New Skete Monasteries News

  By Brother Brennan I recall that as a child growing up in Our Lady of Prompt Succor parish, in Westwego, Louisiana, Easter was, of course, always sacred and special. While it was somehow “smaller” than Christmas, there was a difference I could perceive then, but just not explain.   Giving up something for Lent, attending the stations of the cross weekly, meatless Fridays, and the Paschal Triduum services all helped us prepare for and embrace the momentousness of the feast in our lives—both individually and communally. Around the corner from the church, just beyond the parish cemetery, lived my aunt and uncle, who always hosted a massive potluck barbecue for the extended family and many friends, complete with an Easter egg hunt and cabbage ball (just like softball, but with a smaller diamond and a larger, softer ball, eliminating the need for gloves). Although there always seemed to be less “fuss” over Easter than for Christmas, with all that December shopping, continual ...

  by Ida Williams During Resurrection Sunday, my Southern pastor mentioned something called the Fresh Start Effect. I immediately wrote it down in my notes. It’s a concept from behavioral science that explains why people feel more motivated to pursue goals after a clear “new beginning.” When we step into a new chapter—whether marked by a date, a place, or a change in circumstances—we tend to separate our “old self” from our “new self.” These fresh starts can be obvious: New Year’s Day, birthdays, the first of the month. Or surprisingly ordinary: a Monday morning, rearranging a room, stepping into a new role. It isn’t the event itself—it’s the sense of a clean slate. Even in baseball, players who are traded or move between teams often show a surge in performance. The change of environment offers a psychological reset—a chance to leave behind a slump and step forward with renewed focus. It’s not just about skill. It’s about perception, momentum, and belief. Not every fresh start come...

  A timeless message from St. Maximus the Great whom we remember on January 21st. The icon was a gift to the community from the iconographer Robert Lentz, OFM. Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21 The Lord reminds us in the gospels, “Whoever loves me will keep my commandments. And this is my commandment: that you love one another.” So, those who do not love their neighbor do not obey God’s command. But those who do not obey this command cannot love God. People are blest if they can love everyone equally. Moreover, if they truly love God, they must love their neighbor absolutely. Such people cannot hoard their wealth. Rather, like God, they generously give from their own resources to each according to their needs. Since they imitate God’s generosity, the only distinction God draws is the person’s need. God does not distinguish between a good person and a bad one, a just person and one who is unjust. Yet God’s own goodness of will makes God prefer the person who strives aft...

  by Brother Luke Sometimes when I set out for a walk with my dogs, I do not have a particular route in mind. Usually, they are resting in their crates in our “mud room,” which exits our building behind the Bell Tower. That is the quickest way out and often the most efficient. But if I want them to get water before we go, I have to go out the back door past other dogs in their crates. That’s more of a challenge and may affect my choice of routes outside. Once outside, I have many options. Which one to choose? Does it matter? To me, maybe, but not to my dogs. They will enjoy their romp in the woods no matter what the season or which trail I pick. So, I pick the trail and they go with it. Dogs operate in nature as they are designed to do, and they are not troubled by the need to wrestle with choices of right or wrong. It’s not exactly autopilot; they do have to operate within their framework. Bark, growl, or bite may be determined by circumstances, training, or temperament, but whate...

Our Lady of the Sign by Ida Williams with gratitude to Sister Cecelia for her insights Our Lady of the Sign — Patroness of the Nuns of New Skete As we enter the season of Christmas, when we reflect on God choosing to come among us in the most humble and unexpected way, it feels fitting to remember that the nuns’ monastery is dedicated to  Our Lady of the Sign —the icon that proclaims that very mystery. This image of Mary shows her with hands raised in prayer, the Christ Child revealed within a radiant circle over her heart. The sisters place their life and work under her protection and patronage, trusting her to guide the community and intercede for all who come here. The icon expresses the heart of the Incarnation— God with us —and reminds us that New Skete is meant to be a place of prayer, peace, and hospitality offered in Christ’s name. Just as Christmas celebrates God entering the world quietly and lovingly, the icon of the Sign reveals God dwelling within the ordinary, held in...

  By Carl Patka Every autumn, I have the privilege of volunteering at the St. Francis Day Animal Blessing hosted by the Monks and Nuns of New Skete. The tradition of the Blessing of the Animals originates from St. Francis of Assisi, a 12th-century friar known for his love and respect for all of God’s creations, particularly animals. St. Francis is a cross-over saint, loved and respected by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox alike. Dog owners from near and far drove up to New Skete on October 4, 2025, to a beautiful fall day for this year’s Blessing of the Animals. They came to have their best friends blessed in an outdoor ceremony that calls on God and St. Francis to bless every creature that breathes—including the dogs and their owners—with a little sprinkling of holy water. We have been blessed with good weather almost every year; one year, we had to move inside the church because of rain, and it was lovely having nearly 100 dogs (and a small goat) inside for the service....