Mission Cross at the Motherhouse in Philadelphia

Our Crucified Lord is Christ the King

The story is told that during the construction of the chapel at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat, none of the craftsmen could bring themselves to drive the nails into the wood-carved image of Christ on the cross. Finally, the foreman had to step in and do the deed so that the enormous crucifix could be completed and mounted. The nails went through the hands. The cross was raised. Behold, says the small sign above it, the King of the Jews.

The feast of Christ the King is upon us. And, though we may be tempted to skip ahead to Advent, the Church year doesn’t end until we take one more long look at Christ our King. Looking closely, we see our King bears the mark of resurrected wounds. This is the One to whom we give our Yes.

Christ the King was introduced 100 years ago, on December 11, 1925 by Pope Pius XI in the encyclical Quas Primas. It was the Church's response to secularism and the rising nationalism of that time. Following the fall of many monarchs in the midst and aftermath of World War I, it prompts the faithful to establish their identity in and allegiance to Christ the King in "whose kingdom there shall be no end."

It has remained a significant feast day throughout our entire Missionary Cenacle history. Christ the King stands in stark contrast to our understanding and experience of earthly powers and principalities, as our King is the crucified and resurrected Christ. The Lamb of God sits upon the Throne.

May Christ reign as sovereign King of our minds, our wills and our hearts.

Preparing Ourselves for Christ's Coming

The season of Advent begins this Sunday. People often begin preparing their homes on the day after Thanksgiving for the upcoming Christmastime. It seems those home preparations are happening earlier with each passing year. But, what will we do during Advent to prepare ourselves for Christ's coming?

The Advent Season offers rich practices and traditions that lead us through a slower paced, incremental time of preparing ourselves for Christ's coming at Christmas. Children enjoy Advent calendars that count down, day by day, as we move through the season, especially when they have sweet treats included. Many adults use devotionals as a guide to applying the Scripture readings to their daily lives. One by one, each week the candles of the Advent wreath bring the light of hope, peace, joy and love into the darkness of our world.

This Advent season, find an enriching practice to help prepare yourself for Christ's coming, again, this Christmastime. The darkness of our world is in such need of the saving hope, peace, joy and love of the Light of Christ.

Discover the biblical roots of beloved Christmas carols with Sr. Theresa Ahern, MSBT and Theresa Leonetti O'Connor, M.Div. Lunch is provided.

In Philadelphia on December 9.

2025 MSBT Jubilarians

The Jubilee celebrates the milestone anniversary years of Sisters' vowed religious life. A celebration of our 2025 Jubilarians was held last month at our Motherhouse in Philadelphia. Enjoy these video highlights of the day.

May God continue to bless their faithful service!

Cultivating New Seeds of Hope

Sisters meet regularly in what is called the Trinitarian Process to collectively reflect on ways to bring our future directions to life in the areas of Mission, Community and Stewardship. During a gathering last year, a tree was planted and named, "Esperanza" which means hope.

On a chilly November day this year, Sisters found Esperanza flourishing in the courtyard. Its roots reaching deeper into the earth, trunk thickening with time and new branches extending into the crisp Autumn air.

On rocks placed at the base of the tree, Sisters painted a word to represent the anticipated fruits of their meetings together. With a prayer, and a healthy dose of fertilizer, Esperanza the tree is prepared for the cold of winter. As we await the blossoming leaf buds of next Spring, may this tree be a reminder to us of living in hope.

"What's In Our Attic"

Videos from the MSBT Archives

Sr. Deb Wilson, MSBT began a video series earlier this year designed to explore the treasurers of our MSBT Archives and to reflect on the meaning they may hold in our daily living. Click below to watch the most recent video. You can view previous videos in the series and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be sure to catch future editions.

The Pope's November Prayer Intention

For the Prevention of Suicide
Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

Thank you for your continued support
of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity.

Especially, at this Thanksgiving time, we want to express our deep gratitude for your continued support.

Thank you for being a partner in our mission to serve the
poor and abandoned and to develop a missionary spirit in the laity to
be a power for good.

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Ministry of Prayer

Click here to submit special intentions you would like our

Sisters to include in their daily prayers.

Be Good! Do Good! Be a Power for Good!