An Advent "Triple Crown"
A triple crown is a set of three noteworthy achievements. We are well-acquainted with the Triple Crown of horseracing and baseball; however, are we just as familiar with the triple crown of Mary, our Blessed Mother, in Advent?

As we commemorate the coming of Christ each year in history, in mystery and in majesty, we look to Mary as an essential personage on the journey.
God graced Mary with manifold blessings, and we celebrate three of them during the liturgical season of Advent. What graces are ours as we observe these holy days?

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8
Mary was conceived without sin and her conception was thus immaculate. This is the reason why we refer to her as "full of grace” and as a model of holiness. Since we are also called to be holy, can we embrace, as Mary did, simplicity and humility in our encounters with others this Advent?

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12                                                                  How does a 489-year-old vision of Mary in Mexico continue to inspire us? Her loving presence is evident in her words of comfort to Juan Diego: “I will show and offer all my love, my compassion, my help and my protection to my people. . . to all who love me, invoke me and confide in me.” In these challenging times, to whom can we provide comfort and help?

The Feast of the Expectation, December 18                                                                                     One of the most inspiring, yet least known, day preceding Christmas is the Feast of the Expectation -- one that ponders what Mary felt in the final days before Christ's birth. We can only imagine the jubilation and expectant hope of Our Lady as she awaits the birth of God’s Son. Each Advent, we have the chance for new life, and new hope, if we prepare our hearts with Mary. Are we open to God birthing something new in us?

Surely this “triple crown” calling us to holiness, healing love and hope is much needed these days as we skirt the hills and valleys of the pandemic and our chaotic society. Trust in and pray to the Blessed Mother to shield and shelter us!   -Sr. Marie Pauline          

Villa Pauline Retreat & Spiritual Center    

"It is a great grace that God should permit us to assist  
in the spread of his kingdom."   
-- Blessed Pauline

Our SCC logo consists of the Christian monogram of a chi (X) and a rho (P).  These are the first two letters of the Greek word, Khristos, or Christ. The SCC (Sisters of Christian Charity) forms one side of the X. This symbol reflects the Sisters as living together in Christ for the mission of Christlike love. It can be worn on a chain or as a pin.

Due to Diocesan and State regulations, Liturgical Services are not open to the public.