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A Little
Advent Trivia
by Sue Weigand,
National Secretary
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The most popular Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” is a versification of the Christmas antiphons commonly called the “O Antiphons.” The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that begin with the word “O” and are recited during the “Octave,” the eight days before Christmas. There is one antiphon for each day from December 17-23, with December 24, Christmas Eve, being reserved for the Christmas vigil. There is evidence to suggest that the “O Antiphons” existed as early as the 5th century.
Below are the Latin headings with an English translation. Each antiphon highlights a title of the Messiah as prophesied in the book of Isaiah (written over 600 years before the birth of Christ).
O Sapientia: O Wisdom
O Adonai: O Lord
O Radix Jesse: O Flower of Jesse
O Clavis David: O Key of David
O Oriens: O Radiant Dawn
O Rex Gentium: O King of all the Nations
O Emmanuel: O Emmanuel (God with Us)
Interestingly, if we take the first Latin letter of each antiphon, ignoring the “O”, and work our way back from the last to the first, it spells out “ERO CRAS.” In Latin, this means “I shall be [with you] tomorrow.” This “hidden” meaning is revealed a little more each day as we draw closer to the birth of Jesus!
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In Memoriam
by Cathy McCartney, OSSM
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OSSM SISTERS AND BROTHERS
THAT HAVE GONE TO THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACE THIS YEAR
We have become better Servants of the Lord for having known you. You prayed and toiled throughout your years, with everlasting joy. You became a sister, brother and a friend; you did all this through our Mother Mary. We will miss your serene, blessed face and charming smile. Your laughter we will hear in the background as we gather. Know that you are ever present as we go on to do God's will. Mary, Jesus' mother is now surrounding you with her mantle of peace. Keep us close at heart and pray for us who are still trying to keep alive the calling for more great work at hand for Our Lord God Almighty. Jesus, our first brother leads us toward our heavenly home. He prepares a glorious home for you and me. It is comforting to know that you are safe in our Mother Mary's arms. Keep us in your prayers as we keep your candle flame aglow. With our everlasting love, dedicated to all of you, from all of us.
OSSM Community City State
Rosita Arriola . . . . . . . St. Anthony Pucci . . . . . . . . . . Marrero . . . . . . . . LA
Nancy Chavez . . . . . . . Our Lady of Sorrows . . . . . . . Peralta . . . . . . . . . NM
Tony Cipriano
Rita Dinan . . . . . . . . . . St. Philip Benizi . . . . . . . . . . . St. Petersburg . . . FL
Hogan Fiero . . . . . . . . Our Lady of Assumption . . . . Denver . . . . . . . . . . CO
Joan Grace . . . . . . . . . Sts. Alexis and Juliana . . . . . Hillside . . . . . . . . . IL
Richard Grenier . . . . . Our Lady of Marian Lakes . . Plainfield . . . . . . . IL
Patricia Hilgen . . . . . . Salve Regina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fullerton . . . . . . . CA
Dorothy Lawinger . . . Sts. Alexis and Juliana . . . . . . Hillside . . . . . . . . IL
Katherine Milhas . . . Mary, Source of Our Joy . . . . . Chicago . . . . . . . . IL
Inez Meadowcraft . . . Salve Regina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fullerton . . . . . . . CA
Bernadette Millien . . . Mother of Divine Mercy . . . . West Palm Beach . FL
Mary Nguyen . . . . . . . . Mother of Sorrows . . . . . . . . Union City . . . . . . CA
Carol P. Schmidt . . . . . St. Peregrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kissimmee . . . . . FL
Arlene Wellington . . . Seven Holy Founders . . . . . . Affton . . . . . . . . . MO
Sylvia Williams . . . . . . St. Anthony Pucci . . . . . . . . . Marrero . . . . . . . . LA
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OSSM National Council Nominations |
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The OSSM National Council is seeking individuals who would be interested in serving on the OSSM National Council. In “normal” times, nominations for the National Council have been accepted prior to the National Conference. Due to the pandemic, the Conference has been postponed, twice, and a new date has not yet been determined. As a result, the term for the current members of the council has been extended an additional two years. Therefore, it has been decided that the time has come to request nominations so others may be given the opportunity to serve on the OSSM National Council. The qualifications of the National Councilors are as follows:
· Live by the Rule of Life
· Maintain an Active Prayer Life
· Is an active and contributing member of their local community
· Has been promised for at least two years
· Is NOT prior or prioress of their local community
In addition, they should:
· Have access to the Internet and email
· Have good oral and written communication skills
· Have time to devote to National Council projects
For more information, please contact Debbie Nunes, OSSM at natlprior@secularsservites.org
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To Be A Servite is to Contemplate the Sorrows of Mary
by Debbie Nunes, National Prioress
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I first learned about the seven sorrows of Mary about thirteen years ago when I attended an introductory meeting about the Servite Secular Order. Before then, I had a vague recollection that one of the Blessed Mother’s titles was Mother of Sorrows. That gave me pause as I considered if I really wanted a vocation that was devoted to Mary’s sorrows when for most of my life I strived to avoid unpleasant and sorrowful situations. However, over the years as I have reflected on Our Mother’s sorrows, I have grown into a deeper appreciation of their significance and learned a few lessons. I will share three of those lessons.
Mary’s pondering acceptance. The first sorrow of the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows has us meditate on Mary accepting in faith the prophecy of Simeon. I would take a guess that her first sorrow was actually at the Annunciation when “she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be” (Lk 1:29). I suspect she must have known this would be a life changing encounter and one that would have its share of difficulties. Yet her pondering led to her fiat. Though it is not specifically stated in the Scriptures, I think it’s very likely Mary pondered Simeon’s prophecy as well before accepting it in faith. Mary’s example has taught me it’s okay to question and ponder in order to discern and accept the will of God.
Mary’s compassionate presence. As Secular Servites, the image of Mary at the foot of the Cross should be our guiding principle in service to those in need (ROL Article 42). There are instances when “service to those in need” is merely sharing someone’s grief, offering a shoulder to cry on or lending a non-judgmental ear to listen without a need to really say or do anything more. Our Mother of Sorrow’s example of standing at the foot of the cross has taught me that sometimes just being present to others in their sorrow is enough.
Mary suffered and grieved. One of my favorite paintings is the Pieta by William Adolphe Bouguereau (1876). In this painting, Mary’s eyes are not lifted heavenward nor are they downcast in resignation. Instead she gazes straight ahead, her eyes reddened with tears, the raw emotion of grief and anguish evident on her face. To me, that is a much more realistic reaction to receiving the body of her son. If the mother of God experienced heart wrenching grief, then who am I to expect to avoid it. Sorrow and grief cannot be separated from our human existence. I often reflect on a quote by the French poet, Paul Claudel, who wrote “Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it. He came to fill it with His Presence.” Mary’s sorrow teaches me that unwavering faith in God does not guarantee a life without pain and suffering, but when it does happen, she and Our Lord are there, grieving with me and granting me strength.
We contemplate your sorrows, holy Mary. May we always follow you in the pilgrimage of faith.
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(Photo 1) Students began the new school year. Fr. Magloire has informed Fr. Vidal that First Communion will take place this year in December at the local parish in town. There are 25 children preparing for their First Communion so we will be seeking a $50 donation for each family. Checks to be made out to Secular Order Servants of Mary and sent Attn: Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, PO BOX 20008, Portland OR. 97294-0008.
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(Photo 2) Students received their school supplies which were distributed to the children in September. Many had lost everything in the earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace. We thank the people who have generously sent donations to help all those affected.
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by Barbara Thomalla, OSM
UNIFAS-USA Secretary
Fr. Joseph Cheah, OSM, member of the USA province of Friars, gave a presentation to the UNIFAS Assembly in October. He spoke on White Privilege and Systemic Racism. He defined these terms: ethnicity, race, racialization, systemic racism, whiteness, white supremacy, white privilege, and model minority myth. Asian-Americans are racialized differently than African Americans and Native Americans. They frequently are seen as perpetual foreigners and inferior.
On October 22, 2021 the Assembly elected the Executive Council: Sue Weigand, OSSM as president, Sr. Barbara Thomalla, OSM as secretary, Deborah Nunes, OSSM as treasurer, Bro. Arnaldo Sanchez, OSM and Sr. Lisa Sheridan, OSM as members-at-large.
Debbie Nunes, OSSM gave an update about collaboration on St. Peregrine Ministry by Servites in the USA. A committee representing all the Servite expressions plans to meet, and the Friars have started a Prayer Partner ministry. This effort is a result of discussion by the USA Servites who attended the 2018 International UNIFAS Congress in Tagatay, Philippines.
The UNIFAS-USA Congress scheduled for 2020 and re-scheduled for 2021 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Council hosted Get-To-Know-You sessions during 2021 with about 25-30 participants each session from across all the Servite expressions. We will continue those gatherings throughout 2022. The participants are feeling more connected to other Servites as we see familiar faces at each session. We hope to hold a Congress in 2022, possibly in an on-line format or with a combination of in-person and on-line options.
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The Communications Committee is responsible for maintaining the website, email and social media accounts; for producing the E-Newsletter approximately six times per year; for scheduling and maintaining the Secular Order’s Zoom account; and assisting the National Council with various communication pieces and brochures. The committee meets via Zoom every other month and keeps in touch with each other by email. There is presently an opening on the committee for anyone willing to serve. Volunteers should have some basic knowledge of computers but training as needed will be provided. It’s a fun and rewarding way to meet other Servites and make an impact by keeping the Secular Order up to date and informed. Please consider adding your talents to the group. Call Sue Weigand, OSSM, National Secretary, at (610) 310-9663 or send an email to sue.weigand@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. Your help is needed as we try to reconnect with each other. |
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Servants of Mary, Faith Resources |
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This video, Chapter Three and the sixth in the series on the Legenda of the Servants of Mary continues to explore the origins of the Order. It describes the Seven Holy Founders as rich in the gifts of the Holy Spirit with great reverence for Our Lady. In eighteen minutes, it reveals through beautiful music and stunning artwork the origins of our Order, uniquely dedicated to Our Lady.
The next issue will feature Chapter Four, part 7 of the 20-part series. Videos range from 10-20 minutes each. Enjoy!
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