St. Madeleine Sophie Barat on St. Ignatius

Ignatius of Loyola  (1491 - 1556)

July 31st - Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius ~ 

“A virtue that characterized Saint Ignatius was union with God and prayer; it is from that union, the result of serious prayer, that one draws strength and light.”

                                                                         
(St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, Conference, 1834)

God is Always New... quote from Janet Erskine Stuart

"God is always new His presence gives new Life" 

~ Janet Erksine Stuart (1857-1914)

I'll have to check on the name of the artist whose artwork above can be seen inside the St. Thomas Chapel - located on the campus of Roehampton University.   This beautiful piece of art along with quote by Janet Erskine Stuart was photographed prior to us arriving at High Leigh Centre and low and behold it was on the podium for all of the attendees to see for the next four days!  For me it was a great "life giving" experience attending the Centenary Launch of Janet Erskine Stuart (1857-1914) in England this month!  More info on my experience to come! 

Former Barat College Campus to be Repurposed by Woodlands Academy

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois hosted a community meeting in its Chapel last Thursday to discuss and share plans for the expansion of its campus.  The expansion is made possible by the astounding gift of 23 acres of the neighboring former Barat College Campus donated by an anonymous donor to Woodlands Academy. The land transfer officially took place on December 12, 2012 the anniversary of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's birthday.  

Referred to as Gloria Dei Project, Ralph Elwart, Member of the Woodlands Board of Trustees gave a comprehensive overview at the Open House last Thursday and afterwards answered questions from Sacred Heart alums and nearby residents. To view a video of the Lake Forest Plan Commission Meeting held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - click here. 

For more info about the Barat College Campus click on this link to view the Woodlands Project Slides and to read local news - Lake Forester.

The evening ending with alums lingered to view the slides up close and speak to Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ, an alumna of Barat College and author of the recently published book, BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME. For more info on ordering a copy of Sr. Curry's book go to marthacurrybook.info

Fr. Frank Buckley, SJ - Homily given at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, CA

Fr. Frank Buckley, SJ ~ is a Jesuit from the California Province working in the Counseling and Psychological Services Department at the University of San Francisco, and has a doctorate in clinical psychology. He is one of the founders of the St. Vincent de Paul's Wellness Center in San Francisco and has spent much of his time as a Jesuit addressing issues of homelessness and addiction.

His homily is based on the Sunday, July 14, 2013 Gospel reading: Luke 10:25-37 and addresses the questions: Who do you say that I am and who is my neighbor?

This was the last Liturgy hosted before the Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum ended.  Great message!  Thank you Father Frank!  

Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum 2013

Last week (July 10-14, 2013) I attended my very first Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum hosted at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, Calf.  The theme, Janet Erskine Stuart: Spirituality and Education for the 21st Century was what caught my attention.  Since this year marks the Launch of the Centenary Year of Janet Erskine Stuart (1857-1914) it was a perfect opportunity to learn more about this remarkable religious educator and Sixth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart.  

So after getting settled at the Vallombrosa Center, Helen Ryan and I headed over to the brand new Johnson Performing Arts building for a Welcome Reception and Buffet Dinner hosted in Ravi Hall.  Sacred Heart Schools has a most beautiful 63-acre campus! The 200 plus attendees comprised of RSCJ (many from Oakwood and surrounding Communities),  Sacred Heart Educators, Associates and Alums from as far away as Australia, India, Puerto Rico and Canada.  Our time together would include: informative presentations and break out sessions, daily morning prayer and evening liturgies, time for reflection and group discussion.   The next few days we listened intently to the following speakers:  

Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ 
 - Janet Erskiine Stuart through the Eyes of Her Contemporaries

Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
 -  Mother Stuart's Understanding of Prayer and its Impact on the Spirituality of Sacred Heart Education

Ray O’Connor, Associate
 - Janet Erskine Stuart's Educational Philosophy and the Plan of Studies
 

Ilia Delio, OSF
 -   The Legacy of Janet Erskine Stuart and the SPirituality and Education Needed for Today's Emerging Vision

From the many breakout sessions offered, I chose to attend Janet Stuart's Equine Legacy by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ; Connie Solari, Atherton; Corie Thompson, Atherton; and a very handsome Clydesdale named Beau.  On Saturday afternoon I went to Janet Erskine Stuart's Love of Nature by Ruth Cady, Atherton.  

The overall experience was fabulous.  I enjoyed seeing many familiar faces and most especially meeting and making new friends within our Sacred Heart family. To view the many photos taken during the 2013 Spirituality Forum just click on the photo to the right of this blog entry.

And to see more photos taken during the course of the Forum - click here or go to www.rscj.org

Love is the Gift... a quote by Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

"Love is the gift of self; all forms of the gift of self for the love of Christ are devotion to the Sacred Heart"

 Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

(1857-1914)

The Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum 2013 begins tomorrow (July 10th) - it will be hosted at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, California.  Many RSCJ will be joined by Associates, Alums and Sacred Heart Educators from our Network Schools.  This year the theme of the Forum will focus on Janet Erskine Stuart, the Sixth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart (1911-1914).  Next year will mark the centenary date of her death.  To learn more about Janet Erskine Stuart and upcoming Centenary Celebrations - click here.

United States and Canadian Provinces of the Society of the Sacred Heart join today in Cor Unum

Photo taken October 21, 2007 at CASHA  hosted at Sacred Heart School
in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

In her Provincial Report given at the 39th AASH Biennial Conference hosted last April in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. Provincial, Sr. Barbara Dawson, RSCJ reported that on July 8, 2013 the Society of the Sacred Heart in Canada and the United States will become one province.

So today was a special day for our RSCJ in Canada as they hosted their final assembly as a Province and have officially joined the United States province to become one new entity. The Province of the United States - Canada will have 330 members and will be based in St. Louis, Missouri.

"A province does not 'become' a province only on the day it officially begins, said Superior General Kathleen Conan, RSCJ.  "We look forward to how we grow into that reality, live the vision, adapt it where needed and continue to let it be created by the Spirit and by the hearts and hopes of those on the journey."  

I took the above photo in 2007 when Srs. Clare Pratt, RSCJ, Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart (2000-2008) and Jane Maltby, RSCJ of England (one of the five members of the International Leadership team) were in Canada attending the CASHA Conference.

To read more about the significance of today's merger and the history of the Religious of the Sacred Heart go to www.rscj.org or click here.

Woodlands Academy Hosts Community Meeting July 18th from 7 -8 pm

For more info - Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

Prayer by Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ
Sixth Superior General
of the Society of the Sacred Heart

I know that when the stress has grown too strong,

Thou wilt be there;

I know that though the waiting seems so long,

Thou hearest prayer.

I know that through the crash of falling worlds

Thou holdest me;

I know that life and death and all are Thine, Eternally!  

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ 
(1857-1914)

Brad Thor, HP'83 Releases Latest Thriller Hidden Order

Brad Thor, author and alum of  Hardey Prep '83

Brad Thor, Sacred Heart alum of Hardey Prep in Chicago and New York Times best selling author will release his latest thriller Hidden Order on July 9th!  Congratulations Brad! Fans can catch him doing interviews Tuesday, July 9th on Imus in The Morning, Morning Joe, and Lou Dobbs Tonight.  Also, Brad will appear in Chicago on Windy City Live on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.  For more details on Brad Thor and his books - click here.

Wondering what to read this Summer?  Check out the list of Books by Sacred Heart Alum Authors on the right side column of my blog.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Reflects on the Feast of Independence Day

July 4, 1825 ~ Philippine writes to St. Madeleine Sophie, "Today we are celebrating the feast of independence  in this country, rejoicing among all classes and religions, for the Catholics do not forget that this day gave them freedom of worship. As for me, I shall anticipate July 22 and celebrate in my heart now and always the treasured and inspiring dependence which binds me to you.  Yes, I shall bless God for it to my dying day, and we shall be united in spirit to you on your feast day."  

Taken from:  Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Wishing all a very safe and happy 4th of July!

Cherry Torte Recipe from Our Favorite Desserts by Elmhurst Convent of the Sacred Heart

Cherries for picking!

I recently acquired a recipe book printed in the 1960's entitled Our Favorite Desserts by Elmhurst Convent of the Sacred Heart. Since this is a great time for Midwesterners to pick Cherries the recipe below seemed appropriate to share.  The Cherry Torte recipe is courtesy of Mrs. Ingeborg E. Carlson.  If you decide to try it please leave a comment below.

CHERRY TORTE 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of soft butter
5 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
1 cup cake flour
1 can (1 lb) sour red cherries
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond (optional)

Directions:

Cream butter, confectioner's sugar, and flour.  Put mixture in a wax paper lined pan, bake 15 minutes at 350F.  Drain cherries, (save juice for topping sauce), and combine cherries with remaining ingredients.  Pour over crust and bake 30 minutes.  Thicken cheery juice with cornstarch and sweeten with 1/4 cup sugar.
Cut Torte in 9 pieces.  Top with whipped cream and cherry juice.

~ Courtesy of Mrs. Ingeborg E. Carlson

Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2013 - CANADA DAY!  Wishing all Sacred Heart Alums in Canada a fabulous holiday today! 

Sarah Cassidy and Catherine MacDonald with MER taken at the Hilton Omaha

A very special shout out to the many Sacred Heart Alums from Canada who joined us in Omaha, Nebraska to celebrate our 80th Anniversary at the 39th Biennial AASH Conference last April.  Today in honor of Canada Day, I will be having pancakes for breakfast along with the very special Maple Syrup from Sarah Cassidy and Catherine MacDonald!  Thank you ladies for the very thoughtful gift!  To see more photos and learn about the 39th AASH Biennial Conference Celebrating Our Legacy in the Heartland - www.aashomaha.org.