Remembering belovedness –
August 29, 2026 – The Church celebrates the same seasons and observes the same feasts year after year, but the repetition is far from empty. Our recent guest lecturer, Fr. Dennis MacManus, pointed out that time marks change. Liturgical timekeeping, thus, honors the wonderful fact that our relationship with the Lord changes, deepens, and grows.
Fr. MacManus strongly urged us each, personally, to remember. “Do not forget,” he insisted, “the moments when the Lord has drawn so close to you that he took your breath away.” He continued, write down the dates, and if you don’t know the dates, choose placeholders. Keep your soul’s calendar. Remember, rejoice in, give thanks for, again and again, the subtle, salvific moments when Jesus has deepened your relationship with him, forever.
And so, we’ve been doing some remembering, as well as having some firsts!
This is a photo of a few folks who have spiritual anniversaries in August:
Our Sr. Mary & Sr. Annie remember their simple profession of vows, on the Assumption, August 15.
Br. Philip made his simple profession of vows on that same date, earlier this month. (Note his snazzy new black scapular!)
Sr. Christine remembers her solemn profession of vows on the Solemnity of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, August 20.
Our brother, now Father Mary Francis, was ordained this year, during the Mass for St. Bernard.
And Sr. Grace remembers her simple profession on the Queenship of Mary, August 22.
The other person in this Ordination Day photo is our Archbishop Zinkula, who probably has a special spiritual anniversary in August, too! After all, isn’t the Holy Spirit always trying to reach each one of us, to fill our days and nights and eternal souls with the wonder of being beloved?
O Loving Lord, thank you for drawing near to us. Please help us to remember, to draw ever-closer to you. +