Is Saint Francis saying that fasting is not important? Is he simply saying: “To each their own”?2. What is the distinction between the Sister who chooses not to fast and the Sister in the last paragraph who has a dislike for pious things?3. Often in the story of Martha and Mary the emphasis is on being like Mary. Why is it important that St. Francis instructs us in the manner that he did in this reflection?4. Do you find it difficult to not judge others for not doing the devotions you have? Or vice versa
Apr 26, 6:44 PM
VisitationSiste: 5. Why is it so easy to feel critical of others’ pious practices? How can we get over these inclinations?
Apr 26, 6:44 PM
VisitationSiste: Sun chat Apr 27 730pm est
Apr 26, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: Thanks Brian! and stay safe!
Apr 26, 7:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi S Jennifer, Carroll and Ruth!
Apr 26, 7:31 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Hi, Mother, Carroll and Ruth
Apr 26, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: These questions will be a bit difficult if you have not read the newsletter I think
Apr 26, 7:32 PM
Carroll V (Guest): 💖 & 🙏s to everyone… I am working the 11pm- 7am shift tonight and woke up too early this morning. So, I need to sleep for a few hours. Hopefully my schedule will be more regular within the next few weeks. Look forward to reading and reflecting on chat. God be praised!
Apr 26, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: Thanks for stopping by!
Apr 26, 7:33 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Thank you all for being here. Have a blessed week!
Apr 26, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: For ex q 1: There are not many required fasts. It might happen that some will fast more through obedience (n12). Those who will fast should not look askance at those who eat and those who eat should not scorn those who fast. Nevertheless, in all things that are not commanded or forbidden, let each Sister abound in good common sense.
Apr 26, 7:33 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Sr Susan, Sr Jennifer, Carroll and Rith
Apr 26, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: Welcome back Dawn!
Apr 26, 7:33 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Hi, Dawn
Apr 26, 7:34 PM
Dawn (Guest): thank you. good to be here
Apr 26, 7:34 PM
Dawn (Guest): Ruth spelled correctly
Apr 26, 7:35 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hello Sr. Susan, Sr. Jennifer, Carroll V and Dawn
Apr 26, 7:36 PM
VisitationSiste: Con’t: If you do fast, fast for God; those who do not fast, let it also be for God.
Apr 26, 7:38 PM
VisitationSiste: so for Q1: 1. Is Saint Francis saying that fasting is not important? Is he simply saying: “To each their own”?
Apr 26, 7:38 PM
Dawn (Guest): to each, to God
Apr 26, 7:39 PM
Ruth (Guest): In St. Francis’s time or in a monastery doing religious acts might win approval. Today it is liable to have the opposite impact.
Apr 26, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: you mean, disdain?
Apr 26, 7:40 PM
Ruth (Guest): Some people do good deeds so publicly that they are posted on the media, and we need to hear those stories these days. I am not at all sure that they should be hidden.
Apr 26, 7:41 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, disdain.
Apr 26, 7:42 PM
VisitationSiste: Witnessing is critical today.
Apr 26, 7:42 PM
Ruth (Guest): I posted a Mercy Jesus image on FB — to let people know about on line Mercy Sunday services. My nephew put up a laughing image.
Apr 26, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: And fasting can obtain a more open heart, to the truth
Apr 26, 7:43 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): sister susan
Apr 26, 7:44 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes.
Apr 26, 7:45 PM
VisitationSiste: So it is the motivation behind our acts, whether that of fasting, or charity, that holds the value of it
Apr 26, 7:45 PM
Ruth (Guest): Sister, what does “take the discipline” mean, in this context.
Apr 26, 7:46 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): sister susan this is bettychao why st john baptist go to mary the mother of jesus room to visit mary? why john the baptist say jesus can baptist me why he ask me baptized him? and why jesus ask john batized him? that is my question please answer me this gaspel I dont know
Apr 26, 7:47 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): can you answer me sister susan
Apr 26, 7:48 PM
VisitationSiste: First, Ruth. Taking the discipline was a physical action that certain communities required at one time but which I believe was not absolutely mandatory if presented by the Sister to the Superior with good reason This was before my time.
Apr 26, 7:48 PM
VisitationSiste: Betty, are you asking why John the Baptist baptized Jesus? It was part of God’s plan that he do so.
Apr 26, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: apparently Ruth St Francis de Sales did not require it for the Visitation, but as I heard from the okder Sisters, it was common practice before Vatican 11
Apr 26, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: older
Apr 26, 7:50 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): dear sister susan marie why the chaplet of divine mercy prayer is so important then all the catholic christian it that the chaplet of divine mercy is the word of st faustina or by jesus teaching from the bible?
Apr 26, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: Again for the second question one has had to read the newsletter: 2. What is the distinction between the Sister who chooses not to fast and the Sister in the last paragraph who has a dislike for pious things?
Apr 26, 7:51 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): dear sr susan
Apr 26, 7:52 PM
VisitationSiste: did you understand my answer, Betty? I am not completely clear about the first part of your question
Apr 26, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: re my question 2: from the newsletter: Nevertheless, if the Sisters who have dislikes for things that are pious, good and recommended, or even if they have inclinations for less pious things, if they would only believe me, they would use some force and act contrary more often than they do with their inclinations and dislikes in order to become truly mistresses of themselves and serve God through such an excellent form of mortification. They should fight against their dislikes, oppose their contradictory fee
Apr 26, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: feelings
Apr 26, 7:55 PM
VisitationSiste: I think this can be applied in a general way to many of our antipathies that are unhelpful
Apr 26, 7:56 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): dear sr suan I am question about the chaplet of divine mercy it is teaching by st faustina or by jesus teaching from gaspel the chaplet of divine mercy prayer that you have email me is that prayer from st faustina or jesus tell her make that prayer and show all the people in the world about jesus and his mercy?that is my question
Apr 26, 7:58 PM
VisitationSiste: It is from the Diary of St Faustina- jesus revealed many things to her. Am I correct Ruth?
Apr 26, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: Jesus
Apr 26, 8:00 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): dear sr susan I am pologized that I didnt ask the question that make you comfused and I didnt ask clearly make you mad I am very sorry but next time I will ask you question I will explane clearly I am pologized and I am so sorry .bettychao
Apr 26, 8:00 PM
VisitationSiste: Sometimes an antipathy is toward a person rather than a pious practice- and St Francis de Sales in another place ytalks alot about that too
Apr 26, 8:02 PM
VisitationSiste: Is this easier to discuss? 4. Do you find it difficult to not judge others for not doing the devotions you have? Or vice versa?
Apr 26, 8:02 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, Sister, you are correct.
Apr 26, 8:02 PM
VisitationSiste: Thanks Ruth!
Apr 26, 8:02 PM
Carol Ann: Hello! The divine mercy prayer was revealed to St. Faustina by Jesus. It was investigated by the Vatican and found worthy of belief. The celebration of Divine Mercy Sundaybalso comes from here.
Apr 26, 8:03 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Carol Ann!
Apr 26, 8:04 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Dawn! I just jumped right in tonight
Apr 26, 8:04 PM
Dawn (Guest): wonderful!
Apr 26, 8:05 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): sr susan. have you see my pologized letter I ounext time I will respect you by ask you the right question I will explane clearly and I will talk to you clearly ?sorry the fist question about the divine mercy question I didnt ask you clearly I am pologized and I am sorry I didnt explane to you? if I explane to you and ask you clearly so it will not make you confused
Apr 26, 8:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): I only mentioned that image, bettychou as an example of issue of showing publicly or not showing publicly one’s devotion. We are trying to discuss particular questions here, now, and it is not a time for other questions. Those belong in another time. Sr. is being very patient, but it is hard on her and on us, if you keep interrupting with unrelated issues.
Apr 26, 8:06 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi Carol Ann. I hope that satisfies bettychao. Your answer is very clear.
Apr 26, 8:06 PM
Carol Ann: In terms of devotion, I have profited much spiritually from this devotion and tell others so. But its not right to demand that someone use a particular devotion.
Apr 26, 8:07 PM
Guest4447 (Guest): ruth I am try to pologized to sr susan I dont mean to interrupting please try to understand.
Apr 26, 8:07 PM
Carol Ann: My BSCD name is Sr. Faustina
Apr 26, 8:09 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): What is BSCD mean? Your profession name?
Apr 26, 8:09 PM
Carol Ann: Sr Susan, would you find it odd if a fellow sister practiced no private devotion at all?
Apr 26, 8:10 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, my profession name. The initials are Brothers and Sisters of Carity, Domestic expression
Apr 26, 8:10 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): That’s interesting- I would find it unusual because most people do have private devotions when they enter the monastery but of course it is not a requirement for the call I suppose
Apr 26, 8:10 PM
Carol Ann: Oops, charity
Apr 26, 8:11 PM
Ruth (Guest): How would one know if a fellow sister practiced no private devotion at all or did practice PRIVATELY?
Apr 26, 8:11 PM
Carol Ann: Oh,
Apr 26, 8:11 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): One would not know
Apr 26, 8:11 PM
Carol Ann: Because people talk about it. One place I was at discouraged private devotion
Apr 26, 8:12 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): The Rule of the Congregtaion and prayer practices of the community are the expectations, as one is formed
Apr 26, 8:12 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): If the private devotion overtakes the prayer practice of the community that might be addressed by a formator
Apr 26, 8:13 PM
Carol Ann: Thank you, that clarifies things for me
Apr 26, 8:14 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, I think I remember that struggle you had back then Carol Ann. But I thought that it was particular people who thought that their own spiritual practices were distinctly superior . . . Sounded like a bad situation. Glad you found something more suited to your growth in the Lord.
Apr 26, 8:15 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, that situation was, um, unique, to say the least. I am very happy where I am
Apr 26, 8:16 PM
Ruth (Guest): It makes me happy to know that you are happy where you are, Sr. Faustina.
Apr 26, 8:16 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Yes what abeautiful choice of religious name!
Apr 26, 8:17 PM
Carol Ann: This devotion, and the seven sorrows rosary, literally saved my life. But thats a ling story for another time.
Apr 26, 8:18 PM
VisitationSiste: We will wait!
Apr 26, 8:18 PM
Ruth (Guest): I’ll be looking forward to hearing the story.
Apr 26, 8:19 PM
VisitationSiste: Apparently though criticism of others devotions happens as the last question seems to suggest: 5. Why is it so easy to feel critical of others’ pious practices? How can we get over these inclinations?
Apr 26, 8:19 PM
Carol Ann: Someday….but now I’m distracting from the task at hand
Apr 26, 8:20 PM
Carol Ann: I have heard people say that these devotions were for people without education, to help them understand thecmysteries. Is that true.
Apr 26, 8:22 PM
Ruth (Guest): Sung, they can be so beautiful!
Apr 26, 8:24 PM
VisitationSiste: I think the rosary originated that way, somewhat , interms of the 150 prayers vs 150 psalms, but most devotions are deep and speak to the heart, I am not sure if one needs to be educated or not
Apr 26, 8:24 PM
VisitationSiste: I think jealousy enters into criticism of pious practices.
Apr 26, 8:24 PM
Carol Ann: I tend to think not. Too much education can actually stand in the way
Apr 26, 8:25 PM
Ruth (Guest): But as, St. Francis says, we need to form a heart flexible enough to appreciate various forms of devotions and not let our likes and dislikes play too great a roll.
Apr 26, 8:25 PM
VisitationSiste: So feeling loved by God and appreciated for how He made us might help us get over jealousy and accept others for how He made Them
Apr 26, 8:26 PM
VisitationSiste: St Francis de Sales said ” Let Martha be active but do not disturb Mary Magdalene; let Mary Magdalene contemplate but do not scorn Martha. The Lord will take the part of the one who will be criticized.”
Apr 26, 8:27 PM
VisitationSiste: Feel welcome to continue the chat- I have to leave- prayers for you and stay safe! Also pray for Brian who is working Sun eve now at the hospital.
Apr 26, 8:28 PM
Carol Ann: Thank you Sr. Susan. We will pray
Apr 26, 8:29 PM
Dawn (Guest): good night Sr. thank you
Apr 26, 8:29 PM
Ruth (Guest): Education is a good thing, but if it contributes to making one arrogant or derisive of others or is FALSE it can be a handicap.
Apr 26, 8:30 PM
Carol Ann: How are you both doing with things these days?
Apr 26, 8:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): I am stay at home but I do go out and walk a trail everyday.
Apr 26, 8:32 PM
Carol Ann: The weathers has turned hot down here. It is very hard to stay indoors
Apr 26, 8:32 PM
Ruth (Guest): Carol Ann, I am coping pretty well with just staying at home, but I get tearful during e-Masses sometimes, missing Holy Communion. And closeness with people. I have virtually NO contact except “virtually.”
Apr 26, 8:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): Tonight more snow accumulation is forecast.
Apr 26, 8:33 PM
Dawn (Guest): snow!
Apr 26, 8:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): Where are you now, Carol Ann, still in southern California?
Apr 26, 8:33 PM
Carol Ann: Snow? Oh my!
Apr 26, 8:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes. Usually it melts, or most of it does — where the sunshine can reach — in the warmest part of the day.
Apr 26, 8:34 PM
Dawn (Guest): Ruth and I chat a little bit in the mornings, that is nice
Apr 26, 8:35 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, in southern California. Not enough tests to go around so our little rural towns are pretty much getting tested only when it’s absolutely necessary. No telling how manybactuall have it
Apr 26, 8:35 PM
Dawn (Guest): Same here
Apr 26, 8:35 PM
Carol Ann: That sounds like fun! Zoom is a great invention
Apr 26, 8:35 PM
Dawn (Guest): what is zoom
Apr 26, 8:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): like face time but more people ?
Apr 26, 8:36 PM
Carol Ann: Its a website mind of kike FaceTime, but groups can get together on it and see each other
Apr 26, 8:37 PM
Ruth (Guest): Morning where you are, Dawn, early afternoon here.
Apr 26, 8:37 PM
Dawn (Guest): right
Apr 26, 8:38 PM
Carol Ann: My sister in law set up a family zoom meeting for Sunday mornin
Apr 26, 8:39 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think we should try it for our board meetings at OLA house of prayer. Some have been using Skype. recently we had a pretty good conference call with about seven people signed in — telephone only.
Apr 26, 8:39 PM
Carol Ann: That is good too
Apr 26, 8:42 PM
Dawn (Guest): I will check it out
Apr 26, 8:42 PM
Ruth (Guest): I started a pot of soup before Chat; I think I’d better eat some before it gets too late. Nice that you could be here tonight Carol Ann. I hope I didn’t hurt bettychao; but she seems to need DIRECT correction.
Apr 26, 8:42 PM
Carol Ann: Its pretty easy to use, the free level gets you 40minutes to talk
Apr 26, 8:44 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, Betty has a lit of questions and English is not her first language. We should let you go eat Ruth, and we can all email each other
Apr 26, 8:44 PM
Dawn (Guest): Maybe it will be helpful for her.
Apr 26, 8:44 PM
Ruth (Guest): I wish both of you a happy third week of Easter. One sister had to be hospitalized this past week. I have not yet heard that she’s home yet.
Apr 26, 8:44 PM
Dawn (Guest): enjoy your soup Ruth! Glad you came in Carol Ann. are you on stay at home?
Apr 26, 8:45 PM
Carol Ann: Oh no! I will pray for her too. Yes, we are on stay at home for the foreseeable future. Good thing I can work from home!
Apr 26, 8:46 PM
Dawn (Guest): Yes, it is good. ok everyone have nice evening and God bless you!
Apr 26, 8:46 PM
Dawn (Guest): goodnight!
Apr 26, 8:46 PM
Carol Ann: God bless you! See you next week
Apr 26, 8:48 PM
Ruth (Guest): Blessings! And let’s not forget those absent tonight, incl. Brian in working in the psych ward — our very own front line hero. Talk to you tomorrow morning/afternoon Dawn.