A Place of Prayer

“SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD!” These words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) perfectly sum up what the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina (Sisters of Mary Morning Star) are trying to do: something good, true and beautiful for God. We are trying to save a place that has been a stronghold of contemplative life for over 500 years. It is a convent settled in the hills of Northwestern Spain in a small town called Bergara not far from Loyola, where St Ignatius lived. It was home to an order of Poor Clares who led their simple life in the shadow of these humble walls for over 500 years. We moved in about 6 years ago as the last 4 elderly Poor Clare sisters were getting ready to join another convent of their order as they could no longer maintain this vast structure. They were overjoyed at knowing that a young, growing international community whose members’ median age is 35 would continue the tradition of contemplative life in this place, especially since contemplative life has long been one of the greatest attributes of the Church in Spain: 25% of the world’s contemplatives call Spain home. Unfortunately, however that number is in steep decline and 2 out of every 3 convents of contemplative life in Spain are set to close within the next ten years. We so much desire to prevent that from happening in Bergara, but we need your help. The convent which houses 50 sisters from Europe, Asia, Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and the USA and sits on 2 acres of land is up for sale. The price is hefty but well worth it: 900,000€ or approximately $1,050,000. We have raised about $235,000 thus far but need to raise the additional $815,000 of which $465,000 by December 2018. We have set a moderate goal here. EVERY LITTLE BIT helps. Can you help us do something beautiful for God? Join us in prayer and in our efforts by talking to others about this project. Help us change the world from within through prayer and love. Please be assured of our gratitude and prayers for you and all your intentions. God Bless You!