SISTER OF FINDING JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Sister of Finding Jesus in the Temple   (Sister of the Temple) –  Sister Anne Marie, J.T.                                                                                The “Blue Nun”                                                                          “A living echo of the Holy Family’s journey”

Founders:  ☩  originally established during the Crusades (12th and 13th Century)                                                   by an unknown Dean                                                                                                             ☩ Re-established in 1860 by Nicholas Cardinal Wiseman, Archbishop of Westminster,                             and Mother St. Marie                                                                                                             

Place:  London, England

Year:  1860 A.D.

Her Charism:  Theologically, this Sister reflects Mary’s total self-offering in faith and hope and highlights her obedience and unwavering trust.  Her spirituality is Christo-centric and is rooted in the Gospel narrative of Luke. . . . and how, after three days of anxious searching, Mary and Joseph discover 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, listening to and questioning the religious teachers.  Jesus response to them was, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”  This underscores her divine mission and the priority of God’s affairs.  This symbolizes devotion to seeking Christ amid personal trials and the centrality of family in faith. She is called to love and seek Jesus just as Mary did and emulate Him by passionately engaging in the Father’s work while extending compassion and hope to others, with particular attentiveness to the suffering poor and marginalized.  With all her heart she integrates contemplative prayer with apostolic service and finds Jesus through devotion to works of mercy.  This Sister is the embodiment of the characteristic attributes of Jesus: the chaste, the poor, the obedient One to the Father’s Will.  Before the Adorable Sacrament in silent prayer, this noble damsel in heart meets God face-to-face, rejecting the world and all its vanities.  She clings to Mary whose pure heart experienced great joy and deep agony as she faithfully accompanied Jesus along His life’s journey.  By assisting students preparing for the priesthood, educating the youth, and caring for the sick she shares the crown of martyrdom for the Church which requires zeal and persevering energy.                                                               ☩ Pictured here is a novice with her white veil.  Fully professed Sisters wear a blue veil.  The color of this Sister’s full habit (blue) evokes the protective mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary,  the emphasis on hope and purity in pursuing Christ, and Mary’s dignity and celestial grace. ☩