As many of you know, Advent is a very special time for our monastery. When our founding sisters gathered in Surrey 25 years ago, the first liturgy they prayed together was the first Vespers of Advent. Gathered in their temporary quarters at Rosemary Heights, the little wreath of candles was blessed, and our sisters lifted their voices in praise to God, trusting that he would bless the foundation and guide the community as it grew. As we begin this season of trust and hope, the new liturgical year also calls our minds back to reflect on the blessings of the past year.
The celebration of our monastery’s 25th Jubilee of Foundation has certainly been a rich source of joy and thanksgiving, particularly in recent months. In September, many of our friends and benefactors from around the Archdiocese gathered with us for a special Mass of Thanksgiving. With heavy wildfire smoke that week, not everyone could make it, but we treasured everyone in our hearts and prayers throughout the day. In October, local members of the Dominican Order gathered for another day of Jubilee Celebration. A special guest of honour was our Dominican brother Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who began the founding of our community when he was Master of the Order. Another particular blessing was the presence of sisters from other Dominican monasteries in North America who were involved in sponsoring and coordinating the early days of our community. To everyone who has helped us over the years, we would like to express our deep and heartfelt thanks. God alone can reward you sufficiently for your goodness and kindness to us, and we continue to hold you in our prayers daily, particularly at the liturgy. Here are a few photos from the two celebrations:
The celebrations continued on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7, when we had the great joy of receiving Kristy as our newest postulant. She joins us from Calgary, where she became acquainted with the Dominicans through her parish. Postulancy, which ordinarily lasts one year, is a time of continuing discernment and “settling in” to the reality of life in the monastery and monastic community. From learning the ropes of the Divine Office, to learning where things go in the kitchen, to a deeper daily encounter with God and oneself, its joys and challenges lay the foundation for the years to come. Please keep Kristy in your prayers as she takes this next step on her journey with the Lord!
In the midst of all these events, our soap sisters have been hard at work developing some new projects. In addition to being available in our Classic Collection box set, our four favourite soap bars are now available for individual purchase through our online shop. Next week, we’ll be also be launching a special Christmas Collection box featuring two new fragrances. Stay tuned!
Finally, it is our joy to share our winter newsletter with you. It contains more news about recent events in our community, a reflection on the season of Advent, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe’s homily from our Jubilee. We hope you enjoy it, and that it aids your reflection as we prepare for Christmas.
May the coming days bless you and your loved ones with comfort and hope as we prepare for the Nativity of our Saviour.
