Sisters of Notre Dame, California shared Toledo Sisters of Notre Dame's photo.

17 hours ago

This weekend the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday. Our Sisters are privileged to share God's compassionate love with people of all faiths and cultures, particularly the poor and marginalized. Join us in sending sisters where the need is greatest. Happy World Mission Sunday! www.sndca.org/donate. ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California shared San Buenaventura Mission's post.

1 week ago

The Sisters of Notre Dame in California have always had a special devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar. May she intercede for all who journey with us.October 12th is the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, also known as Our Lady of Aparecida or Our Lady Who Appeared, honoring Mary, the mother of of Jesus.

Tradition has the story of Our Lady of the Pillar beginning in the early day of the Church when Saint James the Greater was spreading the Gospel in Spain, but making very little progress. He was dejected and questioning his mission. About 44 AD, the Virgin Mary, who was still living in Jerusalem at the time, bi-located and appeared to him in a vision to boost his morale. In it, she was atop a column or pillar, which was being carried by angels. That pillar is believed to be the same one venerated in Zaragoza, Spain today. Miraculous healings reported at the scene.

The history of Our Lady Who Appeared began in October 1717, Dom Pedro de Almedida, Count of Assumar passed through the area of Guarantinqueta, a small city in the Paraiba river valley. The people there decided to hold a feast in his honour, and though it was not fishing season, the men went to the waters to fish for the feast. Three of the fishermen, Domingos Garcia, Joco Alves, and Felipe Pedroso, prayed to the Immaculate Conception, and asked God‘s help. However, after several hours they were ready to give up. Joco cast his net once more near the Port of Itaguagu, but instead of fish, he hauled in the body of a statue. The three cast their net again, and brought up the statue’s head. After cleaning the statue they found that it was Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Naming their find Our Lady Aparecida, they wrapped it in cloth and continued to fish; now their nets were full.

While we do not know why the statue was at the bottom of the river, we do know who made it. Frei Agostino de Jesus, a carioca monk from Sao Paulo known for his sculpture. The image was less than three feet tall, was made around 1650, and must have been underwater for years. It is a dark brown color, is covered by a stiff robe of richly embroidered thick cloth, and wears an imperial crown which was added in 1904. Only her face and hands can be seen. Pope Pius XII proclaimed her principal patroness of Brazil in 1930. The statue was recently vandalized by being broken into several pieces just prior to a visit by Pope Saint John Paul II, but a group of dedicated artists and artisans carefully pieced it together again.
[From catholicsaints.info]

Our Lady of the Pillar, pray for us.
Our Lady of Aparecida, pray for us. ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California

3 weeks ago

FEAST OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS
"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" (Heb. 13:2). May your Guardian Angel be your protection and inspiration all the days of your life! ... See MoreSee Less

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Sisters of Notre Dame, California

3 weeks ago

Today, we commemorate our founding on October 1, 1850. Our co-foundresses recognized that SOLI DEO, only God, could satisfy their hearts. For these 168 years, the seed first planted in Coesfeld, Germany, has grown to serve humankind in 18 countries. In the names of Sr. Maria Aloysia Wolbring and Sr. Maria Ignatia Kuhling, we work to make our good God known and loved! And we pray for abundant graces for all who are/will be part of our congregational journey. ... See MoreSee Less

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