On this beautiful and joyous feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we’re pleased to announce the result our prioral election held this morning!  Sister Maria Christine of the Cross, O.P. was postulated to a third term as Prioress of our monastery.  The postulation was confirmed by our regular superior, the Very Reverend Mark Padrez, O.P., Vicar for the Master of the Order.

According to our Dominican Constitutions, the community chapter elects our prioress for a three-year term.  A current prioress may be elected to a second consecutive term; but for a third consecutive term, the election must be confirmed by the Master of the Order, which may be done in the person of the Vicar. 

Following a prioral election, the newly elected prioress and the community prayerfully discern the coming three-year term; this is also the time when all work assignments (charges) in the monastery will be formally assigned for the next three years.  As the prioress and community discern, the professed sister currently assigned to a given charge may be directed to continue in that charge, or it may be assigned to another professed sister.  This is one way the nuns practice itinerancy, as we hold our work with open hands and willing hearts.  This change of charges allows the nuns to learn new things, and to discover hidden talents and graces given by God in ourselves and our sisters.

Please keep Sister Maria Christine and our community in your prayers as we discern God's will and implement changes in the upcoming months.  May our Lady bless us and keep us faithful in our life of contemplative prayer and sacrifice.

Deo Gratias!