Our new member of the Hyning Community has just arrived. Sr.Anne Chantal who was from our former French house at Touvet; some of you may remember her from her time here in the 1980s.
As we approach the coming feast of the Nativity, let us pray for each other that in this year of Mercy, we might be instruments of God's mercy.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Come, Lord, do not delay, visit your people in peace...
Some of you might have heard the sad news of the death of Sr.Mary Cecilia. She died on Friday, 18th of Dec 2015 in the care home in Morecambe. Most of the community were able to pray with her the day before she died. One of the nurses who was with her, was a Catholic, and prayed with her until the hour of her death, early Friday morning. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday, the 5th of January at 11:30.
If you are thinking of attending, please contact Sr.Mary Bernard hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk
You are welcome to join us after the service for the buffet lunch.
Here is what might happen if Jesus was born in the 21st century.
This is how people nowadays evangelize The Good News. This is also how Christians can make good use of the internet.
We hope most of you have escaped the effects of the dreadful weather enveloping the North West in recent weeks. We have been very fortunate as we did not suffer any power cuts when the village was affected. We have been praying especially for the people of Cumbria affected so badly yet again.
Advent is now halfway through and we are about to enjoy a couple for quiet days to tackle Christmas posts and newsletters etc. Sr. Mary Colette has now written the newsletter and if you click on the link on the website you will be able to find it. Those who requested it by post will receive it shortly. Click here for the Newsletter
Some of you may have heard on us on local radio. Radio Lancashire broadcasted live from here on the 3rd December. You can click on their Facebook page and see a video of us singing and for a few more days you can still listen to the broadcast. Click on here Radio Lancashire at Hyning.
There are still places available at Christmas if anyone is still interested. We hope you are enjoying the beauty of Advent and that the Christmas rush is not too overwhelming! Not long to go now....
On Saturday (21/11/15), Sr.Maria and Irene went to The Christ the King Cathedral in Liverpool attending the event "Embrace Liverpool". Following the same format of last year, hundreds of youth gathered to celebrate their Catholic faith. They were nourished by talks, praise and worship, Liturgical Dance, Adoration and the celebration of the Eucharist.
During the day, people were invited to tour the Cathedral and visit the various stands of the religious group represented at the day. The stands were located around the body of the Cathedral. The content on the Bernardine stand reflected our emphasis on the value of Lectio Divina and the Divine Office.
Video of the procession - please click here
For more information the Hyning Oblates, click here
Last week, the community enjoyed a few days of closed time which gave us a chance to catch up after a busy few months. We have a day of recollection on Wednesday, lead by Fr.John McGowan ODC. He gave a talk on the changes and challenges of religious life over the last 50 years. He also spoke about Pope Francis' call to remember when we were first called into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps during this month of November, as we prepare for Advent, it will be a good opportunity for all Christians to do the same. On the Thursday, we had a day of Adoration.
Now we are open again and we are looking forward to the Oblates' Day on Wednesday (11/11/15). The theme of the day is From Benedict to Bernardines. Sr.Michaela is going to attempt to fit in 1500 years of monastic history in 3 hours!!! Several oblates will make/renew their commitment on this day. Pray for them as they continue their oblate journey. More news of the day will be on the oblates' page next week.
"For as we advance in the religious life and in faith,
our hearts expand
and we run the way of God's commandments
with unspeakable sweetness of love."
(RB Prologue)
Last week at Hyning, Sr.Mary Stella led the icon course for beginners. The chosen icon was "Our Lady of the Sign" based on the prophecy of Isaiah. There were 11 participants including Irene, our novice. It was an intensive course starting on early Monday and finishing on Friday afternoon. The writing of the icon begins with washing the board. The wood of the board symbolizes the wood of the Cross. The icon is the body of Christ. The colours symbolize different meanings. As for Our Lady, she always has three stars on her head and her shoulders. She wears a red robe which symbolizes that she is truly a mother and a blue tunic which emphasizes her virginity. The icons were blessed at Mass on Friday by Fr.Michael.
No landline at the moment, email only if you want to contact anyone at Hyning. BT can't repair the line until the 6th of October! If the internet goes down, you will have to come in person! Apologies in advance!!!
On the Feast of St. Michael and all the Archangels, representatives of all the different form of Consecrated Life in the diocese of Lancaster, gathered to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. Bishop Campbell was the main celebrant with over 20 diocesan priests and priest in religious Orders of the diocese con-celebrating. Near the front of the Cathedral was a table with various symbols to represent the various forms of life represented. Well over a 100 representatives of the different institutions were there to share their joy in their calling. Parishioners from various different parts of the diocese joined us for the celebrations. The cathedral choir and choristers sang as well as an excellent music group from Blackpool. We were pleased to see a number of the Hyning oblates there in the congregation as well. Sr. Maria had been on the organizing tram which had worked very hard to ensure all went smoothly on the night. The Mass was followed by refreshments in the Cathedral Social Centre. Below are just a few pictures of the event.
Sept 29th Feast of the Angels
The Office of Readings for the feast of the Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, offers a reflection by Saint Gregory, pope, “…Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels. Personal names are assigned to some to denote their ministry when they come among us. Thus, Michael means, “Who is like God?”; Gabriel is “The Strength of God”; Raphael is “God’s Remedy.”
We are beloved of God, and He provides us with angelic companions and protectors as the Catechism states, “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of the faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition” (328).
Pope Gregory continues, “Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying, I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High. He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment.” St. Michael is known to be the warrior angel who fights Satan and his demons from the beginning, and throughout the epic Christian pilgrimage, St. Michael is the great defender of the Church on earth.
Let's pray today for all those angels who have helped us in any way. All those who have the angels as their patrons and all schools and parishes who are under the patronage of the Angels
Reminder 7 pm Mass 29th September at the Cathedral for celebration of Consecrated Life - all welcome....
Click on the link to watch the video....
Julia has been with us a month now and has recorded a video for the vocations page...it will be uploaded as soon as possible so look out for it!
Last Saturday (12/09) we celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Sr.Mary Joseph. The celebration was livened by the presence of her family and our oblates. We were united in thanksgiving for Sr.Mary Joseph's fidelity to the Order in a Mass offered by Fr.Colin Battell OSB, Mgr.Slatery and Fr.Michael McKenna. The celebration was followed by a buffet lunch and ended with Sr.Mary Joseph cutting her diamond jubilee cake.
Last week we hosted a very special meeting of the Cistercian Superiors in the Region of The Isles. This includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire and Norway. We also had the privileged of having the Abbot General of the Trappist and Trappistines (OCSO).
“The radical gift of oneself to God, loved and served for Himself alone, listening to His Word, and a humble attentiveness to His presence in all human beings and in events, are the characteristics of this life; its sole aim is the search for God, lived out in Community.”
