“Radical evangelical living is not only for religious: it is demanded of everyone. But religious follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way. This is the priority that is needed right now: to be prophets who witness to how Jesus lived on this earth…a religious must never abandon prophecy. Prophets receive from God the ability to scrutinize the times in which they live and to interpret events: they are like sentinels who keep watch in the night and sense the coming of the dawn. Prophets know God and they know the men and women who are their brothers and sisters. They are able to discern and denounce the evil of sin and injustice. Because they are free, they are beholden to no one but God, and they have no interest other than God. Prophets tend to be on the side of the poor and the powerless, for they know that God himself is on their side.” ~ Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People for the Year of the Consecrated Life, Nov 21, 2014.
Come, Holy Spirit! (by Maria Diaz)
Dear Friends in Christ, Last Friday, on February 27th, I visited the Religious Community of Sisters, Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, founded by Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, PVMI in New York in 1920. Here in the Diocese of Phoenix, they live in the Convent of Christ the King Parish in Mesa. Their foundation was established in Phoenix five (5) years ago, and today there are three Sisters that are part of this special community: Sr. Mary Beata, Sr. Margery Therese and Sr. Mary Eileen. They serve in Parishes, lead young adult ministry as well as courageously do door to door evangelization. Sr. Mary Beata serves at Christ the King Parish. Sr. Margery Therese serves at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix, and Sr. Mary Eileen serves at the ASU Newman Center in Tempe. The three of them are delightful and filled with joy as they are consecrated to the Lord. Each of them, with their diverse ethnicity, contribute to a very unified community. We are so blessed to have these Sisters serving in the Diocese of Phoenix, and we pray that this community grows!
From left to right: Sr. Mary Eileen, Sr. Mary Beata and Sr. Margery Therese.
As one enters the Convent, this painting of Our Lady captivates.
The exterior of the convent with the RSM “chili pepper” parked in the driveway.
Christ the King Parish, Mesa.
The Chapel is inviting to all who come.
Sister Mary Beata rings the bell for the Angelus Prayer.
Sister Margery Therese and Sister Mary Eileen at prayers.
The Stations of the Cross lead us to be reverent.
Sacred Icons by Maria Diaz
Saturday, February, 28th, I visited Maria Diaz, an artist of sacred icons and paintings. Formed by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal as well as Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder of the St. Ignatius Institute of the University of San Francisco, where she studied theology, Maria Diaz creates sacred art that is beautiful and true to Sacred Scripture. Her icons and paintings are exquisite; she makes and sells images of her original artworks on wooden plaques. If you are interested in ordering the beautiful plaques that she makes, please email her at: sacrediconsbymaria@gmail.com Here are some photos of her inspiring works so you can see the fruit of her solid spiritual and theological formation.
The Archangel St. Gabriel
St. Anthony of Padua as he received the apparition of the Christ Child.
The Virgin Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth at Zachariah’s house.
Sts. Anne and Joachim
The Holy Family
St. George slaying a dragon.
St. Anthony of Padua preaching to the fishes.
St. Francis and a companion.
St. Joseph holding Jesus.
Let us be inspired to believe in the Gospel and to live by it as we are created in the image and likeness of God!
Until next time.
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
Waking Up the World 