DAYS F0R GIRLS

Living with the Dominicans of Sparkill has offered us many opportunities to reach out to those in need without leaving the convent. For instance, Days for Girls is an international program that makes feminine supplies for Third World girls and women so they will not have to miss school or work during their monthlies because they have no supplies. 

Using patterns in assembly line fashion, the sisters and students from nearby Dominican schools cut out waterproof shields, soft colorful washable material to make liners and pads.  Then those at sewing machines assemble them, as well as making water proof pouches and draw string bags.  Finally, the assembly line fills the draw string bags with a pouch, a bar of soap, a washcloth, 3 pair of panties, and pads.  These are then packed up and sent down to NYC or Florida where they will be shipped around the world.

Since 2008 over 3 million girls in more than 145 countries have been helped so they can continue their education and become productive women with a bright future.  Another plus is these supplies are free to the girls who are also given feminine hygiene information.  (These girls often carry their flashy bags every day to protect themselves from rape.)  Everything is washable, and with proper care, can be used for up to three years.  Consider also that the land-fills, streams and water ways are not being clogged up used feminine hygiene items.   It’s a win/win for the girls, their communities and the earth.

We Red Nuns also donate to pajama and food drives hosted by the Dominicans for 
babies, youngsters and local families during the holiday season.

Our life of prayer is enriched as we joyfully participate in showing the love of Christ to those in need by our simple ways of giving.

BL. CELESTE AND NATURE

 

This year begins the 330 anniversary of Blessed Maria Celeste Crostarosa’s birth.   Born on October 31, 1696, on All Hallows Eve. She as baptized on All Saints Day, and given the name Julia. 

From an early age Julia delighted in God’s creation.   Seeing Mount Vesuvius towering over the city and port of her home in Naples must have inspired awe in the young girl.  At a tender age Julia heard the voice of her Beloved in her heart.  But, “He is like a hart which leaps rapidly over mountains...” 1st Dialogue   And so, “her soul began to run after Him to seek the face of her Beloved.” 

Reflecting years later on her younger self, Celeste recalls her warm young love which in mature years became almost volcanic as she cries out in her poetry, “Come, Come because You love me so!   Come, Come because I love You so!”

In Scala above the Amalfi Coast, where she becomes a nun, Celeste declares, “In the sun, I see your splendors. In the moon, the stars, the sky, the earth and the sea, in the variety of plants, of grasses, of trees and of fruits, in the animals, the birds and the fish, in the air and all the elements, it is You I see, I love, You in whom I take great pleasure. It is You whom I possess in a complete joy. 9th Dialogue

When Celeste experiences of trials, the Lord warns, “It will be like an ocean washing over you. You will be slandered, abandoned by her dearest friends...” But, in union with Jesus, the Suffering Servant, she is, “...a drop of water that falls into this vast ocean of perfect and infinite Good and is transformed” to be like her Redeemer.

Celeste taught her community, “Those who are pure of heart know the Father because they gaze fixedly with affection and love on the eternal Sun of Justice; as an eagle gazes on the sun.”  She also instructed her Sisters to be living images of Jesus, saying, “He also placed the stars in the night sky, and these are all the virtues of Jesus Christ, our Savior.   And these virtues (are to also) adorn your soul like jewels which shine like stars in the heavens."     7th Degree of Prayer

As the beauty of Autumn fills our eyes as we contemplate the beauty of the earth and skies, let us join Blessed Celeste in celebrating the wonders of God about us and within us.