Painting is both fun and an expression of prayer. Using colour to re-create the beauty I see around me or make visible the pictures formed in my imagination is magic! It’s a participation in the creative power of God. Painting becomes contemplative when I use it to express what I’ve experienced in prayer.

As Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters, we have a heart for intercession. Intercession is praying on behalf of people, situations and for our world. We cry out to God, asking for His grace to bring peace, hope, healing, life, provision, protection, whatever it is that may be needed. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says, “intercession is like a leaven in the heart of the Trinity”. Prayer brings transformation. We pray in intercession to our Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We also ask for the help of our friends in Heaven, the Saints. 

Whether we are at home with the Sisters or in the context of our community Disciples of Jesus, praise is one of my favourite ways of praying. In praising God I am reminded about the fundamentals of what I believe and no matter what is happening or how I feel the reality is that God is Good and worthy of praise.

Music has always had a great deal of power in my life. It helps me remember things, it changes my mood, and I can’t help singing when a chance comment triggers a song! On retreat a few years ago I was impatiently wondering when I was going to become the holy woman trusting in God that I longed to be. I was sitting on the beach and I felt God speaking to me through the coastline before me, that had been shaped over millions of years.

There is nothing like New Year’s Day to remind us of the gift of new beginnings. 2020 has begun. It is common for many people at this time to make New Year’s Resolutions, probably because this practice has some value in helping us re-set, take time to reflect on what matters for us, and to consider the path forward in the year to come. When we consider our Christian journey, it makes sense that we would find a way to include God in this, so that we reflect on not only our own hopes and dreams, but God’s hopes and dreams for us.

Christmas is a very special time for our family. Our tradition was always staying at our Grandparents house, along with the rest of our family. On Christmas Eve we would go to the local park for a BBQ. The night included singing Christmas carols, taking a tour of the houses decorated in Christmas lights in the back of a fire truck, as well as waiting for Father Christmas to make a last minute visit.

On this Christmas Eve, we invite you to take some time to reflect on the gift of our Saviour, whose birth we celebrae tomorrow.

 Today is the final day of praying with the 'O' Antiphons. Let us welcome the Saviour who came to be with us. 

 Today is Day 6 of the O Antiphons. Christmas is almost here - take some time in prayer today to draw close to the Saviour.

Day 5 of the 'O' Antiphon reflections

O Rising Sun you are the splendor of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

We are halfway through this time of reflecting on the 'O' Antiphons.

O key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison, free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The 'O' Antiphons are a beautiful way to journey through Advent.

O root of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations and kings fall silent before you whom the people acclaim. O come to deliver us and do not delay.

Our journey through Advent with the 'O' Antiphons continues.

O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.

Are you seeking a way to deepen in prayer in these last days of Advent? The 'O' Antiphons are a beautiful gift to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. 

O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth.

Wanting a beautiful way to pray in these last days of Advent? If that is you, keep reading...... 

Have you heard of the O Antiphons? They are a gift to us from the church in the final stretch of our advent preparation which help us reflect more deeply on the rapidly approaching birth of Jesus. Each O Antiphon is usually sung at Evening Prayer before the Magnificat from December 17-23, but if you are not a regular pray-er of the Divine Office you can simply use them in your daily prayer as a point of inspiration. 

Have a read of our latest newsletter

Unlike Lent which gives us 6 weeks to settle into the idea that there are things in our lives which need our attention, during Advent we only have 4 weeks to prepare. This means that action needs to take place immediately for the season not to be consumed by presents and the celebrations that typically lead up to Christmas.

Getting ready for something takes planning and serious consideration. We are invited to prepare as Mary too got ready for the final weeks of her pregnancy. Mary had to prepare for the birth of her child and make a journey to Bethlehem. I don’t envy her making this journey whilst being heavily pregnant. The ultimate birthplace of Jesus was a stable, probably not what she imagined as the perfect place.

Want to know all the inside information on the Amazing Race adventure that God took Judy and Therese on.....

Who would have thought God would get us on television on The Amazing Race Australia. We look for creative ways to share the Gospel, but this was a wild card straight from God. When the idea was suggested to me, I thought immediately that it might be from God because Therese was due to go on a three-month sabbatical at the same time as they proposed to send two MGL sisters, all expenses paid, around the world on a televised travel adventure.

Anyone who has been near a shopping centre since the beginning of October would know that Christmas is on the way. There has been trees and decorations, wrapping paper and gift suggestions, as well as carols and lights. In addition to this, a cursory glance at a social media feed often reveals how many days are left, more often than not as a reminder to get to the shops and spend big.

Yet surely there is something more, for preparations for Christmas are not just about food, presents and decorations. Surely we cannot really be prepared for Christmas unless we also prepare ourselves spiritually. The birth of Jesus is a profound gift, and in her wisdom, the Church gives us the season of Advent to prepare to receive this gift in a greater way than ever before.

Each of our sisters has a different story of how God has called them to the MGLs. This blog features Kathryn's story of life, love and adventure. 

This may surprise you, but us MGL Sisters weren’t always MGL Sisters.  Once upon a time we were all just single women on the same path of discernment as you.  And we know all the little signs that mean there may be a little calling to the Sisters stirring in your heart…

It started as a cheeky addition to my artwork. I was in an art class with the girls in youth justice when it happened. I do not claim to be particularly talented, so the majority of the 'art' I do consists of experiments with colour and pattern, but I was rather enjoying my swirly swirls as they were somehow becoming mesmerizing to me. But then I moved across the room to talk to one of the girls, leaving my burgeoning artwork alone. I returned not long after to see one of the girls smiling at me, with the kind of look that says, 'hmm when will you realise why I am looking at you this way'. I glanced down and saw that she had added a swirl to my picture, but to my 'alarm' it was distinctively different for she had drawn it in a black marker.

Whenever we meet people for the first time, they are often really curious about our life as a new group of consecrated women. And fair enough – choosing to live in a household of adult women, forgoing marriage, babies, fashion and make-up and giving your life so that the world may know that God loves them is certainly not your average lifestyle choice. So, here’s our answers to all those questions you may have had about the Sisters.

Each sister had a diferent journey into the MGL Sisters. In this blog, Berna shares a realisation that you can discern your direction all you like, but there will come a moment when you need to put aside your fears and doubts and just jump.

I got a card from my almost-six year old niece this week – she asked me “if I had a brown skirt, could I come to your house?’ It got me thinking – how am I going to answer this particular question when I send her a card in return….. here is what I think I will say. (Note to reader - we are re[publishing his blog - Emme is now 10!)