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Fall Edition
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Volume 9 Issue 14
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 It's hard to believe that summer is over. Usually summer is a slow time, but not so this year. We have completion of Formation for two new Magnificat Chapters: #99 Alliance, Nebraska and #100 Broward County, FL. Please welcome your newest sisters and remember to keep all of your Magnificat sisters in your prayers daily.
Blessings, 
Central Service Team
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Holy Father's Monthly Intentions
September 2014
Mentally disabled.
That the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life.
Service to the poor.
That Christians, inspired by the Word of God, may serve the poor and the suffering.
October 2014
Peace. That the Lord may grant peace to those parts of the world most battered by war and violence.
World Mission Day. That World Mission Day may rekindle in every believer zeal for carrying the Gospel into all the world.
November 2014
Lonely people. That all who suffer loneliness may experience the closeness of God and the support of others.
Mentors of seminarians and religious. That young seminarians and religious may have wise and well-formed mentors.
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A Papal Shout-Out!
By Patti Gallagher Mansfield
 "The Pope is talking about Mom!" my daughter exclaimed to my husband as they sat in Rome's Olympic Stadium in the midst of 52,000 people at an international conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal on June 1. She had a headset for translation from Italian into English which was working. My husband and I did not. At that moment, we were not seated together because I was a speaker at the event, and those on the program were placed in the front row in order to greet the Pope. As Pope Francis began his address I thought I heard my name, but I could scarcely believe my ears. I turned to the Argentinian woman next to me who understood Italian and asked her, "Did the Pope just mention my name?" She excitedly confirmed, "Yes!" Not until I returned home a week later, did I see the full translation of his text in which he said, "I am grateful also for the presence of the first who had an intense experience of the power of the Holy Spirit; I believe that it was Patti who is here...."
Quite beyond the personal joy of hearing my name on the lips of Pope Francis, was the joy of discovering that he knows the Charismatic Renewal "from the inside." He knows our history (the Renewal began at a retreat in 1967 at which I was present). He knows our mission (to bring the grace of a personal Pentecost to the whole Church). He told us he felt "at home" as he joined us in singing his favorite Charismatic Renewal song, "Vive Jesus el Senor" with his hands lifted in a charismatic gesture of prayer. And, so characteristic of this humble man, he knelt while the assembly prayed for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him, in song, in Italian, and then in the gift of tongues. It was a truly moving and inspiring experience!
In the Pope's address, he affirmed the Renewal in unequivocal terms, "You were born of the will of the Spirit as 'a current of grace' in the Church and for the Church....I expect from you that you share with all, in the Church, the grace of Baptism in the Holy Spirit (expression that is read in the Acts of the Apostles)." Hearing this, I was emboldened to give him my letter (which you will see under my arm in the photo).
 When he stood in front of me and took my hand I said, "I'm Patti" and he replied, "Oh, one of the first," and he pulled me to his chest to embrace me. Then I said, "Holy Father," and he leaned closer to hear me. "I have an idea to bring this grace of Baptism in the Spirit to the whole Church". I'm not sure he understood my English and he replied to me in Italian, which I didn't understand. But I handed my letter to the Archbishop behind him who handed it to a security guard. Perhaps Pope Francis will read it one day. In the letter, I explain that the grace of Baptism in the Spirit was released in the lives of millions of Catholics when a college student on retreat with me in 1967 suggested that we "renew our sacrament of Confirmation." I am asking Pope Francis to call the whole Church, every Pentecost, to "renew our sacrament of Confirmation," in much the same way we renew our baptismal promises every Easter. We need a New Pentecost for a New Evangelization!
The Holy Father surprised us all by inviting the entire Catholic Charismatic Renewal (which encompasses 120 million people worldwide) to celebrate our 50 Year Jubilee with him in Rome on Pentecost, 2017! What a celebration it will be!
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Magnificat & Spiritual Motherhood of Priests
By Kathleen Beckman, CST Advisory Team Member
Over the span of Magnificat's 33 years of ministry to Catholic women, an amazing development has occurred and it is a mighty work of the Holy Spirit in our midst! I recall when the CST diligently reviewed our leaders Handbook to update it with wisdom learned during the first generation of Magnificat. With joy we realized it was necessary to acknowledge a Magnificat charism related to the spiritual maternity of priests. That is why a new 5th Magnificat objective was added to the Handbook (C-5): "Imitate Mary through the spiritual adoption of priests and seminarians."
Since 1981, thousands of women continue to say yes to leadership in Magnificat and thousands more women are enjoying the experience of Magnificat gatherings. In the midst of this, the Holy Spirit brought about something unexpected: many priests were also coming to Magnificat meals, prayer groups, events, and they experienced interior renewal in their priesthood!
For example, recently, when I spoke at the Walker, MN chapter 5 priests were present. At the end of my testimony all 5 priests eagerly received the prayers of all the Magnificat women. After the blessing, one priest responded, "This has been life changing for my priesthood!" I've had the privilege of visiting many Magnificat chapters as the invited speaker when priests begin to share their ardent appreciation for Magnificat. They are edified by our authentic Marian character and femininity. A priest at the Aruba Magnificat meal told me, "Magnificat women are alive and they help my priesthood to be alive!" This is what Mary did for the first Apostles in the Church after Pentecost.
There were inklings that Magnificat would have a significant impact on the interior renewal of priests. Fr. Harold Cohen, Fr. Kevin Scallon and Sister Briege had prophetic hints of this. In 2007, Marilyn Quirk gave several Magnificat leaders the Congregation for the Clergy's 1st booklet, Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Maternity. Archbishop Gregory Aymond once wrote to CST imploring the help of Magnificat leaders to promote more vocations to the priesthood. Fr. Kevin's prayer card for priests spread throughout Magnificat.
What is the Lord saying to Magnificat women by this sign that connects us to the interior renewal of priests? Let us reflect: Magnificat is based on Mary's hymn of praise (Luke 1:46-55), and we perpetuate the Visitation scene (Luke 1:39-45). Magnificat came forth for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). This hour in the history of the Church can be considered a Magnificat hour in light of the closing message of the Second Vatican Council: "...at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women impregnated with the spirit of the Gospel can do much to aid mankind in not falling...." (Dec. 8, 1965).
Magnificat women are called to fulfill a mission in and for the broader Church. We have specific Martha work that requires various action, planning and execution for Magnificat meals, prayer groups and events. We have the Marian work of sitting at the feet of Jesus, cultivating an interior life of prayer that includes Eucharistic Adoration, intercessory and travailing prayer, the offering up of sorrow and suffering in union with Christ's, interiorizing the mysteries of the Rosary, and allowing the Word of God to become spiritually impregnated within us.
The active and contemplative formation of Magnificat women is the sanctifying work of the Spirit for our transformation into other Marys. Mary is the icon of spiritual motherhood of priests. Of course Mary wants to include us in this maternal work of hers. Her first love and service is to her Priest Son and to all priests according to what Jesus said, "Woman, behold your son." Now, John the beloved Evangelist is also her Jesus, her priest son. more
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Magnificat NE Regional Retreat
May 30-June 1, 2014
St. Emma's Monastery- Greensburg, PA.
By Linda Goodlin (Greensburg, PA Chapter)
 Upon entering St. Emma's Monastery everyone is greeted by a life size statue of the Blessed Mother with a plaque that is inscribed, "Let all guests be received as Christ." (Rule of St. Benedict). The retreatants were truly treated as such. The presence of the Holy Spirit can be felt throughout the entire monastery. I feel very blessed to have participated in this retreat. Words cannot tell the depth of love we encountered.
 Kay Burkot and Jackie France greeted everyone with a holy hug as they came in to register. Kay is on the Pittsburgh Service Team and Jackie is the Eastern Regional Representative. What a joy it is to reunite with these dedicated, Spirit filled women. We had 54 women registered and it was my pleasure to walk each one to their rooms. Confession was available and we were thrilled to have Mother Mary Ann Knoll and Fr. Robert Burns join us for dinner. Mother Mary Ann welcomed us all and encouraged us to take time to enjoy the grounds and feel the peace of this Monastery.
 We opened the first session with praise and worship led by the very talented "Living Praise" Music Ministry. We felt the Holy Spirit's presence as soon as we joined in with the singing. Susan Potvin, Karen Hermann, Anne Recznik and Karen Jedzejewsji are members of "Living Praise" who traveled to play the best music in the tri-state area.  Kathleen Beckman, Retreat Master, presented her first talk of the retreat. Kathleen has been trained in Spiritual Warfare. Besides being a wonderful speaker, she is also a member of the Magnificat Advisory Team. She has written many books on a variety of subjects, you can see them at her website, www.kathleenbeckman.com. Kathleen told us to "prepare ourselves for great battles." Her message was based on Scripture but reflected what is happening in the world today. There were many lessons to take away with from her talks. I would like to share one that I think all women must remember.
YOU ARE A THOUGHT OF GOD
1. Not just random: CHOSEN
2. Not merely created: FATHERED
3. Not mindlessly formed: GIFTED
4. God willed you: CALLED TO LIFE
 Each moment was truly God given for us all. We all got to meet women from many different chapters. We were blessed with the presence of Sr. Mary Chinwem from Africa who is staying at the monastery while she completes her medical degree and will return home to Africa to minister to children there. She was very enthusiastic and shared her joy of the Lord in song. The Sisters of St. Emma provided bountiful meals. I urge everyone to come on a Regional Retreat. If you are visiting Western Pennsylvania, St. Emma's has a bed and breakfast called "The Robert Shaw House." May you all come to a quiet place in your life.
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Magnificat makes me realize just how much my sisters in Christ support and love me unconditionally. Thanks for the blessings received through Magnificat.
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Liturgy of the Hours
 Office of Readings
Second Reading
From the autobiography of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin
In the heart of the Church I will be love
Since my longing for martyrdom was powerful and unsettling, I turned to the epistles of St. Paul in the hope of finding an answer. By chance the twelfth and thirteenth chapters in the first epistle to the Corinthians caught my attention, and in the first section I read that not everyone can be an apostle, prophet, or teacher, that the Church is composed of a variety of members, and that the eye cannot be the hand. Even with such an answer revealed before me, I was not satisfied and did not find peace.
I persevered in the reading and did not let my mind wander until I found this encouraging theme: Set your desires on the greater gifts. And I will now show you the way that which surpasses all others. For the Apostles insist that the greater gifts are nothing at all without love and that this same love is surely the best path leading directly to God. At length I had found peace of mind.
When I had looked upon the mystical body of the Church, I recognized myself in none of the members which Saint Paul described, and what is more, I desired to distinguish myself more favorably within the whole body. Love appeared to me to be the hinge for my vocation. Indeed I knew that the Church had a body composed of various members, but in this body the necessary and more noble member was not lacking; I knew that the Church had a heart and that such a heart appeared aflame with love. I knew that one love drove the members of the Church to action, that if this love were extinguished, the apostles would have proclaimed the Gospel no longer, the martyrs would have shed their blood no more. I saw and realized that love sets off the bounds of all vocations, that love is everything, that this same love embraces every time and every place. In one word, that love is everlasting.
Then, nearly ecstatic with the supreme joy in my soul, I proclaimed: O Jesus, my love, at last I have found my calling: my call is love. Certainly I have found my proper place in the Church, and you gave me that very place, my God. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love, and thus I will be all things, as my desire finds its direction.
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Extraordinary Visitation Experience-
A Letter to Marilyn Quirk
By Barbara Hoar, Halifax Chapter, Nova Scotia
 Dear Marilyn, I thought you would enjoy hearing the latest news from Halifax. Eighteen years ago, while wintering in Florida, we were so impressed by the warmth and welcome of St. Pete's Magnifcat Chapter that we decided to start one in Halifax. Your wonderful gesture of bringing me to New Orleans after Jack's death to experience the blessedness of the Magnificat Conference confirmed that decision. You might remember all the Florida friends drove to New Orleans to join me there and brought all their husbands with them.
I always felt we were a daughter chapter of the St. Pete Chapter. After 18 years our Service Team has at last retired (semi-retired as we are now the advisory committee). Helen Cherry's daughter, Ann Huntley, is our new Coordinator, and my daughter Eileen, always a hostess...so wonderful to see our daughter's carry on our work.
Sadly, three years ago dear Mary Norris died and is still missed by all of us. However, she is still working from heaven. Her daughter, Mary Jane, lives in Vancouver- on the opposite coast of Canada- about as far from Halifax as you can travel. She has her archbishop's permission to start a Magnificat Chapter. Following her recent pilgrimage to Guadalupe, they have chosen as their name, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter. They already have most of their service team, and a music ministry, and are hoping for their first breakfast next spring. I'm sure Mary is smiling down from heaven. I may be the only one to realize this-but I think they are a granddaughter chapter of the St. Pete Chapter. Their influence is still reaching out and touching us! I felt I just had to share this with you.
Once again, thanks for all your love and your work over the years- may God continue to bless you in every way.
Much love,
Barbara
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Fr. Kevin's Korner
Magnificat CST Spiritual Advisor
Fr. Kevin Scallon, C.M.
Brother Bo and Sir Felix:
 I had an occasion recently to observe the behavior of a seeing-eye-dog, which prompted an aimless reflection on dogs and cats. So, at the risk of sounding like Andy Rooney, I beg you to bear with me a little. The dog in question was some kind of lab, the essence of gentleness, the obedience of a Jesuit, and the patience of Mother Teresa. "Dogs", I thought, "are noble animals." Their only aim in life is to please their owner. Dogs will welcome you home with obvious gestures of delight, overpowering at times. They will sit and look at you, as if to say, "Is there anything I can do for you?" Some dogs will bring you your slippers, or the newspaper or car keys, depending on what he thinks you need. Outdoors he will fetch you a stick and invite you to throw it. And if you do, he will run off and bring it back. Even if you throw it in a lake, he will jump in, swim out, grab the stick, swim back, shake himself off and invite you to do it all over again. A dog will go up a mountain and round-up a couple hundred sheep and direct them to a field with just a few whistles from his master. He will guard your children. I once saw a dog grab a doctor gently by the wrist when he was about to give an injection to a little girl. He only let go when the mother entered the room and had indicated that everything was okay. All in all, the dog is a "rather good fellow," though of course not all of them are saints.
The cat, on the other hand, is different. His world revolves around himself. If he bothers to welcome your return home, it is with mincing step, curved back and a raised tail. His body language says, "How do I look?" and his upturned gaze says, "What have you for me today?" None of the leaping, shirt-staining, slobbery, face-licking welcome of Brother Bo, but rather the narcissistic soft-shoe tread of Sir Felix himself. If Sir Felix ever dared to accompany you out of doors, there would be no cavorting up mountains. And if you threw a stick into the water, he would sit and watch, thinking "If he thinks I am going into the water to fetch that dumb stick, he better think again." In the face of real danger, a dog will defend you to the death where as a cat will scramble up the nearest tree.
So really, dogs are saints. They love it when we are good, and they are embarrassed when we are bad. But still they love us. It is not recorded whether St. Paul had a dog, but I bet he liked them. His list of virtues and gifts, especially 1 Cor. 13:4, fits dogs perfectly. They are patient and loving, not a bit jealous, arrogant or rude. They know how to rejoice with us and they are not posh or proud, like some animals I could mention. Dogs are good sufferers. they never complain, and they can grieve when sad things happen. I am sure that there are dogs in heaven. One old lady, when asked responded, "if there are no dogs in heaven, I ain't goin."
So observe your dog. He is your best creaturely friend who on any given day will show you the way to perfection. And to those of you who are proud cat owners, you are probably furious with me. If you are, do not write to me or email me. It's just summer. Enjoy it. I love cats too.
I saw a t-shirt recently worn by a priest. It read "Jesus loves you. But I'm his favorite." I have not seen a cat wearing this t-shirt --- yet.
God bless you all,
Fr. Kevin, C.M.
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MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BOOKLET
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Mary's Garden is Growing....
Chapters in Formation Update!
By Diane Dudenhoefer
The Holy Spirit is working overtime in Magnificat! Many women are inquiring about starting chapters and several have moved to the second and third stage already! What a joy it is to be able to talk to these women, so vibrant and full of excitement, as they share their stories of how they felt the Lord call them to the Magnificat Ministry. I feel our Mother Mary's hand powerfully guiding us as we seek to bring her Son's love to others. Please keep our Chapter's in Formation in your prayers.
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The Magnificat Ministry welcomes and congratulates its 99th Chapter from Alliance, Nebraska, and 100th Chapter from Broward County, Florida.
What a beautiful bouquet you present to Our Lady this year! We love you and thank you for your diligence, perseverance, and prayer during these past three years while you were a Chapter in Formation, to bloom into beautiful, fragrant flowers in Our Lady's Garden. May Our Blessed Mother surround you with her love and we welcome each of you with a holy hug!
99th Chapter - Alliance, Nebraska
L to R: Alice Gerdes, Debbie Zumbahlen,
Fr. Lou Nollete, Theresa Dykes, Rose Marie George, Teresa Nelson
100th Chapter - Broward County, FL 
L to R: Joyce Scheil- Coord. Kim Rodriguez- Asst. Coord., Frances Rochet- Historian, Joan Gauge- Treasurer, Lorraine Martin- Secretary
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Lois Rubli - Magnificat Faithful Servant Goes to her Reward
By Paulette Renaudin, CST
 Lois Rubli began her service early on in the '80's as a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. She was active in Magnificat from the beginning, first as a hostess, with a true gift of hospitality. She always had a beautiful smile for everyone. She helped facilitate and lead discussions in the Magnificat Life in the Spirit Seminars. When Magnificat needed their first office, Lois graciously lent space in a building she owned rent free, so we were able to hire a secretary. Her office space was a great home for our new ministry. When the Center of Jesus the Lord was flourishing in New Orleans, Lois often facilitated the growth programs they offered. Many people participated in them. When she moved to Slidell, LA she became involved with the Magnificat Chapter there and always held a position until her death. With her gift of hospitality, she hosted speakers, and she planned and organized tours of New Orleans during Magnificat Conference time. Lois even tackled the bookkeeping for the Conference Bookstore, which was no easy task for someone in their 80's. Lois was very upbeat, the joy of the Lord was visible in her from her many hours of adoration spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament. She will be remembered and missed by the many women she brought to know and love our Lord and His Mother. Lois died with her boots on and we are sure she is interceding for us and this ministry from her heavenly home. She was truly a model Magnificat woman. We love you Lois and are blessed to have known you.
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"Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name forever!"
Psalm 34:3
Come to the 13th International Leaders' Conference and feel the joy of being together celebrating our shared mission and commitment to Magnify the Lord! This conference is in a new format and a new location in Washington, D.C. "See I am doing something new!" Isaiah 43:19 Magnificat is a Ministry of Evangelization, Praise, Prayer, Fellowship, and Teamwork. Be encouraged and amazed with us!
For more Conference 2015 information including schedules, costs, registration and frequently asked questions (FAQ),
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This Newsletter is brought to you by the Magnificat Central Service Team
Paulette Renaudin, Editor
Elise Botch, Layout Page Designer
CST Communications Ministry
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