Christmas newsletter

We hope most of you have escaped the effects of the dreadful weather enveloping the North West in recent weeks.  We have been very fortunate as we did not suffer any power cuts when the village was affected.  We have been praying especially for the people of Cumbria affected so badly yet again.  

Advent is now halfway through and we are about to enjoy a couple for quiet days to tackle Christmas posts and newsletters etc.  Sr. Mary Colette has now written the newsletter and if you click on the link on the website you will be able to find it.  Those who requested it by post will receive it shortly.   Click here for the Newsletter

Some of you may have heard on us on local radio.  Radio Lancashire broadcasted live from here on the 3rd December.  You can click on their Facebook page and see a video of us singing and for a few more days you can still listen to the broadcast.  Click on here Radio Lancashire at Hyning.  

There are still places available at Christmas if anyone is still interested.  We hope you are enjoying the beauty of Advent and that the Christmas rush is not too overwhelming!  Not long to go now....

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Bernardines "Embrace Liverpool"

On Saturday (21/11/15), Sr.Maria and Irene went to The Christ the King Cathedral in Liverpool attending the event "Embrace Liverpool". Following the same format of last year, hundreds of youth gathered to celebrate their Catholic faith. They were nourished by talks, praise and worship, Liturgical Dance, Adoration and the celebration of the Eucharist.

During the day, people were invited to tour the Cathedral and visit the various stands of the religious group represented at the day. The stands were located around the body of the Cathedral. The content on the Bernardine stand reflected our emphasis on the value of Lectio Divina and the Divine Office.

Video of the procession  - please click here

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Oblate Day 2015: "From Benedict to Bernardines"

The theme of the day in November was "From Benedict to Bernardines". Sr.Michaela gave a series of talks on the history of the Bernardine Order beginning with the connection to St.Benedict, the Cistercian Reform in the Middle Ages and the impact of the French Revolution. During the day, Lois Young made her first commitment for one year, Mark McHugh-Pratt renewed for three years, and Nicola Roberts renewed for a further year. At present there are also 7 people still in formation and 19 oblates who have made some form of commitment. 

For more information the Hyning Oblates, click here

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

November News!

Last week, the community enjoyed a few days of closed time which gave us a chance to catch up after a busy few months. We have a day of recollection on Wednesday, lead by Fr.John McGowan ODC. He gave a talk on the changes and challenges of religious life over the last 50 years. He also spoke about Pope Francis' call to remember when we were first called into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps during this month of November, as we prepare for Advent, it will be a good opportunity for all Christians to do the same. On the Thursday, we had a day of Adoration. 

Now we are open again and we are looking forward to the Oblates' Day on Wednesday (11/11/15). The theme of the day is From Benedict to Bernardines. Sr.Michaela is going to attempt to fit in 1500 years of monastic history in 3 hours!!! Several oblates will make/renew their commitment on this day. Pray for them as they continue their oblate journey. More news of the day will be on the oblates' page next week.

 "For as we advance in the religious life and in faith, 
our hearts expand
and we run the way of God's commandments
with unspeakable sweetness of love."

(RB Prologue)

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Beginners Icon Course - Oct 2015

Last week at Hyning, Sr.Mary Stella led the icon course for beginners. The chosen icon was "Our Lady of the Sign" based on the prophecy of Isaiah. There were 11 participants including Irene, our novice. It was an intensive course starting on early Monday and finishing on Friday afternoon. The writing of the icon begins with washing the board. The wood of the board symbolizes the wood of the Cross. The icon is the body of Christ. The colours symbolize different meanings. As for Our Lady, she always has three stars on her head and her shoulders. She wears a red robe which symbolizes that she is truly a mother and a blue tunic which emphasizes her virginity. The icons were blessed at Mass on Friday by Fr.Michael. 


Posted on October 12, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Phone alert

No landline at the moment, email only if you want to contact anyone at Hyning. BT can't repair the line until the 6th of October!  If the internet goes down, you will have to come in person!  Apologies in advance!!!

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life at Lancaster cathedral

On the Feast of St. Michael and all the Archangels, representatives of all the different form of Consecrated Life in the diocese of Lancaster, gathered to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. Bishop Campbell was the main celebrant with over 20 diocesan priests and priest in religious Orders of the diocese con-celebrating.  Near the front of the Cathedral was a table with various symbols to represent the various forms of life represented.  Well over a 100 representatives of the different institutions were there to share their joy in their calling. Parishioners from various different parts of the diocese joined us for the celebrations.  The cathedral choir and choristers sang as well as an excellent music group from Blackpool. We were pleased to see a number of the Hyning oblates there in the congregation as well.  Sr. Maria had been on the organizing tram which had worked very hard to ensure all went smoothly on the night.  The Mass was followed by refreshments in the Cathedral Social Centre. Below are just a few pictures of the event.  


Posted on October 1, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Feast of the Angels

Sept 29th Feast of the Angels
The Office of Readings for the feast of the Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, offers a reflection by Saint Gregory, pope, “…Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels. Personal names are assigned to some to denote their ministry when they come among us. Thus, Michael means, “Who is like God?”; Gabriel is “The Strength of God”; Raphael is “God’s Remedy.”

We are beloved of God, and He provides us with angelic companions and protectors as the Catechism states, “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of the faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition” (328).

Pope Gregory continues, “Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying, I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High. He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment.” St. Michael is known to be the warrior angel who fights Satan and his demons from the beginning, and throughout the epic Christian pilgrimage, St. Michael is the great defender of the Church on earth.

Let's pray today for all those angels who have helped us in any way.  All those who have the angels as their patrons and all schools and parishes who are under the patronage of the Angels

 

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Julia - news

Julia has been with us a month now and has recorded a video for the vocations page...it will be uploaded as soon as possible so look out for it!

julia
Posted on September 17, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Sr.Mary Joseph's Diamond Jubilee

Last Saturday (12/09) we celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Sr.Mary Joseph. The celebration was livened by the presence of her family and our oblates. We were united in thanksgiving for Sr.Mary Joseph's fidelity to the Order in a Mass offered by Fr.Colin Battell OSB, Mgr.Slatery and Fr.Michael McKenna. The celebration was followed by a buffet lunch and ended with Sr.Mary Joseph cutting her diamond jubilee cake. 

srmjo


Posted on September 14, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

Region of the Isles Meeting

Last week we hosted a very special meeting of the Cistercian Superiors in the Region of The Isles. This includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Eire and Norway. We also had the privileged of having the Abbot General of the Trappist and Trappistines (OCSO).


Posted on September 7, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

World Day of Prayer for Creation

Pope Francis has established September 1 as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, inspired by the example of the Orthodox Churches who have observed this day for a number of years. Pope Francis wishes to remind us that: “Christians are called to “an ecological conversion whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them.” Thus, “living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”(Laudato Si’, 217). 

Please take some time today to pray this prayer

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen.

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.

News

Sr. Hilda has now moved to Brownshill and we hope she has a great year in our other community. Julia will be joining us on the 19th August so please remember both of them in your prayers at these new stages in their Bernardine life.  We re-open on the 21st August.  

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Michaela Toulmin.