Poor Clare Colettines — Palos Park, Illinois

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Hearkening to God's Voice

See Sister Colette's Solemn Profession

Poor Clare Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, Palos Park, Illinois

Nestled on a wooded tract of land just southwest of Chicago is the monastery of the Poor Clare Nuns. Built in 2003, the monastery was dedicated by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George.

What has the modern world to do with the silent Nuns who dwell within? An early biographer of the Poor Clares in America has answered, "Everything. . They are but secluded from earthly noise, that they may more attentively hearken to God's voice calling on the whole communion of the faithful on earth and in heaven to love Him and to be His instruments in saving His straying children."

Since those who become the absolute property of God, become God's gift to all, the life of nuns is truly a gift set at the heart of the mystery of ecclesial communion... A contemplative monastery is a gift also for the local Church to which it belongs, representing what is most intimate to a local Church—its heart, where supplication and thanksgiving rise unceasingly. — Verbi Sponsa Vatican document on the contemplative life

 

Chapel at the Poor Clare Monastery

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Solemn Perpetual Profession at the Poor Clare Monastery Sister Mary Colette of the Immaculate Conception making her solemn profession on Our Lady's Birthday, September 8, 2007 with Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I. officiating.

Sister Colette's parents, James and Mary Frances Goetz, look on. In the foreground is the tray with the crown of thorns and ring of espousals which Sister Colette will receive during the ceremony.

Sister Colette makes her request to make solemn vows.

Mother Abbess placing the ring on Sister's finger as Cardinal George proclaims her sacred marriage with Christ.