Saturday, April 30, 2011

Divine Mercy Sunday by Father Scott Brossart, SOLT


How should we prepare for this great Feast of Mercy?

Jesus told St. Faustina that this Feast of Mercy would be a very special day when "all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened". (Diary 699) Our Lord made a great promise to all those souls who would go to Confession and then receive Him in Holy Communion on the Feast of Mercy, on the Sunday after Easter, which is now called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church.
Jesus promised that "The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."(Diary 699) He went on to say "I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy." (Diary 1109)
We want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this incredible promise and the additional Plenary Indulgence on this great Feast of Mercy "Divine Mercy Sunday". We want you to benefit fully from these promises, and we also want you to notify all of your family and friends about them too and urge them to return to the practice of their faith!



Fr Scott Brossart, SOLT, is the Coordinator for lay volunteers for St Anne's Catholic Mission at the Turtle Lake Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota.  If you or someone you know is interested in gifting themselves in the service of the Church for a period of time as a lay volunteer, you can contact Fr Scott here.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Padre Antoño y La Fe Católica

La Nueva Evangelización en Español


Fr Tony, or as he is known in Mexico, Padre Toño, is using the Modern Means of Communication to preach the Gospel to the Spanish speaking peoples on the internet.  He is the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Refugio (Our Lady of Refuge) parish in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.  As the shepherd of over 90,000 people, he has to constantly find new ways to reach into more homes.

Here are some of the videos that he has recorded for the New Evangelization of Spanish speaking people:




For More Info or to find out how you can help:
Mailing address:
Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity
Post Office Box 6464
Laredo, Texas 78042

Telephone:
Nuestra Señora del Refugio Parish:
     011.52.867.724.3625

Father Tony ("Padre Antonio") Anderson, Pastor
     
padreantoniosolt@societyofourlady.net

Sunday, April 24, 2011

An Easter Reflection by Fr Flanagan

Alleluia, the Lord is truly Risen!




May Our Lady, the Queen of Heaven, obtain for you and your family from her Son, the joy and rejoicing of the Resurrection.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Fiat! - Following God's Plan for your Life

SOLT Lay Spirituality Distilled into a Book

A spiritual formation program that will help you answer the universal call to holiness!
Fr. Zachary of the Mother of God, SOLT, a Lay Formator for the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity has created this program of formation so that people are helped to discover the purpose for which they were created.
Formation is a gift. It is God the Father leading you to give your "Yes!" -your "Fiat" to live His plan for your life, just as Mary did in accepting the call to be the Mother of God.
When you allow God to form you, He will work through the events, people and circumstances of your life. Then you can experience his loving participation in everything you receive and do as He leads you into a real relationship with Him. No matter what has happened in your life, God created you, loves you, and has a plan for you.
You are invited to discover that plan, along with Our Lady, as you give your very own "Fiat!" to the Father and are formed in His will. You will come to know the infinite love of the Father and realize what it means to belong wholly to God and have Him belong wholly to you.


Make a Holy Week Retreat with Fr Flanagan


Fr Flanagan's Talks on Lent and Holy Week are an excellent way to prepare to encounter the living Jesus Christ in the Sacred Liturgy.  You can listen now to the MP3 recordings.

Understanding Our Trials in the Light of the Trials of Jesus  



For More CLICK HERE

Friday, April 15, 2011

SOLT General Priest Servant Convokes 5th Ordinary General Chapter

Fr Rogel Rosalinas,
SOLT General Priest Servant
Every five years the SOLT community gathers to elect new leaders in what is called a General Chapter.  The word chapter originally came from Benedictine monks coming together to speak about a chapter (as in book) of their rule.   When different monasteries congregated in a meeting the term was extended to be a "general chapter" to discuss their way of life.  Today Catholic religious communities gather for weeks at a time to discuss different issues that they face in preserving their charism, or ecclesial gift of their community. 


Fr Rogel "Ogie" Rosalinas, the current SOLT General Priest Servant, in a letter dated April 10th of this year, officially convoked the 5th Ordinary Chapter of the Priests' Society.  The Sisters and Lay communities will also gather together to discuss issues in their respective communities.  Fr Ogie has served two terms in office and now, according to the constitutions of the institute is ineligible  for re-election.  He has served the SOLT community for 12 years in administration, 9 as the General, and in his term the number of priests has almost doubled and new missions were started in Australia, Wales, Philippines, United States, Belize, Native American peoples, and others.  The new General Priest Servant will have many formidable tasks to face, the greatest of which will be the application for final approval of the Vatican of SOLT as a Society of Apostolic Life of pontifical rite.  It received vatican approval as diocesan rite in 1994.


There will be two major functions for this coming chapter:


1. Election of new General Priest Servant, Sister Servant, and Lay Servant
2. "The creation and formulation of administrative policies on Governance and Administration, on Ecclesial Teams and on our Missionary Endeavors"


We invite you to pray with us as we invoke the Holy Spirit to grant those attending the chapter and voting on these important matters to be filled with God's wisdom and grace through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.  The chapter will be held July 4-22 of this year, at Our Lady of Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, TX. 

Communio Spring 2011 Issue


"We  are   called   to   real   witnesses   of   the   One   who   came   in   order   to   elevate   our   frail   human   nature," said Fr Rogel Rosalinas, the General Priest Servant in his Lenten message promulgated in the Spring 2011 issue of the Communio.  He also urges SOLT members to prepare spiritually for the upcoming 5th Ordinary General Chapter, which will take place in Corpus Christi, Texas, July 4-22nd.  

Also we hear in this issue from the SOLT General Sisters Servant, Sr Anne Marie Walsh, who talks about the Vatican visitation of the sisters this past December, which, according to Cardinal Rodé, was to, "encourage vocations and assure a better future for women religious."  Sr Anne Marie said that the visitation was an overall positive experience, and that the SOLT sisters were chosen because of their increase in vocations.  The visitators were very pleased and assured Sr Anne Marie, "the  Sisters  are  ready  for  Pontifical  status."




The latest picture of Fr James Flanagan, SOLT Founder in Bosque, NM.


Communio, the official publication of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity is a quarterly publication.


Click here to see the full issue.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

SOLT Members in the Blogosphere

The Vatican has invited Catholic Bloggers to Rome for a meeting, May 2 of this year, the day after Pope John Paul II will be canonized.  Read More...   SOLT members are out on the blogosphere. Here are a few:


Blogs of SOLT Members:


Father Zachary of the Mother of God Shallow, SOLT:
Reflections and Homilies



Father Derek Anderson, SOLT:
Echoes from Rome Homilies Blog


Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT:
NunEssential Blog




Father Vlad Echalas, SOLT:


Father Samuel Medley, SOLT:
Theology of the Body "On the Street Level"
Love and Responsibility Lecture Series
Medley Minute YouTube Videos
Magnificat Anima Mea Domino Homily Podcast
Verbum Domini Video Series with PowerPoint


Br Michael Mary Wight, SOLT:
The Farm Plow Blog


Fr Scott Brossart, SOLT:
I am a CHILD OF GOD and now I have to live like one


To see more links click here.


If you know of any more SOLT members who are also blogging, please share it with the SOLT webmaster.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Sharing in the Mission of Our Lady's Society


Following Christ in the spirit of Our Lady for many leads them to want to do "something more."  Here are some ways you may be called to serve in Our Lady's Society:


Lay Volunteers-  especially if you are not sure what to do with your life, but you want to live in healthy, happy, and holy environment serving God in the generous service of a Catholic mission. Many young people after college go to our missions to serve as the grow in maturity of communion with God and the Church.

Missionary of Mercy-  to offer sufferings and prayers for missionaries

Financial Support-  it costs money to send missionaries and support the great works of the Church. You can join in our mission by supporting those who have given their lives in service to God's people.

Priesthood or Consecrated Brotherhood-  to serve the Church in Persona Christi as a priest of Jesus Christ, or to be consecrated for the salvation of all mankind as a Brother to all, making vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity.

Consecrated Sisters-  women who are called to live as a Spouse of Christ, making vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity; to be the very sign and presence of Our Lady on earth, serving those in need.

Lay Apostolate-  single or married lay faithful who strive to bring this world to be on earth as it is in heaven. There are those who feel called to leave their homes and join us in our missions, but also those who are called to remain where they are and participate in our Lay Formation Program, Our Lady Loves You. There are different types of lay membership in SOLT to facilitate these different callings and levels of committment.

Permanent Diaconate-  men who feel called to live out the "diakonia," or servanthood, of Christ as an ordained minister of the Church. These men are especially called to witness the presence of Christ who said, "I am among you as one who serves."

Consecrated Widows-  women who are called to live out in a special way Our Lady's motherhood and intercession for the Church.

For More information click here.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

SOLT Sisters Bringing Children to the Eucharistic Jesus

Our Lady's Montessori School in Kansas City, Kansas, continues to be a place where little children come to know Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.  Parents too are encouraged to visit the Lord when they pick up their children.  Sr Mary Mediatrix, the Executive Director of the School  said to parents, "I encourage you to visit the Lord, perhaps even for a few moments after picking up your child, to thank the Lord for His many gifts and talk to Him as your Friend."  Full Story

Montessori School Staff with Archbishop Nauman at the Consecration of the Oratory


Sr Maria Kristina with a little disciple


For more information visit their website:

If you or someone you know is interested in answering the call of Jesus to be his spouse and bring all people, no matter how small, to communion with God and life in the Catholic Church, contact the SOLT Sister's Vocation Director:

Sr Mary Emmanuel, SOLT

Featured Video: Fr Flanagan Talks to 2010 SOLT Assembly

Fr Flanagan talks to the 2010 SOLT American Assembly on Vimeo.
This is the talk Fr James Flanagan, SOLT Founder, gave to the Assembly in Corpus Christi, Texas, on July 16, 2010

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Construction Continues on SOLT Seminary

Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Seminary in Naga City, Philippines, is progressing forward in construction, both on the building's structure, and also in the official accreditation process.  This past school year of 2009-2010 was the first year that the Filipino Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved the curriculum and program for the first year of philosophy college seminary.


Fr Roger Abalon, SOLT, is the rector of the seminary and continues with the other priests on staff and the teachers, to work toward the goal of completion of both the seminary building and the accreditation process.  If you would like to help build something great for the future and hope of the Church, click here.  

Contact Information:

Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity College Seminary
Sitio Langon, Cararayan, Naga City, Philippines
+69-54-478-4947 or +69-918-5365594
info@soltfiat.org

Friday, April 1, 2011

Updated Statement by SOLT Regional Priest Servant on Fr John Corapi

From the office of Rev. Gerard J. Sheehan, solt,  Regional Priest Servant, American Region
As a Society of Apostolic Life in the Catholic Church, the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) assumes sole and full responsibility for all our members while we live in communion with the hierarchy of the Church and in obedience to local ecclesiastical authorities. This is the framework within which the investigation of the allegations against Father John Corapi is being conducted. We move forward in full obedience to canon law, according to the above stated precepts and in good faith. 
Father John Corapi is a priest in good standing with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. In his sacred duty as a priest, as all priests should do, he has brought Christ’s ministry to many individuals. Any allegation(s) against Fr. Corapi must not be taken lightly, just as any allegations against any priest must not be taken lightly. As religious superior who is responsible for the pastoral care of Father John Corapi, I take his needs and those of the alleged injured parties into consideration at this time with equal concern and pastoral care.
The current status of the case is as follows:
Fr. John Corapi is on administrative leave. A preliminary investigation, which includes the initial review of any and all accusations of alleged improprieties made against him is actively underway. The decision to place Father Corapi on administrative leave is a prudential decision, similar to how other institutions conduct internal investigations. It is not a penal act but does signal the serious concern with which our religious society views allegations against a member, as well as our desire to assist in pastoral action with transparency, efficiency and in a manner which also serves as a protection for the accused and the alleged victim, and in service to all the faithful. 
At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the Society will provide further information.  
Rev. Gerard J. Sheehan, solt, Regional Priest Servant, American Region

SOLT Haiti Mission Video

This is what the SOLT team is doing in Haiti, under the direction of Fr Glenn Meaux, SOLT



For more information, visit:

http://www.solthaitimission.org/

Fr John Corapi, SOLT, is placed on Administrative Leave

18 March 2011
Today, as Regional Priest Servant for the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, I have the unhappy responsibility to announce that Father John Corapi, SOLT has been placed on administrative leave from priestly ministry, in accordance to the Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church.  We have received an allegation that Father Corapi has behaved in a manner unbecoming of a priest and are duty-bound to conduct an investigation in this accusation.
It is important to keep in mind that this action in no way implies Father Corapi is guilty of the allegation.  It is equally important to know that, based on the information we have received thus far, the claim of misconduct does not involve minors and does not arise to the of criminal conduct.  Consequently, this matter will be investigated internally, and unless and until information suggests otherwise it will not be referred to civil authorities.  In the event that we learn of any occasion where the criminal civil law may have been breached we will immediately refer the matter to civil authorities.

SOLT Sisters Receive Apostolic Visitation








"We Welcome the Visitation Team with Joy"



The Sisters of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity have been chosen by the Vatican Dicastery, The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, to be visited by an Apostolic Visitation “in order to look into the quality of the life” of women religious in the United States.

"We have been chosen because we are growing rapidly in vocations and because of the uniqueness of our charism," said Sr Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT, the General Sister Servant of the SOLT Sisters. "We welcome the visitation team with joy and ask you to pray for our sisters that we have a fruitful visit in this time."

According to Mother Clare Millea, ASCJ, appointed the Apostolic Visitator, "the purpose of the Apostolic Visitation in the United is:

• look into the quality of the life of apostolic women religious in the United States,

• learn more about the varied and unique ways in which women religious contribute to the welfare of the Church and society, and

• assist the Church to strengthen, enhance and support the growth of the more than 400 congregations to which the approximately 59,000 women religious in the United States belong."

The secular media has widely misunderstood this visit as an act of mistrust by the Vatican. The visitation teams continue to uphold the great respect and confidence in Institutes of Religious Women in the United States in a cordial atmosphere of openness and dialogue, which can be attested to by the testimonials of those visited (Click here to read some).

In an interview on Vatican Radio Franc Cardinal Rodé, head of the Vatican Dicastery which ordered the Visitation said, "This apostolic visitation hopes to encourage vocations and assure a better future for women religious."

Consecrated Spouses of Christ live in the shade of the Tree of the Cross and the beauty of obedience, the refreshing streams of grace that it brings, will only further inspire the SOLT Sisters to holiness and deeper communion in the Church. Any time the Church authorities, or their legitimately appointed representatives draw near, there cannot help but be an increase in charity, truth, and the mysterious healing that happens when a woman submits herself to God.

How grateful indeed the community of Our Lady of Corpus Christi is to host such an event. Please join us in praying for its success.

If you or someone you know might have a vocation to be a consecrated spouse of Christ, please contact the SOLT Sisters' Vocation Directress, Sr. Mary Emmanuel Schmidt, SOLT.