NORBERTINE CANONESS Of TEHACHAPI

Norbertine Canoness of Tehachapi –   Sister Juliana Fiorella of the Nativity, O. Praem.                                                              “One heart and one mind in God”                                                           Motto:  Ad omne opus bonum paratus  –  “Prepared for every good work”  –  2 Timothy 2:21                   ☩ the only Community of cloistered Canonesses  in the United States ☩

Founder:  Saint Norbert of Xanten  (for the monks )                                                                            Foundress:  Mother Mary Augustine  (Monique Petit from French New Caledonia) for the nuns

Place:  Prémontré, France originally                                                                                                                      Tehachapi, California,  Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph presently

Year:  1121 A.D. Christmas Day  (monks); 1123 A.D.  (nuns) in France                                                                1997 A.D.  for nuns in Tehachapi, California

Her Charism:  Drawn by the merciful and Triune God, this warrior nun is called to follow the poor and Risen Christ in a radical and apostolic way (vita apostolica) according to the Gospel, the Rule of St. Augustine, and the charism of St. Norbert – a man who was all things to all men: a linguist, a historian, an avid reader, and a student of life.  He is her bright and guiding light, reflecting the light and truth of Christ.  Dedicated to the solemn celebration of the liturgy and contemplative prayer. This ” hidden sister in the mountains” belongs to a Community formed in imitation of the first community of disciples, praying together and sharing all things in common as she follows in the footsteps of Christ and His Blessed Mother who was His first and foremost disciple.  Her way of life (communio) is marked by a life-long seeking of God through never-ending conversion.  Prayer is at the core of her vocation.  In fact, her life is a “living liturgy” of praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and intercession which permeates every aspect of her daily life.  It all begins with love, and it all ends with love.  Selflessly, she gives herself to the Church in imitation of Our Blessed Mother Mary by pondering God’s Word, and in ceaseless prayer and service at the altar.  This cloistered nun’s modus operandi is stealth. She is part of a quiet yet relentless crusade for the Jesus she dearly loves.  She lives and shepherds this Gift of the Spirit for her own personal renewal and salvation, for the Church, and for the world to live in unity and be of one mind and one heart as all make their journey to God.  Her cloistered life proclaims to the world that God is worthy of every ounce of love. The Five Pillars of spirituality of this Order include: the Praise of God in Choir (Laus Dei in Choro), Zeal for the salvation of souls (Zelus animarum), a Spirit of habitual penance, Devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and a Special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. ☩ A Norbertine Canoness considers the Birth of Our Lord the Birth of the Order. ☩