Deo gratias!Sunday Vespers and BenedictionMass on Sexagesima Sunday celebrated by Monsignor WachMany sisters have prepared a beautiful hymn in multiple voices.At dinner, the sisters celebrate the 60th birthday of one sister and the 20th anniversary of vows for another sister.Chant repetitionSpiritual Conference with our Reverend MotherThe sisters receive Holy CommunionA sister shows everyone the parrot, Clovis, who lives in our house in Brussels, BelgiumThe sisters enjoy a familial meal together in recreation.Chant of the Te Deum (traditional hymn of thanksgiving) and Benediction of the Blessed SacramentA talk on Gregorian chant from the Institute’s choir masterAfter lunch, the sisters sing a choral piece that they prepared for Monsignor.Many sisters mean many meals to prepare, and many hands to help!A solemn high Mass follows the ceremony. Here, the schola sings the Gregorian chant for the Mass.The chant of the Magnificat in thanksgiving to GodEach sister gives her vows to Monsignor and receives his blessing. The signed vows are then be placed upon the altar.The professed sisters renew their vows.Monsignor Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute, gives a conference to the sisters.After the outing, the sisters reunite in the chapel. Here, the office of Compline.A lesson on the time period’s medical treatments, with shelves displaying their historic apothecary urnsThe sisters are led through the château’s sophisticated water systems, which allowed for garden fountains, hydraulic works, and even laundry facilities.The sisters visit the historic stables near the estate.We were blessed by a wonderful guide who led us throughout the day.The château includes the Condé Museum, one of the finest art collections in France.This gorgeous hall has beautiful treasures on all sides. The sisters are particularly drawn to the precious porcelain, silverware, and table settings in the center.The sisters stop to regard beautifully embroidered liturgical vestments.Arrival at the historic Château de Chantilly, located north of Paris, with some sections dating back to the 16th centuryThe sisters await the bus for a community outingAs the light of dawn begins to glow through the stained-glass windows, Jesus Christ, our true light, comes to us on the altar in the hands of His priestThe singing of the Veni Creator, to call God’s blessings upon these days of ChapterThe next morning, before sunrise, the altar is prepared for Holy MassThe sisters then bring their peaceful joy to the chapel for the office of Compline before retiring for the night.After arriving from our houses around the world, the sisters come together for a joyful dinner in community.
