At Wisdom's Table

Early Music Concert

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pictured from left to right are: Larry Zukof, Karen Snowberg, Susan Iadone, Larry Lipnik, and Heloise Degrugillier.

The Susan Iadone Recorder workshop met at Wisdom House January 6-8. Twenty-seven recorder artists met to refine their skills and enjoy the community of artists gathered for the weekend. The weekend culminated with an Early Music Concert given by the faculty.

Village Zendo Winter Retreat

2012-01-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

Members of The Village Zendo from New York City made their annual winter silent retreat at Wisdom House from December 26 - January 1. This year they studied the Lotus Sutra and daily offered service at Wisdom House in a variety of ways.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-15T06:00:00.005-05:00

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Martin Luther King, Jr . (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

For more information on King’s life and vision visit www.TheKingCenter.org.

Shawl Knitting Ministry

2012-01-13T06:00:00.013-05:00

Daughter of Wisdom Patricia Schmidt speaks with Sr. Rosemarie Greco, DW, about her service in Shawl Knitting Ministry. This ministry is a healing ministry wherein people knit shawls, pray over the shawl, and give them to people who need healing and support in difficult situations, or who want a blessing for a joyful event. This ministry of compassion was begun by Janet Bristow in 1998.

For more information, visit www.shawlministry.com. The interview will be aired on The Conference of Churches program, "Rich Answers." The program runs on Sunday morning on WRCH 100.5 FM.

Getty Center Abstractions: Photography of Richard Wanderman

2012-01-11T06:00:00.015-05:00

The exhibit, Getty Center Abstractions: Photography of Richard Wanderman, opened at the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House on January 7. The exhibit runs through April 14.

Photographer Richard Wanderman speaks about his works here.

It's in the Air

2012-01-09T06:00:00.012-05:00

I have a secret belief. It’s not related to any religion. It’s a belief I’ve had for many years and never been disappointed by it nor had it disproved as incorrect.

Simply stated: I believe that every Sunday, somewhere in The New York Times newspaper, I will find something that will add to or support my own spiritual growth. It rarely is found in an article about religion. It might be in the sports section, the business section, or the obituaries. Very often, something is in the arts section, sometimes the real estate section, and then there isalways the book review or the magazine.

Two weekends ago, it happened again. On Sunday, January 1, 2012 there they were: two articles – one in the op-ed (Sunday Review) and the other was in the travel section. Ironically, each had to do with the same theme: the need for silence in our lives.

In the travel section, the article dealt with a woman’s need for “a solid period of quiet.” The 43-year-old mother of three, as the article put it, “needed (somewhere) to recombobulate. Cheaply.” Her searching brought her to a Jesuit-run retreat house where she had time to herself to examine her life with the help of a spiritual director and sort out where her life had brought her.

The second article took the front and center spot of The Sunday Review section. The article was titled, “The Joy of Quiet.” It dealt with our need for quiet in our ever-demanding and intrusive world of technology. Our technology swallows up our attention at every turn and tap of an app!

We experience our world through a screen. The average American spends at least eight and a half hours hunched over, “bowing before,” one every day. That which was supposed to have freed us has enslaved us – or so it seems. Ironically the author concludes (and has research to back it up) that it’s our immersion in the natural world, listening to nature, that heals us and makes us more attentive to the rest of our lives.

I pass this on because finding these two articles was like getting a double hitter for myself. It renewed my belief in my “Sunday practice.” It reminded me of all the people I meet through Wisdom House who have the same pressures and the same yearnings. It reinforced my belief that this need is “in the air.”

And now all I have to do is to click the Send button to share this reflection with my closest 2000 friends! And, after that, Shut Down. Take a walk outside.

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

Marianne Durand Balding renews promises as an Associate of Wisdom

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Marianne Durand Balding renews her promises as an Associate of Wisdom during a gathering of the Tidewater Sowers of Justice. Daughters of Wisdom Margaret McCabe and Marilyn Lieber presented Marianne with a copy of The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louise DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom by Rabbi Rami Shapiro.

Marianne is a Geriatric Family Nurse, a graduate of Norfolk Catholic High School (VA) and Maryview Hospital School of Nursing. She is an active legislative advocate for the poor and marginated and a participant in “Empower Hampton Roads,” a regional interfaith coalition of 30 Congregations that join forces to deal with justice issues (see www.gamaliel.org).

For more information about the Daughters of Wisdom and the Associates of Wisdom, visit www.daughtersofwisdom.org . For a copy of The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning…. contact info@wisdomhouse.org.

Seek Wisdom

2012-01-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Wisdom is an undying fire seen by all who love Her,

And found by all who seek Her....

The beginning of wisdom is the desire for Wisdom,

And this desire, when transformed into action, is love; And love is lived through the Way....

(Excerpt from "The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis deMontfort's Contemplation on Divine Wisdom" by Rabbi Rami Shapiro, www.rabbirami.com )

New Beginnings

2012-01-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

On 1/1/12, Sr. Rosemarie Greco, DW, and Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, discussed 'New Beginnings.'

Click here to listen to the podcast. There may be a delay as the streaming audio loads.

Courageous Community Leadership Program

2012-01-03T06:00:00.008-05:00

Participants in the "Courageous Community Leadership Program" met several times this year in the Farm House. With the support of Bill Graustein, Heidi Brooks, and David Carter (who lead this program), the group focuses on leadership effectiveness. Learn more about the Fund at www.wcgmf.org.

Who Is This Woman?

2011-12-30T06:00:00.009-05:00

Photo by Wendy Carlson

Who Is This Woman?

Who is this woman who talks to angels

and is on familiar terms with divinity?

In the fullness of time,

She bore the fullness of grace.

The shepherds went in haste,

And found the angels’ proclamation true.

All were there as they had been told,

Maiden mother, mentor, and male child.

Those who heard of it were amazed.

Mary looked on in gratitude.

The silence in her heart

Held the past and the future

In a balance.

Eight days passed before marking him,

Naming him,

Whose future pulls us forward.

Who is this woman

Who dared to say “Yes”

And, now holds eternal vulnerability

In her lap?

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

The Birth of Jesus

2011-12-27T06:00:00.013-05:00

How beautiful is Jesus, Wisdom Incarnate.

He, like Wisdom whom he embodies, is the brightness of God, The unstained mirror of the Divine Reflecting all in God and God in all.

(Excerpt # 126, The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louise DeMontfort's Contemplation on Divine Wisdom, Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Book available through Wisdom House, $5 includes shipping. Wisdom House, 229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759 / 860-567-3163 / rg@wisdomhouse.org)

Incarnate Wisdom is Born

2011-12-24T06:00:00.015-05:00

Wisdom entered time as time:

Entered creation as creativity;

And walked among us as many, but none more filled with Her than Jesus

Of Whom the Ineffable said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

To know Him as Wisdom

Is to know Him as the Apostles knew Him at His Transfiguration:

“Light radiant, sublime, immense, unlimited, Older than heaven and chaos” (Hymn of Transfiguration).

That is, they knew Him as Her, Eternal Wisdom,

She who is illustrious, high, immense, infinite, and older than the universe.

Blessed Christmas and holy peace to all.

(Excerpt #19, The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louise DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom, Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Book available through Wisdom House, $5 includes shipping. Wisdom House, 229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759 / 860-567-3163 / rg@wisdomhouse.org)

Song, Scripture, and Silence in the Manner of Taizè

2011-12-22T06:00:00.007-05:00

The Advent retreat, "Song, Scripture, and Silence in the manner of Taizè," was led by Melinda and Bruce Gardiner, Dec. 2-4 in the Farm House at Wisdom House. Periods of teaching, silence, and chanting, using the music of the community of Taizè, France, provided the rhythm of the retreat.

Unthinkable

2011-12-20T06:00:00.006-05:00

Unthinkable

The angelic body bowed low

in adoration

Before the woman soon-to-be-

with child.

"Blessed," he called her.

"Why?" she asked.

"Chosen," was his answer.

He waited. She wondered.

"How? Not now," she said.

"God changes time," said

the messenger.

"A son but no husband?

A mother before

being a

wife?"

"Impossible!" she pro-

tested.

"Exactly," he smiled.

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

O WISDOM

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

COME AND TEACH US YOUR WAY

The beginning of the O Antiphons, December 17

Eternal Wisdom brings delight and satisfaction,
And the wise are filled with joy.
They do not condemn this world,
But seek to heal it.
Wisdom and those who teach Her
Pour out joy, sweetness, and peace into the world,
So that even in times of great trial the wise can say,
My joy is boundless even in the midst of my suffering ( II Corinthians 7:4)
Let Eternal Wisdom be your friend,
For there is “great delight in her friendship” (Wisdom 8:18)

(Excerpt #98, The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom, Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Book available through Wisdom House, $5 includes shipping.) Wisdom House, 229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759 / 860-567-3163/ rg@wisdomhouse.org

Knowing Wisdom

2011-12-14T06:00:00.013-05:00

Wisdom is the source of all consolation.

To know Her is to know intimate sweetness.

To draw near to Her is to draw near to the Nameless

From whom She arises and before whom she plays ( Proverbs 8:22).

And yet we do not draw near for our sake.

But for Hers,

And thus the more we long for Wisdom,

The more we listen to Her,

The more we are compelled to teach Her ways,

And to celebrate the teachings of others, especially Jesus Christ,

Who is the human incarnation of Wisdom.

(Excerpt, #10 from The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom by Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Book is available through Wisdom House for a minimum donation of $5, includes shipping.)
Wisdom House, 229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759 / 860-567-3163 /
rg@wisdomhouse.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T06:00:00.012-05:00

Mary is the Tree of Life and Jesus Her fruit.

If it is the fruit you desire,

It is the tree you must cultivate.

Whoever desires to have Jesus must first have Mary.

While Mary isn’t Incarnate Wisdom,

She is the Mother of Incarnate Wisdom,

And as such She has influence over Him

In ways that only mothers can.

Mary gives Him to whom She wills,

And births Him daily in the souls of those She deems worthy.

(Excerpt #204-205, The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom, Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Book available through Wisdom House for donation of $5, shipping included)
Wisdom House, 229 E Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759 / 860-567-3173 / rg@wisdomhouse.org

Matthew Titley

2011-12-09T06:00:00.011-05:00

Matthew Titley, Wisdom House’s Information Technician (IT),
at work on one of the retreat center’s computers.

Over the recent years, Matthew Titley has upgraded the center’s server, installed wi-fi, designed the newsletter template, and provided data backup services for our e-commerce system. His company, SOS Consulting, of which Matt is president, also hosts our web site, internet newsletter, and email services for Wisdom House. Often, problems have been solved with remote access to our computers which keeps computer communications flowing.

Matt is a great teacher and is very patient. He is a gift to Wisdom House. Visit his company at www.specialops.com.

Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 21:12-19

2011-12-06T06:00:00.021-05:00

In these days of instant foods, instant digital photos, instant communication and even instant winners, it can seem obsolete to talk about perseverance. So much of life around us has us moving on the "fast track" and expecting immediate results. Yet, God's creation, including ourselves, gives evidence that much of life is a gradual process. Living, changing, healing, growing, forgiving, loving and all the vital signs of life take time, patience and perseverance. Being patient and persevering amid enduring situations can be some of life's more difficult challenges.

As we look back over the past year, we may want to review our lives and try to identify the times where we had to be patient and persevere in practicing our Christian way of life. In fact, as we come to the close of this year, it would be good to make a review of our lives over the past months. In this gospel, Jesus tells us that following him will not always be easy. People will not always agree with the way Christians are called to behave. The Beatitudes are a summary of the way Jesus asks Christians to act: he asks for simple living, peacemaking, care for others, respect for creation and love of God and neighbor. Jesus adds to this, expect be persecuted and disliked by others because we follow him. Not everyone will “friend” us! In the words of this gospel: "They will seize and persecute you…".

The key word to hear in this gospel is "perseverance." To persevere is to "hold fast" to the Word of God knowing that in time, fruit will come forth. Patience is needed as we persevere and for this, we often need to rely on God's strength to help us persevere and not fall into hostile ways. When difficulties come to us, they can be turned into positive situations for the believer. By our perseverance, we become witnesses to the fullness of Christian life which entails suffering as well as joy. In the early church, Christian witness often meant martyrdom. This act of persevering in one's belief was considered admirable. Early Christians believed that the seed of faith is watered by the blood of the martyrs.

Christian witness continues today with a type of martyrdom that brings death to our impulse to have instant results. When we want to solve dilemmas immediately, or do something to make everything right, especially in relationships, we need to remember that healing takes time. All things of value take time, patience and perseverance. Let us take encouragement from the words of Jesus: "By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Rosemarie Greco, DW

(Edited version of homily published 2011 by Faith Catholic, Lansing, MI. Printed with permission.)

Advent: Seek Wisdom and Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom

2011-12-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

Wisdom dwells with God, and is God’s Beloved (Wisdom 8:3).

If it is God you desire, let it be Wisdom you seek, For She is true God.

Wisdom is the knowledge of God
And to know Her is to know Him as well (Wisdom 8:4).

Wisdom is known through both form and formlessness.
For some the form is the easier gateway to Her,
For others the formless.
For those who prefer the form,
There is no greater form than Jesus, Wisdom Incarnate.

(Excerpt from The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom. Rabbi Rami Shapiro, www.rabbirami.com)

Advent: Seek Wisdom

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I, Solomon, adored Wisdom from my youth
And desired to be Her lover
(Wisdom 8:2)

Seek Her now, and wait no longer.

Seek Her spiritually and do not become entrapped in materialism.

Seek Her unwaveringly, and do not stop until She is found.

(Excerpt from The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom. Rabbi Rami Shapiro, www.rabbirami.com)

The season of Advent invites us to desire Divine Wisdom

2011-11-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

Wisdom embraces infinity, and orders all things sweetly. (Wisdom 8:1)

Let those who love Her

Place no barriers between themselves and others,

But rather seek an order that is a delight to all.

(Excerpt from The Love of Eternal Wisdom: A Revisioning of Saint Louis DeMontfort’s Contemplation on Divine Wisdom. Rabbi Rami Shapiro.)

Thread Artists Come to Wisdom House

2011-11-22T06:00:00.010-05:00

Recently two group of thread artists, Common Thread and the Quadrille Quilters, came to Wisdom House to work on their works-in-progress. Their artistry filled the house with wonder at what their skills produced!

Scripture reflection for the Feast of Christ the King

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Based on Scripture readings:
Ezekiel 34, 11-17
1 Corinthians 15, 20-28
Matthew 25, 31-46

There is a story about American missionaries in August, 1977 who stayed with a group of nuns in a convent in Nairobi, Africa. One morning at breakfast, the Americans were greeted with the news, “Your king has died.” Because of the puzzled look on their faces, the nun repeated, “Your king has died.” Finally, the bearer of this confusing and surprising news said, “Elvis Presley, your king of rock, has died.”

This is a good illustration of the fact that the same words don’t always carry the same meaning in all cultures. In different contexts they express different meanings.

This November we celebrate the last Sunday of the church’s liturgical year. We name it the feast of Christ the King. Despite the efforts of some, Jesus Christ is not a king in the realm of the entertainment world. Nor is he one who rules over us in the political sense. He is the ruler we think of when we set up the standard by which to measure our Christian life. His life is the standard of compassion, justice, and generosity by which we measure our lives. Just how has he influenced your values, your actions and even your dreams this year?

We discover his path in the gospels. We learn what ruled him and how he built his life around that. We learn how he hastened in prayer to his Father, and how he defended those undervalued by society. This list is a long one: lepers, tax collectors, women and children, prostitutes, the poor.

“Jesus of the People” by Janet McKenzie

He reached out to them as he reached out to us. He moves them to follow him and to live and love in the same way he did. His was a life of invitation. His was an open life. In this he found his joy. In this he also discovered suffering. His path leads to the fullness of life.

How fully do we take into our lives the patterns that ruled his life? This feast invites us to welcome Christ more deeply into our hearts and into our lives. We do this when we welcome him in our neighbors, in the poor, in the sick and homebound, in the youngest among us.

Jesus is our dependable measure. Let us live gratefully with him as our rule of life, as the standard, we use for seeking and living the fullest of lives!

Rosemarie Greco, DW

This was previously published in Quest (Fall 2008), a reflection booklet of the Pastoral Dept. for Small Christian Communities (www.sccquest.org), a service of the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT.

Printed with permission.

The Gift of Wisdom: Gift Certificates Toward Wisdom House Programs

2011-11-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Gift certificates for programs at Wisdom House are available year round. They are especially useful as Christmas and holiday gifts. Your certificate will offer the gift of peace and hope into the coming year.

Click here for more information.

Confident Edge Academy Offers an Alternative Approach

2011-11-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Christine Durham, the founder and director of Confident Edge Academy in Bloomfield, CT, is interviewed by Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, Wisdom Correspondent for "Rich Answers," a weekly radio program sponsored by The Conference of Churches in Hartford. It airs on WRCH 100.5 FM every Sunday morning from 5:30 am - 6:30 am.

The academy offers extended help in enhancing the academic and social skills of youth (PreK - 8th Grade) in the Hartford area in reading, writing, and mathematics Monday-Thursday 3:00pm-6:00pm. On Saturdays, youth explore various interests including dance, drama, science, culture, civics, art, horseback riding, and more.

For more information, contact Ms. Durham at ConfidentEdgecyd@sbcglobal.net or 860-243-5414.

To listen to the audio from this interview, please click here.

Casagrande Interfaith Conversation

2011-11-11T06:00:00.013-05:00

This year's Casagrande Interfaith Institute for Interfaith Conversation took place Oct. 28-30. The theme was Prayer in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Rev. Robley Whitson spoke about "Prayer in the 21st Century," Rev. Dr. Shelley Best spoke about Christian Pentecostal Prayer, Rabbi Michal Woll spoke about the prayer in the Jewish tradition, and Refai Arefin spoke about Islam and prayer. Author Jon Sweeney gave an evening presentation on "Praying With Our Hands."

The hope of this year's institute was to foster an appreciation of the desire for God as expressed through prayer in the Abrahamic traditions.

The institute and the historic October snowstorm made simultaneous appearances!

2011 Wisdom Award

2011-11-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

The 2011 Wisdom Award was given to Catherine and Gregory Oneglia and Roderic Oneglia, each of Litchfield, CT. Catherine and Gregory were honored as "Partners in Service" and Roderic was honored as a "Community Builder."

The award is given by the Daughters of Wisdom through Wisdom House to honor individuals, who through their lives of service, give witness to Divine Wisdom. The award acknowledges the Divine Presence as expressed in works of creativity, education, hospitality, justice, generosity, outreach to those who are vulnerable, and in efforts to created community.

Volunteers help with Wisdom House labyrinth

2011-11-05T06:00:00.003-04:00

Students and faculty from The Taft School came to Wisdom House to do a final fall weeding of the labyrinth. Annually, students and faculty volunteer time to help us get the labyrinth ready before winter sets in. Those helping this year were Michelle Hudson, Ava Mennin, faculty member Louetta Chickadaunce, and Josh Grossman.

Northend Agent's Newspaper: Agent for Change

2011-11-03T06:00:00.018-04:00

Yolanda Allen, editor of the Northend Agent's, recently was interviewed by Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, Wisdom Correspondent for the Conference of Churches' weekly radio show, "Rich Answers," aired on Sunday morning 5:30 am-6:30 am on WRCH 100.5 FM.

The Northend Agent's newspaper is Connecticut's largest African American newspaper. Originally designed to focus on the Greater Hartford area, its information and commentaries are respected resource nationwide. One of its most recent auxiliary publications is The REAL - Real Talk and Real Teens.

The REAL provides an opportunity to showcase and share the work of talented young writers.

For more information about both of these publications, visit www.northendagents.com.

To listen to the audio from this interview, please click here.

Northwest Conservation District Meets At Wisdom House

2011-10-31T06:00:00.002-04:00

The Northwest Conservation District of Connecticut held its annual meeting and award ceremony at Wisdom House on Oct. 18. Executive Director Jean Cronauer organized the meeting where Dept.of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Daniel Esty gave the keynote. The Commissioner told the 80 people present that there are new ways to be more efficient and that CT can pave the way forward in energy leadership.

Recognition awards were given to towns in Northwest CT and to Wisdom House for their energy projects and installations. The Northwest Conservation District can be visited at www.conservect.org/northwest.

125th Anniversary of The Statue of Liberty

2011-10-28T06:00:00.006-04:00

October 28, 2011 will be the 125 Anniversary of The Statue of Liberty.

A sign for so many immigrants seeking a new and better life on our shores,

may we continue to make real that promise today.

New Artistic Director at The Hartford Stage

2011-10-26T06:00:00.014-04:00

Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, recently talked with Darko Tresnjak, the new artistic director for Hartford Stage, during an interview at the office of The Conference of Churches in Hartford. The conversation was taped for the program "Rich Answers" which is on every Sunday morning from 5:30 am - 6:30 am on WRCH 100.5 FM.

Mr. Tresnjak spoke about his background in the arts, his love of directing, and his hopes for Hartford Stage as it moves into the future. He has said that he hopes when people come to Hartford Stage, they will be reminded of why they fell in love with theatre in the first place.

For the upcoming works being performed at Hartford Stage, visit www.hartfordstage.com.

To listen or download the audio from this interview, please click here.

Ralph Levesque Exhibit Opening

2011-10-24T06:00:00.004-04:00

"New Directions: Mixed Media Works of Ralph Levesque," a new exhibit, opened recently in the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House. Here are some photos taken at the artist talk and the reception that followed.

For more about his work, visit www.equilibriumgallery.com.

Timothy Radcliffe, OP, and The Imaginative Word

2011-10-20T06:00:00.010-04:00

Dominican friar Timothy Radcliffe from Oxford, England, was the featured speaker at this year's Exploring Catholic Culture program at Wisdom House on September 23-24.

His theme, "The Imaginative Word," challenged and encouraged those present to delve more deeply into the Scriptures so that their witness and experience of the Word would have greater relevance in the world today. This program was co-sponsored with the Catholic Studies Department of Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.

Diabetes Boot Camp

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

The team from the Diabetes Center of Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington, CT.
Left to right: Glenell Morris, Egils Bogdonivics, MD, Lois Pelletier, Karen Cornell, Christine Pinette.

The 5th Diabetes Boot Camp held at Wisdom House shows how diet and exercise aid in control of diabetes. For more information, call the Diabetes Center of Charlotte Hungerford Hospital at 860-489-0661.

Below, participants use the exercise rowing machines.

AND...

2011-10-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes nature weaves a tangled web.

Praying with Our Hands

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Many traditions teach that the body mediates the spirit. Hands, in particular, can express invitation, rejection, consolation, disdain; hands can send a curse or a blessing. In our hands, prayer and intention become visible.

Author Jon Sweeney is one of the presenters at the Casagrande Interfaith Institute at Wisdom House

on October 28-30, 2011. The theme of the Institute is "Prayer" in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Visit The Wisdom House Program Calendar for Interfaith Institute information.

An interview on Jon Sweeney's book, "Praying with Our Hands" was recorded in Hartford for WRCH 100.5 FM radio.

Nature's Necklace

2011-10-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

On an early fall morning at Wisdom House, nature sports a most delicate necklace.

It's Still Early Enough to Remember

2011-10-06T06:00:00.018-04:00

September Meditation

I do not know if the seasons remember their history or if the days and nights by which we count time remember their own passing.

I do not know if the oak tree remembers its planting or if the pine remembers its slow climb toward sun and stars.

I do not know if the squirrel remembers last fall's gathering or if the Blue jay remembers the meaning of snow.

I do not know if the air remembers September or if the night remembers the moon.

I do not know if the earth remembers the flowers from last spring or if the evergreen remembers that it shall stay so.

Perhaps that is the reason for our births -- to be the memory for creation.

Perhaps salvation is something very different than anyone ever expected.

Perhaps this will be the only question we will have to answer:

"What can you tell me about September?"

~ Burton D. Carley ~

(1997 UUMA Worship Materials Collection; contributed by Bob Freund)

Wisdom Award Recipients for 2011 are Gregory and Catherine Oneglia and Roderic Oneglia of Litchfield

2011-10-02T06:00:00.002-04:00

Litchfield Resident Catherine Oneglia wins Wisdom Award. Watch here.

Wisdom Homily

2011-09-30T06:00:00.024-04:00

Following is an unedited homily submitted to “Faith Catholic,” Michigan. It is based on these scripture readings used in the liturgy of the Catholic Church:

1) Wisdom 7:22b-8:1

2) Luke 17:20-25

What is Wisdom? We can try to describe Wisdom from observing people we know to be wise. People who make decisions that require deep discernment are said to be wise; people with good judgment or learning are also said to be wise. In today's scripture from the Book of Wisdom, we are given an inspired teaching about Wisdom – not Wisdom as a "thing," but Wisdom as Divinity itself. We ask not "what" is Wisdom but "who" is Wisdom. The scripture answers us.

The section from the Book of Wisdom in this text is a very important revelation in view of our understanding of the world, the universe and all living beings. Wisdom is a spirit who pervades all things and penetrates all that exists. Wisdom is a reflection of God and image of God's goodness. Wisdom is one with God and is identified with God. The spirit of Wisdom is a godly spirit and exists in everything that God created through Wisdom.

What this is saying is very humbling for us. The divine life of God, from the first moment of creation, has been infused into all life. Whether we consider the life of the universe, the vast cosmos, our planet, plant life, animal and human life, we have to accept the reality that the spirit of Wisdom and the life of God are in everything and everyone. Pope Benedict XVI, in his Easter vigil homily, earlier this year (2011), reminded us of the Creed, "We believe in God…Creator of heaven and earth." "If we omit the beginning of the Credo, the whole history of salvation becomes too limited and too small. The church brings us into contact with God and thus with the source of all things. Therefore we relate to God as creator and so we have a responsibility for creation. Our responsibility extends as far as creation because it comes from the Creator." As scripture says, "Wisdom penetrates and pervades all things…" We need to open our eyes to see the living presence of Wisdom, of God, in everything.

The Gospel confirms that we need new eyes to be able to see God's presence, God's kingdom all around us. "No one is going to announce, Look, here is the [Kingdom] or there it is. For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you." We are cautioned again: "Do not go off, do not run in pursuit" – The Kingdom of God is in our midst. May God's Divine Wisdom fill us, opening our eyes and hearts to perceive the living Wisdom God in our midst. May God give us the conviction to take responsibility and care for the life of all that God has created.

Rosemarie Greco, DW

David Darling performs at Wisdom House

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Grammy Award winner David Darling performs a cello improvisation at the 9-11 Observance at Wisdom House. Visit www.daviddarling.com.

Jewish Fall Holy Days

2011-09-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

We Jews are in the early weeks of our fall holy day period. There are three parts to this season that are of spiritual interest: Selichot, Yamim Noraim, and Sukkot.

The month of Elul is the final month of the Jewish liturgical calendar, and is devoted to the practice of seeking forgiveness. While Jews do teach about the importance of forgiving others, our primary focus is on asking others to forgive us.

When we ask forgiveness we humble ourselves, and when we humble ourselves over the hurts we have caused others, we are more willing to forgive the hurts others have caused us. Throughout the month of Elul and even more intensely during the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe from Rosh haShanah to Yom Kippur) we approach those family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others in our community with whom we interact and say, “If I have hurt you in any way knowingly or unknowingly, advertantly or inadvertently, I ask your forgiveness.”

What if the other person refuses to forgive us? We must ask again. How many times must we ask? While Jesus said we must ask 490 times (7 x 70, Matthew 18:22), our rabbis capped it at three. If after sincerely asking forgiveness three times the other still refuses, God will forgive you, and the matter, at least as far as you are concerned is settled.

Rosh haShanah, the first of the Days of Awe, is the anniversary of creation, and our time to honor God, the Source of Creation. (This year Rosh haShanah begins at sundown on September 28th) For me God is the Source and Substance of all reality, and Rosh haShanah is the time when I remember that all life is a unique yet temporary manifestation of God the way each ray of sunlight is a unique and temporary manifestation of the sun. I use Rosh haShanah as a time to realign my life with creation so that my living is in service to all life.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (At-One-ment, October 7that sundown) is the culmination of all this effort. We have made peace with our neighbor, now it is time to make peace with God. For me, making peace with God is about remembering that God isn’t about salvation or damnation, reward or punishment. God is about reality for God is reality. I make people with God by realizing that life is wild, unpredictable, often horrifying, and yet always hopeful. I remind myself to not expect things to be other than they are, and to be thankful for all that they are. With this act of radical acceptance comes radical forgiveness, and, for me, this is what Yom Kippur is all about.

A few days after Yom Kippur we celebrate Sukkot (October 12th at sundown), our holy weekcelebrating the fall harvest. We build flimsy huts to symbolize the nomadic origins of our people, our wanderings in Sinai, and the huts used to shelter the harvesters and store what is harvested. We decorate these booths (sukkah/sukkot, plural) with fruit, give thanks for the earth’s bounty in a ceremony of waving lulav (a palm front bound with myrtle and willow branches) and etrog (fruit of a citron tree) in all directions, study the Book of Ecclesiastes, and dwell in the sukkah, sharing meals with friends, for the entire week.

The sukkah reminds us of the fragility of life. The harvest decorations remind us of the power of fertility even in the midst of fragility. Eating with friends reminds us that friendship isbest way to manage life’s chaos. And studying Ecclesiastes links all of this to a way of life: eating and drinking in moderation, finding meaningful work, and cultivating strong friendships.

This is a challenging season for Jews both logistically and spiritually. There is lots to do, and much to ponder. And while the doing may be for Jews, the pondering is a good idea for everyone.

Rabbi Rami

{Rabbi Rami is a long time friend of Wisdom House and author of both Ecclesiastes, Annotated and Explained, and a contemporary rendering of Love of Eternal Wisdom}

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, reads her poem composed for 9/11 Observance at Wisdom House.

2011-09-23T06:00:00.031-04:00

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, reciting September 11th remembrance poem

REMEMBERING

In the city Walt Whitman called,

“City of hurried and sparkling waters!

City of spires and masts!

City nestled in bays! My city!”

They were born twins,

And unexpectedly died together.

Untimely many would say.

On that land, one of the first original 13,

called “Keystone” even until this day,

A field made to be ploughed

Had the unfulfilled hopes

of 58 souls

Planted in its soil.

Then, there was the place

Defined and designed by geometry;

A place whose angles held

Secrets supposedly

secure.

Secure was that day

In September,

Sun-filled, mild-mannered

In its dawning.

Before mid-morning

Day became nightmare,

Chaos reigned supreme

And dust was a veil

That hung over the face of the City.

That day, more than names

were listed as lost.

That day, futures were frozen in time.

Nothing could move forward.

That day belief was a sign,

Hung around our necks

With the simple message –

“For Sale.”

Bent steel bent lives

Into new shapes.

We were placed into a furnace

Of transformation.

We were too surprised to make

a rational decision.

We were never given the chance to choose.

Ten years on, though,

we can choose.

We cannot change the past,

But we must change

the present.

We can choose not to be among

The living dead.

We can choose not to run away

From pain.

We can choose to sit down with it

For afternoon tea

To share the stories that make us who we are.

True stories change lives

When they are given away.

Friends, let us walk through

The remainder of the

Days given to us,

Not side-stepping pain or

Underestimating the

The presence of joy.

What we know, can’t be taken from us –

We now know more deeply than ever,

That

All the world – all of life

Is kindling for revelation.

Friends, stack it high,

Build it well,

And let us start a new fire

For clarity, for gratitude,

For life!

Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

September 11, 2011

Thomasina Levy and Joan Spear 9/11/11 commemoration at Wisdom House

2011-09-20T06:00:00.011-04:00

Composers and musicians, Thomasina Levy (dulcimer) and Joan Spear (keyboard), performed original compositions and the special song dedicated to 9-11, "Out of Many We Are One," at the 9-11 Commemoration at Wisdom House.

Listen to the song "Out of Many, We Are One" on www.Thomasina.net and visit www.JoanSpear.com.

Love!

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

The commandment for all of us is quite simply, "Love!" Once we know it is not a feeling but a grace empowered decision, we can all do it. And each time it is a growth in freedom...

Richard Rohr, OFM

Maryknoll Sisters International Bazaar

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ray Furse discusses solar panels and invertor

2011-08-31T06:00:00.025-04:00

Ray Furse, partner with James LaPorta
of Litchfield Hills Solar

Good afternoon everyone, thank you for coming, and thanks to the Sisters of Wisdom for inviting us to the commissioning of this 15.2 kilowatt solar electric system. Thanks especially to Sister Rosemarie Greco, who has been the driving force behind the project, and to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (now called the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority) for supporting it.

Thanks also to the people who actually installed it: James LaPorta, my partner and project engineer, Ronnie Lizana, lead installer, and Mark Lenz, Chris Harrington and others from Lenz Electric, David Hampel in sales, and especially Patrick Grahan of the Wisdom House staff, who did much of the prep work, fortifying the barn structure and trenching. But mostly, thanks to all of you, the utility rate-payers of our state, for the .00444 cents per kilowatt hour you have paid to help sponsor it.

I’m sure most of you know this, but I’ll explain the system briefly: The panels are made up of wafers of silicon crystals, assembled in sheets, and mounted in frames. Photons from the sun, which are electrons in the form of light, bombard the panels, where they cause other electrons in the silicon to move, so current begins to flow. This is direct current, like from a battery, which is taken to inverters, located in the ground floor of the barn, that change it into the alternating current that the facility can use. That current travels via an underground conduit back to the utility room in the main building, where it joins with utility power to be used in all the buildings.

I have to confess that a “switch-throwing celebration” is not all that exciting an affair. In fact, we turned on the inverters when I started talking, but it actually takes five minutes or so for the system to test itself before it begins to produce electricity. When it does there won’t be any lights or bells or whistles. There are no moving parts and no skilled operator required; the system will simply wake up in the morning and put itself to sleep at night, quietly transforming energy from the sun into clean renewable electricity for the next three to four decades. It will produce well nearly $300,000 dollars worth of electricity over its warranted lifetime of 30 years.

To return to your .00444 cents per kilowatt-hour contribution: This is what we, Connecticut ratepayers, contribute in what is called a “Public Benefit Charge” on our electric bills, and is the ultimate funding source for the Clean Energy Fund and projects like this.

www.litchfieldhillssolar.com

In these politically charged times, there is a big debate about what government can do and what private enterprise can do best. I would suggest that the generally strong state support of renewable energy in Connecticut has meshed well with private and entrepreneurial interests and is having a huge payoff.

The CCEF can provide you exact figures, but I can tell you from an installer’s point of view, interest in solar is strong, inquiries and installations have increased steadily over the past five years, and most of all, awareness of conservation and renewable energy possibilities have increased exponentially.

This has produced remarkable and measurable results. Installation cost has come down, from around $9 per watt five years ago to about $6 per watt today. When we started there were a handful of qualified solar installers in Connecticut; today there are over 60. And responding to the more attractive US market, foreign makers of solar panel manufacturers have moved in. MAGE, the German manufacturer of these modules, has now opened a plant in Dublin, GA, that employs 350 people. Next time, we hope Connecticut.

Finally a new Energy Bill, signed into law by Governor Dannel Malloy July 1 of this year, promises sustained, long-term support of energy conservation and renewable energy programs in our state, with a view toward cleaning up our air, reducing our collective carbon footprint, weaning us from foreign energy sources, and reducing energy costs for rate-payers. So again, thank you all, or perhaps let’s all thank each other, for ensuring a bright future for solar in Connecticut.

Interview with Aida Mansoor

2011-08-28T06:00:00.020-04:00

Sister Rosemarie Greco, DW
interviews Aida Mansoor
of the Muslim Coalition of CT

The Muslim Coalition promotes an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims, educates the Muslim community, build alliances with Muslim and non-Muslim groups, establishes leadership training, develops social service programs and educates the community about legislation which impact civil liberties. A speakers bureau is also available.

On September 10th, the Coalition is having a "Mosque Open House" event, welcoming all to come and meet your Muslim neighbors.

For information, visit www.mcct.us or www.muslimcoalitionct.org.

Sr. Rosemarie Greco interview on Wisdom House solar panels

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Following is part on an interview with Sister Rosemarie Greco, DW on “Rich Answers” for radio WRCH-FM, 100.5. The program is a service of the Conference of Churches.

INTERVIEWER (I) – “Going Green” is a term that has been in our vocabulary for several years now. It refers to sustainable living and practices that are good for the environment. In one sense, “Going Green” is practical and wise because it looks to promote the health of all people and all of our planet.
One significant initiative in sustainable living and renewable energy is taking place at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center. Rosemarie, I understand that 80 solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on a roof at Wisdom House. How did this come about?

Rosemarie (R) – I began research on the possibility of solar panels at Wisdom House in 2008. But even before that, some of our programs focused on the environment, water, climate change creation spirituality and care of creation. We began taking small steps to reduce our carbon footprint and to operate the retreat center in more environmentally friendly ways. Along with these came the hope of participating in renewable energy through solar panels but, in 2008, the cost was more than we could take on.

I – Cost is always a factor to be considered even when the idea is sought after.

R – Yes. Because of ‘cost’ I had to put the idea and the project on hold. There were grants and incentives available to home owners and commercial businesses but not for non-profit organizations such as Wisdom House.

I – Did anything change with this?

R – Last November, the Litchfield Energy Task Force sponsored a workshop on energy. I attended and browsed through the information tables. I lingered at the Solar Energy booth and learned from the representative of Litchfield Hills Solar that the State of CT, through its Clean Energy Fund (now named the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority), just announced grants for non-profit organizations. I got so excited! Meetings followed, feasibility studies were done, applications got written, and in April 2011, I received an email confirming a grant of $50,500 toward the solar photovoltaic installation of 80 panels.

I – How great that was! As you look at these panels now, what do you think?

R – I think how good it is that we are contributing to the health of the planet and its people and how we are reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. I see this as a spiritual commitment as well as a practical action. What we do is an expression of our values and our spirituality. Care of the environment created by God is now our responsibility.

For more information visit www.wisdomhouse.org and click on “Learn More” at the solar panel photo on the home page.

Associate of Sisters of Mercy

2011-08-21T06:00:00.028-04:00

Elaine Driscoll, Associate of the Sisters of Mercy, is interviewed by
Sister Rosemarie Greco, DW for "Rich Answers" on WRCH radio.

Elaine spoke about her joy in being an associate of the Sisters of Mercy and how the formation program added to her spiritual growth and participation in the mission of the Sisters. Each associate contributes to the mission of Mercy according to her own talents and time. The association with the sisters and with others creates a mission focus and community experience. There are more than 3,100 Mercy Associates throughout the Americas. Their mission is to help people overcome obstacles that keep them from living full and dignified lives.

For information about the Associates of Mercy, visit: www.sistersofmercy.org and click on 'Mercy Associates.' Rich Answers is a service of the Conference of Churches.

Solar Panels Celebration

2011-08-18T06:00:00.005-04:00

Opening remarks 8/11/11: Rosemarie Greco, DW

Welcome to Wisdom House, an interfaith retreat and conference center in the Litchfield countryside. Many years ago, the center was staffed by nuns of the congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom. Today, the center is staffed by a few sisters as well as by residents of our towns. They do an extraordinary service here.

Since 1949, when the Daughters of Wisdom settled on this land known as Spruce Brook Farm, the community of nuns practiced a way of life known as ‘simplicity.' It consisted of the three R's so familiar to us today. This is not ‘reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmatic – rather, it is ‘Reuse, Recycle, Reduce!'

Today, over 60 years later, the three R's are back in style and we practice them in contemporary ways, which include solar panels and other forms of clean energy and recycling. We do this to reduce our carbon footprint, to reduce toxic emissions, and to participate in the clean energy initiatives of the State of Connecticut and our entire planet.

I want to publicly acknowledge those persons and organizations which gave exceptional support to this project: The State of Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the Seherr-Thoss Foundation, the Daughters of Wisdom, Paula and Emma Desel, and many other Friends of Wisdom House.

Thank you for rejoicing with us at Wisdom House in this milestone and for sustainable living now and for the future.

August 15, Feast of the Assumption of Mary

2011-08-14T06:00:00.027-04:00

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary, as early as the tenth century, was a day reserved for the blessing of herbs and flowers, especially flowers that had a symbolic relation to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. People brought flowers and herbs to church on this day, marking the feast as a harvest festival of thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth. The Assumption of Mary was commemorated as early as the 4th century. (Source: Roman Ritual, 1964 edition)

The Mary Garden at Wisdom House, in this medieval tradition, is a place for reflection on some of the flowers named for Mary.

Superhero video

2011-08-11T06:00:00.005-04:00

Superhero from Possible Futures Film Contest on Vimeo.

Solar panels, world wide.

Swimming lessons

2011-08-08T06:00:00.014-04:00

The Town of Litchfield, through the Park and Recreation Department, offered swimming lessons in the Wisdom House swimming pool to children for 6 weeks during the summer. The Director of the Park and Recreation Department, Brent Hawk, said, "The kids really improved by leaps and bounds this summer! They all enjoyed using the pool!"

Labyrinth Interview with Marie Ford

2011-08-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

Marie Ford is interviewed by Sister Rosemarie Greco, DW for radio WRCH / 100.5FM. The program, "Rich Answers," is a service of the Conference of Churches, Hartford, CT.

This interview considers the Labyrinth as a meditation garden. Marie says that the labyrinth is a symbol of life's journey. "I see the twists and turns as those parts of my life that took me in a direction I hadn't anticipated. The turning points could have been resisted but by trusting the turn and the new direction, the path took me to a place I never expected. By approaching these turns with a positive energy and trusting attitude, I found that life itself unfolded in a peaceful and positive manner."

The labyrinth at Wisdom House was featured in the April-May 2011 issue of Country and Abroad Magazine. The public is welcome to walk the labyrinth at Wisdom House.

50 Most Influential People of Litchfield County

2011-08-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

The Litchfield Magazine (July-August 2011 issue) stated that "the Litchfield area is filled with people who use their time, talent and resources to improve this corner of paradise and to weave a certain charm into the fabric of Litchfield County." Listed with the "50 Most Influential People in Litchfield County 2011" were Sisters Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP and Rosemarie Greco, DW. The magazine stated, "Together they are pillars of Wisdom House, Litchfield's country retreat and conference center, offering a place for meditation, prayer, and an exchange of ideas with some of the foremost thinkers of our time". A full listing of "the 50" can be found at this link.

Solar Dedication - Press Release

2011-07-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

WISDOM HOUSE RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER DEDICATES SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM

Litchfield, Conn. - Wisdom House will host a dedication and activation of 80 solar photovoltaic panels, newly installed on the roof of Spruce Brook Barn. The event is planned for Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Wisdom House opened in 1949 as a novitiate for the Daughters of Wisdom and later for their college, Seat of Wisdom. The original house on the property dates back to 1770. Spruce Brook Barn was built around 1925 and now serves as a meeting space for the retreat and conference center.

In preparation for the solar panel installation, an energy audit was conducted and energy upgrades were made with an incentive from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. The solar panels were partially funded with a grant of $50,500 from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, now known as the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. The solar array will generate approximately 15,500 kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy annually. This will displace the production of 10.7 metric tons of CO2, the amount sequestered annually by 2.3 acres of pine forest. Together with other conservation measures being undertaken, it will offset nearly 25% of the total energy use of our entire campus of 6 buildings, 9 conference rooms and 73 bedrooms.

With the installation of this efficient solar electric system, Wisdom House is taking another step to reduce the center’s carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. The planet and all who live on it will benefit from a healthier and more sustainable environment.

The photovoltaic solar system was designed and integrated into the electric and structural systems at Wisdom House by Litchfield Hills Solar (West Cornwall, Conn.) with consultation from SantoDomingo Engineering, Inc., and CL&P.

The presentations and activation of the panels will begin at 6:00 p.m. The public is welcome. RSVP is appreciated by calling Wisdom House at 860-567-3163 or emailing programs@wisdomhouse.org .

About Wisdom House

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in an interfaith center in a country setting. The center presents programs on spirituality, education and the arts and has a commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. The center welcomes not-for-profit groups, hosting events and offershospitality . The center is a ministry of the Daughters of Wisdom. For more on Wisdom House, please visit www.wisdomhouse.org .

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)

CEFIA was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011. It is the successor organization to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficient projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CEFIA is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the governor and the leadership of the State Legislature. As the nation’s full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information on CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, Litchfield, CT 860-567-3163 / http://www.wisdomhouse.org/

Associates of Wisdom Attend Richard Rohr Retreat

2011-07-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Five Associates of Wisdom were among 140 participants at a weekend retreat presented by Fr. Richard Rohr at Wisdom House. The focus of the retreat was centered on how to live in a contemplative way, as a mystic in a world where dualistic thinking is the norm. According to the Associates of Wisdom, "the weekend reinforces the commitment to see and live each day with the eye of the heart, looking through the lens of non-dualistic thinking, being present and open to the truth of the moment, living in the presence of the Presence."

Photo (left to right), Maria Roja, Dorothy DiMauro, Ellie Filippone, Richard Rohr,OFM, Bonnie Odiorne, Pat Wolosz.

For information about the Associates of Wisdom, click here.

Grandparents

2011-07-25T06:00:00.018-04:00

On July 26, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne.

The scriptures for the day are Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28 and Matthew 13:36-43.

Following is an unedited homily submitted to the Diocese of Saginaw for their homily resources. Reprinted with permission.

On July 26, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. They were the parents of Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus. Naturally, then, they were the grandparents of Jesus. There is always a special quality in grandparents. Very often the characteristics of the grandparents can be seen in the future family line. The Scriptures do not tell us much about Joachim and Anne but we can imagine that they must have been people dedicated to God, living in kindness and justice and providing a welcome home for their family and visitors. We see these qualities and gifts in Mary and in Jesus and we can be sure they existed first, in Joachim and Anne.

In the reading from Exodus, Moses goes to the meeting tent to consult the Lord. All the people in the camp acknowledge that this tent is a special place for Divine and human interaction. To indicate the experience of God's presence, a cloud stands at the entrance of the tent. In the tent, Moses and God speak face to face. Forty days after this experience, Moses writes the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.

Another "meeting tent" appears in the New Testament. Mary, overshadowed by an angel, becomes a meeting place for God and humanity. Mary, through prayer, speaks with God, gives birth to the God-Man who gives the new law of love and justice to all who will follow him. Mary is the fruit of the good seed and the fruit of her parents and she gives to us, the fruit of her union with God. The divine seed of goodness and love is communicated from God through humanity to produce healing and kindness on earth.

We are called to shine like the sun in God's Kingdom. Today might be a graced day for us to reflect on the seeds of goodness that have come to us through parents, grandparents, and the long line of those who have shaped our lives today.

Rosemarie Greco, DW

July 22, Feast of St Mary Magdalene

2011-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Mary Magdalene is seen as “the first among the apostles,” not simply because she was the first on the scene at the resurrection, but more because she gets the message of Jesus. Of all the disciples, she is the only one who fully understands what Jesus is teaching and can fully reproduce it in her own life.

(from The Meaning of Mary Magdalene, Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, p.41)

Fr. Richard Rohr discusses his book "The Naked Now: Seeing as the Mystics See"

2011-07-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

This interview took place during a retreat weekend at Wisdom House. The retreat was based on the same theme as the book. Visit the Center for Contemplation and Action, founded by Fr. Richard, at the website http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/.

Click here to watch the video.

The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See - Richard Rohr, OFM

2011-07-14T06:00:00.018-04:00

Franciscan priest Richard Rohr (author, retreat director, and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation) presented a weekend retreat at Wisdom House July 8-10 based on his book, "The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See." Participants came from 10 states to listen and reflect on ways that Christianity has invited people to enlightenment and spiritual awakening from the beginning. By recognizing forces such as ego resistance and dual thinking, which separate the person from one's deeper self, Rohr shows what it means to be spiritually awake.

For more about Richard Rohr, OFM and his publications and ministry, visit http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/.

Wisdom House solar panel project in process

2011-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

The project will be opened to the public at a "ribbon cutting" on August 11, 2011 from 5-7pm at Wisdom House.

Catholic Charities Outreach

2011-07-06T06:00:00.010-04:00

Pictured are Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP (right) and Judith Gough (left) in Hartford before they tape an interview for "Rich Answers", the weekly radio program sponsored by The Conference of Churches and aired on WRCH 100.5 FM between 5:30 am - 6:30 am every Sunday morning.

Sr. Jo-Ann, along with Sr. Rosemarie Greco, serve as the Wisdom Correspondents on this program.

Ms. Gough is the director of the Archdiocese of Hartford's Catholic Charities Office for Migration and Immigration Services. The office offers a wide spectrum of services to some of the newest members of the archdiocese as they begin to make this area their home.

Youth walk the Labyrinth at Wisdom House

2011-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

The 8th Grade students from St. Mary Magdalen School in Oakville, CT had a retreat morning at Wisdom House where they learned about the labyrinth as a tool for prayer and meditation. Students and faculty had an opportunity to walk the labyrinth and reflect on their experience. Since 2003, the 8th grade students from the school have come to Wisdom House for this experience as a preparation for graduation and making the transition from elementary school to high school. The students also had the opportunity to visit the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House and view the new chapel art window series.

Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program

2011-06-30T06:30:00.003-04:00

Recently, Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP, interviewed Lynne Williamson, Director of the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program, for the radio program, "Rich Answers" which airs on WRCH 100.5 FM on Sunday mornings from 5:30 - 6:30 am. The program is sponsored by The Conference of Churches in Hartford.

Ms. Williamson spoke of the statewide folk and traditional arts programs which strive to preserve, share, and pass on the traditional art forms integral to the various cultures represented by the people of Connecticut.

To learn more visit http://www.ctheritagearts.org/.

The Poetry of Dreaming and More than Dreaming

2011-06-28T06:00:00.004-04:00

As part of our Arts Immersion Morning at Wisdom House on June 11, poet and educator, Davyne Verstandig and actor, song writer, Cady McClain led a group of enthusiastic writers, giving them tools for getting in touch with their feelings and bringing them out on paper!

Hope: Light in Time of Darkness

2011-06-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

An article by clinical psychologist Mary Elizabeth Kenel, PhD offers a way to move from disillusionment toward hopeful living. Dr. Kenel says, “Maintaining an unrealistically sunny outlook rooted in denial…is not true hope. Instead, what is needed is the development of a frame of mind that balances a positive view of the future with the reality that all life contains elements of darkness, be it sadness, frustration or pain.”

Openness to change is essential; hopelessness actively resists change.

This article, and many others on spirituality and human growth and development, are available in Human Development magazine. Visit http://www.humandevelopmentmagazine.org/ for more information.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kenel is a frequent guest at Wisdom House.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Rev. Susan Izard (left), Minister of Spiritual Life at the First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford, shared the special ministry called "Prayer Shawl Ministry" with Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP (right) recently during an interview for "Rich Answers," a radio program sponsored by The Conference of Churches in Hartford. It is aired every Sunday morning on WRCH 100.5 FM from 5:30 -6:30 am.

The shawls are knitted as prayers for individuals to experience the love of God through the craft work of those who knit them. They are given as signs of the concern of other community members. They are given to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. For more information about this ministry, visit www.shawlministry.com.

Life Path

2011-06-20T07:00:00.005-04:00

My profession is always to find God in nature.

~Henry David Thoreau

Exchange of Energy

2011-06-19T06:00:00.006-04:00

Spruce Brook Barn at Wisdom House became the location for the June 11th drumming program with John Marshall. The spring rains did not make it possible to have the program at the outdoor labyrinth. Although the new solar panels recently installed on the barn were not yet turned on, there was a palpable "exchange of energy" as the participants joined in taking John's lead learning new rhythms and techniques.

Proper Perspective

2011-06-13T07:00:00.004-04:00

Keep your sense of proportion by regularly visiting the natural world.

~Caitlin Matthews

Cynthia Bourgeault discusses 'Jesus and Mary Magdalene: Wisdom Teachers'

2011-06-08T19:46:00.000-04:00

Click here to view video of Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault's interview.

Emerson Wisdom

2011-06-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

The earth laughs in flowers.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Julia Cameron Live

2011-06-02T17:06:00.001-04:00

The Next Chapter in
Unblocking Creativity

The Artist's Way began with Julia Cameron sharing her ideas with a few artists in her living room. Now after selling almost 4 million copies of The Artist's Way and more than two decades teaching her creativity tools around the world in lecture and workshop form, Julia is taking her teaching online.

Join an online course and community of artists based on The Artist’s Way and led by Julia Cameron. It’s mobile. It’s accessible wherever you are. It’s social. You are part of a community of artists.

Because Wisdom House was the first center to offer The Artist’s Way in 1993, Julia has offered that friends of Wisdom House can use code WISDOM to save 15% at checkout.

Visit http://www.juliacameronlive.com/

For further information about Wisdom House, call 860-567-3163, visit www.wisdomhouse.org or email programs@wisdomhouse.org

Kay Wilson Interviewed for "Rich Answers"

2011-06-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti interviewed Kay Wilson, Founder and President of Kay Wilson Coaching and Training in Glastonbury, CT. Topics discussed included women and empowerment in the workforce and helping people work to their fullest potential in the workplace. The interviews were done at the office of The Conference of Churches in Hartford and aired on WRCH 100.5 FM on their Sunday morning program, "Rich Answers." Sr. Jo-Ann and Sr. Rosemarie Greco, DW are Wisdom Correspondents for the Conference of Churches.

Exquisite Light: The Photographer's Paintbox

2011-05-27T17:38:00.001-04:00

The Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House announces the opening of the exhibit, "Exquisite Light: The Photographer's Paintbox" featuring the photography of W. Scott Petersen. The exhibit runs from May 21 - August 20, 2011.

Exquisite Light video link

Befriending Silence

2011-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

God is the friend of silence.
Trees, flowers, grass grow in silence.
See the stars, moon, and sun, how they move in silence.

~ Blessed Mother Teresa

Art Immersion Morning 6/11/11

2011-05-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

Wind Rose

2011-05-19T06:00:00.017-04:00

Compass points showing different wind directions surround the obelisk in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The "Wind Rose" is ancient, but it was added to the square in 1850 by Pope Pius IX.

Click here to see the complete Wind Rose.

"Simply I learned about Wisdom....the changes in the sun's course...positions of the stars...powers of winds.... Wisdom, the Artisan of all, taught me."
~Book of Wisdom 7,13-22.

In Due Time

2011-05-16T05:00:00.008-04:00

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

~Lao Tzu

Seven Last Words Service

2011-05-13T06:00:00.024-04:00

On April 22, Good Friday / Earth Day 2011, St. John's Episcopal Church in Waterbury , CT presented a service on the Seven Last Words of Christ from an ecological perspective. The focus was the suffering of Christ and of the Earth. Among those presenting meditations on one of the "words" were Sisters Rosemarie Greco, DW and Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP of Wisdom House.

Meditations were also offered by:
Rev. Norman MacLeod, Interim Rector at St.John's
Frances Sink, M. Div., Unitarian Minister
The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Rev. Stephanie Johnson, Energy Steward Minister, Province I, Episcopal Church
Lynn Fulkerson, Co-Founder of Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Hartford, CT

During the service, Hayden's "Seven Last Words of Christ" was performed by The Divina Strings Chamber Ensemble. The service was designed by Rev. Norman MacLeod.

Constant Friend

2011-05-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

"Seek God in all things and you'll find God by your side."

- St. Peter Claver,SJ (1581-1654)

Mary Garden at Wisdom House

2011-05-08T18:00:00.005-04:00

The Medieval Mary Garden at Wisdom House contains plants named for Mary, Mother of Jesus. It is arranged in crescent shapes to evoke the crescent moon, upon which Mary is often depicted in art. The plants in the garden are native to Northwestern Connecticut. The Mary Garden was given in memory of Mary McCaffrey Kenel by the Kenel and Skeffington Families.

Feast of Blessed Marie Louise Trichet, DW, May 7

2011-05-06T06:00:00.024-04:00

Co-founder of the Daughters of Wisdom (1703) with St Louis de Montfort, Blessed Marie Louise Trichet is characterized by her blend of caution and boldness, prudence, daring, and risk. She founded 36 communities of Daughters of Wisdom in France between the years 1725-1748 and established foundations for free church schools and care of the sick, as well as administer a large maritime hospital. As Treasurer of the Hospital in Poitiers, France, she worked with common sense, clear judgment, and sensitivity. Above all, she is noted for her love of those who are poor. Pope John Paul II beatified Marie Louise on May 16, 1993.

The icon of Blessed Marie Louise Trichet is enthroned in the chapel at Wisdom House Retreat Center, Litchfield, CT. It was written by iconographer Angela Manno.

(See her biography, Wisdom of the Heart, Benedetta Papasogli, 1993, Montfort Publications, NY)

Artist Alan Colavecchio

2011-05-03T01:00:00.003-04:00

Alan Colavecchio of Colavecchio Design, Inc, Winsted, CT has been Wisdom House's graphic designer for over 15 years. He initiated, with Mary Lou Tanner, the weekly "Artist's Way" program, based on Julia Cameron's best seller of the same name. Alan has also created the visual design for two children's books.

Alan has been a member of the Exhibition Committee for the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery at Wisdom House since its founding in 1994. His creativity, artistry, imagination, and sensitivity are seen in all aspects of his work.

Anniversary of the Birth of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ,

2011-05-01T07:00:00.005-04:00

May 1, 2011 marks the 130th Anniversary of the birth of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, priest, poet, and paleontologist.

He dedicated himself to the study of earth sciences, above all to paleontology, and made distinct contributions to understanding the origins of humanity.The heart of his vision, it is said, is expressed in his book, Building the Earth (Dimension Books,1965).

Some excerpts from this are:

"Today something is happening to the whole structure of human consciousness. A fresh kind of life is starting. In the face of such an upheaval, acutally shaken by it, no one can remain indifferent."

"The Age of Nations is past. The task before us now, if we would not perish, is to build the earth."

Photos taken at his gravesite, St. Andrew's Cemetery, located on the grounds of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Labyrinth at Wisdom House, April 2011

2011-04-30T10:24:00.000-04:00

The feast day of St Louis deMontfort

2011-04-27T00:10:00.000-04:00

On April 28, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St Louis deMontfort.

Many know him as the Apostle of Mary. Pope John Paul II’s life took a “decisive turn” due to the writings of this saint. Three congregations of priests, brothers, and sisters were founded by this holy man.

He is St Louis deMontfort, born in France in 1673. A preacher of the Gospel, a devotee of Mary Mother of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus Christ, Incarnate Wisdom.

Montfort was a preacher, poet, artist, and missionary priest. With Blessed Marie Louise Trichet he founded the congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom. Montfort’s poem to the Daughters of Wisdom urges them to serve the poorest of the poor and to love God who lives in their neighbor.

Montfort’s message is over 300 years old yet it continues to challenge us today.

His spiritual legacy lives on in thousands of followers worldwide and in Wisdom House Retreat Center, Litchfield, CT. Visit http://www.wisdomhouse.org/ and http://www.daughtersofwisdom.org/. The international website is http://www.fdlsagesse.org/

Lighting Candles, Rami Shapiro

2011-04-26T01:00:00.005-04:00

We live largely in the dark. Even at high noon most of the universe is dark. Even when convinced of this or that truth, Truth itself eludes us. We don’t know more than we can know; we don’t see more than we can see; we don’t control far more than we can control. Indeed, 23% of the universe is dark matter, and 73% of the total mass-energy of the universe is dark energy. Literally, then, as well as metaphorically, we live in the dark.

Because we live in the dark, we light fires: bon fires, camp fires, and cooking fires, etc. Because we live in the dark, we light candles: prayer candles, memorial candles, birthday candles, etc. Fire is how we push back the dark a bit, and that is why we light it.

Every Friday evening my wife and I light Shabbat candles. We light these candles to push back the encroaching order of the week to make room for the chaos of Shabbat. Most people imagine that chaos is their enemy, I suggest the enemy is too much order, too many rules, too rigid forms. All week long we are forced to order our lives according to the fixed rules of school, job, and society at large. By the time the Sabbath arrives we are so conformed to the structures around us, that we have lost sight of the creative chaos within us. Order threatens creativity, chaos enlivens it. So we kindle the Sabbath lights to make room for chaos and creativity, and spend a day in prayer and play.

When I light a candle in memory of the dead, I push back the darkness of forgetfulness. As I light the candle I remember the life I am honoring, not the death with which it concluded. To light a candle for the dead is to recall them to life, to push back the shadow of grief and loss, and shed light on the life of the one that you love.

Next month I will celebrate my sixtieth birthday. Birthday candles mark the passing of years and the approach of death, and yet the more candles we have the more light we bring to the world. Birthday candles suggest that we burn more brightly as we burn up. A wonderful message!I plan to light 61 candles, and spend a moment marveling at the light. I won’t blow them out, but rather let them burn themselves out. This is how I hope to die: burned out not blown out. I want to burn out, to burn up, to leave nothing behind. I don’t want to be blown out while there is still wax and wick to be consumed by the flame.

So we light candles to push back the dark, to celebrate creativity, chaos, and change, to remember our mortality, and to share as much light as we can before we are utterly consumed by the greater darkness in which we live.

AHH

2011-04-23T21:52:00.004-04:00

I have been looking for a reason to thaw,

to unfold into the truth.

Petals of perfection

stretch into the light,

Intoxicate the eye,

And relax in resurrection.

Reflection on Genesis 1, 1-19 for EARTH DAY ( April 22)

2011-04-19T15:49:00.010-04:00

The Bible's story of the creation of the world is a very popular story. It is a beautiful narration of God's creating in seven days, and it is also a story which has caused much discord and argument among people. The argument is based on whether or not God created exactly the way it is written in the Bible.

The story of creation, however, is written for our inspiration and our amazement at God's wonderful kindness toward us. This world is an expression of God's love and greatness, and it is given to us for care and protection. This Genesis section of the creation story tells us about the first four days of creation. The term "day" is not a 24-hour period as we know it in our time. A "day," rather, indicates a season or period of time of some unknown duration.

In the first three "days" of creation, God creates light, water, earth. On the fourth day, God creates galaxies with sun, moon, and stars. This fourth day seems to have special significance for the balance of our universe. The sun and moon give the rhythm of day and night, of season and of balance in the universe. It is the sun and moon which regulate the motion of the planet and which even influence some patterns of emotion and

health in us humans and all other living beings. To all of this, we, too, can say with God "how good it is."

Let us be grateful for Earth and the ever expanding universe that gives us cause for amazement and wonder. These are the beginning of wisdom.

--Rosemarie Greco, DW

Good Friday: 'A Position of the Heart'

2011-04-18T15:50:00.015-04:00

A Position of the Heart

He seduced the Cross

into making love.

He coaxed it,

pressed it to himself

Until it was difficult to see

which had initiated

the embrace,

which was making

the offering.

And which one had

actually given in.

--JoAnn Iannotti, OPW

In Extremis by artist Harvey Offenhartz

2011-04-17T19:28:00.001-04:00

Please click on the link below to view the art exhibit opening of Harvey Offenhartz at Wisdom House. Video is courtesy of Doug Parker.

In Extremis by Harvey Offenhartz

That We Can Change

2011-04-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

God does not love us if we change. God loves us so that we can change. (Richard Rohr, OFM)

What We Need Is Here

2011-04-14T21:50:00.002-04:00

Geese appear high over us,

pass, and the sky closses. Abandon,

as in love or sleep, holds

them to their way, clear

in the ancient faith : what we need

is here. And we pray, not

for new earth or heaven, but tobe

quiet in heart, and in eay,

clear. What we need is here.

Wendell Berry

Earth Day 2011: 'A Billion Acts of Green'

2011-04-11T20:29:00.029-04:00

In recognition of the power of millions of individual actions, Earth Day 2011 will be organized around A Billion Acts of Green®: personal, organizational and corporate pledges to live and act sustainably. At over 42 million actions to date, the Billion Acts of Green® campaign – the largest environmental service campaign in the world – is steadily building commitments by individuals, corporations, and governments in honor of Earth Day.

A Billion Acts of Green® inspires and rewards both simple individual acts and larger organizational initiatives that further the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability. The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012.

The A Billion Acts of Green® website quantifies acts of green through an easy-to-use online registration tool. A Billion Acts of Green® demonstrates the kind of environmental impact that can be made when millions of people, corporations and organizations make commitments, both small and large, to better their environment.

Elements of the 2011 Earth Day campaign include:

Athletes for the Earth: Bringing the voices of Olympic and professional athletes to the environmental movement
Trees for the Earth: Supporting global reforestation
Green Schools: Greening America’s Schools within a Generation
Women and Green Economy (WAGE)™: Engaging women leaders in the creation and development of a global green economy
Creating Climate Wealth: Convening 200 of the world’s entrepreneurs to solve climate change and create a new green economy
Arts for the Earth: Celebrating the work of environmental artists in all media, and partnering with the American Association of Museums to bring sustainability to museums nationwide

Click here for more information and for useful links.