Lights in the Sky

We were treated to a lovely show of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) last night. I've personally never seen them this early in the summer, so it was quite a surprise!  I got the camera only towards the end of the display as it was quietening down, but was still able to take a nice photo.

The Northern Lights on Papa Stronsay.

Leaving all for Christ

Today the of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer received a new member into its ranks.

The postulant kneels and is questioned by the Superior regarding his desire to enter our Congregation.

The brethren chant the Veni Creator Spiritus while the postulant is covered with the Funeral Pall.

He is clothed in the Religious Habit:

Son, put on Our Lord Jesus Christ, always surrounding thy body with His mortification. 

  

 

 Kneeling he receives the crucifix:

Receive, my Son, the image of the crucifix, image of thy Master and Redeemer, who suffered for thee and offered Himself for thee. Place it as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm.

 Our Lady's Rosary is placed in his hands:

Receive, Son, the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may She always be a wall to protect thee, a mother to nourish thee, a star to guide thee and the door to thy salvation...

 Do Thou, however, learnest diligently to love and imitate Mary, and to propagate Her most salutary devotion everywhere. In dangers, in anguishes, in doubtful things, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May Her sweet name not disappear from thy lips, nor disappear from thy heart.

He is clothed with Our Lady's Scapular:

Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

 And finally, a new name.

Welcome to our Congregation Br Jerome!

 Br Jerome's mother and father came from America to be with him.

As did his Godmother.

 The community on Papa Stronsay.

General Council of the Congregation

Notice

The General Chapter of the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer are happy to announce the election of the General Consultors of the Congregation.

Vicar General: Very Reverend Father Anthony Mary, F.SS.R.

First Consultor: Reverend Father Magdala Maria, F.SS.R.

Second Consultor: Reverend Brother Nicodemus Mary, F.SS.R.

Third Consultor: Reverend Brother Martin Mary, F.SS.R. 

The term of the Offices is for six years.

Habemus Patrem!

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer are pleased and proud to announce that today, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the election of the Rector Major of the Congregation was held on the Holy Island of Papa Stronsay, overseen by His Lordship Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, and that Very Rev Fr Michael Mary, F.SS.R. was elected to govern our Congregation for a further six years.  Deo Gratias et Mariæ!

The newly elected Rector Major, Very Rev. Fr Michael Mary, F.SS.R., kneels before the altar and makes the acts of Profession of Faith and Fidelity to the Church.

 Having been installed as Rector Major by the Bishop, Very Rev. Fr Michael gives the Pax (Peace) to Fr Anthony Mary, F.SS.R.

 Each member of the Congregation demonstrates their submission and fidelity to the new Rector Major by kneeling before him and placing their joined hands between his.

 The bells joyfully cry out:

Habemus Patrem!

 The members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer currently living on Papa Stronsay, with their bishop, Dom Hugh Gilbert, O.S.B. following the installation ceremony.

Very Rev. Fr Michael Mary with the eleven voting members.

Thanks be to God for blessing His "Most Small Institute"!

Growing Well Despite the Weather

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer wish you all a very happy feast of St Alphonsus!

This year we have had a poor summer in Orkney. But on Papa Stronsay the greenhouse, although a little slowed by the lack of sun, is continuing to produce wonders.

The Holy Angels have arranged for some good weather for St Alphonsus' feast day.
The greenhouse on Papa Stronsay.

Br Alfonso Maria, F.SS.R.has been the labourer in the greenhouse this year, and he has kept the community supplied with fresh lettuce every day.

Juicy peaches!

The tomatoes have missed the sun the most.  They are in flower now, an we hope they will get enough sun to ripen.

Cabbages and apricots.

The Kiwifruit are starting to form nicely.  They won't be ready till later on in the year though.

"Our Lady's Garden": the statue of Our Lady stands in the centre of the greenhouse.
Br Alfonso is growing various kinds of kale.  One variety can be seen here between the cabbage and the tomatoes.

The beetroot are not too far from being ready to harvest.

Also growing at the moment, although not ready to harvest, are pears, apples, plums, nectarines, raspberries, figs, grapes and other things besides.  The cherries have already passed.  They were delicious, but smaller than in  past years — probably due to lack of sun.

Thanks be to God for His wonderful providence towards us, his children.