s manifold labors and austerities appear to have shortened his life. He was seized with an intermittent fever, and died at Milan on 3 November 1584. He was canonized in 1610, and his feast is celebrated on 4 November each year in the Roman Catholic Rite.)
Posted in africa, Kabala, NHA school, school uniform, Sierra Leone, St Simeon Skete | Leave a comment

NHA School, Ismaia Road, Kabala

Posted on November 4, 2011 by vicki
Last year when James visited St. Simeon Skete in Taylorsville, Kentucky he was presented with a large sign for the Nazareth House Apostolate School in Kabala. 
During the Summer Break the school building was painted and the sign was framed and placed prominently for all to see.  
There is much to do to keep the school in Kabala and the Skete in Taylorsville  up to date, both administratively and in the way of building maintenance.  The weather presents harsh extremes on a building and we must tend to them accordingly. We count on your donations and support to do this. 

We have nearly 300 students in need of uniforms.  Unlike most schools in Sierra Leone, we provide our students with uniforms without charging their parents.

 This enables parents to send their children for an education without placing a financial hardship on the family.  We do not want a child kept from school because of lack of money or clothing.   The Children pictured above on the NHA School porch represent those uniforms we’ve been able to afford to have made so far.

We have a long way to go to fit them all in new uniforms.  Some of the children continue to make do with the old uniforms, although most are beginning to show much wear.

It costs NHA $25 to provide two (2) uniforms per student.  For  many students this is their only complete outfit they have to wear.   If you would like to provide a set of uniforms for a student (or more) you may do so by sending your donation of $25 to NHA, 185 Captains Cove Dr, Taylorsville, KY 40071 or via the Paypal donation link on our website.  And with the Holiday Season coming up, giving a new uniform triples the gift as it enables the proprietor that sells us the material to keep his Material Shop operating (stimulating the local economy), it allows the seamstress to make some money to buy her family a meal or two with every uniform she sews and a student receives new school clothing.  What a great gift!

This year we hope that you consider Nazareth House Apostolate for your Christmas Gift giving.  For the person who has everything, rather than buying more of what they don’t need, make a real difference in the life of someone in need by donating in the name of that person.  NHA will acknowledge your gift to them in a nice card along with a follow up and photo of how that gift was used.

Today is the Feast Day of St. Charles Borromeo.  
(After the death of his uncle, Pius IV (1566), Borromeo contributed materially to suppressing the cabals of the conclave. Subsequently he devoted himself wholly to the reformation of his diocese. It had deteriorated in practice owing to the 80-year absence of previous archbishops.  Borromeo made numerous pastoral visits, and restored dignity to divine service.  Turning his priests and people towards deeper and deeper prayer.

In conformity with the decrees of the Council of Trent, which suggested simplifying church interiors, Borromeo cleared the cathedral of ornate tombs, rich ornaments, banners, and arms. He did not even spare the monuments of his own relatives. 
He extended his reforms to the collegiate churches, monasteries and even to the Confraternities of Penitents, particularly that of St. John the Baptist. This group was to attend to prisoners and those condemned to death, to give them help and support.
Borromeo believed that abuses in the church arose from clergy ignorance. Among his most important actions, he established seminaries, colleges and communities for the education of candidates for holy orders. His emphasis on Catholic learning greatly increased the preparation of men for priesthood and benefited their congregations.
In addition, Borromeo founded the fraternity of Oblates of St. Ambrose, a society of secular men who did not take orders, but devoted themselves to the church and followed a discipline of monastic prayers and study. They provided assistance to parishes where ordered by the church.
n 1576, when Milan suffered an epidemic of the bubonic plague, Borromeo led efforts to accommodate the sick and bury the dead. He avoided no danger and spared no expense. He visited all the parishes where the contagion raged, distributing money, providing accommodation for the sick, and punishing those, especially the clergy, who were remiss in discharging their duties.
Borromeo met with much opposition to his reforms. The governor of the province, and many of the senators, addressed complaints to the courts of Rome and Madrid. They were apprehensive that the cardinal’s ordinances would encroach upon the civil jurisdiction.
Borromeo also faced staunch opposition of several religious orders, particularly that of the Humiliati (Brothers of Humility). Some members of that society formed a conspiracy against his life, and a shot was fired at him in the archiepiscopal chapel. His survival was considered miraculous. (Brothers of Humility tried to have him murdered – how humble of them…wow)
He successfully attacked his Jesuit confessor, Giovanni Battista Ribera who, with other members of the college of Milan, was found to be guilty of unnatural offenses. This action increased Borromeo’s enemies within the church.
Borromeo’s manifold labors and austerities appear to have shortened his life. He was seized with an intermittent fever, and died at Milan on 3 November 1584. He was canonized in 1610, and his feast is celebrated on 4 November each year in the Roman Catholic Rite.)
Posted in africa, Kabala, NHA school, school uniform, Sierra Leone, St Simeon Skete | Leave a comment

A Rosary Geographic

Posted on November 1, 2011 by vicki
October is a very important month in the life at St. Simeon Skete and this past month proved to be especially significant.

Early in the month (7th of October), Nazareth House Apostolate celebrates the Feast of the Holy Rosary with an Annual Rosary Convocation.  This year the theme for the event was “A Rosary Geographic” – 3 days devoted to praying the Life of Christ.

The Nazareth House Prayer Rope consists of three strands (“A three-stranded rope isn’t easily broken”- Ecc.4:12).  

 In the first strand we pray the Way of Jesus,

 the second we pray the Life of Jesus (Rosary),

and the the third strand we pray the Name of Jesus (Jesus beads).

Whatever strand you are praying, it is termed, “the Prayer Rope”,  as any one strand contains the other two.

“The Rosary is a sojourn, a walking with Christ in union with Mary, but it is also a place, that has no goal but depth.”

“The rhythm of the Prayer Rope measures time at St. Simeon Skete, it pervades it and forms it. “

As is custom at St. Simeon Skete,  on the Saturday nearest to the Rosary Feast Day (Oct 7), we go on pilgrimage – A Rosary Pilgrimage – to area Shrines.   On the day of the Rosary Pilgrimage this year, we began at St. Simeon Skete, first with Lauds, followed by the Holy Liturgy.

The preparatory prayers of the Rosary were said as the sun rises and lights up the Chapel.

As the fog rolls over the lake and envelopes St. Simeon Skete, we begin our journey.

The Autumn leaves were just starting to change colors

making the pilgrimage drive absolutely beautiful.

Our first stop was at one of our favorite churches to visit, St. Augustine in Leopold, Indiana.

We especially like this church in this quaint little town because the doors are always open for you to come in and pray.


What today has become a novelty (finding a church door open at any time during the day) used to be a matter of normality.  Change is not always for the better.

St. Augustine’s Parish is rich in history

and we are thankful for their welcoming hospitality.

 Here, Fr. Seraphim led us in the first set of Mysteries – The Joyful which are about the mysteries of being human.  “-Jesus your life is living in me”

From Leopold, it is on to the Shrine of St. Joseph for the next set of Mysteries.  It is on this route to the St. Joseph Shrine that we pass the Peacock Farm.  We always marvel at the splendor of this bird.

Upon arriving at St. Joseph Shrine, Seraphim takes time to share a surprise with Denny and Joanie as this is their first pilgrimage with Nazareth House Apostolate.

As you walk up the steps to the shrine, you are taken aback by the enormity of the carved wooden statue of St. Joseph and the boy Jesus.

 Seraphim stands with Denny and Joanie as they take it in.   But there is more.

Seraphim faces them in the opposite direction to feast their eyes on yet another amazing sight.

It is the view from the St. Joseph Shrine of St. Meinrad Archabbey.

At first glimpse of St. Meinrad Archabbey  you the feel as though you’ve been carried away to Europe.  

Fr. Tim Butler leads us

in the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary (the mysteries about the Kingdom) at the beloved carpenter’s shrine.  “Jesus your life is living in me”

St Meinrad Archabbey is a stop on our pilgrimage but first we travel through dusty roads to the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Monte Cassino.  
 This chapel is our (Seraphim and my) favorite chapel.  
It has been our place of refuge – seeking its stillness and simple beauty (again a house of prayer with an unlocked door) …
we’ve spent many hours, deepening the prayer in this chapel through the years.   
Inside the chapel, 
amidst the hand painted Frescos
Fr. Butler shares with us what the rosary means to him 
and how it works in, around and through his life.  
We pray the third set of mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries 
– about the mystery of suffering.  “Jesus your life is living in me” 

The chapel is dark inside, as a church should be – like a womb forming and shaping you
 in the likeness of Christ so you can be birthed out as light in the world. 
After the mysteries are said, its time for a picnic lunch on the grounds of this wonderful chapel.  
A time for refreshment and 
fellowship
before the pilgrimage 
makes its next Rosary Stop.
The journey continues
The final set of mysteries, 
the Glorious Mysteries – the mysteries of faith, we say on our own in the Sanctuary of the St. Meinrad Archabbey. 
 Quietly we complete the rosary, some sitting
some walking. “Jesus your life is living in me” 

while at the archabbey, 
we take time to visit 
the beautiful gardens 
  
and the Abbey Press Book and Gift Store.   Then its back to St. Simeon Skete where we end the day with a campfire 
and enjoy 
a night of fellowship.   
Praying the Life of Christ together bonds us as it brings radiance to our hearts.  And each time it is prayed, with each bead fingered, every moment of our Lord’s life shared – that glow resident within our hearts shines brighter.
If you want to get the rosary its simple: Its praying the Life of Christ. If you want to understand Mary relative to the rosary, that is simply also – its saying “YES” to that life.  
Posted in Life of Christ, Monte Cassino, Nazareth house apostolate, Rosary, Rosary Convocation, St Meinrad Archabbey, St Simeon Skete | Leave a comment

A Rosary Geographic

Posted on November 1, 2011 by vicki
October is a very important month in the life at St. Simeon Skete and this past month proved to be especially significant.

Early in the month (7th of October), Nazareth House Apostolate celebrates the Feast of the Holy Rosary with an Annual Rosary Convocation.  This year the theme for the event was “A Rosary Geographic” – 3 days devoted to praying the Life of Christ.

 

The Nazareth House Prayer Rope consists of three strands (“A three-stranded rope isn’t easily broken”- Ecc.4:12).

In the first strand we pray the Way of Jesus,

the second we pray the Life of Jesus (Rosary),

and the the third strand we pray the Name of Jesus (Jesus beads).

Whatever strand you are praying, it is termed, “the Prayer Rope”,  as any one strand contains the other two.

“The Rosary is a sojourn, a walking with Christ in union with Mary, but it is also a place, that has no goal but depth.”

“The rhythm of the Prayer Rope measures time at St. Simeon Skete, it pervades it and forms it. ”

As is custom at St. Simeon Skete,  on the Saturday nearest to the Rosary Feast Day (Oct 7), we go on pilgrimage – A Rosary Pilgrimage – to area Shrines.   On the day of the Rosary Pilgrimage this year, we began at St. Simeon Skete, first with Lauds, followed by the Holy Liturgy.

The preparatory prayers of the Rosary were said as the sun rises and lights up the Chapel.

As the fog rolls over the lake and envelopes St. Simeon Skete, we begin our journey.

The Autumn leaves were just starting to change colors

making the pilgrimage drive absolutely beautiful.

Our first stop was at one of our favorite churches to visit, St. Augustine in Leopold, Indiana.

We especially like this church in this quaint little town because the doors are always open for you to come in and pray.


What today has become a novelty (finding a church door open at any time during the day) used to be a matter of normality.  Change is not always for the better.

St. Augustine’s Parish is rich in history

and we are thankful for their welcoming hospitality.

Here, Fr. Seraphim led us in the first set of Mysteries – The Joyful which are about the mysteries of being human.  “-Jesus your life is living in me”

From Leopold, it is on to the Shrine of St. Joseph for the next set of Mysteries.  It is on this route to the St. Joseph Shrine that we pass the Peacock Farm.  We always marvel at the splendor of this bird.

Upon arriving at St. Joseph Shrine, Seraphim takes time to share a surprise with Denny and Joanie as this is their first pilgrimage with Nazareth House Apostolate.

As you walk up the steps to the shrine, you are taken aback by the enormity of the carved wooden statue of St. Joseph and the boy Jesus.

Seraphim stands with Denny and Joanie as they take it in.   But there is more.

Seraphim faces them in the opposite direction to feast their eyes on yet another amazing sight.

It is the view from the St. Joseph Shrine of St. Meinrad Archabbey.

At first glimpse of St. Meinrad Archabbey  you the feel as though you’ve been carried away to Europe.

Fr. Tim Butler leads us

in the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary (the mysteries about the Kingdom) at the beloved carpenter’s shrine.  “Jesus your life is living in me”

St Meinrad Archabbey is a stop on our pilgrimage but first we travel through dusty roads to the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Monte Cassino.
This chapel is our (Seraphim and my) favorite chapel.
It has been our place of refuge – seeking its stillness and simple beauty (again a house of prayer with an unlocked door) …
we’ve spent many hours, deepening the prayer in this chapel through the years.
Inside the chapel,
amidst the hand painted Frescos
Fr. Butler shares with us what the rosary means to him
and how it works in, around and through his life.
We pray the third set of mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries
– about the mystery of suffering.  “Jesus your life is living in me”

 

The chapel is dark inside, as a church should be – like a womb forming and shaping you
in the likeness of Christ so you can be birthed out as light in the world.
After the mysteries are said, its time for a picnic lunch on the grounds of this wonderful chapel.
A time for refreshment and
fellowship
before the pilgrimage
makes its next Rosary Stop.
The journey continues
The final set of mysteries,
the Glorious Mysteries – the mysteries of faith, we say on our own in the Sanctuary of the St. Meinrad Archabbey.
Quietly we complete the rosary, some sitting
some walking. “Jesus your life is living in me”

 

while at the archabbey,
we take time to visit
the beautiful gardens
and the Abbey Press Book and Gift Store.   Then its back to St. Simeon Skete where we end the day with a campfire
and enjoy
a night of fellowship.
Praying the Life of Christ together bonds us as it brings radiance to our hearts.  And each time it is prayed, with each bead fingered, every moment of our Lord’s life shared – that glow resident within our hearts shines brighter.
If you want to get the rosary its simple: Its praying the Life of Christ. If you want to understand Mary relative to the rosary, that is simply also – its saying “YES” to that life.
Posted in Life of Christ, Monte Cassino, Nazareth house apostolate, Rosary, Rosary Convocation, St Meinrad Archabbey, St Simeon Skete | Leave a comment

A Rosary Geographic

Posted on November 1, 2011 by vicki
October is a very important month in the life at St. Simeon Skete and this past month proved to be especially significant.

Early in the month (7th of October), Nazareth House Apostolate celebrates the Feast of the Holy Rosary with an Annual Rosary Convocation.  This year the theme for the event was “A Rosary Geographic” – 3 days devoted to praying the Life of Christ.

The Nazareth House Prayer Rope consists of three strands (“A three-stranded rope isn’t easily broken”- Ecc.4:12).  

 In the first strand we pray the Way of Jesus,

 the second we pray the Life of Jesus (Rosary),

and the the third strand we pray the Name of Jesus (Jesus beads).

Whatever strand you are praying, it is termed, “the Prayer Rope”,  as any one strand contains the other two.

“The Rosary is a sojourn, a walking with Christ in union with Mary, but it is also a place, that has no goal but depth.”

“The rhythm of the Prayer Rope measures time at St. Simeon Skete, it pervades it and forms it. “

As is custom at St. Simeon Skete,  on the Saturday nearest to the Rosary Feast Day (Oct 7), we go on pilgrimage – A Rosary Pilgrimage – to area Shrines.   On the day of the Rosary Pilgrimage this year, we began at St. Simeon Skete, first with Lauds, followed by the Holy Liturgy.

The preparatory prayers of the Rosary were said as the sun rises and lights up the Chapel.

As the fog rolls over the lake and envelopes St. Simeon Skete, we begin our journey.

The Autumn leaves were just starting to change colors

making the pilgrimage drive absolutely beautiful.

Our first stop was at one of our favorite churches to visit, St. Augustine in Leopold, Indiana.

We especially like this church in this quaint little town because the doors are always open for you to come in and pray.


What today has become a novelty (finding a church door open at any time during the day) used to be a matter of normality.  Change is not always for the better.

St. Augustine’s Parish is rich in history

and we are thankful for their welcoming hospitality.

 Here, Fr. Seraphim led us in the first set of Mysteries – The Joyful which are about the mysteries of being human.  “-Jesus your life is living in me”

From Leopold, it is on to the Shrine of St. Joseph for the next set of Mysteries.  It is on this route to the St. Joseph Shrine that we pass the Peacock Farm.  We always marvel at the splendor of this bird.

Upon arriving at St. Joseph Shrine, Seraphim takes time to share a surprise with Denny and Joanie as this is their first pilgrimage with Nazareth House Apostolate.

As you walk up the steps to the shrine, you are taken aback by the enormity of the carved wooden statue of St. Joseph and the boy Jesus.

 Seraphim stands with Denny and Joanie as they take it in.   But there is more.

Seraphim faces them in the opposite direction to feast their eyes on yet another amazing sight.

It is the view from the St. Joseph Shrine of St. Meinrad Archabbey.

At first glimpse of St. Meinrad Archabbey  you the feel as though you’ve been carried away to Europe.  

Fr. Tim Butler leads us

in the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary (the mysteries about the Kingdom) at the beloved carpenter’s shrine.  “Jesus your life is living in me”

St Meinrad Archabbey is a stop on our pilgrimage but first we travel through dusty roads to the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Monte Cassino.  
 This chapel is our (Seraphim and my) favorite chapel.  
It has been our place of refuge – seeking its stillness and simple beauty (again a house of prayer with an unlocked door) …
we’ve spent many hours, deepening the prayer in this chapel through the years.   
Inside the chapel, 
amidst the hand painted Frescos
Fr. Butler shares with us what the rosary means to him 
and how it works in, around and through his life.  
We pray the third set of mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries 
– about the mystery of suffering.  “Jesus your life is living in me” 

The chapel is dark inside, as a church should be – like a womb forming and shaping you
 in the likeness of Christ so you can be birthed out as light in the world. 
After the mysteries are said, its time for a picnic lunch on the grounds of this wonderful chapel.  
A time for refreshment and 
fellowship
before the pilgrimage 
makes its next Rosary Stop.
The journey continues
The final set of mysteries, 
the Glorious Mysteries – the mysteries of faith, we say on our own in the Sanctuary of the St. Meinrad Archabbey. 
 Quietly we complete the rosary, some sitting
some walking. “Jesus your life is living in me” 

while at the archabbey, 
we take time to visit 
the beautiful gardens 
  
and the Abbey Press Book and Gift Store.   Then its back to St. Simeon Skete where we end the day with a campfire 
and enjoy 
a night of fellowship.   
Praying the Life of Christ together bonds us as it brings radiance to our hearts.  And each time it is prayed, with each bead fingered, every moment of our Lord’s life shared – that glow resident within our hearts shines brighter.
If you want to get the rosary its simple: Its praying the Life of Christ. If you want to understand Mary relative to the rosary, that is simply also – its saying “YES” to that life.  
Posted in Life of Christ, Monte Cassino, Nazareth house apostolate, Rosary, Rosary Convocation, St Meinrad Archabbey, St Simeon Skete | Leave a comment

Fibre Optic Cable arrives in Sierra Leone

Posted on October 27, 2011 by vicki
I would like to report that little Fatu continues to make progress recovering from the wicked snakebite she received on Tuesday night.   Thank you to everyone for your prayers, love and concern. She is a very fortunate young lady. 


In other NHA news, at this writing we have now reached $3,795 for the West Coast Couple to match by October 31st.  We do have some funds pledged but it is the policy of NHA to not count anything until it is in the bank.  Time is limited, we want the WCC to fund the full $5,000 so please, send in anything that you have today.  We only have $1,205 to go to meet the matching goal.  Remember everything helps, there is no such thing as too small of an amount to give – especially now since it will be doubled.  The most recent donations came from South Carolina, Virginia, Washington and Georgia.  



In the midst of all the illnesses, the poverty, the snakebites – an opportunity, an action, an event slips into the mix and there is a glimmer indicating that change will come to Sierra Leone.   


So it was when the Fiber Optic Cable  was pulled into Salone a few weeks ago.  A darkened sky with threatened rains, gave way to an event worthy of celebration as President Koroma received the submarine fiber optic cable at Lumley Beach.   


James was there to be a part of the celebration and to do what he does so well – document it in photos for us at NHA.  


Another tiny piece of Sierra Leone history as the country tries to rebound and move forward.  Eager and excited by what this strange tube coming out of the ocean can mean to progress and the recovery of their war-torn nation, the people gather on the beach to witness its arrival.



The cable is expected to provide job opportunities, lower the expense of communications and reduce the high cost of doing business in this West African nation.

 It will become operational within a year – if progress goes on unhampered.  

In his speech, President Koroma described the landing of the cable as a great moment for everyone, adding that it will open the country to the international world.  





At Nazareth House Apostolate this pleases us much, as daily communication to our staff in Kabala and our school is necessary to the ongoing welfare of our work in Sierra Leone and when we are unable to connect with each other, it makes a difficult work more difficult.  







President Koroma assured everyone that “It will enhance the transparency of my government to the people of this nation. It is a gateway for job opportunities for creative Sierra Leoneans. I see it as great moment and remarkable achievement,”  



President Koroma said that there will be no reverse again in the area of development and that the country can only move forward. 





“Nobody will doubt the fact that Sierra Leone is transforming and changes are taking place. We will continue to effect the changes we promised and our nation will never be the same again” – President Ernest B. Koroma



Posted in Fiber Optics, Fibre Optics, James B Mansaray, Lumley Beach, Nazareth house apostolate, NHA | Leave a comment

Fibre Optic Cable arrives in Sierra Leone

Posted on October 27, 2011 by vicki
I would like to report that little Fatu continues to make progress recovering from the wicked snakebite she received on Tuesday night.   Thank you to everyone for your prayers, love and concern. She is a very fortunate young lady. 


In other NHA news, at this writing we have now reached $3,795 for the West Coast Couple to match by October 31st.  We do have some funds pledged but it is the policy of NHA to not count anything until it is in the bank.  Time is limited, we want the WCC to fund the full $5,000 so please, send in anything that you have today.  We only have $1,205 to go to meet the matching goal.  Remember everything helps, there is no such thing as too small of an amount to give – especially now since it will be doubled.  The most recent donations came from South Carolina, Virginia, Washington and Georgia.  



In the midst of all the illnesses, the poverty, the snakebites – an opportunity, an action, an event slips into the mix and there is a glimmer indicating that change will come to Sierra Leone.   


So it was when the Fiber Optic Cable  was pulled into Salone a few weeks ago.  A darkened sky with threatened rains, gave way to an event worthy of celebration as President Koroma received the submarine fiber optic cable at Lumley Beach.   


James was there to be a part of the celebration and to do what he does so well – document it in photos for us at NHA.  


Another tiny piece of Sierra Leone history as the country tries to rebound and move forward.  Eager and excited by what this strange tube coming out of the ocean can mean to progress and the recovery of their war-torn nation, the people gather on the beach to witness its arrival.



The cable is expected to provide job opportunities, lower the expense of communications and reduce the high cost of doing business in this West African nation.

 It will become operational within a year – if progress goes on unhampered.  

In his speech, President Koroma described the landing of the cable as a great moment for everyone, adding that it will open the country to the international world.  





At Nazareth House Apostolate this pleases us much, as daily communication to our staff in Kabala and our school is necessary to the ongoing welfare of our work in Sierra Leone and when we are unable to connect with each other, it makes a difficult work more difficult.  







President Koroma assured everyone that “It will enhance the transparency of my government to the people of this nation. It is a gateway for job opportunities for creative Sierra Leoneans. I see it as great moment and remarkable achievement,”  



President Koroma said that there will be no reverse again in the area of development and that the country can only move forward. 





“Nobody will doubt the fact that Sierra Leone is transforming and changes are taking place. We will continue to effect the changes we promised and our nation will never be the same again” – President Ernest B. Koroma



Posted in Fiber Optics, Fibre Optics, James B Mansaray, Lumley Beach, Nazareth house apostolate, NHA | Leave a comment