Abbey-Roads2

Saint Rafka

Blessed Rafka, A Lebanese Maronite Nun, Canonized on June 10, 2001

“Born about the year 1832, Blessed Rafka was first known by her baptismal name Boutrossieh (Pierrette or Petronila in French). Before dying, Blessed Rafka told of her life to Sister Ursula, superior of the monastery in which she died, “There is nothing important in my life that is worthy of being recorded … my mother died when I was seven years old. After her death, my father married a second time.

When Blessed Rafka was 14 years old her stepmother wanted her to marry her brother, and her maternal aunt wanted her to marry her son. Rafka did not want to marry either of the men and this caused a great deal of discord in her family. After overhearing her stepmother and aunt exchange insults, Rafka asked God to help her deal with the problem. She then decided to become a nun and went straight to the convent of Our Lady of Liberation at Bikfaya.  This decision was not just to escape the problem of her marriage but a response to a true calling.

As Rafka recounts, “When I entered the Church I felt immense joy, inner relief and, looking at the image of the Blessed Virgin, I felt as if a voice had come from it and penetrated the most intimate part of my conscience. It said to me: You will be a nun.”  - The Eparchy of St. Maron website.

[Art:  An icon I did for the Maronite Church of the Holy Family in South St. Paul, Minnesota.  Unfortunately, it isn't a very good photo and it definitely did not scan well.]

Carthusians making their thanksgiving after Communion.

The Carthusians have an unique rite which differs slightly from the traditional Roman Rite. Their Office is awesome, in Latin - and of course Gregorian chant - however the cadence is very solemn and much slower than other monastic offices.

The position of the Carthusian post-communion thanksgiving emulates that of John the Evangelist when he rested his head against the chest of Our Lord. It may look cozy and comfortable, nevertheless it is not.