“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
— 1 Chronicles 29:13
PRAIRIE DU SAC — November is the month when we celebrate all the saints, remember the deceased in our prayers in a particular way, and set apart a day to thank God for His many blessings.
Although it might not seem obvious at first, these practices are closely linked, especially in the monastic tradition.
One way that we, as contemplatives dedicated to prayer, express our gratitude to God is through praying daily for all our friends and benefactors; and our gratitude and prayers extend to them even after they have died.
In times past, many nobles and wealthy landlords contributed to the building of monasteries precisely so that the monks and Nuns would pray for their souls and for their families in perpetuity.
This tradition is rich in significance, for it creates a bond of communion, not merely between the members of a monastic community and those who help them, but even more broadly among all the members of the Church: Those still living on earth, those being purified, and those who have already been sanctified and are interceding for all of us from Heaven.
Grateful to God
This year we are especially grateful to God and to all of you who have helped us in our ongoing efforts to build a new monastery.
Despite the numerous challenges of the past months, our faithful benefactors have remained committed to supporting us, and many new friends have joined us.
We are currently continuing our architectural design work, assembling our engineering team, and repairing and adding gates and fences on our new property.
God is manifestly blessing our work and prayer together.
Fundraising goal
We are also nearing our Phase 1 fundraising goal and recently received an enormously helpful gift.
A generous benefactor has offered a $1 million match, if we can raise another $1 million and reach our Phase 1 goal.
The pressure is on, however, as this gift has a deadline: April 1, 2021.
The end might finally be in sight, but we need the assistance of many to close the gap.
Prayerfully consider helping us as generously as you can, so we can move to a safer and healthier home soon.
Every gift is welcome; and if you were waiting for the opportune moment to contribute to the building of a new monastery here in our diocese, this is it!
Help the Sisters
For more information, visit our website at build.valleyofourlady.org email us at nmfund@valleyofourlady.org or write to us at E11096 Yanke Dr, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578.
If you wish to help us and choose to donate by check, please make it payable to Valley of Our Lady Monastery and note that the gift is for the new monastery.